M-Audio Axiom 49?

[matt303]

After a break of a few years I'm getting the urge to noodle around with music again. I don't really have the space to setup all my old synths so think a controller keyboard + laptop would be my best bet for something I can just setup when I fancy a play. The Axiom 49 looks to fit the bill and has plenty of extra controllers so anyone used one of these or similar?

btw software wise I've got Reason 2.5 so I think upgrading to version 4 is quite cheap.

[RiK]

if you're looking to primarily control software synths then I'd highly recommend the Novation Remote SL.



It's available in 25, 37 and 61 note versions and the 'compact' version in 25 or 49 key.

Links:
Remote SL
Remote SL Compact

Build quality is a little bit plasticy for the price but the keyboard is really nice and it works a treat with Reason or Ableton.

[matt303]

They are a little over my price at the moment, I'm just after something to see if I get back into knocking the odd tune out. The 49 key Axion gives you a lot of controls for around £160.

[RiK]

There's an Axiom49 on Ebay at the moment, it's got a few bids on it already but might be worth watching..

[matt303]

I've gone and ordered one new for £149, after a week of procrastinating I had to just order it.

[matt303]

Well it was waiting at work for me today and here it is:



First impressions are its very sturdy and is a lot heavier than I expected, no drivers needed for OSX. It seems the transport buttons are not working in Reason which might need setting up or might be because I'm still on version 2.5.

[BadgerBoy]

After a break of a few years I'm getting the urge to noodle around with music again. I don't really have the space to setup all my old synths so think a controller keyboard + laptop would be my best bet for something I can just setup when I fancy a play. The Axiom 49 looks to fit the bill and has plenty of extra controllers so anyone used one of these or similar?

btw software wise I've got Reason 2.5 so I think upgrading to version 4 is quite cheap.

Just ordered one. Thanks for the heads up, was looking for something nice and sturdy. It's quite hard to find any good reviews of these keyboards!

[l1n3n01z]

I'm thinking about buying this. Are you still happy with it? Anything that's become annoying?

One thing:
Does the pitch bend wheel feel coarse? I've heard it only uses the high byte of the two bytes available for pitch bend.

[Arthur Ringworn]

Oh dear, I keep seeming to 'upsell' myself.

First I thought about the M-Audio Oxygen 25, then I thought 'Hmm, I fancy drum pads', that'll be the Axiom 25 then. Now RiK has thrown me again with 'look, here's a Novation with sliders'!

This hobby is getting expensive!

[Arthur Ringworn]

Got the Axiom in the end. It looks like the pitch bend is only one byte.

Sort of wishing I went for the Novation though, its automap software looks damn useful. I hate having to wiggle the controllers to get them to line up when switching plugins.

[Hedphelym]

The Novation sure is usful for live sets.
The Axiom, however, is solid bit of kit to have in your home studio. I sold mine a while back and stuck with my old M-Audio Radium and M-Audio 49e.

I missed the Axiom a ton!

Have fun with it

[l1n3n01z]

Got the Axiom in the end. It looks like the pitch bend is only one byte.

Sort of wishing I went for the Novation though, its automap software looks damn useful. I hate having to wiggle the controllers to get them to line up when switching plugins.

I love pitch bend for my VL70. A one byte pitch bend is a big nono for me . Unfortunate as I would have preferred the Axiom for it's solidness.