![]() Communication is bi‑directional, so not only do hardware controls adjust plug‑in parameters, but plug‑in adjustments are also reflected in the hardware's LCD read‑outs. The clever thing about Hyper Control is that it can automatically detect what plug‑ins you have inserted on a track and map their parameters to the hardware for immediate tweakage. The Axiom's transport controls automatically map to those in Cubase. The sub‑fader buttons can be set to select, mute, solo or record‑arm tracks, and they bring the name of the selected track into the LCD display for reference. I tested primarily with Cubase v4.5.2 and v5.0.0 and also did some testing with Reason. In Cubase, by default, the faders adjust channel levels and the encoders adjust pan position, but the latter can also be redirected to provide send level, EQ or plug‑in control. ![]() (At the time of the review, Hyper Control was supported for Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, Reason and Live.) Setting the Axiom Pro as a Remote Control within Cubase 4.5.2 and Cubase 5.0.0 review systems was easy enough: the software immediately recognised the hardware, and the hardware switched into its special Hyper Control mode automatically. ![]() To get the Axiom Pro working with your sequencer, you need to install the specific Hyper Control software profile for it, unless you are using Pro Tools 8 or Ableton Live. The Axiom Pro's rear panel hosts connections for expression and sustain pedals, MIDI In and Out, USB and a 9V external power supply. All this means that you have a tremendous amount of control at your fingertips, coupled with the flexibility to assign it as needed across numerous devices in a given MIDI chain. Furthermore, the pads and encoders are blessed with four independent banks of MIDI message assignments (or Profiles, in M‑Audio terminology), through which you can quickly switch using the function keys under the LCD. You can split the keyboard into up to four zones (each with a dedicated activation button), and choose whether each of the groups of controls address the MIDI channel of the active zone(s) or some independent channel instead. I missed the ability to transmit bespoke SysEx messages from the controls, though, as there are some aspects of hardware MIDI devices that can't be edited remotely in any other way. The buttons can send a similar range of controls, either as one‑shots or toggles, plus MMC (MIDI Machine Code) transport commands, program and bank changes, notes, and various system messages. The sliders and encoders can trigger MIDI Continuous Controllers, RPNs, NRPNs, aftertouch and pitch‑bend, as well as some Ableton Live‑specific controller types. The keyboard will generate appropriate release velocity values if you wish, as well as channel aftertouch. The keyboard and pads both offer a variety of velocity responses, and the pad velocity curves have some useful stepped variants for more consistent live performance of rhythm patterns. Given M‑Audio's track record, it almost goes without saying that the Axiom Pro is a powerful generic controller. The hardware operates in two basic ways: either primarily as a generic MIDI controller or in a special DAW‑linked mode via M‑Audio's bespoke Hyper Control software. At the back there are Expression and Sustain pedal inputs, MIDI In and Out, a USB connection (which can also provide power), and a DC power inlet (for running the unit away from a computer). The product under review here is the Axiom Pro 49, a smart‑looking, 49‑note, semi‑weighted keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels, plus a multi‑purpose control surface incorporating nine sliders and associated buttons eight endless rotary encoders transport controls eight velocity‑sensitive rubber trigger pads and a backlit LCD editing screen accompanied by a numeric keypad and various function keys. The Axiom Pro line is their latest hybrid product aiming to cover both bases. The Axiom Pro showcases M‑Audio's controller keyboard know‑how and debuts their brand‑new Hyper Control technology, which is designed to make adjusting software parameters quicker and easier.Īs a company, M‑Audio have a good reputation for producing well‑specified and cost‑effective controller keyboards for MIDI musicians, and also have a lot of experience in computer control‑surface design.
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