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Average Price: $58

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$200

$501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is a versatile tool designed for musicians and producers seeking a seamless integration into their creative workflows. This 61-key controller offers a semi-weighted action and aftertouch, making it feel more like a traditional instrument while providing the expressive control needed for dynamic performances. The Axiom 61 is not just about keys; it's a complete control surface. Equipped with an intuitive interface, it features eight trigger pads, nine faders, and eight rotary encoders, allowing you to tweak your sounds and manage your mix with precision.

Connectivity is a breeze with its USB interface, ensuring a straightforward setup with your digital audio workstation (DAW). The controller is also equipped with transport buttons, making it easy to control playback and recording functions without touching your computer. Plus, the DirectLink technology automatically maps these controls to popular DAWs, speeding up your workflow.

With customizable zones and split modes, the Axiom 61 provides flexibility for live performances or studio work. Whether you're layering sounds or splitting the keyboard to play multiple instruments, this controller adapts to your needs. A backlit LCD screen offers clear visibility of your settings, even in dimly lit environments.

Key Features:

  • 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for expressive performance
  • Eight trigger pads for finger drumming and sample triggering
  • Nine faders and eight rotary encoders for comprehensive mixing control
  • USB MIDI connectivity for easy integration with DAWs
  • DirectLink technology for automatic mapping to popular DAWs
  • Customizable zones and split modes for versatile performance options
  • Dedicated transport buttons for easy control of DAW functions
  • Backlit LCD screen for clear visibility of parameters

Product specs

Brand M-Audio
Model Axiom 61 Key MkII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Number of Pads 8 Pads

FAQs

What type of keys does the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen have?

The M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen features semi-weighted keys, which provide a balance between the feel of a traditional piano and the responsiveness needed for MIDI performance.

How does the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen integrate with DAWs?

The M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen is designed to integrate seamlessly with major DAWs, offering direct control over software instruments and plugins through its transport and parameter controls.

Are the pads on the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen velocity-sensitive?

Yes, the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen features 8 velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for expressive drum programming and dynamic control over samples.

Does the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen require external power?

The M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen is powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply and making it convenient for mobile setups.

What connectivity options are available on the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen?

The M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen offers USB MIDI connectivity as well as traditional MIDI input and output, providing versatile options for integrating with various MIDI setups.

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable, straightforward controls

  • Faders, knobs, and pads useful for settings and automation

  • Semi-weighted keyboard feels great

  • Sturdy build quality

  • Automaps to almost everything

  • Can be mapped for use in DJ setups

CONS

  • Not fully-weighted keys

  • Build quality feels cheap due to plastic

  • Pads and knobs (endless encoders) not for everyone

  • Requires workarounds for full integration with some DAWs

  • Heavy and somewhat bulky

  • Pitch bend wheel feels cheap and unresponsive

  • Durability issues, may start failing after 3 years

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.

Features and functionality

  • The Axiom 61 offers 9 assignable faders, a rarity compared to the typical 8, useful for mimicking the 9 drawbars of a Hammond organ.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners report the Axiom 61 has less play in knobs and faders compared to M-Audio's entry-level models, indicating a more solid construction.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Semi-weighted action on the Axiom 61 is preferred for orchestral writing, offering better piano control while still acceptable for organ play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used Axiom 61 2nd Gen at AU$150 can be a cost-effective alternative to new MIDI controllers, especially for those prioritizing key feel and fader count over portability.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 53 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
darligulv

Bought it used, great product!

Great controller! I use it as the center of my studio rig. Not the most durable, cheap plastic, but fairly durable.... good for the price I paid!

neko
neko

271

Good basic Keyboard

This keyboard is just that a keyboard it has eight faders, knobs and pads, on my model the pads werent great and to be honest i wasnt a big fan of the knobs as they are endless encoders, which is not my thing. however the semi weighted keyboard feels great which i would argue is the most important part.

montpluie

Great keyboard with bad drivers.

I am using it in Logic Pro X and to use all the buttons on the keyboard I had to "hack" the files and move some stuff around. Shouldn't be needed for a Midi keyboard that is still being sold and loved. I like the way it feels though, very sturdy and a great keyboard.

A

Pretty good

I'd say it's pretty good. There are a few reasons I would choose something else if this one broke: It's really heavy. The pitch bend wheel feels really cheap and unresponsive. The keys are also a bit weird.

djgiovanni

it's ok, not my favorite thing anymore.

I own 2 of these and both start crapping out after 3 years. I guess when it comes to midi controllers, M-Audio need's to find a way to improve their products to last.

whatever

The mk1 is built to last

i broke the usb port because i raped that thing, but it still works fine through midi

You can do anything to the keys, walk on them, sit on them, throw heavy stuff on it. It simply continues to work like the first day

N

Awesome!

Love it, no problems, automaps to just about everything, built like a tank, screen could be higher res, but that's not that important to me.

N

Good Keys, bad integration

The keyboard plays pretty well but the integration into the DAW is in my opinion not that good and easy

adib
adib

296

not bad>>> but simple and great

best for those who wanna play piano>>and play cords with enough option that wont let you down

T

my 1st Midi controller

it is a Midi Controller you make the patches your self with outside plugins so total control love it...

X

upgrade from 49 keys enhances melody creation

Really nice to create my melodies ! Firstly I have an Oxygen 49 keys, that's was not enough !

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zedd uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Zedd

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

...
Verified via Photo

Zedd has classical training and plays the piano, so it's important to him to use a very solid, reliable, and high-end keyboard. In photos of Zedd in the studio he can be spotted working with an M-Audio Axiom 61 keyboard controller.

See how Tyler, The Creator uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Tyler, The Creator

Singer, Rapper

Odd Future

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:07 in "Flower Boy, the Documentary"

See how Jacob Collier uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Jacob Collier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Miaopai, Jacob Collier is seen using the M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller during a live performance, showcasing its role in his setup.

See how Dirty South uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Dirty South

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Dirty South's primary keyboard is the M-Audio Axiom 61, as seen in a photo of his studio he posted to Instagram.

See how Blasterjaxx uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Blasterjaxx

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook video in Blasterjaxx's studio, the controller in front of their screen is the second-generation Axiom 61.

See how Alvaro uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Alvaro

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

In this picture alvaro is working in studio using m-audio axiom 61

See how Earl Sweatshirt uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Earl Sweatshirt

Rapper, Music Producer

Odd Future

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Noisey special, at about the 2:27 mark, Earl is visibly working with the M-Audio Midi Controller

See how Jared Leto uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Jared Leto

Singer, Guitarist

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via YouTube

30 Seconds to Mars all used the Axiom keyboard throughout the Into the Wild tour. Jared namely used it for performances of "Stranger in a Strange Land". It could also be seen as a part of his set up with his Nord piano when performing "Alibi" and "Hurricane".

See how Scott Storch uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Scott Storch

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Roots

...
Verified via Instagram

In this picture storch is in the studio making music with the m audio 61 axiom

See how DJ Mustard uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

DJ Mustard

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Yellow Claw uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Yellow Claw

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture y.c are working in their studio with the axiom 61 usb midi keyboard controller

See how Korey Cooper uses M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Korey Cooper

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Skillet

...
Verified via YouTube

On this video at 0:56, Korey Cooper use M-Audio Axiom 61

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
2
Kemper Profiler Rack
Kemper Profiler Rack Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interfaces
1
Nord Stage EX 88
Nord Stage EX 88 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1
Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
1
Avalon VT-737SP
Avalon VT-737SP Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Apple iMac (General)
Apple iMac (General) Computers & Peripherals
1
Yamaha HS80M Active Studio Monitor
Yamaha HS80M Active Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1

Community setups

Show yours
yomal_senanayake

yomal_senanayake

Gear IQ 87

marcosx

marcosx

Gear IQ 110

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