TerraTec AXON AX 100 MKII Operating and installation instructions

AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0
English Manual
Version 1.0, status: August 05

2 AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English)
CE Declaration
We:
TerraTec Electronic GmbH, Herrenpfad 38, D-41334 Nettetal, Germany
hereby declare that the product:
AXON AX 100 mkII,
to which this declaration refers is in compliance with the following standards or standardizing documents:
EN 55013, EN 55020
The following are the stipulated operating and environmental conditions for said compliance:
residential, business and commercial environments and small-company environments.
This declaration is based on:
Test report(s) of the EMC testing laboratory
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and shall not be deemed as a
warranty by the seller. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality,
suitability or accuracy of this document. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the
contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time without the provision of prior
notice to specific persons or organizations. The manufacturer shall not be held liable for damages
of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product or its documentation, even if the
possibility of such damage is known. The information in this document is subject to copyright. All
rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any
purpose without the express written permission of the copyright holders. Product and brand names
contained in this document are used for identification purposes only. All registered trademarks,
product designations or brand names used in this document are the registered property of their
respective owners.
©TerraTec®Electronic GmbH, 1994 - 2005. All rights reserved (8/16/2005).

AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English) 3
Contents
Welcome!...........................................................................................................................................................7
Congratulations… ............................................................................................................................................7
Scope of delivery..............................................................................................................................................8
Optional accessories .......................................................................................................................................8
QuickStart guide—for those of you can't wait.................................................................................................9
Connectors and controls...............................................................................................................................10
Front panel: ..................................................................................................................................................10
Rear panel....................................................................................................................................................12
Editing preset sounds....................................................................................................................................13
The operating modes of the AXON AX 100 mkII ..........................................................................................14
Global Mode ............................................................................................................................................14
Preset Mode ............................................................................................................................................14
Utility Mode ..............................................................................................................................................14
Chain Mode .............................................................................................................................................14
Global Mode....................................................................................................................................................15
Global Parameters .......................................................................................................................................15
Basic Channel ..............................................................................................................................................15
Hold Channel ...............................................................................................................................................15
Sequencer Channel (SEQ CHANNEL).........................................................................................................15
Pitchbend Range (PBEND RANGE) ............................................................................................................16
Send Pitchbend Range (SND PBENDRG)...................................................................................................16
Local Mode...................................................................................................................................................16
Tune Base....................................................................................................................................................17
Guitar Preset Number (GUITAR NO) ...........................................................................................................17
Input Type................................................................................................................................................17
Input Pickup .............................................................................................................................................18
Wheel Control (WHEELCNTRL) ..............................................................................................................18
Input Trigger Level...................................................................................................................................18
Input Sense..............................................................................................................................................18
Pedal Sens...................................................................................................................................................19
CC Defaults..................................................................................................................................................19
MIDI Mapping...............................................................................................................................................20
Preset Mode....................................................................................................................................................20
Preset Parameters .......................................................................................................................................20
Selecting Presets .........................................................................................................................................20
Guitar Tuner .................................................................................................................................................21
Preset Programming ....................................................................................................................................21
String Split ...............................................................................................................................................21
Fret Split ..................................................................................................................................................21
Pick Split ..................................................................................................................................................21
Split Combinations...................................................................................................................................22
Selecting the Split Zones..............................................................................................................................22
Changing the Split Parameters ....................................................................................................................22
Select Instrument.....................................................................................................................................23
Volume.....................................................................................................................................................23
Transpose................................................................................................................................................23
Quantize ..................................................................................................................................................24
Panorama Position (PAN POS) ...............................................................................................................24
Panorama Spread (PAN SPREAD) .........................................................................................................24
Reverb .....................................................................................................................................................25
Chorus .....................................................................................................................................................25

4 AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English)
Attack Time ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Velocity Sense (VEL SENSE) ................................................................................................................. 25
Velocity Offset (VEL OFFSET)................................................................................................................ 26
Pick Value 1 (PICK VAL1)....................................................................................................................... 26
Pick Value 2 (PICK VAL2)....................................................................................................................... 27
Changing parameters shared by split zones................................................................................................ 27
Preset Name................................................................................................................................................ 27
String Mode ................................................................................................................................................. 28
Common Mode (COM)............................................................................................................................ 28
Separate Mode (SEP) ............................................................................................................................. 28
Hold Mode (HOLDMD) ................................................................................................................................ 28
Common (COM)...................................................................................................................................... 28
Separate (SEP) ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Layer ....................................................................................................................................................... 30
Arpeggiator (ARPEG).............................................................................................................................. 30
Controller (CNTRL) ................................................................................................................................. 34
Stack ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
Wheel Control (WHEELCNTL) ................................................................................................................ 35
Non Registered Parameter Number / Registered Parameter Number (NRPN/RPN) .............................. 35
Finger Pick .............................................................................................................................................. 36
String Split............................................................................................................................................... 36
Fret Split.................................................................................................................................................. 36
Pick Split 1 and 2 .................................................................................................................................... 37
Chain Mode ................................................................................................................................................. 37
Setting Up Chain Presets ........................................................................................................................ 37
Chain Preset Name................................................................................................................................. 37
Preset...................................................................................................................................................... 38
Step......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Storing Chain Presets ............................................................................................................................. 38
Utility Mode.................................................................................................................................................. 39
Display .................................................................................................................................................... 39
Sound names .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Double-click Response (DCLIC RESPNS).............................................................................................. 40
Transmit SysEx (XMIT SYSEX) .............................................................................................................. 40
Receive SysEx ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Edit Sequence......................................................................................................................................... 41
Tempo..................................................................................................................................................... 41
Volume.................................................................................................................................................... 41
Reverb Send ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Chorus Send ........................................................................................................................................... 42
Mode ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Pattern .................................................................................................................................................... 42
KIT .......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Steps....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Instruments (1-4)..................................................................................................................................... 43
Track ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
ADC Monitor (ADC MON)............................................................................................................................ 44
The Computer Editor..................................................................................................................................... 45
Installation in Windows ................................................................................................................................ 45
Installation in MAC OS X ............................................................................................................................. 45
Global .......................................................................................................................................................... 46
Presets ........................................................................................................................................................ 47
Arpeggiator / Sequencer.............................................................................................................................. 48

AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English) 5
Chains..........................................................................................................................................................48
CC Defaults..................................................................................................................................................49
MIDI Mapping...............................................................................................................................................49
Appendix.........................................................................................................................................................50
Factory Reset...............................................................................................................................................50
Factory Presets ............................................................................................................................................50
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................................50
Preset list .....................................................................................................................................................53
Parameter Overview Presets .......................................................................................................................55
Parameter Overview Global .........................................................................................................................56
Parameter Overview Chain ..........................................................................................................................56
Parameter Overview Utility...........................................................................................................................56
MIDI Implementation Chart v. 2.0...............................................................................................................57
MIDI Implementation Chart v. 2.0...............................................................................................................58
Table of implemented NRPN controllers 2 ...................................................................................................60
MIDI SysEx Implementation .........................................................................................................................61
Table of AX 100 SysEx dumps.....................................................................................................................61
Format for GS Compatible SysEx commands..............................................................................................62
Table of GS Compatible SysEx commands .................................................................................................62
Patch list.......................................................................................................................................................64

6 AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English)

AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English) 7
Important safety information
Safety information.
Please ensure that analog devices are turned off before plugging them in. This
will protect you from any possible—albeit weak—electrical shocks, as well as
protecting your speakers and your hearing from sudden peaks.
Welcome!
We're pleased that you've chosen a TerraTec Producer product for your musical endeavors and would like to
congratulate you on your decision. With the AXON AX 100 mkll, you've purchased a sophisticated product
representing the state of the art of studio technology—and we're convinced this innovative development will
prove extremely useful to you in the coming years and, above all, provide you with a great deal of
entertainment.
We hope that this brochure is helpful to you while using the product. It is designed to illustrate technical
relationships based on practical examples from the studio environment. This brochure is not only designed to
help beginners with this complicated subject—advanced professionals will also find the occasional bit of useful
information.
We hope you find this manual both informative and entertaining to read, and hope you find lots of pleasure in
the AXON AX 100 mkII.
Sincerely,
Your TerraTec Producer Team
Congratulations…
…on your purchase of the AXON AX 100 mkII, the fastest and most powerful guitar to MIDI converter currently
available. The AXON AX 100 mkII is a further development of the NGC 77, which set standards for innovative
technology and was standard equipment for many professional guitarists, including John McLaughlin. Thanks
to its neural network, the AXON AX 100 mkII is able to determine the precise pitch of a note the instant it is
picked, whereas other devices require several oscillations of the string for analysis. The early recognition of
transients lets the AXON simultaneously determine pitch, amplitude, and even the location at which the string
was picked—an unparalleled ability to date. This is due to the AXON's unusual splitting options. For example,
you can use a string split to divide the strings of your guitar into two zones, each with its own sound properties.
Or use a fret split to divide the fingerboard of your guitar into two separate playing zones. Pick splits let you
divide the picking area of the guitar into up to three independent sound zones that you can select instantly by
changing your picking position. You can achieve impressive effects with the pick control function, which lets
you control modulation effects and others with your picking position. Special effects such as COMMON
(bypass), SEPARATE (hold), LAYER (ensemble/doubling) and others can be applied with the multi-
programmable hold switch. The implementation of a full-featured arpeggiator provides users further options to
add expression to their playing with striking variations. Splits and effects can be combined, stored in up to 128
complex presets and recalled as needed. Another unique feature of the AXON AX 100 mkII is its unrestricted
support for both acoustic guitars and basses with hex piezo pickups. This opens the MIDI world to bass
players and classical guitarists that are looking for new, contemporary forms of expression. The internal
soundboard upgrades the AXON AX 100 mkII to a professional guitar synthesizer for live use, supporting
ambitious musicians with over 500 excellent sounds, including 10 drum kits. The system is fully MIDI
compatible, and also features an editable drum sequencer.

8 AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English)
Scope of delivery
Start by making sure that the contents of the package are complete.
The AXON AX 100 mkII package should contain the following items:
1 AXON AX 100 mkII
1 MIDI cable, 1.5m
1 footswitch for hold and chain function
1 network adapter
CD with Editor software
DVD with AXON workshop, interviews and installation instructions
1 service request form
1 registration card with the serial number
This manual
Please fill out and return the registration card enclosed in the package to us at your earliest convenience or
register online at www.terratec.net/register.htm. This is important for support and hotline services.
Optional accessories
The following products are available separately:
AIX 101 interface board (pickup) for guitars with steel strings
AIX 103 interface board (pickup) for 4, 5 and 6-string bass guitars with steel strings
AXK 100 13-pin cable, 5m, to connect the pickup to the AX-100 mkII

AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English) 9
QuickStart guide—for those of you can't wait
Connect your guitar to the AXON AX 100 mkII. If your guitar is equipped with one of the optional
interfaces (AIX 101, 103), please use the 13-pin cable (AXK 100). The socket at the left of the front panel
labeled GUITAR INPUT is the one you need.
If you are using an external MIDI instrument for audio output, connect the MIDI OUT of the AXON to the
MIDI IN of the instrument. You can skip this step if you intend to use the internal soundboard, of course.
Now connect the AXON AX 100 mkII to your mixer or amplifier using the SOUNDBOARD RIGHT / LEFT
ports on the rear panel. If you're using an external sound module, ensure that the optional sound module
is connected to the mixer or amplifier.
Switch the device on now—but first, set the volume of your amplifier to zero to prevent possible peaks
from damaging your speakers and eardrums.
You're almost finished now. You should check a few basic settings before getting started, however. Press
the GLOBAL button. BASIC CHANNEL will now appear on the display. It should have the value 1. If not,
change it using the VALUE + and - buttons.
Press the PARAMETER + button to navigate to the next menu item, the HOLD CHANNEL. It should have
the value 11. (At any rate, the value should not be lower than 7. Please see page XX for more
information.)
Press PARAMETER + again for the SEQ CHANNEL. Ensure that it is set to 10.
At this point, we will skip the next two settings related to pitchbend —for more information on this subject,
please turn to page XX. The next important item is LOCAL MODE, which you can reach by repeatedly
pressing the PARAMETER button. It should be set to ON if you intend to address the internal soundboard
of the AXON AX 100 mkII directly, or if the generated MIDI data should be sent to the MIDI OUT. You can
disable local mode if you would like to control the AXON using a sequencer or MIDI recording software.
The AXON AX 100 mkII then behaves like any other external sound module.
The next item is the TUNE BASE. The AXON AX 100 mkII is preset to a reference pitch of 440 Hz, which
is indicated on the display by a “0”. If you would like to play together with other, hard-to-tune instruments,
you can adjust your tuning to suit them here.
The next item to check is the type of instrument used. Press the PARAMETER button again and GUITAR
NO will appear on the display. Up to four presets for different guitars can be stored here.

10 AXON AX 100 mkII V. 1.0 (English)
Press ENTER to open the submenu and select the instrument you will be using from the available
instruments: BASS, GUITAR, VIOLIN and CELLO.
Press PARAMETER + to open the selection menu for the pickup you will be using. MAGNETIC is
selected by default. If you are going to be using an acoustic guitar or a bass with a piezo pickup, please
change this setting to PIEZO.
Finished! We can deal with the other parameters later—the AXON has been preconfigured at the factory
to let you get started with a minimum of hassle.
Connectors and controls
Front panel:
1. Socket for the special 13-pin AXON AXK 100 cable (not included) to connect guitars with hexaphonic
pickup systems (e.g. AXON AIX 101 or AXON AIX 103)
2. HEADPHONE OUTPUT: Stereo output (1/4" jack). Connect stereo headphones here to monitor the
internal soundboard.
3. HEADPHONE LEVEL: Adjust the volume of the headphone output (2) here.
4. Contrast control for the LC display
5. LC display
6. GLOBAL button to open the Global menu. Use the GLOBAL button to access general system settings
such as the MIDI channel, guitar settings, and the default values of all available MIDI controllers.
When entering characters for preset names, use the GLOBAL button (A..Z) to change the current
character to uppercase.
7. PRESET button for direct access to the Preset menu. The selected sound is shown on the display when
in Preset mode. A guitar tuner can also be displayed.
Use this button to insert spaces when entering characters for preset names. An LED next to the button
signals the operating status of the device.
8. UTILITY: A variety of special functions are available while in Utility mode:
■Sending of MIDI System Exclusive data (SysEx) for sharing presets and archiving.
■Access to the pattern-oriented drum sequencer
■When entering characters for preset names, use the UTILITY button (A..Z) to change the current
character to lowercase.