M-Audio joins the 2012 Summer NAMM rush with their new line of advanced MIDI keyboard controllers - the Axiom A.I.R. Series.

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Even though M-Audio was recently sold to inMusic, it didn't stop them from unveiling new products, to them - its business as usual.

The first image of the Axiom A.I.R. shows that it is sleek and stylish, and the controls seem evenly spaced and not too crowded. Like other high end MIDI controllers, these controllers comes complete with pads, knobs, and colorful buttons. M-Audio promises that these keyboards will be responsive and dynamic. We are hoping that all these great control features will come in a sturdy and solid hardware.

Since these are the latest controllers, this series will employ the most up-to-date technology that M-Audio has to offer. It is said to be easy to set up, thanks to its automatic control mapping feature called HyperControl, which easily integrates the controller to its bundled music production software.

Speaking of software, the controller's name is taken from A.I.R. Music Technology, a German-based developer that created Ignite, the software that comes bundled with the controllers. Ignite is a new software that provides a unique interface and promises a fresh approach to making music. Having the name of the software as the name of the controller gives us a clear hint that M-Audio's A.I.R. is the perfect hardware companion to this new music production software.

Axiom A.I.R. comes in a variety of sizes, from big 61 note keyboards to smaller 32 and 25 mini keyboard controllers. Each of the controllers will have different specs optimized for different creative preferences. Here are the differences according to M-Audio: "The Axiom A.I.R. Mini 32 is made for powerful music creation on the move, with an ultra-mobile form factor, 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight trigger pads and assignable low-profile knobs; the Axiom A.I.R. 25 is a hybrid keyboard/pad controller, giving beat makers and groove creators space-efficient yet comprehensive control with 16 backlit drum pads, illuminated knobs and synth-action keys; the Axiom A.I.R. 49 provides comprehensive control over any DAW for musicians of all types with an expanded layout of long-throw faders, illuminated buttons, backlit pads and 49 synth-action keys; and the Axiom A.I.R. 61 delivers all the same expanded features as the Axiom A.I.R. 49 but with 61 premium keys featuring TruTouch semi-weighted action for the keyboardist who demands a satisfying and responsive playing experience."

Andrew Ramm, Director of Product Management for M-Audio and A.I.R summarized the series by saying: "M-Audio Axiom A.I.R. takes an instrument-focused approach that makes it easier than ever before to create, capture, and share your best musical ideas. With better control mapping and integration with Ignite music creation software, we're providing total control over your music tools while removing many of the barriers that slow down your creative process. This, combined with the products' stylish and ergonomic designs makes Axiom A.I.R. controllers both highly desirable and uniquely capable in the world of instrument controllers."

These newly unveiled MIDI Keyboard controllers are expected to hit the retailers in mid-October of this year. The Axiom A.I.R. Mini 32 will be showcased at booth #800 at the 2012 Summer NAMM show in Nashville, Tennessee from July 12 to 14, 2012.

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