M-Audio Axiom 25-49-61 User Manual
Axiom 25-49-61
User Guide
Advanced Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What’s In The Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Axiom Keyboard overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Section 1: Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Axiom Keyboards Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 Driver Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 MIDI Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.5 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.1 The Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 MIDI Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Program And Bank Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 MIDI Controller Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 3: Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1 MIDI Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Recall And Store Of Your Control Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 How To Avoid Jumping Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4 The Rotary Encoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.5 Pressure Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.6 Controlling Several Devices At The Same Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.7 ‘Group A’ Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.8 Example Of Control Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Section 4: Usage Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1 MIDI Out From USB Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2 Recording Your Performance On A Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.3 Controlling A Sound Module From The Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Section 5: MIDI Messages Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.1 Program & Bank Changes Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.2 RPN/NRPN’s Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.3 SysEx Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Section 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Technical Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Warranty Terms and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix A - MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix B – Useful MIDI Data Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Appendix D – Assignable Controller Numbers To Linear Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix E – Assignable Controller Numbers To Non-Linear Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix F – Assignable Controller Numbers To Rotary Encoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix G – Assignable Controller Numbers To Trigger Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Appendix H - Hexadecimal Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
3
Axiom Line User Guide
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your M-Audio Axiom MIDI controller keyboard. Your keyboard gives you vast control over your software, virtual
instruments or sequencer. You can also use the Axiom to control hardware sound modules, synthesizers or sequencers.
< The eight fully assignable pads give you the ability to trigger samples and loops separately from the keyboard in real-time.
< The eight fully assignable rotary encoders allow for smooth control of your software’s features with no jumping parameters.
< The versatile and easy to use Axiom keyboard is a great controller in the studio and on stage in live performance.
What’s In The Box?
If any of the following items are missing from your package, please contact your retailer.
< Axiom keyboard
< Quick Start Guide
< Keyboard Controller Series CD-ROM
< Software bundle CD-ROM
< USB cable
Axiom Keyboard overview
Here is a run down of some of the great features the Axiom keyboards have to offer:
< 25, 49 or 61 note keyboard versions.
< Eight fully programmable endless rotary encoders.
< Eight fully programmable sample trigger pads.
< Nine fully assignable 40mm sliders (Axiom 49 and 61 only).
< USB 1.1 port to connect the Axiom to a computer. The keyboard will also draw power from the USB port, so no additional power supply is
required.
< MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports for connecting external MIDI gear.
< Expression pedal jack (expression pedal not included).
< Sustain pedal jack (sustain pedal not included).
< Fully programmable after-touch strip under the keyboard.
< Null mode – for full parameter recall with each preset. No more jumping dials!
< Controller Mute – reposition your controller without affecting your software.
< Easy to program controls can be assigned to a vast range of MIDI messages including MIDI controller messages, GM/GS/XG Sys Ex
messages, NRPN/RPN messages, channel after-touch, program/bank changes, note messages and some useful variations of these.
< Rotary encoders can be programmed to use any of six popular increment/decrement methods to account for all software that currently
supports rotary encoders. The encoders can also function as standard MIDI controllers with absolute values.
< A range of different acceleration curves for the encoders for realistic dial control.
< Trigger pads respond to velocity or pressure and can be programmed to either send MIDI note data or controller messages, allowing for
full control over all your software samplers, loop triggers and much more!
About This Manual
There are 5 sections to this manual. Section 1 provides an overview of your new Axiom keyboard and gives you details how to set up the keyboard
with your computer. Section 2 gives you some basic control features of your keyboard to get you started right away. In Section 3, we delve into
more advanced functions and programming and in Section 4 we provide some examples of your Axiom keyboard in use. Finally, Section 5
explains MIDI and some commonly misunderstood MIDI message types.
Introduction
5
Axiom Line User Guide
Section 1: Getting Started
1.1 Axiom Keyboards Overview
1.1.1 Top Panel Overview
1.1.2 Back Panel Overview
1.1.3 Control Definitions
These controls are referred by name throughout this manual.
1: LCD Display 8: Numeric Keypad 15: MIDI OUT Port
2: Sliders 9: Octave /Transpose Buttons 16: MIDI IN Port
3: Encoders 10: Pitch Bend Wheel 17: USB 1.1 Port
4: Transport Buttons 11: Modulation Wheel 18: DC Power Jack
5: Assignable Buttons 12: Keyboard with Aftertouch 19: Power Switch
6: Trigger Pads 13: Expression Pedal Jack 20: Kensington Lock
7: Function Buttons 14: Sustain Pedal Jack
Section 1: Getting Started
6
1.2 Setup
If you intend to connect your Axiom keyboard to a computer, please be sure you read sections 1.2 and 1.3 first. If you only intend to use your Axiom
keyboard to control a sound module or synthesizer through the external MIDI OUT port, you should skip to section 1.4.
1.2.1 Minimum System Requirements
If you are using your Axiom with a computer, the following minimum system requirements apply:
Windows*
Mac OS*
• Pentium 3 – 800 MHz or higher • Macintosh G3** 800/G4** 733 MHz or higher
(CPU may be higher for laptops) (CPU requirement may be higher for laptops)
• 256 MB RAM • OS X 10.3.9 with 256 MB RAM,
• DirectX 9.0b or higher • OS X 10.4.2 or greater with 512 MB RAM
• Windows XP (SP2) or higher
(Windows 98, Me, NT, or 2000 not supported)
*M-Audio suggests you also check the minimum system requirements for your software, as they may be greater than the above.
**Native USB port required; G3/G4 accelerator cards are not supported.
1.3 Driver Installation Procedure
Important: Do not connect the USB cable to a computer until you have read and understood the instructions in the Quick Start Guide. A printed
copy of this is included in the box and you will also find this on the Keyboard Controller Series CD-ROM.
1.3.3 Using The Axiom With Your Software
When installed, the Axiom appears in the computer as a simple MIDI device with two input ports and one output port. You should select the first
listed Axiom input port as the MIDI input device in your software. Once this is set, your software will read data transmitted from the Axiom.
If you have connected external MIDI gear like a drum pad controller or another keyboard to your Axiom’s MIDI IN port, this gear can be
interfaced to the computer by selecting the second listed Axiom input port. In this way, your Axiom is acting as a MIDI to USB interface.
It is also possible to stream data from your computer to external MIDI gear connected to the MIDI OUT port of your Axiom – effectively a USB to
MIDI interface. To do this, you should select the Axiom output device in your software. Note that some other steps are necessary to make this
work that will be fully explained later in this manual.
The port names are defined in the table below. Note that the MIDI ports will appear with different names depending on whether you are using
Mac or PC, and whether you’ve installed the Windows multi-client driver or not:
USB Input Port from Axiom Input port from external MIDI IN USB Output port to Axiom
Mac OS X
USB Axiom port 1 USB Axiom port 2 USB Axiom
Windows Class Driver
USB Audio Device* USB Audio Device* USB Audio Device*
Windows Multi-Client Driver
USB Axiom In USB Axiom Out (2) USB Axiom Out
* These will appear as a single USB Audio Device in the Device Manager.
1.4 MIDI Connections
The MIDI Out jack accepts a standard 5-pin DIN-type MIDI plug (available from most professional audio retailers).
The MIDI Out jack can be used to connect the Axiom to a hardware sequencer or an external synthesizer or sound module.
1.5 Power Supply
If you are using your Axiom with a computer via its USB port, there is no need for an external power supply. Your Axiom will draw its power from
the computer.
However, if you are intending to use your Axiom without connecting to a computer’s USB port, then you will need to use an external power supply.
No power supply is included in the box, so please select one that meets the following requirements:
< 12V DC < 250mA – 300mA < Center positive
Section 1: Getting Started
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Axiom Line User Guide
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
Your Axiom controller will not make any sound unless it is connected to a computer or other external MIDI gear. This is because the Axiom
sends just MIDI data when you play it and MIDI data does not produce sound on its own. Instead, it is used to control audio on your computer or
MIDI gear to generate sounds.
Programming MIDI data can get complicated at times, so with the Axiom range of keyboards, we have done our best to make MIDI programming
as simple as possible. In this section we look at the most common MIDI messages and how to program them on your Axiom.
So to begin, you should familiarize yourself with the function button panel.
(This is a good place to introduce you to the way we approach the differences between the Axiom 61 and 49 versions and the Axiom 25. The
appearance and functionality of the Axiom 61 and 49 are the same, it’s just the size of the keyboard that is different, and so when we give
instructions for these two versions they are always grouped together. The Axiom 25 looks different and operates differently, so we always give you
a separate set of instructions for this version.)
2.0.1 Axiom 49 And 61 Functions
Numeric Keypad
Use the numeric keypad to enter numerical values during programming. The LCD displaywill always reflect the values you enter.
2.0.2 Axiom 25 Functions
Advanced
A number of advanced functions on the Axiom 25 are accessed from the keyboard itself. These functions are listed above the keys on front
panel of the unit. To access these functions, you must always first press the Advanced button which then lights to confirm that the keys on
the keyboard will be used for data entry rather than sending musical MIDI notes.
Here is a list of the advanced functions that are available on your Axiom 25:
White Keys: Black Keys: Numeric Data Entry Keys
Ctrl Assign Zone Chan Numbers 0-9 and Enter.
Chan assign Ctrl Select
Vel. Lock
Data 1
Bank LSB Data 2
Bank MSB Data 3
Mem Dump Curve Type (velocity curve,
pad curve, rotary encoder
acceleration curve)
MIDI Out from USB
Store
Some of the functions on the Axiom 25 require you to enter numerical values. For functions that require numeric data entry;
< Press the Advanced button.
< Enter the data value using the Numeric Data Entry keys 0-9 on the keyboard (printed above the keyboard).
< Press the Enter key to confirm the value.
Use the –/+ buttons to make small single step adjustments. As you enter data from the keyboard numeric keys, the numbers are be displayed
on the LCD.
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
8
2.0.3 Function Index
Function Section
Advanced (Axiom 25 only) 2.0.2
-/+ 2.0.2
Snapshot 3.3.3
Zone Range 3.6.4
Zone/Group 3.6.2
Recall* 3.2
Program* 2.4.2 & 3.6.6
Mute 3.3.1
Null 3.3.2
Glob. Chan* 2.2 & 3.6.7.3
Panic 2.4.3
Ctrl Assign 2.4.2
Chan. Assign 3.6.7
Vel. Lock
3.5.6
Bank LSB 2.3 & 3.6.6
Bank MSB 2.3 & 3.6.6
Mem. Dump 3.2.2
Dev. ID (Axiom 49, 61 only)
3.2.3
MIDI Out 4.1
Store 3.2.2
Zone Chan. 3.6.3
Ctrl Select 2.4.2
Data 1 3.1
Data 2 3.1
Data 3 3.1
Drawbar 3.1.2
Curve (Axiom 25 only)
2.1.1, 3.4.1 & 3.5.5
Accel Curve (Axiom 49, 61 only)
3.4.1
Vel Curve (Axiom 49, 61 only)
2.1.1
Pad Curve (Axiom 49, 61 only)
3.5.5
Numeric Keypad (Axiom 49, 61 only) 2.0.1
Data Entry Keys (Axiom 25 only)
2.0.2
* If any of these functions are assigned, the –/+ buttons will continue to control that function on the fly. In the case of the Axiom 25, this means
that changes to Program, Glob. Chan and Recall can be performed without having to press the Advanced button. If you wish to enter the
number using the numeric data entry keys, then either press Advanced, or press both the –/+ buttons together.
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
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Axiom Line User Guide
2.1 The Keyboard
When you play the keyboard, MIDI note messages are sent. These messages are read by your computer software or external MIDI gear and used
to generate sound accordingly.
2.1.1 Velocity Curve
A MIDI note message is sent with a velocity value between 0 and 127 which specifies how hard you pressed the key. A velocity value of 0
specifies that the key has been released. Since different people have different playing styles, your Axiom offers a number of different velocity
curves. You should experiment with the different velocity curves available to find the curve that best suits your playing style.
It is also possible to send fixed velocities each time you press a key. This is useful when composing drum parts, or simple synthesizer tracks.
The fixed velocities are selected by assigning curve 10 to 12 as follows:
Curve Fixed Velocity value
F10 64
F11 100
F12 127
To change the velocity curve:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Press the Vel. Curve Keys button.
< The LCD will flash the currently selected velocity curve, preceded by a ‘C’ if a curve is selected, or ‘F’ if a fixed velocity is selected.
< Enter the new curve number using the numeric keypad.
25 note version:
< Press the Advanced button. This sets the keyboard to control data entry.
< Press the Curve Key button.
< The LCD will flash the currently selected velocity curve, preceded by a ‘C’ if a curve is selected, or ‘F’ if a fixed velocity is selected.
< Enter the new curve number using the numeric data entry keys.
The velocity curve is remembered whenever you power down your Axiom.
2.1.2 Octave
There are 128 possible notes that can be sent as MIDI messages. If you wish to play a note that is out of your keyboard’s range, it is possible to
shift the keyboard’s range up or down using the Octave buttons. The Octave buttons shift the range of the keyboard up or down by 12 notes.
Using the Octave buttons all of the 128 notes can be sent.
To access all 11 available octaves from your keyboard:
< Press Octave DOWN to shift down one octave at a time.
Or
< Press Octave UP to shift up one octave at a time.
2.1.3 Transpose
The Octave buttons can also be used to transpose your keyboard. Some players like to play in a particular key like C or F, for example.
Transpose lets you change the pitch you are controlling and continue to play in the key that is most comfortable for you. It is possible to
transpose up or down by as much as 12 MIDI notes (or semi-tones). This means if you press the transpose –/+ buttons 12 times, the tone will
sound exactly one octave higher or lower.
To transpose the pitch you are playing:
< Press both Octave DOWN and Octave UP together. The current transpose value will flash on the LCD display.
< Press either UP to transpose up by one 1⁄2 step, or DOWN to transpose down by one 1⁄2 step. The transpose value on the LCD will update
accordingly.
< When your transpose edit is accepted, the LCD display will stop flashing and performance mode resumes.
The maximum transpose value is +12 (up) or -12 (down).
Once you have set the transpose value, the Octave buttons will return to controlling the Octave shift.
Octave and Transpose settings can be saved to any of the 20 memory locations of your Axiom. This process is explained in detail in
section 3.2.
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
10
2.2 MIDI Channel
MIDI messages can be sent on any of 16 channels. If you are connected to a computer, the MIDI software will be receiving on all channels in most
cases. However, when you are connected to external MIDI synthesizers, sound modules and some virtual instruments, you need to match the
transmit channel of your keyboard with the receiving channel of the MIDI device for the connection to work properly.
To set the channel of your keyboard:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Press the G. Chan button. The LCD will flash the channel that the keyboard is currently transmitting on.
< Enter a channel within the range 1-16 on the numeric keypad. The LCD will update to display the new channel selected as you enter the
data.
25 note version:
< Press the G. Chan button. The LCD will flash the GLOB CHAN symbol.
< Use the –/+ buttons to select a channel in the range 1-16. As you press these buttons you will see the selected channel change on the
LCD display.
Or
< Press the G. Chan button.
< Press the Advanced button.
< Enter the channel in the range 1-16 on the numeric data entry keys.
Controlling Percussion Sounds – Setting the transmit channel of your keyboard to channel 10 will allow you to control percussion sounds on any
GM, GM2, GS, or XG compatible module or synthesizer.
The Global MIDI channel setting can be saved to any of the 20 memory locations of your Axiom. This process is explained in detail in
section 3.2.
2.3 Program And Bank Changes
Program messages (commonly referred to as program changes) are used to select different instrument sounds in a MIDI device. Program
messages cover a range of 128 instruments. These instruments are accessed by sending program numbers 0 to 127.
Some MIDI devices have more than 128 instruments. If this is the case, the instruments tend to be separated into groups of 128, called banks. You
can send bank MSB and bank LSB messages to access these different banks. Please consult the user manual of your MIDI device to see the bank
numbers and program numbers that map to the different instruments that are available to you.
To send a program change:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Press the Program button.
< The LCD will flash the program number that was last sent out.
< Enter the program change in the range 0-127 on the numeric keypad.
25 note version:
< Press the Program button.
< The LCD will flash the PROG symbol.
< Use the –/+ buttons to select a program change in the range 0-127.
Or
< Press the Program button.
< Press the Advanced button.
< Enter the program change in the range 0-127 on the numeric data entry keys.
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
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Axiom Line User Guide
To send a bank change:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Press the Bank LSB or Bank MSB button.
< The LCD will flash the bank number that was last sent out.
< Enter the new bank number in the range 0-127 on the numeric keypad.
25 note version:
< Press the Advanced button.
< Press either the Bank LSB key or Bank MSB key.
< The LCD will flash the bank number that was last sent out.
< Enter the new bank number in the range 0-127 on the numeric data entry keys.
Program and bank settings can be saved to any of the 20 memory locations of your Axiom. This process is explained in detail in section 3.2.
2.4 MIDI Controller Messages
There are 128 MIDI controller messages that are used for controlling the MIDI-adjustable parameters on your external MIDI gear, or software.
Examples of these controllable parameters include volume, pan, expression, reverb, chorus and portamento.
Each of the controls on your Axiom keyboard is able to send any of the 128 standard MIDI controller messages to control such parameters. Please
note that in order for these effects to work, the MIDI device you are sending to must be able to receive these messages. A full list of these control
messages is given in Appendix C.
For example, you may want to set the Modulation wheel to control the reverb amount. This is done by changing the control number of the
Modulation wheel assignment to 91.
Examples of other popular effects are listed in the table below. (Please consult Appendix C for the full list.)
Effect Control Number
Modulation 1
Volume
7
Pan 10
Expression 11
Reverb depth 91
Chorus depth 93
There are many different types of virtual instrument and MIDI device software available and most of these respond to MIDI controller messages,
allowing you to control a variety of parameters from your Axiom keyboard. Please review the manual of your software, or MIDI gear to see what
these controller numbers are.
2.4.1 Extra Messages – 128 To 131
You may have noticed that although we have stated there are 128 MIDI controller messages, Appendix C shows 132 assignable controller
messages. This is because messages 128 – 131 are a different type of MIDI message defined in the General MIDI Specification as RPN
messages. You can assign these to the controls on your Axiom keyboard in exactly the same way as any other MIDI controller message. The
RPN messages control the following:
Controller Number MIDI Message Use
128 Pitch Bend Sensitivity Alters the range of a pitch bend message
129 Master Tune (coarse) Adjusts the tuning of your sound module or synthesizer in large steps
130 Master Tune (fine) Adjusts the tuning of your sound module or synthesizer in small steps
131 Channel Aftertouch* Adds a vibrato effect
*Channel Aftertouch is not an RPN message. However, it is an additional effect message defined in the General MIDI specification and this is why
we have included it in Appendix C.
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
12
2.4.2 Programming The Controls On Your Axiom
When programming a control on your Axiom, the control that was last used is first selected for programming. To select a different control for
programming use one of the following two methods:
Method 1:
25, 49 and 61 note versions:
< Move the control you wish to program, or press the assignable button, or pad.
Method 2:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Press the Ctrl Select buttons.
< The LCD display will flash the last used control.
< Use the numeric keypad to enter the number of the control you want to select for programming.
25 note version:
< Press the Advanced button.
< Press the Ctrl Select key on the keyboard.
< The LCD display will flash the last used control.
< Use the numeric data entry keys to enter the number of the control you want to select for programming.
< Press the Enter key to confirm and return to performance mode.
The advantage of method 2 is that you do not have to move a control to select it – so there is no danger of disturbing a parameter on the
MIDI device you are controlling.
Programming a control:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Select the control for programming using method 1 or 2 above.
< Press the Ctrl Assign button.
< The LCD display will flash the currently assigned MIDI controller number. The control you are programming is displayed in the bottom
left hand corner of the LCD display for clarity.
< Use the numeric keypad to enter the MIDI controller number 0-131 as defined in Appendix C.
25 note version:
< Select the control for programming using method 1 or 2 above.
< Press the Advanced button.
< Press the Ctrl Assign key on the keyboard.
< The LCD display will flash the currently assigned MIDI controller number. The control you are programming is displayed in the bottom
left hand corner of the LCD display for clarity.
< Use the numeric data entry keys to enter the MIDI controller 0-131 as defined in Appendix C.
< Press the Enter key to confirm and return to performance mode.
The settings of your controls can be saved to any of the 20 memory locations of your Axiom. This process is explained in detail in
section 3.2.
2.4.3 Panic
At times you may find that the sound on your sound module or virtual instrument does not seem correct, or that notes get “stuck” and sound
continuously. When this happens, press the Panic button to send ‘reset all controllers’ and ‘all notes off’ commands. This will release stuck
notes and reset controller values back to normal. The messages are sent on all 16 MIDI channels.
2.4.4 Reset
It is possible to completely reset your keyboard at any time. To do this, turn the Axiom off and then press and hold down both of the –/+ buttons
as you power up the keyboard. Important Note: When you perform this reset, all of the factory presets are lost. To restore the factory presets,
please use the Enigma software, available as a free download at www.m-audio.com .
Section 2: Basic MIDI Control From Your Axiom
13
Axiom Line User Guide
Section 3: Advanced Features
In Section 2 we saw how to use the keyboard, send program and bank changes and assign MIDI controllers to the various controls on your Axiom.
These basic skills allow you to perform with many software applications, sound modules or synthesizers. However, the Axiom has some more
advanced features that allow you to take your performance even further. In this section we look at these features and what they can do for your
performance.
(If you have not done so already, please familiarize yourself with the various functions used when programming your Axiom. Details of these
functions are given in section 2.0.)
3.1 MIDI Controllers
Appendix C lists all the standard MIDI controller messages and some additional common messages all of which can be assigned to the controls
on your Axiom.
Here we introduce an expanded list of MIDI controllers and also different ways that the controls on the Axiom are able to function. Since these
extra controller numbers are specific to different types of controls on the Axiom, please consult the appendices:
Axiom Control Controller Definition Table
Sliders Appendix D
After-touch strip
Appendix D
Expression pedal Appendix D
Pitch Bend Wheel Appendix D
Modulation Wheel Appendix D
Sustain pedal Appendix E
Transport buttons
Appendix E
Assignable buttons Appendix E
Rotary encoders
Appendix F
Trigger Pads
Appendix G
Each MIDI controller has either 2 or 3 extra data parameters associated with it, as shown in the appendices listed above. The function of these
extra data parameters depends on what MIDI controller number is assigned to the selected Axiom control. The appendices above show the
details of what this functionality may be. The extra data parameters for a controller are accessed using the Data 1, Data 2 and Data 3 buttons on
the 49 and 61 note versions, and the Advanced button, followed by the Data 1, Data 2 or Data 3 keys on the 25 note version.
The useful programming examples given below describe some of the uses for these extra data parameters.
3.1.1 Limiting The Range Of Controllers
It is possible to limit the range of the sliders, after-touch strip, expression pedal or dials on your Axiom. This is achieved using the extra data
parameters for the controller as follows:
49 and 61 note versions:
< Set the control to transmit a MIDI controller message as described in section 2.4.2.
< Press Data 2 and enter the minimum value for the controller’s range.
< Press Data 3 and enter the maximum value for the controller’s range.
25 note version:
< Set the control to transmit a MIDI controller message as described in section 2.4.2.
< Press the Advanced button.
< Press the Data 2 key and enter the minimum value for the controller’s range.
< Press the Data 3 key and enter the maximum value for the controller’s range.
Section 3: Advanced Features
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