Oscillator Devices replaces HYDRA4 and HYDRA2E with HYDRA4X

December 1, 2024 · 1 sources

Oscillator Devices has revamped its HYDRA MIDI loop switcher series, discontinuing the HYDRA4 and HYDRA2E and introducing the HYDRA4X. The maker dates the change to the end of 2024.

The HYDRA4X is a MIDI controlled matrix loop switcher with four reorderable mono loops. In a matrix, any input can be connected to any output, which the maker says differs from conventional loop switchers where the order is fixed. Oscillator Devices states the time between sending a MIDI command and the switch matrix being fully set is a maximum of 15ms. The unit measures 112mm by 62mm and is 46mm high, and the maker says the top buttons can be locked when it is mounted under a board.

The HYDRA4X has two volume control blocks. One is fixed right before the output; the other can be placed at the very beginning or tied to one of the loops. Both can be set to mute or anywhere from -24dB attenuation to +12dB boost, with attenuation in 3dB steps and boost in 2dB steps. Loops can run in parallel to each other or to the clean signal, with the restriction that parallel loops have to be consecutive. Trails are preserved by disconnecting only the input of the effects and mixing the output with the signal path.

The maker lists high quality, low noise buffers with high headroom (8Vpp / 5.6Vrms) and high-quality Amphenol sockets. Settings save to 128 presets, PC0 to PC127; the feature list on the same page says 127 presets. The unit is compatible with all MIDI 1.0 compliant controllers and uses MIDI TRS Type A on a 1/8-inch stereo jack. It is developed and built by Oscillator Devices in Germany. No price or shipping date is given.