[Kind of OT] M-Audio Axiom Pro 49

**Yep.** · 03-10-2011, 10:28 PM

I know that I've posted a thread before on comparing MIDI keyboard controllers, but I'm just trying to get the best hardware so that I don't have to worry about replacing it before it should need to be replaced. I understand that the M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 is pretty much the best MIDI keyboard controller out there, I was wondering if anyone has any real life experience with this controller that would benefit my choice (pushing me away/towards this controller.) Any experience or input is greatly appreciated and I hope anyone who can reply will. Thanks in advance!

**MrPopinjay** · 03-10-2011, 10:32 PM

The encoders click. I'm not sure why I that bothers me so much but it does.

**deathstarchris** · 03-10-2011, 10:44 PM

Best you can buy for the money, but get the first gen, not the new revised version.

**MrPopinjay** · 03-10-2011, 10:45 PM

What's the difference?

**Yep.** · 03-10-2011, 10:50 PM

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm gonna head out to guitar center tomorrow to really give it a beating, so if I can find the first gen, I will definitely try to get that one. Clicking encoders isn't really a worry of mine, but thanks for the heads up. I'm really excited to see what I can get from this, thanks for both of your input.

**deathstarchris** · 03-10-2011, 11:26 PM

OLD: Has number keypad! Very handy in switching patches.

NEW: No keypad.

**MrPopinjay** · 03-11-2011, 12:05 AM

Man. What a con. It's like the akai mpd24/akai mpd26 and their "upgrade" having less pots.

Still, those faders look a little nicer.

**djsakebomb** · 03-11-2011, 06:22 PM

I have no experience with either version, but I believe the Axiom requires you map each fader/pot/etc. individually via MIDI CC. Whereas, the Axiom Pro uses HyperControl to automatically map everything. Basically, the Axiom Pro acts as a control surface as compared to a controller.

So basically, you're paying for a pretty substantial software upgrade. All the people I know with the Axiom Pro say they'd never go back to the original Axiom.

Hope this helped at least a little!

**deathstarchris** · 03-11-2011, 07:29 PM

True, everything you said is true, but for what you will spend for a pro, you could run two regular Axioms. I only mention this as I would have no fears gigging with a regular Axiom and if something happened to it, no biggie. I can pick up the older first rev versions off of Craig's list for $150.00.