Axon review
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The Amazing Slow Downer (for transcribing, learning solos,etc)  |
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Guitar Synthesizers have been around for years. I remember seeing a
picture of Pete Townsend of The Who back in the early/mid-seventies
with an ARP. Since then it has come a long way and still needs tweaking but it is usable.
The technology is there. Use it. If you do not, you are missing a lot.
Checkout Pat Metheny and others.
You can't just plug your guitar's output into a box and get great synth sounds. You need a 13-pin connection. This is achieved by using a specially designed hex pickup that attaches to your guitar (Roland, Axon) or use a guitar that has it built -in already. The guitar option also comes in two versions-Hex pickups or piezo. The hex pickup is the same as the external pickups. The piezo version has piezo transducers in the bridge. The piezo built -in version is better, more accurate. It will also gives you an acoustic sound via the piezo transducers. This is a great option to have because you can have an acoustic sound through an amp without bringing an extra guitar to the gig or rehearsal and you can combine this sound with the electric tones and synth sounds. This is huge sound on stage!
Coming from the pickup is a 13-pin din cable that plugs into a converter box. Again, Roland and Axon are the main companies with Axon being on the cutting edge for midi conversion
Depending on the box, you can get some with sounds, without sounds or USB connection for computer recording.
Once you have this setup, you would have to tweak the settings in the box to how you play. Each guitar player is different. Each guitar is different. One guitar player could use different techniques (finger picking, hard picking, very soft picking, tapping, etc). Sensitivity, tuning, feel/picking are some of the settings to look at.
Imagine recording a guitar track, then adding piano, bass, drums, strings, sax and more right from the guitar. Using a 13-pin guitar to access synth or samples sounds opens a whole world for expression, composing, recording, inspiration and more. It allows you to control software sounds in your computer that you already have but can't use unless you play keyboard. A lot of guitar players do not want to play keyboard! You can input notes into tab or notation. Play it back and print it out. A great tool for teaching!
The Axon AX-50 USB
Contact me with any questions! I'll get an answer!
Terratec AXON AX 50 USB Guitar to MIDI Controller
Terratec AXON AX 100 MK II Guitar to MIDI Controller
Free Shipping!
Check out my Axon Ax-50 review in the Sept 2007 issue of Premier Guitar magazine
Axon review
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 Ax-50 Info:
Terratec AXON AX 50 USB Guitar to MIDI Controller
Terratec AXON AX 100 MK II Guitar to MIDI Controller
Free Shipping!
New Software Versions for AXON AX 50 USB and AX 100 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 Ax-50 Info:
This is what I have been waiting for !!
For years Axon has been the FASTEST guitar to Midi convertor, hands down.
I have been using my old Axon NGC77 or my Ax-100SB through my Motu 828 into my Mac .
Then I also been using the Roland Gi-20 for the convenience of not using the Motu as a go between.
The GI-20 has USB output so I do no have to use an USB/Firewire interface to get into the computer but it is not as good as the Axons.
Now Terrtec has release the Ax-50. Shipping now! The speed of the Axon with USB output!!!
Software editing-- Cool!! No more scrolling on the box.
Still have all your splits: Pick, string and fret splits!
Includes WAVE XTABLE VI software instrument with 128 professional studio sounds based on the renowned KONTAKT Player by Native-Instruments
You will need a 13 pin guitar (Godin, the New Carvin NS-1, Brian Moore/iGuitar( out of production at the moment) or a 13 pin pickup by Axon or Roland. Graphtech makes a piezo system also. The guitars with a built in piezo system work better and you get acoustic sounds also.
AXON AX 50 USB means easy operation and new connection options.
The AXON AX 50 USB offers 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 music to life using any sound a player chooses. Simply plug in and play to transform a guitar, bass or violin into a synthesizer, an electric piano or a saxophone. Anything is possible - even the simultaneous playing of several instruments.
The AXON AX 50 USB allows to control an external instrument and up to four other software sound machines on the computer: a MIDI-OUT connector and four additional virtual MIDI ports via USB make all of this possible. TerraTec Producer also provides 128 sounds based on the renowned “KONTAKT” Player by Native Instruments for plug and play operation, and of course all the sounds are multitimbral. AXON AX 50 USB lets players divide fingerboards and strings into up to 12 play zones, making it easy to control an entire orchestra. The editor included in the package allows making changes right on the computer.
Street price is around $499
Information on the Axon technology
Key features & specific characteristics:
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
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
Instrument output for magnetic pickup signal
For the PC users, the CD also includes Fruity Loops Express as a basic sequencer.
If you are on a Mac, you have GarageBand.
Likes: USB output, tracking, splits, midi tuning, Kontakt player with sounds.
Dislikes: amount of tweaking to get it to perform (but it is worth it/ “anything worthwhile....”), Sometimes the editor wouldn't open. I would have to "force quit" the application and reopen it. Kontakt player can't load other libraries. No 13-pin cable included.
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 Output
Now I wished they would go back and include the automatic sensitivity setting that was in the 77
Buy @ Musician's Friend--
Terratec AXON AX 50 USB Guitar to MIDI Controller
Free Shipping!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The AXON AX 50 USB offers 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 music to life using any sound a player chooses. Simply plug in and play to transform a guitar, bass or violin into a synthesizer, an electric piano or a saxophone. Anything is possible - even the simultaneous playing of several instruments.
The AXON AX 50 USB allows to control an external instrument and up to four other software sound machines on the computer: a MIDI-OUT connector and four additional virtual MIDI ports via USB make all of this possible. TerraTec Producer also provides 128 sounds based on the renowned “KONTAKT” Player by Native Instruments for plug and play operation, and of course all the sounds are multitimbral. AXON AX 50 USB lets players divide fingerboards and strings into up to 12 play zones, making it easy to control an entire orchestra. The editor included in the package allows making changes right on the computer.
Street price is around $499
Information on the Axon technology
Key features & specific characteristics:
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
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
Instrument output for magnetic pickup signal
For the PC users, the CD also includes Fruity Loops Express as a basic sequencer.
If you are on a Mac, you have GarageBand.
Likes: USB output, tracking, splits, midi tuning, Kontakt player with sounds.
Dislikes: amount of tweaking to get it to perform (but it is worth it/ “anything worthwhile....”), Sometimes the editor wouldn't open. I would have to "force quit" the application and reopen it. Kontakt player can't load other libraries. No 13-pin cable included.
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 Output
Now I wished they would go back and include the automatic sensitivity setting that was in the 77
Buy @ Musician's Friend--
Terratec AXON AX 50 USB Guitar to MIDI Controller
Free Shipping!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you want Axon tracking with built in sounds, the Ax-100 is the way to go.
For recording you would have to interface this with a Audio/midi interface( Motu 828, etc)
MIDI and guitar – two different worlds until now. With the AXON AX 100 MKII, the technical problems involved in connecting electric or acoustic guitars and basses to the MIDI-fied studio world are finally a thing of the past.
The ultra fast Guitar-to-MIDI controller in a single unit rack mount has an early transient recognition system (ETR) which evaluates the impulses from the strings as soon as they are picked and converts them into values for pitch, dynamics and length. A 32-bit RISC processor makes it possible, opening up a whole new world of music to the guitarist.
Never again will you have to change guitars to produce a different sound or play with an alternate tuning – just switch the MIDI channel. On the AXON AX100 MKII, you can either choose from over 500 internal sounds, 10 drum kits and an SFX kit or trigger external sound devices such as samplers and synthesizers. Then, depending on the sound generator you are using, a guitar can become a synthesizer, an electric piano or a saxophone. Everything is possible – even at the same time. With the 12 play area zones, the AXON AX 100 MKII even makes your guitar multitimbral – you can play different instruments by splitting the frets, strings or even by the pick position! Optional connecting pedals and buttons add effects and even more variety to your playing – as does the built-in arpeggiator.
* Extremely fast guitar-to-MIDI controller
* Patented early transient recognition system (ETR)
* Compatible with all available 13-pin pickup systems for electric and acoustic guitars and basses
* Support for fret-, string- and pick position splitting (up to 12 play area zones)
* Programmable MIDI output tuning for alternate tunings
* 256 Presets (128 Factory / 128 User)
* Over 500 high-quality sounds, incl.10 drum-kits (GM and XG-sound compatible)
* Powerful hold mode with arpeggiator and drum sequencer
* Software editor for Windows and Mac
Buy @ Musician's Friend
Terratec AXON AX 100 MK II Guitar to MIDI Controller
Free Shipping!
Also in stock at Guitarman in NYC 212-475-5150
Roland VG-99
Since I was laid off from Brian Moore, I went to Namm '07 scouting jobs, handing out resumes etc. and of course looking at the new gear.
The piece at the show I want ( in addition to the AXON AX50) is the new Roland VG-99!!
MIDI and Audio down one USB cable!!! Sold!!
My questions is how good is the audio interface. I will find out and post info.
One think it's USB. Not as stable as Firewire. Firewire transfers audio at a steady stream, USB fluctuates.
I have use the Vg88 for recording for a long time. The thing I love about it is the front end portion-- the guitars!
Now you can use Native instruments Guitar Rig for amps and effects but no one really has done the guitar as well as the VG.
Tuning module is unique.
If you want a 12 string, a classical, Gretsch, Les Paul,etc they are in there. You might have to tweak the presets.
I like to record the "guitar" then process the software amps and effects later. Why? During the mix or when you record other tracks a song might take a different direction or need a different sound so you still can change the amps and effect before to mix to stereo. Editing software is included.
*Dual modeling engines allow guitar and amp models to be dynamically switched, layered and combined
**two guitar and rig setups at once**
*New COSM® electric, acoustic and even bass guitar models, and new synth waves such as the famous GR-300
*Guitar to MIDI converter for direct connection to keyboards, sound modules, soft synths, computers, and other MIDI-compatible devices
*Supports USB audio and MIDI for easy digital recording and sequencing
*Dual GT-Pro-class effects processor enables unequalled flexible tone creation
*Advanced performance controls, including D BEAM, V-LINK and Ribbon Controller take guitar performance to a whole new level
*Simple and intuitive knob-based interface and new design support live performance
*Graphical Editor software included to support sophisticated sound making
*Versatile I/O, including USB, S/PDIF and XLR provide pro connections for virtually every type of music production and performance on stage to professional studio recording
Contact me with any questions! I'll get an answer!
________________________________________________________________________________
Roland GI20 GK MIDI Interface with USB MIDI @ zZounds
Roland GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface
@ Musicians Friend
Roland GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface
If you're looking to enter the world of synthesis, sample-triggering or MIDI sequencing using your guitar or bass, then this is your box. The GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface detects the signal from any electric guitar or bass equipped with a GK-2A or GK-2B pickup, respectively or a 13 pin guitar. The GI-20 lets you trigger synthesizers and samplers, or even record your playing as MIDI data. Its built-in USB MIDI port makes the GI-20 is perfect for computer-based recording setups. Easy to setup and get going. I find it user freindly. You want USB connection with optional pedal control, this it.
Contact me with ANY questions.
Contact me with ANY questions.
Roland GR20 Guitar and Bass Synth
Ever wanted to thicken up your guitar sound with a warm synth pad? Or how about a screaming lead sound that puts you in front? The GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer makes playing high-quality synthesizer and instrument sounds from your guitar as simple as 1-2-3. First, attach the GK-3 Divided Pickup to your steel-stringed electric (no drilling necessary). Second, select the type of sound you want using the Bank knob. Third, choose a sound variation using the Number/Value dial and start playing. With the GR-20, it?s easy to tap into the power of guitar synthesis.
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