M-Audio Axiom 25 user reviews ( 7/10) - 19 user reviews

• 05/15/12

  johnrae's review "My 2nd Favorite Small Scale Midi Keyboard"

  Characteristics

  The M-Audio Axiom 25 is a 25 key, semi weighted keyboard, with 8 pads, 8 knobs, a set of transports and a modulation and pitch bend wheel. The feel of this keyboard is AWESOME. I HIGHLY recommend the larger size models of this line for a keyboard, but I use this one as my small scale midi keyboard. It's my second favorite for the size, and it just feels great. The semi-weighted keys are awesome, and the drum pads are great. I have used this keyboard for a while and love it.

  Utilization

  Instillation is simple as plugging it in and mapping it to Ableton Live. Everything works fine, but the knobs feel a little clunky and rough, but passable. I love the pads, they feel awesome, and the keys feel SO good under your fingers. I love the general feel of the whole thing and everything has the perfect amount of responsiveness. I love the way that they feel so much, that I bought a 64 key version that I use for pads, leads, and some piano stuff. I'm thinking about picking up another one for live performance. The modulation and pitch bend wheels also feel AWESOME. They are super responsive and smooth.

  Overall Opinion

  This is my 2nd favorite keyboard because of it's feel. The keys feel SO good, and the pads rock, though the knobs are nothing special. I use this as my secondary small scale keyboard, and the Roland A-300 Pro as my main. I do love this one though, but the A-300 has more knobs and sliders, and is 20 bucks cheaper and spans 4 octaves. What this lacks in controls it makes up for in the incredible feel and response. The newest version comes with one fader that I've messed with and feels pretty good, so pick one up if you want. I highly recommend this keyboard.
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• 03/06/12

  stompboxjon's review "Axiom is one of the better midi keyboards"

  Characteristics

  The M Audio Axiom 25 is a great midi keyboard that will work with virtually any computer music software. I am pretty sure at their website they also have updates just in case that for some reason it doesn't work with your DAW or Sequencing program. You can connect using midi cords or usb. I used usb just because for my mobile set up it was a lot easier to use and just plug in.

  Utilization

  Its actually really easy to get set up, just plug and play. You may need to update the drivers though but no need to worry they come with the Axiom when you purchase it. Or if you buy it used or lose the disk you can always do it from their website without any problems. M Audio is usually really good with handling their customers and they will do what they can to keep you up and running.
  
  As far as the manual goes, I did have to use it several times because of all the menu options and buttons on the board. It was a little overwhelming to have all of those options on just a midi keyboard. Not to mention and midi keyboard with its own viewing screen. Now the screen isn't too big though its really small but it will do the job.

  Overall Opinion

  For the price, which is pretty high. But its worth the buy! There are a lot of midi keyboards on the market today and to me a lot of them basically have the same options but this one actually has a good weight to it. Its not built cheap. Even though its just a 25, they make them all the way up to 88. I have used the 88 before an it felt like I was going through progressions on a real piano. But the keys aren't too heavy so you can still get those quick synth and leads in. I am a happy M audio customer and will continue to be for years to come. I recommend this midi controller.
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• 08/03/11

  James...'s review "Excellent small midi controller"

  Characteristics

  M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller Keyboard Features at a Glance:
  
  
  
  25-key velocity-sensitive semi-weighted action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
  
  8 MIDI-assignable trigger pads
  
  8 MIDI-assignable rotary encoder knobs
  
  6 transport buttons reassignable to other MIDI parameters
  
  Assignable pitch bend and modulation wheels
  
  Octave up/down; transpose up/down
  
  Preset / program change / MIDI channel +/- buttons
  
  Backlit LCD screen
  
  Sustain and expression pedal jacks
  
  Built-in USB MIDI interface including standard MIDI In and Out jacks
  
  Powered via USB or optional power supply
  
  
  
  I purchased this unit for a number of reasons. It's compact, high quality, has USB, encoders, beat pads, and good keys. I compose with Cubase as well as a few other programs and I needed a new compact controller for that use.

  Utilization

  Out of the box, the unit is easy to use. Simply install the driver and go. Some softwares will require a bit of setup, but that has nothing much to do with the axiom itself. Most of the functions are ready to go. The factory settings have been well thought out and assigning pads and encoders is quick with most software. I really like using this unit with ableton live. It integrates quickly and effortlessly.
  
  
  
  The manual does a good job of describing features. I really like the different velocity curves available on the axiom. You can choose from a variety of attack curves to match your playing style.

  Overall Opinion

  By far my favorite thing about this unit is the keys. They feel real. The weighting is much better than other controllers. It gives that real piano feeling that I need when I track. The pads on the other hand are just okay. Usually I set the velocity to flat because with a curve they are all over the place. Pretty annoying, but they work. The encoders feel sort of clicky in a way I'm not crazy about, but again, they work well. I don't use them much in the studio. They come in handy sometimes playing live. The menu is quite deep and requires a manual unless you REALLY know what you're doing. Don't try to program it on the fly. I doubt many users will need to do much programming though. It comes with most everything done for you. The abilities the axiom gives you are a great addition though for those of us who like to mess around.
  
  
  
  If the keys didn't feel wonderful, this would be a so so value product. Fortunately, M-audio got this one right. The keys feel great, and for that I give it a high level of value. I can also say that the quality is great since I've banged it around for a while now and it hasn't hiccuped. Overall I'm very impressed. It's not perfect, but for the value it can't be beat.
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• 07/14/11

  Anonymous 's review

  Characteristics

  The M-Audio Axiom 25 controller is the preferred controller of one of my dear friends, and one day, I got curious, and just had to go sneak a peek.
  
  
  
  The first thing that struck me about the Axiom was its feel. The thing FELT well made, and looked far more expensive than it actually was. The Axiom 25 has 25 keys, obviously, and as far as connections goes, has the entire suite. It has the USB connection, which eliminates the need for an external power supply, but also has MIDI out and IN, which is very nice considering the price point. It also has connections for the sustain and expression pedals, and of course, the power jack should one choose to use the MIDI connections instead of the USB.
  
  
  
  It also has knobs that are continuous, meaning they don't start and end anywhere. This is nice because it means that the knobs don't have certain positions "hard-coded" into them. On non-continuous knobs, if you have a parameter set to 100, but the knob is turned down to zero, and turned the knob up, the value would reset to zero before increasing with the knob. With the Axiom, there's no worrying about that at all.
  
  
  
  The Axiom also includes drums pads which are very useful when programming beats. It is far easier to use than a keyboard, which I am stuck with most of the time.

  Utilization

  What blew me away were the keys. Granted, with 25 keys, am I going to be playing any sonatas? No, but the semi weighted keys on the Axiom are far superior to the trampolines that plague the Keystations and Oxygens. And again, the knobs were a big deal, as were the included drum pads.

  Overall Opinion

  The Axiom is a piece of magic. Unfortunately for my spoilt keyboardist self, the lowest I can ever deal with happily is 61 keys, and the Axiom 61 is considerably more expensive than the 25. However, it is a far more comprehensive MIDI controller than the other offerings from M-Audio, and I suggest you try it out before you settle for anything less.
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• 05/28/10

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The M-Audio Axiom 25 is a MIDI controller that like the name states, has 25 keys. As far as it's connections go, it's got a USB port, which can provide power, as well as a MIDI input and a MIDI output. It also has 1/4" connections for sustain and expression pedals, and for a power supply if you aren't using the USB port. It's a very complete MIDI controller, with just about all of the parameters and control that you'd want from a MIDI controller.

  Utilization

  It didn't take too long for me to get used to the make up of the M-Audio Axiom 25. I do have a good amount of experience with different MIDI controllers, but even if you don't I think you'd be able to catch on pretty quickly. In addition to the 25 keys, it's got a transport section with control over your playback and record buttons, as well as both pitch and modulation wheels. It also has eight trigger pads, which to me are one of the best features on this. It then has eight programmable parameter knobs, an LED screen, an octave selector, and a variety of other parameters to control. A manual might not be a bad idea, but probably isn't necessary.

  Overall Opinion

  As far as 25 key MIDI controllers go, the M-Audio Axiom 25 is definitley one of the best ones on the market. It's got all of the parameters that you'd want, including the trigger pads, which are perfect for programming beats. Everything is pretty straight forward, so it isn't like it has all of this features and isn't still user friendly. While I do like the feel of the keyboard, it isn't as good as the Pro 88, although it definitely does the job fine and better than the other lower end M-Audio MIDI Controllers. M-Audio has some great MIDI controllers at very reasonable prices, and the Axiom 25 to me is one of their best...
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• 11/01/09

  MGR/Elle's review "M-Audio Axiom 25 Red Special Edition"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Overall Opinion

  This is, um, red. Actually very red. Very, very red. Actually I think it's limited edition. It has 25 keys, eight trigger pads, eight rotary encoder knobs (the endless kind) and an LCD display.
  
  
  
  I paid about $180 smackers for this unit at Music123.com. I was looking for a seperate USB Midi controller for my rig, and this hot little unit was the right price, looked good, and had the features I was looking for.
  
  
  
  I like the look for starters. It really dresses up my rig. I also like the fact that the keys are semi-weighted which gives it a traditional feel, and the transport controls are all assignable. There are 20 memory locations as well.
  
  
  
  There\'s not much to like. I\'m not a big fan of the included Enigma software that can be used to manage your setups, but that\'s just my personal preference. I guess you can\'t win them all.
  
  
  
  Seems pretty well built. It\'s a plastic housing, but it\'s solid. I mentioned the keys being weighted, and that helps to give it a solid feel while playing. All the knobs and rotary controls seem pretty well built like this thing could hold up to it\'s share of gigs.
  
  
  
  Overall, I\'m pretty pleased. For the price, I guess it\'s not really a steal. Probably pretty fairly priced actually, but I liked the look and features and wasn\'t really interested in saving 20 or 30 bucks either way. I\'d prefer to get what I want and be happy with it.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 03/18/09

  acav802's review

  Characteristics

  The Axiom 25 is a lightweight and portable MIDI Keyboard, perfect for the modern producer's mobile studio setup. The Axiom 25 features MIDI in and out, USB, sustain, and expression pedal ports. A great feature is the USB port, which supplies both power and MIDI data, making setup simple with less cables. Pitch and mod wheel controls as well as 8 knobs and transport controls that can be assigned to work with any DAW make the Axiom 25 a great keyboard for any size studio. The transport buttons can be set up to control the play, stop, record, fast forward and rewind features inside your sequencer software. Another key feature of the Axiom series that hasn't been lost in the Axiom 25 are the eight velocity sensitive drum pads. These are an excellent feature, and can be configured to trigger samples, effects, loops, and anything you can imagine using your favorite audio sequencer software.

  Utilization

  The Axiom 25 uses semi-weighted keys that feel and play with a great feel, and and will be a big step up for producers used to synth-action keys looking for a better feeling keyboard. The *only* downside is that it only has 25 keys, and you must use the transpose buttons to go up and down octaves. This is acceptable for the size and great value of the keyboard.
  
  Setup for the Axiom is easy, using the included CD drivers takes about 10 minutes and is very straightforward. The included Enigma software enables users to customize and load presets that are designed to work with their favorite DAW (e.g. Logic,Reason, Cubase). I found that I didn't need to customize anything or change any settings on the Axiom, and was making music with Reason 3 right out of the box. The manual is only available digitally, but it is well-written and thorough.

  Overall Opinion

  I have used the Axiom 25 almost every day for 2.5 years and feel like its been worth every penny. The fact that it's so lightweight and portable makes it a great keyboard to own. It was my first MIDI keyboard and my experience with it has been tremendous. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. For only $179 USD, the Axiom 25 is a great value for the computer-based mobile producer, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a portable MIDI keyboard.
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• 11/12/12

  romu.ak's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  To answer regarding the keyboard layout.

  Utilization

  It was my first master keyboard!

  Overall Opinion

  Very good master keyboard! Easy to set up as long as we take the trouble to read the manual. I thought it was very good especially touched to start (not heavy attention, but just put in the game) and I honestly can not find a 25-key weighted must have touched ... the pads can be used without worry.
  
  
  
  Have fun!
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• 09/15/12

  WipeOuT's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Forget"

  1 people did not find this review helpful

  Characteristics

  Forget

  Utilization

  Forget

  Overall Opinion

  I'll be very simple because I'm not spending more time on this **** m, then the touch is nice, either keyboard or pads, nothing to say, all the functional air.
  
  I could put a mixed note for that, but do not even think about. The goal of the controller noon, what is it? It's controller. And how we control? Configuring it. And how do we configure that thing, the Axiom 25 thing? Well it is not set. Or maybe it was a ferry 6 M-AUDIO Axiom 25 option. Because it is with Enigma (he aptly named like this software), or by using the internal configuration ultra manual bah you can brush to successfully assign what you want in the settings you want.
  
  So I'll sell the dung and me back on AKAI, which has already proven many times.
  
  M-AUDIO Ciao, I will not be resumed more!
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• 05/13/12

  his_dudness's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Made his taff"

  Characteristics

  At first I was seduced by the heavy touch announced by the manufacturer and opinions right here, and then from the time I was looking for a MIDI controller with pads. its 8 knobs are not foreign to my choice, in short, for this price range, we must admit that everything has a large.

  Utilization

  Let us begin with the feel of the keyboard: If you are looking for a pure heavy touch, do not go, he must type in the more upscale, but nice touch is still a touch "spring".
  
  
  
  Then, the aftertouch is not programmable, as has been seen here: there are just touch presets, which is not bad.
  
  
  
  The touch pad is accurate enough for cons, especially if used in preset "Bourin".
  
  
  
  Notched knobs, infinite race. Give it a try and tell if it suits you.
  
  
  
  Since I use it as I please with Live and its function "midi learn" the 127 programs are completely useless for me now. That said, there are many possibilities and the manual is very detailed about it. All the "Advanced Options" of this manual is very clear to store your preferences. In short, a midi controller like any other.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 3 weeks.
  
  
  
  I had an Oxygen 8 v2 before, touching sucks, no pads ... I also tried the Akai MPK mini home, and I confess that I was not convinced (it really makes toy next to the Axiom).
  
  
  
  Likes: the pads, touch keyboard corect and notched knobs (and yes there who love, especially when you know adjust their sensitivity proves that the most accurate and practical), the look is not disgusting.
  
  I like less: for me the ideal MIDI controller would leave all programming to the software portion of the device. Instead of the screen and navigation buttons, zippers 6 were perfect, but I dream a little.
  
  
  
  Price / quality ratio, I would do this choice? Yes yes and yes, with this controller, "what you see is what you get." A midi controller quite honorable and practical, reasonably priced.
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