Axel Hartmann Design

17/03/2025

🔴 Supercritical Redshift 6: A Bold Vision in Analog Synthesis 🎛️✨

Supercritical, an ambitious team from Finland, introduces Redshift 6—a synth that embodies the soul of analog while pushing sonic expression into uncharted territory.

Just as its sound breaks new ground, so does its design.….

At the heart of Redshift 6 lies a striking hexagonal motif, symbolizing the "6" in its name. This geometric theme extends from the control panel to the honeycomb-patterned translucent side panels, creating a futuristic aesthetic.

When illuminated from within, these panels cast an ethereal glow, giving the synth a distinct visual identity that lingers in the mind.

Every visible component has been custom-designed, from the Supercritical-specific k**b family to the uniquely crafted buttons, ensuring a consistent design language across future products.

The chassis is a masterclass in industrial design, constructed from four key components: the translucent side panels, a solid metal base plate, and an intricately milled aluminum front panel.

This front panel, shaped through a precise 3D milling process, provides a relief-like surface that naturally structures the synth's modules while integrating seamlessly with the housing.

To achieve the sharp 90° bends in the metal without sacrificing structural integrity, an advanced manufacturing technique was employed. Meanwhile, a UV printing process—far more precise than traditional screen printing—ensures crisp, high-contrast product graphics.

Every element of the Redshift 6 was carefully aligned with the highest manufacturing standards.

The result? A synthesizer that not only sounds groundbreaking but visually redefines what an analog instrument can be.

21/01/2025

🎹 Kurzweil K2061 & 2088: Honoring a Legacy, Embracing a New Era 🎶

In 1984, Kurzweil made a monumental splash with the K250, heralded as the first sampling instrument to rival a grand piano on stage. Its iconic sound and hammer-action feel continue to define the brand’s reputation, a legacy underscored by videos of Stevie Wonder, who shared a special bond with Ray Kurzweil himself.

Axel Hartmann, introduced to Kurzweil at Musikmesse in 1985, was thrilled to be asked in early 2023 to refresh the flagship K Series, updating its user interface and creating a 61-key version alongside the acclaimed 88-key hammer-action model.

The design process of the K2061 & 2088 began by focusing on the instrument’s core features, paring them down into a more compact form that gave rise to a slim-profile base and a gently angled control panel.

This thoughtful reconfiguration introduced a horizontal tilt for Kurzweil’s signature pitch ribbon, ensuring comfort and delivering a fresh, modern aesthetic.

From there, both instrument versions underwent a complete panel makeover. A backlit switch was added for easy visibility in low-light settings, while soft buttons beneath the display received subtle light grey accents to emphasize their adaptable nature.

Nine sliders—echoing classic drawbars—quietly hint at a defining feature and add a timeless note to the overall design.

Centrally above the wheel block, a three-dimensional silver logo provides a focal point that balances understated branding with a confident new identity.

The result is a perfect blend of Kurzweil’s legendary legacy and forward-thinking style.
It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, ready to inspire musicians on any stage.

22/10/2024

🔊 Softube Console Controllers: Where Form Meets Function 🎛️

Softube’s Console 1 Channel MkIII and Console 1 Fader MkIII showcase a harmonious blend of design innovation and ergonomic mastery. These next-generation controllers reinvent the classic console layout, introducing user-centric functionality for a truly immersive experience.

In close collaboration with the Softube team, their successful console design was transformed into a more valuable, ergonomic, and aesthetically refined product, enhancing both the housing and control elements.

Crafted with a focus on both form and function, the control panel’s thick, curved metal sheet is angled gently toward the user, ensuring a comfortable, intuitive interaction.

The clever rear design conceals cables neatly, resulting in a clean, professional appearance while enabling the unit to align seamlessly with other studio gear for a streamlined setup.

The front boasts a smooth, desk-like curve, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing the overall user experience.

The injection-moulded plastic base shell features Vesa Mount screw points on the underside, along with additional side screw points, allowing for flexible installation in a standard 19” rack or desktop setup.

With every parameter readily accessible and adjustable, users enjoy an experience akin to high-end outboard gear, further reinforcing the premium feel of these devices.

Designed with calm, refined aesthetics, the controllers blend sleek form with professional functionality. With carefully selected materials, colours, and finishes, they present a timeless yet modern presence.

This refined design language not only elevates the product’s visual appeal but also ensures seamless integration into any professional studio environment.

20/07/2024

An interview with Gearnews.com about Moog Music, Nord Keyboards, U.D.O and more!

Synthesizer industrial design genius Axel Hartmann talks about the design process, finding inspiration and who he wishes he could design for. Hint: they’re Scandinavian…

27/06/2024

🧠 Hartmann Neuron: Where Synth Design Meets Sci-Fi 🧠

The Neuron wasn’t just another synth, it was a daring experiment born at the ‘99 Electronica trade fair. Axel’s design brilliance met Stephan Sprenger’s neural network genius, and together they set out to build a synth that used adaptive algorithms to manipulate sound based on human perception.

The Neuron’s design journey began as a compact desktop device but evolved into a comprehensive synthesiser over time. Meanwhile, a small team in Karlsruhe developed the Neuron software, the heart of the synthesiser.

Every component was meticulously crafted, ergonomically optimised, and distinctively styled. The use of materials, surfaces, and colours radiated a cool technocratic aesthetic, with erratic, comic-like controls for a unique touch.

The standout feature was the bio-technical shaping of the translucent Makrolon orange stick controllers, which felt straight out of a sci-fi film. These controllers came alive when touched, with displays showing the sound morphing in real time – like ‘hard’ turning to ‘soft’ and ‘wood’ transforming into ‘metal’.

To maintain a clean rear view, all connections were placed on the left side. The back featured a wave-like aluminium extrusion with a two-coloured, backlit Hartmann logo, which also served as the on/off switch. This design choice ensured a sleek and stage-friendly appearance.

The Neuron’s lighting elements played with warm yellow-orange tones, giving the cool exterior an inviting glow from within. This attention to detail and innovative design made the Hartmann Neuron a true standout in the world of synthesisers

22/05/2024

🚀 The Cosmic Adventure: Discovering Arturia’s AstroLab! 🌟

Arturia’s AstroLab is a groundbreaking stage keyboard that transcends conventional boundaries. Unlike any other stage keyboard, the AstroLab integrates Arturia's full software environment into a self-contained hardware version. This unique fusion sets it apart from competitors, offering unparalleled versatility and functionality.

The instrument's appearance is inviting and user-friendly, with a control panel angled for comfort without sacrificing compactness. Every element, from the touch-sensitive controls to the redesigned on/off switch, exudes quality, reflecting the AstroLab's durability for years of use.

The centrepiece of the AstroLab is its round display navigation element, serving as the control centre for all essential functions. Years of development and refinement have gone into perfecting this innovative feature, resulting in a seamless user experience.

The controller sections are carefully organised to empower musicians to tailor their setup for live performances. With intuitive controls and streamlined functionality, the AstroLab allows for effortless sound manipulation in any musical context.

Crafted with a combination of aluminium extrusion, wood-like finished side panels, and sheet metal base, the AstroLab boasts a sturdy yet lightweight chassis. Reflecting Arturia's commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing, this design prioritises portability without compromising durability.

Overall, the AstroLab embodies Arturia's vision for a stage keyboard that combines elegance, simplicity, and value. From its ergonomic design to its sophisticated aesthetics, every aspect of the instrument reflects Arturia's dedication to innovation and musician-centric design.

This attention to detail sets it apart from any other stage keyboard, embodying a unique blend of user-friendliness and sophistication with a touch of French flair, a hallmark of all the Arturia designs.

Arturia

01/05/2024

🎹 The Rhodes MK8 Piano: Designing A Modern Classic!

For musicians, the Rhodes piano is more than just an instrument; it's a cherished icon, evoking a rich history of soulful melodies and timeless performances. Just as the Fender Stratocaster is to guitarists, the Rhodes piano holds a special place for keyboard players.

Even today, nothing quite replicates the rich sound of a Rhodes. So, when Dan Goldman approached us to design the new Rhodes Mark 8 piano, our excitement soared.

With reverence for its legendary status came the challenge of seamlessly blending its heritage with modern design sensibilities. Honoring the instrument's storied past while embracing the demands of the modern era was paramount.

The heart of the Rhodes, its sound generator or "harp," served as our guiding inspiration. Crafted as a solid block, it dictated the form and dimensions of the entire instrument. Drawing from the original models, we sought to maintain the essence of the removable plastic hood, elevating its appearance to a realm of sophistication and elegance.

Countless iterations were crafted, meticulously refining contours until they seamlessly melded with the luxurious wooden base shell and the sleek aluminum profile of the control panel.

In a groundbreaking move, the Rhodes MK8 boasts integrated sound effects alongside its core functions. This innovation, coupled with a myriad of customization options, transforms the MK8 into a bespoke instrument tailored to the musician's preferences. From classic stage performances to exclusive boutique settings, the MK8's versatility knows no bounds.

In the end, the Rhodes MK8 Piano stands for the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation – where timeless design meets modern sophistication. 🎶

02/04/2024

🎹 Exploring Design: An Alesis Odyssey! 🌟

In 1997, Axel ventured to the West Coast of the USA, visiting prominent companies like E-mu Systems, Antares, and Midiman (later M-Audio). Each stop hinted at exciting industry advancements. However, it was at Alesis, the first destination, where this journey took an intriguing turn...

Alesis, a pivotal player in the music electronics domain at that time, exhibited keen interest in Axel's synthesiser designs. That said, the return journey began without having picked up any design work, but before checking in at the airport the mobile phone rang — Erik Norlander and Rob Rampley from Alesis wanted to meet before takeoff…..

During that spontaneous meeting in the departure hall of the airport, Erik revealed that Alesis were just starting developmental work on a spectacular synthesiser, with the financial means to design and manufacture their own ASIC — a special chip made for one specific purpose — hence the A6 name.

Bob Moog and Tom Oberheim were already on board, and Alesis wanted Axel to be the industrial designer.

After sending in three distinct designs, the first one resonated most with Alesis. It envisioned a planet-like functional arrangement, where crucial parameters orbit the centre while subordinate parameters are arranged around it in a star-like shape.

The name "Andromeda" reflects this solar system-inspired design, with the central function akin to the "sun" and surrounding sub-functions resembling orbiting planets.

Such structuring results in a very logical arrangement of the control elements and, at the same time, produces an individual face for each module.

Moreover, the direct recognition of a function group accelerates workflow when interacting with the machine. This is especially true for a complex, feature-rich user interface, such as that of Alesis’ Andromeda.

Leveraging Alesis' manufacturing capabilities, plastic was utilised for larger components, achieving a seamless housing without screw connections being visible.

The control panel graphics, meticulously produced on polycarbonate film, seamlessly integrated with the design, a preference at that time among manufacturers for its precision and cost-efficiency.

The Alesis Andromeda stands as a testament to innovation and collaboration, a harmonious fusion of design and functionality that continues to inspire music-makers worldwide 🎶

Alesis

14/03/2024

🎶 From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Arturia’s MiniFreak 🚀

Step into the enchanting world of design innovation as the captivating story behind the creation of Arturia's MiniFreak is unravelled.

The design journey commenced in September 2020, when Arturia shared its visionary concept of the MiniFreak. They had already sketched out brilliant user-interface ideas, setting the stage for what would soon captivate the public.

The first design round explored various variants, with a strong nod to the MicroFreak DNA, serving as a testament to the instrument's evolution and continuity.

In the quest for a unique identity, inspiration was drawn from the aesthetics of 60s beat organs. The keyboard, strategically placed in front of the synthesiser panel, embraced a waterfall style reminiscent of Hammond organs, accentuating the instrument's bold character.

The cabinet construction revolves around a solid metal shell, featuring a distinctive perforated structure facilitating efficient heat dissipation. To the left, the pitch and mod strips seamlessly incorporated the beloved MicroFreak design.

This design philosophy transcends mere aesthetics; it mirrors the MiniFreak's exuberant synthesis engine, extending an invitation for fearless experimentation. This not only adds a technical edge but also contributes to the instrument's captivating steampunk look, almost like a work of mechanical art.

Every element, from the unique keyboard style to the steampunk-inspired cabinet, harmonises seamlessly, creating an instrument that's not just heard but felt.

13/02/2024

🎹 Waldorf Microwave: Sonic Marvel in Design 🌌

Explore Waldorf Electronics’ genesis with the Microwave, Axel Hartmann’s inaugural foray into mass-produced industrial design. Crafted within a 482.6 x 88.9 mm front panel, this 19-inch (2U) rack-mount synthesiser emerged as a standout presence in electronic music.

Technologically, the Microwave fused wavetable synthesis and analog filter chips, paying homage to its PPG Wave ancestry. With a modest eight voices, it confidently faced a wave of polyphonic, sample-based modules.

Ergonomics took centre stage with the main control unit strategically centred around a large red controller. Confirmation and matrix buttons, crucial during programming, intuitively fell under the right hand’s reach, eliminating the need for constant repositioning.

The display, housed behind a meticulously crafted Plexiglass panel, seamlessly integrated with the main controller, while the iconic Waldorf logo, born during this era, found its place in the heart of the front panel.

In a nod to its PPG Wave heritage, the Microwave’s front panel was adorned in a deep blue hue, a darker shade paying homage to the coveted synthesisers of the early ‘80s. The entire display and control unit adhered to the golden section, a proportion pleasing to the eye, emphasising meticulous design principles.

The vertical Mode button, strategically positioned in the middle of the front panel, exemplifies this precision. As a designer’s touch, the Waldorf logo mirrors this alignment, symbolising the brand’s commitment to both form and function.

The Microwave’s success inspired Waldorf’s self-confident, humorous advertising style, and the logo design would (partially) reappear a little later on the mighty Wave 🌊

06/02/2024

🌌 Unveiling the Ether: The Theremin's Timeless Tale! 🎶

Step into the enchanting world of the theremin, an electronic marvel defying musical norms. Invented by physicist Leon Theremin over a century ago and later shaped by Dr. Robert Moog, the theremin now evolves through the creative lens of the Hartmann Design Team in Ravensburg, Germany.

Designed in 2014, the Theremini encapsulates the enduring legacy of Bob Moog. As the younger sibling of the Moog Theremin, it serves as a contemporary interpretation of this musical genre.

Its high-quality ABS/plastic housing - reminiscent of "The Jetsons" - invites you into a musical future rooted in space-age elegance. Adorned with playful elegance, the Theremini's antennas seemingly reach into the ether. The rod controls pitch, while a Saturn ring-like antenna extends for volume control.

Fast forward to today, presenting the Stylophone Theremin - a shape explored a decade after the Theremini. With a console structure and a single telescopic aerial, it's a fresh take on the same principle.

Designed with two plastic shells, the Stylophone Theremin boasts a metal control panel with silk-screen printed graphics. The side features a characteristic volume control, also serving as the on/off switch.

Controls are strategically positioned for optimum user interaction. The innovative tone slider, with a sketched keyboard, allows smooth pitch changes, creating a delightful playing experience.

Embracing an Eastern Bloc aesthetic, the Stylophone Theremin stands proudly with its monolithic shape, harking back to the 1950s and 1960s. Defying sturdiness and exuding a joyful naivety, it invites all to join the musical journey.

Congratulations to the entire team behind Stylophone’s Theremin for winning the 'Best in Show' Awards at NAMM 2024.

And a heartfelt thank you to John Simpson, the head behind the Stylophone product lines, for entrusting us with this delightful design assignment.

More details? Link in comments

20/11/2023

📅 Back to the 80s:: Axel Hartmann's Gambit 🎹

Flashback to 1988 when the term 'workstation' was just emerging in the music world. The design journey embarked with a mission to create an all-in-one instrument, combining recording, synthesis, audio editing, and mastering capabilities. The goal was clear: an attractive, compact instrument that could transform the music production process.

Gambit introduced a rotatable flat monitor, allowing musicians and technicians to collaborate effortlessly, sitting opposite each other. It was a design that encouraged creativity and collaboration, turning music-making into a shared experience.

Beyond its collaborative design, Gambit offered a wide range of music programs, complete with an integrated CD burner. The left-hand controller unit added a new dimension to instrumentality, with tactile finger keys and a pitch-bend lever.

The flat monitor's adjustability was a testament to purposeful design. Its tilt pivot point symbolically defined by a tubular element, housing six large operating controls, allowed for seamless control of screen content.

The touch display deserves special recognition for its forward-thinking design. It was not just a display but a window into the future, especially when viewed through the lens of today's smart devices and touch screens.

Gambit's exterior was a visual delight, with an asymmetrical body that followed the functions of its components. The display concept and backlit bank/patch keys elevated user convenience. The choice of basic colour tones and speckled lacquer coating on sensitive surfaces created a design that was as visually appealing as it was functional.

As the culmination of Axel's graduation thesis, a 1:1 scale model of Gambit was hand-built, garnering praise and recognition. This exceptional instrument was highlighted on the cover of Keyboards magazine in Germany and found its place in front of a professional audience at Matten + Wiechers’ Synthesizer Studio Bonn.