When Hartmann released the Neuron in 2002, they built something that felt like science fiction: a synthesizer that could analyze any sound and let you morph it into something entirely new using neural network resynthesis. Only about 500 units were ever made, and it remains one of the most sought-after digital synths from that era.
The Neuron runs on a custom Linux system with a Celeron processor, 256MB of RAM, and a 10GB hard drive loaded with analyzed sound models. It features two Resynators per voice that split into Scape and Sphere parameter groups—Scape controls the excitation source of a sound while Sphere shapes the resonating body. You get up to 48 voices of polyphony across four multitimbral parts, a multimode filter with 24dB and 12dB lowpass, bandpass, and highpass modes, four envelope generators, and dual multi-effect processors handling everything from chorus and delay to distortion and compression. The interface centers around three orange joysticks that let you manipulate up to three parameters simultaneously in real-time, complemented by endless wheels, rotary knobs, and a 61-key velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard.
What really sets the Neuron apart is its surround sound capability—it was the first hardware synthesizer to incorporate 5.1 surround sound hardware, with six freely assignable audio outputs. You could design sounds that literally swirl through a surround field, and joystick movements could be recorded and modulated to create animated, evolving textures. The control panel is tactile and logically laid out, though the menu navigation via a small 16x2 display can feel dated. Polyphony claims were optimistic in marketing materials; real-world performance typically maxes out around eight voices in single-patch mode before voice stealing occurs. The community still values the Neuron for its unique sonic character and the creative possibilities its morphing engine unlocks, though finding one in working condition today is genuinely difficult. Many units have been upgraded with SSDs and additional RAM by their owners, making each one somewhat unique.
