ASM Ashun Sound Machines Unveils Diosynth: A Wind Synthesizer for the Modern Performer

ASM introduces the Diosynth as an advanced wind synthesizer, purpose-built for musicians who value expressive play and ergonomic design. The instrument’s physical layout is tailored for immediate familiarity, especially for those coming from saxophone or other woodwind backgrounds. Key features like octave buttons, a mouthpiece with a reed sensor, and traditional keywork are all present, ensuring that the transition from acoustic to electronic feels natural rather than alienating.

The focus here is on minimizing the learning curve: players can pick up the Diosynth and start performing almost instantly, without wrestling with unfamiliar layouts or convoluted controls. The mouthpiece is easily removable for cleaning, and ASM even includes a second mouthpiece, anticipating both hygiene needs and the inevitable curiosity of fellow musicians. This attention to practical detail underscores ASM’s intent to make Diosynth a truly gig-ready instrument from the outset.

At the heart of Diosynth lies a sound engine derived from ASM’s Hydrasynth, now enhanced with a dedicated sample playback oscillator. This hybrid approach opens up a vast sonic palette, combining digital wavemorphing synthesis with the realism of sampled instruments. The synth engine boasts over 200 waveforms, while the sample oscillator offers 128 meticulously recorded instrument samples, including rare finds like the Eppelsheim E-flat 2-bass and the Eva Kingma Contrabass flute.

ASM emphasizes that the sample library was built from scratch, using high-end microphones and preamps to capture both common and exotic instruments. The Hydrasynth heritage is evident in features like wave scan oscillators (allowing morphing between eight waveforms), a 16-mode filter section, five envelopes, five LFOs, and a 32-point modulation matrix. Diosynth supports two-part layering or keyboard splits, letting players combine or separate sounds across the instrument’s range for more complex performances.

Diosynth isn’t just about sound; it’s about control. ASM equips the instrument with a fully assignable XY joystick, capable of handling four simultaneous modulation targets—ideal for real-time expression without menu-diving. Two pressure pad controllers can be freely assigned to internal parameters or set to transmit MIDI CCs to external gear, expanding Diosynth’s role as both a standalone synth and a powerful controller in a larger setup.

Volume adjustments are refreshingly straightforward, thanks to dedicated physical controls on the rear panel. ASM’s design philosophy is clear: performance tweaks should be immediate and tactile, not buried in menu hierarchies. This hardware-centric approach to interface design is a welcome nod to live players who demand fast, reliable access to key functions.

Diosynth arrives with a comprehensive accessory package, underscoring ASM’s commitment to making the instrument gig-ready from day one. A custom folding stand is included, eliminating the need for third-party solutions or precarious table placements. The instrument ships in a bespoke hardshell case with custom-cut foam, ensuring both protection and organization for the synth and its accessories.

The case accommodates essentials like a power adapter, USB-Y cable (for low-power USB ports), both Type A and C USB cables, a stereo audio cable, straps, a spit scrunchie, and even keys for the case lock. ASM’s attention to these practical details means that players can transport, set up, and secure their Diosynth with confidence—no improvisation required. This holistic approach to packaging rounds out the Diosynth’s appeal as a thoughtfully engineered performance tool.