Hartmann NEURON User Manual

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Table of contents

Welcome to the family! 1 The Neuron Team 2 Copyright 2 The manual ... 3

Style conventions 3

Icons 4 Specified use 5 Safety first - notes on safety 5 Get yourself connected 8

Unpacking / standard accessories 8

Setting up 8

Neuron’s connectors and ports 9

Before cabling up ... 9

A word on audio quality ... 9

Mains cord 9

Stereo setup, surround setup, headphones 10

External controllers: Footswitches & pedals 11

MIDI setup 12

Digital inputs/outputs, USB connection 13 Let the games begin... 14

Powering up (finally!) 14

Switching off 15

Quick Start Guide 16

Neuron basics 22

The philosophy behind Neuron 22 A look at control features in general 25

Stick controller 26 Data input wheels (wheels) 29 Knob 29 Menu navigation in the main display 29

Operating modes 32

Operating mode: Sound mode 32 Operating mode: Setup mode 32 Hierarchies: The Neuron memory model 33 Master volume 35 Fundamentals: Basic settings 36

Neuron’s modules 43

Signal Flow 43 Module: Programmer 45

Programmer: Control features 46 Programmer: Programming sounds 49 Sound menu 49 Sound parameters 49 Snapshots & the play/compare function 52 Neuron’s copy/paste function 54 Back to the roots: The reset function 57 Programmer: Programming setups 58 Setup menu 59 Setup parameters 61

Table of contents

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Table of contents

Module: Resynator 69

The philosophy behind resynators 69 The idea behind Neuron models 70 Resynator: Control features 73 Resynator: Menu 75 Resynator: Parameters 77 Resynator: Handling 86

Module: Blender 93

Blender: Control features 94 Blender: Menu 94 Blender: Parameters 94 Blender: Types 96

Module: Shaper 1/2 99

Normal or repeat? 103 Shaper 1/2: Control features 105 Shaper 1/2: Menu 106 Shaper 1/2: Parameters 108 Shaper 1/2: Handling 110

Module: Mod 114

Mod: Routing 115 Mod: Menu 116 Mod: Control features 116 Mod: Parameters 116 Mod: Handling 117 Mod: Waves - Available LFO waveforms 118

Module: Slicer 119

Slicer: Control features 121 Slicer: Menu 122 Slicer: Parameters 122

Module: Silver 123

Filter basics 124 Silver: Control features 133 Silver: Menus 136 Silver: Parameters 138 Silver: Handling 146

Module: Shaper 3 149

Shaper 3: Control features 151 Shaper 3: Menu 151 Shaper 3: Parameters in silver status 152 Shaper 3: Handling 153

Module: Master effects 154

Master effects: Control features 157 Master effects: Menu 158 Master effects: Parameters 159 Master effects: Handling 160

Free controllers 162

Controllers: Menu 163 Controllers: Route planning 165

Surround mode 169

Surround basics 169 Surround menu in Neuron 174 Surround handling in Neuron 174

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MIDI control 178

MIDI-relevant basic settings 178

MIDI-relevant setup settings 179

SysEx commands (System exclusive data) 179

Controller list 181 Updates and Backups 185

A word on the USB interface 185

The load/dump function 187

Load/dump: Menu 187 Load/dump: Options 188

Just feed it 192

Converting samples into Neuron models 192 Technical data 193 CE Declaration of conformity 194 Index 195

iii

Table of contents

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Neuron.book Seite 1 Montag, 23. Dezember 2002 2:28 14

Welcome to the family!

Thank you for purchasing this groundbreaking electronic musical instrument. To this day, I recall the thrill that reading words much like these gave me when I brought my brand-new synthesizer home. I devoured the pages that followed in that first manual - it would become my bedside bible for many days after acquiring that cherished machine. Years have passed since; as a musician, I owned many instruments and as a designer, I contributed to the making of many more. With Neuron, I was able to make my personal dream come true - an aspiration that would not have been attainable without the close cooperation of one of the brightest minds in the music business. Neuron’s synthesis engine embraces the imagination and comprehensive knowledge of Stephan Sprenger, who in March 2000 set out with me on an adventure of designing what is certainly the most powerful new development in synthesizers in recent years. Before you stands the hard-won result of this shared vision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked so hard – sometimes to the limits of human endurance – to blast through barriers and turn this vision into a product that satisfies your and our standards for quality.

As you get to know Neuron, you will come across a range of innovative functions. Many of these are the fruits of a Herculean development effort, and a goodly share has been implemented for the first time in an electronic musical instrument. I am certain that you will soon come to appreciate the depth and breadth of neural synthesis; its sonic potential is, in fact, tremendous. And its unique control features make it so easy to shape this instrument’s jawdropping sounds.

Here’s hoping that you will become acquainted with your new instrument in no time at all. This manual will help you understand this machine. You will find familiar features in some areas and be confronted with completely novel features in others. However, in order to make the most of your synthesizer’s potential, I recommend that you make this manual your bedtime storybook in the days ahead just as I did years ago and still do today.

Thank you for the confidence in our product and in our new company.

Welcome to the family!

Axel Hartmann

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The Neuron Team

• Software:

Engine: Stephan Sprenger, Prosoniq Products Software UI Soft, Bios: Josef Pogadl (Management), Jürgen Fornoff UI Hard, Bios: Puschmann Engineering, Marcus Werner

• Hardware implementation: Schlafhorst Electronics

GmbH, Dr. Hans-Georg Nowak (Management)

• Project Management: Josef Pogadl, Axel Hartmann, Arnd

Kaiser.

• Design: Axel Hartmann, Design Box

• Sound design: Arnd Kaiser, Bernhard Bouché, Ray

Legnini, Christian Ledwig, Peter Gorges, Yellow Tools, Uwe Zahn, Peter Kuhlmann

• Housing/Component Construction: Frank Schneider

(Management), Klaus Weber, Werner Bernd

• User Manual: Volker Fischer, bfj document partner

Illustrations: Design Box, Shaun Ellwood Translation: Tom Green

Thanks to:

(In alphabetical order): Werner Bernd, Melisande Bernsee, Bernhard and Heidi Bouché, Thad Brown, Charlotte Clare, the Design Box Team, Wolfgang Düren, Joachim Flor, Gerd Gehrke, Detlef Glißmeyer, Uli Gobbers, Andreas Hafen, Christian Hellinger, Martin Herbst, Russ Jones, Joachim Keil, Tony Kostanjsek, Lothar Krell, Stephan Leitl, Heiko Meerz, Drew Neumann, Jörg Pauly, Susanne Pennewiss, the Prosoniq Team, Stefan Rapp, Rapp Architekten, Peter Ries, all the comp.dsp regulars, Frederic "Bo" Schelling, the Schlafhorst Electronics Team, Boris Schneider, Dieter Strobel, Terratec, Manfred Tillmann, the TSI Team, Drazen "Wanzinn kuhl(tm)" Vlahovic, Hans Zimmer

No part of this operating manual may be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express written permission of Hartmann GmbH. Contents are subject to change for technical reasons and due to amendments.

The greatest care and diligence has been taken in compiling this manual. However, there is always the chance of an oversight. We apologize for any inconvenience should you come across an error. We are not liable for changes made to Neuron after this manual went to print.

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The manual ...

If all you had needed was more reading material, you would have bought Bukowski’s collected works or Keith Emerson’s biography but not a neural synthesizer.

We are well aware that reading operating manuals is a pain. So the question begs, "Who should read what in this manual?"

... for pros

If Neuron is the latest in a long line of synthesizers owned by you, if you’re a seasoned sound programmer, and if you’re familiar with the theory behind envelopes and filters, you will

need this book merely as a reference for individual parameters, for guidance in navigating the menus, or because you want to look up something about this or that control feature. Not so: Even if you are a bona fide synthesizer expert, its controls are sure to be new to you!

This manual also offers a parameter table for every Neuron module, a list of control features and menu diagrams for quick reference – plenty of stuff to ponder even for the synthesizer expert.

Our Quick Start Guide starts on page 16 . Its purpose is to give the eager synthesist who wants to dive right into the Neuron pool a friendly shove.

... and for not quite so professional pros

In the event that you are an (absolute) beginner or are not quite sure what an envelope is good for and what a chorus does, this manual offers an explanatory and hopefully enlightening introduction for every module.

... with an index to boot!

We invested considerable effort into referencing terminology in the index starting on page 195 so that you can access any desired information in a hurry.

Style conventions

Most of us are creatures of habit. That is why in this manual we have opted to use distinctive typeset to denote control features, parameters, and displays.

Control features such as buttons, knobs, wheels, and stick controllers appear in bold. Parameters that can be selected or edited in a module as well as LEDs appear in italics. Display read-outs are shown in

typescript

The manual ...

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Icons

In order to describe how to use the navigation stick located next to the main display in as few words as possible, we use the following shortcuts: Stick.down means that you should move the stick down once in order to perform the given operation. Stick.up/left/right means move the stick in the given direction.

Icons

Our couch potatoes will accompany you through this manual:

You will find couch potatoes lounging about all over the book. They pop up wherever a need for further enlightenment arises, marking passages containing a key fact, cross-referencing a related topic ...

...or offering valuable tips on good-to-know stuff like tweaking sounds or programming Neuron.

The confused couch potato turns up because something discussed on that page seems unclear!

Heads up if you see the couch potato and his friends listening intently. If you take the hint and "listen up" too, you will discover an interesting or unusual fact.

The stick controllers are Neuron’s hallmark features. They enable effective, intuitive, and easy handling. The stick icon appears wherever a stick is mentioned in the text.

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Specified use

Neuron® is a neural synthesizer to be used exclusively for generating low-frequency audio signals for creating sounds. Any other use is improper and prohibited. Hartmann GmbH is not liable for inappropriate or improper use of the device and such use voids the manufacturer’s warranty.

Safety first - notes on safety

The following guidelines are crucial to your safety and the longevity of the device. Read and heed!

Consider also the notes on safety printed on the device’s connection panel.

Failure to heed the guidelines below can lead to fatal injuries through electrical shock or to the destruction of the device!

• Keep the device out of the rain and away from any other splashing water. Under no circumstances, allow water to seep into the housing. Do not place any receptacle containing liquid on the device - even if this means you must do without your traditional chill-out drink during your combo’s last number!

• Always set up a safe distance from water; that means bathtubs and swimming pools too. Bathers and swimmers are in danger of electrical shock!

• Do not operate the device in a moist environment. Humidity may not exceed 75%.

• If you place the device on a stand or other platform, make sure it and the floor you are standing on are dry!

CAUTION

Lethal

electrical

shock hazard!

Safety first - notes on safety

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Safety first - notes on safety

CAUTION

Lethal

electrical

shock hazard!

• Never use faulty mains, audio, or other connecting cords. If the included mains cord is damaged or lost, use a suitable replacement cord only.

• In countries in which the included mains cord cannot be used, turn to a qualified specialist for help.

• Never connect the device to a socket that is unsuitable, damaged or improperly installed.

• Always unplug the mains cord from the socket by pulling the plug and never the actual cord!

• Do not touch the mains cord with wet hands!

• Never sever the mains cord’s green/yellow earth

or ground wire. It serves the essential function of protecting you and the device.

Failure to heed the guidelines below can lead to the damage or destruction of the device.

• Connect Neuron to alternating current power supplies rated from 100 to 240 V and with a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz.

• Do not operate Neuron in extremely dusty or dirty environments and only up to an altitude of 2,000 meters above mean sea level.

• Do not operate Neuron near heat sources. Do not expose the device to direct and intense sunlight. Do not operate it outside an ambient temperature range of 15 ° and 35 ° C.

• Always ensure air can circulate freely around the device for purposes of heat dissipation. Never cover or obstruct the ventilation ducts on the side and particularly on the bottom panel of the enclosure!

• Do not expose the device to powerful vibrations or mechanical shocks.

• Unplug audio cords and connectors by pulling the plug rather than the cord.

CAUTION

Danger of

damage

destruction!

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Safety during operation

• Ensure the device is set up in a stable, level position.

• Make sure that no objects make their way into the device’s interior. If this does occur, switch the device off immediately and pull the mains plug. Do not open the device. Take it to an authorized service center and have a qualified technician remove the foreign object.

• In combination with a connected amp, mixer, speakers, or headphones, Neuron can produce volume levels that may lead to irreparable hearing loss. Always keep a close watch on volume settings and make sure you operate your setup at a reasonable level.

Notes on care, maintenance and repair

• Do not open the device. There are no userserviceable parts in the device’s interior.

• Users are prohibited from replacing the lithium batteries in the device. Have an authorized service center do this. Note that batteries may explode if not handled properly!

• Users are prohibited from replacing fuses. Have an authorized service center do this. The mains cord must be disconnected before replacing fuses.

• As a rule, only qualified and authorized specialists may open the device strictly for repair purposes.

• Use only a dry, soft cloth or brush to clean the housing. Do not clean the device with alcohol, solvents, or other chemicals.

Safety first - notes on safety

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Unpacking / standard accessories

Get yourself connected

Unpacking / standard accessories

After unpacking, inventory the standard accessories. The package should contain

• Neuron,

• a mains cord (suitable for your country's

outlets),

• this operating manual (sad stab at a joke),

• and the registration card with warranty.

Please turn to your authorized dealer if any of the standard accessories are missing!

We recommend that you keep the original packaging for future transportation purposes!

It is our solemn duty to keep all registered owners abreast of the latest developments and system updates! You too will enjoy this wonderful service after you fill in the warranty card and send it to your local distributor or to the address printed on the card.

Once we receive your registration, we will send you ModelMaker, a software application that lets you create your own models from samples!

Setting up

Place your Neuron on a clean, smooth surface, making sure the device resides on a firm, stable base. When choosing a location suitable for setting up, read and heed the notes on safety on page 5.

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Neuron’s connectors and ports

The connector panel is located on the left side of the device! That is a nice touch because your audience can admire the handsome Hartmann trademark – a very distinctive on button – rather than a rat’s nest of cords.

The ports are shown in detail in the illustrations on the following pages.

Before cabling up ...

• switch off all devices in the signal chain!

• read the guidelines on the following pages first

and heed the notes on safety on page 5.

• turn the volume on the connected amp / mixer all the way down.

A word on audio quality ...

To allow your Neuron to unleash all the awesome might of its sonic powers and our innovative resynthesis technology to work its magic, be sure to use premium audio devices (amps, mixers, speaker). In other words, plug into the best gear you can reasonably afford. Also, be sure to run Neuron in

stereo; better yet, in surround mode! Read the comments on master volume on page 35.

Mains cord

Ensure both the mains cord and the given outlet are the right type and in a state of good repair before plugging the mains cord into the socket. Read also the notes on safety starting on page 5.

Neuron may be operated at mains voltages ranging from 100 V AC to 240 V AC only.

The device is not equipped with an 115/230V selector, it automatically adapts to the mains voltage if available within the aforementioned range.

Neuron’s connectors and ports

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Stereo setup, surround setup, headphones

The volume of all analog audio outputs and the headphones output is controlled via the master volume knob. Whenever you work with headphones, be sure to check the volume before you strike any keys!

Outputs: 3x Stereo L, R or Surround Front, Back, Center/Sub:

• Mono: Use the right channel of stereo output 1.

• Stereo: Effects are routed through stereo output 1 only; outputs

2 and 3 remain dry. You can patch every sound of any setup to one of the three stereo outputs (out setup parameter), including the volume and pan settings for that sound. See table 5 on page 61.

• Surround: Stereo output 1 carries the signals for the front

channels (L, R) and stereo output 2 carries the signals for the two back channels. In surround mode, the center channel signal is routed via output 3 left; output 3 right sends a signal destined for the subwoofer. The setup menu also contains sound-related parameters for the surround channels (table 5 on page 61).

Headphones: Class A stereo headphones output. In surround mode, you will hear the two front channels in your headphones.

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External controllers: Footswitches and pedals

Control 4:You can connect a continuous controller of any type and

polarity here. In the controller menu, you can define up to four functions for the pedal (see page 165). In the default setting, control 4 adjusts the volume of both resynators. MIDI controller number: 11 ("expression").

Neuron automatically identifies the type of connected footswitch and sustain pedal when it is powered up. If this is not the case, you can provide that information to Neuron via the basic settings parameters footswitch and sustain ped

Switch: Port designed to take a footswitch of any type (opener or closer) and polarity. You can define functions for the switch in the controller menu (see page 167). MIDI controller number: 66.

Sustain: Connect a standard sustain pedal here. MIDI controller number: 64.

External controllers: Footswitches and pedals

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MIDI setup

In: MIDI input. Neuron receives MIDI data from

the MIDI output of a computer, MIDI keyboards, sequencer, or other MIDI controller via this input.

Thru: This port receives the same signal as the in port. You can patch MIDI data "thru" to

another MIDI device via this output.

Out: All MIDI data generated in Neuron is sent to other MIDI-enabled devices via this MIDI output. Connect a MIDI device that you want to control via Neuron here.

You will find a detailed description of Neuron’s MIDI control mechanisms starting on page 178.

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Digital inputs/outputs, USB connection

Digital In/Out: Digital audio input and output. Designed for loss-free audio

data transfer, these are S/PDIF channels in coaxial format with a fixed sampling rate of 44.1 KHz (24 bits). The serial transfer format consists of the actual audio data as well as various other info and status bits, some of which enable copy protection.

For example, you could use a suitable coaxial cable (75 ohms, RCA connectors) to connect Neuron to a hard disk recording system, DAT recorder, or digital mixer. Note that the content of the digital signal sent via this port is identical to the analog signal routed out via stereo output 1.

USB: Standard USB interface for connecting a PC/MAC (via USB network adapter!). For details, see page 185.

Digital inputs/outputs, USB connection

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Powering up (finally!)

Let the games begin...

Set up your gear as follows: Connect stereo output 1 (L/R) to the inputs of your mixer or audio interface. For purposes of MIDI control, connect the MIDI In/ Out ports in the standard manner used for other synthesizers.

To learn more about Neuron’s connections and interfaces, see page 8.

While the Neuron is booting (that is, loading all data required for operation), the main display reads

Then Neuron’s software is initialized.

This launching process can take some time.

Powering up (finally!)

The on/off switch is the Hartmann logo located at the rear of the housing.

When Neuron comes on line, it is in sound mode with sound 0 loaded.

The switch lights up continuously when Neuron is up and running.

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Switching off

To switch off Neuron (though we’re keen to know what reason you might have to ever shut Neuron down...), briefly press the handsome mains power switch.

If you have defined the option ask for the switch off parameter (which is the default setting) in the basic settings, the following question appears in the display

Press enter (that’s the knob next to the main display) in order to shut Neuron down. This process takes several seconds and is indicated by the display reading,

If you reconsider at the last moment (very sensible of you), press the exit button so that Neuron remains powered up.

If the basic settings parameter switch off is set to quick, Neuron will switch off without further inquiry.

Switching off ...

We recommend that you have Neuron prompt you before it powers down; that is, set switch off to ask.

We endowed Neuron with this option to prevent it from being switched off inadvertently (say because in his on-stage frenzy your easily excited vocalist tends to mow down everything in his path).

Emergency off

In the unlikely event that Neuron refuses to power down in the normal "orderly" fashion, you can always use the emergency off function. Do this by pressing and holding the mains power switch for five seconds.

This option is your last-resort. It is comparable to

pulling the mains plug. So, use it in emergencies only. Oh, and that telltale popping noise that indicates a connected device has been switched off while the sound reinforcement system remains? You will hear it in all its sonic glory through the audio outputs!

Beyond that, there is the possibility of data integrity problems on the hard disk, though chances of this occurrence are remote.

Switching off

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Quick Start Guide

Have you set up your gear at least in a rudimentary configuration, connected Neuron, and switched it on? Good; now, let us take you on a whirlwind tour. First let’s take a peek at Neuron’s modules:

(1) Resynators (see the description on page 69). This is

where the sonic revolution starts! Resynators are the interface between Neuron’s models and your creative powers. (2) The blender is the arbitrator between the two resynators (see the description on page 93). (3) Shaper 1 and 2 are flexible envelope generators (page 99). (4) The programmer is Neuron’s command and control center and administrative headquarters (page 45). (5) Lurking beneath the mod’s unassuming exterior is a powerful LFO

generator serving as a freely assignable modulation source (page 114). (6) The slicer is an unusual variation on an LFO (page 119). (7) The silver module is a multi-effect sporting a top-flight multimode filter (page 123). It is also the home of the surround controls. (8) Shaper 3 lets you define a filter envelope (page 149). (9) Master effects put pro quality delay and reverb at your fingertips (page 154). (10) And finally we give you free controllers for free-thinking citizens (page 162)!

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If you cannot wait to find out the order and hierarchy of modules in the signal flow, check out page 43/44 where you will find a detailed diagram that should answer all your questions.

And now back to our guided tour.

The following Quick Start Guide caters for seasoned keyboardists and producers who have plenty of experience with synthesizers. Follow along with these steps and you will gain an initial impression of Neuron’s powers without delving into detail. So let us get down to some hands-on fun and leave the theory for later...

Local on/off

You w ill find the Local on/off MIDI parameter in Neuron’s basic settings. To adjust it,

• Press the basic settings button located below the main display. The display reads

• Use the navigation stick at the left of the display to scroll down (we call this little

exercise stick.down) until the Local parameter appears in the display:

• Readjust the parameter value by twisting the knob at the right of the display.

You will find the purpose, use and handling of all basic settings parameters described in the section starting on page 36. You will learn more about MIDI control on page 178.

Loading and playing sounds

You have three options for loading sounds:

• Type in the three-digit sound number on the numeric keypad (the sound loads immediately after entering the third digit),

• or press the up/down buttons to load the next/ previous sound,

• or dial in the sound number by twisting and then pressing the knob located next to the display (pressing = enter).

For more insight on sound mode, check out "Programmer: Programming sounds" starting on page 49.

Quick Start Guide

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Quick Start Guide

Exit/panic

If you get lost in a menu, simply press the exit button located at the bottom right of the main display. Sound loader will reappear. Pressing and holding it activates the panic function, which restarts Neuron. The device reports back with the most recently selected sound or setup activated.

Something old and something new

You will find that though Neuron features many new and different things, its structure is largely familiar and certainly very clear. Filters (though in the Neuron the silver module does the filtering) and envelopes (that would be the Shaper) are old acquaintances, as is the LFO (called "mod" in Neuronese). However, instead of conventional oscillators, Neuron features two resynators. One or two models provide the source material for every sound. They can be processed in a variety of ways in the resynators. Sound processing options are so extensive that you will seldom use the filters and effects. In fact, many factory sounds do without filters altogether.

Effects on/off (silver effects + master effects)

• There are two effect units in Neuron. Located in the silver module, freq FX and time FX are available for every sound. They remain assigned to each sound even in setup mode. You can switch them on and off separately via the freq FX and time FX buttons. You can also opt to switch the entire silver module on and off via the on/off button.

• Master effects (delay and reverb) are global, which means they are available once only for each sound/setup. You can switch them on and off via the effects on/off button.

For a detailed description of the silver module, see page 123. For more on master effects, see page 154.

A controller for every season

Neuron’s free controllers are assigned to many of the preset sounds. These are

• the modulation wheel (control 2),

• the stick controller (pitch bend and control 1)

• and the rotary encoder (control 3).

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When you are checking out sounds, be sure to try on the controllers for size. This will give you a first impression of their amazing sound-shaping possibilities. Read "Free controllers" starting on page 162 to learn how to integrate controllers into the modulation matrix.

Resynators, scape/sphere, editing via stick

The resynators are the heart of Neuron’s synthesis engine. A single model in a resynator offers astonishingly versatile sound-sculpting possibilities. Neuron's fundamental sound source, the model is divided into a scape (that’s the soundgenerating section) and a sphere (the soundshaping section). For a piano sound, for instance, the strings are represented in the scape and the body in the sphere. There are six sound parameters distributed over three levels for each scape/sphere. Parameters differ from model to model and are provided with descriptive names and functions.

To experiment with resynator parameters, first determine whether you want to edit the scape or the sphere using the scape/sphere button. Then select the desired parameter level by pressing the parameter level button. Your best bet is to start with parameter level 1.

You will find an in-depth explanation of resynators and all their parameters and control features as well as a bunch of tips on all key "how-to’s..." starting on page 69.

Storing snapshots and sounds

Neuron's stick controllers are highly responsive tools, making it easy for you to manipulate parameters very subtly. Often very different sounds are just a figurative "hair" or nudge apart, so you may find that a touch too much relegates the desired sound to some digital hell. But help is near in the form of the snapshot function. Best try it out now and use it frequently:

• After you have discovered a hip variation on a sound, simply press the snapshot button located in the programmer module. Presto, the current panel settings are assigned a number and stored. You can store up to 50 snapshots.

• To retrieve a stored snapshot, press the play/ compare button and twist the knob next to the

display to select the desired snapshot number. Use enter (press the knob) to load the snapshot.

Snapshots and the play/compare function are described in detail on page 52.

Quick Start Guide

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Quick Start Guide

Please bear in mind that snapshots are not stored with the sound and that they are deleted when you change sounds.

For this reason, make a habit of storing hip sounds immediately!

Press the store button to save a sound. Then twist the knob to select the desired memory slot (or sound number). Scroll to the second line of the display using navigation stick.right. Fiddle with the knobs and navigation stick to assign a name (stick.up/ down changes between uppercase and lowercase).

Conclude the storage process by pressing enter (the knob, that is). You have 1,000 memory slots available for storing sounds.

To learn more about this, read the section "Programmer: Programming sounds" starting on page 49.

Loading and playing setups

Setup mode is Neuron’s multimode. Four sounds can be played on four MIDI channels, or assigned to the keyboard in the form of a split/layer. 512 memory slots are available for setups.

Activate setup mode by pressing the setup button, then load stored setups using the same three methods used to load sounds stored in the sound

mode - via the numeric keypad, up/down or rotary knob (see section above).

Setting and assigning MIDI channels

Assign MIDI channels to the individual sounds of a setup in the setup menu:

• Neuron is in setup mode.

• Press the exit button twice briefly to activate

the setup loader:

• Stick.down repeatedly to scroll to the MIDI menu option:

The MIDI channels of the four sounds in the current setup are listed side by side. Stick.right/left moves the cursor "<" from one sound to the next. The name and number of the sound you just edited appear in the first line of the display.

• Twist the knob to set the channel number for each of the four sounds. A value of 0 denotes "omni."

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In Neuron, the MIDI global channel (as defined in the basic settings) applies exclusively to sound mode. The aforementioned settings apply in setup mode.

You will find a detailed description of Neuron’s MIDI control mechanisms starting on page 178.

Storing setups

Setups are stored in the same way as sounds. Note that actual sound data is not stored in the setup. Instead, the system stores references (or links) to the sounds contained therein. If a sound is edited, moved, or deleted, all setups in which this sound is used change accordingly.

For a closer look at all parameters and the handling of setups, please refer to the section "Programmer: Programming setups" starting on page 58.

Creating your own models

You can load additional models or make your own models from samples to add to Neuron’s 200 factory models. This is done on an external computer (Mac or personal computer) rather than on Neuron.

You will require a software application called ModelMaker to do this. It analyzes samples or multisamples and converts them into Neuronspecific resynthesis models. These are transferred via USB to Neuron’s internal hard disk.

To learn how this works and which software and hardware are required, read "The load/dump function" starting on page 187. You will find further information on ModelMaker on page 192.

Quick Start Guide

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The philosophy behind Neuron

Neuron basics

The philosophy behind Neuron

Contemporary music productions have benefited from computer assistance for years now. Though computers have assumed the role of the actual recording equipment, they come in many other musical guises. Case in point: Where in the past synthesizers and samplers were made up of discrete electronic components, today they run as programs on a DSP (digital signal processor).

The past five years have seen the advent of a technology so powerful that it allows emulations of musical instruments to be integrated into computerassisted music systems in the form of software plugins. This lets you enjoy the convenience of accessing virtual instruments right there on your computer.

The instruments appear on a graphical interface on your screen, alongside the actual recording software. This view depicts the various control features – faders, knobs, buttons, switches, and so forth – that serve to "play" a virtual instrument such as a sampler or synthesizer.

It is safe to say that today this technology is the industry standard. However, despite the unassailable convenience, ever more users are voicing their dissatisfaction with the ergonomic shortcomings of

playing an instrument via screen, computer keyboard, and mouse. Musicians and producers alike feel that this uninspiring working method is an encumbrance, hampering creativity and the allimportant impelling force of musical intuition. The growing success of specialized remote controllers – outboard gear sporting real control features - attests to the fact that many musicians miss the touchy-feely vibe of a real instrument.

The irony of this retro yearning is that most virtual instruments are computer-generated emulations of what were once real instruments. But the allure of the corporeal is compelling, and savvy users have come to appreciate that tactile sensations play a part in making music, and that hands-on handling of an electronic instrument’s man-machine interface gets the creative juices flowing.

Though this bias towards the palpable assisted in the birth of Neuron, tactility is just one of many aspects. Taken in its entirety, it is nothing short of the next logical step in the ongoing development of synthesis engines. And thus its man-machine interface is an organic extension of the synthesizer’s heart and soul, the synthesis engine, and a remote control designed specifically to afford direct access to its formidable powers.

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A short trip down memory lane

An explanation of the true breadth and depth of the concept behind Neuron requires a trip down memory lane to recap the history of electronic musical instruments and synthesizers.

Almost a century ago, the pioneers of electronic music began experimenting with colossal synthesis engines powered by electricity. On a quest for new sounds that classic instruments were incapable of producing, these musical modernists spawned devices that would inspire many great tunesmiths and composers of film scores. The driving force behind this crusade was the desire to explore the great sonic frontier. That would change over the course of the coming decades. Commercialization and corporatization changed the way music was perceived and made. Technological advances, particularly strides made in the past 30 years, made it possible to produce entire compositions using electronic instruments called synthesizers and samplers.

The new market paradigm for instrument builders was to fashion "authentic" sounds – timbres and tones as close as possible to those produced by traditional instruments.

Imitation gave way to innovation in the last decade or so when musicians began to see the tremendous creative potential that the all but forgotten classic synthesizers harbored.

Concurrently, a new musical style emerged that celebrated the sound of electronica as such.

Today contemporary productions are for all practical purposes musical hybrids in which synthesizer sounds typically share sonic space with the timehonored instruments of pop music. That explains the modern-day renaissance of archetypal synthesizers, albeit in the guise of the aforementioned digital emulations rather than as a box full of complex discrete circuits.

In every era of sound synthesis, half-mad audio scientists toiled away in their labs, concocting all manner of approaches to synthesis. Key technologies emerged and held sway over the synthesizer market for many years. Hordes of companies embraced them and incorporated them in proprietary products. A handful of technologies prevailed – to this day, they provide the coordinates by which every manufacturer charts his synthesizers’ course.

The philosophy behind Neuron

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The philosophy behind Neuron

A case can be made for the point that a trailblazing technology arrives every 15 to 20 years and, equally important, spawns generations of commercially successful products:

• Subtractive synthesis Pioneers: Moog™, EMS™, Buchla™, Sequential Circuits™, Oberheim™, ARP™

• Additive synthesis Pioneers: Fairlight™, Synclavier™, PPG™, Technos ™

• Hybrid synthesis / digital synthesis Pioneers: PPG™

• FM (frequency modulation)/PD (phase distortion) synthesis Pioneers: Yamaha™, Casio™

• Virtual sound synthesis / physical modeling Pioneers: Yamaha™

• Sampling Pioneers: Fairlight™, EMU Systems™, Synclavier™

... and today: Neuron!

We are convinced that with Neuron, we have created a technological force sure to drive a sonic revolution of the same order. Neuron employs a technology that in the near future will reshape the perceptions of the entire computer industry. Adaptable computer algorithms power it. Its sound generation system is rooted in the overwhelming potential of resynthesis. The term is easily defined: resynthesis is a process by which an original exemplar is artificially replicated in this case, creating a digital mirror image of a sonic event – with all its characteristic features remaining intact.

We applied the principles of an adaptive program that has evolved and been refined over many years. Now for the first time in the history of synthesizers, it is possible to access resynthesized sounds with astonishing accuracy and radically reshape them to dramatic, even spectacular effect.

Like a sentient being, Neuron recognizes a sound. But more than that, its intelligence is such that it puts at your disposal parameters whose structures are adapted dynamically to suit this sound. And that makes Neuron the first synthesizer with a brain full of responsive synapses, that is, variable rather than fixed parameter assignments.

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A new sonic dimension in the age of the remix

Neuron is an instrument of the remix era. Contemporary pop music no longer clings to the notion th at music al s o unds or t he mes must be new ly developed or composed. Instead, music-makers mine the rich seam of our musical heritage for material; good ideas are recycled and developed further. A drum loop is sampled to create another - the fact that the first drum loop was already sampled from an old record notwithstanding. And so it goes ad infinitum.

Neuron captures the musical spirit of the time. Rather than dipping into a single well – a particular form of synthesis or sound source - Neuron draws buckets full of musical material from every well. It has the power to develop every sound further. It does not matter if the source is a lone flute sound or an entire song. What for the conventional synthesizer is the end of the sound generation chain is only the beginning for Neuron. There are no more rules or boundaries.

Like the remix changed the face of pop music, Neuron’s unique powers of resynthesis open up a new dimension in creative musical endeavor, offering unprecedented opportunities for individual expression to both musicians and non-musicians.

A look at control features in general

Neuron’s extraordinary user interface is another crucial feature alongside its innovative synthesis engine. Our philosophy dictates that every Hartmann instrument is easy to understand and use, that it handles intuitively, and that it makes discovering new technology fun. To live up to that promise, we were compelled to invent several new control features. The tactile experience of generating sound via Neuron is something entirely apart from what you have encountered with conventional synthesizers.

The layout of the external operating panel mirrors Neuron’s internal signal flow and provides a vivid visual reference to how individual modules interact. Its control features are arrayed logically. Striking visuals draw your attention to key functions and fundamental settings. The graphics of secondary functions incorporating several control features are homogenous, denoting their common ground and shared purpose.

A look at control features in general

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A look at control features in general

Stick controller

The resynators’ and silver module’s principal control features are stick controllers.

Every stick is surrounded by four cross-x displays showing individual parameters and current settings. Parameter value changes are indicated directly. Opposite parameters (for example, big and small) are arrayed diametrically. Logic dictates that the sum of their values is always equal to the peak value. Parameters that are not opposite each another can be edited independently.

The jaw-dropping power and finesse of this unprecedented set of control features is definitely unmatched. They enable everything from the subtlest to the most drastic modulations.

The stick’s mushroom-like contours facilitate handling. A stick may be gripped with the thumb and (index) finger or guided by inserting a finger into a trough-like groove on its surface.

When you move a stick, the first of the parameters that you have just edited (generally at the top left) appears in the main display. Use the rotary knob and navigation stick located next to the main display to edit the values directly and in numeric increments. Experience has shown that this method of using the stick intuitively to make a rough adjustment and then fine-tuning the setting numerically works well.

Calibrating stick controllers

Owing to their physical makeup, the resynators’ and silver module’s three stick controllers and control 1 / pitch stick have certain mechanical manufacturing tolerances. The sticks must be calibrated to compensate for these small deviations. The process of calibration adjusts the stick’s mechanical travel to match the value range it is designed to cover.

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When is calibration necessary?

All sticks and aftertouch are factory calibrated so you do not have to do this under normal circumstances. However, we recommend that you re-calibrate (as described below) if:

• you are unable to access all parameter values via stick;

• parameter values jump when you move sticks;

• the center position of the pitch bend (control

1) is no longer true to pitch;

• the keyboard aftertouch value peaks out despite the fact that the basic settings parameter aftertouch scale (see page 40) is adjusted properly.

How to calibrate stick controllers (and aftertouch)

• Press the basic settings button. The main

display shows the menu offering Neuron’s basic settings.

• Stick.down the navigation stick located next to

the main display to scroll to the basic settings menu option

At this point you can cancel the calibration process by pressing exit or by operating any other module.

• The following prompt appears:

• Rotate the first stick that you want to calibrate

several times, stirring like you would sugar into coffee. Be sure to move it to the full range of travel. Do this until the values shown in the main display no longer change. This stirring action serves to measure the stick’s maximum range of travel. These physical values are then mapped to the value range that is to be covered, meaning that they are converted. The display for resynator 1 could look something like this:

A look at control features in general

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A look at control features in general

• Move the two resynator sticks, the silver

module’s stick, and the stick labeled control 1 one after the other as described above.

• Because the control 1 stick also serves as a

pitch controller, you can also calibrate its center position (pitch = 0). The idea is to prevent unintentional detuning when it is set to the zero position.

In order to determine the center position of control 1, move the stick very lightly around the center. While Neuron is doing the calibration, its display shows the values measured by the device. Example:

• Here is how to calibrate aftertouch: Strike any

key on the keyboard and then bear down with increasing pressure until the measured maximum value appearing in the display does not change anymore. Example:

• Once you have calibrated everything to your satisfaction, confirm the values by pressing the rotary knob next to the main display (enter).

The Neuron software’s current version number appears in the main display.

Basic parameter stick mode

While on the subject of sticks, let us look at the stick mode parameter in the basic settings:

When you switch to another parameter level or load another sound/model, the four cross-x displays indicate the stored values, but the stick will rarely be in a position that corresponds to these values. Using the stick mode parameters, you can determine how the sticks respond when this is the case. You will find a detailed description of the parameter on page 37.

Stick animation

You can record the stick controllers’ movements and play this stick animation back to manipulate parameter values on the fly.

For a detailed description of stick animation, check out page 89.

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Data input wheels (wheels)

Envelopes are controlled using rotary encoder wheels and adjacent bar displays. This enables effective hands-on tweaking and swift access to all parameter values of entire groups of control features. What’s more, this approach to handling is ideal for ascertaining envelope settings. Note that several wheels can be operated simultaneously.

The wheels’ value ranges are scaled on the fly. This means that the faster you turn a wheel, the greater the range of values it steps through.

Knob

The pentagon at the top morphs into a circle below. This five-sided design affords a sure grip. Though the visuals of this simple control feature are asymmetrical, the knob’s axis evinces symmetry. The tug of war between the two signifies dynamism. The knob lacks a pointer because it is a rotary encoder, meaning that its range is infinite. You will find that this

control also responds on the fly so that you can adjust values in individual incremental steps as well as sweep across greater value ranges.

The knob next to the main display also serves the function of an enter button as found on the computer keyboard (see page 31).

Menu navigation in the main display

The central control unit contains the main display (two lines with 16 characters each); the parameters of all Neuron modules appear in it. If you activate a control feature on the device’s panel, the display also indicates the corresponding parameter changes. This gives you the choice of editing parameters using the given module’s dedicated control features or controlling the module via control unit.

The navigation stick lets you access all menu options swiftly and efficiently.

A rotary encoder with a built-in button serves to input data and confirm entries (enter).

A look at control features in general

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A look at control features in general

Note that Neuron is not endowed with a master menu that starts at a common root and extends throughout the modules. Instead, each module has its own menu that is accessed like this:

• Press the menu button of the given module to

call the most recently edited menu option into the main display. Press the menu button while the menu is active to access the top level of the menu (for example, model loader in the resynators). Or:

• Manipulate any of the module’s knobs or buttons. The main display will immediately display the appropriate menu option. You can then scroll through that module’s menu using the navigation stick (on the central control unit) in order to edit other parameters.

Total recall: Neuron "remembers" menu options!

When you begin designing sounds, you are sure to work with several Neuron modules simultaneously. For this reason, Neuron remembers the most recently edited option of every menu. So, if you exit a menu and return to this menu later by pressing the menu button, you will arrive at exactly the same point. In order to jump to the top level of the menu from there, press the menu button once.

Navigating menus

After you retrieve the menu of a given module, you can edit using the navigation stick and knob (located to the left and right of the main display, respectively):

• Stick.down and stick.up to scroll through the main menu options. Stick.right and stick.left to jump to and scroll through submenus if on hand.

• The rotary knob edits the current parameter. Depending on the parameter, you can either select among predefined settings or adjust a numeric value.

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Neuron’s enter button

For some menu options, pressing the knob has the same effect as pressing an enter key: When loading models, sounds and setups, first select the number (it appears in the display) by twisting the knob and then pressing the knob to confirm the selection. The desired data is then loaded.

The enter button is also required for operations such as storing calibration and loading/dumping data. The settings of typical value-based parameters take effect without having to press enter.

While editing a parameter value, you can reset the value to the given default value by simply pressing enter. For parameters that can have both negative and positive values, this is generally a value of 0.

Exit. But do not panic.

Press the exit button briefly to quit the current menu option.

In sound mode, this returns the display to the top level of the sound menu, which is sound loader. In setup mode, pressing exit either jumps to the most recently edited menu option of the setup menu or, if you are already working in the setup menu, to setup loader.

In some cases, exit also serves to cancel the operation that is currently underway, for example, when storing a sound/setup or when Neuron asks you if you really want to switch it off.

If you press and hold the button until the LED extinguishes (three seconds should do), you will activate the panic function. This generates an all notes off command, and that spells immediate silence, say, in the event of a hung note. It tells both Neuron’s internal workings as well as the MIDI setup to shut up. After rebooting, Neuron comes back on line in the same mode that it was in before the panic attack occurred. All settings remain intact.

A look at control features in general

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Operating mode: Sound mode

Operating modes

Neuron distinguishes between two operating modes: sound mode and setup mode. The latter you are probably familiar with – it has the same underlying concept as multimode.

Neuron comes on line in sound mode.

Operating mode: Sound mode

As its name would indicate, in sound mode you can play individual sounds, edit, and store them. You are also free to create new sounds by loading models into the resynators, editing their parameters, and doing other fun stuff like defining envelopes or piling on silver effects. Since this operating mode pertains to a single sound, it is also called single mode.

How to enter/exit sound mode

Sound mode and setup mode are mutually exclusive. To access sound mode, quit setup mode by pressing the setup button. The LED above the button does not light up when Neuron is set to sound mode.

You will find out how to store, load and edit sounds in the section starting on page 50.

Operating mode: Setup mode

In setup mode or multimode, sounds created in sound mode are combined into setups. A setup may contain up to four sounds that can be played simultaneously.

Sound mode and setup mode are mutually exclusive. To access setup mode, quit sound mode by pressing the setup button. The LED above the button lights up when Neuron is in setup mode.

Selecting sounds:

Located above the main display you will find four buttons labeled sound 1 to sound 4. Every button represents a sound stored in the current setup. You can assign sounds to buttons in setup mode. For more on this, see page 65.

When you press a button repeatedly, the assigned sound is activated (LED lights up), deactivated (LED extinguishes), or primed (LED flashes).

At the risk of belaboring the obvious, an activated sound is played with the setup while a deactivated sound is muted. But what does a primed sound do? A sound has to primed before you can edit it. It can be manipulated by means of the module’s control features while the current setup is performed. For example, you can edit a primed sound’s model parameters in real-time using the sticks.

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Further setup parameters

A setup consists of more than merely four sounds. It contains many other parameters, for example, the balance of levels between individual sounds, surround settings, and so forth. Though these parameters have a bearing on the sounds contained in a setup, they are only meaningful in the context of a setup.

All parameters that are stored along with a setup are listed in table 5 on page 61.

Handling setups

The section "Programmer: Programming setups" starting on page 58 provides detailed insight into how to program setups.

Hierarchies: The Neuron memory model

Like the food chain in the real world, Neuron is ordered in hierarchies. We distinguish between four levels that are stored separately.

The basic settings (see page 36) define the device’s basic properties. All global parameters that you will use to tweak Neuron to suit your taste and needs are stored here.

All models that you will load into the resynators and use as the source material for sounds are stored at the model level.

Trust us: The factory model database contains plenty of models. Courtesy of Neuron’s system architecture, every model harbors the potential for thousands of tone-shaping options, which is why the actual number of models does not say much about Neuron’s phenomenal range of tonal possibilities.

A model of understatement, a notable British automaker likes to call the performance capacity of his lavishly appointed limousines’ muscular engines "sufficient." Sounds good to us: Neuron ships with a "sufficient" range of interesting models. In fact, you will find it impossible to plumb the full depths of its powers of expression. In the unlikely event that you find yourself hitting any boundaries, you will be delighted to learn that the model level on its internal

Hierarchies: The Neuron memory model

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Hierarchies: The Neuron memory model

hard disk offers plenty of room to house many more models.

The model files containing all sphere and scape parameters come in different sizes depending on complexity. But there is no reason to fret about hard disk real estate – there is plenty of acreage reserved for files.

In the section "The idea behind Neuron models" starting on page 70 you will find out everything worth knowing about models.

Note that when editing sounds via resynator, the actual model data stored in the model database is not edited. A model is loaded into the resynator as a reference – in other words, another instance of the original model is generated - and the settings that you dial for its parameters are stored at the sound level rather than the model level.

This explains why the sound level is the third stage of our hierarchy. Every sound is the sum of wildly diverse information, including everything from the employed models to silver effect settings. When you load a sound, all settings pertaining to this sound are loaded from the sound database into the appropriate modules. Every new sound that you store wanders into the sound database accompanied by all this data.

Unlike many other synthesizers, Neuron has no sound banks because the 1,000 potential sounds are stored sequentially. For purposes of MIDI addressing, consider sounds 0 to 99 to be a "virtual" first bank, sounds 100 to 199 a second bank, and so forth.

So, what kind of information is stored at the sound level?

• The name and number of the sound.

• References (or links) to the employed model

numbers of both resynators.

• The settings of all scape and sphere parameters of both resynators (see page 77).

• Blender settings (see page 94).

• Envelope settings (see page 108).

• Mod settings (see page 116).

• Slicer settings (see page 122).

• Silver settings (see page 138), with the

exception of the surround settings - these belong to the setup!

• Controller settings (see page 165).

• Sound-related pan values (page 49).

• Master effect settings are stored at the sound

level and at the setup level.

Back in the section "Operating modes" starting on page 32 you learned that up to four sounds can be combined into a setup.

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This brings us to the very top of our hierarchy: Multimode-specific data is stored at the setup level. Each of the up to 512 setups that the setup database can hold contains the following information:

• Name and number of the setup.

• Numbers of the four sounds.

• Volume level for every sound.

• Transpose setting for every sound.

• Detune setting for every sound.

• MIDI channel for every sound.

• Local on/off setting for every sound.

• The selected audio output for every sound.

• Pan setting for every sound.

• Key low and key high for every sound.

• Low and high velocity for every sound.

• Silver mix value for every sound.

• Delay send for every sound.

• Reverb send for every sound.

• Surround settings for every sound.

The four sounds contained in the setup are not copied into the setup; they are referenced by their numbers. The actual sound remains in the sound database. Its data is copied from there when a setup is loaded. Consequently, every change made to a sound is automatically audible in the setup without having to be stored anew.

You will find in-depth information on these settings in the parameter table on page 61.

Master volume

Adjust the overall volume of your Neuron using the red master volume knob located below shaper 1.

The master volume knob controls the levels of all analog audio outputs (stereo/surround and headphones) as well as the digital output (S/PDIF).

The current setting is not stored with a sound or setup! Instead, when Neuron comes on line, it automatically dials in the volume level set when you last played the synth.

When you twist the master volume knob, the current volume appears in the main display (the value range is 0 to 127).

At peak volume, Neuron delivers maximum dynamic range with minimum converter noise. Back off the volume on connected equipment and crank up Neuron’s level. That said, though, you don’t want to max out Neuron’s master volume; leave a little reserve and, depending on sound, keep an eye (or ear) on levels. You do not want any spikes to hurt your ears or gear.

Master volume

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Fundamentals: Basic settings

Neuron offers global parameters called basic settings that let you set the device up to suit your wishes and preferences. Basic settings have a bearing on the device as a whole rather than a single sound or setup.

Defining basic settings:

• Press the basic settings button located below

the main display. The display should read as follows:

• Stick.down and stick.up to scroll through the

available global parameters (see table 1 on page 37).

• Use the knob to edit the currently selected parameter.

The device automatically quits the basic settings menu when you edit a parameter in any module. When you quit the basic settings menu by pressing the basic settings button again, Neuron jumps to the most recently edited menu. In both cases, the device recalls the most recently edited basic settings parameter and displays it when you call the menu back up again.

Table 1 explains all basic settings parameters.

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A look at basic settings

Master tune Determines Neuron’s overall tuning by adjusting the reference frequency A3 (440 Hz). The value

Stick mode Determines the operating mode of stick controllers in the resynators and silver module.

indicated for this parameter is an absolute value (that is, it is not offset). Value ranges from 400 to 480 Hz.

A bit of background on this menu option: Neuron is not equipped with motorized sticks that retrieve the current parameter values when you switch to another parameter level or load another sound/model and move to positions corresponding to these values. After you switch over, the four cross-x displays indicate the currently stored values, but it is an unlikely coincidence if the stick position actually tallies with these parameter values.

Three modes determine how the indicated parameter values respond to stick movements:

• Jump: When a stick is toggled, every parameter immediately takes over the value of the current stick position, that is, the value jumps.

• Snap: The parameter values remain unchanged when a stick is toggled until the stick moves to about 10 value increments within the range of the stored value. Then the value zeros in on the value determined by the stick’s position and can be edited again. In essence, this mode simulates a motorized stick, with the difference that the stick must be set manually to the correct position.

• Reltv (relative): The stick movement is relative to the stored value: The physical distance from the current position to the furthest point of travel is superimposed on the range of values yet to be covered and the scale is adjusted accordingly. Once the stick arrives at the maximum / minimum value, the stick position and the range of values are identical again.

We recommend that you select a preferred mode and stick (ha, ha) with it.

Table 1: Basic settings

Fundamentals: Basic settings

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Fundamentals: Basic settings

ResyParReset Determines if default values are loaded into a resynator or the current values are retained when a model

is loaded.

Options:

• Yes: Models are always loaded into the resynator with the default parameter values stored in the model database.

• No: No models are loaded into the resynator with the default values. The currently defined values are retained in the newly loaded model.

• Ask: When loading a model, the device asks if you want to take over the parameter values or load the default values. The display reads: Use the knob to select yes or no before you load the model via enter.

The option of loading existing parameter values into another model can come in handy. Case in point: You can load a similar model into the resynator and use the existing values as a starting point for your sound-sculpting efforts.

Use Defaults?

Table 1: Basic settings (cont.)

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VeloCu rve Determines the dynamic response of the keyboard. Attack dynamics vary according to the selected

velocity curve. Your options are:

• Log2, Log1: Various types of logarithmic curves.

• Linear (default setting): Linear curve, that is, the pressure you apply to the key dictates dynamic response.

• Exp1, Exp2: Various types of exponential curves.

• Fix32, Fix64, Fix96 and Fix127: No attack dynamics; instead response is fixed. The higher the fixed value, the higher the output volume.

The velocity value is computed for every voice. In other words, every note you play is rendered at its original velocity!

Neuron treats velocity like an internal controller. The modulation destinations for velocity are determined at the destination via the depth parameter.

Example: Resynator volume is modulated via velocity when the menu option volume velo depth in the resynator menu is set to a value other than 0.

For more on this, read the section "Velocity as an additional controller" starting on page 168.

Table 1: Basic settings (cont.)

Fundamentals: Basic settings

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Fundamentals: Basic settings

Aftertouch scale

MIDI Glb Ch Determines the global send and receive channel for MIDI data (MIDI global channel) for sound mode. In

Defines a factor (threshold value) for the aftertouch scale.

As the name would imply, "aftertouch" is the pressure applied to a key once it has been pressed. The keyboard determines how much force is applied, converts this value into an aftertouch command, and sends it to predefined destinations. This data may be employed to shape tone, for example, to generate vibrato or modulate the filter frequency (see below). The harder you bear down on a key after striking it, the higher the aftertouch value and the more intense its influence on the given sound. In Neuron (and via MIDI), aftertouch is monaural, meaning that the aftertouch modulation affects the entire sound rather than individual voices.

Value range: 0 to 127. 0 deactivates the function. At low values, aftertouch is less responsive; a value of 127 gives you the full dynamic range.

Neuron treats aftertouch like an internal controller for which you can define up to four simultaneous destinations. Go to the controller menu to do this. While you are there, you can also define the depth for every destination. In addition to the "global" scale value, you can adjust aftertouch depth individually for each destination. For more on this, pore over page 165.

Note also in this context the menu option for calibrating aftertouch (see page 28).

sound mode, Neuron responds to incoming MIDI data only when the defined MIDI global channel and send channel numbers are identical.

Value range: 0 to 16. 0 denotes omni, meaning that Neuron processes incoming messages on all MIDI channels. For more on this, pore over page 178.

In setup mode, the individual sound-related MIDI channel settings in the setup menu apply - see page 61.

Table 1: Basic settings (cont.)

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Local Deactivates/activates Neuron’s synthesis engine via the keyboard as well as via controls 1 to 4, the

SysXDeviceID Defines the device identification for system exclusive MIDI messages.

Dspl Contrast Controls the brightness of the displays. Values range from 1 (dark) to 4 (bright).

StkRec start Determines the trigger that starts stick recording.

Srnd Sub Hz Defines the cutoff frequency for the subwoofer channel in surround mode.

footswitch, the sustain pedal and aftertouch.

Local = Off: Neuron’s keyboard is disabled. It cannot address the internal synthesis engine; all controls are deactivated. Neuron can play incoming MIDI data or serve as a MIDI master keyboard. Local = On: The internal synthesis engine can be controlled using Neuron’s keyboard and as well as via incoming MIDI data. All controls (see above) are enabled.

Note in this context the function of the local setup parameter, which serves the same purpose for every sound within a setup (see page 61). If the global local parameter is set to off, the setup parameters of the same name are overruled, meaning that all four sounds are off regardless of the respective local parameter setting.

Hexadecimal values range from 00 to 7F. To learn more about this, read the section "SysEx commands (System exclusive data)" starting on page

179.

After you press a module’s record stick button, the recording function is set to standby and the button’s LED flashes. To actually start recording, you must activate the defined trigger, that is, either move the appropriate stick or press any key on the keyboard. You will find further details on this starting on page 89.

Options: Key or Stick.

Frequencies below the defined sub cutoff frequency are sent to the subwoofer. Options: 13 Hz to 20.2 KHz (in semitone steps).

Surround mode is described on page 169.

Table 1: Basic settings (cont.)

Fundamentals: Basic settings

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Fundamentals: Basic settings

Footswitch Defines the type of footswitch connected to the pedal/switch port (see page 11).

SustainPed Defines the type of footswitch connected to the pedal/sustain port (see page 11).

Switch Off Determines how Neuron powers down.

Software: Version

Calibration? Serves to calibrate all stick controllers and keyboard aftertouch. After you have pressed enter, another

Normally, Neuron identifies the connected switch on its own. If it fails to do this, you can enter the type using this parameter.

Your options are open and close. MIDI controller number: 66.

Normally, Neuron identifies the connected switch on its own. If it fails to do this, you can enter the type using this parameter.

Your options are open and close. MIDI controller number: 64.

Options: Ask (Neuron's query must be confirmed with enter; exit cancels the operation) or quick (no query). We recommend that you stick with the default setting, ask!

To learn more about this, read the section "Switching off" starting on page 15.

Indicates the software version that Neuron is currently running. Compare version numbers to find out if an update for your Neuron is ready and waiting on the Hartmann home page (www.hartmann-music.com)!

prompt appears - Calib: Move sticks or press aftertouch – that lets you start calibrating. Good-to-know background stuff: The sticks can be calibrated to compensate for mechanical manufacturing tolerances. The process of calibration adjusts the stick’s range of travel to match the value range it is designed to cover.

To learn how to calibrate sticks and aftertouch, refer to page 26.

Table 1: Basic settings (cont.)

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Neuron’s modules

Signal Flow

The following two charts depict the Neuron’s signal. The gray arrows signify audio data; control data is white.

Signal flow (part I)

Signal Flow

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Signal Flow

Signal flow (part II)

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Module: Programmer

Programmer is Neuron’s command and control center. It is your tool for managing sounds and setups. Use the numeric keypad with the up and down button to select setup and sound numbers and the store button to save sounds and setups. Programmer also offers extremely versatile snapshot and play/compare functions, which are described in detail on page 52.

Located below programmer is the main display with its navigation stick and rotary knob, which you are sure to be familiar with by now!

Let us take a closer look at its control features.

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Module: Programmer

Programmer: Control features

Programmer

Numeric keypad Keypad for loading the desired sound (in sound mode) or setup (in setup mode). When you type

Down and Up buttons Use the down button to scroll through stored sounds (in sound mode) or setups (in setup mode)

10’s hold button Activate this button (LED lights up) to freeze the tens numeral of the currently selected number.

Store button Stores the current sound (see page 51) and setup (see page 67).

Snapshot

and

Play/compare

buttons

in the three-digit number (where appropriate, preceded by zeros), all modules are set to the stored values.

When loading a model into a resynator (see page 86), you can also type in the model number on the numeric keypad.

in descending order. Press the up button to load the next higher sound or setup. All stored data is loaded into Neuron’s modules just as if you type in a sound/setup number on the numeric keypad.

The idea is to make it easier to enter a sound/setup number directly. Example: Say sound 082 is loaded. Press 10's hold. The 08- is held in place (until you deactivate the function by pressing the button again). Then you can press, say, 9 to switch to 089.

The snapshot function stores a snapshot of all modules’ current settings. In combination with the play/compare button, you can audition your snapshots and A/B or compare the edited sound to the original.

You will find detailed information and a description of how to proceed on page 52.

Table 2: Programmer control features

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Sound 1 to Sound 4 buttons

Buttons for switching a sound on and priming it within a setup. The LED for the given sound button indicates its status. You can change the status by pressing the buttons repeatedly.

LED lights up steadily: The sound is played with the current setup. LED off: The sound is muted in the current setup. LED flashes: The sound is primed, meaning that it can be edited in real-time using the control features on Neuron’s modules (for example, the shaper wheels or sticks).

You will find out how to load a sound into a setup on page 65.

If you want to mute an activated sound without priming it first, press and hold the appropriate sound button for several seconds until the LED extinguishes (one second should do).

Table 2: Programmer control features (cont.)

Control unit

Setup button Switches back and forth between sound and setup modes. The LED above the button lights up

when Neuron is in setup mode. You will find basic info on the two operating modes starting on page 32. For a detailed explanation of the programming process, read the section starting on page 67.

Controllers button Calls up the controller menu in which you can assign specific modules and functions to the free

controllers. To learn more about this, read the section "Free controllers" starting on page 162.

Copy/paste button Serves to copy parameter sets from one sound to another. To learn more about this, read the

Load/dump button Starts the function that writes (or dumps) and loads models, sounds, setups, and Neuron software

section "Neuron’s copy/paste function" starting on page 54.

via the USB interface to and from a connected PC/MAC. It also serves to transfer system exclusive data. To learn more about this, read the section "Updates and Backups" starting on page 185.

Table 3: Control unit control features

Module: Programmer

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Module: Programmer

Basic settings button Calls up the menu offering basic settings that let you set up the device according to your wishes

Exit/panic button This button has two functions:

Navigation stick and rotary knob

and preferences. Basic settings have a bearing on the device as a whole rather than a single sound or setup. You will find a list of basic settings as well as instructions on how to define them on page 36.

• The exit function facilitates navigation in the menus. In sound mode, pressing exit briefly returns you to the top level of the sound menu, sound loader. In setup mode, pressing exit either jumps to the most recently edited menu option of the setup menu or, if you are already working in the setup menu, to setup loader. In some cases, exit also serves to cancel the operation that is currently underway, for example, when storing a sound/setup or when Neuron asks you if you really want to switch it off.

• If you press and hold the button until the LED extinguishes (three seconds should do), you will activate the panic function. This generates an all notes off command, and that spells immediate silence, say, in the event of a hung note. It tells both Neuron’s internal workings as well as the MIDI setup to shut up. After rebooting, Neuron comes back on line in the same mode that it was in before the panic attack occurred. All settings remain intact.

After you retrieve the menu of a given module, you can edit using the navigation stick and knob (located to the left and right of the main display, respectively): Stick.down and stick.up to scroll through the main menu options. Stick.right and stick.left to jump to and scroll through submenus if on hand.

The rotary knob edits the current parameter. Depending on the parameter, you can either select among predefined settings or adjust a numeric value. For certain menu options, pressing the knob is tantamount to pressing the enter button (see page 31).

Table 3: Control unit control features (cont.)

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Programmer: Programming sounds

This section discusses all procedures required to program sounds in sound mode. Be sure also to read about the topic "Operating mode: Sound mode" starting on page 32. We will get into setup mode on page 58.

First, though, let us look at a short description of the sound menu.

Sound menu

We call the top level of the sound menu sound loader.

• If setup mode is active, you can access it by

starting sound mode (by pressing the setup button).

• If sound mode is already active, press exit.

Setup

Exit

Sound No. Soundname

Sound No. Pan

Sound No. Pan Keytrack

R1 Modelno./Name R2 Modelno./Name

Sound parameters

Sound Number and name of the current sound.

(sound loader)

Used models

This menu option shows the currently employed models of both resynators. (For info purposes only, you cannot select models here!)

Pan Positions the sound in the stereo panorama.

Note that the sounds within a setup are assigned individual or dedicated pan settings (see page 62). Value range: -64 to +63 (from the far left to the far right).

Pan Keytrack

Assigns pan settings to the keyboard. This parameter lets you place the sound at different positions within the stereo panorama in accordance with the pitch of the note you play.

Value ranges from -64 to +63. 0 = no pan key tracking.

Positive values: Lower notes are panned to the left, higher notes to the right. Negative values: Lower notes are panned to the right, higher notes to the left.

And on that note, be sure to check out the picture on page 85.

Table 4: Sound parameters

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Module: Programmer

How to start sound mode

All the procedures described in the following section mandate that Neuron runs in sound mode. To this end, you may have to quit setup mode by pressing the setup button below the main display. The LED above the button does not light up when Neuron is set to sound mode.

How to load a stored sound

Start sound mode (see above). Sound loader appears in the main display along with the name and the number of the currently loaded sound:

If you are already working in sound mode, call sound loader by briefly pressing the exit button.

You have three options for loading sounds:

• In order to step through all sounds

successively, press the up or down button in programmer. In each step, the next sound is loaded and indicated in the main display. (You can only do this when sound loader is displayed.)

• Type in the three-digit sound number using the numeric keypad (whenever necessary, preceded by zeros, e.g. 003). The sound loads immediately after typing the third digit. (You can only do this when sound loader is displayed.)

• Dial in the sound number by twisting the knob next to the display and confirm with enter (by pressing the knob). The number continues to flash until the selected sound is loaded.

When you load a sound, all modules are set to the stored values. A tremendous amount of model- and soundrelated information has to be loaded with every sound, so the process may take a while.

How to edit a sound

The technology that powers Neuron offers an unprecedented spectrum of tonal variety. Consider just the possibilities afforded by dynamic parameter assignment and you can appreciate that there simply is not enough room in this manual to explore all the sound-shaping variants. The following list can give you no more than a general idea. Follow the crossreferences to learn more about each sound processing operation! The signal flow in Neuron is depicted on page 43.

• If you want to use an existing sound as the starting point for creating a new sound, then load it as described above.

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• Then load other models into the resynators (see page 86) and change their parameters (page 87).

• Use the blender (page 93)!

• Use envelopes (page 110).

• Shape the sound using the mod module

(page 117), the slicer (page 119), or the effects in the silver unit (page 123).

• Vary the sound’s pan settings or define the pan keytrack parameter in the sound menu (see

page 49).

How to store a sound

If you like your new creation, store it. (There is plenty of room: Neuron sleeps 1,000 sounds comfortably!) All parameters pertaining to a sound are stored with the sound as properties. To find out which parameters and settings are stored at the sound level, read the section "Hierarchies: The Neuron memory model" starting on page 33.

The store function in sound mode works like the save as... command commonly used on computers. You can either store the sound under the current number or put it to some other place within the sound database.

• Press the red programmer store button. The

button’s LED lights up; the sound number flashes and the current sound name appears in the main display.

• Twist the knob to select the number under which you want to store the sound. The name of the sound currently stored under this number appears. Note that this sound will be overwritten!

• Name the new sound: Stick.right to access the first character in the display’s second line. As soon as the name of the currently stored sound appears in the display, you can overwrite it. Twist the knob to select the desired character.

Tip: Stick.up/stick.down to select uppercase and lowercase.

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Module: Programmer

Use the navigation stick and the knob as described above to change each character in the name line.

• After you have named your baby, confirm the storage process by pressing the rotary knob. The display reads

Saving...

for a moment and returns to the most recently active menu at the end of the storage process.

You can cancel the store operation at any time with the exit button before you send the sound off to its new address! This returns the display to the most recently edited menu option.

Snapshots and the play/compare function

As you may have already discovered, you can search for the ultimate sound in Neuron with the delicate touch of a neurosurgeon or the harsh hand of a butcher.

The reason for this is that the resynators – in combination with the fantastic control features – are so versati le. And the y inv ite y ou to disc over the joys of experimentation. Occasionally you may go too far, perhaps attempting to give an almost perfect sound a final polish only to rub off its sonic sheen.

Use the snapshot function –it can fix that problem. It lets you take pictures of every stop along your auditory journey so that you can safely revisit the current sound setting.

In combination with the play/compare button, you can audition your snapshots and A/B or compare the edited sound to the original. If desired, you can use a snapshot as the template for renewed experimentation.

This lets you backtrack and find your way home if you lose your way in the sonic jungle.

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Up to 50 snapshots can be saved in a temporary buffer. Snapshots vanish into the digital ether when you switch sounds, store the sound, or switch Neuron off! If you take more than 50 snapshots, stored snapshots are overwritten automatically starting with number 1.

The snapshot function is available in sound mode

only!

How to shoot snapshots

When you have arrived at a sound that you deem worthy of a snapshot, press the snapshot button.

The current sound settings are stored as a snapshot. A message appears briefly in the display (in our example, this is the first shot):

You can capture and temporarily save up to 50 settings using this method. Every subsequent shot is automatically assigned the number following the most recently saved number.

Use the play/compare function to audition a saved snapshot.

How to use the play/compare function

Press the play/compare button to switch back and forth between two modes.

• Play mode applies to the current sound settings,

• compare mode, in turn, renders the original sound, as it is stored in the sound database.

An LED indicating the current mode is located above the button. If this LED lights up, you are working in compare mode, otherwise play mode (which offers the current sound and settings) is active. The main display also indicates compare mode:

Compare mode Play mode

Press the button repeatedly to conveniently A/B two sound settings – that is, switch back and forth between them.

You cannot edit any sound parameters when in compare mode. To do this, you must play the current settings.

Beyond that, you can select any snapshot in compare mode and compare the initial sound with any of the edited sounds that you have saved temporarily.

To do this, first activate compare mode (LED lights up), then twist the knob to step through the

Module: Programmer

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Module: Programmer

snapshots and load the desired shot by pressing the knob. Neuron exits compare mode automatically (LED extinguishes) and the current sound setting data is overwritten by the stored snapshot data.

Make a habit of shooting an up-to-date snapshot before loading an earlier snapshot to avoid losing the fruits of your labors!

If while comparing sounds you decide to cancel all changes and continue working with the initial sound, simply load this sound again from the sound database (see page 50). All snapshots are erased when you do this.

Neuron’s copy/paste function

Copy and paste lets you copy data to other sounds or other modules within the current sound.

Press the programmer copy/paste button to enable the copy function. Here is its menu structure:

CopyFromSound No. Soundname

CopyWithin What

Data selection

Reset to default

Data selection

1) Selection list: data to be copied (from one sound to another)

2) Selection list: "What" = data to be copied (within a sound).

3) Selection list: "Where" = destination (within a sound).

4) Selection list: data to be reset to default values.

Select options by twisting the knob.

What To Copy

Data selection

CopyWithin Where

Target selection

Enter starts the copy/reset operation.

Copy/paste mode is ended automatically when you change a parameter in any module. If you exit the copy/paste menu by pressing the copy/paste button again, Neuron jumps to the most recently edited menu. In both cases, the device recalls the most recently edited copy/paste menu option and displays it immediately when you access the copy/ paste menu again.

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Copying from one sound to another

When copying from one sound to another, data is always copied from the selected source sound to the currently loaded sound.

If the source and destination numbers are identical, Neuron loads data stored in the sound database, overwriting the current settings. This lets you cancel changes that have not been stored.

The selection list offers data/parameter sets from all modules whose settings are stored at the sound level. This includes:

• Resynators’ model parameter values or the complete resynator configuration,

• envelope parameters of all shapers,

• mod, blender, and slicer settings,

• the silver module’s effect parameters,

• master effects settings,

• aftertouch settings,

• free controller assignments,

• the resynators’ and the silver module’s stick

recordings.

Example: How to copy parameter values from one sound to another

In the following example, we will copy the resynator 1 settings of sound 010 to sound 032.

• Prerequisite: Sound 010 is programmed and stored. The current sound is sound 032.

• Press copy/paste in programmer. The copy/ paste menu’s most recently edited option appears in the display.

• Twist the knob to dial in number 10 because that sound is where we want to copy data from.

• Stick.right to access the list of data that can be copied:

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Module: Programmer

• Twist the knob to select the desired source data:

• Press enter. All resynator 1 source data is copied from sound 010 into resynator 1 of the current sound.

Then you can immediately copy another data record using the knob or stick.left to select another source sound.

Copying within a sound

You have two selection lists offering options for copying within a sound. The "What" list (see menu diagram) offers resynator data, shaper and controller settings, etc. It is followed by the "Where" list, which lets you select the destination. "Where" offers only those destinations that are meaningful in connection with the previously selected data.

Current settings are always copied when copying data within a sound irrespective of whether or not the settings have been stored.

Example: How to copy data in the current sound from resynator 1 to resynator 2

In the following example, we will copy resynator 1’s current settings to resynator 2 within sound 010.

• Press copy/paste in programmer. The copy/

paste menu’s most recently edited option appears in the display. If necessary, scroll to the copy within menu option. Twist the knob to select data to be copied from the „What“ list.

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• Stick.right to access the "Where" selection list. Select the destination within the current sound via knob; in our example this is resynator 2.

• Press enter. All data is copied from resynator 1 to resynator 2 within the current sound.

Then you can copy the same source data to another destination (if possible) using the knob or

stick.left to return to the "What" selection list.

Back to the roots: The reset function

The copy/paste menu boasts a special feature called reset (see page 54). It lets you set selected data records back to their default settings.

The reset selection list offers the same data records as the copy selection list.

• Press copy/paste in programmer. The copy/

paste menu’s most recently edited option appears in the display.

• Stick.down to access the reset function. The

selection list appears in line 2. Select the desired data record using the knob.

• Press enter. The values of the selected data

record are reset. In the case of stick recordings, all corresponding tracks are erased.

Then you can reset another data record immediately using the knob or stick.up to go to the copy function.

You can also use the enter button to reset just the current parameter rather than entire parameter sets to the default setting.

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Module: Programmer

Programmer: Programming setups

Before we dive right into programming, look at the following chart. It recaps basic information on the topic of "Operating mode: Setup mode" starting on page 32.

You can combine up to four sounds in setup mode. In stereo mode, sounds can be routed freely to the three stereo outputs (along with the „wet“ or effects signal).

In surround mode, L/R stereo master effects are routed to the front L/R and back L/R outs, while the center channel and sub remain "dry." Sounds can be positioned freely in the surround field via stick controller or on the fly in the soundscape via stick animation.

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Setup menu

Stick.down and stick.up in the usual fashion to

scroll through the various menu options.

The four sounds in the setup are displayed side by side for every menu option (with the exception of the surround parameters). The cursor < indicates which sound you are currently editing with the knob. The name of this sound also appears in the first line of the display.

Example: Volume settings for the four sounds in the setup. The same level (30) is set for each sound. The cursor points to sound 2.

Stick.left and stick.right to scroll among the sounds within a menu option.

The setup menu is a matrix: If, for example, the cursor points to sound 2 and you stick.up/down to scroll to the next/previous menu option, the cursor remains in place; that is, it continues to point to sound 2.

The menu diagrams on the following pages show the default settings of the individual setup parameters. All parameters are described in table 5 on page 61.

Button

SetUp No.

Setup

SetUp_name

Snd 1 Soundname

Button Sound 4Sound 2 Sound 3Sound 1

Vol 1 Soundname

127< 127 127 127

Transp 1 Soundname

Detune 1 Soundname

MIDI 1 Soundname

Local 1 Soundname

Out 1 Soundname

ST1< ST1 ST1 ST1

Pan 1 Soundname

Continued on next page ...

5< 0 0 0

0< 0 0 0

1< 2 3 4

On<OnOnOn

0< 0 0 0

Snd 2 Soundname

52<00

Snd 2 SetUp_na

5210<0

Snd 2 SetUp_n

5 2 10 19<

Vol 2 Vol 3 Vol 4

Transp 2 Transp 3 Transp 4

Detune 2 Detune 3 Detune 4

MIDI 2 MIDI 3 MIDI 4

Local 2 Local 3 Local 4

Out 2 Out 3 Out 4

Module: Programmer

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Module: Programmer

... Continued from prev ious page

KeyLow 1 Soundname

C-2< C-2 C-2 C-2

KeyHigh 1 Soundname

G8< G8 G8 G8

VeloLow 1 Soundname

1<111

VeloHigh 1 Soundname

127< 127 127 127

Silver 1 Soundname

127< 127 127 127

Delay 1 Soundname

0<000

Reverb 1 Soundname

0<000

Continued on next page ...

KeyLow 2 KeyLow 3 KeyLow 4

KeyHigh 2 KeyHigh 3 KeyHigh 4

VeloLow 2 VeloLow 3 VeloLow 4

VeloHigh 2 VeloHigh 3 VeloHigh 4

Silver 2 Silver 3 Silver 4

Delay 2 Delay 3 Delay 4

Reverb 2 Reverb 3 Reverb 4

... Continued from previous page

Silver Stick

Surround Mode = on

when

and

Sound 1 primed

Same

applies to

Sounds 2 to 4

Surround Mode On/Off

Surround Stk Ani Sound 1 On/Off

Surround FrLeft Sound 1 63

Surround FrRight Sound 1 63

Surround BkRight Sound 1 63

Surround BkLeft Sound 1 63

SrndCenterWeight Sound 1 63

Surround sub mix Sound 1 63

Surround Stk Ani Sound 2 On/Off

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 On/Off

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 On/Off

Surround FrLeft Sound 2 63

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 63

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 63

Surround FrRight Sound 2 63

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 63

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 63

Surround BkRight Sound 2 63

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 63

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 63

Surround BkLeft Sound 2 63

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 63

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 63

SrndCenterWeight Sound 2 63

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 63

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 63

Surround sub mix Sound 2 63

Snd 2 SetUp_na

Sound 3 63

Snd 2 SetUp_n

Sound 4 63

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Setup parameters

Snd Numbers of the sounds contained in the

current setup.

Vol Sets the volume levels for the individual

sounds within the setup. Value range: 0 to

127.

Transp Transposes the individual sounds within the

setup in semitone steps. Value range: -48 to +48.

Detune Detunes individual sounds within the setup

in cent increments. Value range: -99 to +99.

MIDI Determines MIDI data send and receive

channel for sounds in setup mode. A sound responds to incoming MIDI data only when the defined MIDI channel and send channel numbers are identical.

Value range: 0 to 16. 0 denotes omni, meaning that the sound responds to incoming messages on all MIDI channels (see page 178).

In sound mode, the global MIDI channel settings defined in the basic settings apply (see page 40).

Table 5: Setup parameters

Local Deactivates/activates Neuron’s synthesis

engine via the keyboard as well as via controls 1 to 4, the footswitch, the sustain pedal and aftertouch.

Local = Off: Neuron’s keyboard is disabled for this sound so that it cannot control the internal synthesis engine; the controls are deactivated. However, the sound can be played via incoming MIDI data and send MIDI data.

Local = On: The internal synthesis engine can be controlled for this sound via Neuron’s keyboard as well as via incoming MIDI data. All controls are enabled.

Note in this context the function of the local basic settings parameter (see page 41): If this global parameter local is set to off, the settings of the four setup parameters of the same name are overruled.

Out Defines the audio output for every sound in

stereo mode.

Your options are ST1 (stereo output 1), ST2 and ST3. The headphones output receives the same signal as ST1.

Hartmann NEURON User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual