M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller

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M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Description
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Advanced MIDI mapping and DAW compatibility in a powerful, compact, 61-key controller.

The M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 keyboard controller builds on the acclaimed Axiom 25, delivering premium TruTouch action, proprietary HyperControl MIDI-mapping technology, and other cutting-edge enhancements in a compact model perfect for fitting in even the smallest of workspaces. HyperControl automatically maps the keyboard's 65 controls to commonly accessed parameters in digital audio workstations including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason, as well as software instruments. The constant 2-way link with your host DAW means the keyboard's controls are always in sync with your software's active parameters. The MIDI controller's intuitive graphic LCD constantly updates the current values, which ensures seamless editing and prevents parameter jumps—even when plug-ins are closed. Toggle instantly between Mixer and Instrument control modes. Map buttons to send QWERTY key commands right from the Axiom Pro 61. Save settings to 50 memory locations—each with 4 profiles of quick recall via the intuitive graphic LCD. Now you can control your entire music-writing session right from your Axiom Pro 61.

Enhanced DAW Integration with HyperControl Technology

Thanks to revolutionary M-Audio HyperControl technology, your Axiom Pro 61-key MIDI controller will automatically map to commonly used parameters of popular software instruments and digital audio workstations including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, and Reason systems (see below for more DAW compatibility). HyperControl updates the virtual instrument or track parameter mappings of each control in real time as you sequence—it doesn't get any easier.

The HyperControl Difference
While other MIDI controllers offer mapping, the M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 line has HyperControl technology. HyperControl synchronizes Axiom Pro with your DAW, ensuring that your hardware and software collaborate to form a single work environment. The technology utilizes the Axiom Pro 61 graphic LCD to group software controls together in a modular fashion. Similar controls are organized in named groups and accessed via 4 dedicated softkeys, which are continually updated to reflect the mapped parameters. A dedicated button toggles between Mixer and Instrument modes for instant hands-on control of all of your software's functionality. Dedicated Track buttons allow sequential navigation of your mixer and instantaneous mapping of software instruments within the selected track. The M-Audio Axiom Pro lets you even control software instruments without opening them.

DAW Transport and Track Navigation
The 6 dedicated transport buttons on the Axiom Pro 61 controller give you immediate hands-on access to all of your host DAW's playback and recording controls. Unlike other all-or-nothing systems, Axiom Pro 61 also features a transport-only mode. This option lets you access DAW transports and track navigation via HyperControl technology, while creating and controlling your own custom MIDI assignments for the trigger pads, buttons, and encoders.

Expressive Playability
With great feel in a lightweight chassis, the Axiom Pro 61 controller provides a new level of creative inspiration. The M-Audio TruTouch keybed combines professional semi-weighted action with advanced high-speed keybed scanning technology for an ultra-expressive playing experience. Assignable Aftertouch adds an extra measure of expression and control.

The Ultimate Pro Tools Keyboard Controller
Whether you are working on a Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools LE, or Pro Tools"HD system, the Axiom Pro MIDI controllers set a new standard for Pro Tools keyboard control. Advanced M-Audio HyperControl technology puts instant access to all of your Pro Tools parameters at your fingertips—including mixing, individual track functionality, and unparalleled control of virtual instruments such as Xpand!, Strike, and Hybrid.

Different Strokes
The Axiom Pro keyboard controller line is the first to combine MIDI control with ASCII keystrokes. You can assign any button on Axiom Pro 61 to send ASCII messages accessing any of the available QWERTY keyboard shortcuts within your host DAW. Imagine the possibilities with Copy, Paste, Duplicate, New Track—anything you want to assign.

Complete MIDI Control
With an amazing 65 MIDI-assignable controls, the Axiom Pro 61 puts complete session control in one place. The 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads integrate acclaimed M-Audio Trigger Finger technology for laying down rhythm tracks or triggering loops and samples. Smoothly control parameters like filters, EQ, and panning with the 8 rotary encoder knobs. The 9 - 40mm sliders (each with its own fully assignable button) feature auto-mute to prevent jumping—ideal for controlling mixes, virtual organ drawbars, and more. The keyboard's extensive controllers also include a data/octave button, pitch bend, and mod wheels, aftertouch and dual assignable pedal jacks. In addition to USB connectivity, you'll also find traditional MIDI In and MIDI Out ports for connecting external MIDI devices.

Total Recall
The M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 keyboard has 50 memory locations—each with 4 quick-access profiles of controller assignments—allowing you to easily create and manage your own extensive library of presets with unprecedented power, ease, and flexibility.

Features

61-note, TruTouch semi-weighted, piano-style, professional-action keybed
ASCII messages for software keyboard shortcuts
50 onboard memory locations
USB bus-powered
MIDI Out and MIDI In ports for extended external connectivity
4 programmable keyboard zones
Proprietary HyperControl MIDI mapping and host control:
Automatically maps controllers to popular DAWs and software instruments—and maintains a constant live link between them
Compatible with digital audio workstations Compatible with the following DAWs: Pro Tools"HD 7.4 and above, Pro Tools LE 7.4 and above, Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4 and above, Reason, Cubase, Logic
Graphic LCD groups and names controls modularly with 4 dedicated profiles per group for easy recall
Dedicated button toggles between Mixer and Instrument control modes
Transport-only mode option enables DAW transport control and track navigation combined with user MIDI controller mappings
65 MIDI-assignable controls in total:
9 sliders, with auto-mute to prevent jumping
9 buttons complementing the sliders
8 rotary encoders
8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads
12 buttons in keypad arrangement
6 transport buttons
7 function keys
aftertouch
1 sustain pedal socket
1 expression pedal socket
1 data/octave button
Pitch bend and modulation wheels

If you're looking for flexibility and plenty of control with a small footprint, this is the one.

Axiom Pro 61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Specifications:

Minimum System Requirements (PC)
Windows XP (SP2), 800MHz or higher (Home and Professional Edition only. Windows Media Center Edition is not currently supported.)
256MB RAM
DirectX 9.0b or higher
Windows Vista (32-Bit)
1GHz or higher
1GB RAM
DirectX 10 or higher
M-Audio recommends you also check the minimum system requirements for your software, as they may be greater than the above.
Minimum System Requirements (Mac)
Mac OS X 10.4.9
G4, 733MHz 512MB RAM
Mac OS X 10.5.0
G4, 867MHz, 768MB RAM
(Native USB port required; G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported.)
M-Audio recommends you also check the minimum system requirements for your software, as they may be greater than the above.

Write a Review Overall Rating Customer Reviews 6 See all 6 customer reviews...

1 people out of 1 found this review helpful

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So I've owned the Axiom Pro for about a week now. I have to say this thing really has some options. First of all, I'm a very heavy Linux user. My entire production stack is a Linux desktop PC, the AP61 and a Keystation 88es (hopefully soon to be replaced with a Nord Stage 2). The AP61 is one heck of a MIDI controller. Except for the row immediately below the display, every single button on this thing is programmable. The four zones mean that with some work you can get some impressive layering capabilities for live stuff. Basic functionality and extended features (ASCII key strokes) work equally well with Linux, and getting the transport buttons working is mostly a question of programming your MIDI software. Though I don't use this keyboard's transport features myself, quick research indicates that anything that supports JACK's transport (rosegarden, a few others) can be made to work with this keyboard. It seems to only have channel aftertouch, as opposed to note aftertouch, which is a minor drawback. Action is above-average for a semi-weighted keyboard, and makes for a decent soloing environment. The UI has some quirks - you have to press "enter" or change focus after editing a field. Otherwise, the value isn't saved. This doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere in the manual, nor is there any LCD feedback that tells you this. Zone editing and recall seems spotty - sometimes it recalls fine including patch settings (different voice for each zone); other times it seems as though it just doesn't. Small chance it has something to do with my USB hub which is noted for being 1-2 volts too high. I don't use the drum pads.

Do you own the product?:

Yes

Have you used the product?:

Musical Experience:

Advanced hobbyist, a gig here and there

Style of music you play:

Metal, rock

Where you live:

Did you find this review helpful? yes no864219

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful

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I like the keyboard a lot, only thing that sucks is the drum pads are lame. They will do the trick but you can tell that the triggers are cheap. They respond ok but the velocity sensitivity sucks. Feels like you really have to hit the middle of each pad to get them to fire off good and you kind of have to hit them a little hard. Light taps, they won't even fire. Velocity sensitivity IS there but kind of weak. The pads are good enough to write drum loops etc... I will have to get a better drum trigger unit though. A little disappointing thought I had an all in one solution. Like I said it is an awesome controller - the drum pads. Don't let that stop you from buying this keyboard though. It is good. You can work with the pads.. Just not awesome trigger technology.

Do you own the product?:

Have you used the product?:

Musical Experience:

Hobbyist/Active Musician

Style of music you play:

Electronic rock mixed.

Where you live:

Cape Cod, MA.

Did you find this review helpful? yes no807546

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful

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This is the best you can get...go NO FURTHER....I got this on christmas day...hooked it right up to the computer and started making music instantly..no waiting, no installing!..The keys are great, the pads are great!..I recommend this to any and everyone that wants to make music...from beginners to professionals!

Do you own the product?:

Yes

Have you used the product?:

Musical Experience:

Hip Hop/ R&B Producer

Style of music you play:

Hip hop/ R&B

Where you live:

Mississippi

Did you find this review helpful? yes no938773

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful

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I read the reviews before I bought this product, and after using it, I have to say I pretty much agree with their assessments- this appears to be a good solid keyboard. The action on the keys is as advertised, plays very nicely. I had an issue with the Axiom Pro driver, but the Hypercontrol driver appears to work great. Therefore I use the operating system USB driver in conjunction with the Hypercontrol driver, and am not having any issues with that. As far as I can tell, this does everything it is advertised to do- it runs with my Reason 4.01 pretty much flawlessly out-of-the-box. I like the feature of being able to record a Reason track from the keyboard itself, even though I have not figured out how to use every function available on the keyboard. This is the only reason it gets a 4.5 overall, rather than a 5.0. So far, I am very pleased with this keyboard, and it does everything I could have hoped for. For the price, you can't beat this keyboard!

Do you own the product?:

Yes

Have you used the product?:

Musical Experience:

Project studio owner

Style of music you play:

Eclectic (several different styles)

Where you live:

unspecified

Did you find this review helpful? yes no938522

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful

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First reaction after opening the box : Everything was packaged neatly and I recieved the MIDI in flawless condition, despite UPS being pretty rough on the box it was in. Turning it on : I installed the drivers ( Only took a few minutes ) and then turned on Reason 4.0. After selecting my MIDI as the master keyboard, it worked instantly, pretty much plug and play. Feeling the hardware : Keys are all very smooth, and have a good "heavy-duty" feel to them, unlike many other MIDI's that have that cheap plastic feel to them. The shell however, I do feel could have been made out of higher quality stuff, simply because it's the main thing you look at. The plastic seems overly glossy and does feel a bit on the cheap side, although it's still very good quality compared to most other MIDI's in this price range. The knobs are probably the cheapest feeling part on this, they're made out of really generic plastic that seems like it won't last long. However, these are only knobs and can be easily replaced with ones of better quality for relatively cheap. Other than those two minor complaints about the knobs and the shell, everything else is top notch. The screen is bright and responsive, and is easily viewable even under a glare. The pitch bend and modulation wheels feel excellent, probably my favorite feature of the hardware. They respond to just the right amount of pressure, and don't flop around like many other cheap MIDI's on the market. They key action itself is incredibly smooth. All the knobs and sliders have a bit of " Resistance " when you spin them, so that you don't accidently turn it by touching it barely. All in all, this is a very nice piece of equipment, and as long as you don't mind the fact that you might have to swap the knobs eventually, I highly reccomend this product to anyone interested in electronic music. In my opinion, this is the best MIDI available for the price range, few others come close.

Do you own the product?:

Yes

Have you used the product?:

Musical Experience:

Active Musician

Style of music you play:

Psytrance/Goa

Where you live:

Fresno

Did you find this review helpful? yes no806583

See all 6 customer reviews...