Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer Keyboard

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Published on Jan 19, 2017 Tank J

via this auction

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Hartmann Neuron Demos

Published on Dec 4, 2014 Panu Savolainen

"Hartmann Neuron Demo Part 1

Contains 40 favourite patches of fairly rare synth.

Every patch is played and tweaked realtime so there can be radical changes in the sound (beware!), tweaking mostly Resynator 1&2, Control 1/2/3, Filters and effects.

These are only few sounds Neuron can produce and didn't want to include any "real instruments" or analog-type patches because you wouldn't buy Neuron for them anyway."

Hartmann Neuron Demo Part 2

Published on Dec 18, 2014

"Hartmann Neuron Demo Part 2

More favourite patches of Hartmann Neuron.

Every patch is played and tweaked realtime so there can be radical changes in the sound (beware!), tweaking mostly Resynator 1&2, Control 1/2/3, Filters and effects.

These are only few sounds Neuron can produce and didn't want to include any "real instruments" or analog-type patches because you wouldn't buy Neuron for them anyway.

Panu - deadzonemusic.com"

Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer SN 0420 0294 0601 Unboxing Shots

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Some pics in via MATRIXSYNTH reader Dirk who is currently selling it here. This is a brand new Hartmann Neuron.

"The German made Hartmann Neuron was a polyphonic synthesizer that attempted to break 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.

The Neuron shipped with 200 modeled sounds already in its memory, but using their proprietary software application, ModelMaker (Mac/Win) a user can add their own sampled sounds to be modeled by the Neuron's neural network, and these can be stored in the user memory banks (sounds could be brought into the Neuron via analog, S/PDIF or USB connections). Instead of oscillators, the Neuron uses Resynators, of which it has two. Each resynator holds a single model (you can freely assign any models in memory to each resynator to build your sound). Each resynator has a joystick that lets you adjust the 'scape' and the 'sphere' of the sound. 'Scape' refers to the generation properties of a sound (such as the excitation source in a real instrument), 'sphere' would contain all parameters referring to the properties of the resonating 'instrument' body. The Neuron's Blender function lets you mix the results of the two resynators in a variety of ways, including morphing and crossfading. It even lets you manipulate one resynator using another.

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Hartmann Neuron Overview by studentsmusic

Hartmann Neuron - Part I: The Design

Published on Mar 9, 2017 studentsmusic

"Measuring an instrument by only playing and listening has never been the whole aspect of it. Hartmann Neuron is a very good example for the aesthetical statement of musical instruments. If you don´t get the point, just buy Software."

Update:

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Neuron Synthesizer Intro & Interviews with Hans Zimmer & Stefan Rapp

Neuron Synthesizer Intro Axel Hartmann

Uploaded on Jan 31, 2011 tizwah·8 videos

"Introduction of the Hartmann Neuron synthesizer by Axel Hartmann. Courtesy of SurroundSFX.com (see http://www.surroundsfx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=328 for more info)"

Neuron Synthesizer Interview Hans Zimmer

Uploaded on Jan 31, 2011

Neuron Synthesizer Interview Stefan Rapp

Uploaded on Jan 31, 2011

"Former Hartmann CEO Stefan Rapp talks about developing the Neuron synthesizer (German with subtitles)."

The Hartmann Neuron VS for Mac is now free. See this post for details.

HARTMANN NEURON DIGITAL KEYBOARD SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

"The Neuron’s software allows the user to first analyze and then manipulate any sound source. With its neural network controlled adaptive sound analysis, Neuron automatically identifies a sound’s qualities and translates them into individual parameter sets, matching the original source sound. 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.

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. 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, the Hartmann 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.

The NEURON Neuronal Synthesizer was released at a suggested retail price of USD 4,990.00 (€ 4.890,00)."

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Hartmann Neuron Synth Replacement Hard Drive

via this auction

via the description:
"Hartmann Neuron Replacement Harddrive with OS. I have never used this drive personally, but I bought this drive new a couple years ago, specifically formatted to work for the Hartmann Neuron and replace your old dead drive. As most Neuron owners know, the harddrive on the keyboard will only last so long before it dies need replacing. I once owned two Neurons and bought this replacement drive as a precautionary, but both Neurons are now gone and I have no need for this. This drive has to be sold AS IS and untested, considering I have no way of testing it in a Neuron, but I assume it is functional; I have left it in the original box and packaging, have never opened it up and it's been in climate controlled storage ever since. It comes with the harddrive, OS and also a collection of technical notes and tips that aid in installation procedures. The drive will be shipped in an anti-static bag.

**ALSO INCLUDED - Four Neuron Joysticks, in case you ever loose or break any of your Joysticks**"

This made wonder if there's a list of compatible hard drives out there and a way to format them. Scary thought if not.

Hartmann Neuron VS for Mac Now Free

via the NeuronVS Project: "In 2000, Axel Hartmann and I, Stephan Bernsee, set out to designing a novel synthesizer based on artificial neural networks used for sound synthesis, the Neuron synthesizer. We were able to get support from a lot of people, including well known artists such as Hans Zimmer, and Hartmann Music as a company won several awards for innovation in synthesis technology.

Unfortunately and despite the huge interest in our products, due to some issues with distribution and our hardware manufacturer Hartmann was driven out of business in 2004. With the company dead there was no chance for owners to get tech support or updates.

Just recently, a Facebook group came into existence that managed to attract many knowledgeable and skilled Neuron owners who provide support and advice to each other in their spare time. To aid them in the process of keeping the Neuron alive I have dusted off the old NeuronVS sources in order to revive the NeuronVS VST plug-in, a software-only version of the Neuron synth that came with a powerful hardware controller, the Nuke. Thanks to the generosity of former Hartmann CEO Stefan Rapp and Neuron designer Axel Hartmann I am now able to provide an updated version of the original NeuronVS software here free of charge, (hopefully) free of bugs - and with no warranties of any kind."

This one in via hispasonic.

Hartmann Neuron - history, tutorial, sound design and demo

Published on Apr 20, 2020 synthlegends

"In this video I introduce the german digital synth Hartmann Neuron from 2001 - 2004.

The synth is very sought after and ultra rare (only about 500 units built, maybe around of 200 working today).The Neuron is based on a Celeron processor with linux system, it ist a bit dated, but you can exchange the old hard drive with a ssd drive and also enhance the RAM from 128 MB to 1024 MB. Almost all components in the Neuron can be exchanged.

First of all, I am talking about some historical facts, after that I show you how to create models with the model maker from samples, then I give an overwiew about the sound design possibilites. Finaly I demonstrate some typical Neuron sounds and conclude with a multitrack demo consisting only from Neuron sounds. In the background you can listen to much Neuron music, also the multitrack songs, everything is pure Neuron without additional mastering, effects and compression.

Have fun with this video, stay tuned and keep healthy,

Cheers, Rüdiger"

HARTMANN NEURON Synthesizer

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via this auction

"This Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer is in pristine condition, looks brand new. Comes from a NON-SMOKING studio in Montreal, was previously owned by Richard Devine and Taylor Dupree of 12k record label before coming here. It has been recently professionally checked and everything works as it should.

Comes with:
1 Power cable.
2 Extra joysticks. (one is non working)
1 Belkin USB-Ethernet adapter needed to transfer your models.
1 Super usefull safety Backup Hard Drive. Gives your Hartmann Neuron a second life if something happen with the installed one.
1 Original Manual.
Lots of usefull printed documents containing technical information for how to/repairs, support, how to create and transfer your models, etc.
1 burned CD with lot's of Hartmann Neuron related stuff. Software, PDFs Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc. EVERYTHING YOU NEED! Saves you lots of time searching the web."

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Hartmann Neuron Demos

Hartmann Neuron by DeadZone

"Some of the favourite patches of Hartmann Neuron. Every patch is played and tweaked realtime so there can be radical changes in the sound (beware!), tweaking mostly Resynator 1&2, Control 1/2/3, Filters and effects.
These are only few sounds Neuron can produce and didn't want to include any "real instruments" or analog-type patches because you wouldn't buy Neuron for them anyway."

"Neuron" - Free VST based on Hartmann Neuron

Published on Jul 15, 2017 100 Things I Do

"The Hartmann Neuron is one of those synths that intrigues and seems full off possibilities. Somewhere between Sampler, modeller and resynthesis engine built for a short time in the early 2000’s

This is the VST based on Axel Hartmann and Stephan Bernsee’s creation that was also also for sale for a short time before the company folded. It came with a controller (Nuke) which also acted as copy protection. Fortunately Stephan Bernsee has updated the code as much as possible to make the Neuron no longer tied to the controller and it now is available for free via his website and the Neuron facebook group.

The VST is built around the older VST 2.1 SDK which means the code is not compatible with most DAW’s today. You will need an Intel Mac running a VST Host that supports the older system. A full list of supported clients & links to downloads are available at http://www.neuron-synth.com/

Unfortunately the windows code base has been lost and is no longer able to be updated.

The Clip was composed 100% on the VST and no effects besides some compression was used."

HARTMANN NEURON VS NUKE + SOFTWARE

via this auction

"HARTMANN NEURON VS NUKE + SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER EC RARE

INTRODUCTION
The Neuron VS software synthesizer is definitely a more affordable way to get the unique sounds and experience of the Neuron synthesizer engine without shelling out a small fortune to acquire the big-brother hardware version. Designed and built by industry designer Axel Hartmann of the German company Hartmann Music. The Neuron synthesizer used an Artificial Neural Network to create a digital computer model from sampled sounds, implementing a new synthesis technology. This computer model could then be used to resynthesize a new sound, giving the player control over "musical" aspects such as instrument body size, material and other acoustic properties. This parametric approach was very different from the more mathematical approaches of other synthesizers at that time.

REQUIRED (Not Included with this sale)
I. Microsoft Windows XP
Pentium III, IV, 850 MHz processor speed minimum (2 GHz recommended), RAM minimum: 256 MB (512 MB recommended), Hard-disk space: 2 GB, VST 2.0 compatible host application, Soundcard: 44.1 kHz - 16 bit stereo.
II. Macintosh
MAC OS Version OS X 10.2, Processor: G4 or G5, Min. Processor Speed: 800 Mhz (1 GHz recommended), RAM minimum 256 MB (512 MB recommended), Hard-disk space: 2 GB, VST 2.0 compatible host application, Soundcard 44.1 kHz, 16 bit stereo"

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Steve Scuilli - Hartmann Neuron Live

"Musician Steve Sciulli will perform on the Hartmann Neuron - a very rare electronic synthesizer on Tuesday, Nov 18th at Your Inner Vagabond. This is part of "Electric Larryville" the monthly series that "showcases the most innovative electronica that Pittsburgh has to offer."

Also performing will be Bureau of Nonstandards and from Black Moth Super Rainbow Power Pill Fist
Start time is 8pm and goes until 11:30. This is an all age show and is FREE. Your Inner Vagabond is located at 4130 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. Phone: 412-6831623

The Hartmann Neuron uses a form of Artificial Intelligence and memory recognition as it develops its binaural soundscapes. It builds internal neuronic networks that offers 3 dimensional sound choices. All in glorious 5.1 surround sound! This blends perfectly with Steve's core philosophy of connecting the sacred with leading edge technologies. "These are all steps in our evolutionary journey". Steve is excited to be premiering his new instrument at Your Inner Vagabond on Nov 18th.

The Neuron was designed and built by the German designer Axel Hartmann. Around 500 of these instruments were build. This just might be the first time that this boundary breaking musical instrument is played in the Pittsburgh region. Steve will also be utilizing the Akai EWI 4000s wind synthesizer for this show.

Steve Sciulli – Musician and ambient music pioneer. Steve built his first synthesizer at the age of 10 and started the flute at 14. Founding member of the early 1980's progressive group "Carsickness" (which Trouser Press compared to Van der Graaf Generator) and the Celtic rock band "Ploughman's Lunch" along with numerous other regional and national touring musical groups. Steve along with his wife Ami make up the trance healing musical duo Life In Balance. Life In Balance has toured from Alaska to Florida and have been featured on NPR. Their CDs are available on Koch Records and The Relaxation Company. Steve's flute playing can be heard in the new Robert DeNiro and Bruce Willis movie "What Just Happened""

Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer Keyboard

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Aug 18, 2019 Neuronium spectacular

"This video shows what it looks like when the system of the neuron "hangs". Inside is a normal PC motherboard with Celeron processor. The LED chains next to the knurled wheels light up completely for 4x before the initialization routine starts.
If it is more than 4x, the system has " hung up ". Then only a re-on and off helps."

A short Demo of Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer

Published on Jun 24, 2019 Neuronium spectacular - previously posted here.

"This video shows the nice sounding of Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer. This instrument was build between 2003 - 2005"

via this auction

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Hartmann NEURON Survival Kit : Motherboard + 250GB HD

via this auction
" This Kit includes :
* One drop in replacement motherboard
* A new pristine Hard Drive breed ! This is your rare chances to get, for this powerful machine, an extended 250GB version of the original Hard Drive.

Original Hard Drives found in the NEURON were usually within the range of 20GB minimum up to 80GB maximum in some occasion. The provided Hard Drive in this auction is resulting of my intensive works to extend the last Linux partition while keeping all the original linux operating system information safe. The resulting Hard Drive is a 250GB unit from Western Digital, well know for it's silent and cool operation.

As a consequence, the available space for all your Models and Sounds comes up to 230GB. Here this noticeable improvement will relatively cost you as much as some 80GB hard drive clones that were sold here on ebay some months ago. Keep in mind that this is more than just a clone : All of the original NEURON hard drive has been analysed in details such as the Boot records (Mater and Extended ones) and allmost of the original partitions in the respect of the original information close to the byte ! Such an evolution could not be affordable using standard tools such as driveimage, partition magic, nor Acronis, but thanks to my own Linux know how.

Consequently, this auction is for you the occasion to provide your NEURON with a large significant space for your creation, models and sounds, but also the occasion to insure of a second 'Life' for your machine ! : NEURON users community has reported some of the original Hartmann motherboards going dead because a batch of bad components described as the 'Capacitors Plague' . It causes (we will see further occurences of this problem in the future, so it may hit your own neuron motherboard also....) a chemical decay of some of the inner PCB layers. A a consequence, I strived until I found out The motherboard type that fits exactly as the original design as well as its respective shape factor. This new motherboard will run exactly as your previous board. This new board may help you in fixing your Neuron if it's currently faulty, or represents a backup for the future. Keep your Ram, your processor, your Fan as they are since all of them will fit with this new board. Hence, No RAM or Processor upgrade of any sort on your side is needed. The provided motherboard in this auction has been tested and validated within the NEURON Synthesizer : It will run exactly as the original motherboard design (which was the Shuttle Spacewalker MV25). BIOS and Jumpers configuration have both been entirely pre-configured.

> It's a 'plug and play' combo , as soon as it reaches your door.

The hardware is provided with some instructions about how to install the motheraboard, what to connect and where, etc. The extended 250GB hard drive comes into your NEURON synthesizer as was your original drive the first day in, with ModelSet v4 , SoundSet v4 and OS 1.5 all installed."

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Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer Keyboard

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer in very good condition. Technically functional. Lately, however, it hangs when booting the system. I show this behavior in a video (see link). Also a demo video demonstrating sound and function. After switching off and on, it works perfectly. It is highly recommended to read the manual, as the Neuron has many settings and submenus. Also helpful tips and hints are given for sound generation."

This appears to be the Neuronium spectacular Hartmann Neuron.

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A Few Hartmann Neuron Sounds

Published on May 19, 2017 Perfect Circuit Audio

"The Hartmann Neuron is a peculiarity among synthesizers as a whole: instead of structuring sounds around traditional oscillators or filters, it uses simple neural networks to analyze and recreate models of different "scapes" and "spheres." In Neuron-speak, that means this synth is based around techniques of physical modeling, emulating different forms of exciters and different forms of resonators (or, in Neuron-speak, Resynators) to provide unique approaches to sound design. Excelling at evolving sounds, peculiar pads, and 5.1 spatialized music, the Neuron is a spectacular synth for creating a sense of ambience and atmosphere. This video explores some of the rich, peculiar, and alien soundscapes that the Neuron can produce."

Tech : Repaired Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer

YouTube via adiblasi | August 15, 2010
inside a Hartmann Neuron
"http://www.Alfred.TV READ ME FIRST: In this video, we document the amazing kludge job that was beautifully executed by AdamB to get the Hartmann Neuron Synthesizer in working order due to failed capacitors on the motherboard and power supply.

This synthesizer is a great example of how a PC compliant system was used as an 'embedded system' that was at the hart of this synthesizer. I had given Adam constraints NOT to drill through the metal base of the synth -- which would have facilitated mounting and avoided the glueing of screws, but I didn't want a drill taken to the synth.

Without doubt, this is NOT for the 'faint of heart', and there was quite a bit if guesswork, but in the end, it did work.

Visit AdamB at:
http://www.youtube.com/thisisadamb

Follow me on Twitter at:
http://www.twitter.com/adiblasi

I hope this footage helps other Neuron owners!

Warm regards,

Alfred
http://www.Alfred.TV"

Hartmann on Sonic State

Update: Some great comments in from Mike (thanks Mike):
"i can confirm this. Looks like hartmann is nearly bancrupt. The story
is that the manufacturer of the nuke controllers for the Mini neuron sold unauthorised a batch
of 600 Neuron Vs to two big german music retailers (Music store Koeln) offering the Vs for
149 Euros!. (List price 699 Euros)
hartman posted that these models are not supported and won't get neither support nor the important modelmaker software available only on registration. Hartmann took legal steps on the sales.- check the hartmann forum and KVR for more infos- You could argue what made the manufacturer sell the stuff on their own. However, the sad thing at the end is that
this incidents might have broken the neck of a very innovative company that has taken the risk of releasing highly innovative synthesizers . it made me very sad to read a lot of posts
of people getting this amazing technology for nearly nothing and still bitching about missing support! , spitting on hartmans grave in public. This sucks ass! On the other side many users offered hartmann their support in paying the difference to
the retailprice to support the companies existence or pay for future software updates. If they are really insolvent, I hope hartman find a strong and forward thinking partner whos buys the intellectual property and takes it
where it belongs: into a proper
21st century electronic instrument beyond the usual virtual-analog-substractive-additive-FM-granular-wavetasble. i played with the neuron for 2 hours at the Musikmesse 2004 and was exremly pleased with the bizarre spectrums you could get out of this beauty.
Not to mention the great futuristic design. Only the pricepoint really kept me from getting one, so i was more than thrilled when they released the Mini neuron offering this amazing technology for a sort of affordable price throwing even a controller into the Vst package.
Well, the software suffered from a few bugs and update policy wasn't really the best, but still i think it was more than worth the price if you are into experimental electronics seeking an out of the ordinary instrument & sonic playground with a different interface concept and a refreshing approach on(re)synthesis. I just love the idea being able to create a synthesis model out of any audio source and use this as a sort of oscilator model for further tweaking.
What makes this instrument very special is the realtime acces with the joystic and that very tiny movements sometimes break the entire spectrum of a sound leaving you totally stunned what is going on. this is real audio sex. So get one while they last..and support your local synth manufacturer!!!!!! in ten years they wil be worth tons of money when using them with your time frozen vintage XP VST 2 system using an open source tweaked Logic5 PC clone. ;-) .. and i will be with you then.

Best,
Mike "


Title link takes you to Sonic State's notes on the Harmann rumors going around. They also included a link to their Winder NAMM05 Video coverage of Hartmann including demos of both the Neuron Keyboard and the Neuron VS. Amazing pads in the demo.