USB MIDI Controller M-Audio Axiom 61 MKII

M-Audio Axiom 61 MKII

The M-Audio Axiom 61 controller combines all the production power and performance you need to get the most from your music software and MIDI gear. More than just a “data entry” controller, the Axiom 61 features piano-style, semi-weighted keys for a musically satisfying playing experience. Large dynamic trigger pads make it easy to program beats and trigger one-shot samples—while the encoder knobs, faders, and buttons deliver complete real-time control over your software. DirectLink mode provides easy, automatic access to common DAW functions including transport, mixer, track pan, and virtual instrument parameters—no complicated setup required. Axiom 61 even features a sleek, angled top panel for easy viewing in any environment.

DirectLink: Streamlined Session Control

Building on the best-selling MIDI keyboard controllers of all time, the updated Axiom series features DirectLink, which automatically maps the onboard controls to common parameters in DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Live, and Reason. Take control over your software studio—directly from the keyboard. Use the faders and encoder knobs to fine-tune the mix. Easily navigate through sessions using the Transport buttons. Interfacing a MIDI controller with your software doesn’t get any easier than this.

Serious Production Power

When inspiration strikes, you need a keyboard controller that can translate ideas into killer tracks. That’s why Axiom 61 is equipped with an ultra-expressive semi-weighted keyboard and eight Trigger Finger pads for programming beats with incredible feel. Automatically map Axiom 61 to your DAW with DirectLink—or delve deeper by assigning the pads, encoders, faders, and buttons to whatever controls you wish. Each controller can map to just about any MIDI message available, along with independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Axiom Instrument Mode

With other MIDI keyboards, assigning encoders and faders to control virtual instruments has never been easy. Now thanks to the Axiom 61 controller’s new Instrument mode, a single button instantly maps the faders, buttons, and encoders to any virtual instrument inside your DirectLink-compatible host*. You get direct access to synthesis parameters such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, and envelope settings—without having to manually configure anything. It’s almost like turning Axiom 61 into a dedicated hardware synth.

Intuitive Design

Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, your keyboard controller should fuel your creativity—providing all the right information and controls at your fingertips. That’s why we designed Axiom 61 with a sleek angled top panel for easier viewing of the display and improved ergonomics. Smooth rotary encoders deliver precise, continuously variable parameter changes while low profile 40 mm faders give you a hands-on feel for the mix. The centrally positioned LCD screen provides informative feedback from DAW hosts, including on-screen display of parameters and settings. It all adds up to intuitive control over your MIDI software and hardware.

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.

A New Approach to Making Music

With Ignite, you can now capture your ideas quickly with professional results. Individual musical ideas are captured as phrases, simply called clips. Multiple clips can be played back together, or even grouped to create more complex phrases and song sections. Ignite provides seamless integration with any current M-Audio keyboard controller. Once connected to your computer, the key parameters will be automatically assigned, or mapped, to the front panel controllers. This tight integration provides an out-of-the-box solution that simply works—with no set-up chores to perform.

Sound Your Best

Included with Ignite are over 275 remarkable instrument sounds developed by AIR Music Technology. In addition to a versatile arpeggiator, Smart MIDI technology provides both a Chord Player and a Phrase Player that can introduce new musical parts to enhance your production—even a drum pattern. Email your ideas to the rest of the band. Share your musical ideas and songs with other musicians through SoundCloud—all without ever leaving Ignite. Plus, you can export WAV and MIDI files, and then import them into any DAW recording software—including Pro Tools.

Specifications

• 61-key piano-style, semi-weighted-action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
• DirectLink automatically maps controllers to work with popular recording software
• 8 rotary encoder knobs, 9 sliders, and 8 trigger pads–all MIDI assignable
• 9 assignable buttons with LED lights for software feedback
• 6 dedicated transport controls
• Dedicated track up/down, mute, and solo buttons
• Angled top panel with centered, custom LCD display for easy viewing in any situation
• 4 zone buttons for stacking and splitting sounds on up to 4 MIDI channels
• Assignable pitch bend and modulation performance wheels
• Octave up/down; transpose up/down
• Sustain pedal and Expression pedal inputs
• Preset parameter mappings for popular virtual instruments
• 20 memory locations for storing custom setups4 keyboard velocity curves and 3 fixed velocity settings
• 4 pad velocity curves, 3 fixed settings, and unique ‘step’ velocity curves
• Class-compliant with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X
• Includes Ableton Live Lite