M-Audio Axiom 25

[politcat]

I want some opinions on this, from owners who've owned it for more than a week

i'm considering it for the pads, the semi-weighted keys and aftertouch

[metajack]

You have to press fairly hard for the aftertouch to start, but it works great other than that. The pads are the same as the trigger finger as far as I can tell. They don't have aftertouch though (I think only the padcontrol does but I don't have any of them to test).

I like it a lot better than the Edirol PCR-30 or the Oxygen 8 that I had before this. I also like it better than my M-audio keystation 61es.

I'm planning to pick up the axiom 61 to replace my keystation, which is what I currently use for gigs. I'd really like the extra controllers.

I have not tried any of the CME or novation or korg controllers, so I can't compare it to those.

It's also class compliant which means no drivers, and when I've needed the manual (to change controller functions for the pads) I found it was pretty easy to do what I want.

[politcat]

hey metajack, so it's holding up too? i've read some complaints about the knobs not being durable.

[metajack]

I haven't gigged with the Axiom 25 yet, but it feels quite a bit sturdier than my Keystation 61es which I do gig with (I think I accidentally pulled the fader knob off the keystation once, but I put it right back on and it's stayed ever since, so as flimsy as that one feels, it hasn't ever had a problem). The knobs have a very slight wiggle, but feel very solid, and I don't think they're going to pop off anytime soon.

[PCMS]

Sonic State did a review on it a while back. It's on our site:

http://www.pcmusicsupply.com/learn_video_MAAX.html

or if you want to skip the shameless website plug you can watch it here.



Either way you should watch it if you have not already.

[musikjock]

I have owned the axiom 25 for about a year and a half and it has held up great. The pads are pretty much comparable to any of the m audio trigger or korg pads. I also enjoy how it has plenty of assignable knob options.actually, i have just upgraded to the 61 because the 25 was too limiting for creating real piano tracks. My 25 is now just collecting dust and is in perfect condition.if you're seriously interested i can give it to you for a decent price. otherwise, ill probably just list it on ebay.

[bambooman]

hi

i own the axiom25 since the first day it was available in stores,
i like it for what it is. i would buy it again anytime.

but since it isn't really portable enough.
(like a oxygen8v2 or keyrig25)
i also got me a keyrig25 for that ultra-mobile stuff.

i also might consider selling my axiom25 and keystation49,
and having the keyrig25 and a axiom49 instead.

[.jon]

I think I love mine, owned it for a year or so and it just feels great. The keys, pads, wheels and huge transpose buttons are superb. I've even grown accustomed to the knobs that are it's weakest spot - they are rotary encoders with strong dents, quite unlike analog pots. Slow, smooth tweaks are difficult, as the physical dents can make the action stepped. Furthermore, 8 knobs is not a lot, I'd love to have 8 faders to get more control on synths.

My favourite feature are the transport controls, they are perfectly placed and changed the way I feel about jamming and recording stuff - now I can engage recording really on the fly, without reaching for the qwerty or mouse.

I'll buy an UC-33 or similar to complete my setup, but as a compact contoller the Axiom is hard to beat and I'll definitely keep mine as long as it works.

Check out Novations Remote 25 SL Compact as a competing product.

[glokraw]

I want some opinions on this, from owners who've owned it for more than a week

i'm considering it for the pads, the semi-weighted keys and aftertouch

www.proaudiosolutions.com

has the axiom61 bundled with B4, FM7 and Pro53 lite versions for $289 if interested...

[politcat]

yikes! I stopped checking this thread after a week w/o more responses. But some more ppl responded after, cool.

I saw that video review when I first got interested.

sellers...dang, too late! GC had a 2 hour sale around here and I got it for $120usd which I think is a great price, but I do wonder what if... please don't tell me you would have given me a better price. haha

thx y'all!

[politcat]

Slow, smooth tweaks are difficult, as the physical dents can make the action stepped.

did you try all velocity curves?

[.jon]

Slow, smooth tweaks are difficult, as the physical dents can make the action stepped.

did you try all velocity curves?

You probably mean acceleration curves but no, I have forgotten that the knob movement is also configurable - thanks. I have them set as default, curve 2 on a scale of 0-3, where 3 is most accelerated so I'll probably be fine with 1.

[mellotronaut]

I read somewhere, it isn't compatible with Windows XP Media-Center....any experience with this?

[Caco]

I have had mine for over a year and have been pleased with it

It feels pretty sturdy, especially compared to some other controllers I tried, which felt very flimsy in comparison. You have to wack the pads pretty hard to use them but it is tough enough to take it. My only regret is I didn't go for the next one up with more keys as 25 is quite limiting for piano pieces but it is great for simple pieces, triggering samples, controlling VSTs etc

[taijiguy]

5 or 6 pounds isn't portable?!!