Sysex Explained - M-Audio Axiom 25-49-61 User Manual

5.3 SysEx Explained

System Exclusive (SysEx) messages were defined in the MIDI specification to allow individual devices to have individual control via MIDI. The format
of SysEx messages allows for virtually any function to be performed via MIDI – so long as the receiving device is able to translate the message, and
act accordingly. This allows devices to send audio sample memory data, memory dumps, controller settings, and much more. It also allows the
controllers of one device to be controlled by another.
It is not possible to program your own specified SysEx message into the Axiom. However, there are some useful SysEx messages pre-programmed
into the keyboard that can be accessed by assigning the appropriate MIDI CC to a controller (see Appendix B).
It should be noted that a SysEx message is not transmitted on any specified channel. All SysEx messages contain a device ID that is used to identify
which of the connected devices should respond to the SysEx message. All other devices are ignored. If you are using a SysEx message on the
Axiom, the global channel is ignored. When you press the Chan key, instead of entering a channel for the controller, you will be entering a device
ID instead. This is indicated by the fact that the LED displays a 3-digit number, not a 2-digit number proceeded by a 'c'.
Device ID's values range from 00 to 127. 127 is the default device number setting on the Axiom. This setting transmits the SysEx message to all
devices.
Although it is not possible to program the controllers of the Axiom with your own SysEx messages, there are software applications that can receive
a MIDI input signal and transmit a different, user specified message. You can program your SysEx messages into the translator software, then
translate the incoming data from the keyboard to your SysEx, depending on the controller you are using.
And finally...
If you are still having trouble with any of the features on the Axiom, please consult the following Troubleshooting Guide, which answers some
frequently asked questions. If you are still not able to find the answer you are looking for, please feel free to contact M-Audio technical support for
further assistance. Support details are given following the Troubleshooting Guide below.
32 Section 5: MIDI Messages Explained