TerraTec Producer has announced the AXON AX 100 mk II. An evolutionary advance in guitar-to-MIDI-controllers, the device is based on the popular predecessor model AXON AX 100.

Alongside substantial mechanical improvements, the new AXON 100 mk II offers a user-friendly computer interface. This fully-featured PC editor enables uses to conveniently carry out all functions (a Mac version will follow). It has never been so easy to grasp at a glance the complexity of AXON’s algorithms. The AXON Soundboard is another compelling new feature. A custom development by TerraTec, it boasts more than 500 new sample layer sounds, including 10 powerful drum kits and an SFX kit. Of course, all sounds are both GM and XG compatible. Painstakingly sound-designed for professional use, the device offers 128 voices and thus plenty of polyphonic power for even very large program layers.

TerraTec Producer has added another goodie to the package – a promo DVD bursting with example sounds and a demo show featuring New York’s Burr Johnson.

Housed in a one HU rack-mount chassis, the ultra-fast guitar-to-MIDI controller sports an early recognition system that analyzes impulses as the string is struck, and converts data determining pitch, dynamics and duration without loss. A powerful 32-bit RISC processor does this in real-time, thereby affording guitarists access to the possibilities of MIDI.

Rather than strapping on another guitar to conjure different sounds, all guitarists have to do is address a single MIDI channel. AXON AX100 mk II is able to access 256 onboard presets comprising 128 freely programmable user presets and 128 factory presets directly, as well as outboard sound generators such as samplers and synthesizers. Simply plug in and play to transform a guitar into a synthesizer, an electric piano or a saxophone. Anything is possible – even the simultaneous playing of several instruments. AXON AX 100 mk II lets players turn the guitar into a multi-timbral tool by splitting the fret board, strings and attack position up into 12 zones to actually play different instruments at the same time.

The integrated Arpeggiator endows the device’s sonic arsenal with another powerful sound-sculpting feature, and optional pedals and switches may be connected to add effects and extend the tonal palette even further. With all that, AXON AX 100 mk II brings unprecedented sound-shaping versatility to guitarists and bassists.

Priced at 499.00 euros (MSRP) AXON AX 100 mk II is slated to ship in spring of 2005.

Features:

• Extremely fast guitar-to-MIDI controller featuring an impulse early recognition system
• Suitable for electric basses and guitars, and acoustic guitars
• Automatic attack position recognition
• Built-in 128-voice polyphonic Soundboard
• More than 500 premium-quality sounds (GM and XG compatible)
• 10 drum kits and an SFX kit
• 12 playing zones
• 128 editable presets
• 32bit-RISC processor
• Tuner
• Arpeggiator