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Average Price: $250
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Description
The M-Audio Radium 61-Key USB MIDI Controller is a new breed of controller. Designed to meet the needs of today's electronic musicians, Radium puts you in control of any 16 MIDI-assignable parameters within your favorite software programs. Radium is also a USB MIDI interface that speaks directly with your computer without any extra devices. You don't need a separate MIDI interface for this keyboard--it IS the MIDI interface.
Features
- 61-note keyboard
- 8 knobs and 8 sliders assignable to any MIDI parameters
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- USB port routes 16 channels of MIDI I/O directly to and from your computer
- MIDI Out jack routes MIDI signals from Radium to control external gear
- Separate MIDI Out jack routes MIDI signals from your computer to control external gear--no separate interface needed
- Octave up and down buttons extend keyboard range
- Fully functional, 61-key MIDI controller keyboard sends all MIDI messages such as modulation, pitch-bend, MIDI volume and more
- Keyboard doubles as a data input device
- Lightweight--easy to take wherever the music is
- Power the Radium with the USB port or 9VDC
- 8 assignable knobs and sliders
- USB out
- USB port power or included 9VDC power supply
- Perfect for software synths, samplers, and drum machines
Videos
Veliko Bekir
M Audio Radium61 Radium49 Midiman DRIVERS mAudio
Reviews
PROS
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61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys ideal for dynamic performances
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USB-powered, eliminating the need for a separate power supply
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Compatible with multiple DAWs, providing versatile integration
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Includes 8 assignable knobs and sliders for real-time control
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Durable over time, surviving multiple relocations and heavy use
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Built-in sustain pedal socket for extended musical expression
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Simple setup and operation with easily accessible settings
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Legacy driver support for continued compatibility with newer Windows versions
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MIDI-out port transmits signals, including Yamaha XG control
CONS
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Keys are described as "springy" and noisy, not suitable for delicate playing
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Quality control issues with some keys having bad contacts
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Paint discoloration over time, potentially requiring cosmetic maintenance
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Limited to basic functions compared to more advanced controllers
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USB compatibility issues with some older operating systems
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Lacks weighted or semi-weighted key action for professional playability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Midiman / M-Audio Radium 61.
Software and compatibility
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Users are struggling to find dedicated drivers for the Radium 61, suggesting compatibility issues with modern systems.
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The Radium 61 may appear in Ableton's MIDI preferences but can require manual activation for Track and Remote functions to fully utilize its capabilities.
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An external MIDI interface may be necessary due to potential USB class-compliance issues, circumventing outdated or unreliable driver sources.
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Setup and maintenance
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A workaround involves using an UNO MIDI USB interface to bypass driver issues, highlighting the age-related compatibility challenges.
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Comparisons
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The Radium 61 lacks modern support compared to newer MIDI controllers, potentially impacting its functionality with current DAWs.
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Features and functionality
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The Radium 61 lacks MIDI clock and MPE capabilities, limiting its use for modern syncing and expressive control techniques.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
1122
Extremely reliable, maximum control.
This MIDI controller keyboard features 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, 8 of each assignable knobs and sliders, mod and pitch wheels, and a 3-digit segmented LED display with value-select slider. Basic settings are easily accessible and set through labeled keys across the top 2 octaves. It has a sustain pedal socket, of course, along with USB data (requires a legacy driver available to download from M-Audio, which works fine on Windows 10). The USB data port also receives power as an alternative power source if for some reason you can't use its own AC/DC adapter. The 'USB' MIDI-out DIN socket transmits signals received via USB, including MIDI extensions such as Yamaha XG control signals. I have owned this keyboard for many years - at least 15 years - as the controller for my Yamaha MU10, and it has never let me down. The keybed is still even and the unit has survived multiple moves (including international, without flight case) and massive dust build-up.
Artist usage
Add artist
As the center of his studio, BT uses M-Audio's Radium61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller to drive his system, complemented by an array of Pioneer Pro DJ gear. He has both a Macintosh G5, running Logic Pro with Digidesign's Pro Tools HD hardware systems, and a G4, allowing him to run older software and hardware interfaces. Additionally, there are multiple AMD Dual-core Opteron computers running Native Instruments' Kontakt 2 with EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Choir libraries as well as Quantum Leap Colossus and Stormdrum and Native Instruments' Kompakt. The space is nothing if not versatile. For his score for 2004's "Monster," BT wanted a more organic sound, so vocals, guitars and percussion overdubs were done in various room at his home. For this, he used a variety of mics, some of the many guitars hanging on his wall and Neve microphone preamps.
In the YouTube video titled "ENjAMBRE - Palomazo Vive Latino.com.mx - Último Tema" by Enjambre, Julián Navejas is seen using a Midiman / M-Audio Radium 61 keyboard at the 3:23 mark.
According to backline tech Mike Dean, keyboardist Brian Leisegang’s setup comprises an M-Audio Radium 61 keyboard connected through USB to an iMac G4 running OS 10.4. All sounds are created in Propellerhead Reason. The audio interface is a MOTU 828 mkII with a simple left/right send. “We also send a guitar part to a Korg Kaoss pad,” Dean says, “and returned to FOH to have it effected manually.”
Album Usage
The Midiman / M-Audio Radium 61 has been featured on the following albums:
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 Midiman / M-Audio Radium 61, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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