Blue Chip Music Technology NGC 77 User's Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features of the AXON ............................................................................................................... 8
How to use the Hold Pedal........................................................................................................ 9
How to use the Mono Input....................................................................................................... 9
How to use the optional sound module ................................................................................... 10
First settings............................................................................................................................. 10
How to install the guitar interface and the pickups ................................................................. 10
How to connect your MIDI equipment.................................................................................... 10
How to mount an AXON in a 19 " rack.................................................................................. 11
AUDIO OUTPUT of the optional sound module................................................................... 11
Reloading the default settings.................................................................................................. 11
Display usage........................................................................................................................... 11
Global Parameter..................................................................................................................... 12
BASIC CHAN................................................................................................................ 12
PBEND RANGE............................................................................................................ 12
SEND PBDRG............................................................................................................... 13
NOTE OFF L ................................................................................................................. 13
LOCAL MODE.............................................................................................................. 13
VU METER ................................................................................................................... 14
TUNE BASE.................................................................................................................. 14
TUNING AID ................................................................................................................ 14
GUITAR NO .................................................................................................................. 15
Sensitivity....................................................................................................................... 15
GUITAR NUMBER/ NAME ......................................................................................... 15
COPY SCRATCH.......................................................................................................... 15
COPY ARRANGE......................................................................................................... 16
COPY SEGMENT ......................................................................................................... 16
COPY CHAIN ............................................................................................................... 16
SEND SCRATCH .......................................................................................................... 17
SEND ARRANGE ......................................................................................................... 17
SEND ALL..................................................................................................................... 17
REC. SCRATCH............................................................................................................ 17
REC. ARRANGE........................................................................................................... 17
RECALL...................................................................................................................... 17
ADC MONITOR............................................................................................................ 17
How to store Scratch versus Arrange data............................................................................... 18
Scratch Mode........................................................................................................................... 18
STRG MODE................................................................................................................. 19
HOLD MODE................................................................................................................ 19
EDTSEGM.................................................................................................................... 20
SCRATCH NAME......................................................................................................... 20
Arrange Mode.......................................................................................................................... 20
STRG SPLIT.................................................................................................................. 21
FRET SPLIT .................................................................................................................. 22
PICK SPLIT 1 and 2 ...................................................................................................... 22
EDT SEGM....................................................................................................................
ARRANGE NAME....................................................................................................... 23
Segmentparameter................................................................................................................... 24
PROGRAM.................................................................................................................... 24
VOLUME....................................................................................................................... 24
TRANSPOSE................................................................................................................. 24
QUANTIZE.................................................................................................................... 24
PAN POS........................................................................................................................ 25
PAN SPREAD................................................................................................................ 25
REVERB ........................................................................................................................ 26
FINGR PICK.................................................................................................................. 26
VLCTY SENS................................................................................................................ 26
VLCTY OFFS................................................................................................................ 26
TRIGGER LEV.............................................................................................................. 26
PICK CTRL ................................................................................................................... 28
PI POSITION ................................................................................................................ 28
PI VALUE...................................................................................................................... 28
P2 POSITION ................................................................................................................ 28
P2 VALUE...................................................................................................................... 28
Chain Mode ............................................................................................................................. 29
Step................................................................................................................................. 29
Mode .............................................................................................................................. 29
TYPE and VALUE ......................................................................................................... 30
Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 31
MIDI channel/ string assignment................................................................................... 31
How to change a preset via MIDI IN ............................................................................. 31
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 32
Specifications ................................................................................................................. 36
SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE IMPLEMENTATION............................................................. 37
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION........................................................................................... 38
GENERAL MIDI (GM) tables....................................................................................... 39
GENERAL MIDI Sound Set Groupings........................................................................ 39
GENERAL MIDI Sound Set.......................................................................................... 39
GENERAL MIDI Percussion Set................................................................................... 40
GENERAL MIDI controller table.................................................................................. 41
23
FRONT PANEL
Level of the MONO input
The LCD-Display is rich in contrast and shows the current presets as well as the different
parameters.
Parameter selection; the + button moves the cursor to the next, the - button moves the cursor
to the previous parameter.
The Value + , - buttons are used either to select Sratch, Arrange or Chain presets, or to edit
the parameter values.
Access to GLOBAL parameters.
Switches the AXON to the ARRANGE mode with access to 64 different ARRANGE presets
as well as the possibility to edit them.
The STORE button is used for saving and copying.
The OK button serves to confirm the text at the display, to leave and call up submenus as well
as to confirm the saving and copying.
Change to the CHAIN mode in order to call up a pre-programmed preset series with the chain
footswitch. The chain parameters are also edited in this mode.
Change to the SCRATCH mode. 128 different SCRATCH presets are available. Moreover
access to arrangement possibilities.
Power ON/ OFF switch.
Back Panel
Input for power adapter 12 V, 1500 mA, AC.
MIDI OUT jack. The AXON sends out its MIDI data at this jack.
MIDI IN jack. The AXON receives program change commands as well as system exclusive
data via this jack. System exclusive data can also be sent to the optional sound board SB-676
which is sold by BLUE CHIP, too.
MIDI THRU jack. All data arrive via MIDI IN and are transmitted further through this jack.
At the unused pins of this jack, the stereo audio signals of the Sound board are available. For
that purpose, use the special cable which is included with the Sound board.
Before turning on the AXON, this switch has to be set to BASS or LEAD guitar.
CHAIN footswitchjack. It enables you to activate pre-programmed preset series at the NGC
77 respectively presets at the NGC 60 with an optional footswitch.
HOLD footswitchjack. The footswitch belongs to the delivery of the AXON and can be used
for different functions of the hold mode which can be programmed.
INTERFACE jack. Please connect the 13 pin cable of your guitar or bass interface to this
input.
GUITAR OUT jack. The pickup signals of your guitar can be unchanged transmitted from this
jack.
MONO IN jack. It enables you to connect monophonic signals with line or microphone level.
Features of the AXON
Your AXON is fitted with a novel method of pitch recognition
working so quickly and safely that you can use your AXON also
with a bass guitar. At present, no comparable device offers you
this feature.
The AXON is unique because it recognizes the pick position of
each string, and the AXON offers you new possibilities to
control your MIDI instrument.
Your AXON is able to reduce the MIDI output data stream as far
as possible to a minimum. According to the setting of the preset
parameter, further reliefs are the result. At previous devices,
Pitch Bend data load the MIDI interface strongly.
If you did not work with a comparable device before, you will
get to know some terms which are perhaps new for you.
Therefore, we would like to explain here the extraordinary
possibilities you can use with your AXON.
The most interesting and the most extraordinary features of your
AXON are undoubtedly the different split possibilities.
You can set a string split in order to divide the six strings of your
guitar into two parts. In each part, your MIDI instrument could
give out another sound. For that purpose, you will fix a split
point - in this case a string number - in order to set the border
between the two parts.
Assign a fret split in order to divide the neck of your guitar into
two parts.
Think of an accord accompaniment which you play in lowpitched registers with an optional sound. Then you change to a
solo which is played in higher notes with another sound. In this
case, the split point is a fret number.
You get an impressive play by the possibility of pick splitting.
Two split points can be defined to split the pick range between
the pickup and the neck into three pick regions. An individual
sound can be assigned to each of these regions.
AXON NGC 77 - VERSION 4.00
At each of the three split possibilities, you can additionally use
the pick control function. You can change the value of each
MIDI controller with the pick position. Keyboard players often
use a modulation wheel in order to produce vibrato or filter
effects. With the pick control function you have the same
possibilities, only by changing the pick position.
How to use the Hold Pedal
The Hold Pedal can be used to play an additional, third sound of
your MIDI instrument. In this case, the current split becomes
temporarily ineffective and you can use another sound. All notes
which sound while releasing the pedal will sound until the next
pressure on the Hold Pedal. Play a chord by depressed Hold
Pedal. Without muting the chord, you release the Hold Pedal
now and the Hold sound will be locked. You can play again with
the current preset to your chord accompaniment. After pressing
once more, you can play a new chord, the old one will be
replaced by a new one. Or you simply turn off the chord while
pressing once the Hold Pedal shortly without playing at that
time.
Additionally, the pick control function can be used as well for
the Hold sound.
After pressing the Hold Pedal, you can also send a preprogrammed MIDI controller to the MIDI instrument. This
could be the controller No. 64 (Sustain), the controller No. 65
(Portamento) or even the controller No. 93 (Chorus).
After pressing the Hold Pedal you are moreover able to freeze
the already played tones in order to play only on your guitar.
Then, all other MIDI sounds are suppressed. You can also realize
a bypass function in order to hear temporarily your guitar sound
alone.
How to use the Mono Input
All instruments with pickups can be directly connected by a jack
cable to the MONO input of your AXON. At the front of the
AXON is the potentiometer which helps you to set the
sensitivity of the MONO input. Please consider that not all
features of the AXON are available when using the MONO
input. The extremely fast pitch recognition is inactive. In this
case you work with a pitch recognition which is a little bit
slower. But it is comparable to devices which were already
offered by competitors. String Split, Pick Split and the Pick
Control function are no longer available.
The Fret Split depends now on the pitch because your AXON
does not know anything about your frets. Think of a violin or
think of instruments which you have to connect by a
microphone. There are no limits to your imagination but you can
not foresee the results in each case. We had already achieved
good results using guitar and bass.
AXON NGC 77 - VERSION 4.00
How to use the optional sound module
If your AXON is fitted by an embedded sound module, 128
GENERAL MIDI SOUNDS in excellent quality will
immediately be available for you. Additionally, the sound
module has an installed reverb as well as a chorus effect which
can be called up by the AXON. Combined with a sequencer or
similar devices you have access to 480 sounds. Furthermore, 11
different drumkits are available. The complete effect range
consists of 11 reverb types, 11 chorus types as well as 42
variation programmes. Please take details from the enclosed
description of the sound module.
If you use a sequencer program, please connect the MIDI OUT
of your AXON to the MIDI IN of your computer, and the MIDI
IN of your AXON to the MIDI OUT of the computer. In this
case the GLOBAL parameter "LOCAL" on the AXON has to be
LOCAL ON.
First settings
How to install the guitar interface and the pickups
For that purpose, please read the installation instruction of your
guitar interface.
How to connect your MIDI equipment
Please connect the MIDI OUT of your AXON to the MIDI IN of
your MIDI instrument. For that purpose, use a commercial 5 pin
DIN cable (MIDI cable).
If you use a sequencer program, please connect the MIDI OUT
of your AXON to the MIDI IN of your computer, and the MIDI
OUT of the computer to the MIDI IN of the sound module. Your
synthesizer should be polyphonical (minimum 7 voices) and has
to handle up to six or seven MIDI channels. Please adjust your
synthesizer so, that it receives channels 1 to 7. (The channels 1-6
are for each string of your guitar and the channel 7 is for the
HOLD PEDAL function). After you connected your synthesizer
with the AXON, please switch on the synthesizer first and wait
until it had initialized before starting the AXON. After turning
on the AXON, it sends the most important information to the
synthesizer in order to make the configuration as easy and quick
as possible. Not all synthesizers accept these information.
Therefore, you should definitely check the Pitch Bend range at
your synthesizer.
How to mount an AXON in a 19 " rack
You can mount your AXON in a 19" rack by using the optional
installation frame. In order to fix, use only the original screws. If
you prefer another form of mounting, remove first the rubber
foot from the bottom of the AXON. Please use only screws of
the type M3 to fix the 19" rack with the bottom of the AXON
and take care that the screws do not reach longer than 4 mm into
the AXON. Longer screws can damage the inside of the device.
AUDIO OUTPUT of the optional sound module
The AUDIO OUTPUT is realized by the unused pins of the
MIDI THRU socket. For that purpose, take the special cable
which is included with your AXON.
Reloading the default settings
Keep the SCRATCH key pressed while turning on the AXON.
For a short time you will see "ALL DATA INITIALIZED" in the
display. Beware that all previous presets that you made will be
lost in this case. If necessary, store your data with a Sysex
Dump.
Display usage
The possibilities offered by the AXON require a large number of
parameters, that can be programmed according to your wishes.
In order to get accustomed quickly to the usage of the AXON
here you will find some general information about the preset
structure.
Each
of
the
four
MODEs (GLOBAL, SCRATCH . ARRANGE
and CHAIN) consists of several parameters which can be called
up in the display by pressing the + or - parameter keys. A single
+ sign on the right edge of the display shows that you are in the
uppermost
line of the parameter
list.
A single - sign
characterizes the end of a parameter list. Please use the - key in
order to get to the previous parameter. A +/- sign shows that you
are somewhere within the list; the + and - keys help you to go
up or to go down in the menu.
Some parameters include submenus with further parameters.
You recognize a reference to a submenu by an arrow pointing to
the bottom. It is positioned on the left edge of the display. Press
the OK key to change to the submenu. In the submenu, you can
move again with the +- keys. There could be an arrow on the left
edge of the display pointing at the top. It signalizes that you can
press the OK key in order to leave the submenu, and return back
to the point where the submenu was called up.
Global Parameter
If you use your AXON for the first time you have to check the
settings of some global parameter in correspondence to your
MIDI instrument:
Please check the basic MIDI channel and tune your guitar with
the embedded tuning aid of your AXON. If you are in a hurry
and if you would like to play immediately with your AXON, read
the explanations in the sections BASIC CH and tuning of the
guitar. You must ensure that the connected MIDI instrument
receives Pitch Bend Range information, otherwise you set this
value at your MIDI instrument on 12. Then you leap over all
further parameters for the present and you can test the factory
presets.
In order to change one of the GLOBAL parameter, switch your
AXON into the GLOBAL mode. Please press first the GLOBAL
key. If the GLOBAL LED lights, your AXON is in the GLOBAL
mode. With the +- keys, you move the blinking cursor in the line
in which the desired parameter is shown. Please change the
shown value with the +- keys. If you are satisfied with the
setting, leave the GLOBAL mode and change again to the
SCRATCH, ARRANGE or CHAIN mode by pressing the
corresponding key. You see the current mode on the appropriate
LED.
BASIC CHAN
Basic MIDI channel 1-10
Your AXON needs maximal seven successive MIDI channels in
order to control a connected MIDI tone generator. One channel is
necessary for each string and an additional channel is required if
you would like to use the special function of the Hold Pedal.
With the basic MIDI channel you assign the first of seven
channels which will be used by your AXON. All further channels
follow implicitly.
PBEND RANGE
Pitchbend Range OFF/I...24
Since your connected MIDI instrument should convert the pitch
changes of your guitar correctly, you have to set the Pitch Bend
Range of your MIDI instrument to the same value as this one on
the AXON. The value shows the maximum number of semitone
steps that can be converted with Pitch Bend information, without
triggering a new note on your MIDI instrument. If your MIDI
instrument allows, this value should be set to at least 12. For bass
guitars it is especially recommended to set it even higher, to 24.
SEND PBDRG
Send Pitchbend Range ON/OFF
This parameter has to be ON if your MIDI instrument stores
Pitch Bend Range in each preset separately. In this case the
AXON sends the Pitch Bend Range information after each
program change immediately again. This is necessary by most
KORG synthesizers, and probably by some other manufacturers.
If your MIDI instruments store Pitch Bend Range globally, just
like the AXON itself, this parameter should be OFF. If your are
not familiar with your MIDI instrument, you should set this
parameter to ON. Then your AXON will possibly give out some
unnecessary MIDI data but you will hardly notice it.
NOTE OFF L
Note off limit 10...30
This level sets the point on the decay envelope where the NOTE
OFF event will be sent. The higher the setting, the shorter the
note will be; the lower the setting, the longer the note will be
sustained.
LOCAL MODE
Local Mode : ON/OFF
OFF:
The MIDI data that are received by your AXON are directly
transferred to the embedded sound module. Programm change
commands do not influence your AXON. Naturally, you can
keep changing the presets of your AXON with the buttons.
Concerning the receive, your AXON is now like a GM-expander.
This function addresses especially to persons who work with a
sequencer: All MIDI data, the AXON generates during play, are
exclusively given out via MIDI OUT. The sequencer will send
data through its MIDI OUT. Please connect the MIDI OUT of
your sequencer to the MIDI IN of your AXON in order to direct
it to your embedded sound module. The AUDIO OUT signals
are transferred via the non-used pins of the MIDI THRU of your
AXON. For that purpose, use the special cable included
with
your AXON.
ON:
If you don't use a sequencer, you should set this parameter to
ON. Your AXON controls now the embedded sound module and
programme change commands influence your AXON.
Additionally, the general MIDI sound name is shown while
editing the segment parameters. Of course, your AXON keep
sending data via MIDI OUT. Then, you can connect futher MIDI
instruments to the MIDI OUT. If you do not have an embedded
sound module, you should set LOCAL on ON in order to
benefit from preset changes via MIDI IN.
VU METER
Level Meter ON/OFF
When strings are played, the display shows 6 small VU-Meters
for six strings. The normal display appears again when the decay
reaches -40dB. This function can be suppressed by turning the
VU-Meter OFF (key).
TUNE BASE
Tune Base -99...+99
Your AXON generates MIDI sounds relating to a tune base of
440 Hz plus a deviation which is set by this parameter. If your
musicians play instruments which can only be tuned with great
effort (for example a piano), it is better, you fit your AXON to
this situation. We recommend the following procedures if the
tune base deviates from 440 Hz: You tune first the open A string
carefully by ear on the basis of the instrument (for example a
piano). Then, press the OK button. At the display, the following
text appears: "PICK THE OPEN A STRING". While playing
now the open A string, your AXON analyses the coming
vibration and sets itself the Tune Base Parameter at the correct
value. Naturally, you can change the value also with the +buttons, if you know exactly the value. Then you tune the
remaining strings of your guitar with the embedded tuning aid of
your AXON. If you play alone, you should set the tune base on
the value 0.
TUNING AID
How to call up the tuning aid
It is important that your guitar is tuned within a certain pitch
tolerance, so that the AXON can properly interpret MIDI pitch
values. Press OK. You will see a display similar to a chromatic
guitar tuner. Tune each string so that the pointer is above the
middle arrow. The left arrow of the tuning scale marks a
deviation of -45 cent (0,45 of a semitone), the right arrow
deviates +45 cents from the current tune base. If the Tune Base
Parameter is on 0, the middle arrow corresponds to a tuning
calibration of 440 Hz. If the Tune Base Parameter is set for +50
for example, the middle arrow correspond to a pitch that is a
quarter step higher than 440 Hz. Note: Tuning aid is a feature
that will allow to tune your guitar to the AXON quickly and
simply, whereas Tune Base allows you to tune the AXON to
your guitar.
GUITAR NO
The AXON allows you to set preferences for up to four different
totally separate guitars or bass guitars. If for example, you
change guitars during a concert, you don't have to change all the
sensitivity settings for that instrument, you merely change to the
appropriate guitar number (name) in your AXON.
Sensitivity
The AXON converts audio signals into digital information. They
are very sensitive to overloading. But you shouldn't drive your
AXON too low. Your AXON helps you to set the sensitivity
optimally. Press the OK button. The string names are now shown
at the display. Play on your guitar and use all strings. You should
play all strings loudly, even at least 8 times. Later on those
strings are faded out on the display that are already adjusted. If
your AXON adopted the optimal setting for all strings, the
following text appears on the display:
ALL ADJUSTED
PRESS OK.
You can call up this function as often as you like, perhaps in
order to increase the sensitivity later. For that purpose, you
repeat the above mentioned procedure, but you play less
powerful on your guitar. Your AXON will then increase the
sensitivity. Please consider that you can overload your AXON
later by playing loudly which can lead to faulty MIDI data.
GUITAR NUMBER/ NAME
Please scroll your cursor with the +/- parameter buttons to the
line which indicates the guitar name. Press the OK button, the
cursor flashes now over the first letter. Change the letter with the
+/- value buttons. While pressing either the + or the - parameter
buttons you reach the next or the previous column. Program the
desired name letter by letter into your AXON and leave the
menu with the OK button.
COPY SCRATCH
How to copy a scratch preset
Press the OK button and scroll your cursor with the +/parameter keys in the line "SOURCE SCR:". Set with the +/-
value buttons the desired scratch preset you would like to copy.
Change with the +/- parameter buttons to the line "DEST.SCR:"
and set with the +/- value buttons the target preset to which you
want to copy. Then scroll the cursor with the + parameter button
in the line displaying the following text "COPY: OK" and press
the OK button in order to start copying. If you decide you don't
want to complete the copy, move the cursor to another line, and
press OK. This will return you to the main Global Menu page.
COPY ARRANGE
How to copy Arrange Presets
Press the OK button and move the cursor with the +- parameter
keys in the line "SOURCE ARR:". Set your desired Arrange
Preset with the +- value keys. Change with the +- parameter
buttons to the line "DEST. ARR:" and assign here the desired
target preset with the +- value keys as well. Then position the
cursor with the + parameter key to the line displaying the text
"COPY: OK" and press the OK button in order to start copying.
If you decide you don't want to complete the copy, move the
cursor to another line, and press OK. This will return you to the
main Global Menu page.
COPY SEGMENT
How to copy segment parameters
Press the OK button and move the cursor with the +- parameter
keys in the line "SOURCE SGM:". Set the segment with the +value buttons which you would like to copy. Change to the line
"DEST. SGM:" with the +/- parameter keys and assign here the
desired target segment with the +/- value buttons, too. Then set
the cursor with the + parameter key to the line displaying the
text "COPY: OK." and press the OK button in order to start
copying. You can abort the function by moving the cursor in
another line and hitting the OK key: Then you are again at the
global menu page.
COPY CHAIN
How to copy a chain preset
Press the OK button and move the cursor to the line "SOURCE
CHN:" with the +/- parameter keys. Set the preset which you
would like to copy with the +/- value buttons. Change to the line
"DEST. CHN:" with the +/- parameter keys and assign here the
desired target preset with the +/- value buttons, too. Then set the
cursor with the + parameter key to the line with the text "COPY:
OK." and press the OK button in order to start copying. You can
abort the function by moving the cursor in another line and
hitting the OK key: Then you are again at the global menu page.
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