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M-Audio Axiom 49 Keyboard MIDI Controller
49-key velocity-sensitive semi-weighted action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
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About This Product!
Overview
Description
We sure have come a long way from four-track tape machines. Most laptops sold today ship with sophisticated multi-track recording software built right in, and even most of those free programs come complete with built-in synthesizers, drum machines, and mixing capabilities. Spend a little time working with one of these recording programs, and you'll quickly realize that your basic mouse-and-keyboard setup isn't letting you get the most out of your software. Time to upgrade with the M-Audio Axiom 49. It's a responsive musical keyboard, drum pad controller, and tactile recording console all in one, and thanks to USB, it's as easy to setup as plug-and-play.
Get In Touch With Your Recordings
With its wealth of knobs and buttons, the multi-faceted Axiom 49 let's you do away with your mouse almost completely. The transport section puts the most common functions--play, record, stop fast forward, rewind--at your fingertips for instant access. With these controls so close to the keyboard, you won't have to readjust your brain or your sitting position to capture your best performance. Additionally, using the soft, rubberized transport buttons to control frequent repeated actions instead of the mouse helps cut down on the risk of repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to transport controls, the Axiom 49 provides you with eight rotary controllers and eight faders with associated function buttons. Each of these different controller types can be assigned to just about any parameter you see on screen, from volume and panning to plug-in parameters like resonance and filter cutoff. The addition of a 4 x 3 keypad lets you make numerical entries directly from the Axiom, so you won't have to reach for your computer's keyboard.
No-Compromise Keys And Pads
More than just a control surface, it'd be more accurate to call the Axiom 49 a "control instrument." The 49 full-sized, waterfall-style keys are ample and responsive. The keys offer just enough resistance for musical-feeling action, and are velocity-sensitive for expressive, dynamic performance. You won't feel like you're controlling your computer because you'll be playing it like an instrument, and you'll notice the difference in your music right away. In addition to velocity sensitivity, the Axiom's keys feature aftertouch, a feature not found on most keyboards under $1000. Aftertouch adds an additional level of playability to the Axiom: once a key is struck, it can be held for sustained notes, but press even harder, and you can effect an extra layer of control. Make strings go from simple sustain to vibrato, activate additional filters on a synth patch, give any instrument a little gain boost after the initial note attack. . . the possibilities are near endless. As if that weren't enough, the Axiom 49 provides you with eight rubberized drum trigger pads, perfect for programming beats, or just thinking about basslines in a different way. It's a whole studio's worth of musical gadgetry in a lightweight, compact, and dare we say handsome USB controller.
Use It With Standalone Synth Modules, Too!
because the Axiom 49 has real MIDI in and out ports, you don't even need a computer to enjoy its expressive keys. Just route it into a hardware synthesizer module and you're off and running. While most common functions will auto-map to your sound modules (pitch bend, modulation), Axiom keyboards also let you get deep into MIDI programming geekery. Preset editing tasks are made easier thanks to the generous--and brightly back-lit--LCD display, and clearly labeled programming buttons make advanced functions easily accessible. The M-Audio Axiom 49 lets you get as deep as you want into your music.
You use your mouse and keyboard for emails, spreadsheets, accounting. . you know, work. Treat your music like the art form it is with the M-Audio Axiom 49 Keyboard Controller.
Get In Touch With Your Recordings
With its wealth of knobs and buttons, the multi-faceted Axiom 49 let's you do away with your mouse almost completely. The transport section puts the most common functions--play, record, stop fast forward, rewind--at your fingertips for instant access. With these controls so close to the keyboard, you won't have to readjust your brain or your sitting position to capture your best performance. Additionally, using the soft, rubberized transport buttons to control frequent repeated actions instead of the mouse helps cut down on the risk of repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to transport controls, the Axiom 49 provides you with eight rotary controllers and eight faders with associated function buttons. Each of these different controller types can be assigned to just about any parameter you see on screen, from volume and panning to plug-in parameters like resonance and filter cutoff. The addition of a 4 x 3 keypad lets you make numerical entries directly from the Axiom, so you won't have to reach for your computer's keyboard.
No-Compromise Keys And Pads
More than just a control surface, it'd be more accurate to call the Axiom 49 a "control instrument." The 49 full-sized, waterfall-style keys are ample and responsive. The keys offer just enough resistance for musical-feeling action, and are velocity-sensitive for expressive, dynamic performance. You won't feel like you're controlling your computer because you'll be playing it like an instrument, and you'll notice the difference in your music right away. In addition to velocity sensitivity, the Axiom's keys feature aftertouch, a feature not found on most keyboards under $1000. Aftertouch adds an additional level of playability to the Axiom: once a key is struck, it can be held for sustained notes, but press even harder, and you can effect an extra layer of control. Make strings go from simple sustain to vibrato, activate additional filters on a synth patch, give any instrument a little gain boost after the initial note attack. . . the possibilities are near endless. As if that weren't enough, the Axiom 49 provides you with eight rubberized drum trigger pads, perfect for programming beats, or just thinking about basslines in a different way. It's a whole studio's worth of musical gadgetry in a lightweight, compact, and dare we say handsome USB controller.
Use It With Standalone Synth Modules, Too!
because the Axiom 49 has real MIDI in and out ports, you don't even need a computer to enjoy its expressive keys. Just route it into a hardware synthesizer module and you're off and running. While most common functions will auto-map to your sound modules (pitch bend, modulation), Axiom keyboards also let you get deep into MIDI programming geekery. Preset editing tasks are made easier thanks to the generous--and brightly back-lit--LCD display, and clearly labeled programming buttons make advanced functions easily accessible. The M-Audio Axiom 49 lets you get as deep as you want into your music.
You use your mouse and keyboard for emails, spreadsheets, accounting. . you know, work. Treat your music like the art form it is with the M-Audio Axiom 49 Keyboard Controller.
Get Into the Action
The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control
Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons*, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. 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.
* six buttons on the Axiom 25
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming
M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback?and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily 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 and the free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation
The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.
Available USB Port
DirectX 9.0b or higher
Windows XP (SP2) or higher
Windows 98, Me, NT, or 2000 not supported
Macintosh Requirements
Native USB Port
Mac OS X 10.3.9 w/ 256 MB RAM, OS X 10.4.2 or greater w/ 512 MB RAM
Power Supply
If you are using your Axiom with a computer via its USB port, there is no need for an external power supply. Your Axiom will draw its power from the computer.
However, if you are intending to use your Axiom without connecting to a computer's USB port, then you will need to use an external power supply.
No power supply is included in the box, so please select one that meets the following requirements:
12V DC
250mA - 300mA
Center positive
The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control
Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons*, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. 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.
* six buttons on the Axiom 25
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming
M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback?and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily 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 and the free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation
The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.
Technical Info
PC RequirementsAvailable USB Port
DirectX 9.0b or higher
Windows XP (SP2) or higher
Windows 98, Me, NT, or 2000 not supported
Macintosh Requirements
Native USB Port
Mac OS X 10.3.9 w/ 256 MB RAM, OS X 10.4.2 or greater w/ 512 MB RAM
Power Supply
If you are using your Axiom with a computer via its USB port, there is no need for an external power supply. Your Axiom will draw its power from the computer.
However, if you are intending to use your Axiom without connecting to a computer's USB port, then you will need to use an external power supply.
No power supply is included in the box, so please select one that meets the following requirements:
12V DC
250mA - 300mA
Center positive
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M-Audio Axiom 49 Keyboard MIDI Controller Reviews
8 out of 10
"one of the best midi keyboards you can buy."
Feature:
the keyboard came with a setup cd and another cd with ableton live lite. i don't use ableton so i have no opinion about it. the setup was fairly easy. it took about 30 minutes of troubleshooting to get it going, but after that everything ran fine. the faders are more useful than the knobs/dials. the knobs don't spin freely (although they spin infinitely). they click as they turn, which kind of prevents you from using them as very quick adjustments lile you would with the faders. it's not a big deal, but i would prefer it if they didn't click.
Quality:
the keyboard seems like it's built pretty solid. more so than the few others i looked at (edirol, and the m-audio oxygen keyboards). the faders don't all move the same though. some slide a bit easier than other. not a huge difference, but it's noticeable. the keys have a good feel compared to other similarly priced keyboards i tryed. i like how the key extend down into the keyboard, rather than other keybaords that have a gap under the keys. it makes the key seem more solid. i only use it in my house and don't move it around much at all, but it seems like it would hold up well for gigs.
Value:
i payed more by buying it at a small local shop. it would have been maybe $50 cheaper if i got it online. but if the thing breaks i don't have to deal with it, i just bring it back the shop and they'll deal with the replacing. even for the steep price i paid i think it's worth it.
Desirability:
the keyboard looks pretty good. i'm not big on the futuristic, silver keyboards that are coming out, so this one looks good to me. it's simple, with no pointless, flashy additions.
Sound:
it's a midi keyboard that has no sound.
Ease of Use:
it sets up pretty easily. the transfer buttons (play, stop, pause, record, etc.) are hard to get to work with lots of DAWs, so i've heard. i use fl studio 6 and can't get them to work. i haven't tryed very hard because it's not that big of a deal. and i can't for the life of me figure out how to map the keyboards controls to different soft-synths in my DAW. when i try to map a new set of controls if starts overwrtiting the old ones. it's a problem with my DAW i think though, not the keyboard. and there is no manual booklet. i understand the reasoning behind it (save paper because not everyone is going to read it). but they don't even give you the .pdf manual on the setup cd. you have to find it on the net for yourself, which is completely retarded. other than that, it's easy to use.
Support:
i only emailed m-audio once and got and answer back within 24 hours. so i don't have much to say about the support. one stupid thing is that the enigma program that lets you map the keys doesn't come on the setup disc either. m-audio definitely should include the enigma program and the .pdf manual on the setup disc.
Overall:
overall it's the best midi keyboard i've tryed. i haven't tryed a lot of them, but it's the best i've tryed. it's built solid, is pretty easy to set up, and feels good when you're playing it. other than having to go on the net to find the manual and key-mapping program, there have been no set-backs or problems. i haven't had it for a long time (2 months), and i treat my electronics well so i can see myself having it for a while.
the keyboard came with a setup cd and another cd with ableton live lite. i don't use ableton so i have no opinion about it. the setup was fairly easy. it took about 30 minutes of troubleshooting to get it going, but after that everything ran fine. the faders are more useful than the knobs/dials. the knobs don't spin freely (although they spin infinitely). they click as they turn, which kind of prevents you from using them as very quick adjustments lile you would with the faders. it's not a big deal, but i would prefer it if they didn't click.
Quality:
the keyboard seems like it's built pretty solid. more so than the few others i looked at (edirol, and the m-audio oxygen keyboards). the faders don't all move the same though. some slide a bit easier than other. not a huge difference, but it's noticeable. the keys have a good feel compared to other similarly priced keyboards i tryed. i like how the key extend down into the keyboard, rather than other keybaords that have a gap under the keys. it makes the key seem more solid. i only use it in my house and don't move it around much at all, but it seems like it would hold up well for gigs.
Value:
i payed more by buying it at a small local shop. it would have been maybe $50 cheaper if i got it online. but if the thing breaks i don't have to deal with it, i just bring it back the shop and they'll deal with the replacing. even for the steep price i paid i think it's worth it.
Desirability:
the keyboard looks pretty good. i'm not big on the futuristic, silver keyboards that are coming out, so this one looks good to me. it's simple, with no pointless, flashy additions.
Sound:
it's a midi keyboard that has no sound.
Ease of Use:
it sets up pretty easily. the transfer buttons (play, stop, pause, record, etc.) are hard to get to work with lots of DAWs, so i've heard. i use fl studio 6 and can't get them to work. i haven't tryed very hard because it's not that big of a deal. and i can't for the life of me figure out how to map the keyboards controls to different soft-synths in my DAW. when i try to map a new set of controls if starts overwrtiting the old ones. it's a problem with my DAW i think though, not the keyboard. and there is no manual booklet. i understand the reasoning behind it (save paper because not everyone is going to read it). but they don't even give you the .pdf manual on the setup cd. you have to find it on the net for yourself, which is completely retarded. other than that, it's easy to use.
Support:
i only emailed m-audio once and got and answer back within 24 hours. so i don't have much to say about the support. one stupid thing is that the enigma program that lets you map the keys doesn't come on the setup disc either. m-audio definitely should include the enigma program and the .pdf manual on the setup disc.
Overall:
overall it's the best midi keyboard i've tryed. i haven't tryed a lot of them, but it's the best i've tryed. it's built solid, is pretty easy to set up, and feels good when you're playing it. other than having to go on the net to find the manual and key-mapping program, there have been no set-backs or problems. i haven't had it for a long time (2 months), and i treat my electronics well so i can see myself having it for a while.
Submitted: 09/15/2008
Style of Music: hip hop
8 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Great for beginners and intermediate."
Feature:
Comes with Ableton Live Lite (version 6 upgrade free on ableton.com). Assignable faders, nobs, pads, etc. The faders are a little... floppy... if you will. They are also a little laggy, it takes a second for them to move in software. Nobs feel good. Pads have a "sweet spot" directly in the center. If you hit them on the sides, it isn't as "loud". Keys feel lightly weighted. Bright blue backlight.
Quality:
Overall the product looks fantastic. The only REAL disappointment is the faders. They tilt slightly when you move them (not too much, but annoying), the nobs are dubious (I'm not sure if too much use will make the firm notches wear down), the pads would be better if the sides and the center were more uniform, the keys still have a "plastic" feel, but not necessarily cheap or flimsy. All other buttons feel very nice.
Value:
Compared to many other devices in this range, you get a lot of control for the price.
Desirability:
This product looks very nice. It was designed well and I wouldn't might being seen with it.
Sound:
There's not much to say about sound considering the device doesn't necessarily make it's own sound.
Ease of Use:
Enigma software needs better documentation. Axiom documentation a little lacking for a beginner. Installation is a severe pain. DO NOT DISABLE THE INSTALLER SERVICE AFTER IT'S INSTALLED! Also, the documentation says to turn on the axiom after the drivers are installed. Don't do that, turn it on THEN install or your computer won't recognize it. Faders are laggy (as stated above), pads have sweet spot (as stated above). Number pad makes switching presets faster than the 25-key version. More dedicated buttons than 25-key.
Support:
Never had to use them (though you might need to call them if you run into installation problems).
Overall:
Currently, I don't have any need for a different keyboard. It has plenty of keys, enough pads for Ableton, sliders (though fine tuning is difficult), and assignable nobs for different things. You may still need additional nobs in the future as this only includes 8.
Comes with Ableton Live Lite (version 6 upgrade free on ableton.com). Assignable faders, nobs, pads, etc. The faders are a little... floppy... if you will. They are also a little laggy, it takes a second for them to move in software. Nobs feel good. Pads have a "sweet spot" directly in the center. If you hit them on the sides, it isn't as "loud". Keys feel lightly weighted. Bright blue backlight.
Quality:
Overall the product looks fantastic. The only REAL disappointment is the faders. They tilt slightly when you move them (not too much, but annoying), the nobs are dubious (I'm not sure if too much use will make the firm notches wear down), the pads would be better if the sides and the center were more uniform, the keys still have a "plastic" feel, but not necessarily cheap or flimsy. All other buttons feel very nice.
Value:
Compared to many other devices in this range, you get a lot of control for the price.
Desirability:
This product looks very nice. It was designed well and I wouldn't might being seen with it.
Sound:
There's not much to say about sound considering the device doesn't necessarily make it's own sound.
Ease of Use:
Enigma software needs better documentation. Axiom documentation a little lacking for a beginner. Installation is a severe pain. DO NOT DISABLE THE INSTALLER SERVICE AFTER IT'S INSTALLED! Also, the documentation says to turn on the axiom after the drivers are installed. Don't do that, turn it on THEN install or your computer won't recognize it. Faders are laggy (as stated above), pads have sweet spot (as stated above). Number pad makes switching presets faster than the 25-key version. More dedicated buttons than 25-key.
Support:
Never had to use them (though you might need to call them if you run into installation problems).
Overall:
Currently, I don't have any need for a different keyboard. It has plenty of keys, enough pads for Ableton, sliders (though fine tuning is difficult), and assignable nobs for different things. You may still need additional nobs in the future as this only includes 8.
Submitted: 08/13/2007
Style of Music: Rock, Metal, Progressive, Experimental
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