M-Audio Axiom 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Overview

A feature-rich, solid, and compact MIDI keyboard controller - armed with both assignable knobs and sliders - that comes bundled with some exciting software (Ableton lite, plus Enigma software editor/librarian). The full-size 61-key length offers a lot more ‘keyboard’ room than the 25 and 49 key models, which will be important both if you actually like to ‘play’ keyboards and if you want to do some fancy keyboard zoning for beats and samples. You can, in fact, assign up to 4 independent keyboard zones. If you really like doing stuff with MIDI there’s enough to keep you going for a lifetime. On the other hand if you just want basic MIDI control over your recording/performance software and plug-ins, the 20 preset set-ups (Ableton Live - unassigned, Reason, Gforce, GM ++) will take you there in an instant. The ‘mobile’ USB means that you can power the Axiom via the USB port direct from your computer.

Hardware

Smoothly designed and extremely well laid out, this five-octave keyboard controller has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware: 8 assignable rotary encoders, 9 assignable sliders, pitch and mod wheels, DAW transport controls, and a decent backlit LCD screen. The semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression while 8 rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel - or easy-to-fire samples or visual effects. The 10-digit keypad is very helpful to speed up programming.

MIDI Control

The 8 rotary encoders can be assigned to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameter you want to control. The Axiom 61 adds 9 sliders to the mix (literally, most likely). Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Programming

Nine dedicated front-panel function buttons access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets - and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps to the bundled Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.

In Use

As with all of this range, the Axiom 61 delivers a professional keyboard and controller experience for a very reasonable price. And weight! The keyboard feels solid, as do the tuff rubber drum/sample trigger pads. Even if it may have more assignable knobs, sliders, and controls than you think you’re going to have use for, the 20 preset memories will let you get up and running in a heartbeat, allowing you to grow into more sophisticated MIDI control as you become more experienced.

The sliders are not only good for mixing but could also function as 'drawbars' if you have a Hammond plug-in.

Bundles

Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live - the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments - as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences - together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.

Enigma is a powerful software editor/librarian for Mac and PC that lets you easily program, store and load setups for M-Audio and Evolution USB MIDI controllers. Enigma includes a huge library of files for your favorite VST plug-ins, instruments and host apps. Programming is as simple as dragging the software parameter you want to control onto the graphic representation of the controller on your screen. With Enigma, your library of controller presets is virtually unlimited.