The Axiom Pro 49 from M-Audio is an extremely powerful USB MIDI controller that features 49 semi-weighted keys, a useful set of trigger pads & controls, and custom software called "HyperControl" that runs within the device itself that automatically maps its hardware controls to Pro Tools and other popular DAW programs. The idea behind the Axiom Pro is to get the user away from their computer keyboard and mouse, and to keep their focus on the creative act of making music. The HyperControl software plays a huge part in allowing the user to constantly follow their inspiration-- rather than constantly click through menus with a mouse. HyperControl seamlessly syncs the Axiom Pro's knobs, pads, display, and controls with DAW software and plug-ins running on your computer. You use buttons on the Axiom Pro to navigate to different virtual instruments and screens in your audio software. The graphic LCD display on the Axiom Pro will follow along as you work with your DAW, updating any necessary information about the current task being carrying out.
The Axiom Pro is the next generation of the popular Axiom series of keyboard controllers from M-Audio. In an effort to outdo themselves once again, the designers paid great attention to the playability of the keys. After all, one of the most important aspects of a MIDI keyboard controller is its ability to perform as an emotive musical instrument. The result of this effort is the Axiom Pro's piano-style "TruTouch" semi-weighted keys. Featuring a professional playing action designed to satisfy the most seasoned of musicians, even beginners will appreciate this keyboard's ability to translate the emotional subtleties of a simple melody.
When recording studios quickly transitioned from traditional hardware to being almost entirely computer based, it wasn't long before users longed for tactile, hands-on control. Dedicated MIDI control surfaces soon appeared on the market to fill in this gap. The Axiom Pro gives you all of the hands-on control you need for your studio, with a first class piano-style keyboard built-in. The eight velocity-sensitive pads are perfect for sequencing beats, or for firing off samples and keystrokes. The transport buttons and function keys combined with the powerful HyperControl software make the Axiom Pro the ultimate all-in-one keyboard controller for Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live, Reason, and Cubase.
| Keyboard | 49 Semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch |
| Presets | 50 onboard memory locations |
| Controllers |
65 MIDI-assignable Controls Pitch bend and modulation wheels Aftertouch 8 x rotary encoders 8 x velocity-sensitive trigger pads 6 x transport buttons 1 x data octave button 1 x sustain pedal socket 1 x expression pedal socket 9 x 40 mm faders with auto-mute to prevent jumping and the ability to scroll to every track in a session 9 x illuminated buttons underneath the sliders 12 x buttons in the keypad area 7 x function keys |
| Output |
1 x MIDI for external connectivity 1 x USB (shared with input) |
| Input |
1 x MIDI for external connectivity 1 x USB (shared with output) 1 x 1/4" sustain pedal 1 x 1/4" expression pedal |
| Zones | 4 x programmable keyboard zones |
| Display | 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD |
| Power |
Bus-powered via USB AC power supply sold separately |
| Weight | 16.58 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 32.28 x 3.15 x 11.22" (82 x 8 x 28.5 cm) |
| Minimum System Requirements |
PC: Windows XP (SP2) Home and Professional Edition only 800MHz or higher, 256MB RAM DirectX 9.0b or higher Windows Vista (32-Bit) Mac: Mac OS X 10.5.0 |
| Specialties |
Proprietary HyperControl software for automatic MIDI mapping and host control "Controller Mute" function mutes controller output to avoid parameter jumps Ability to map QWERTY key commands (ASCII messages) to buttons |
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PC and Mac compatible HyperControl features are only compatible with the following production software:
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Reviewed by 7 customers
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
I looked online for months at different midi controllers and this one stood out FAR beyond the rest. I have never worked with midi before so the auto mapping was easy to use just having to plug it in a go! The Keybed is AMAZING! It is very sensitive and lets you play either very quiet or very loud with everything in between. The feel of the keybed is SUPERB! I would reccomend buying this to anyone thinking about buying ANY midi controller. At only [$] I cant believe how great this thing works. I have bought MANY musical items/electronics in my life an this one works the best by far for what I spent on it! Im so happy to have my Axiom Pro 49!!!!
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
I wanted a simple set up to control Pro Tools M-Powered, and this controller did not disappoint. Plug it in and go. It really is that easy. The buttons all mapped as they should to the Pro Tools software and plugins without me having to do anything. The keys have a nice feel, too.
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
First off, I love the way it looks.
My main programmes are PT & Reason running on a Mac. 10.5.8
Set up was not that easy, infact I could not get PT to see the controller. I ultimately re-installed PT & that did the trick. Set up with Reason was easy..
When running Reason in PT with Rewire I have yet to find the easy solution for keeping the controls in PT & when they are in Reason it is not as easy as just clicking in to PT to assign the controller....so it's not helping the workflow, but I'm trying to be patient.
Another issue is the Keyboard is sticky ie, there is resistance when you go to play. So if you haven't used it for an hour or two, you need to push down all the keys to break the resistance.
I'm a little disappointed for a brand new product at this price point.
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
It's the best MIDI controller you can buy. Plain and simple. Just install the "Hyper Control" software and it JUST WORKS!
Within a few minutes this bad boy was controlling Logic Pro 9. You'll still need your mouse and keyboard for editing... but otherwise this controller can turn your DAW into a mouse/keyboard free beast.
I highly recommend this. The keys, pads, knobs, faders all feel great. It's solid!
The only reason it doesn't get 5 starts is because sometimes you have to turn it on/off twice for it to send the proper messages to your DAW to enable control.
Not a huge deal... but it gets kinda annoying.
Otherwise- this is the bomb!!
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
It took me some time to get on the "Pro Tools Wagon" considering the time I have been recording but now that I'm on it(got on it mostly because I'm a Guitar Player and the Eleven Rack is great), this AXIOM PRO 49 is really improve my working flow and control over my Digital Audio Workstation (I also work with Ableton Live & Tracktion 3 and TASCAM studios and Studer A827 TAPE recorder on a friend Studio.Thank you very much
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
The low 'C' sticks - after 15 seconds (or less sometimes) of non-utilization it requires more pressure to activate it than the other keys resulting in an incredibly, and entirely unacceptable, velocity differential. It stuck a little from day one, but initially it would stay 'free' after the first time, but now it sticks worse, and it frequently sticks after only a few bars - this has become un-useable for expressive playing.It bugs me more because if it wasn't for this, I'd really be in love with this unit, especially now that the SnowLeopard drivers are out for HyperControl of Logic.This isn't a B&H issue, it is an M-Audio issue - I'm positive that B&H would have taken care of me if I'd determined that it was unaccetable from day one, but I was excited and it wasn't as bad initially. Do a little searching yourself to determine M-Audio's level of responsiveness to the issue. My personal opinion however, is that I just learned a [$] lession.
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 - Advanced 49 Key USB MIDI Controller:
I appreciate the Axiom's build quality & feel
of the knobs/sliders & keys.
Originally was not sure on the white color (as I have an original Black Axiom as well) but when you see it in person it is impressive.
Blue lighting on the transport buttons
really is a nice touch. Performs like a dream.
You get what you pay for. If you want to spend less, then check out the original Axiom...quality
controller for those on a budget-will last you a long time. I think M-Audio did a great job bringing an affordable quality controller that caters to Pro Tools users as well in the Axiom Pro.
Displaying reviews 1-7