Showing posts with label Hartmann. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hartmann. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
The Master of Synthesizer Design : Axel Hartmann : From Inspiration to Iconic !
"Apr 11, 2025
The Master of Synthesizer Design : Axel Hartmann : From Inspiration to Iconic !
Hosted by Vin Curigliano of AAVIM Technology, I am joined by guest co-host Pete Brown of Microsoft, and special guest Axel Hartmann who has been the go to designer for some of the most iconic synthesizers of the last 35 years, and continues to be one of the leading designers in the field. Chances are, you have seen or played one of his designs.
We discuss Axel's history in music and technology, what lead him to follow the path to Industrial Design, and what motivated and inspired him to focus his attention and creativity, primarily in the area of musical instruments.
Starting with his early career at Waldorf that was initially in graphic design but expanded into the area of industrial design and the eventual design and development of the iconic Waldorf Wave synthesizer, as well as many other well-known and much-loved synthesizer designs for numerous other manufacturers.
We then cover a large number of his better-known designs, and get first-hand insights and behind the scenes details of what is actually involved in bringing these instruments to market.
Throughout, we dive into Axel's design philosophy and how he works in collaboration with the clients to bring the designs to life and to market. We navigate the highs, lows, hits, and misses over his career, and much, much more, with some great stories and laughs along the way."
Only 400 to 500 Hartmann Neurons built.
This one was sent my way via Soviet Space Child
Friday, March 28, 2025
Alesis Andromeda A6 Concept Drawings
This one is in via Justin3am who had the following to say:
"I cleaned out a storage space in Woodland Hills for Rob Ramply, who formerly worked at Alesis. There happened to be a book of Axel Hartmann's early concept drawings of the Andromeda, so I scanned them."
Which design do you like best?
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Hartmann Neuron w/solid state drive
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this VEMIA listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.
"Superb example of the Neuron, one of the absolute pinnacles of Axel Hartmann's original sound engine concepts and design flair. There is really nothing anywhere near like this in the synth world. You could argue that it is really just a couple of 90s computers inside a box - but then you listen to the sounds that flow out of it, and use the pretty much unbeatable control surface, and you have to acknowledge it as a masterpiece.
Many of these machines packed up over the years, but that was more often than not down to a hard drive failure. That has been solved on this machine by replacement with a modern SATA solid state drive. It's in beautiful cosmetic condition as well as full working order, and comes with its manual, a UK IEC lead, and actually the old hard disk in case that has uses in future.
This is not the easiest synth to pack safely (overhanging keys and those potentially damaged little mushroom controllers) - but we will make an excellent custom carton: 30GBP."
via this VEMIA listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

Thursday, February 13, 2025
Hartmann Neuron
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing
video in the listing previously posted here.
"Rare, in excellent aesthetic and functional condition. Kept with great care.
Available for personal collection in Milan or bomb-proof shipping on pallet, worldwide.
The German-made Hartmann Neuron is a polyphonic synthesizer that broke new ground using a new form of synthesis and sound-modeling they say was based on technology found in neural networks. What the Neuron actually does is it analyzes audio files (samples) and creates digital computer models of these sounds which can then be re-synthesized and processed using the extensive amount of on-board data-wheels and joysticks with control of more 'musical' sonic aspects such as instrument shape, size and acoustic behavior. The joysticks allow for real-time tweaking of up to three parameters at once - 3D modeling in a true 5.1 surround sound environment."


via this listing
video in the listing previously posted here.
"Rare, in excellent aesthetic and functional condition. Kept with great care.
Available for personal collection in Milan or bomb-proof shipping on pallet, worldwide.
The German-made Hartmann Neuron is a polyphonic synthesizer that broke new ground using a new form of synthesis and sound-modeling they say was based on technology found in neural networks. What the Neuron actually does is it analyzes audio files (samples) and creates digital computer models of these sounds which can then be re-synthesized and processed using the extensive amount of on-board data-wheels and joysticks with control of more 'musical' sonic aspects such as instrument shape, size and acoustic behavior. The joysticks allow for real-time tweaking of up to three parameters at once - 3D modeling in a true 5.1 surround sound environment."
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Hartmann Neuron + Nuke VS Remote Control
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #139: Hartmann Neuron VS - Song 3
video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces
"This is the third recording with the Neuron VS. It's the software (VST) version of the Hartmann Neuron, a novel hardware synthesizer introduced in 2001 based on artificial neural networks used for sound synthesis. The software version of the instrument, was released in 2005.
I still have a Windows XP computer, which I use like a hardware synthesizer. Using the built-in M-Audio Audiophil 2496 sound card, I can control the "old" VST plug-ins via MIDI from my Cubase 13 and record them via the analog stereo audio output.
I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Pigtronix Echolution² Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb², OTO Boum.
Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated. The FX from the Neuron VS are always deactivated.
The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Hartmann Neuron w/ New SSD
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this Vemia listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"This amazing bit of synth design is in excellent cosmetic condition, except for missing two of the mushrooms. The bad news: it appears to be a long time since it produced audio. Bought new by the present owner (***correction, he was the second owner***) at great expense, of course it had some use in his personal studio for a time, and then stopped working. So it was put away - stored very carefully by the look of it. The good news: because of this, it has had very little use, so there should be no parts that are anywhere near worn out.
Our brilliant tech James has now solved the problem, and this is back to making stunning sounds. The iffy HD has been replaced with a SATA SSD. (Original HD has been backed up as a restorable image file for future reference). There is nothing else quite like this in the synth universe.
Further good news: Axel Hartmann is kindly sending us the spare mushroom controllers needed to make this machine perfect again. So please ignore the photos showing any missing - they will be present and correct. Packing 24GBP."
via this Vemia listing
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

Our brilliant tech James has now solved the problem, and this is back to making stunning sounds. The iffy HD has been replaced with a SATA SSD. (Original HD has been backed up as a restorable image file for future reference). There is nothing else quite like this in the synth universe.
Further good news: Axel Hartmann is kindly sending us the spare mushroom controllers needed to make this machine perfect again. So please ignore the photos showing any missing - they will be present and correct. Packing 24GBP."
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
Hartmann Neuron
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this listing
"The synth works perfectly and is in great cosmetic condition.
The German-made Hartmann Neuron was a polyphonic synthesizer that attempted to break new ground using a new form of synthesis and sound-modeling that was reportedly based on technology found in neural networks. The mechanism involves analysis of audio files (samples) and creation of digital computer models of these sounds which can then be re-synthesized and processed using the extensive amount of on-board data-wheels and joysticks with control of more 'musical' sonic aspects such as instrument shape, size and acoustic behavior. The joysticks allow for real-time tweaking of up to three parameters at once - 3D modeling in a true 5.1 surround sound environment. A truly unique and rare synth! Great for sound design!"
via this listing

The German-made Hartmann Neuron was a polyphonic synthesizer that attempted to break new ground using a new form of synthesis and sound-modeling that was reportedly based on technology found in neural networks. The mechanism involves analysis of audio files (samples) and creation of digital computer models of these sounds which can then be re-synthesized and processed using the extensive amount of on-board data-wheels and joysticks with control of more 'musical' sonic aspects such as instrument shape, size and acoustic behavior. The joysticks allow for real-time tweaking of up to three parameters at once - 3D modeling in a true 5.1 surround sound environment. A truly unique and rare synth! Great for sound design!"
Thursday, August 01, 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Hartmann Neuron
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this listing
Demo in the listing previously posted here.
"The German-made Hartmann Neuron is a polyphonic synthesizer that broke new ground using a new form of synthesis and sound-modeling they say was based on technology found in neural networks. What the Neuron actually does is it analyzes audio files (samples) and creates digital computer models of these sounds which can then be re-synthesized and processed using the extensive amount of on-board data-wheels and joysticks with control of more 'musical' sonic aspects such as instrument shape, size and acoustic behavior. The joysticks allow for real-time tweaking of up to three parameters at once - 3D modeling in a true 5.1 surround sound environment."
via this listing
Demo in the listing previously posted here.
"The German-made Hartmann Neuron is a polyphonic synthesizer that broke new ground using a new form of synthesis and sound-modeling they say was based on technology found in neural networks. What the Neuron actually does is it analyzes audio files (samples) and creates digital computer models of these sounds which can then be re-synthesized and processed using the extensive amount of on-board data-wheels and joysticks with control of more 'musical' sonic aspects such as instrument shape, size and acoustic behavior. The joysticks allow for real-time tweaking of up to three parameters at once - 3D modeling in a true 5.1 surround sound environment."
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Wednesday, January 03, 2024
#jamuary2024 02 Hartmann Neuron VS in Super Locrian D
video upload by SynthAddict
"I forgot to upload this last night - another one coming later tonight.
I haven't used the mighty Neuron VS in a while. I still need to make more custom 'neural' patch models (sounds) for it.
I would love to get the Neuron keyboard, but it's rare and very expensive but looks very cool. The keyboard version has more complete software (including stick recording) and the equivalent of 3 of these Nuke controllers plus more controls onboard.
It also outputs 5.1 surround mixes if you need it.
Axel Hartmann is the man. :-)"
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Hartmann Neuron - A Rare Synth That Was Ahead Of Its Time (History, Review & Demo)
video upload by LFOstore
"Let's take a look and listen to Hartmann Neuron - a very rare synthesizer that was ahead of its time, offering a complex synthesis method based on neural networks, as well as 3D modulation approach and 5.1 surround sound. The synthesizer began to be produced in 2002, and already in 2005 the company went bankrupt due to low sales. Despite this fact, this rare gem has been championed by renowned composers including Hans Zimmer, and is still used in film productions and experimental electronic music today."
Demo Timeline:
00:00 Intro
00:25 History
01:02 Sections Review
02:47 Demo
09:28 Outro
https://lfo.store/
Monday, September 19, 2022
Hartmann Neuron EPIC SPACE MUSIC*Ambient Electronic Music/HUMAN CALL 369/Universal Consciousness*
video upload by Human Call. Neuronaluniverse Studio
"NEURON .neuronal synthesizer.
In this track,I only use the Neuron synthesizer."
Thursday, January 27, 2022
SPACE/AMBIENT MUSIC*NEURON SYNTHESIZER/Electronic Music*Epic Music[Universal Consciousness]
video upload by Human Call. Neuronaluniverse Studio
"In this track I only use the [Hartmann] NEURON Synthesizer, no external effect.
Human Call-neuronaluniverse studio."
Tuesday, October 05, 2021
hartmann neuron - cinematic soundwalls
video upload by synthlegends
"The Hartmann Neuron is one of the most sophisticated digital synths ever. It is a great synth for soundscapes and evolving textures. The potential is endless thanks neuronal algorithm and the possibility to create own models blending with two resonators. In this video I recorded only the Neuron. No processing in this video, only the raw sound, fx are from the Neuron only."
Saturday, June 19, 2021
SYNTHESIZER NEURON HARTMANN [Universal Consciousness]
SYNTHESIZER NEURON HARTMANN*EPIC MUSIC/Space/Ambient Music/Electronic music[Universal Consciousness]
video by Human Call. Neuronaluniverse Studio
"I use only the synthesizer NEURON."
video by Human Call. Neuronaluniverse Studio
"I use only the synthesizer NEURON."
Thursday, May 06, 2021
Hartmann Neuron Signed by Axel Hartmann
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Hartmann Neuron. impossibly rare and in incredible original condition with hardly any marks on it its in perfect working order and has never been messed with the sounds are out of this world reluctant sale this particular unit has been signed by axel hartmann see pics im gonna include all original manuals and two spare orange joystick knobs impossible to find might consider very near offers"
via this auction
"Hartmann Neuron. impossibly rare and in incredible original condition with hardly any marks on it its in perfect working order and has never been messed with the sounds are out of this world reluctant sale this particular unit has been signed by axel hartmann see pics im gonna include all original manuals and two spare orange joystick knobs impossible to find might consider very near offers"
Sunday, February 14, 2021
New Axel Hartmann Design Website and the Luca Anzilottis Schmidt
This one was sent my way via Soviet Space Child.
Renowned synth designer Axel Hartmann has a new website at https://axelhartmanndesign.com. If you own a synth or two created in the last three decades, chances are the look and feel were designed by Axel Hartmann. He has designed synths from Sequential, DSI, Moog, Roland, Arturia, UDO, Waldorf, and of course his own synth, the Neuron. He even designed the BlipBox! You can find stories behind many of his designs on his site and a list at the bottom of the about page here.
Pictured left is the 20 Synthesizer.
Below is one I haven't seen before. The Luca Anzilottis Schmidt.
Friday, January 29, 2021
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #105: Hartmann Neuron VS - Song 2
video by Christian's Sonic Spaces
Song 1 here
"This is the second song with the Neuron VS. It's the software (VST) version of the Hartmann Neuron, a novel hardware synthesizer introduced in 2001 based on artificial neural networks used for sound synthesis. The software version of the instrument, was released in 2005.
I used for the recording just on the opening pad an Eventide Blackhole. All other FX are directly from the Neuron VS.
To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."
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© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH