Rear Panel Overview Using Axiom Pro Overview and Basic Operation Function Buttons and Soft Keys F-Keys Saving and Loading Axiom Pro Patches Using Axiom Pro with a Computer Edit Mode (Main Menu) Edit Mode > Global Edit Mode > Control Edit Mode >...
Page 3
Axiom Pro User Guide Troubleshooting Appendices Appendix A: Axiom Pro Factory Patch settings Appendix B: Keyboard Velocity Curves Appendix C: Drum Pad Velocity Curves Appendix D: MIDI Implementation Appendix E: Useful MIDI Data Tables Appendix F: General MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) Numbers...
Note that the “Edit Mode” section of this User Guide describes every parameter and setting on a menu-by-menu basis and describes the internal features of Axiom Pro in complete detail For a complete feature reference, please see the “Edit Mode” section of this User Guide ✓...
Page 5
“Edit” → “5” (MIDI) “MIDI Out” parameter on pg 47 Axiom Pro back panel? Perform a complete SysEx dump of Axiom Pro memory? “Edit” → “5” (MIDI) “Send All” parameter on pg 47 Perform a SysEx dump of a specific patch? “Edit”...
Axiom Pro User Guide Introduction Thank you for purchasing the M-Audio Axiom Pro MIDI controller Axiom Pro premium keyboards are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding musicians and can be used to control your MIDI hardware and audio software Axiom Pro 25, 49, and 61 controllers feature 25, 49, or 61 semi-weighted keys, respectively These keyboards include eight velocity or pressure sensitive drum pads, eight “endless”...
Axiom Pro User Guide What’s in the Box • Axiom Pro Keyboard • Printed Quick Start Guide • Axiom Pro Installation CD-ROM • Software Bundle Disc • USB Cable...
Axiom Pro User Guide Product Features and Specifications • 25-, 49-, or 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and multiple selectable velocity response curves. • Eight programmable “endless” knobs featuring non-détented encoders with customizable acceleration curves. These knobs can be configured to use any of seven popular increment/decrement methods to ensure compatibility with virtually any application that supports “endless”...
Axiom Pro User Guide Minimum System Requirements Minimum system requirements can be found on the Axiom Pro product packaging as well as the M-Audio website A Note about Operating System Updates: ✓ Please check the M-Audio driver download page at http://www.m-audio.com/drivers for the availability of an updated driver before you decide to install operating system updates.
Mac OS X users: The class-compliant drivers built into Mac OS X provide full support for all features of Axiom Pro This means that no additional M-Audio drivers are necessary (or available) when using Axiom Pro on Mac OS X — simply connect the controller keyboard to the...
Page 11
USB Audio Device Axiom Pro 61 Axiom Pro 61 HyperControl Out USB Audio Device [2] MIDIOUT2 Axiom Pro 61 These MIDI port names will display the corresponding number of keys, based on the Axiom Pro model you use: 25, 49 or 61.
• If you would like to connect Axiom Pro to an external MIDI-capable device (such as a synthesizer, sound module, etc.), connect the MIDI output port to the external device’s MIDI input, while connecting the MIDI input port of Axiom Pro to the...
• If you own sustain or expression pedals, connect them to the “Sustain” and “Expr” inputs on the back of the keyboard. • Connect the MIDI output port of your Axiom Pro to the MIDI Input port of your sound module, synthesizer, or other MIDI-...
Axiom Pro in detail Sliders: The Axiom Pro 49/61 controller has nine fully assignable sliders that provide real time control over your MIDI hardware and software through MIDI messages Each slider is assignable and can be configured to send out many kinds of control data, including MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages See the “Edit Mode >...
Page 15
When Axiom Pro is in Edit Mode, these buttons allow Axiom Pro 49/61 users to enter numerical values quickly Axiom Pro 25 users can enter values by using the black piano keys (the keys range from 0-9 as you move from left to right on the keyboard) See the “Edit Mode”...
MIDI In Port: This standard 5-pin MIDI connector accepts signals from any MIDI compatible device such as a synthesizer or drum machine USB Port: The USB port handles all communication between Axiom Pro and your computer. Connect this jack to an available USB port on your computer...
Using Axiom Pro Axiom Pro operates in one of two primary modes: Performance Mode and Edit Mode Most of the time, the keyboard will be in Performance Mode so that you can play your synthesizers and control your audio software This section covers the operation of the keyboard when it is in Performance Mode Please see the “Edit Mode”...
Function Buttons and Soft Keys The Function Buttons and Soft Keys of Axiom Pro are located directly below the LCD screen These buttons allow you to access various important features of the keyboard (such as loading and saving customized patches, accessing Edit mode, etc ) as well as...
Page 19
Edit+Zone/Grp When you manipulate one of the controls of Axiom Pro (i e , turn an encoder knob, tap a drum pad, (Peek) etc ), the keyboard immediately sends out MIDI data generated by that knob, slider, or other control...
By default, all of the Axiom Pro controller groups (i e , the encoder knobs, drum pads, etc ) will be saved with the patch If you would like any of the groups to not overwrite the settings of the patch: a Axiom Pro 49/61 users: Press the “N, ”...
Page 21
Soft Key 1 (Exit) can be pressed at any time to exit this page without loading a patch NOTE: Since Axiom Pro 25 does not feature sliders (“S”) or a numerical keypad (“N”), these groups will not appear on the Load Page.
Software Configuration When using Axiom Pro in “hosted” mode (i e , with a computer), you may need to set up your music software to send and receive MIDI data from Axiom Pro This process varies from application to application, but is usually done through a “Preferences”...
Page 23
Furthermore, HyperControl mode allows your Axiom Pro hardware and recording software to remain synchronized at all times For example, if a knob is turned on Axiom Pro, its corresponding on-screen knob will update as well Alternatively, if a knob is turned on-screen (using the mouse), the corresponding knob position of Axiom Pro (as...
Page 24
Edit Mode (described in this chapter) happens automatically However, if your application does not support HyperControl or if you are using Axiom Pro to control a hardware MIDI device, this section will cover all of the inner workings of the controller Axiom Pro has two primary modes of operation: Edit Mode and Performance Mode Most of the time, the controller stays in Performance Mode so you can use the keyboard to control your MIDI compatible hardware and software;...
This top-level menu appears when Axiom Pro enters Edit mode. To navigate this menu, use the numerical keypad on Axiom Pro 49/61 or the black keys of Axiom Pro 25 (each black key on Axiom 25 corresponds to the number that is silk-screened above the note) •...
Axiom Pro User Guide Edit Mode > Global The Edit Mode > Global page contains common parameters that affect all areas of Axiom Pro press 1 Parameter: Channel Value Range: 1-16 This parameter sets the global MIDI output channel of Axiom Pro If the “Channel”...
Page 27
Mid Range Hi Range When “Fixed 64, ” “Fixed 100, ” and “Fixed 127” are selected, Axiom Pro keys always generate MIDI velocities of 64, 100, or 127, regardless of how much force is used to strike the keys Fixed 64...
Page 28
When the VelCurve parameter is selected, Soft-Key 4 displays a note-off logo ( -Off ) that can be checked and unchecked. When this option is unchecked, each time you release an Axiom Pro note, a basic MIDI “note off” command is transmitted. However, if this option is checked, each time you release a note, Axiom Pro transmits a note off message containing release velocity information (i.e., the speed at which you release the note).
Page 29
MSB” messages. zone’s program. Axiom Pro can generate Program Change as well as Bank If you would like a zone not to receive a LSB/MSB messages. However, your device must be capable of...
Edit Mode > Control press 2 The Edit Mode > Control page contains parameters relating to the operation of a specific control on Axiom Pro (i e , an individual pad, encoder knob, button, etc ) The Control page is automatically set to modify the last item that was manipulated before entering Edit mode For example, if you adjusted the modulation wheel prior to entering the Edit Mode >...
Page 31
“Feedback”) will result in the Min parameter being changed to “Level” and the Max parameter being removed from the page (since it is not required) The table below lists every “Type” parameter that is available on Axiom Pro as well as what sub-parameters are available for each type NOTE: The description column in the table below only provides additional ✓...
Page 32
* NOTE: This column only describes the “non-standard” parameters and their associated sub-parameters within Axiom Pro (such as “Note OnOff Toggle” or “Rel. Bin Offset”). Standardized MIDI parameters (such as Continuous Controllers “CC” or “Master Volume”)
* NOTE: This column only describes the “non-standard” parameters and their associated sub-parameters within Axiom Pro (such as “Note OnOff Toggle” or “Rel. Bin Offset”). Standardized MIDI parameters (such as Continuous Controllers “CC” or “Master Volume”)
Page 34
* NOTE: This column only describes the “non-standard” parameters and their associated sub-parameters within Axiom Pro (such as “Note OnOff Toggle” or “Rel. Bin Offset”). Standardized MIDI parameters (such as Continuous Controllers “CC” or “Master Volume”)
* NOTE: This column only describes the “non-standard” parameters and their associated sub-parameters within Axiom Pro (such as “Note OnOff Toggle” or “Rel. Bin Offset”). Standardized MIDI parameters (such as Continuous Controllers “CC” or “Master Volume”)
Page 36
(e g encoder group) See Edit > Group to learn how to set a MIDI channel for a group of controls NOTE: Axiom Pro allows you to assign any control to any MIDI channel through the ✓ Edit Mode > Control menu. However, please note that certain MIDI devices reserve channel 10 for drums and percussion.
Page 37
(on Axiom Pro 49/61) or the keys (Axiom Pro 25). To select these values, users must select “0” or “9” and use the “-“ or “+” buttons (Axiom Pro 25 users must use the “-” and “+” keys on the keyboard) to access values in the A-F (10-15) range.
Page 38
To resolve this common problem, Axiom Pro encoders can also send “relative” MIDI messages This means that when an Axiom Pro encoder is turned, a message is sent to your software (or connected MIDI device) stating “Take the current value—...
(1 through 4) See Edit Mode > Zones > Data to learn how to set these output channels Axiom Pro 25 does not have sliders or a numerical keypad, and therefore does not feature slider or numerical keypad groups.
Page 40
Axiom Pro User Guide Vel Lock Parameter: Off, On Value Range: This parameter engages and disengages velocity locking for the pads When this parameter is set to “Off, ” pads are velocity sensitive If this parameter is set to “On, ” each pad will always transmit at the velocity specified on its Edit >...
Mid Range Hi Range When “Fixed 64, ” “Fixed 100, ” and “Fixed 127” are selected, Axiom Pro keys always generate MIDI velocities of 64, 100, or 127, Fixed 64 regardless of how much force is used to strike the keys...
Page 42
Axiom Pro User Guide Parameter: Value Range: (varies) The Encoder knobs and drum pads can have up to four profiles allowing you to quickly and easily control up to 32 parameters When viewing this page in Edit Mode, a selected profile can be enabled and disabled using the “+”...
To learn more about entering or changing Name parameters, see the box titled “Editing Name Parameters” in the “Edit Mode > Control” section Axiom Pro 25 does not have sliders or a numerical keypad, and therefore does not feature groups for these controls.
Value Range: 0-10 When the Axiom Pro encoders are turned slowly, their associated parameters update in single- step increments However, as the encoders are turned quickly the parameters update in multi-step increments and let you make large changes with only one or two fast turns of an encoder The Accel Max setting determines the maximum speed at which parameters will update as an encoder is turned quickly The default setting is “5”...
You can select one of the other groups of controls for editing by pressing the “N” “S” “E” the sliders, pressing and “P” group buttons on Axiom Pro 49/61 or the “Play” and “Record” buttons to select the the Edit Mode button...
Page 46
Axiom Pro User Guide Drawbar Parameter: Off, On Value Range: This parameter engages Drawbar Mode When this mode is engaged, the operation of the sliders is reversed and the maximum MIDI CC value (127) is reached when the slider is at the bottom...
You can select one of the other groups of controls for editing by pressing the “N” “S” “E” group, pressing the and “P” group buttons on Axiom Pro 49/61 or the “Play” and “Record” buttons to select the encoder and pad groups on Axiom Pro 25 Edit Mode button and selecting option...
Page 48
Edit Mode > Zones press 4 The Edit Mode > Zones page lets you configure the parameters for each of the four zones contained within Axiom Pro To select the range of a keyboard zone: Use Soft Keys 2-3 (or Encoder Knob E1) to select the zone you would like to edit...
Page 49
Axiom Pro User Guide Edit Mode > Zones > Data press press 4 soft-key 4, “DATA” You can open the Data page for a Zone by entering Edit Mode, selecting the Zone for editing, and then pressing soft-key 4 (Data) This gives access to additional parameters relating to the operation of an individual zone...
Page 50
Axiom Pro patch is loaded Note that Bank MSB messages are only sent on active zones and will not have any effect until a Program Change message is sent The 25 and 49-note versions of Axiom Pro will appear as “Axiom Pro 25” and “Axiom Pro 49” respectively.
Page 51
Axiom Pro controllers are connected to your sequencer but you would like to send SysEx information to a specific controller with a unique Device ID number The 25 and 49-note versions of Axiom Pro will appear as “Axiom Pro 25” and “Axiom Pro 49” respectively.
Page 52
MIDI Out Value Range: USB, Keyboard The MIDI Out port on the back of Axiom Pro can be configured to transmit MIDI data generated by the Axiom Pro keyboard or from the computer via the USB connection: • USB The MIDI output port transmits data received from your audio application via the USB connection When this parameter is set to “USB, ”...
Page 53
When this parameter is selected, a “Send” option appears for Soft Key 4 Pressing this button will send a SysEx dump of the memory contents of the currently loaded Axiom Pro patch out of the selected SysEx port (see the SysEx parameter above to select a SysEx output port) ✓...
Axiom Pro back on and try again to see if the problem resolves 2. I have connected a sustain pedal to my Axiom Pro, but its operation is reversed (i.e., the notes sustain when the pedal isn’t pressed, but the notes stop sustaining once the pedal is pressed).
Page 55
MIDI output port on the rear of the Axiom Pro. This may be the result of the Axiom Pro “MIDI Out” parameter being set to “USB ” The MIDI Out port can be configured to transmit MIDI data from either the Axiom Pro keyboard or from the computer via the USB connection If the MIDI Out mode is set to USB, the controls on the keyboard will not send any data to the MIDI Out port See the “Edit Mode >...
19 Ableton Live 20 Numbers When using Strike, the mapping of Axiom Pro drum pads varies depending on your selected profile. Profile 1 (Mics & Timbre): Pads play individual instruments Profile 2 (Pan): Pads mute individual parts of a drum kit (or loop)
Page 57
The DAW patches can be used to control various audio applications (Pro Tools, Reason, Cubase, etc ) These patches mainly vary in terms of Numerical Keypad assignments Note that in all of the DAW patches (1-3 and 14-20) the Axiom Pro Transport Controls transmit ASCII keystrokes that correspond to the transport of your DAW software...
Page 58
Next plug-in setting Encoders and Sliders Sliders and Encoders mirror the General MIDI assignments used in Axiom Pro Patch 1. Use the “Control Surfaces” module in Logic Pro to map Axiom Pro to parameters within the software, or HyperControl for complete two-way...
Page 59
Axiom Pro Sliders and Encoders are mapped to the Mixer parameters for Reason. In order to make use of these, you must set up Axiom Pro as a ‘remote device’ and use the MIDI Channel mapping at the top of the virtual rack to assign channel 1 to the Mixer.
Page 60
Set Triggers to engage Clips in bank Bank mixer up The Ableton Live patch is designed to take advantage of the application’s existing support for M-Audio Axiom controllers (i.e. the standard Axiom controller, not the “Pro” version). When configuring Ableton Live, select “Axiom Classic” as your control surface.
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix B: Keyboard Velocity Curves Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Keyboard Velocity Curve: Low Velocity Curve: Low-Normal (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Keyboard Velocity Curve: Normal Velocity Curve: Normal-High...
Page 62
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix B: Keyboard Velocity Curves (continued) Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Keyboard Velocity Curve: High Velocity Curve: Linear (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Keyboard Velocity Curve: Low Range...
Page 63
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix B: Keyboard Velocity Curves (continued) Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Keyboard Velocity Curve: High Range Velocity Curve: Fixed 64 (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Keyboard Velocity Curve: Fixed 100...
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix C: Drum Pad Velocity Curves Axiom Pro Drum Pads Axiom Pro Drum Pads Velocity Curve: Low Velocity Curve: Normal (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) Axiom Pro Drum Pads Axiom Pro Drum Pads...
Page 65
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix C: Drum Pad Velocity Curves (continued) Axiom Pro Drum Pads Axiom Pro Drum Pads Velocity Curve: 3 Steps Velocity Curve: 2 Steps (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) Axiom Pro Drum Pads Axiom Pro Drum Pads...
Page 66
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix C: Drum Pad Velocity Curves (continued) Axiom Pro Keyboard Axiom Pro Drum Pads Velocity Curve: High Range Velocity Curve: Fixed 64 (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) (Minimum) Strike Force (Maximum) Axiom Pro Drum Pads Axiom Pro Drum Pads...
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix E: Useful MIDI Data Tables E1 - General MIDI Instruments – Program Numbers Piano Bass Reed Synth Effects 0 Acoustic Grand Piano 32 Acoustic Bass 64 Soprano Sax 96 SFX Rain 1 Bright Acoustic Piano...
Page 69
Axiom Pro User Guide E2 - General MIDI Note Numbers Octave Note Numbers E3 - Roland GS And Yamaha XG NRPN Messages NRPN NRPN Data Data CC99 CC98 CC06 CC38 08 00-7F (-64 - 0 - +63) Vibrato Rate (relative change)
Page 70
Axiom Pro User Guide E4 - GM2 Reverb Types 0: Small Room 1: Medium Room 2: Large Room 3: Medium Hall 4: Large Hall 5: Plate E5 - GM2 Chorus Types 0: Chorus 1 1: Chorus 2 2: Chorus 3...
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix F: General MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) Numbers Bank Select Gen Purpose 2 LSB Non-Reg Param LSB Modulation Gen Purpose 3 LSB Non-Reg Param MSB Breath Control Gen Purpose 4 LSB Reg Param LSB Controller 3...
Axiom Pro User Guide Appendix G: Hexadecimal Conversion Chart Hexadecimal value Decimal value Hexadecimal value Decimal value Hexadecimal value Decimal value...
Note: Your M-Audio product has been tested to comply with FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE. Modifications not authorized by the manufacturer may void users authority to operate this device.
Warranty Terms M-Audio warrants products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use and provided that the product is owned by the original, registered user Visit www m-audio com/warranty for terms and limitations applying to your specific...
Page 75
M-Audio USA Avid Technology • M-Audio www.m-audio.com 5795 Martin Rd., Irwindale, CA 91706 Technical www.m-audio.com/tech fax (shipping) (626) 633-9032 Support tel (pro products) (626) 633-9055 tel (consumer products) (626) 633-9066 (866) 657-6434 Sales e-mail sales@m-audio.com (626) 633-9070 M-Audio UK | Avid Technology •...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Axiom Pro and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers