M-Audio MIDI Axiom 49

When playing and programming software instruments, you want keys, pads and controls close at hand. The M-Audio Axiom 49 combines a 49-key keyboard with aftertouch and extensive MIDI control: eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads, eight endless rotary encoders and nine faders can be assigned to your software or external MIDI equipment.

The semi-weighted keys respond to velocity and support assignable aftertouch. Pitch and modulation wheels, along with connections for sustain and expression pedals, add to the playing experience. Use the octave and transpose buttons to adjust the keyboard range; four configurable keyboard zones can control different sounds on up to four MIDI channels.

Eight programmable trigger pads are available for drum patterns, samples and other MIDI commands. You can assign MIDI controller numbers and channels to the faders, rotary encoders, buttons and wheels. Buttons support Note On, Note On/Off Toggle, MIDI CC Toggle, Program and Bank Change, RPN/NRPN, MIDI Machine Control and GM/GM2/XG SysEx commands, among others. Faders and rotary encoders also send, for example, Pitch Bend and Program/Bank data.

The backlit LCD and keypad let you programme the unit directly. Up to 20 setups are retained in non-volatile memory; you can transfer the settings using a SysEx data dump. The Controller Mute function temporarily suppresses their outputs to avoid unwanted parameter jumps when changing a setup. The Snapshot function sends the current controller settings.

The keyboard connects to a computer via USB and transmits MIDI data; alternatively, standard MIDI inputs and outputs are available for external devices. It can be powered via USB or with an optional power supply. The free Enigma Editor/Librarian software is used to manage setups on a PC or Mac. The original software bundle included Ableton Live Lite 4; Windows XP and Mac OS X are listed as compatible operating systems.

With its keyboard, pads and assignable controls, the Axiom 49 is suitable for music production and MIDI control on a computer, as well as setups with external MIDI devices. Key features include the 49 semi-weighted keys, four keyboard zones, pedal connections and the ability to save your own controller assignments.