ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Cormega)

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:52:35 GMT

Thanks drwest and Elson for the insight, also rstollen for the step by step (major help)

But for the life of me, I can't get the 8 pads on my Axiom 25 to work properly with Sonar. They seem to assign sounds randomly, why isn't there a simple way to reassign them? I wish Enigma wasn't so confusing, but it is, I've started at it for hours and I still can't get my pads to be like a small drumkit. (kick>snare>hh>toms>etc..)

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (mrdrwest)

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:49:24 GMT

Elson

Does anyone know how to program your Axiom or ACT to automatically go forward or reverse in measures while HOLDING DOWN a controller button?

Also, has anyone *ever* gotten the shift hold function to work? I've never had any luck with that...I use an Axiom 61.

I'd like to know that too. On 8/22/2009 I finally got the transport keys working on my Axiom 25 with Sonar PE8.31. I did it manually from the Axiom because Enigma doesn't work on Vista x64...I don't think...
But I got it working using Midi CC messages and using the ACT Generic Control Surface. I can now move <<|>> per measure via press/release of the transport buttons. I hope to find a solution to HOLD-n-Increment with the <<|>> transport buttons.

I was hoping the MMC button configuration would do the trick, but they don't.

The shift key is still a mystery.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Elson)

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:20:19 GMT

Does anyone know how to program your Axiom or ACT to automatically go forward or reverse in measures while HOLDING DOWN a controller button?

Also, has anyone *ever* gotten the shift hold function to work? I've never had any luck with that...I use an Axiom 61.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Elson)

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:18:08 GMT

Just to let you all know, you have TWO options of programming your Axiom: Via Enigma and via the onboard buttons; that's pretty obvious knowledge.

But what most people aren't aware of, is that there's a bug in the Axiom where, if you program your Axiom using BOTH methods, you WILL have problems (like unresponsive controller commands, etc). I learned this the hard way!
If this has ever happened to you, re-initialize the unit (hold down "-" and "+" while powering on) and re-program using either Enigma OR the buttons. I strongly recommend Enigma, since you can always back up your controller settings, and if you need to re-initialize again, a simple bank load will restore your saved settings.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (rstollen)

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:40:54 GMT

This thread is both a testimony to the tenacity of some forum members...and the utter absurdity of what CW calls ACT. I'll just stick to the mouse...I seem to get more done that way.

" /> What's funny is that after all that, I just use my Presonus Faderport instead.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (dbmusic)

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:56:59 GMT

This thread is both a testimony to the tenacity of some forum members...and the utter absurdity of what CW calls ACT.

I'll just stick to the mouse...I seem to get more done that way.

Regards,

DB

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (drvenom)

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:38:52 GMT

Cool, thanks a lot man. I'm going to give this a shot tomorrow.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (rstollen)

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:58:19 GMT

These are the exact steps I performed to get the transport controls working (except for loop).

1. Close SONAR
2. Turn off Axiom and do a Factory Reset by holding the + and - keys when turning back on.

3. Run the Enigma software.
4. Click on the button on the lower-right corner, which toggles the display to the controller
show controller definitions
5. In the upper-left corner, select 'Axiom 61'
6. select "File" | "Save as" and save the file as a new name --> "Axiom 61 - Sonar 7"
7. In the presets list (lower left) select Preset "20: Relative (Bin Offset)"
8. In the main part of the screen, scroll down to the five 5 entries labelled REW, FF, STOP, PLAY, and REC.
• a. Change all CC values to 149 ("MMC Command" will be displayed)
• b. Change all Ch values to 1
• c. Change all dt. 1 values to 1
• d. Change all dt. 3 values to 127
• e. Change the dt. 2 values as follows: REW 5, FF 4, STOP 1, PLAY 2, REC 6
9. Save the preset
10. Click the Refresh Button (bottom left. second button) or use Options | Refresh Devices
11. Refreshing devices may change to a different preset, so select "Axiom 61 - Sonar 7"
and verify the modifications are still in place.
12. Press the button with the two arrows pointing to the right, which will send the data to
the Axiom. NOTE: If the midi graphic next to the button doesn't animate in a spinning motion,
then the data transfer did not occur. Try refreshing the devices again.
Finished with Enigma.

13. On the Axiom, set the keyboard to have group B active by Pressing the Zone/Group Button,
and then the "B" button (also used for PLAY).
14. Now select Preset 20: Press the "Recall" button, and then use the "+" button to set the display to P20.
If it shows 20 already, change it to 19 and then back to 20.
Finished with the Axiom.

15. Start up SONAR
16. Go to Options | Controllers/Surfaces.
17. I deleted the generic surface that was already there. Delete any provious Axiom entries.
18. Add an entry by clicking on the yellow star button.
19. In the new entry, set the Controller/Surface drop-down to "MMC".
20. Set the In-Port to "USB Axiom 61 In 1", and set the Out Port to "---None---".
21. There will now be an entry at the bottom of the Tools Menu with the new MMC-1 Control Surface.
22. I added the "Controllers/Surfaces" view to my toolbar by using Views | Toolbars, and
selecting "8. Controllers/Surfaces". This will enable the quick selection of another control
surface as I create them.

When pressing F1 while displaying the MMC Control Surface, it showes that the following is supported:

MMC commands Sonar Function
------------ --------------
0x01 (Stop) Transport | Stop
0x02 (Play) Transport | Play
0x03 (Deferred Play) Transport | Play
0x04 (Fast Forward) Go | End
0x05 (Rewind) Transport | Rewind
0x06 (Record Strobe) Transport | Record
0x07 (Record Exit) Transport | Stop
0x08 (Record Pause) Transport | Stop
0x09 (Pause) Transport | Stop
0x40 (Arm/Mute Track)
0x44 (Locate)
0x46 (Jog)

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (drvenom)

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:40:55 GMT

If I set up the midi controller under MCC, then I can't seem to use ACT. Double clicking is no biggie I guess. I spent all day just learning how set this damn thing up. Now it is time to setup the BCR2000, which I feel will be a bigger headache.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (rstollen)

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:25:07 GMT

drvenom - When you were using Options/Control Surface, did you set the Controller/Surface drop-down to "MMC"? That's what worked for me. Then I used "ACT MIDI Controller" for the sliders and rotaries.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (drvenom)

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:13:12 GMT

I got my axiom to work properly with ACT. The only problem is that I have to press the transport buttons twice for them to work. That is, I have to press, the record button twice if I want to start recording...Anyone know how I can fix this?

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (drvenom)

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:22:15 GMT

Does anyone have the XML file for axiom 61 so that I can use it with sonar 8? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've spent the last two days trying to make the axiom 61 work with act. Some buttons work and others don't. I can get the faders and knobs to work, but the transport buttons don't work properly. I configure the play button and then the record button stops working. lol. Sucks, well once again, I would appreciate it if anyone can send me some sort of template file.

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (LamerPawnage)

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:17:30 GMT

BUMP...

Re: RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (LamerPawnage)

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:32:29 GMT

OK...I've read through this thread in its entirety. I downloaded and read Dave's XML file. I have my Transports setup. I have my knobs and faders working. Using the Axiom 61.

I cannot figure out how to "set" a "SHIFT" button and I cannot programs buttons 1-4 or buttons A-D. Also, I cannot figure out for the life of me how to setup the faders and the rotaries when yo uhave more than 8 tracks. I read through the portion where it was explained, but obviously I'm missing something.

I'm hoping some of you who trudged through this arduous task are still around to help out. I'm working in Sonar 8 and Dimension Pro (just downloaded the Dimension Pro Standalone today - thanks to Seth). I would like to be able to setup buttons 1-4 and buttons A-D within Dimension Pro as the On/Off buttons for the corresponding LOFI on/off, the EQ's on/off, and the Elements on/off features - I can get these to work with the rotaries and the faders, but I would like these assigned to the buttons.

Within Sonar 8, the only problem I'm having is being able to have the rotaries and faders assigned to tracks 9-16, 17- 24 etc.

Any help will be most appreciated!

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (alankitco)

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:16:21 GMT

Guys and Gals (if they are here)

One useful tool I mentioned in my own thread that I installed is MidiMonitor 1, it's a VST. Treat it like another synth plugin.

When you launch that you can see what codes are coming from the keyboard/controller. It has been a great help in learning and troubleshooting this issue.

Being a computer pro wannabe musician yup I prefer to play & record but the geek in me makes me wanna master this topic.

Thanks for everyone sharing. We could write a manual on this subject alone.

Cheers
Alan

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (thomasabarnes)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:32:06 GMT

I just had to resurrect this thread!

I have found here the resolve that I have been searching the Forum for days for!!!! Thank you Mod Bod for the revelation!!! LOL

I was trying to find out if SONAR could import and export presets for the MIDI controller plugs in. And Mod Bod revealed the answer!

Thanks, so much.

Also as I was reading this thread, I see a number of you went through two years ago, the mental struggle I just went through for some days, presently!

So glad I found this thread!

Thank goodness for the Cakewalk Plug In Manager!

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Jazzy20)

Sat, 31 May 2008 22:17:29 GMT

Same here.
The 3d and 4th are tied together, I've never found out how and why.
That's why I'm using the Cakewalk generic surface which is more limited,
but easyier to program.

Right now, my setup is :
8 sliders assigned to Volume,
9th slider to bank inc/dec,
8 rotaries to pan
8 buttons(zone-group) to solo.
Global buttons to transport.

I can mix an unlimited amount of tracks, 8 by 8.

But it is obvious that ACT has more possibilities,
but I just can't get it to do what I want.
Got to dig deeper in the manual.

Best.

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (themanager)

Fri, 30 May 2008 14:08:13 GMT

okay so I have spent all night reading over everyone's information and I have finally started to make since of ACT along with my axiom 49. Now my question that has baffled me all night is when using the axiom 49 (preset 17) i can never assign anything to the third row of cells. Am I missing something?

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Jazzy20)

Thu, 29 May 2008 18:00:14 GMT

Lots of informations about Axiom here.

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/M-Audio_Enigma/

good luck

ORIGINAL: cream458

hey, im a fresh axiom user and im having a little trouble programming it in cubase studio 4. If you could give any tips on how to get it going that would be great.

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Dave Modisette)

Thu, 29 May 2008 17:31:28 GMT

ORIGINAL: cream458

hey, im a fresh axiom user and im having a little trouble programming it in cubase studio 4. If you could give any tips on how to get it going that would be great.

Sorry, can't help you at all. Maybe the Cubase forum would be a better source of help.

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (hellsinky)

Thu, 29 May 2008 16:10:21 GMT

so, i'm sure this has been asked, but the manual suggests you can control the synthesizers with your computer keyboard. i will not have enough money to buy an axiom for a couple more weeks, so i need a temporary solution, well not need, but would like. i have tried the virtual midi controller, but that's kind of a hassle. so is there any way to use the computer keyboard to control sonars instruments?

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (cream458)

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:38:12 GMT

hey, im a fresh axiom user and im having a little trouble programming it in cubase studio 4. If you could give any tips on how to get it going that would be great.

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (Guitarmech111)

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:10:53 GMT

Did you use Enigma to set the functions and then turn on the ACT learn?

It isn't the most straight forward, but once it gets set, you shouldn't have to do anything else. Spend a night or two getting used to ACT and you should be good to go from here on out.

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (JerkTheTerrible)

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:46:57 GMT

ORIGINAL: michel1949

i juwst bought an axiom 49 will that work with sonar 6 studio

thanks for the advice

Dido

I feel the same way this is killing me I built my PC by myself figured out HTML myself but yet I still can't get all of my features to work with this ACT stuff so if there are files to be sent please let me have them my email is

jerktheterrible@yahoo.com

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (JerkTheTerrible)

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:43:47 GMT

I don't get the whole shift feature ... so what do I do just hold shift on my typing keyboard and press a control on my axiom and it will be different? I am having such a hard time with this even with this thread I guess Im just a bit slow when it comes to this crap but someone please help me I got my transport buttons to work and my sliders and rotaries but I would like to get more out of my $300 midi controller you know?

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (nishgriff)

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 23:04:12 GMT

Hey There, this is sort of an old thread, but i wanted to see if anyone had come up with some useful ACT control setups including bank-switching. How about controlling external synths with the Axiom?

Also, Mod Bod, can you give me some further info on how you set up the second instance of the Axiom in ACT to use the control pads for additional tasks? I was thinking of setting up the a-d buttons to do bank switching and using the control pads for view and edit tasks.

Finally, I have an issue with the buttons, I have to press them twice to cycle through selected tracks or switch views. Anyone have any insight into this? Apart from this, the Axiom and ACT work really well together, thanks everyone for your posts which helped me navigate through this mess.

nish

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (tonester)

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:56:11 GMT

Hi Dave:

I want to keep my question as topic-related as I can, so here goes. Keyboards are my main instrument. I have been looking into a lot of controllers, but want to avoid the plasticy feel that many seem to have. Also, the 25,37 or 49 keys won't work for me, so I've narrowed my choices to the Axiom 61, the Keystation Pro 88 and the M Audio keystation 88es. The Studiologic and Novations are just too much $$$$ right now.

I'm curious about 2 things related to the Axiom. How do the semi-weighted keys feel? And also, why aren't you using the pads for drum triggers? You don't seem to be the only one, either. Are there not enough pads?

I appreciate any advice you can give me. I purchased EZ Drummer pretty much based on your reports, so I trust your judgement.

PS: I also run Reason 3 and Project 5 ver 2, so the additonal knobs and sliders may work well for me.

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (DW_Mike)

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:38:51 GMT

BUMP!

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (DW_Mike)

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:43:21 GMT

Hey guys, Just a few questions. First, what's the difference between Enigma and Enigma (2). Second, I have my Axiom 49 hooked up via MIDI cable to my MOTU 8 Pre, does Enigma still work or do I have to go USB? Thanks alot to all the people who worked on this thread, I tryed to figure all this out about two months ago and got fed up. I just found this thread and I'm going to give it another shot in the morning. You guys rule! " />

Mike

RE: ACT: M-Audio Axiom Keyboards (chonkey)

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:55:11 GMT

Just my quick two cents here: (ONLY read this is you are STILL REALLY stuck on this whole ACT deal and a basic summary or different wording might help.. this is DEFINATELY no offense implied to all the people that've contributed so far: I just thought I'd toss this out cuz SO MANY people are still very confused)

Obviously, when using "ACT Controller" plugin, you need to have your "user1" toolbar loaded up with "controller/surface" (black drop-down'er that lists your controller plugin/s), as well as ACT Lock, ACT Learn, and Controller Plugin Properties buttons readily available. Make sure you've updated to 6.2 of SONAR of course... as it has 2 presets that I've found pretty useful for setting up Axiom's with ACT. The first is "M-Audio Axiom 49 (Preset 17)" ... this preset is labeled as "MIDI learn" in your axiom user guide, which by the way, you HAVE to print out and have handy if you're really trying to do this thang. Now remember, the main point of using ACT plugin is so that your controller assignments are actually SAVED in a format seperated from projects, templates, etc.; so that you can always recall these assignments when/if needed.

There's two big points my friends and I have had a hard time either remembering to do or realizing to do in the first place: SAVE SAVE SAVE your "presets" in the ACT plugin property page after you've loaded up either axiom (preset 17) or (20) and made even minor changes. Also: I know they're pretty ANNOYING and many say useless, but if you can: INSTALL M-AUDIO'S SERIES II DRIVERS. This has solved the "recalled assignments don't recall" problem pretty well.... unless of course I forgot to SAVE my ACT preset after making any kind of tweak.

Now: Notice the blue bar in the bottom left of the first (of two) tabs in ACT plugin property screen, it shows what ACT is currently "attached" (or if "LOCK" box is check... 'locked') This could be anything from a specific soft synth (Dimension Pro for example), or most commonly, Strip Parameters. Now back to the main point of ACT: start assigning controls to specific soft synths/plugins!! An easy way to do this is to make sure ACT is on (cuz lord knows this crap is taking enough effort as it is) the soft synths SPECIFIC NAME in the blue bar mentioned earlier; another reason that "ACT plugin properties" button is a MUST.

Click the ACT button in the top right of the soft synth/plugin's (this is the ACT learn button). I usually start with rotaries just because they are on top of the properties page. Click and drag on 8 "wheels" or dials in the plug-in's property page, THEN TWIST THE SAME NUMBER OF ROTARIES IN THE SAME ORDER that you moved them with your mouse. Now, go un-click ACT learn (it will turn back to beige from blue). It SHOULD inform you (i think) that x number of assignable controls have been assigned to x number of whatevers. I'd make sure in the synth rack page that "enable assignable controls" button is on... though it's worked for me without it on.

Ending this monstrous rant: ACT is merely a supplement to generic controller plugin/remote control features to provide QUICK and SAVE-ABLE controller assignments FOR SPECIFIC PLUGINS and some MAIN TRANSPORT/TRACK VIEW ACTIONS. The trick is to balance your track view assignments with some (if any) ACT assignments and use "remote control" groups to control the rest. ACT Lock will provide you with the ability to force any MIDI messages to STAY LOCKED on whatever the hell is in the blue box. Remember, you can ctrl+click on the "cells" and change their title; effectively changing their assigned slider/rotary/button assignment.

This is a brand new feature, and as the HUGE amount of tweaks introduced by SONAR 6.2 has proven: there's still a lot more cool stuff to be done. If you're more comfortable with your old ways I wouldn't worry too much about getting ACT under control unless you're REALLY getting tired of re-assigning those damn rotaries every time you load up PSYN II even... Also, mess with the "bank" and "Exclude from ACT" functions .... changing banks and excluding those banks from ACT means the assignments you made in that bank will always be locked to the assignment you made WITHOUT using ACT learn/lock.

CONFUSED YET?!??! God knows I am... but that's as much as I know, so... I hope that might help somebody.... some day lol.