M-Audio Axiom 25 User Guide
®
Axiom DirectLink for Cubase
User Guide
Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2010 by Avid Technology, Inc., with all rights
reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in
part without the written consent of Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid, M-Audio and Axiom are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid
Technology, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their
respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are
subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9329-65024-00 REV A 7/10
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Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Installation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 3. Axiom Controls with DirectLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 4. Instrument Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting Up Instrument Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using Instrument Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Contents3
Chapter 1: Introduction
This guide covers DirectLink, which automatically maps Axiom® controls to common functions in Cubase 5
and later
with a level of integration that makes Axiom feel like a “dedicated” hardware controller.
Once Cubase has been launched, DirectLink is activated in its default state which is Mixer Mode. In Mixer
Mode, Axiom faders, buttons and knobs are mapped to Cubase mixer functions such as track and master channel volume, as well as the pan, track selection, mute, solo, and record arm, as explained in Chapter 3, “Axiom
Controls with DirectLink.”
Although Mixer mode provides effective control of the Cubase Mixer, Axiom DirectLink also gives you hands
on control over any virtual instrument in your project. The first step towards controlling virtual instruments
within your project is selecting a “target” track using the dedicated Track “<“ and “>” buttons.
The target track determines which track Axiom will control. If there is a virtual instrument in the target track,
pressing the Instrument button (Inst) instantly maps all Axiom controls to useful parameters on the instrument.
. DirectLink offers two-way communication with Cubase, featuring two distinct modes of operation
Whenever DirectLink is switched to Instrument mode, the Instrument button will also illuminate to confirm
that you are controlling an instrument. Pressing the Patch Up and Down buttons scrolls through patches to
audition and select sounds in the targeted instrument. Pressing either of the Track buttons targets an adjacent
track, allowing you to switch from one instrument to another.
Pressing the Instrument button a second time returns Axiom to Mixer mode. While in Instrument Mode,
holding down the Instrument button opens and closes the virtual instrument window. This lets you to see the
on-screen controls update in real time as mapped Axiom controls are used.
Instrument Mode has no affect on the Axiom Transport buttons, and they will remain mapped to their counterparts in Cubase.
Although this introduction explains how DirectLink with Axiom can enhance your workflow, please take the
time to read the rest of this User Guide. Combined with the Axiom User Guide, it will explain how to get the
most out of your Axiom keyboard in Cubase.
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Chapter 1: Introduction
DirectLink Requirements
System Requirements
The latest system requirements can be found at www.m-audio.com.
Cubase Software
DirectLink requires Cubase version 5 or later. Earlier versions of Cubase do not support DirectLink. To learn
more about upgrading your Cubase software, please visit http://www.steinberg.net.
Axiom Drivers
Windows users should download and install the latest Axiom drivers from www.m-audio.com/support if you
are planning to do any or all of the following:
• Control more than one application at the same time.
• Simultaneously use other class-compliant USB audio devices.
• Use long System Exclusive (SysEx) commands.
For more information about Windows driver installation, and Axiom setup for both Mac and Windows, refer
to the “Driver Installation” chapter of the Axiom User Guide.
Axiom Hardware
DirectLink requires that Axiom is connected to the host computer, and this guide assumes the process has already been completed. The installation and connection procedure is covered in the Axiom User Guide.
A list of qualified recording applications, along with current Windows drivers, DirectLink installers and
User Guides can be found at www.m-audio.com.
Axiom DirectLink for Cubase User Guide
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Chapter 1: Introduction
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