Terratec AXON AX50 USB

Guitar to MIDI controller

• Extremely fast guitar-to-MIDI controller with early transient recognition system
  
• Software editor for PC and Mac
  
• USB full speed connection for MIDI
  
• Hardware MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
  
• WAVE XTABLE VI software instrument with 128 professional studio sounds

NEW SoftwarE for Axon AX50 USB & AX100 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! That’s 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 software package 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.

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

AXON AX50 USB in Detail

The AXON AX 50 USB has arrived: It is the "little brother" of the extremely successful AXON AX 100 MKII – probably the most powerful device of it kind. The AXON AX 50 USB is based on the same technology as its "big brother," but it has additional options, such as a USB port with four additional virtual MIDI ports, which makes it ideal for state-of-the-art, computer-based studios.

With its 32-bit RISC processor, the guitar-to-MIDI controller immediately translates the vibrations from each string that you strike or strum and sends information about the pitch, dynamics and tone duration to the connected MIDI sound generator. The MIDI sound generator brings your music to life using any sound you choose. You want a flute accompaniment with your guitar? How about creating fat synthesizer sounds with your bass? Or play the sax with your acoustic guitar? What about using your violin to generate choir voices in your sampler? It's all possible now!

With the AXON AX 50 USB, you can control an external instrument and up to four other software sound machines on your computer: a MIDI-OUT connector and four additional virtual MIDI ports via USB make all of this possible. We also provide you with 128 sounds based on the renowned KONTAKT Player so you'll be able to get started right away and of course, all of the sounds are multitimbral. You can divide fingerboards and strings into up to 12 play zones, making it easy to control an entire orchestra. The editor included in the package lets you make changes right on your computer.

AXON AX 50 USB means easy operation and new connection options – ideal for all guitarists, bassists and violinists who want to integrate MIDI equipment into their computer-based studios and experience the endless sound and composition possibilities.

Technical Details

• Extremely fast guitar-to-MIDI controller
  
• Patented early transient recognition system (ETR)
  
• Software editor for PC and Mac
  
• USB full speed connection for MIDI
  
• Hardware MIDI IN/OUT/THRU (5-pin DIN)
  
• Four virtual MIDI ports via USB
  
• Compatible with electric and acoustic guitars and electric basses
  
• Support for Fret-, string and pick-splitting (up to 12 play area zones)
  
• 128 programmable presets
  
• Bright 7-segment display (three characters)
  
• Built-in tuner
  
• 13-pin instrument input
  
• Instrument output (6,3mm) for magnetic pickup signal
  
• 12VAC / 1.5A power supply
  
• Dimensions: 217mm x 45,7mm x 140mm (W x H x D)
  
• Weight: 710g

System requirements/recommendations

• Windows XP SP1 or later
  
• Mac OS X 10.4 or later
  
• 1,4GHz / 512MB RAM
  
• 1x USB port
  
• 1x CD ROM drive for installing the software
  
• 1x DVD ROM drive for installing the WAVE XTABLE VI
  
• Guitar / Bass with hexaphonic pickup system & 13-pin Outpput
  

Package contents

• AXON AX 50 USB
  
• USB cable
  
• Power supply 12VAC / 1.5A (EU, UK or US)
  
• Quick start manual (EN, DE, FR, ES, IT)
  
• Full manual on CD (EN, DE, FR, ES, IT)
  
• WAVE XTABLE VI DVD
  
• AXON Product CD
  
• Service request form
  
• Registration document