Axon AXON AX-100 SB User manual

USERS MANUAL
USERS MANUAL
AX-100
AX-100 SB
3. Edition
Dezember 2003
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AXON AX-100 GUITAR TO MIDI CONVERTER
2 User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
Table of Contents
Accessories AX-100 / AX-100SB ....................................................................................................... 5
AXON Setup ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Front Panel AX-100 ........................................................................................................................... 7
Rear Panel AX-100 ............................................................................................................................ 8
About the AXON AX 100 (-SB) ........................................................................................................ 9
Quickstart ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Basic Settings ................................................................................................................................... 10
Changing a preset sound ................................................................................................................. 12
About the User Interface of your AXON ....................................................................................... 14
The Four AXON Modes of operation ............................................................................................ 15
GLOBAL MODE .....................................................................................................................15
PRESET MODE ...................................................................................................................... 15
UTILITY MODE ................................................................................................................. 15
CHAIN MODE ........................................................................................................................ 15
GLOBAL MODE ............................................................................................................................. 16
Global Parameters .................................................................................................................... 16
BASIC CHANNEL .................................................................................................................. 16
HOLD CHANNEL .................................................................................................................. 16
SEQ CHANNEL ...................................................................................................................... 17
PBEND RANGE ...................................................................................................................... 17
SND PBENDRG ...................................................................................................................... 17
LOCAL MODE........................................................................................................................ 18
TUNE BASE ............................................................................................................................ 18
GUITAR NO… ........................................................................................................................ 19
TYP ................................................................................................................................. 19
PICKUP ..........................................................................................................................19
NOTE OFF LIM ............................................................................................................. 20
TRIG. LEVEL ................................................................................................................ 20
SENSE ............................................................................................................................ 20
CC DEFAULTS........................................................................................................................ 21
MIDI MAPPING....................................................................................................................... 21
PRESET MODE .............................................................................................................................. 22
Preset Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 22
Recalling Presets ...................................................................................................................... 22
Guitar Tuner ............................................................................................................................. 22
PRESET PROGRAMMING .................................................................................................... 23
String Split ............................................................................................................................... 23
Fret Split ................................................................................................................................... 23
Pick Split .................................................................................................................................. 23
Split Combinations ................................................................................................................... 23
Selecting Split Zones ............................................................................................................... 24
Changing the Split Parameters ................................................................................................. 24
Choose Instrument .......................................................................................................... 25
BANK MSB / BANK LSB ................................................................................... 25
VOLUME ....................................................................................................................... 25
TRANSPOSE ................................................................................................................. 25
QUANTIZE .................................................................................................................... 25
PAN POS ........................................................................................................................ 26
PAN SPREAD ................................................................................................................ 27
REVERB ........................................................................................................................ 27
CHORUS ........................................................................................................................ 27

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User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
AXON AX-100 GUITAR TO MIDI CONVERTER
VEL SENSE ................................................................................................................... 27
VEL OFFSET ................................................................................................................. 27
PICK CONTROL… ....................................................................................................... 28
PICK VAL1..................................................................................................................... 28
PICK VAL2..................................................................................................................... 28
Diagram Velocity Mapping ............................................................................................................. 29
Changing split-common Parameters ........................................................................................ 30
Preset Name .................................................................................................................... 30
STRING MODE ............................................................................................................. 31
HOLDMD ....................................................................................................................... 31
COMMON ...................................................................................................................... 31
SEP… ............................................................................................................................. 31
HOLD PRESET .................................................................................................... 32
VOLUME:............................................................................................................. 32
SEQ PATTERN ..................................................................................................... 32
SEQ TRACK ......................................................................................................... 32
SEQ TEMPO ......................................................................................................... 33
LAYER… ....................................................................................................................... 33
LAYER PRESET .................................................................................................. 33
SEQ PATTERN ..................................................................................................... 33
SEQ TRACK ......................................................................................................... 33
SEQ TEMPO ......................................................................................................... 34
ARPEG… ....................................................................................................................... 34
ARPEG PRESET .................................................................................................. 34
TEMPO ................................................................................................................. 34
LENGTH ............................................................................................................... 35
SCAN .................................................................................................................... 35
PATTERN.............................................................................................................. 35
SYNC .................................................................................................................... 37
OCTAVES ............................................................................................................. 37
REPEATS .............................................................................................................. 37
VELOCITY ........................................................................................................... 38
SEQ PATTERN ..................................................................................................... 38
SEQ TRACK ......................................................................................................... 38
Editing HOLD Presets .................................................................................................... 39
CNTRL… ....................................................................................................................... 39
HOLD CONTROLLER ........................................................................................ 39
SEQ PATTERN ..................................................................................................... 39
SEQ TRACK ......................................................................................................... 40
SEQ TEMPO ......................................................................................................... 40
STACK... ............................................................................................................... 40
WHEELCNTL… ............................................................................................................ 40
NRPN/RPN… ................................................................................................................. 41
FINGER PICK ................................................................................................................ 42
STRING SPLIT .............................................................................................................. 42
FRET SPLIT ................................................................................................................... 42
PICK SPLIT 1 and 2 ....................................................................................................... 43
Chain Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 44
Creating Chain Presets ............................................................................................................. 44
CHAIN PRESET NAME ......................................................................................................... 44
PROGRAM .............................................................................................................................. 44
STEP ........................................................................................................................................ 45
Saving Chain Presets ................................................................................................................ 45

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4 User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
UTILITY MODE ............................................................................................................................. 46
Utility Parameters .................................................................................................................... 46
DISPLAY ................................................................................................................................. 46
PRESET NAMES ....................................................................................................................47
DCLIC RESPNS ................................................................................................... 47
XMIT SYSEX… ...................................................................................................................... 48
RECEIVE SYSEX ...................................................................................................................48
EDIT SEQUENCE… ............................................................................................................... 49
TEMPO ...........................................................................................................................49
VOLUME ....................................................................................................................... 49
REVERB SEND ............................................................................................................. 50
CHORUS SEND ............................................................................................................. 50
MODE ............................................................................................................................50
PATTERN… ................................................................................................................... 50
TRACK............................................................................................................................51
ADC MONITOR ...................................................................................................................... 52
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................... 53
Factory Presets ......................................................................................................................... 52
Problem Solving ....................................................................................................................... 61
External MIDI instrument doesn’t play .......................................................................... 60
String bending does not function properly...................................................................... 60
Sometimes wrong notes .................................................................................................. 60
Varying string volume levels .......................................................................................... 62
Dynamic difference between notes is too great .............................................................. 62
SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................... 63
Parameter Overview Preset ........................................................................................................... 65
Parameter Overview Global ........................................................................................................... 66
Parameter Overview Chain ............................................................................................................ 66
Parameter Overview Utility ............................................................................................................ 67
Midi Implementation Chart ........................................................................................................... 68

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User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
AXON AX-100 GUITAR TO MIDI CONVERTER
Accessories AX-100 / AX-100SB
Optional accessories available for the AXON AX-100
1,5 m
MIDI cable
MIDI cable 1,5 m ( 5')
Footswitch for Hold / Chain function
Power adapter 115 V or 230 V
User manual
Adapter
AC 12 Volt
1500 mA
Sound card SB-2133
GM sound card with 128
excellent sounds and drum Kits
7 m
13-conductor cable
13-conductor cable AXK-
100
length 7 m (23 foot)
AIX-101
Interface for any
guitar with 6 steel
strings.
AIX-103
Interface for Bass guitar
with 4,5 or 6 steel strings
Piezo Pickup
Hex piezo pickup for
acoustic guitars
AIX-110
Interface board
for piezo pickup
AIX-210
Interface board for
the Godin guitar
"Multiac"
AFS-100
Swell pedal for
control function of
the AX-100.
(filter, volume,
panorama, etc. )
AFT-100
Footswitch with
closing contact for
Hold/Chain function.
AIX-101
Interface for 6
string guitar
PICKUP FOR GUITAR
13 pin connector
PICKUP FOR BASS
AIX-103
Interface for Bass
with 4,5 or 6 strings
13 pin connector
FOOTSWITCH
1,5 m
DB2133
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AXON Setup
AXON connections and setup for AX-100
Output guitar audio
signal to
mixer/amplifier
From MIDI thru
to computer
MIDI in
Output (stereo/mono) sound module
to mixer/amplifier
MIDI OUT
to synth/
GM-module
MIDI IN
POWER ADAPTER
AC - output
12V/1,5 A
Footswitch
CHAIN Footswitch
HOLD
From Interface
AIX-101 / 102 / AIX110
to AXON 13 pin input
via 13-conductor cable.
MIDI IN for
sound card
SB-676 or
MIDI Dump
Exp. Pedal -EXP 1
control pedal for
volume, filter, etc.
Output (stereo/mono) AX-100 SB to
mixer/amplifier
Only AX-100 SB version !
Exp. Pedal -EXP 2
control pedal for
volume, filter, etc.
MIDI
RECORDING
MIXER
FOOTSWITCH
Mono input
for guitar or
microphone
For all
monophonic
instruments
SB
707 100 001
FOOTSWITCH

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User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
AXON AX-100 GUITAR TO MIDI CONVERTER
Front Panel AX-100
Front Panel AX-100-SB
Guitar Interface Jack. Connect your guitar interface to this jack using the 13-conductor cable provided.
MONO IN Input Jack. Use this jack to input any analog signal to your AXON. The AXON will then convert it to MIDI
information.
LEVEL MONO. Sensitivity pot for the MONO IN jack.
DISPLAY CONTRAST.
The high-contrast LCD display shows preset names as well as various parameters, some of which are shown graphically.
Using the PRESET button, you can change from GLOBAL, UTILITY and CHAIN modes directly to PRESET mode. The
LED just to the left of the PRESET button shows you the status. In PRESET mode, the presently selected preset is shown
in the display. You also have the option of seeing the built in instrument tuner in the bottom half of the display. Use the
+/- Value buttons to cycle through and select presets. In the Text-Editor, using the PRESET button gives you a space.
Using the GLOBAL button, you have access to general system settings such as MIDI channel, guitar settings, as well as
the default values of all MIDI controllers. In addition you can prohibit output of Panorama, Reverb, Chorus and Variation
controllers separately. In the Text-Editor, using the PRESET button (A…Z) changes the presently selected character to a
capital or if no character is selected, gives you a capital ”A”.
The STORE button allows you to save preset data, arpeggiator patterns, drum sequences and chains to the permanent
battery-backed-up RAM of your AXON. In the Text-Editor, using the STORE button inserts a character at the present
cursor position, shifting all following characters one character to the right.
In UTILITY mode there are various special functions available:
output of sysex (system exclusive) data for archival purposes
access to the pattern-oriented drum sequencer built in to the AXON AX 100 SB
flexible effect editor for all available effects including reverb, delay, modulation, equalization, etc.
In the Text-Editor, using the UTILITY button (a…z) removes the presently selected character to small case, or if no
character is selected, inserts a small case ”a”.
Using the EDIT button in PRESET mode allows you access to the various preset parameters. In CHAIN mode you can
select various series of presets that can be toggled using a foot pedal. In the Text-Editor, using the EDIT button (delete)
removes the presently selected character and moves all the following characters one character to the left.
Use the CHAIN button to get to CHAIN mode, where you can use a foot pedal to cycle through preprogrammed preset
series. In the Text-Editor, using the CHAIN button (!…@) inserts a punctuation or special character.
The +/- Value buttons increase or decrease the presently selected value of a parameter in the display. You can also use
the UP/DOWN buttons on your guitar interface.
The +/- Parameter buttons allow you to cycle through the various parameters in a parameter list in the display. In PRESET
mode these buttons have no function.
Use the EXIT button to leave the present sub menu. Pressing it several times brings you to the root level of PRESET
mode. Use the EXIT button to cancel a save function as well.
The ENTER button serves as a confirmation of saves and copies as well as opening a sub menu. The presence of a sub
menu is shown as ”…” in the display. You can leave any sub menu using the EXIT button.
POWER ON/OFF. Here is where you turn your AXON on and off. When you turn it on, the display shows your last used
preset in PRESET mode and is in LOCAL ON mode.
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8 User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
Rear Panel AX-100
Rear Panel AX-100-SB
Model number of your AXON from the factory. If there is ”SB” after the ”AXON AX 100”, your AXON is equipped with
the internal sound board built in at the factory. You can of course opt to purchase the sound board later.
Serial Number of your AXON.
RIGHT (MONO): This is the right side line level output from the internal sound board, if you have the AXON AX 100
SB. If this output jack alone is connected (without the left output being connected) the resulting signal from this output
jack is a composite MONO signal.
LEFT (STEREO): This is the left side line level output from the internal sound board, if you have the AXON AX 100
SB. If this output jack alone is connected (without the right jack being connected) the resulting signal from this jack is
still the left side of the stereo signal alone.
MIDI IN jack: Your AXON AX 100 (SB) receives program change and sysex data on this port. If you also use the setting
LOCAL OFF in GLOBAL mode, you can have all incoming MIDI data sent directly to the optional internal sound board.
This is the typical setting if you are using your AXON with a sequencer.
MIDI THRU jack: All data that is received on the MIDI IN jack will be echoed unchanged to this port.
MIDI OUT jack: All MIDI data generated by your AXON will be sent to this port. If you are using an external MIDI
instrument with your AXON, be sure to connect this port with the MIDI IN port on your external instrument.
EXP1, EXP2 jacks for foot swell pedals: You can connect to separate swell pedals to these jacks to control any MIDI
controller you choose. Especially valuable when assigned to modulation and filter effects. Because your AXON supports
the NRPN/RPN controllers, you can assign controllers #6 and #38 to these pedals and have access to a wide variety of
usable functions that are not presently available in any other machine of this category.
CHAIN footpedal jack: In chain mode, you can use a pedal switch attached to this port to cycle through a series of
preprogrammed presets.
HOLD footpedal jack: connect the foot pedal included with your AXON to this port to access any of the various HOLD
modes such as COMMON, SEPARATE, LAYER, ARPEGGIATOR and CONTROL.
ADAPTER: Connect the powersupply included with your AXON to this jack.
GUITAR OUT jack: The normal analog signal from your guitar pickups is transmitted through the 13-conductor cable
from your guitar interface along with all the other information sent to your AXON. This unchanged analog signal is fed
through your AXON to this port so that you can, for example, combine your natural guitar sound with the MIDI sounds
generated by your AXON. In order to eliminate possible hum from the guitar analog signal, always use this port and the
signal coming through the 13-conductor cable for the source of your analog guitar sound if you are going to be combining
it with MIDI sounds. Your guitar interface AX101/102 has a mini phone jack for this purpose. You can connect it directly
to the included 13-conductor cable.
CE symbol: This symbol certifies that your AXON follows the appropriate standards of the European Union (EU).
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User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
AXON AX-100 GUITAR TO MIDI CONVERTER
Fret Lower ZoneFret Upper Zone
String Split
Upper Midle Lower
PICK
Pick Split 1 Pick Split 2
String
String
Fert Split
{
{
Zone
{
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{
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About the AXON AX 100 (-SB)
Congratulations on your purchase of the AXON AX 100 (-SB), the
fastest and highest performance Guitar to Midi Converter presently
on the market. The AXON AX 100 represents a new generation of
the NGC 77, which up until now has been the standard for innovative
technology and which has become standard equipment for many pro-
fessional guitarists like John McLaughlin for example. With the
development of the Neural Net System, with its ability to learn your
personal guitar playing style, the AXON AX 100 is capable of
recognizing the exact pitch that you play immediately as you play it,
whereas other converters need several string vibrations for pitch
analysis.
Transient Early Recognition is a process that allows the AXON to
immediately and simultaneously recognize and translate pitch, volume,
and even the pick position of your right hand, a characteristic that is
to date unique to the AXON. This is because of the AXON’s unique
structure of Splits. You can divide the six strings of your guitar into
two separate groups and then assign two separate sounds to those
string groups. Or you can make use of a ”Fretsplit”, to divide the
fingerboard of your guitar into two totally distinct play areas, assigning
separate sounds or characteristics to each area. Using ”Picksplit” you
can divide the area of your guitar where you pick the strings into
three separate ranges, allowing you to assign various sounds and sound
characteristics to each range. In this way you can switch from sound
to sound with lightning speed, simply by moving your right hand
forward or backward.
Impressive effects can be controlled by the Pickcontrol function,
allowing you to assign such Midi controller effects as Modulation to
various pick ranges. Other effects such as COMMON (Bypass), SE-
PARATE (Hold), LAYER (ensemble/doubling), etc. can be controlled
by the fully programmable hold pedal.
The implimentation of a sophisticated Arpeggiator gives you the
possibilities of variation and expression and accompaniment. Splits
and effects can be freely combined and saved in up to 128 presets,
which can then be called up quickly.
Also unique to the AXON AX 100 is the ability to use special piezo
pickups in your bass guitar or even accoustic and nylon stringed
instruments, allowing you complete control of your AXON from
accoustic instruments. Finally a door to the midi world for bass
guitarists and classical guitarists is wide open for new and modern
forms of musical expression.

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10 User manual AXON AX-100 / AX-100 SB
The internal sound board built into the AXON AX 100-SB makes
your AXON a professional guitar synthesizer with 128 GM excellent
sounds, as well as 11 drum kits. General-MIDI, there are numerous
digital effects. In addition the AXON AX 100-SB is a freely editable
drum sequencer. And because the AXON AX 100 is structured
modularly, you can choose at any time to add the optional sound board,
upgrading to the SB version.
Quickstart
It’s certainly understandable that you are not in the mood right now
to learn all about the theory and structure of your AXON. You can do
that later in the pages of this manual. Now it’s time to dabble a little:
Basic Settings
Before you start, it’s important to tell the AXON a few things about
the instrument you’ll be playing. The more exact you are about these
basic settings, the more exact your AXON’s neural net will be able to
interpret your playing style and adjust to how you play. The default
parameters are so thought-out so that you will probably only have to
change a few of them. Then later, when you get to know your AXON
a bit better, you will be able to fine-tune these settings (Global Para-
meters).
1. Using the 13 pin jack on the front side of the AXON, connect your
guitar interface to it using the 13 connector cable provided. If you
will be using an external MIDI instrument, connect it using the MIDI-
out port on the AXON and the MIDI-in port on the synth using nor-
mal MIDI cables
2. Turn the AXON on. Wait for a moment until the AXON has
completed its initialisation process and the display is still.
3. Press the GLOBAL button. In the display you now see ”BASIC
CHANNEL.” If you see a ”1” after the colon, leave it. If not, use the
+/- Value buttons to set this value to 1.