M-Audio AXIOM 61 USB MIDI Controller Review
This is an excellent Keyboard Controller!! But be careful, there are three different models with the name Axiom 61:
- Axiom 61 (2006).
- Axiom 61, 2nd gen (2010).
- Axiom Pro 61 (2009).
We are going to leave the Axiom Pro 61 review for another post. But let’s just say that is the top-class m-audio Keyboard Controller, and the more expensive (but, yet, you can find it at great price in Amazon)
Axiom 61, both, first and second generation, is one of the best in class Keyboard Controller. It has all that you will need to get the most from your music software and from your MIDI gear: beginning with semi-weighted keys, lots of knobs and sliders, and also drum/trigger pads.
This Axiom USB MIDI Controller is full of cool stuff: 9 velocity curves, 10 trigger pad sensibility options, 4 knob acceleration options, assignable after touch, and a lot, a lot more.
If you want this Controller, you can buy it online: Axiom 61 2nd gen (2010) here, and Axiom 61 (2006) here.
Axiom 61 (2006)
These are the main features of the Axiom 61 (1st and 2nd generation):
- 61-note keyboard versions.
- 8 fully programmable endless rotary encoders, MIDI re-assignable. Rotary encoders can be programmed to use any of six popular increment/decrement methods for compatibility with virtually all software with encoder support. The encoders can also function as standard MIDI controllers with a range of 0 to 127.
- 8 fully programmable sample trigger pads, MIDI re-assignable. Trigger pads respond to velocity or pressure and can be programmed to either send MIDI note data or controller messages, allowing for full control over all your software samplers, for triggering loops and much more.
- 9 fully assignable 40mm sliders, MIDI re-assignable.
- 9 Fader buttons, MIDI re-assignable.
- Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels; MIDI re-assignable.
- Octave/Transpose buttons.
- 6 Transport buttons; MIDI re-assignable.
- 4 programmable Keyboard Zones.
- Expression pedal socket (expression pedal not included).
- Sustain pedal socket (sustain pedal not included).
- Fully programmable monophonic aftertouch.
- A range of different acceleration curves for the encoders for realistic dial control.
- Null mode – for full parameter recall with each preset.
- Controller Mute – reposition controllers without affecting your software.
- Easy to program controls can be assigned to a vast range of MIDI messages including MIDI controller messages, GM/GS/XG SysEx messages, NRPN/RPN messages, channel aftertouch, program/bank changes, note messages and more.
- Class-compliant with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X
- LCD Screen.
- USB 1.1 port to connect the Axiom to a computer. The keyboard can also be powered from the USB port, so no additional power supply is required.
- MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports for connecting external MIDI gear.
- Size: 38.4 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 97.6 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)
- Weight: 11.7 pounds; 5.3kg
And these are the main features added in Axiom 61 2nd gen.
Axiom 61, 2da gen (2010)
- DirectLink – Automatic mapping of top panel controls to qualified DAWs:
- Ableton Live 8.1.4
- Apple GarageBand ‘09
- Logic Pro 9.1 (only 32 bits)
- Pro Tools M-Powered 8.0.4 and higher
- Pro Tools LE 8.0.4 and higher
- Propellerhead Reason 4
- Propellerhead Record 1.x (not 1.5)
- Steinberg Cubase 5.5 (full version only)
- USB 2.0 port to connect the Axiom to a computer. The keyboard can also be powered from the USB port, so no additional power supply is required.
- Better feeling in keys, sliders and knobs.
You can buy, on-sale, M-Audio Axiom 61 USB MIDI Controller 2nd gen, in Amazon, just click here. I don’t know how, but Amazon has always great prices.
Also, you can find, Axiom 61 (2006) at an incredible price, in this link.
Look what people say about this great Keyboard Controller:
Dave (USA)
I bought this so I could use it for controlling midi in a sequencer, which I have never done before getting this, and also for learning to play the keyboard. It works as advertised with ableton live lite 7, it is pretty easy to figure out how to setup the controls. The velocity sensitive keys work good, the sliders that people say feel cheap do in fact feel cheap but it doesnt really affect their performance, they work just fine. The knobs work well for controlling the pan of the channel, and the drum pads work for controlling drums, although I dont find them to be necessary as this can also be done using the velocity sensitive keys. Overall the keyboard feels pretty solid, I am glad I went with this one instead of a cheaper one.
I used to love reading your blog, but lately it’s been a little boring. I’ll still read it though =)
Thanks Wan! Come back soon!
This review is OK but it seems a little biased. To put it another way, I wouldn’t buy an Axiom based entirely on this review because it’s too unilateral.
Well said Scoox. I also do a lot of research before buying anything. But also I try to put a deadline to make the decision, because is too easy to research for ever and never do anything.
Hi Viru,
I am just confused. I want to buy the Axiom Pro 61 but your article says Axiom 61 2nd gen is a more recent version. so is Pro 61 outdated or is it still the best? Please let me know.
Hi Danny,
Axiom Pro 61 is a more advanced keyword, mainly because the TruTouch (more realistic touch than the Axiom 61 2nd) and the HiperLink, that is bidirectional communication between your keyword and your computer (DAW).
If you care a lot of expressive playing (TruTouch) or you want to control everything from the keyword (HiperLink), you could enjoy more the Axiom Pro (click here to buy the Axiom Pro 61 in amazon).
But Axiom 61 is also a great choice, as you can see. (click here to buy the Axiom 61 2nd in amazon)
You know, I like Axiom 61. I like the color. 🙂
See you!
how can i find the repair parts on that axiom 61 -1st gen keyboard..
i want to buy a main board and matrix board..
can u pls tel me where i can buy these products ..
Thank u..
Hi,
In the website of m-audio (www.m-audio.com) you can find the providers for replacement parts.
For example, for US, you can have this link: http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/en_US/User_Guide/en265741#Parts
Of course, probably it would be difficult to buy just the mainboard… but, who knows, you can try.
Be careful about purchasing any older M-Audio products. The company has recently been purchased buy Inmusic http://inmusicbrands.com/
Because of that purchase by Inmusic there are NO parts available for the first two generations of Axiom Keyboard controllers described above from them. I have yet to find a source of repair parts from anyone other than buying a dead keyboard and scavenging it.
Great contribution Mike, thanks!
I am also considering the purchase of an Axiom Pro or Second Generation and had the same questions and concerns, particularly about replacement parts for the Pro which, as I understand it, has the best piano-like keybed of the bunch.
Also considering the Novation Impulse, which has a similar keybed. I use Sibelius 7, not a DAW, to compose.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Hi Jeffrey!
First, make sure that you are going not going to use windows 8 (there is no drivers yet).
Second, Sibelius 7 claim to work with any m-audio controller (http://www.sibelius.com/products/sibelius_first/index.html), but I read some trouble between Axiom Pro and Sibelius 7 with HyperControl.
Finally, I always like better m-audio… I work with 3 m-audio: an axiom 61, an oxygen and a midiman (this last one, i think is from the last century!) and everyone works perfect until now!!! No need to part replacements!!
Here is the link to Axiom 61 2nd gen: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V3C5Z6?ie=UTF8&tag=uma04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003V3C5Z6
Thanks for your effort for writing “You must read this
before buying M-Audio Axiom 61 | USB, MIDI & Audio”. Imight undoubtedly wind up being back again
for alot more reading through and writing comments in the near future.
With thanks, Lovie
Hi! I didn’t get to install my axiom 61 in my PC because it shows the sentence: “USB device is not recognized”
My operational system is Windows 8. May anyone help me?
Thanks!
Hi Adriano!
You know, I have windows 7… and one of the reasons I am not migrating to windows 8 is because of the drivers…
But… I think there is a way… try to download from m-audio the drivers of VISTA!!! yes, you read well!!! It might work. Please, If you try it, go back and tell us If it work!!! Thanks!!
To download drivers: http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support&tab=driver
An article that indicates why drivers of vista could work, and another alternative a little more complex http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2012/08/06/getting-older-drivers-to-work-in-windows-8/
then you for this post.. i am looking into purchasing an axiom either 1st or 2nd generation and i needed to know the differences
thanks 4 the article
just solve my problem
you are a great guy
THks, i didnt kown there was Mk1 and Mk2 ….