M-Audio Axiom 61 MKII

Some of the features that motivated my choice were the 61 semi weighted keys with a very delicate touch and sensitivity response.

There are two type of controls , both midi and pedal based.

UTILIZATION

The general setup is extremely easy with no additional requires.
The manual included with the midi controller provides additional information regarding the knobs , the midi response and its features.

The selection is straight forward , very easy to catch , you get a blue little screen in the center of the controller where you can control your patches.


OVERALL OPINION

I really like the 61 semi-weighted keys that feel very realistic and close to an acoustic piano , great sensitivity response , those 9 faders and 8 knobs help the user to get away from keyboard and mouse.

Another thing that I found quite amazing is the Direct Link Mode that automatically connects the knobs and buttons to your DAW functions.

Great design made by M-audio as well , the material seems durable and high quality.

The drum pads are well placed , the quality of the surface feels nice to the finger , the only down side is the size of the drum pads , sometimes you can hit the wrong pad if you're not careful.

Useful blue screen for controlling your work flow to achieve faster results.

My opinion about the value for the price is awesome , pretty cheap product for its quality and features , one of the best midi controllers for this price range.

Precision and quality of the sound isn't present because this is a midi controller , but the control over your DAW functions is amazingly managed.

I've tried different midi controllers , this remains one of my favorite of all time for its price and quality.

Knowing what I know , I would buy again this controller.

61 keys springs, clear screen, faders, buttons, pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel ... even if it is light, it is very solid!
A good compromise as an additional keyboard, relatively (trans) portable, in any case much more easily than my Tyros4 and Korg Kronos ...
Direct link mode announced not too motivated me, since I do not use Cubase and other typical platforms computer music = I bought used for driving and Kontakt Engine2 on my computer (this is a pure machine "mechanical", "physical" driving my boxes sounds) ...

UTILIZATION

I had a little trouble getting used to the touch through, however, it allows very pretty shades (attack and aftertouch) when it suits his game instrument that is controlled and the most subtle nuances of animated pads certain Kontakt collections are well restored ...

Manual included no or virtually ... you have to go download the UG (User Guide), pdf 50 pages in French, on the site of M-Audio = absolutely necessary if we want to draw something the beast!
Configuration not too complex but requires real learning (see above question in the user manual) ...
For my part, I program areas in splits and layers (4 in total) each with isolation function pitch one octave + / - and a midi channel (which you can stack a lot of progs / voices / arpegios / loops) Kontakt and Engine2 ...
Faders dedicated zones and buttons select / deselect each zone allow a live mix and fade in / out very easy ...
The ModWheel more useful to go chopper inflections complex nuances progs, is very responsive and precise as the assignable aftertouch (a real treat for the nuanced playing) ...
A true flat so we must wrestle = learning function keys and programming READING manual (download) ... if you want to play directly by connecting a USB cable to your computer, you may be disappointed have paid dearly for immediate use and not not a priori obvious!

OVERALL OPINION

A few months of use and I discovered the possibilities ... As I also edited the UG (pdf) paper version linked) ...
This is my first USB master keyboard (because I was using my arranger and my WS = Contact for this purpose and Engine2 led me to consider a concept at hand, WS = two pieces trigger a keyboard and a PC heart / motor with two players / samplers) ...
This keyboard fulfills my expectations very clear and there is a safe bet that I will still find two or three programming tips to help my driving both players ...
Purchased for less than 150 euros in almost new Cygnus, it seems to me an excellent investment!

This is a midi controller keyboard 61 keys, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch.
The control surface is attractive, a lot of faders, knobs, buttons and pads.
And it is more beautiful.
Comes with a DVD, the manual can be downloaded from the site.

UTILIZATION

It's simple axiom is connected to the computer through its USB and lights. No need for AC adapter and it's great. But what follows is another story. I caught nothing about programming this machine after reading the manual (downloadable from the website) as well as forums. I wanted to work as follows: a = a plug axiom program.
The keyboard is not too bad, some good feelings.

OVERALL OPINION

I tried to use a quarter and then resold. In fact, his features were attractive in addition to being beautiful. But its use has been very stressful for me, I did almost nothing with product. I've never been able to program or to understand the philosophy.
It is a tool for computer with a language that is ermétque with me. It was a bad choice, I'm disappointed.
I then purchased a Kronos and then I make music when I turn ...

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
Semi-heavy touch (though for the price)
-Faders, knobs, pad

UTILIZATION

There is no manual for drinking, a master keyboard is totally incomprehensible!

So yes it is easy to use DirectLink function for the default keyboard. Very easy to use and pretty good.

However, we expect first and foremost a master keyboard can be configured as desired! Particularly enjoy virtual instruments.

Note that the Axiom 61 first generation, there was the Enigma software for configuration. Against all logic for the second generation Axiom 61 Enigma is not updated and does not work (on the site: no update planned)!

I am more recovered against their after sales service on the website forum M-Audio the question was asked very frequently how to configure the device:
-No moderator answers,
- It is impossible to ask the question directly to a technician
- No response from M-Audio on the subject since the beginning
- Half the link to download documentation or drivers do not work

OVERALL OPINION

GLOBAL NOTICE:

The device itself very well to touch and even the product as a whole. The value for money is excellent.

on the other hand:
Very risen against the total lack of support and documentation to configure the device other than the default controls. I spent three days on the internet to find full documentation and ask on forums, everyone asks the same question of the configuration ..
KEYBOARD IS A SENSE WE CAN CONTROL, or it is almost impossible to configure since they stopped the updates ENIGMA, in that it does not meet all of my expectations.


With experience, you do again this choice?
No, I do not think I would have looked at the forum on the M-Audio website before you buy ... And I would have taken a master keyboard configurable easier ..


I am also quite surprised to see that I had seen a few days ago an opinion joining mine on the same page a few days ago and it disappeared. If the site was removed by Audiofanzine being too hard, I think this is a mistake and they should see the reactions on the forum M-Audio to be convinced.