Hartmann Music Unveils Neuron
Synthesizer at 2002 Winter NAMM
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January 24, 2002
The newly-founded German synthesizer company Hartmann
GmbH enters the market with the NEURON Synthesizer. Based on adaptive sound
analysis technology, NEURON offers an entirely new approach to creative sound synthesis. NEURON combines intelligent analysis and
synthesis based on neural networks with innovative user interface design. The result is a completely
new type of synthesizer offering spectacular and unique sounds inside an easy-to-use instrument.
NEURON 's intelligent software allows the user to first analyze and then manipulate any sound
source in a completely new and different way. With its neural network controlled adaptive sound
analysis, NEURON automatically identifies a sound 's most specific qualities and translates them into
individual parameter sets, matching the original source sound. All aspects of the sound are
saved in a model, which can be instantly recalled and played. Instead of applying the same
parameters to every type of sound, NEURON learns from the sounds fed into it and automatically
assigns suitable parameters to each type of sound.
HARTMANN President and co-founder Axel Hartmann: "For more than 15 years, musicians had to wait
for a really new and thrilling synthesizer. Now the wait is over. The era of sample-based workstations and
virtual analog modeling synths has dragged on far too long. NEURON is an entirely new type of instrument,
based on our proprietary technology called 'Neuronal Synthesis '.Musicians will experience a whole new
universe of sounds impossible to create with any other instrument available today."
Custom designed
controls like the new graphic supported stick controllers and rotary encoder wheels provide accurate
and smooth control over each parameter. A flexible modulation engine and full parameter
automation allow for dynamic editing and realtime recording of parameter changes. In addition, no
less than 13 alphanumeric displays provide instant feedback over the current status of the
instrument.
Sounds originate in two so-called resynators, each of which generates a sound based on the models
stored on NEURON 's internal hard drive. Using the Blender function, these two models can be
mixed and merged in a variety of different ways, creating totally new sounds based on the
individual models. For example, a three-dimensional imprint of one model can be used to
manipulate the spectrum of another model. The possibilities are virtually unlimited. In addition,
complex sounds can be filtered and processed in many different ways. NEURON not only offers
powerful realtime effects: it is also provides full 5.1 surround panning and
processing capabilities.
Under the hood, NEURON features a powerful DSP engine with 64-bit floating point precision and a
32-bit signal path, as well as 256 megabytes of RAM.A 10 GB internal hard drive holds factory-
programmed and user-defined neural synthesis models. Internal memory consists of 200 sound and
200 setup memory locations, including a convenient snapshot function. External backup storage
devices (such as CD-writers, hard drives and memory sticks) can be added using the integrated USB
interface. Depending on the structure of the chosen neural synthesis model, NEURON offers 16-48
voice polyphony. Its 6 audio outputs can be flexibly configured, from 6x mono to 5.1 surround. The
5-octave semi-weighted keyboard offers velocity control and channel aftertouch.
Stephan M.Sprenger, NEURON DSP software designer and mastermind behind NEURON 's
synthesis technology: "This instrument represents a novel approach to sound synthesis. For the first time
ever, the flexibility of our audio rendering technology is combined with neural model extraction, built into a
powerful stand-alone synthesizer. Still, everything is realtime controllable -thanks to the extremely powerful
processing hardware we 're using."
The NEURON Neuronal Synthesizer will ship this spring to selected retailers worldwide at a
suggested retail price of USD 4,990.00 (€ 4.890,00).
Hartmann GmbH, based in Torkenweiler/Germany, was founded in April 2001 by renowned
German synthesizer designer Axel Hartmann. Axel Hartmann is the interface designer responsible
for such remarkable instruments as the Waldorf Wave and the Alesis A6 Andromeda. His list of
clients include companies like Access, Alesis, Antares, Creamware, Korg, Line 6,Novation,Steinberg,
and Waldorf. Stephan M. Sprenger is senior developer and director of research and development at
PROSONIQ Software, renowned German manufacturer of computer-based audio editing and digital
signal processing solutions. PROSONIQ provided the essential key technology for NEURON 's
innovative synthesis methods. Sprenger is a pioneer in neural network processing. His design work
for NEURON is based on more than a decade of research and development in the area of adaptive
sound analysis and synthesis.
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For more information, visit their web site at www.hartmann-music.com. | 
