The Axiom Pro 61 from M-Audio is an extremely powerful USB MIDI controller that features 61 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 | 61 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 | 38.19 x 3.15 x 11.22" (97 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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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 - Advanced 61 Key USB MIDI Controller:
Loved every aspect of this keyboard [...]
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 - Advanced 61 Key USB MIDI Controller:
Excellent quality and feel. Well laid out intelligent design. The keys feel great and are responsive. Cons: Learning to use it is a bit of a task but it is a complicated machine which I believe once mastered will take the place of everything. Can't say enough!
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 - Advanced 61 Key USB MIDI Controller:
I currently use Apple's garageband to make music. I wanted to get an axiom to control alot of garageband's features. Unfortunaly garageband doesn't have many advanced features and I can only use the keys, pitch and modulation wheels, drumpad, 1 slider, 1 knob, and the transport controls on the axiom for garageband. This isn't m-audios fault garageband just not good. Other than that I have loved it ever since. The keys feel great although not entirely weighted, and it is very easy and fun to play.
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Comments about M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 - Advanced 61 Key USB MIDI Controller:
This is an outstanding controller that maps itself to your DAW. I am running Snow Leopard and using ProTools 8 and Reason 4. The Axiom Pro maps to ProTools (with Update Digi's 8.0cs1) out of the box. All I had to do was tell protools it was there. Most actions that I normally would use my ASCII keyboard for I can now do with the onboard controls of the Axiom. After loading the Reason file supplied by M-Audio I had the same great experience. Every instrument I loaded was immediately mapped and ready to go. After a short acclimation period the controller becomes the instrument and the need for a mouse and keyboard practically goes away. This unit replaced three devices (keyboard, control surface and pad controller) freeing up desk space and USB ports. An excellent addition to any home studio for recording and mixing.
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