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M-Audio Axiom Pro Range - Introducing HyperControl Technology

The Axiom Pro keyboard controller series marks the debut of M-Audio's new HyperControl technology-a powerful link between your M-Audio Axiom Pro and host software that lets you control DAW parameters, virtual instruments and plug-in's with an unprecedented level of dynamic integration. Beyond automatically mapping your Axiom Pro knobs, buttons, faders and pads, HyperControl offers a series of unique features including constant two-way communication with your software, intuitive LCD display navigation, Transport Only mode and modular grouping of keyboard controls. You can even send ASCII (QWERTY) keyboard shortcuts right from your Axiom Pro controller.

 While other MIDI-mapping technologies require complicated setups and offer limited integration with the host software, HyperControl requires just a one-time software installation before use, and works with many major software programs including Pro Tools M-Powered, Reason, Cubase and Logic. Let's take an in-depth look at a few ways you can use Axiom Pro with HyperControl technology along with Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software to streamline your sessions and maximize your creative potential.

The LCD Display-See HyperControl in Action
The Axiom Pro controller features a large graphic LCD display that constantly updates to tell you what parameters are being controlled. Unlike other MIDI-mapping technologies, HyperControl receives "feedback" from the host software and displays parameter changes on the graphic LCD in real time.

When using HyperControl in Mixer mode, there are four main screens from which to choose. The default Home page lists the eight tracks under Axiom Pro control and lets you use the encoder knobs to adjust track panning. The Ins page displays the plug-ins that are loaded on each track and assigns the knobs to control plug-in settings. The Sends page allows you to use the encoder knobs to set effect send levels for your Pro Tools tracks.

While the Home and Sends pages provide a global overview of one parameter across a bank of eight Pro Tools tracks, the Chan page provides a detailed view of all parameters on one specific Pro Tools track. You can use the eight track selection buttons to choose which track to view, then use the encoder knobs to change pan and send levels. The F-keys located below the LCD screen allow easy track navigation and mute/solo of the selected track.

Send ASCII (QWERTY) Keyboard Shortcuts from Numeric Keys
Axiom Pro allows you to send more than just MIDI data-you can also send ASCII keystrokes, emulating Pro Tools keyboard shortcuts. Gone are the days of interrupting your creative workflow to save a session, change view configurations or create new tracks. Now you can assign the numeric keys and/or trigger pads to perform Pro Tools functions right from Axiom Pro, minimizing the amount of time you spend using a mouse to control your software.

M-Audio Axiom Pro ships with two templates designed specifically for Pro Tools M-Powered (Mac and PC). These factory presets automatically assign the numeric keypad to send pre-defined Pro Tools shortcuts-enabling you to trigger common functions with the tap of a button. Using the easy-to-navigate menu, you can reassign the buttons to send any ASCII key combination you wish, then save your settings to any of the 50 onboard memory patches.

Use Faders to Automate Track Volume
Using a tactile control surface to mix tracks can be liberating-it frees you from being tied to the computer screen and gives you a different perspective on the music. Axiom Pro provides eight faders for adjusting track levels, plus a ninth fader for controlling the master volume. As you bank through tracks using buttons F6 and F7, a blue outline will appear in the Pro Tools onscreen display, showing you which tracks are currently being controlled by HyperControl.

The Axiom Pro faders come in especially handy when automating track volume in Pro Tools M-Powered 8. To enable volume automation in Pro Tools, change the track automation selection from "Read" to "Touch," and start playback of your session. Any volume adjustments you make using the Axiom Pro faders will be recorded into Pro Tools. HyperControl ensures that all changes made in Pro Tools are automatically updated on the Axiom Pro controller, and vice versa.

Use HyperControl in Transport Only Mode
When using Axiom Pro with Pro Tools M-Powered 8, the six transport buttons automatically map to control the transport functions in Pro Tools. This gives you quick and easy access to play, stop, scroll and record-some of the most frequently used functions in Pro Tools. Unlike other all-or-nothing mapping technologies, you can also use HyperControl in Transport Only mode, which frees up the rest of the controls to be reassigned just like a traditional MIDI controller.

Use Knobs to Control Plug-in Parameters
Using a mouse to edit one parameter at a time can be laborious and time-consuming. Axiom Pro features eight endless rotary knobs so you can get your hands on plug-in and virtual instrument parameters. The LCD screen constantly updates to reflect the current status of the settings you're changing. It's great for exploring different settings until you get the right sound. Pro Tools M-Powered 8 even lets you create custom configurations for plug-ins and virtual instruments, allowing you to easily re-map parameters across the Axiom Pro rotary knobs.

The eight rotary knobs are perfect for controlling the Digidesign Eleven Free guitar amp plug-in that's included in Pro Tools M-Powered 8. HyperControl automatically maps the eight knobs to the amp settings in Eleven Free, so you can adjust gain, EQ, tremolo, master volume, amp type and speaker cabinet type-all on the fl y. It's just like dialling in the perfect tone on a sweet-sounding vintage amplifier.

Control Virtual Instruments Using Instrument Mode
The F1 Mode button on Axiom Pro lets you quickly toggle between Mixer mode and Instrument mode. While Mixer mode enables you to adjust track parameters like panning and effect send levels, Instrument mode automatically maps the Axiom Pro controls to parameters in your virtual instrument plug-ins.

After you've selected the track you wish to control, press the F1 Mode button to enter Instrument mode-all virtual instrument parameters will automatically map to the Axiom Pro controller's rotary knobs. If you'd rather make adjustments using the faders, press the Flip button to swap between faders and knobs. It's a great way to control the settings in virtual instruments like Digidesign's new DB-33 tonewheel organ, Mini Grand piano, and Vacuum and Xpand2 synths-all included free in Pro Tools M-Powered 8.

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