Free Modelmaker Software Included with Neuron Synthesizer
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January 16, 2003
Exactly one year ago, Hartmann has
kicked open the door to a new world of syntheszing and manipulating sound. The
revolutionary NEURON synthesizer, based on the combination of a neural
network synthesis engine and a unique user interface has changed
the way you create sound.
New at this NAMM show is the MODELmaker software. With the MODELmaker software, any sample material can be transferred into
Neuron models. The graphical user interface helps to easily create
multilayers, arrange, prepare and playback different sample
formats and finally render a model out of any imaginable soundsource.
The
models can then be loaded on the Neuron hard drive and used inside the
resynators of the Neuron Synthesizer. The software allows you to choose from
different model sets, creating dedicated parameters for a model.
Additionally, a neural automatism can put out parameter sets to obtain
new and drastic sound manipulations inside a model. This
software is available now and is beeing shipped free with any purchase of a
Neuron Synthesizer. Together with a PC (MAC OS9 / OSX available now, PC
version later this spring) and a USB network hub, the user can create his
personal, dedicated Neuron model library.
Hartmann Gmbh also announced, that Hollywood filmscore writer Hans
Zimmer has entered the company as partner and member.
Hans Zimmer states: "After meeting Axel (Axel Hartmann, president and
co-founder of hartmann gmbh) and the first neuron renderings in may 2001, I
already felt, that this was a technology, that could really move sounddesign
to a next tremendeous step. Seeing now, what from those first ideas has
finally made it into the product, I simply had to supply these guys and I
am proud to be a part of the company now."
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. The
intelligent Neuron 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 identifies a sound's most specific qualities and translates them into individual parameter
sets, perfectly 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.
Despite it's power, NEURON's user interface is both intuitive and
easy-to-use. 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
the first synthesizer to provide full 5.1 surround panning 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 20 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 8-24 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.
The NEURON Neuronal Synthesizer is being shipped to selected retailers
worldwide at a suggested retail price of Euro 4,386.00 + tax.
Hartmann GmbH, based in Torkenweiler/Germany, was founded in April 2001 by
German synthesizer designer Axel Hartmann and software designer
Stephan M.Sprenger. 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, Line6, 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.
Sprenger is a pioneer of 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.
For more information, visit their web site at www.hartmann-music.com. | 
