TerraTec AXON AX 50 USB User manual

AXON AX 50 USB
English Manual
Version 2.0 | January 2008

CE Declaration
We:
TerraTec Electronic GmbH, Herrenpfad 38, D-41334 Nettetal, Germany
hereby declare that the product:
AXON AX 50 USB,
to which this declaration refers is in compliance with the following standards or standardis-
ing documents:
1. EN 55022
2. EN 55024
The following are the stipulated operating and environmental conditions for said compli-
ance:
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, suit-
ability 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 organisations. 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 possi-
bility 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 pur-
pose 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 - 2008. All rights reserved (01/01/2008).
2 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Contents
Preface ...............................................................................................................................5
Scope of delivery...............................................................................................................5
Optional accessories........................................................................................................5
Congratulations….............................................................................................................6
QuickStart guide................................................................................................................7
Connectors and controls..................................................................................................8
Front panel....................................................................................................................... 8
Rear panel ....................................................................................................................... 9
Installation in Windows XP.............................................................................................10
Driver installation........................................................................................................ 10
Editor installation........................................................................................................ 10
Installation in MAC OS X ................................................................................................10
Driver installation........................................................................................................ 10
Editor installation........................................................................................................ 11
Launching the software for the first time......................................................................11
Tuning............................................................................................................................ 12
The Computer Editor.......................................................................................................13
Global ............................................................................................................................ 14
Global Parameters ..................................................................................................... 14
Basic Channel (1-16) ................................................................................................. 14
Pitchbend Range (0-24) ............................................................................................. 15
Tunebase (-99 - +99) ................................................................................................. 15
Guitar Number (1-8) ................................................................................................... 15
Guitar 1-8 ................................................................................................................... 16
Instrument Type (Guitar, Bass, Violin, Cello) ............................................................. 16
Pickup (Magnetic, Piezo) ........................................................................................... 16
Note Off Limit (2-30)................................................................................................... 16
Trigger Level (0-9)...................................................................................................... 16
Wheel Controller (On / Off) ........................................................................................ 17
Instrument Tuning ...................................................................................................... 17
Sensitivity (8-64) ........................................................................................................ 17
AXON Connection...................................................................................................... 17
Load all settings / Save all settings............................................................................ 18
Firmware Update........................................................................................................ 18
Presets........................................................................................................................... 19
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 3

Preset Parameters......................................................................................................19
Preset Management ...................................................................................................19
Guitar No. (Global, 1-8) ..............................................................................................20
String mode (Common, Separate)..............................................................................20
Wheel Controller Pickup.............................................................................................20
NRPN Controller.........................................................................................................20
Finger Pick (On/Off)....................................................................................................21
Splittings (Split 1, Split 2…Split 12)............................................................................22
Layer (Layer 1…Layer 4)............................................................................................24
MIDI Output ................................................................................................................24
Controller....................................................................................................................25
Notes ..........................................................................................................................26
MIDI Tuning................................................................................................................27
CC Defaults....................................................................................................................28
Controller reset values................................................................................................28
MIDI Mapping.................................................................................................................29
Program Change commands......................................................................................29
Practical Examples..........................................................................................................30
Appendix ..........................................................................................................................33
Factory Reset.................................................................................................................33
Pitches on the Fingerboard............................................................................................33
Pin Assignment of 13-pin Socket ...................................................................................34
MIDI Implementation Chart ............................................................................................35
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................38
4 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Preface
Thank you for choosing a TerraTec AXON Technologies product for your musical en-
deavours. With the AXON AX 50 USB, you've purchased a sophisticated product repre-
senting the state of the art of studio technology – and we're convinced this innovative de-
velopment 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 illus-
trate technical relationships based on practical examples from the studio environment.
This brochure is not only designed to help beginners with this complicated subject - ad-
vanced professionals will also find the occasional bit of useful information.
Sincerely,
Your AXON Technologies Team
Scope of delivery
Start by making sure that the contents of the package are complete.
The AXON AX 50 USB package should contain the following items:
1 AXON AX 50 USB
1 USB cable
1 power adapter 12VAC / 1.5A
1 Quick Start manual
1 AXON AX 50 USB product CD (with detailed manual)
1 WAVE XTABLE VI DVD
1 service request form
1 registration card with the serial number
Please fill out and return the registration card enclosed in the package to us at your earli-
est 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 from TerraTec AXON Technologies:
PU 100 pickup for guitars with steel strings (available from spring 2008)
AIX 103 pickup for 4, 5 and 6-string bass guitars with steel strings
AXK 100 13-pin cable, 5m, to connect the pickup to the AXON AX 50 USB
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 5

Congratulations…
…on your purchase of an AXON AX 50 USB, the second guitar-to-midi converter by
AXON Technologies. The AX 50 USB is based on the same technology as the AX 100
MKII, the probably most powerful device of this type, but it has additional options, such as
a USB port and four MIDI ports, which makes it ideal for state-of-the-art, computer-based
studios.
Thanks to the neural network used in the development of its algorithms, the AXON AX 50
USB 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 tran-
sients 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. Splits and effects can be combined, stored in up to 128 complex
presets and recalled as needed. Another unique feature of the AXON AX 50 USB 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, con-
temporary forms of expression.
6 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

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.
QuickStart guide
for those of you who can't wait:
To configure the many settings of the AXON AX 50 USB, please install the editor soft-
ware on your computer and connect the AXON AX 50 USB to your computer using the
included USB cable. A separate driver installation is not required.
If you would like to use the included WAVE XTABLE VI contact player with its 128
sounds for audio output, please install it from the included DVD.
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.
Connect your guitar to the AXON AX 50 USB. Your guitar must be equipped with one
of the included hexaphonic pickups such as the AXON PU 100 or 103, or a piezo pi-
ckup such as those offered by GraphTech, RMC or other vendors. Please use the 13-
pin AXK 100 cable. The socket at the left of the front panel labelled "INPUT" is the one
you need. Ensure that the plug clicks into place in the socket for optimal contact.
Finished! The AXON has been preconfigured at the factory to let you get started with a
minimum of hassle.
We nevertheless recommend that you take the time to set up the AXON to suit your
playing style and your instrument. It's essential if you want to fully leverage the
AXON's strengths and experience the best possible tracking.
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 7

Connectors and controls
Front panel
1. Socket for the special 13-pin AXON AXK 100 cable (not included) to connect gui-
tars/basses with hexaphonic pickup systems (e.g. AXON PU 100 or AXON AIX
101/103).
2. 3-digit 7-segment LED display.
3. TUNER button with multiple functions:
■TUNE MODE: A minus sign signals that the device is in TUNE mode. Press the
button briefly to activate this mode. Pressing the button again will return it to
preset mode.
■FIRMWARE UPDATE: Press the Tuner button and hold it for around 3 seconds
while the device is initialising.
■BRIGHTNESS: Press and hold the button while the device is in operation. The
display will first gradually dim, then gradually brighten again. Release the but-
ton at the desired level.
4. POWER ON/OFF switches the AC power of the AXON. The LED display is lit when
the power is turned on.
8 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Rear panel
1. 12VAC: Connect the power adapter here (12VAC/1.5A).
2. USB: Socket to connect the device to your computer.
3. MIDI IN: The AXON receives all incoming Program Change commands, as well as
controller data via this input. A MIDI footswitch to change presets can be connected
here.
4. MIDI THRU: All data arriving at MIDI IN is available in unchanged form here.
5. MIDI OUT: All MIDI data generated by your AXON AX 50 USB is available here.
6. INST. OUT: The "normal", unmodified pickup signal of your guitar can be sent through
the 13-pin cable, making it available at this socket. The pickups PU 100 and
AIX101/103 have an input for the pickup signal of your guitar. Use the included cable
to connect the pickup output of your guitar to the minijack socket.
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 9

Installation in Windows XP
Driver installation
1. Connect the AXON AX 50 USB to a free USB port (1.1 or 2.0) on your computer and
switch the AXON on.
2. A short time later, a pop-up window will appear to indicate that a new device – the AX
50 USB – was found. The Windows installer will complete the installation automati-
cally. The device uses generic drivers already present in your system, making it un-
necessary to enter a path to a custom driver. After a few seconds, another pop-up will
inform you that the new hardware has been installed and is ready to use.
3. There, you're finished already!
Editor installation
1. Insert the included AXON CD in your drive and wait for the autorun application to
launch. If the autorun application on the CD does not launch automatically, start the
application manually by double-clicking "Autorun.exe" in the root folder of the CD.
2. Select your language and "AXON Editor" in the following menu. The setup wizard will
now appear.
3. The wizard will now display its welcome message.
4. In the following menu, select the path and destination folder.
5. Click "Finish" to complete the installation.
6. Launch the application with Start \ Programs \ TerraTec \ AXON AX 50 USB \ AX 50
USB Editor.
Installation in MAC OS X
Driver installation
1. Connect the AXON AX 50 USB to a free USB port (1.1 or 2.0) on your computer and
switch the AXON on.
2. The device uses generic drivers already present in your system, making it unneces-
sary to enter a path to a custom driver.
3. There, you're finished already!
10 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Editor installation
1. On the CD, the image files are located at "Editor\MAC":
■AXON_AX_50_USB_Editor_PPC_Vx.x.x.dmg (G4/G5 OS 10.3)
■AXON_AX_50_USB_Editor_Universal_Vx.x.x.dmg. (G4/G5/Intel OS 10.4 or hig-
her)
2. Mount the correct image for your system by double-clicking and copy the program
contained there to your programs folder.
3. The Editor can be launched at System\Programs when the installation is complete.
Launching the software for the first time
The AXON AX 50 USB is now set up and ready to use. The device has two different oper-
ating modes:
Connected to a computer via USB: this gives you access to the full range of parame-
ters and lets you configure the AXON via the editor software. You can also transfer
MIDI data to your computer directly via the USB port.
Stand-alone mode: the AXON is not configurable in this mode, but it responds to all
incoming program change commands and controller data from the MIDI IN socket and,
of course, sends all MIDI data generated to the output jack.
When switching on the AXON AX 50 USB, the following will appear on the display:
A dot will appear at the lower right.
Next, the firmware version number is displayed.
Finally, the display will switch to the currently selected preset number.
NOTE: "preset numbers" refer to the memory slots of the AXON AX 50 USB, not the
GM sound or another sound number of your sound generator (as is customary on the
displays of sound machines).
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 11

Tuning
A properly tuned instrument is important for smooth, and above all "fast", operation. We
have integrated a tuner in the AXON for that reason. To activate it, press the TUNER but-
ton on the front panel.
The display shows the designation of the current string (at higher semitones such as F# or
G#, an additional bar will be displayed in the middle character, followed by the indication
of whether the string's pitch is too high or low. The information is shown as symbols cov-
ering four pitch ranges (1 cent = 1/100 semitone or 1 semitone = 100 cent):
from +35 to +49 cent
from +23 to +34 cent
from +11 to +22 cent
from +3 to +10 cent
the pitch is correct
from -3 to -10 cent
from -11 to -22 cent
from -23 to -34 cent
from -35 to -50 cent
12 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

The Computer Editor
To work with the editor, you must connect the AXON AX 50 USB with the computer via the
USB interface. MIDI connections (as with the AXON AX 100) are no longer supported.
Under "AXON Connection" on the Global page, select the AXON AX 50 USB (USB audio
device in Windows) and click "Connect".
Note for Windows users: unfortunately, Windows does not display individual names for
USB MIDI devices, so you will always find the AXON under "USB audio device". As the
device also provides four additional MIDI ports, please choose the first, unnumbered de-
vice when setting up the connection with the editor.
If you have other USB devices connected to your computer, their numbers will be in pa-
rentheses rather than square brackets:
1: USB audio device AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 1
2: USB audio device [2] AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 2
3: USB audio device [3] AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 3
4: USB audio device [4] AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 4
5: USB audio device [5] AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 5
6: USB audio device (2) additional USB audio device port 1
7: USB audio device (2) [2] additional USB audio device port 2
The editor is now ready to use, letting you remotely control the AXON AX 50 USB in real
time and monitor the results. Managing, editing and saving becomes child's play with the
editor.
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 13

Global
Global Parameters
The global parameters contain all higher-level parameters such as information related to
the MIDI channels, the instrument used, the reference tuning and the input sensitivity of
the individual strings. A number of settings can be set individually for each instrument that
you will be using with the AXON. Check and adapt these settings as necessary before
using it for the first time. This is essential to ensure that the AXON will work optimally with
your instrument.
Basic Channel (1-16)
Various options are available for sending the MIDI information generated by the AXON
from the vibrations of your guitar strings to the sound module or MIDI instrument. Ideally,
a MIDI channel is assigned to each string (see STRING MODE SEPARATE) This has the
advantage of evaluating each string separately. For example, bending a string affects only
that string's channel. Otherwise, bending would affect the pitches of the other strings be-
ing played at the same time, an effect that is generally undesirable. Use BASIC
CHANNEL to specify the first of six MIDI channels. All other channels follow automatically
in ascending order. If you select "1", for example, MIDI channels 1 to 6 will be reserved by
your AXON. The value '5' would assign channels 5 to 10, and the value '11' the channels
from 11 to 16. '1' is the default value.
14 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Pitchbend Range (0-24)
Bending and sliding are techniques frequently used by guitarists. Your AXON uses the
MIDI pitchbend command for these effects. As with a keyboard pitch wheel, the pitch of
the last note picked is modified without picking a new note. The value ranges must be
adjusted to ensure that the sound module or a connected MIDI instrument reproduces the
pitch changes accurately.
The displayed value indicates the maximum number of semitone steps that can be applied
to a pitchbend. For most instruments, a value of 12 (one octave) is good. We recommend
a setting of 24 for basses. However, please consult your sound generator's manual, as a
setting of 2 is also common.
The value "0" disables pitchbend, triggering chromatic semitones when bending or sliding.
Press "Resend" to ensure that the predefined pitchbend range is resent to the external
sound generator any time you change the preset.
Tunebase (-99 - +99)
Enter the fine tuning for your instrument here in the -99 to +99 cent range, which is rough-
ly one semitone in either direction. (Strictly speaking, 100 cents are a semitone, but let's
not get carried away...) All MIDI notes generated by your AXON are based on the refer-
ence frequency of 440 Hz, plus or minus a deviation determined by this parameter. If you
are playing with musicians using instruments that are difficult to tune, such as a piano, you
can adjust your AXON to the situation. We recommend the following procedure when us-
ing a reference frequency other than 440 Hz: start by carefully tuning the open A-string to
the reference instrument by ear. Next, press the Autotune button.
Autotune: A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to play the open A-string.
This will adjust the internal tuning of the AXON to suit your instrument. The field next to
"Tunebase" will then indicate the value by which the overall tuning of your instrument is
deviating from standard pitch.
Guitar Number (1-8)
You can save settings for up to eight different instruments, but if you have a favourite and
don't want to use a different instrument for each preset, enter the number of your main
instrument here. That is the instrument that will be used by default whenever you have not
selected a different one in the presets.
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 15

Guitar 1-8
A number of basic settings related to sensitivity and other parameters must be set up to
ensure that your AXON works optimally with your guitar. These settings depend on the
type and setup of your guitar. They can vary widely from one instrument to the next. How-
ever, the AXON stores up to eight sets of basic settings, making it unnecessary to set up
the required parameters individually every time – simply choose a guitar preset number
with the touch of a button. Click the "Guitar 1 – Guitar 8" buttons to activate a setup.
Instrument Type (Guitar, Bass, Violin, Cello)
Specify the type of instrument you are using here (guitar, bass, violin, or cello). This is
especially important for the assignment of the strings to the MIDI channels you specified.
Pickup (Magnetic, Piezo)
Select your pickup system type here. Magnetic is the default mode, for example when
using the optionally available pickup AXON PU 100 or AIX 101/103 with its magnetic pi-
ckup. The Piezo setting supports polyphonic piezo pickups (available separately). Piezo
pickups are designed to reproduce the natural sound of hollow-body instruments as faith-
fully as possible and have been engineered especially for use with acoustic guitars. An
important advantage for guitarists is that piezo pickups, which can be installed invisibly in
the bridge of the instrument, can also be used on instruments with nylon strings such as
classical guitars.
Note Off Limit (2-30)
Unlike a keyboard, which holds its notes until the key is released, a guitar string will sound
until the note dies out naturally or the string is stopped. The duration of the note depends
primarily on the type of guitar, how it is set up, and the type of strings used. Some guitars
therefore sound percussive, while others have more sustain. This can be represented as
an envelope curve in which the volume or amplitude values gradually decline to zero. By
specifying a threshold value on this envelope, it becomes possible to control the duration
of the note. Selecting a higher value will cause the MIDI Note Off command to be sent
sooner, while lower values will result in greater sustain. The AXON can thus be matched
optimally to the characteristics of your guitar.
Trigger Level (0-9)
Use this parameter to specify a threshold at which notes should be triggered on your MIDI
instrument to suit your playing technique. A low value will ensure that even a weak pick
will trigger a "Note On" command. Conversely, a higher value will require a harder pick.
Experiment with the values a bit to find your optimal setting.
16 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Wheel Controller (On / Off)
If your pickup does not have a potentiometer (control dial), please specify that here, as the
AXON will not receive the correct values and will function incorrectly otherwise. This will
only be the case with accessory piezo pickups, however, as the AXON PU 100, AIX 101
and the AIX 103 have such a potentiometer.
Instrument Tuning
Set the actual tuning of your instrument here, so that the AXON can use it as the basis for
its further actions. Please do not confuse "Instrument Tuning" with the "MIDI Tuning" on
the Preset page. The latter will only work correctly if you enter the correct values here.
Either enter the correct pitch for each string individually, or select a tuning via the "Preset"
button (which is set to "Normal" the first time you run the Editor). You can also save your
own personal tuning by clicking the "Save" button. It will then be stored in the preset list
and can be selected as described above. To remove tunings, delete the appropriate file
(.axt) in the installation folder (default path: "Program Files\TerraTec\AXON AX 50
USB\Tuning"). For the Mac, this folder is included in the package.
Sensitivity (8-64)
The six sliders in this section control the sensitivity of the inputs at the A/D converter. The
scale ranges from 8 to 64, with 64 being the highest sensitivity. For best results, set this
value to the highest possible value without overdrive or double triggering.
Overdrive is signalled with O 1 for the E string, O 2 for the B string, O 3 for the G string,
etc. Double triggering can be recognised as two tones in short succession after picking
the string once.
With the Link button all six sliders can be linked, allowing them to be moved as a single
slider.
AXON Connection
Select the devices that you want to control with the Editor here. Please select "USB audio
device".
NOTE: unfortunately, Windows does not display individual names for USB MIDI devices,
so you will always find the AXON under "USB audio device". As the device also provides
four additional MIDI ports, please choose the first, unnumbered device when setting up
the connection with the Editor.
Connect: if the AXON AX 50 USB appears in "PC MIDI In Device" and "PC MIDI Out De-
vice" (as USB audio device), please click the "Connect" button. An error message will now
appear if the AXON is not correctly installed or the incorrect devices are listed under MIDI
devices—otherwise, a window with a progress bar will open and the connection between
the computer and the AXON will be established in a few seconds.
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 17

Load all settings / Save all settings
Using these buttons, you can save all the device's settings to the hard drive as a SysEx
file (Save all settings) and restore them later (Load all settings). This is useful before a
firmware update or can be used for general backup purposes.
Firmware Update
We always strive to ensure our products have the highest possible quality. Nevertheless,
we sometimes need to fix bugs or add new features. We generally offer new firmware for
download on our website for this purpose. Here's how to perform the update:
NOTE: installing a firmware update will overwrite all of your presets. Be sure to save
them in a SysEx file before you start!
Hold the TUNE button while switching on the power of the AXON AX 50 USB. "UPD"
will appear in the display.
The ID of the device changes while in update mode, causing Windows to recognise
new hardware and automatically install the drivers.
Start the software editor now.
On the GLOBAL page, select the desired firmware file (.axu) in "Firmware Update".
The display will now show the progress of the upgrade.
Do not turn the device off at this point!
When the update is complete, RDY. (ready) will appear on the display to indicate that
the upgrade was successful. After restarting, FAC. will be displayed to indicate that
the factory settings have been restored.
Note: if ERR. appears on the display, simply repeat the update process. Don't worry,
it's not possible to break anything, as the bootloader is not overwritten.
18 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)

Presets
Preset Parameters
The Preset parameters contain all of the settings that the AXON needs to manage a pre-
set. A preset is a playing environment that you have defined which contains a wide range
of playing and audio property settings that you can select at any time. You can save up to
128 complex programmable presets. The complexity of your presets is entirely up to you.
For example, you can organise the strings of your guitar as 12 completely different split
areas that can be combined freely. Countless effects and playing parameters can be as-
signed to each of the splits independently.
Preset Management
Get Preset: calls up the individual presets. Use the arrows to the left and right of the but-
ton to navigate the preset memory slots.
Store to: stores the settings to the location shown at the right.
Load from Disk / Save to Disk: loads individual presets from the computer or saves
them there.
Preset Name: be sure to give presets you have created a descriptive name to make them
easier to find. The name may contain up to 12 characters.
AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English) 19

Guitar No. (Global, 1-8)
You can assign a certain instrument to the preset here. Enter the value "Global" to apply
all changes to the default guitar on the "Global" page. Alternatively, enter the guitar num-
bers 1-8.
String mode (Common, Separate)
String mode determines how the strings of your guitar are assigned to the MIDI basic
channel (see Global Parameters):
Separate Mode: In Separate mode, a separate MIDI channel is reserved for each
string of your guitar (see Global Parameters). This mode provides the greatest possi-
ble flexibility. Pitchbend effects such as bending, hammer-on and sliding only affect
the channel of the string being played. These techniques can thus be applied without
restrictions. Virtually all current MIDI instruments support multiple channels, so choose
this mode whenever possible. The currently used channels are shown at the left of the
fingerboard graphic for a better overview.
Common Mode: In Common mode, all of the strings of your guitar are assigned to the
MIDI basic channel. To prevent conflicts with notes still sounding on the same chan-
nel, no pitchbend information is sent when more than one note is being played in this
mode. Solo playing is therefore possible with some restrictions. Use this mode if your
MIDI instrument can only receive on one MIDI channel. Also, not all sequencer pro-
grams support recording multiple channels at the same time. You should also select
this mode in this case.
Wheel Controller Pickup
Specify the MIDI controller to be controlled by the wheel controller. The default parameter
is "Channel Volume".
NRPN Controller
Many synthesiser manufacturers support the modification of sound properties via so-
called NRPN (non-registered parameter number) and RPN (registered parameter number)
numbers. RPNs are defined in the MIDI specification; NRPNs are manufacturer-specific.
For more information on NRPNs, please refer to the manual of the MIDI output device.
The approach is the same for both types: a system parameter is set with the associated
(N)RPN-LSB and MSB controllers that can be modified subsequently with controller #6
(DATA ENTRY MSB) or controller #38 (DATA ENTRY LSB).
The following is an example of such an application with your AXON: Let's assume you
have read in the manual of your synthesiser that the manufacturer supports filter control
via the NRPNs MSB=01h and LSB=21h. Enter the value 01h in the MSB field, and 21h in
the LSB field. You have now set up the NRPN and specified that controller #6 (or #38) can
be applied to a filter. Pick control and the three possible wheels are now available as
sources for the controller #6/#38. If you specify the wheel of the AIX 101 / 103 interface
20 AXON AX 50 USB v2.0 (English)