Firmware 2.2: This maintenance update will provide numerous fixes and optimizations, as well as compatibility with the new ASM Manager software for the entire Hydrasynth lineup. For a more complete changelog, please refer to the readme file included with the new ASM Manager download.
Back up your patches with ASM Manager first. Download the Hydrasynth Desktop Firmware Pack from the Software / Firmware tab of the ASM downloads page and unzip it. Connect the Hydrasynth to your computer via USB and power it on while holding ARP ON and LATCH; wait until the Hydrasynth logo settles in the left display. In ASM Manager click Update Device, then Select DAT File, choose the firmware file from the pack and click Start Update. Do not interrupt the update. When it finishes, click OK, quit ASM Manager and reboot the Hydrasynth. Check the OS version in System Setup (hold Shift and press Page Down), then run Factory Reset from System Setup (patches are kept) and redo the calibrations described in the manual.
What you need
ASM Manager — the software ASM uses to load firmware onto the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop. Download links below.
8 releases since Jan 2020, roughly one every 9 months.
Changelogs summarised from the manufacturer's release notes.
Version 2.2.0 — 15 May 2025
Release notes for this version are listed above.
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Version 2.0 — 15 Mar 2023
We are happy to announce the new 2.0 firmware for the full Hydrasynth line of products.
New features include: Expanded memory to 8 banks (49, Desktop, Explorer only); NEW modulation source, VOICE MODULATOR; OSC Bit reducer; LFO quantizer; ENV quantizer; LFO Step Advance; Global FX bypass; Increased Vibrato resolution; New Sustain pedal options including Sostenuto; more LED options; Glissando in glide options; Arp Range goes to 6 octaves; Arp Step Offset parameter; more Rand/Init shortcuts (all STEP LFO steps, Wavescan waves, Voice mod offsets), Local On/Off saved, and more.
This is a free update for all Hydrasynth owners.
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Version 1.5.5 — 1 Nov 2021
Version 1.5.4 — 11 May 2021
Update 1.5.4 includes over 33 improvements and fixes to the Hydrasynth (detailed in the enclosed update notes pdf.) Available now for Free in the DOWNLOADS section.
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Version 1.5.2 — 22 Sep 2020
OS 1.5.2 fixes a number of bugs introduced in the 1.5 update.
This update is available for free in our DOWNLOADS page.
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Version 1.5 — 6 Aug 2020
We are happy to announce our new 1.5 update for the Hydrasynth Keyboard and Desktop. This is a major update with many new features including many new filter types, support for microtuning, a distortion effect, expanded Step LFO's, MIDI CC control map and many more.
Get the new OS, as well as the manual addendum and latest UPDATER application in our DOWNLOADS page.
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Version 1.4 — 8 Apr 2020
We are happy to announce this new update which fixes numerous bugs and adds a couple of new features.
New features include a new PhazDiff mutator, 4 new noise types, and the ability to jump to different banks quickly.
Get the new OS, as well as the latest UPDATER application in our DOWNLOADS page.
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Version 1.3.1 — 23 Jan 2020
Our Version 1.3.1 firmware update is now available. We add full MPE support as well as a new "warm mode" and tighter envelopes with "snap" control. Check out the release note and download on Download page!
Release notesopens in a new tab — ashunsoundmachines.com
Tracked in 7 rigs on FW//RADAR.
Owners of the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop on FW//RADAR also track
What is the latest firmware for the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop?
The latest firmware for the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop is version 2.2.0, released on 15 May 2025. FW//RADAR last checked ASM's official page on 26 Oct 2026.
How do I update the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop?
Back up your patches with ASM Manager first. Download the Hydrasynth Desktop Firmware Pack from the Software / Firmware tab of the ASM downloads page and unzip it. Full instructions on ASM's official firmware page.
What software do I need to update the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop?
You need ASM Manager, available from ASM's support site.
Where can I download ASM Hydrasynth Desktop firmware and drivers?
Directly from ASM's official firmware page — FW//RADAR links to the source and never hosts firmware files. Official firmware page →
Where can I find the ASM Hydrasynth Desktop manual?
