Press release

TerraTec Electronic GmbH

Nettetal, January 2008
New Software Versions for AXON AX 50 USB and AX 100 MKII
TerraTec AXON Technologies has now successfully established two products on the market with the AX 50 USB and AX 100 MKII. Both have the patented early transient recognition system, with which they set new standards in terms of speed and accuracy in guitar-to-MIDI technology. But even the best products still have room for improvements! Thats why the AXON specialists at Nettetal are now supplying a new version of the firmware and the editor, offering significant advantages to the user. This firmware can be downloaded as of 17th January free of charge at: www.axon-technologies.net.
The most important new functions:
The AXON products now provide layers within a play area. These can be used, for example, to activate up to four synthesizers simultaneously with different program change commands and controller data, creating entire sound walls through a single tone that is struck. The integrated sequencer in the AX 100 MKII is now equipped with a Panorama controller, which means it can be positioned in the room independently of the remaining audio signals. As the AXON models allow up to 8 presets to be programmed for a particular instrument in action, not only the integrated tuner but also the selected instrument preset including type and pickup are displayed providing a better overview and always maintaining control. The new Dynamic Control and Aftertouch function for string instruments now supports the option of increasing the volume of the sound by using a bow. This opens up a multitude of new possibilities when it comes to expression and playing sensation.
TerraTec Electronic GmbH | Herrenpfad 38 | 41334 Nettetal | Germany | www.terratec.com
Overview: Up to four layers in one play area Panorama controller in the sequencer (AXON AX 100 MKII) Displaying selected guitar preset incl. pickup type (AXON AX 100 MKII) Dynamic Control / Aftertouch for string instruments
Contact partner for the media: Philipp Guse
Head of AXON Technologies

Tel: Fax: Mail: Web:

+49 (0)816 +49 (0)22 philipp.guse@terratec.de www.axon-technologies.net
For further information, please visit the press section on our website. You will also find printable graphic material and logos there.

TERRATEC AXON AX 50 USB English Manual Version 1.0, status: January 2007
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 standardizing documents: 1. EN 55022 2. EN 55024 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 - 2007. All rights reserved (1/27/2007).

AXON AX 50 USB (English)

Contents Preface.... 4 Scope of delivery.... 4 Optional accessories.... 4 Congratulations.... 5 QuickStart guide.... 6 Connectors and controls... 7 Front panel.... 7 Rear panel.... 8 Installation in Windows XP.... 9 Installation in MAC OS X... 10 Launching the software for the first time... 10 Tuning.... 11 The Computer Editor... 12 Global.... 13 Presets..... 17 CC Defaults.... 23 MIDI Mapping.... 24 Practical Examples.... 25 Appendix.... 28 Factory Reset.... 28 Pitches on the Fingerboard.... 28 Pin Assignment of 13-pin Socket... 29 MIDI Implementation Chart.... 30 Troubleshooting.... 33

Preface

Thank you for choosing a TerraTec Producer product for your musical endeavors. With the AXON AX 50 USB, 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 50 USB. Sincerely, Your TerraTec Producer 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 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 from TerraTec Producer: AIX 101 pickup for guitars with steel strings 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 or AX 100 MKII

Congratulations

on your purchase of an AXON AX 50 USB, the second guitar-to-midi converter by TerraTec Producer. The AXON AX 50 USB is based on the same technology as the AXON AX 100 MKII, the probably most powerful device of this type, but it has additional options, such as a USB port and four additional MIDI ports, which makes it ideal for state-of-theart, 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 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. 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, contemporary forms of expression.

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 software 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 AIX 101 or 103, or a piezo pickup such as those offered by GraphTech, RMC or other vendors. Please use the 13pin AXK 100 cable. The socket at the left of the front panel labeled "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.

Connectors and controls

Front panel
1. Socket for the special 13-pin AXON AXK 100 cable (not included) to connect guitars/basses with hexaphonic pickup systems (e.g. AXON AIX 101 or AXON AIX 103). 2. 3-digit 7-segment LED display. 3. TUNER button with multiple functions: o 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 initializing. BRIGHTNESS: Press and hold the button while the device is in operation. The display will first gradually dim, then gradually brighten again. Release the button 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.

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 AIX101/103 have a minijack input for the pickup signal of your guitar. Use the included cable to connect the pickup output of your guitar to the minijack socket.

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 automatically. The device uses generic drivers already present in your system, making it unnecessary 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. In the following menu, select the path and destination folder. 4. The InstallShield Wizard will now display its welcome message. 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 unnecessary to enter a path to a custom driver. 3. There, you're finished already! Editor installation 1. Look for the file AXON_AX_50_Editor_Vxxx.pkg on the CD in the Editor\MAC folder. 2. Start the installation by double-clicking the file. The setup wizard will now appear. 3. Select the location for the installation. 4. 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 operating modes: 1. Connected to a computer via USB: this gives you access to the full range of parameters and lets you configure the AXON via the editor software. You can also transfer MIDI data to your computer directly via the USB port. 2. 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. 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).

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 button 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 covering 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

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 device when setting up the connection with the Editor.
If you have other USB devices connected to your computer, their numbers will be in parentheses rather than square brackets:
1: USB audio device 2: USB audio device [2] 3: USB audio device [3] 4: USB audio device [4] 5: USB audio device [5] 6: USB audio device (2)
AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 1 AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 2 AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 3 AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 4 AXON AX 50 USB virtual MIDI port 5 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.

Global

Basic Channel (1-16): Use it to specify the first of six MIDI channels (one per string). 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. 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. 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 to +99): enter the fine tuning for your instrument here in the -99 to +99 cent range, which is roughly one semitone in either direction. (Strictly speaking, 100 cent are a semitone, but let's not get carried away.) Autotune: sometimes it's necessary to set the overall tuning of your instrument slightly higher or lower for example, when playing together with a slightly out-of-tune piano or organ that can not be tuned to standard pitch easily. Simply tune your A string to the other

AXON AX 50 USB (English) 13
instrument by ear and click Autotune. A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to pick 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 favorite 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. Guitar 1-8: up to eight different instruments can be configured and saved. Each setup contains information on the type of instrument (guitar, bass, violin, cello), the pickup type (magnetic or piezo), its tuning and sensitivity. Click the Guitar 1 Guitar 8 buttons to activate a setup. Instrument Type (Guitar, Bass, Violin, Cello): choose your instrument type here. This is especially important for the assignment of the strings to the MIDI channels you specified. Pickup (Magnetic, Piezo): choose the pickup type here. MAGNETIC is the default mode, for example when using the optionally available pickup AXON AIX 101/103 with its magnetic pickup. The PIEZO setting supports polyphonic piezo pickups (available separately). Piezo pickups are designed to reproduce the natural sound of hollow-body instruments as faithfully 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. Wheel Controller (On / Off): If your pickup does not have a wheel (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 both the AXON AIX 101 and the AIX 103 have a wheel.

Presets

Use this page to manage all of the parameters used when creating presets. A total of 128 memory slots are available for presets.
Get Preset: calls up the individual presets. Use the arrows to the left and right of the button 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. Guitar No. (Global, 1-8): associates presets with individual instruments. Enter the value Global to apply all changes to the default guitar on the Global page. Alternatively, enter the guitar numbers 1-8. Stringmode (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 possible 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.
AXON AX 50 USB (English) 17
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 channel, 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 programs support recording multiple channels at the same time. You should also select this mode in this case. Wheel Controller Pickup: enter the parameter to be modified by the wheel controller. The default parameter is Channel Volume. NRPN Controller: Many synthesizer 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 synthesizer 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 for the controller #6 (#38), you can now use it to affect the current sound of your synthesizer. Note: We would advise less-experienced users against using the RPN controllers, as this may affect pitchbend sensitivity and tuning in such a way that your AXON will play incorrect notes. And another note: Normally, the underlying NRPN or RPN controller should be reset to NULL (7fh) after making changes with the DATA ENTRY controller. The DATA ENTRY controller will then no longer have an effect. Your AXON does not do this, as it would result in an enormous increase in MIDI data. These controllers are reset to NULL when changing presets or changes to the NRPN/RPN itself, however. Finger Pick (On/Off): The pitch recognition of the AXON is best suited for use with a pick. You can also get good results with finger picking, however. If you have problems in normal mode, such as double triggering, unplayed or incorrect MIDI notes or the like, please switch Finger Pick on. The pick split and pick control functions will no longer be available in this case, as the transient early detection is deactivated. Splittings (Split 1, Split 2,Split 12): the playing area (fingerboard and picking position can be divided in up to 12 different zones, each with its own sound, volume, panorama, etc. Setting/clearing split positions:

18 AXON AX 50 USB (English)
Use the Split at button to set a split position. You can choose between a String Position, Fret Position or Pick Position 1/2". Split 2 has been added to the existing Split 1. To delete a split, click the "Merge with" button. This will rejoin the split zone with its neighbor. To edit the split position, select the appropriate tab. String Split (1-5, fader at guitar head): When configuring a string split, use this parameter to specify the first string of the lower string segment, i.e. the start of the lower playing zone. The number refers to the string, with the number 1 being the high E string. For example, if you se the string split to 4, the two bass strings (5 and 6) will belong to the upper and the lower four strings (1-4) to the lower split zone.
Fret Split (1-23, fader at guitar neck): If you are using a fret split in your preset, use this parameter to specify the first fret of the left split segment, i.e. the left playing zone as seen on the graphic of the AXON. The number refers to the fret numbers, with fret 0 being the open string. For example, if you set the fret split to 4, the open strings and frets 1 through 3 will be assigned to the right split zone, while frets 4 and up will belong to the left split zone.
Pick Split 1 and 2 (0-99, faders at the pickups): if you are using pick split options in your preset, these parameters determine the width of the individual picking zones between the bridge and neck. The picking area is divided into 100 units: 0 is the bridge, 99 corresponds to the start of the fingerboard. If you have divided this area into two zones, the parameter in PICK SPLIT 1 will indicate the start of the right picking zone. For examAXON AX 50 USB (English) 19
ple, if you enter 50, the picking area will be divided into two equally large zones. To divide the picking area into 3 zones, specify a value for the start of the third zone in PICK SPLIT 2. For three equally large zones, set the value for PICK SPLIT 1 to 33 and the value for PICK SPLIT 2 to 66. For the Pick Controller function (see page 22), please set PICK SPLIT 1 to 0 and PICK SPLIT 2 to 99.
Basic Channel, 1-16: select the MIDI output channel for your split here. Basic Channel applies the channel allocation of the Global page. The selected channels are displayed immediately to the left of the fingerboard graphic. MIDI, USB 25: select the destination (virtual) MIDI ports here. These can be set separately for each split zone. MIDI refers to the physical port on the rear panel of the device, whereas USB 25 are the virtual MIDI ports in the driver. Port USB 1 is reserved for communication with the Editor and is thus not available. Example: set the string split (the fader at the head of the guitar graphic, value range 15) to 3 and click the Split at button. The lower three strings on the graphic are now marked with a gray bar. Next, click USB2, so that only that box is lit red. Everything you play over the top three strings will now be sent via USB 2. A further point will now appear above the Basic Channel box: Split 2 will now be visible next to Split 1. When this box is selected, the top three strings (i.e. the low ones) will be marked with a gray bar. Next, select USB 3 as its output path. You can now select a different sound for the three low strings than for the three high onesit's that simple. Program: if this is enabled, the program change command will be sent by the AXON. If it is disabled, no program changes will be sent. This is sometimes useful when recording only the MIDI notes in a sequencer. Program Number: enter the number of the desired program change command to be sent by the AXON. Bank MSB, LSB: sound generators with more than 128 sounds often organize their sounds in multiple banks that can be selected via the MSB and LSB values. Please see the sound table of the sound generator for the parameters and their values. GM Instrument Name: if you are working with a GM sound generator, you can select sounds by name here.

20 AXON AX 50 USB (English)
Transpose (-36 to +36): the MIDI notes can be transposed in pitch. Each step equals a semitone, so +/-12 = +/-1 octave. Quantize (Auto, Off, On, Trigger): This parameter determines whether pitch changes within the set pitchbend range will be realized continuously or stepwise (quantized): Auto: If more than one note is played, pitchbend quantization is enabled automatically. Chords are thus played precisely (without pitchbend), while pitchbend quantization is disabled for single-note solos with bending, hammer-on, sliding and similar techniques. Off: No quantization, continuous pitchbend. All pitch changes (bends, hammer-ons and other techniques) are followed as closely as possible (also see Global: Pitchbend Range). On: Quantization with pitchbend in steps. Increases in pitch are NOT followed with pitchbend until the next semitone is reached, at which point the new pitch value is used. Continuous bends and other techniques are not reproduced as expected. This setting is advantageous when playing chords exclusively, as minor changes in pitch due to varying pressure on the strings no longer have any effect. Trigger: Quantization through new Note On command. This value disables pitchbend completely, triggering chromatic semitones when bending or sliding. It corresponds exactly to the global setting PBEND RANGE: OFF (see Global) but only affects the current split zone. This setting is especially suited to organ or piano sounds, which would otherwise sound extremely unnatural. Volume: (0 to 127): the volume for the individual split. Like the others, this controller can be disabled when it is not needed. To do this, just disable the button. Panorama (-15 to +15): This parameter shifts the selected sound of your MIDI instrument in the stereo image. The values -15. -1 indicate that the current sound will be shifted more toward the left channel, while the values 1.15 would result in a shift toward the right channel. The value 0 corresponds to the middle position. Pan Spread (-15 to +15): Use this parameter to spread the positions of individual sounds across the panorama to ensure that not all (up to six) sounds appear in the stereo position you selected with the Panorama parameter. Set the PAN POS value to MID (middle position), for example. Play your guitar and vary the PAN SPREAD value. Please note that your MIDI instrument must be able to support panorama information. Please refer to the manual of your MIDI instrument for more information. +15: -15: low sounds to the right, high sounds to the left of the panorama low sounds to the left, high sounds to the right of the panorama

None, None, None: is not a new pop song, but a further convenient configuration option. In the AX 100, the Chorus, Reverb and Attack Time MIDI controllers were fixed; the AXON AX 50 Editor lets you configure them freely. (Velocity) Sensitivity (0-127): You can reduce the dynamic range of your MIDI instrument by reducing the value of this parameter. In an extreme case, a value of 0 will cause
all sounds from the MIDI instrument to be played at the same volume, regardless of the velocity with which they are played. The value 127 will result in the greatest possible dynamic range. (Velocity) Offset (-64 to +63): If the restricted dynamic range (see VEL SENSE) of your MIDI instrument has caused it to become too loud or soft, use this parameter to raise or lower the overall volume. Pick Controller: This submenu lets you associate your current sound with one of the many MIDI controllers. This can be used to control effects thanks to the AXON's ability to recognize your picking position. For example, if you set the value to "Modulation Wheel", you can simulate the effect of a keyboard modulation wheel with your picking position. Other interesting effects can be achieved with filter control or Panorama, for example. Use the faders Value 1 and 2 to specify the value range of the parameters, for which the controller is suited. The effective range of the controller is restricted to one pick split zone (Your AXON supports up to three pick zones, for which you can theoretically use three different pick controllers). Generally, you will not use additional pick splits for a pick control effect, otherwise the playing area will become very "narrow". Please ensure that the Pick Split 1/2 controls are set to 0 and 99 in order to use the entire range. Otherwise, only the range within the pick split will be available, not the entire range from the bridge to the fingerboard. (Pick) Value 1 (0-127): Once you have associated the split zone with a MIDI controller via Pick Controller, use this parameter to set the starting value for the controller. Moving your picking position from the bridge toward the neck will cause the value sent to the MIDI controller to continuously move toward the value set for Value 2. (Pick) Value 2 (0-127): Once you have associated the split zone with a MIDI controller via Pick Controller, use this parameter to set the end value for the controller. Moving your picking position from the neck toward the bridge will cause the value sent to the MIDI controller to continuously move toward the value set for Value 1. MIDI Tuning: unlike the tuning on the GLOBAL page, this has nothing to do with the actual tuning of your instrument, but with what you want to hear in the end. An example: your guitar is in standard tuning, and the band is playing in D minor because of your guest artist a Tibetan horn player, whose instrument can only be played in that key. Simply set the tuning under GLOBAL / INSTRUMENT TUNING to NORMAL, and on the PRESET page, set the MIDI TUNING to D-MINOR your guitar will now be correctly transposed. You can also experiment at random with different instrument and MIDI tuning values you'll be surprised at the odd keys your instrument suddenly can handle.

CC Defaults

Controller reset values Using the various control options of the wheel and pick control functions requires a precise reset of the MIDI controller to its default values (i.e. after a preset change). This is generally the value 0, but there are exceptions. A wide range of free controllers are available that manufacturers can use as they see fit, so your AXON lets you set default values for all available controllers. The table is already filled with default values. All controllers reserved according to the MIDI specification were given default values. Refer to the manual of your MIDI sound generator to set the value of the controller used to the value recommended by the manufacturer.

MIDI Mapping

Program Change commands Commands received by your AXON on the current basic channel via the MIDI IN socket can be assigned to any AXON presets using this mapping table. By default, a Program Change command will select the AXON preset with the same program number. To change this setting, select the desired preset from the drop-down menu. Your entries will be adopted by the AXON immediately and do not need to be saved manually.

Practical Examples

1. AXON AX 50 USB plus WAVE XTABLE VI Do you work with the AXON Guitar-to-MIDI System and your guitar or bass is your favorite instrument for writing tracks? Look forward to the well thought-out combination of AXON AX 50 USB plus WAVE XTABLE VI. NOTE: WAVE XTABLE VI is a complex piece of software, and we urgently recommend reading the included manual, as we can't cover all of its possibilities here.
When WAVE XTABLE VI is launched, a so-called multi-instrument (GM.nkm) is loaded automatically. The player then responds to all incoming program change commands, letting you select the sounds you need in the AXON Editor. These are then loaded in the player and are available immediately. To use other libraries, close GM.nkm in the Load/Save menu, and feed the player manually. To take full advantage of the AXON's capabilities, open six instruments in WAVE XTABLE VI and set them to the MIDI channels you have assigned to individual strings in the AXON. You can open the same instrument six times or choose six different ones.
2. AXON in combination with a software sequencer (here: Cubase 4) In our example, we are using Cubase 4 to describe the use of the virtual MIDI ports and the possibilities they present. Let's start by dividing the fingerboard into two split zones, assigning Split 1 to the USB 2 port and Split 2 to USB 3.

In Cubase, select the MIDI input for each track. Assign track MIDI 01 to the input USB audio device [2], and track MIDI 02 to USB audio device [3]. Now you can change the assigned sound simply by switching the track, without the need for any changes on the AXON.
3. AXON in combination with notation software (here: Sibelius G7) Again, in this case it's only necessary to select the input device. Select the Play/Devices menu item to open the dialog box shown below. Select the input devices USB audio device [2], USB audio device [3], etc.

Appendix

Factory Reset
Unlike the AXON 100, the AXON 50 USB will not do a hardware reset. Instead, the Editor's installation folder (default: Program Files\TerraTec\AXON AX 50 USB contains a SysEx file (Default.syx) with the basic settings that you can apply via the LOAD button on the GLOBAL page.
Pitches on the Fingerboard

E A d g b e1

F A# d# g#

F# B e a

G c f a#

G# c# f# b

A# d# g#

c f a#

c# f# b

c1 c#1 d1 f1 f#1 g1

c1 c#1 d1 d#1 e1 f1
f#1 g1 g#1 a1 a#1 b1 c2 c#2 d2 d#2 e2

f#1 g1 g#1 a1 a#1 b1

c1 c#1 d1 d#1 e1 f1 f#1 g1 g#1 a1 c2 c#2 d2 f2 f#2 g2

d#1 e1

f#1 g1 g#1 a1 a#1 b1 c2 c#2 d2 d#2 e2 f2

g#1 a1 a#1 b1

c2 c#2 d2 d#2 e2 f2
f#2 g2 g#2 a2 a#2 b2 c3 c#3 d3 d#3 e3

f#2 g2 g#2 a2 a#2 b2

Pin Assignment of 13-pin Socket
1. Analog signal e-string (1) 2. Analog signal B-string (2) 3. Analog signal G-string (3) 4. Analog signal D-string (4) 5. Analog signal A-string (5) 6. Analog signal E-string (6) 7. Analog magnetic pickup signal 8. Direct current for volume wheel 9. N.C. 10. Down-button 11. Up-button 12. +7V 13. -7V
MIDI Implementation Chart
Manufacturer: TerraTec Electronic GmbH MIDI Implementation Chart v. 2.0 (Page 1 of 3) Model: AXON AX 50 USB Version: 6.00 Transmitted Recognized Date: 18.09.2006 Remarks
1. Basic Information MIDI channels 1-Default Values; All channels 1-16 can be used Note numbers 0-126 No Program Change 0-127 0-127 Receive: Mapped to Presets 1-128 Bank Select response? (Yes/No) No If yes, banks utilized Modes Supported (Yes/No) Multi (Mode 5) No Poly (Mode 3) No Omni (Mode 1) No Mono (Mode 2) No Guitar (Mode 4) No Note On Velocity (Yes/No) Yes No Note Off Velocity (Yes/No) No No Channel Aftertouch (Yes/No) No No Poly (Key) Aftertouch (Yes/No) No No Pitch Bend (Yes/No) Yes No Active Sensing (Yes/No) No No System Reset (Yes/No) No No Tune Request (Yes/No) No No System Exclusive messages supported (Yes/No) No No Sample Dump Standard No No Device Inquiry (General Information) No No File Dump No No MIDI Tuning No No Master Volume No No Master Balance No No Notation Information No No Turn GM System On No No Turn GM System Off Yes No Described in MIDI SysEx Implementation Other (note in Remarks column) NRPNs (Yes/No) No No RPN 00 (Pitch Bend Sensitivity) (Yes/No) Yes No RPN 01 (Fine Tuning) (Yes/No) Yes No RPN 02 (Coarse Tuning) (Yes/No) No No RPN 03 (Tuning Program Select) (Yes/No) No No RPN 04 (Tuning Bank Select) (Yes/No) No No 2. MIDI Timing and Synchronization MIDI Clock (Yes/No) No No Song Position Pointer (Yes/No) No No Song Select (Yes/No) No No Start (Yes/No) No No Continue (Yes/No) No No Stop (Yes/No) No No MIDI Time Code (Yes/No) No No MIDI Machine Control (Yes/No) No No No MIDI Show Control (Yes/No) No If yes, MSC Level supported 3. Extensions Compatibility General MIDI compatible? (Yes/No) No If yes, is GM default power-up mode? No (Yes/No) DLS compatible? (Yes/No) No If yes, DLS Level(s) supported If yes, can DLS files be imported? (Yes/No) If yes, can DLS files be exported? (Yes/No) Importation of Standard MIDI Files No (Yes/No) If yes, Types supported No Exportation of Standard MIDI Files (Yes/No) If yes, Types supported NOTES 1) Any Controller is recognized on Basic channel. It is ignored if it is already assigned internally. It is re-transmitted on the incoming channel when Stringmode = Common. It is re-transmitted on the incoming channel and the 5 following channels when Stringmode = Separate. In this table Recognized is only marked with Yes if the controller has a function additional to these assignments. 2) Any Controller between 0 and 119 can be transmitted when assigned to the Wheel or used with one of the 3 Zone Controllers or the Pickcontrol feature. In this table Transmitted is only marked with Yes if the controller has a function additional to these assignments. 3) The effective Volume/Pan value depends not only on the incoming controller value, but also on several internal parameters

Strong differences in the dynamics of individual notes What can I do about extremely irritating, strong dynamic differences between individual notes?
Possible problem: Incorrect velocity parameters. Solution: The velocity settings (Velocity) of the AXON must be suitable to the sound of the output device. Try reducing the velocity sensitivity parameter and increasing the velocity offset parameter.