ASM LEVIASYNTH RELEASED

Quick Facts

Ashun Sound Machines aka ASM has announced a new synth, the LEVIASYNTH.

This is hybrid synthesis like you have never heard before.

From their news post:

Leviasynth® is ASM’s all-new 16-voice, 8-oscillator digital / analog hybrid synthesizer. Built to expand on what made the ASM Hydrasynth® a stage and studio sensation. With a rugged solid steel chassis, an enhanced Polytouch® polyphonic aftertouch keybed, and a powerful new hybrid synthesis engine, Leviasynth® is an unflinching instrument of immense sonic potential.

Available in both keyboard and desktop/rack/VESA formats, Leviasynth® adapts to any studio or stage. The keyboard model features a 61-key semi-weighted Polytouch® keybed, while the compact version replaces keys with 16 Polytouch®-enabled pads—both paired with a full-color touchscreen for intuitive editing and immediate feedback.

Leviasynth® carries forward ASM’s tradition of instruments built to go beyond expectations. Designed for players who want depth, control, and sound that rewards exploration. Do not fear the unknown, embrace it.

Looks pretty awesome! Sounds awesome too if you’re into hardware digital synthesis.

I’ll leave it to loopop to run down all the details and give you a full on demo of what this instrument is capable off, also useful in his review is the comparison to the longstanding and popular ASM Hyrdrasynth Desktop.

I’ve tried out the Hydrasynth Keyboard and Hydrasynth Deluxe at Perfect Circuit and I am impressed with both instruments. They are fun to play, easy to use to people who are new to them, but also have the ability to be as complex and user customizable as you desire or not. Espically when paired with a Mac or PC running their PATCH MANAGER 2.0 software.

Setting up a Hydrasynth Deluxe for a client with Logic Pro was easy and seamless to get going and up and running fast. See, Set up your DAW for MPE with the @ASM Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth Tutorial for a simple way of integrating the Hydrasynth desktop into several different DAW workflows. The possibilities are endless.

ASM products are very initiative and easy to use instruments, with ton’s of power under the hood.

To me Leviasynth is digital synthesis for today’s contemporary scoring workflows.

However, that being said, I also think the Hydrasynth Desktop may be the better option for one’s first hardware synth due to the cost difference between the two units:

Hydrasynth Desktop New Is $849.00 ish
- Used on Reverb I’ve seen them go for as low as $530.00 plus shipping.
Leviasynth Desktop New is $1799.00

Granted for the increase in cost all Leviasynth models are 16-voice and Bi-Timbral, that 16-voice limit was previously limited to the large 72-key and equally costly Hydrasynth Delxue which starts new at around $1,999.00. Hydrasynth Desktop and Keyboard models are 8-Voice synthesizers and are not Bi-Timbral like their larger Deluxe cousin.

I prefer the desktop format and I think this is the better format for most composer rigs mostly do to the space savings. I love that they include Polytouch® polyphonic aftertouch pads on the desktop model unlike other desktop synths such as the Rev2 Desktop which require an external MIDI controller to trigger notes.

However, if you’re looking for a Polytouch® polyphonic aftertouch keybed then you’ll need to get the keyboard version. One benefit of the keyboard model is you’re essentially getting an MPE controller in addition to a full fledged hardware hybrid digital/analog software synth. Allowing for expressive control of popular MPE compatible plugins such as Hive 2, Diva, Repro1, Bazille, and The Legend HZ among others. MPE support increases the potential creative utility of the device.

Check out sound and video demos below:

ASM: Introducing LEVIASYNTH from Ashun Sound Machines

ASM: Leviasynth – Crystal Cove with Kaela by Exploredinary