Side by side
Hydrasynth Explorer vs Modwave
Hydrasynth Explorer
12 positive (92%) · 1 mixed (8%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +90%
Top excerpts
The Hydrasynth Explorer was my first synth purchase in many years... When I first turned it on and listened to its presets, I was blown away and convinced this was the best synth I had ever heard. Then I tried actually using it. Despite all the press and reviews about is unique, easy-access UI layout by module, I still found it hard to program and connect to it.
if you're willing to get a smaller keyboard with just as much range and variety, you could go with the hydrasynth explorer, arturia minifreak, or the behringer deep mind 12. these are all excelent synths
I highly recommend the Hydrasynth Explorer. Build quality is top notch and it sounds super good.
I absolutely loved the Hydrasynth Explorer I ended up spending around 3 hours with it and had a lot of fun just exploring sounds and modulation.
Hydrasynth explorer for deeper sound design and long-term utility
Modwave
9 positive (90%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 1 negative (10%)
Trust + time weighted: +86%
Top excerpts
Modwave has basically unlimited modulation matrix slots and a lot of modulation sources and destinations (including things like triggering an EG from some value like LFO crossing a threshold), 5 LFOs, 4 EGs plus "kaoss pad" which can work as a sort of LFO or EG.
Korg really knocked it out of the park with the Wavestate/Opsix/Modwave, they're all such deep and unique synth engines with a ton going for them.
I've a modwave as well - and yes, you are right to lust after one.
Especially after adding the Modwave and Opsix—both great tools for sound design—I’m thinking about reselling a few synths.
These days a used Modwave or Multipoly will give you a better UI and more capabilities in most areas than any of the above.