AUDITION

M-AUDIO AXIOM 25

MIDI CONTROLLER KEYBOARD

by Francis Preve
Oversized LCD is easy to read even on a dimly lit stage. Sexy rubberized transpose, pitchbend and mod wheel controls are extra grippy for when you get extra sweaty. Transport controls default to standard play and record operations but can be reassigned to any function you prefer.
Semi-weighted keys with aftertouch are a welcome surprise in a super-portable controller. Eight assignable pressure-sensitive drum pads can trigger sounds, act as toggles, or even apply proportional pressure to continuous controllers. Wow!
Sturdy construction. This thing could take a bullet at point blank range.
Every once in a while, just when you think a type of keyboard has saturated the market, along comes something with features that make it distinctive enough to refresh the whole concept. Take compact MIDI controller keyboards, for example. It seems like everything under the sun has been done slimline design, exotic controller options, built-in audio interfaces so how does a manufacturer stand out in an increasingly crowded field? Well, M-Audio arguably rolled the first snowball down the hill with their Oxygen 8 controller, so it stands to reason that theyre in a good position to take things to the next level, and their new Axiom line of controller keyboards tries to do just this. I spent a couple of weeks kicking the tires of the two-octave Axiom 25, which adds a few new dimensions to their existing super-compact controllers. For one thing, the Axiom includes semi-weighted keys that also transmit aftertouch. Thats rare for this type of product: M-Audios Ozonic, which is a FireWire audio interface as well as a MIDI contrtoller, is one of the only other super-compacts that does this. In addition to the piano-like keys, the Axiom also has eight velocity-sensitive drum pads on its control panel. Theyre similar in feel and appearance to the Trigger Finger pad controller, and theyre awesome for triggering samples, as well as toggling MIDI assignable insert effects and the like. Other welcome amenities include a set of labeled (but reassignable) transport controls, eight 360-degree rotary controllers, and rubberized pitch and mod wheels. You program all of this via a large backlit LCD thats a breeze to read under dim conditions, which should elicit cheers from the dance club and live laptop performance crowd. The 66

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MIDI controller keyboard with drum pads and semi-weighted keys. PROS Semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. Eight onboard drum pads can also be used as pressure sensitive controllers. Class compliant, no drivers. Nice array of preset templates. Built like a tank. CONS Doesnt fit into the MAudio Studio Pack backpack. Axiom 25, $239.95 Axiom 49, $329.95 Axiom 61, $379.95 M-Audio www.m-audio.com
M-AUDIO AXIOM 25 MIDI CONTROLLER KEYBOARD
rotary controllers are sensitive to how fast you turn them (like the scroll wheel on an Apple iPod), and at first, I thought they changed parameters too slowly when turned at normal speed. Then, I found out there are three velocity curves for them, with the fastest being best for sweeps during live performance, and the slowest offering precision for sound design. MIDI CONTROL The Axiom comes with 20 pre-defined presets for controlling a variety of plug-in software synths, including a selection of presets optimized for two of the most popular software composition programs: Ableton Live (Live Lite comes bundled with the Axiom) and Propellerhead Reason. See Gory Details on page 70 for the full roundup. The two Live templates use MIDI controller assignments that are undefined in the universal MIDI control spec. This is a smart design move, as it reduces the risk of altering an existing MIDI controller by accident. Think of it this way: If you have Live alongside another software synth in your system or a setup with multiple controllers the Axiom wont get in the way. Nice bit of forethought there. M-Audio has set up further presets for General MIDI use, and a few general-purpose options for soft synths with MIDI learn functions. While it would have been nice to see more than 20 presets, especially if theyd included a few for other mainstream audio-sequencer apps, M-Audio made a good choice by focusing on Reason and Live, as these are two of the most popular products for modern laptop-based performers.

VITAL STATS

KEYBOARD 25, 49, or 61 keys, transmits velocity and aftertouch. PROGRAMMABLE ZONES 3 (Axiom 25), 4 (Axiom 49, 61). ASSIGNABLE CONTROLLERS Pitchbend, mod wheel, 8 endless rotary knobs, 8 pressure-sensitive drum pads, 6 transport buttons. MIDI CONNECTORS In, out. USB CONNECTION USB 1.1, bus power supported. NUMBER OF PRESET CONFIGURATIONS 20. INCLUDED SOFTWARE Ableton Live Lite 4, Enigma (downloadable from M-Audio site). CONTROLLER INPUTS Sustain pedal, expression pedal (neither is included). POWER USB, AC adapter (not included). DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT 18.8"W x 11.2" D x 2.6" H; 5 lbs.
Francis Preve is an Austin, Texas, based keyboardist and producer. Recent projects include his Top 20 remix of Gabriel & Dresdens Tracking Treasure Down and producing Solution, a track from Jacintas latest album. Get the facts at www.fap7.com.
GIMME SOME ACTION M-Audio has used a new semi-weighted action in all sizes of the Axiom line. Pianists will appreciate both the size of the keys and the piano-like lip on the front of them. If you happen to be familiar with the 76key version of the Kurzweil K2500 or K2600 synth workstation, the feel is quite similar. This really is a new standard for supercompact controllers, and offers a best of both worlds scenario: The action is chunky and sturdy enough for a player with a pianstic approach, but unlike a fully-weighted action, perfect for blistering synth leads, too.

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IN USE Configuring your own templates is a bit fiddly, involving the use of the panel controls and the keys themselves in various combinations. Fortunately, the process is well explained in the PDF manual. That document also includes info on features that are not immediately apparent in casual use, like the fact that the drum pads also work as variable proportional pressure controls, meaning that the harder you press on a pad, the higher a value it sends out on whatever MIDI continuous controller youve assigned to it. Shades of the ARP Odyssey! Also, even the tiny 25-key model supports up to three simultaneous zones for exotic multiple-destination tricks. Theres even a little section near the end of the manual that demystifies often mysterious MIDI stuff such as program and bank change commands, sys-ex, and non-registered parameter numbers, inviting you to get rather deep into programming. And if configuring presets via an LCD interface strikes you as a bit quaint, you can always zip over to the M-Audio site, pick up a free copy of their Enigma configuration software and set everything up from the larger screen of your computer. CONCLUSIONS With semi-weighted action, aftertouch, pressure sensitive drum pads, multiple zones and rugged construction, the Axiom 25 definitely sets a new standard for super-compact MIDI keyboards. If you need more keys, 49- and 61-note models are available for a modest increase in price. The two larger models include a few more amenities such as four programmable zones, numeric keypad, nine faders in addition to the eight knobs, and adjustable velocity curves. Taking all that into consideration, the $379.95 list price for the 61-key version is quite the killer value. All in all, the Axiom will appeal to users looking for a controller thats a good deal more substantial than the Oxygen line, for only a little bit more cash.

GORY DETAILS

Included software templates: Reason (Dr. Rex, Malstrom, NN-19, Subtractor, Mixer), Ableton Live, GForce Oddity, GForce ImpOSCar, GForce Minimonsta:Melohman, Way Out Ware TimewARP 2600, Wizoo Darbuka and Latigo, Native Instruments B4, Linplug/Doepfer, General MIDI, and several product-neutral starting points.
CLAIM CHECK M-Audio says The Axioms extend the M-Audio keyboard controller legacy with a new feature set that makes them especially well-suited to both studio and stage use. We paired all-new components with tried-and-true technology to yield what we believe is the next generation of MIDI controllers. For the serious player, the Axioms feature a completely redesigned keyboard with piano-style fronts, semi-weighted action, and aftertouch. For advanced DAW control, we included multiple zoning options, a bright display, and a host of knobs and buttons. Velocity- and pressure-sensitive trigger pads facilitate drum programming and performance. And for the gigging musician, we built a robust, reinforced chassis that will stand up to frequent transport and use. By delivering all this at a more affordable price point than the competition, we believe the Axiom line is a home run for all software-based musicians.

Installation Steps

Make sure Axiom is not connected to the computer before beginning the installation. The installer will prompt you to connect Axiom during the installation procedure.
To install the Windows drivers from a download:
Double-click the installer to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
To install the Windows drivers from the Installer disk:
1 Insert the disk in your computer CD or DVD drive. The driver installer launches when the Installation disk is inserted.
If your computer fails to launch this application automatically, you can manually start it by going to the Start menu, opening My Computer (or Computer in Windows Vista and Windows 7), and opening the disk that appears in your computers CD or DVD drive.
Select Axiom from the Product pop-up menu and click Install.
Follow the on-screen instructions. At various points in the process, you may be notified that the driver being installed has not passed Windows Logo Testing, or asked whether the program you wish to run is a trusted application. Click Continue Anyway (Windows XP) or Install (Windows Vista or Windows 7) to proceed with the installation. Once the installer has completed, click Finish.
Connect Axiom to an available USB port on your computer. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, your Axiom is now ready to use. If you are using Windows XP, proceed to the next step.
For Windows XP only, do the following: After Windows XP identifies the keyboard and asks if you want to search the Internet for a driver, select No, not this time and click Next. When the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, select Install the software automatically and click Next. Once the Wizard has completed, click Finish. If you are presented with another Found New Hardware Wizard dialog, repeat step 6.
When the installation is complete, you will see a message stating Your new hardware is installed and ready to use. Proceed to Configuring Music Software on page 4.
If you plan to use DirectLink so that Axiom controllers are automatically mapped to functions in your DAW, the DirectLink software must be installed separately. Refer to the separate DirectLink documentation applicable to your DAW for complete installation and configuration instructions.
Mac OS X Installation Instructions
The class-compliant drivers built into Mac OS X provide support for Axiom, therefore no additional drivers are necessary (or available) when using the device with Mac OS X. Simply connect it to the computer using the supplied USB cable, configure your recording software, and start making music. If you plan to use DirectLink so that Axiom controls are automatically mapped to functions in your DAW, the DirectLink software must be installed separately. Refer to the separate DirectLink documentation applicable to your DAW for complete installation and configuration instructions.

14 Mute Button In DirectLink mode, this button will mute and un-mute the targeted track in a qualified DAW. Pressing this button while holding down the Shift button will solo the keyboard's target track. If the Zone button is active, the Mute button activates and deactivates Zone 4. For more information, see section 17 Zone Buttons (1,2,3, & 4) in this chapter. 15 Track Buttons These buttons function based on the type of operation, as follows:
These buttons are used for selecting the target track or banks of 8 Tracks within qualified DAW applications. Track Selection The left Track button (<) targets the previous DAW Track. For example, if Track 2 is currently targeted, pressing this button will target Track 1. The right Track button (>) target the next Track. For example, if Track 2 is currently targeted, pressing this button will target Track 3. These buttons can also be used to target tracks outside the currently active bank of 8 tracks. For example, if track 8 is currently targeted and the > Track button is pressed, Track 9 will be targeted and Axiom will automatically bank to the next group of 8 tracks. Axiom Faders and their corresponding buttons will now control Tracks 916. If the target is an instrument track, it is automatically armed for recording, and Axiom will immediately play notes on the virtual instrument that is loaded. If Instrument Mode is active the controls will automatically map to the instrument within the target track. Bank Selection When the Shift button is held down the left Track button (<) selects the previous bank of 8 DAW Tracks. For example, if the bank of Tracks 916 is currently selected, pressing this button when Shift is held down will select the bank of Tracks 18. The right Track button (>) selects the next bank of 8 Tracks. For example, if the bank of Tracks 916 is currently selected, pressing this button when Shift is held down will select the bank of Tracks 1724.
The Track buttons (< and >) are used for activating and deactivating Zones 2 (<) and 3 (>) as described below in section 17 Zone Buttons (1,2,3, & 4) of this chapter. 16 Shift Button This button functions based on the type of operation, as follows:

All Axiom controls are labeled with a unique number, such as F1, P2, etc. It is not necessary (or possible) to enter the letter when following the editing examples below.
To select an Axiom control for editing:
Press the Edit button. Press the group button that contains the control you want to select. Press the Control Select key. Enter the control's ID number using the number keys.
The Control is now selected for programming, and another advanced function can be selected for further programming of the control.
Alternatively, if unwanted MIDI transmission is not an issue, an Axiom control can be selected by moving or pressing it either before or after pressing the edit button.

Snapshot

This function sends the current values of all mapped Axiom knobs and faders on the external MIDI out port to a DAW or virtual instrument. This simultaneously adjusts multiple parameters. When the Edit button is pressed followed by the Snapshot key, the values are sent immediately, and the LCD screen will read SNAP as the MIDI data is transmitted.
When a patch is stored, the positional value of each control is saved within the patch as the 'Null' values. In other words, if you use Axiom controls to set up a virtual instrument or synth and save the settings to a patch, pressing snapshot after pressing the Edit button, will send the null values to the synth to set the sound up as programmed.

Bank LSB

The Bank LSB function sends bank change messages on the MIDI Channels for all active Zones. These messages are used to access additional banks of sound patches, if available, on virtual instruments or sound modules. Bank LSB messages may not have any effect until they are followed by a Program Change message. For more information on Bank LSB messages, see Chapter 8, MIDI Messages Defined. Refer to the documentation for the virtual instrument or synthesizer to confirm it will respond to these messages.
To set a Bank LSB number:
Press the Edit button. Press the Bank LSB key. The LCD screen will display the current function (LSB), the current active keyboard Zone (for example z1) and last sent Bank LSB number (for example, 0). Enter the new Bank LSB number using the number keys. Press the Enter key.

Bank MSB

The Bank MSB function sends bank change messages on the MIDI Channels for all active Zones. These messages are used to access additional banks of sound patches, if available, on virtual instruments or sound modules. Bank MSB messages may not have any effect until they are followed by a Program Change message. For more information on Bank MSB messages, see Chapter 8, MIDI Messages Defined. Refer to the documentation for the virtual instrument or synthesizer to confirm it will respond to these messages.

To select a Keyboard Velocity Curve:
Press the Edit button. Press the Curve key. The LCD screen will read V Crv and display the current velocity curve (for example, C2). Do one of the following: Type the Velocity Curve number (1 through 7) using the number keys. or Use the Patch Up and Down buttons to scroll through the Velocity Curves (C1 through F3).

Press the Enter key.

Trigger Pad Sensitivity Options:
1 = C1 is a sensitivity setting that generates lower velocity values for the same force. This setting is useful for playing more quietly, even if you tend to strike the Pads harder. 2 = C2 is the default setting, and is designed to be useful for most players with an average touch (people who play with an average amount of force). 3 = C3 is a sensitivity setting that generates higher velocity values for the same force. This setting is useful for playing more loudly, even if you tend to strike the Pads with less force. 4 = C4 is a sensitivity setting that generates an equal velocity value for a given amount of force, resulting in a linear (or neutral) Trigger Pad response. 5 = F1 is a setting that effectively disables sensitivity, meaning the Pads will generate a fixed velocity value of 64 (on a scale of 0 127) regardless of how hard or soft they are struck. 6 = F2 is a setting that effectively disables sensitivity, meaning the Pads will generate a fixed velocity value of 100 (on a scale of 0 127) regardless of how hard or soft they are struck. 7 = F3 is a setting that effectively disables sensitivity, meaning the Pads will generate a fixed velocity value of 127 (on a scale of 0 127) regardless of how hard or soft they are struck. 8 = S2 is a setting where the Pads will generate a fixed velocity value of either 64 or 127 (on a scale of 0 127) depending on how hard or soft they are struck. 9 = S3 is a setting where the Pads will generate a fixed velocity value of either 64, 100 or 127 (on a scale of 0 127) depending on how hard or soft they are struck. 10 = S4 is a setting where the Pads will generate a fixed velocity value of either 32, 64, 100 or 127 (on a scale of 0 127) depending on how hard or soft they are struck.
To select a Trigger Pad Velocity Curve:
Press the Edit button. Press the Curve key twice. The LCD screen will read PdCrv and display the current velocity curve (for example, C2). Do one of the following: Type the Velocity Curve number (1 through 10) using the number keys. or Use the Patch Up and Down buttons to scroll through the Velocity Curves (C1 through F3).
Encoder Knob Acceleration Options:
0 = Off is an acceleration setting where the knob will only send a value change of one step regardless of how quickly or slowly it is turned. 1 = C1 is a slower acceleration curve, useful for making finer adjustments. 2 = C2 is the standard acceleration curve (selected by default). 3 = C3 is a quicker acceleration curve, useful when large parameter sweeps are required.

Press the Data 2 key. The LCD screen will read MIN and display the currently selected control (for example F10), and the current value (for example 64).
Type 0 using the number keys. This sets the release value to zero, and the sound will be panned hard left when the button is released.
Press the Enter key. Press the Edit button.
Press the Data 3 key. The LCD screen will read MAX and display the currently selected control (for example F10), and the current value (for example 87).
Type 127 using the number keys. This sets the press value to the maximum value, so that the sound is panned hard right when the button is pressed. Press the Enter key.
It can be useful to transmit two other specific values instead of sending minimum (zero) and maximum (127) values as in the above example. When assigning a button to control Pan (MIDI CC 10), you can, for example, configure Data 2 to send value 38, and Data 3 to send value 93, effectively causing pan to switch between the approximate ten oclock and two oclock positions when pressing and releasing the button.
Assigning MMC Control to Buttons
The transport functions of some hardware recording devices and DAW applications can be controlled remotely via MMC (MIDI Machine Control) commands. MMC is a specialized transport control protocol that requires a somewhat different configuration method. The following values need to be specified: Key Control Assign Channel Assign (example) Data 2 (example) Parameter MMC Control Device ID MMC Function Value 2 (Play)
To configure a button to send the MMC command Play:
Select an assignable button as described earlier. Press the Edit button.
Press the Control Assign key. The LCD screen will read ASIGN and display the currently selected control (for example F10), and the current MIDI CC assignment (for example 146). Type 149 using the number keys. This sets the button to send MMC (MIDI Machine Control). Press the Enter key. Press the Edit button.
Press the Channel Assign key. The LCD screen will read CHAN and display the currently selected control (for example F10), and the current MIDI channel is it assigned to (for example 0).
Axiom User Guide 29 Chapter 5: Advanced Programming Functions
Enter 127 (Poly On) using the number keys. This ensures that all receiving devices will respond to the MMC messages.
11 Press the Data 2 key. The LCD screen will display the current function for the Data 2 (in this case, MMC) and the number of the current MMC command. Refer to the table below.
Enter a number from the table below to select the MMC command for the button. This determines which transport function will be controlled by the button. For example, enter 2 for the Play command.
Press the Enter key. Number 12 MMC Command STOP PLAY DEFERRED PLAY FAST FORWARD REWIND RECORD STROBE RECORD EXIT RECORD PAUSE PAUSE EJECT CHASE COMMAND ERROR RESET MMC RESET

Enter 100 using the number keys. This sets the pad to transmit a Note On message with a velocity of 100 when struck. Press the Enter key.
It is also possible to configure a pad or button to send a note on message when it is pressed and a note off message when it is pressed a second time. To do this, follow the configuration steps above, but enter 148 for the Control Assign parameter (see Appendix B, Assignable MIDI CCs).
In most Axiom factory presets, the pads are already programmed to transmit MIDI note data. In order to change the pitch of notes sent, you need only follow steps 6 to 9.
Setting Buttons or Sustain Pedals to Send Combined Program Change, Bank LSB and Bank MSB messages
The assignable buttons and the Sustain Pedals can be configured to send a multi-part message, consisting of a Program Change, Bank LSB and Bank MSB message when pressed. This is useful for specific patch/sound selection from a specific bank of a connected synthesizer or virtual instrument. This requires four values to be specified (values given are examples): Key Control Assign Data 1 (example) Data 2 (example) Data 3 (example) Parameter Program/Bank Preset select Program Change Number Bank LSB number Bank MSB number Value (GM Instrument Cello) See Appendix C, Useful MIDI Data. 8 32
The following example configures a button or Sustain Pedal to send a total of 3 MIDI messages each time it is pressed (Bank LSB, Bank MSB and Program Change), allowing you to recall any sound in any bank of a connected software or hardware synthesizer that supports this.
To configure buttons or Sustain Pedals to send combined Program Change, Bank LSB and Bank MSB Messages:
Select a button or Sustain Pedal as described earlier. Press the Edit button.
Press the Control Assign key. The LCD screen will read ASIGN and display the currently selected control (for example F10), and the current MIDI CC assignment (for example 146).
Enter 145 using the number keys. This configures the button or Sustain Pedal to send a combined Bank Select/Program Change message. Press the Enter key.

32 Chapter 5: Advanced Programming Functions
Press the Data 1 key. The LCD screen will display the currently assigned function (for example NOTE), the selected control (for example F10), and the current value.
Enter a Program Change number, such as 42. See General MIDI Instruments in Appendix C, Useful MIDI Data. Press the Enter key. Press the Edit button.
Press the Data 2 key. The LCD screen will display the current function assigned to the Data 2 key (in this case, LSb) and the current value. Enter a Bank LSB number, such as 8. Press the Enter key. Press the Edit button.
Press the Data 3 key. The LCD screen will display the currently selected control (for example F10) and the current value. Enter a Bank MSB number, such as 32. Press the Enter key.
For an in-depth explanation of how Bank LSB / Bank MSB and Program Change messages work together to access programs on a connected MIDI device, see Chapter 7, MIDI Messages Defined.
Programming a Button to Increment/Decrement a MIDI CC value
It is possible to configure a button to increase or decrease a value each time it is pressed. This is useful if you want to step through values one by one each time a button is pressed. To configure a button to increment a MIDI CC between a minimum and maximum value, assign it to number 154 (see Appendix B, Assignable MIDI CCs). The maximum and minimum values are set using the Data 2 and Data 3 parameters respectively. This requires four values to be specified (values given are examples): Key Control Assign Data 1 (example) Data 2 (example) Data 3 (example) Parameter Increment MIDI CC MIDI CC number Low Limit High Limit Value (Release Time) 0 127
The following example configures a button to increment the release time of a sound patch on a MIDI instrument, every time it is pressed. You may have to push the button several times while playing notes to hear the difference.
To configure a button to increment/decrement a MIDI CC value:
Press the Control Assign key. The LCD screen will read ASIGN and display the currently selected control (for example F10), and the current MIDI CC assignment (for example 146). Enter 154 using the number keys. This sets the button to increment the MIDI CC value Press the Enter key. Press the Edit button.

The Zone feature allows you to layer or split sounds on a hardware or virtual instrument, by dividing the keyboard into a maximum of four programmable non-overlapping or overlapping sections. When active, each Zone will transmit MIDI notes on a separate MIDI channel. This makes it possible to play up to 4 different instrument sounds on a connected multi-timbral synthesizer, by playing notes in different sections (Zones) of the keyboard. If any of the Zones are configured to overlap partially or completely, multiple instrument sounds will be layered, and played simultaneously in those areas of the keyboard.
Zone Selection & Activation
Pressing the Zone button (Zone) changes the function of the Shift, Track Select and Mute buttons to Zone buttons one through four as indicated on each button. The Zone button will illuminate to indicate that Axiom is in Zone Mode. At this point pressing any of the four Zone buttons will activate the corresponding keyboard Zone, and all other Zones will be deactivated. To activate multiple Zones, simultaneously press their respective Zone buttons. In either case, each button will illuminate indicating that its corresponding Zone is active.

Editing Zones

Holding down the Zone button (Zone) for at least one second will put Axiom into Zone Edit Mode. The Zone button and buttons for all active Zones will flash. Parameters such as Zone Range and Octave/Transpose shift can be edited for each Zone. The information on the LCD screen will also display values for lowest Zone number. These settings are saved as part of a user patch when stored to a Memory Location. When more than one Zone is active, all changes will be applied to all selected Zone numbers.

Zone Range

This function sets the range of notes used by a Zone. By default, all Zones span the entire length of the keyboard. On Axiom 61 this default Range is from note C1 on the far left to C6 on the far right. However it is from C1 to C5 on Axiom 49, and C2 to C4 on Axiom 25. If two or more active Zones are configured to overlap partially or completely, multiple instrument sounds will play simultaneously (layered) if a key is pressed in that area.

To set the Zone range:

Select a Zone as described earlier.
Hold down the Zone button (Zone) for at least one second. The LCD screen will display the current range of notes used in the Zone. Press the lowest note to be included in the Zone. The LCD screen will display the note value.
40 Chapter 6: Keyboard Zones
Press the highest note to be included in the Zone. The LCD screen will display the note value. Repeat steps to set the range of notes for all remaining Zones.
Simultaneously holding down multiple Zone buttons and then setting the range as described above, will apply the same Zone Range to all active Zones. This will layer all sound patches that are played. After setting the Range, activate all desired Zones by simultaneously pressing their respective Zone buttons.

Bank LSB 0 Bank MSB 0 Bank LSB 1 Bank LSB 2
Program 127 Program 0 Program 1 Program 2 Program 127 Program 0 Program 1 Program 2 Program 127

Bank LSB 127

Bank LSB 0 Bank MSB 1 Bank LSB 1 Bank LSB 2
Bank LSB 0 Bank MSB 2 Bank LSB 1 Bank LSB 2 Bank MSB 127 Bank LSB 127
Program 127 Program 0 Program 1 Program 2 Program 127 Program 0 Program 1 Program 2
This message can be used in conjunction with MIDI Program 127 CC 32 which is bank select LSB (Least Significant Byte): a separate 7-bit message allowing additional selection of any of another 128 sub-banks. The combination of Bank MSB and LSB messages gives a 14-bit message that
can select any of a possible 16,384 banks. Each bank can in turn contain 128 possible sounds selected via a separate program change MIDI message. This enables a user to theoretically recall over two million programs directly, using only MIDI commands. However, most devices only use a few different banks, and you can often ignore the LSB message. You will find many MIDI devices respond to program change commands and many are organized according to the GM listing. In General MIDI devices, different sounds are organized in the same way from device to device. Piano sounds are in their particular place, string sounds are in their place, drum sounds are in their place, and so on. All GM devices (both hardware and software sound modules) are clearly labeled as such, so you know that their sounds are organized in the General MIDI structure. When a GM device receives a MIDI program change, it calls up a type of sound that you expect from the GM sound set. All non-GM MIDI sound modules call up unique sounds from their memory upon receiving MIDI program changes. Since the sounds in a non-GM device are not arranged in a particular order, you need to take a look at the device itself to see which sound you want and at which location in the memory it resides. Many VST instruments such as Native Instruments FM7 or the synth modules in Propellerheads Reason are non-GM devices. You can send Program Change, Bank LSB and Bank MSB messages directly from Axiom. Please consult the documentation for your sound module, DAW or software instrument for further information.

CC99 Value 4

Two MIDI CCs (98&99 or 100&101) select an RPN/NRPN for editing

CC0 CC98

CC98 Value 5
Check Your 3rd Party Documentation for a RPN/NRPN List
Begin by checking the documentation for your MIDI device for a list of supported RPN or NRPN numbers. As mentioned, the supported parameters are unique to the device in use but the list should look similar to this:

MIDI CC98 coordinate one

MIDI CC99 coordinate two
selects RPN/NRPN parameter MIDI CC6 alters values MIDI CC98
Filter Cutoff Resonance Attack Decay Sustain Release LPF HPF 41 41

MIDI CC99

MIDI CC6
0-127 0-127 0-127 0-127 0-127 0-127 0-127 0-127
Find the parameter you wish to control from the list in the 3rd party documentation and make note of the values listed for CC 98 (LSB) and for CC 99 (MSB) when working with NRPNs, or CC 100 (LSB) and CC 101 (MSB) when working with RPNs. You will need these values once you are ready to assign an Axiom control to an RPN or NRPN.
A Third MIDI CC Number (CC 6 or CC 38) for Altering the RPN or NRPN Value
A third MIDI CC is needed to change the value of the selected RPN or NRPN. For most devices, MIDI CC 6 is used when working with NRPN or RPN coarse messages, while MIDI CC 38 is used when working with fine messages. In other words, the combined MIDI CC numbers (NRPN=98+99; RPN=100+101) only specify the parameter to be edited. They have to be followed with yet another specific MIDI CC number/value (CC 6 or CC 38) in order to alter the associated parameter value. This means that 3 MIDI messages have to be sent in sequence, in order to select and change an RPN or NRPN value. For example:
MIDI CC 98: value 51 Selects a specific NRPN MIDI CC 99: value 3 MIDI CC 6: value 10 Sets the parameter to a value of 10.
16,384 Step Resolution Through Combined Coarse and Fine Messages
Most assignable MIDI controls, including those on Axiom, operate with a resolution of 128 steps. Standard MIDI CC messages that can be used universally between different MIDI devices are also limited to a resolution of 128 steps. However, the RPN/NRPN concept provides a resolution of 16,384 steps by combining two 7-bit MIDI messages into a 14-bit message (coarse + fine). Hardware controller knobs or faders that take advantage of the full 14-bit RPN/NRPN resolution are very uncommon. To illustrate the concept and make the purpose of RPN/NRPN Coarse and Fine messages easier to understand, the following diagram describes how such a 14-bit RPN/NRPN control would operate (not supported by Axiom):

*General MIDI SysEx messages.

Encoder Knobs

MIDI CC 0-119 120-Description Standard MIDI CC's (Appendix A) Channel Mode Messages (Appendix A) Pitch Bend Range Channel Fine Tune Channel Coarse Tune Channel Pressure RPN coarse RPN Fine NRPN Coarse NRPN Fine Master Volume GM* Master Pan GM* Master Coarse Tune GM* Master Fine Tune GM* Chorus Mod rate GM2* Chorus Mod Depth GM2* Feedback GM2* Send to Reverb GM2* Pitch Bend* Program/Bank Preset Rel. Bin Offset Rel. 2s Comp Signed bit 1 Signed bit 2 Single Step -/+ RPN Rel. -/+ NRPN Rel -/+ Data 1 Value Value Value Value Program Data 2 Toggle Value 2 Toggle Value 2 Sensitivity Value Tuning Amount Tuning Amount Pressure Amount RPN LSB RPN LSB NRPN LSB NRPN LSB Volume LSB Pan LSB Tuning LSB Tuning LSB Mod Rate Mod Depth Feedback Level Reverb Send Level Pitch Shift LSB Bank LSB CC CC CC CC CC LSB LSB Data 3 Toggle Value 1 Toggle Value 1 RPN MSB RPN MSB NRPN MSB NRPN MSB Volume MSB Pan MSB Tuning MSB Tuning MSB Pitch Shift MSB Bank MSB MSB MSB
Buttons & Sustain Pedal
MIDI CC 0-119 120-Description Standard MIDI CC's (Appendix A) Channel Mode Messages (Appendix A) Pitch Bend Range Channel Fine Tune Channel Coarse Tune Channel Pressure RPN coarse RPN Fine NRPN Coarse NRPN Fine Master Volume GM* Master Pan GM* Master Coarse Tune GM* Master Fine Tune GM* Chorus Mod rate GM2* Chorus Mod Depth GM2* Feedback GM2* Send to Reverb GM2* Pitch Bend* Program/Bank Preset Toggle MIDI CC (On/Off) Note (On/Off) Note (On/Off Toggle) MMC Command** Reverb Type GM2* Reverb Time GM2* Chorus Type GM2* MIDI CC decrement MIDI CC increment Program decrement Program increment Data 1 Value Value Value Value Program MIDI CC Note Note MIDI CC MIDI CC Data 2 Released Value Released Value Value Value Value Value RPN LSB RPN LSB NRPN LSB NRPN LSB Volume LSB Pan LSB Tuning LSB Tuning LSB Mod Rate Mod Depth Feedback Level Reverb Send Level Pitch Shift LSB Bank LSB Button Press Value Velocity Off Velocity Off Command Select Type Time Type Start Start Start Start Data 3 Pressed Value Pressed Value RPN MSB RPN MSB NRPN MSB NRPN MSB Volume MSB Pan MSB Tuning MSB Tuning MSB Pitch Shift MSB Bank MSB Button Release Value Velocity On Velocity On End End End End

Trigger Pads

When assigned to MIDI CC numbers 0 144, these pads transmit MIDI data based on the amount of pressure applied. Assigning them to MIDI CC numbers causes them to function as switch type controls.
MIDI CC 0-119 120-145 146
Description Standard MIDI CC's (Appendix A) Channel Mode Messages (Appendix A) Pitch Bend Range Channel Fine Tune Channel Coarse Tune Channel Pressure RPN coarse RPN Fine NRPN Coarse NRPN Fine Master Volume GM* Master Pan GM* Master Coarse Tune GM* Master Fine Tune GM* Chorus Mod rate GM2* Chorus Mod Depth GM2* Feedback GM2* Send to Reverb GM2* Pitch Bend* Program/Bank Preset MIDI CC (On/Off Toggle)
Data 1 Value Value Value Value Program MIDI CC
Data 2 Min Min Min Min Min Min RPN LSB RPN LSB NRPN LSB NRPN LSB Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Bank LSB Pad Press Value (2nd)
Data 3 Max Max Max Max Max Max RPN MSB RPN MSB NRPN MSB NRPN MSB Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Bank MSB Pad Release Value (1st) Pressure On Velocity On -
Note (On/Off) Note (On/Off Toggle) MMC Command**

Note Note -

Pressure Off Velocity Off Command Select (Type) Type Time Type Start Start
Reverb Type GM2* Reverb Time GM2* Chorus Type GM2* MIDI CC decrement MIDI CC increment

MIDI CC MIDI CC

End End

MIDI CC 155 156

Description Program decrement Program increment

Data 1 -

Data 2 Start Start

Data 3 End End

Expression Pedal, After-Touch Strip, Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
These controls can have separate MIDI CC assignments for each of the 4 available keyboard Zones, so that specific control data can affect a specific Zone without affecting the others.

MIDI CC 0-119 120-255

Description Standard MIDI CC's (Appendix A) Channel Mode Messages (Appendix A) Pitch Bend Range Channel Fine Tune Channel Coarse Tune Channel Pressure RPN coarse RPN Fine NRPN Coarse NRPN Fine Master Volume GM* Master Pan GM* Master Coarse Tune GM* Master Fine Tune GM* Chorus Mod Rate GM2* Chorus Mod Depth GM2* Feedback GM2* Send to Reverb GM2* Pitch Bend* Controller Off
Data 2 Min Min Min Min Min Min RPN LSB RPN LSB NRPN LSB NRPN LSB Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min
Data 3 Max Max Max Max Max Max RPN LSB RPN LSB NRPN LSB NRPN LSB Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max
Appendix C: Useful MIDI Data

General MIDI Instruments

Axiom does not contain internal sounds. The following table is for reference when controlling General MIDI compatible software instruments or devices.

Australian Compliance

Radio and Television Interference
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

European Compliance

Precautions On Use
Please read the following precautions on use before operating the system. Use the correct power cable for your local power supply.

For 240 V AC

For 220 V AC to 240 V AC
Handle With Care Never use the system during abnormal conditions. Do not operate if smoke is emitted, sound is frequently distorted, or if there are any conditions of malfunction. Do not place any liquids on or near the system. Ensure that nothing rests on the systems cables, that they do not come in to contact with water or excessive heat. Damage to a cable can cause fire or electric shock. They should be located where they cannot be stepped on or tripped over. When not using the system for extended periods make sure that all power cables are disconnected from the power source. Disconnect all external leads before shipping. Do not subject the system to damaging shocks during shipment. Never remove any covers unless in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Do not place any foreign objects through ventilation holes. If a foreign object falls inside the system disconnect all power cables and contact customer support.
When disconnecting the power cable, turn off the power and allow at least 30 seconds for any electrostaticity to be discharged. To avoid electric shocks always plug all cables in to properly grounded power sources. Do not use adaptor plugs. Use an uninterruptible power supply, surge processor or line conditioner in order to protect your system from sudden changes in electrical power.

Cleaning

Keep your system clean and dust free at all times. To clean use a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent. Never use an abrasive pad or solvent such as benzene or alchol. Do not allow dust and moisture to accumulate in the surrounding environment.

Location

When running a PAL video monitor with the system there should be a distance of at least one foot between this and the system monitors, thus avoiding picture distortion and flickering. Always place the system on a steady, flat surface and ensure that it is not liable to fall over. Do not place the system where it is exposed to direct sunlight, direct heat, high temperatures or any area where it is in danger of overheating. Do not place the system near any equipment which generates magnetism. Do not cover any cooling vents in the system. Avoid installing the system in a location where humidity, dust and fumes occur.
Important Safety Instructions
When using electric or electronic equipment, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read all instructions before using this equipment. To avoid the risk of shock, keep this equipment away from rainwater and other moisture. Do not use this equipment if it is wet. The equipment should only be connected to the correct rating power supply as indicated on the product. Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to authorized Avid personnel. Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a risk of electric shock, and will void the manufacturers warranty.