A simple combination that makes the world's smallest, lightest, full-function synthesizer. An Axis-49 and a netbook - an Acer Aspire One (about $350 canadian) to be precise, running Windows XP Home SP3. It is running a pre-compiled executable Max/MSP program I wrote and freely available here. The program takes the notes from the Axis, optionally remaps them, and sends them to the standard microsoft instrument bank (or loaded VSI instrument). It's not fancy, but the latency seems to be very low. The netbook is not fancy, but surely can run any music software (especally instrument packs). For ease of carrying the two, I "Velcro-ed" them together, Axis-bottom facing netbook-bottom, to make a single, portable assembly, see below for more details.Note that the Axis completely covers up the nextbook and the two are easily linked together with a short USB cable. Operationally it's pretty simple, I tweaked the netbook's power-saving settings to not automatically go to sleep, to not hibernate when the lid is closed, to run in low power mode, and put a short-cut to the AXiS-49 playing program in the start-up folder. To start, either pull the two apart or just put the Axis-and-netbook down still attached together, with the Axis key-side down, the netbook is then facing up. I flip open the netbook, turn it on, close the lid, and flip the assembly over, putting the netbook top-down and the Axis keys-up. How does it sound? There's two levels to that question. For serious sound, I have the new Garritan Aria-based GPO sound pack. The sound in headphones is excellent. Attaching together for carrying a practice setup aroundHere is how an Axis-49 is mated with it's netbook. They are velcroed together, bottom to bottom, with velcro strips at the end. I also got a less risky, shorter "right-angle USB cable from Firewire USA, it worked out well, although i had to use an elastic band to bend it in a u-turn to shorten the cable. I found I was generous with the velcro, about half the velcro shown will work fine. The velcro strip near the middle hold it down so it
doesn't slip on tables and such when mounted for performing. The black object is a portable speaker. Hang-ups with Using the Axis-49 as a jammerLayout of the keys |
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