M-Audio Oxygen 61-key Keyboard Controller

M-Audio Oxygen 61-key Keyboard Controller 

Welcome to the brand-new Oxygen Series from M-Audio, the Oxygen Series (MKV). In today’s world of music production, controlling your digital music environment is important. It is not only how the pros improve their workflow, but also how they create unique cutting-edge signature sounds. M-Audio has updated the most iconic series of MIDI keyboard controllers on the market for software-based music production and performance. The new Oxygen Series (MKV) keyboard controllers offer innovative advancements in hardware control enabling you to create modern cutting-edge music on stage or in the studio.

Professional Producer Features

The Oxygen 61 (MKV) controller includes powerful features essential for creating and producing music such as Note Repeat (a staple mark in beat production), Full Velocity Control of keys and 8 pads, 8 assignable knobs for controlling effect plugins and virtual instruments, and 9 assignable faders for mixing: all opening a world of precise music creation techniques making your signature sound professional and modern.

Note Repeat allows you to hold down any of the 8 custom-made M-Audio velocity-sensitive performance pads in 2 available pad banks to hear a repeated rhythmic pattern at a selectable note division. The Note Repeat feature can be activated momentarily or can be used in Latch mode. If you choose Momentary, holding the Note Repeat button will make the note played by the pad automatically repeat. If you choose Latch, pressing any pad will cause its assigned note to repeat without having to hold down the Note Repeat button.

Built-in Arpeggiator

Arpeggiators help add excitement and movement to music quickly and easily. The built-in Arpeggiator on the Oxygen 61 (MKV) with Type, Octave, Gate and Swing controls will creatively affect anything you are playing on the keys from any virtual instrument in your DAW. When the Arpeggiator is activated, the keyboard will repeatedly play the keys that are pressed in the selected sequence. The arpeggiator’s timing and rhythm is based on the keyboard’s time division setting in either the keyboard’s tempo, or your DAW’s tempo setting. Each note in the arpeggio will be the length selected for the time division setting. For example, if you select 1/4, each note in the arpeggio will be audible in quarter note increments. This powerful tool can operate in Latch or Momentary mode, making it easy to unleash your creativity.

Smart Controls

Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology are the bridges between your musically creative mind and your final productions. The Smart Chord feature helps bring out your inner musical genius by playing full chords with a single key press, and with the Smart Scale feature, the Oxygen 25 (MKV) keys transform into a perfect scale, playing the exact notes within a chosen scale. With Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology, creating music and unleashing your unlimited creativity has never been easier.

With Smart Chord activated, pressing a single key will play a full chord rather than just one note. The key you press will determine the root note in the chord. The rest of the chord’s properties (Major, Minor, and Voicing) are determined by the settings you choose. Smart Chord also has a Custom Mode which lets you determine the chord structure that will be assigned to each key by manually playing it. For example, if you select Custom Mode, and play a 1-b3-5-b7 chord, every key will then be assigned to play this chord structure. The note of the key you press will serve as the root of the chord and all the parameters can be edited right on your Oxygen keyboard controller.

The Oxygen series also features intelligent Smart Scale technology. With Smart Scale, you can set the keybed so that only notes in the selected scale are able to be played. This allows you to play within a chosen scale without the risk of playing any wrong notes. You can choose from over 15 different scale variations when assigning a scale to the keyboard. With Smart Scale controls right on the keys, you will have easy access to set and change Smart Scale parameters on the fly, keeping you focused on what is most important, creating music.

Auto-Mapping for Creative DAW Control

Using the Oxygen 61 (MKV) controller with any DAW is incredibly easy. The controls such as Transport, Faders, Pan, Record Arm, Solo, Mute, Select and many more, are automatically mapped to most DAWs for a fluid workflow. The Oxygen 61 (MKV) works with all major DAWs—including Ableton, Pro Tools, MPC Beats, Cubase, Logic, Studio One and many more. By simply selecting your DAW on the Oxygen 61 (MKV) keyboard controller and configuring your DAW’s preferences to the keyboard, a new world of creative production is at your fingertips. The Oxygen 61 (MKV) keyboard also includes presets for all the virtual instruments and plugins that are included (Mini Grand and Hybrid 3). These world-class plugins can be fully controlled by the Oxygen 61 (MKV) keyboard controller and used in real-time as you create, mix, and bring your music productions to the next level.

Premium Software Suite 

Whatever your production discipline, Oxygen 61 (MKV) includes everything for immediate creative potential from the get-go. Record, sequence, arrange and mixdown your tracks with a choice of two professional DAWs including MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite. Adding to the arsenal of DAWs are two incredible virtual instrument plugins, the critically acclaimed Hybrid 3 multi-oscillator synthesizer, and Mini Grand—an Acoustic Piano virtual instrument offering a wide array of the most realistic piano tones available on the market. Finally, dive into a world of cutting-edge sound content with a collection of Expansion Packs from Akai Professional’s legendary MPC Series – from hard hitting kicks to snares that snap, everything you need to add that professional polish to your production is here.

Key Features

61 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys

Preset and DAW buttons for auto-mapped DAW controls & plugin parameters

Smart Chord mode enables playing of enharmonic or custom chord voicings

Smart Scale mode eliminates wrong notes making it easy to craft a perfect song

Arpeggiator with Type, Octave, Gate and Swing controls

2 banks of 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with Note Repeat for beat production

(8) assignable knobs for manipulating virtual instruments and plugins

(9) assignable faders let you mix your productions with ease

Transport buttons let you control your DAW without reaching for the mouse

Display provides instant parameter feedback

Ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels & 1/4” sustain pedal input

Includes MIDI editor software and a complete software production package

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 boasts a sleek and modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The keyboard’s compact size makes it suitable for home studios and live performances alike. Despite its lightweight construction, the Oxygen 61 feels robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use and transport.

The keys themselves are semi-weighted and velocity-sensitive, providing a realistic feel that is essential for expressive playing. While they may not rival the fully weighted keys of a high-end digital piano, they strike a good balance between responsiveness and affordability. The inclusion of 61 keys offers a sufficient range for most musical applications, making it a versatile choice for a wide variety of genres.

The layout of the control knobs, sliders, and buttons is intuitive and well-organized. The eight assignable knobs, nine faders, and a host of transport controls (play, stop, record, etc.) are all within easy reach, allowing for seamless control over your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and other software instruments. The addition of dedicated octave up/down buttons extends the keyboard’s range, providing access to higher and lower registers without sacrificing playability.

In terms of performance, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 delivers a reliable and consistent experience. The keys, while not fully weighted, offer a satisfying level of resistance and responsiveness. This makes it suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from delicate piano passages to aggressive synth leads. The velocity sensitivity is well-calibrated, ensuring that your playing dynamics are accurately captured.

The drum pads, while smaller than those found on dedicated pad controllers, are still highly functional and responsive. They work well for programming beats and triggering samples, and their velocity sensitivity adds an extra layer of expressiveness. The pads’ backlighting is a nice touch, providing visual feedback that is especially useful in low-light environments.

• Affordable: Offers a great balance of features at a competitive price.
• Versatile Controls: Eight assignable knobs, nine faders, and eight drum pads provide extensive control options.
• Seamless Software Integration: DirectLink mode and HyperControl technology ensure easy integration with popular DAWs.
• Bundled Software: Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Xpand!2, and SONiVOX Twist, providing a solid starting point for music production.
• Compact and Portable: Lightweight design makes it easy to transport for live performances.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive layout and design make it accessible for beginners.

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 offers exceptional value for money, providing a wealth of features and functionality at a very competitive price point. Its combination of semi-weighted keys, assignable controls, drum pads, and seamless software integration makes it a versatile and powerful tool for music production and performance.

For beginners, the Oxygen 61 provides an affordable entry point into the world of MIDI controllers, with a user-friendly design and extensive software bundle that makes it easy to start creating music right away. For more experienced producers, the controller’s robust build quality and advanced features make it a reliable and versatile addition to any studio setup.

While there are other MIDI controllers on the market with more advanced features or higher-quality keybeds, the Oxygen 61 strikes an excellent balance between affordability and functionality. Its comprehensive feature set and tight software integration make it a standout choice in its price range.

The M-Audio Oxygen 61-key keyboard controller has long been a favorite among music producers and musicians for its affordability, versatility, and ease of use. With its extensive features and user-friendly design, it caters to both beginners and professionals in the music production realm. This comprehensive review will delve into every aspect of the M-Audio Oxygen 61, covering its design, build quality, features, performance, software integration, and overall value for money.

Both versions come equipped with 8 assignable drum pads for triggering samples, one assignable zone button for splitting the keyboard into zones with different sounds, 9 assignable faders for controlling volume or other parameters, and 8 assignable knobs for adjusting various effects or instrument settings.

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 is a great choice for:

• Beginner and intermediate musicians
• Music producers on a budget
• Keyboardists who want a controller for live performance or studio use
• Anyone looking for a versatile MIDI controller with assignable controls