M-Audio Axiom 25 Advanced 25-Key USB MIDI Controller, 2nd Gen Review

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(More customer reviews)To preface, being a hardware nut (previous owner of a Korg Triton Studio, several Access Virus keyboards, etc.), the M-Audio Axiom 25 was actually the first pure midi-driven keyboard that I've ever owned.
First impressions: the unit is light weight, compact, and stores easily in my computer desk. very easy to setup, and I can't tell you how wonderful it is having a keyboard that can be powered directly through the USB. the semi-weighted keys are a nice touch which allow for more expressive playing, but are still a far cry the feel of a real piano or high end keyboards. the touch pads have a little bounce to them, which provides great response for tapping in drum/percussion patterns. Knobs and mod wheels feel about the same as any other keyboard I've use, no surprises there. obviously with a 25 key range you are sacrificing playability for compactness, and to this effect you'll have to be creative when composing outside of that range (e.g. recording each hand independently, etc.). However, for most electronica producers, it is perfectly suitable working within a 2 octave range.
Preliminary Review: The main feature that drew me to the Axiom was directlink, but as of today (to the best of my knowledge) this feature is broken in Ableton Live 8.2 and 8.2.1 (though it may be fixed when the next patch is released). For those using 8.1.4, you should be fine. However, the unit still works in Ableton for playing midi and tweaking parameters...it just lacks the instant mapping that is achieved through directlink. The pads work great with Battery, and the 8 knobs has made playing Massive and some other soft synths much easier. Overall I've been about 15x more productive since I'm not bogged down with my mouse for tweaking parameters. I'm very happy with this purchase, and I'm looking forward to seeing how well directlink works once the patch is out.

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The compact M-Audio® Axiom® 25 mobile controllercombines all the production power and performance you need to get themost from your music software and MIDI gear. More than just a “dataentry” controller, the Axiom 25 features piano-style, semi-weighted keysfor a musically satisfying playing experience—yet it’s small enough tofit in a backpack. Large dynamic trigger pads make it easy to programbeats and trigger one-shot samples—while the encoder knobs and buttonsdeliver complete real-time control over your software. DirectLink modeprovides easy, automatic access to common DAW functions* includingtransport, mixer, track pan, and virtual instrument parameters—nocomplicated setup required. The Axiom 25 controller even features asleek, angled top panel for easy viewing in any environment.DirectLink: Streamlined Session ControlBuildingon the best-selling MIDI keyboard controllers of all time**, theupdated Axiom series features DirectLink, which automatically maps theonboard controls to common parameters in DAWs* like Pro Tools®, Logic,Cubase, Live, and Reason. Take control over your softwarestudio—directly from the keyboard. Use the fader and encoder knobs tofine-tune the mix. Easily navigate through sessions using the Transportbuttons. Interfacing a MIDI controller with your software doesn’t getany easier than this.
Serious Production Power When inspiration strikes, you need a keyboard controller that cantranslate ideas into killer tracks. That’s why Axiom 25 is equipped withan ultra-expressive semi-weighted keyboard and eight Trigger Finger®pads for programming beats with incredible feel. Automatically map Axiom25 to your DAW with DirectLink—or delve deeper by assigning the pads,encoders, and fader to whatever controls you wish. Each controller canmap to just about any MIDI message available, along with independentchannel addressing for each. The possibilities are as endless as yourimagination.
Axiom Instrument ModeWithother MIDI keyboards, assigning controls to virtual instruments hasnever been easy. Now thanks to the Axiom 25 controller’s new Instrumentmode, a single button instantly maps the fader, buttons, andencoders to any virtual instrument inside your DirectLink-compatiblehost*. You get direct access to synthesis parameters such as filtercutoff, LFO rate, and envelope settings—without having to manuallyconfigure anything. It’s almost like turning Axiom 25 into a dedicatedhardware synth.
Intuitive Design
Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, yourkeyboard controller should fuel your creativity—providing all the rightinformation and controls at your fingertips. That’s why we designedAxiom 25 with a sleek angled top panel for easier viewing of the displayand improved ergonomics. Smooth rotary encoders deliver precise,continuously variable parameter changes, giving you a hands-on feel forthe mix. The backlit LCD screen provides informative feedback from DAWhosts, including on-screen display of parameters, settings, and track/VInames. It all adds up to intuitive control over your MIDI software andhardware.
Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact andlightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer’s USBbus. Choose the size that’s best for your needs, then take your musicanywhere you want to go. Full Features:

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