I have not come across anyone in this business that is more passionate and disciplined like you! More power to you! At this rate we will reach a million views by the end of the year!
📣 Cakewalk users: there is no preset for Cakewalk on this keyboard, BUT it is Mackie HUI compliant so you can set it up to control different things in Cakewalk. I haven't tested this myself, though.
Same thouths here. I also wanted the DAW control to work with Cakewalk BandLab but so far only the keyboard, pitch bends and modulations work on the new Cakewalk. The Oxygen Pro series are not yet on their list of premapped controllers.
Your videos are fantastic and so informative. Despite 30 years of playing music, including a couple of years majoring in music production in college, I'm finally getting back to my passion, and setting up my home studio and relearning the tools. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Great review. I just got this as my first keyboard/controller. Must say I am underwhelmed by the lack of Logic DAW control. M-Audio instructions say use the ProTools mapping. That gives some basic functionality, but not enough. Would love to do a custom mapping, but as a novice , I find it daunting 😀 Update: after a frustrating 2 weeks with this keyboard, I exchanged it for a Novation Launchkey mk3. The main reason is the superior DAW control for Logic provided by Novation. The M-Audio basically provides only very primitive HUI based control. I do miss the excellent M-Audio keybed, but have no regrets. The M-Audio claim about DAW integration is simply not justified for Logic. A real shame.
Just ordered one with 49 keys yesterday and your nice review just proofed it was the right choice! :) thanks a lot and keep up the great work! Greetings from Germany
@@RamaAviananda sorry for my late response, I ordered the keyboard via an online store for electronic music production in Germany, it's called elevator. (www.elevator.de/m-audio-oxygen-pro-49.html) hope I could help you :)
@@SanjayC sure looks like a really good option! I feel bad my NI M32 is somewhat limited... love the thing but would sure appreciate the extra features this one has... will give it some thought!
THANK YOU! If it weren't for you I would have no idea at all about where to find the instructions to automatically map my oxygen pro to Ableton... This was SO helpful.
Me too! What DAW you planning on using, may I ask? And I hope all purchasing the M-Audio Oxygen Pro series are ordering the Decksaver for protecting your keys!!! 🙂 I don’t work there, want a deck cover for mine, lol, and they don’t make for Oxygen Pro series yet, they said they need more inquiries, requests before they’ll tool up!?!
Best music production channel on TH-cam. Your advice has been incredibly helpful as I get more serious about music production. Keep up the great work!!
I'm undecided on what midi to buy since I'm a beginner. I either wanted minilab mk2 (for its build quality and software bundle) or launchkey (for it's software integration). But watching your video convince me that this midi would be the best choice for me, especially since it provides so many features and bundle (which saves me some money). I really appreciate the review!
You should toss in tests on at least a couple of the free and open source DAWs, like maybe LMMS or Rosegarden, and *definitely* Ardour, which looks to be leading the pack these days. And while it's not commonly an issue any more, at least a passing mention of whether the USB implementation is class-compliant would be a nice bit of info for those of us on Linux.
@@florindaciangale-nunao2690 Hi, I think they work the same but different number of keys. I have never had issues with the pro, or basic version. I did see people in reviews saying it was too complicated to set up but if you are OK with using computers, then it should be no trouble. Tbh if they can't set up the keyboard, then they're definitely not ready for a DAW anyway. The free software does change depending on the companies licencing agreement, so you might not get the same freebies as what you're expecting. I got some impressive synths in the freebies on mine. That said, it took me less than an hour to get it set up, with all free software (the free bits I actually wanted) all installed. It works brilliantly. I would say the semi hammer action is not as heavy as I expected but still really nice. Great kit.
Hey Sanjay! Loved the video as usual, but I noticed you didn't really talk about the Aftertouch feature on this keyboard. I bought the 49 version, love it (especially for the price) but the only thing I hate about it is the Aftertouch sensitivity. Not only it's pretty much a 0 or 127 thing, but all keys react differently. Some keys are not so bad (I can control my pressure ''a little bit'', but most of them act like an momentary on/off switch). So i would say that if you're looking for a keyboard for it's Aftertouch feature, then skip this one because it completely unreliable. IMO, there's no point in having ''physical'' Aftertouch on a keyboard if it's not reliable. You can always program manually (mouse) or even with any knob/fader on your keyboard ''after'' the performance (which you will HAVE to do anyway since the Aftertouch is not reliable enough to keep it as is, even with lots of practice). What are your thoughts? Which keyboard would you suggest for a real good Aftertouch experience? Thanks! :)
Hi , thank you for that feedback. I ve been looking for a slightly larger semiweighted that gives me even more velocity control, but I'm really happy with the response of the arturia MKII . 25 keys but still delivers a very good velocity response and nice feeling, not springy. Icing on the cake price around £80.
For a midi keyboard I prefer daw control and the reason why is cause it’s a pain going back and four to get what you want to use in your daw so setting up your keyboard to do everything and using your keyboard to control your daw is great I just got the m audio oxygen pro 49 and I love it I love how I can control my daw right from my keyboard and I do a lot of looping videos on my channel so this is one of the reasons I got this keyboard is for looping so I love it
Just bought the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61, initially the keys feel a bit stiff but after pressing each one now it feels really good (full sized and semi-weighted). I also tried the Arturia Essentials but gotta say, the Oxygen Pro has a really good feel! Piano/synth players you'll definitely love this!
Me too! What DAW you planning on using, may I ask? And I hope all purchasing the M-Audio Oxygen Pro series are ordering the Decksaver for protecting your keys!!! 🙂 I don’t work there, want a deck cover for mine, lol, and they don’t make for Oxygen Pro series yet, they said they need more inquiries, requests before they’ll tool up!?!
@@keithholman1438 I mainly use FL studio, Abletons ok and I tried Logic but that ones a nightmare. Still after a month the Oxygen Pro lives up to its name; keys are amazing, buttons and sliders work, it's probs the BEST MIDI controller of 2021!
@@electrom4gnetik465 Do me a favor... just “inquire” with Decksaver, about a Decksaver for it... they won’t even start making one until they “get enough interest...”
Hi, I'm thinking to buy the Oxygen Pro 61 too. But before buying it, I would like to know if the data resolution when moving knobs and faders is high or it's like the old M-Audio products (minimum resolution of almost 10 units). Could you make a test and let me know?
Really interested in the Oxygen Pro Mini as a replacement for my MPK Mini Mk2. 32 keys instead of 25, in almost the same form factor, but without sacrificing the drum pads like on the M32. Also real mod and pitch wheels instead of touch strips or a joystick.
My biggest concern with a mini keyboard is the physical size, and whether I can stuff it into my backpack with a laptop, tablet, and all my camera gear and cart it on an airplane. I was looking really hard at the Oxy Pro Mini, but alas the 32 keys will make it just too big for the backpack. I guess I"ll be down to the LaunchKey Mini or the Nextar LX mini (I've given up on Arturia despite the coolness of Analog Lab because the MIDI Control Center doesn't like linux at all :( ).
I bought the 49 key version for Christmas since I don't have much space. But now I'm starting to worry that I'll regret not having the extra octaves. I'm thinking about exchanging the keyboard for the 61 key version. The problem is that I'll lose the 15% discount I used when I purchased the 49 key version. Any advice on this?
Yessss please do it I can't decidee! I really want the semi weighted keys but I also feel like I'd have a better time with Novation using Ableton. And how does the Keylab Essential line compare to those?
I first purchased a Launchkey 25 MK3 but I wasn't satisfied with the features and found out that the features that I want in these modern MIDI controllers are actually on the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25 so I returned and exchanged it to the Oxygen Pro 25, no regrets and happy with my decision to make the switch. I use mine on Reason 11, Ableton Live, and Akai MPC Live standalone.
Can I give a complicated response to the key feel vs DAW control? First: key feel (the BASICS), then DAW control, then key feel (the luxury stuff like weighting) What do I mean by this? Well, the KK M32 is a perfect example to me... I have one, and it's mostly a fantastic controller, except that I absolutely hate the keys because of the velocity response. Since you can't change the velocity curve on the M32 in software, it therefore fails my "first level" key-feel test. It doesn't matter how good the rest of the features are if I can't play in lines correctly because I need to drop an anvil on the thing to get 127velo articulations. So, as long as the keys can successfully accomplish what they're supposed to do without being super noisy, then DAW control is more important (especially at this price point, it just need to be a complete package that "works"). Cheers Sanjay, thanks for the review. Edit: The reason the scale mode works the way that it does (with duplicated notes) is because you can play any scale you set it to by only using the white keys.
Wow, it was already difficult choosing between AKAI MPK Mini mk3 and Arturia Mini Lab mk2, now there's this... personally I agree with your preference of mod wheels and better DAW control.
i'm just starting out and looking to get myself a midi controller. this one seems perfect. the only one i've used before this is the akai mpk mini mk2, but it's getting quite old now and i'd really like to move to something with full size keys. i'm so happy to see that the 2 standout features on this one are the key feel and the daw integration, as i feel those are the 2 most important things to me. i was hesitant at first as this controller is now over 3 years old, and there are newer options such as the arturia keylab essential, but honestly to me this controller seems like it would fit my needs better as i've heard complaints about arturia's key feel
Very well done review Sanjay! Very helpful. I'm sold on the Oxygen Pro's keybed, and most of its many features. The showstopper for me is that the encoder knobs are not endless. My midi controller research keeps leading me toward the Arturia Keylab Mk II, with its deep DAW integration, controls, build quality, and its included software (esp. Analog Lab 5); however, its weakest point IMO is its synth-action keys, which is an important thing to me as a keyboardist. Alas I'm stuck in 61-key midi controller indecision land.
@@SanjayC I have a new single set to release in 2 days on the 5th, with more to come this year! Other than that, planning to keep honing the beatmaking skills, hopefully earn more mixing clients, and barring another shutdown, stay playing as many live shows as I can!
Wow. Just wow. The ability to break down a new gadget this fast and detailed. Was ready to dip my toe into home recording, was ready to get the Aurturia then saw this. Love the smart chord feature for a guitar player who doesn't play keyboards.
Hi Sanjay, can Bollywood film songs be produced using DAWs, virtual instruments, and MIDI controllers alone? Bollywood film songs are some of the richest types of songs ever made - and I am talking about the components OTHER THAN the vocals - they are so rich with detailed instruments and effects in the background. What I want to know is - is it possible for a single home studio type of person to create and produce those type of sounds/instruments/effects using DAWs, virtual instruments, and MIDI controllers alone. Or can they only be done with a huge team of professionals actually playing instruments, then doing the mixing using industry hardware, etc.? I really want to know this. Just to give a few examples of the richness of the background sounds, instruments and effects I am talking about - - check out Main Yahaan Hoon from Veer Zaara - - or Bani Bani from Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon.
Hi Lori. YES! For sure you can get that sound with DAWs, virtual instruments and midi controllers. There are several virtual instruments with Bollywood type sounds - Indian sounds. Check out Native Instruments India Series.
@@SanjayC Sanjay, it would be amazing if you could do a video demoing showing a Bollywood style composition with different sounds mixed in their rich glory.
I have a couple videos which feature Indian-inspired music. You can watch them here th-cam.com/video/QS9hAggwJC8/w-d-xo.html and here th-cam.com/video/SY8wrueTwW8/w-d-xo.html
@@SanjayC I'm with @Sunny P 100% on that. One of my favorite videos of yours was the one where you remade the Hall and Oats tune. I would LOVE to hear some Bollywood inspired stuff on your channel 😎
I'm very tempted to get the 61-key version, but this just seems like M-Audio slapping a new name on the Code series, and I've heard a lot of horror stories about their reliability.
Great review! The keys feel for me is the most important thing. Budget midi keyboards suffer from cheap feel keys. I am glad that m audio did it right here. And I love the fact that they added aftertouch.
Key feel is the most important 'feature'. If I don't like the feel I'll never use it. It's a deal breaker. Don't mind paying more for a premium feel. Don't care if it has pads or DAW control as long as it feels great to play. Sustain connection only seems very limited too. I would need at least one control pedal connection.
Hey man awesome video very informative! I'm looking to buy my first midi, and I'm considering the oxygen pro 49. Here is what I'm looking for: 1) Good key-bed, I will mainly using it for playing the piano so "weighted keys" and good overall feeling 2) Decent Pads, both for drums and launching/recording clips... ideally to do some live looping which looks fun 3) Integration with many DAWs, since I will try many of them before sticking with one 200 euros is my budget. Now would you still recommend the oxygen pro or do you have other options? (Arturia, Code 49, Launchkey...) Thank you so much
@@SanjayC Thanks man, is there a way to have a list of all the DAW pre settings in Ableton... I mean how to know what each buttons on the keyboard controls in Ableton... I could not find a detailed list. For example, how can I make the pads play the drums instead of lunching clips. I have found no documentation on how to actually use the oxygen with Ableton...
I love the fact that they actually put a 5-pin Midi output on this thing. Thanks for the great video, Sanjay. Happy New Year to you, your wife, and all of your awesome family.
This was very helpful! I have the arturia essential 88 and I do love the analog lab sounds and the keys are great the only thing is a bit big. So I am not sure if I should switch to this oxygen pro 61 instead. What do you think of the keys between both of these keyboards?
Hi Sanjay ,Your videos are fantastic and so informative What is the best MIDI keyboard for someone who wants to learn piano for the first time and has a bit of a mixing and Midi keyboard theme? like Between yamaha PSR-EW 425 And M-Audio Oxygen Pro (And have keys more than 61 (Preferred 76 keys) (Price: 400$) Thanks for your helping
I think FL Studio is unsupported by a lot of midi controller/hardware manufacturers because of its proprietary signal flow. In a traditional DAW, audio flows from the multitrack I/O portion of the DAW into the mixer. In FL Studio, this is called the playlist/pattern arrangement, and the signal flow comes from the channel rack (into the mixer). The channel rack/step sequencer causes a lot of issues with folks who aren't familiar with FL Studio because of how proprietary and innovative it is. I personally love it compared to a traditional DAW because I feel as if it allows me much more flexibility. Unfortunately, it seems as if hardware manufacturers don't feel the same way, because I always feel like most hardware is never natively set up to support it. Image-Line tries to remedy this problem within the software itself, but their list of gear for preset midi routing in the options menu is very limited. They don't even have popular pieces of equipment such as the ALESIS v25 or the MPC One. Users are stuck setting up this equipment for DAW control themselves. Usually this involves linking software parameters to hardware parameters ONE BY ONE, and it's super tedious. It's even more tedious trying to unlink a parameter from a midi controller, especially when you've accidentally caused a conflict somewhere.
Key feel all the way! I use my keyboard more than I trying to use all the ‘features’ that they add. That being said I’m an FL user so it just slows me down in my workflow.
I've had an M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 for a few months. It has 61 semi not-so-weighted keys :) The keys make a kind of clunky thunky sound if you hit them even a bit hard. But if I'm careful, I don't elicit such sounds. With adequate sound output though, you won't hear the thunks. Aside from that, it is well built and velocity sensitive. It is now sitting sulking in a corner as I moved up to an 88 key digital piano....:) I had to do that as my fingers were just not building strength with the keys on the Keystation 61. For the first three weeks my fingers were screaming at me with the fully weighted 88 keys, but now the situation has improved a lot! :)
First of all, love the channel ! Been looking for a 49 or 61 key MIDI controller and have seen videos and read reviews on about every possible board out there : Arturia Keylab MK2, Native Instruments A-series (coupled with Maschine Mikro MK3), Novation SL MK3 and Launchkey, Akai MPK, models from Alesis and Nektar, and also this M-Audio Oxygen Pro. I have a Yamaha MX88 which I will use as my 88-key controller, so not sure whether to go for a 61 or 49 key model. Will use either Logic Pro or Ableton on my Mac, not decided yet, but I would also want to use the controller with my iPad for Korg Gadget 2 and Cubasis 3. I was considering the Keylab MK2 or the Komplete Kontrol A49 (with Maschine Mikro) at first but then I started looking at other options, since the Arturia and NI models are more or less tied to their own ecosystem. So after some comparisons, I narrowed it down to either the Akai MPK or this M-Audio Oygen Pro. The Akai gets rave reviews everywhere but it's an older model, out since 2014 so I thought I'd better go for something more recent. The Oxygen Pro certainly ticks all the boxes, except for one major thing : the keybed. It's semi-weighted, and you describe it as quiet and premium feeling, but that's not what I understand from other videos or reviews. In fact, it's quite the opposite, in that it has a very noisy and clacky keybed. I was more or less decided on this after your video, but after having seen a couple of other ones, where they play the keybed without producing any sound, it definitely seems very clickety-clack toy-like. Also, apparently the bundled software seems to have issues on the latest version of Mac OS, and iOS 14 as well. That's a bit lame, considering Mac OS Big Sur and iOS 14 have been out for a long time...
I bought the 49 key version of this for 167 euros, you're comparing it with novation which costs 250 euros or more depending on model. This has smart scale and chords, no other 49+ keys keyboard in this price range offers all that, not to mention aftertouch. Sure arturia might have a metal and wood body, but that costs 4-500 euros at least here in Europe. So i'm excited to try it after reading, comparing, watching all these reviews, it was between this and a used mpk249 which didn't offer everything this offers, plus heard it has some key issues. Not to mention I have a 3 year warranty on it so that should mean something
After spending some time on researching and comparing multiple 61 keys models I decided to go with Oxygen Pro 61. Why? 1) semi-weighted keys with aftertouch - keyboard is mainly for playing with keys, so I want good experience and control here, 2) ARP, chord, scales, etc. working in MIDI mode, directly in the DAW (which is not so obvious - I look at you, Native Instruments!), 3) compatible with all major DAWs (minimum for me: Ableton, FL Studio, Reaper), 4) powered via single USB cable (why it's so hard for most manufacturers?), 5) reasonable features to price ratio. If you know any other model that could meet those requirements and throws some nice extras that Oxygen Pro doesn't have - please let me know, I might consider it in future. I also considered: 1) Novation 61 SL MK3 (better integration with Ableton, nice LEDs, but price is x2.5, and needs separate power cable - fix this, Novation, and I'll look at MK4), 2) NI Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 (it's a pretty good hardware with nice LEDs and screens, but price is x2.5 and... it works properly ONLY in Komplete Kontrol! I own Komplete 13 (used with the Maschine MK3) and that's why I still considered it, but I want major features to work properly in MIDI mode for my keyboard, directly in my DAW - not only in NI plugins. it's like 10/10 in KK, and 5/10 in MIDI mode - same story as with the Maschine, which was HUGE disappointment in MIDI mode for me. NI couldn't even make pad sensitivy work properly in MIDI mode, most non-pads buttons doing nothing and even basic stuff like transport control don't work in FL Studio - but you can workaround it with Python scripting, if you wish - enjoy).
@@fianoanthonio I started with upgrading firmware to v2.1.1, and then tried Ableton Live 11 (on Windows 10) - absolutely no problems whatsoever, everything worked out of the box - without any remote scripts etc. Switching between tracks worked every time for me. For FL Studio I needed to setup it as described here: th-cam.com/video/6mrfcttMpXQ/w-d-xo.html to make transport control works (play / stop / record) - but it's still rather basic stuff, integration with Ableton functions is much better.
so how is the oxygen pro after 10 month are u happy with it? i wanna buy it but there is lots of bad comments also people say m-audio is afk and support not possible to reach. have u seen any broke or not working part on ur keyboard or anything let me know please
@@kenryu3624 No issues here, so far - so yeah, I am pretty happy with it, and I would gladly buy it again. Just mind I am a hobbyist, so I cannot say much about durability in terms of professional usage. For my humble needs it's more than enough, though.
Really feature packed and a great choice for beginners who don't want to go the standalone groovebox route. The Mini 32 would be my choice. I'd consider it with Ableton or Reaper. If this was a choice when I started...I'd roll with this and just use it to master DAWs. Great review as usual. Happy New Year.
@@SanjayC that I cannot wait for. But for the category, it looks like it gets a lot of things right. I hope they do firmware/software updates to make it even better.
love it everytime i get notification for one of your videos :) idk they just seem very homely and like they come from someone with a good soul. if there's anyone who helps make these videos possible thank them for me .. thanks to you as well of course :) hope today is everything you decide to make it :) each moment is so beautiful isnt it lol.
Sanjay, can you please make a video on "How to setup a home studio or portable workstation using iPad" which current ipad model is best for this, what DAW to use, What plugins to use, what audio interface, what midi controller and what other gadgets to go with it? thank you! Happy new year
Hey always pumped to see you reviewing new equipment. I would like to see an M audio oxygen pro mini before you buy it video or Comparision between all the top mini keyboards. Keep the good work up 🔊
Which one get the best feeling with pads? The minilab or this oxygen 25? I'm looking for my 1st controller and I cannot decide which to pick between those 3, akai arturia and m audio. The akai seems better for pads which I prefer but the softwares list coming with aren't so great compared to the others. And having daw control seems impressive. Any suggestions? :)
M-Audio is going to sell a lot of these! The mini key version is impressive. I’m going to sell my Axiom mini-32, for the new Oxygen Mini. Getting actual pitch/mod wheels is worth the switch.
I’ve had the Axiom Mini for about a year. It’s holding up fairly well too. You won’t be impressed by the key feel. It’s toyish, and that’s being generous. My main controller is the Hammer88. I also have the Keystation 49 mk3.
Top quality video as always. Keep up! For now I have Arturia Keylab 88 mk2 and I am really pleased. Although, I am looking forward to future. I hope there will be more innovation in music production industry. With new midi 2.0 on the horizon I can't wait for the new stuff that current keyboard manufactures will come up with.
@@SanjayC I'm novice on keys, i'm playing just a guitar. Whant to study music, play with pleasant keys, create music in my home studio whis elements of show (probably for Tik Tok). It's also interesting to have a good library of sounds.
The Komplete Kontrol keyboards are relying on Komplete software to be able to use the Smart features. The M-Audio Oxygen Pro series are DAW independent and can be used with just hardware samplers, synths , and sound modules.
This is an amazing video. Requesting you to make a video on how to set this keyboard up with Ableton live and Fl Studio. Also when will this be available in India Please Reply sir ...😀😊
Watching review now, ty. I have been debating which controller to upgrade to for last couple weeks. Arturia mkII to Novation stuff . Then I remembered how much I like my M audio oxygen25 and thought i wonder if M audio has a high end keyboard with aftertouch. Sure enough the pro, and for the price you can save some money on an m audio. Nice review and channel. I subbed
The housing material and the click noise of the buttons gives me the idea, that it came from the same manufacturer as the Native Instruments controller 😉
@@SanjayC update: I was able to upgrade my order and guess who just got himself a new Oxygen Pro 25?? 🤩🤩🤩 thanks For this amazing review and right on time.
Based on this video I’ve purchased this device. In Aus it’s only about $30 more expensive than the mini but still $260. I’m no piano player but I think having a controller will help.
Oxygen Pro Mini doesn't work with Reaper out of the box (I turned on Reaper in display of the midi keyboard). It was the only one reason I bought it instead of Novation Launchkey Mini.
I just bought the 61 key version (can't go smaller, I love being able to play high & low ATST), coming from a very old similar KB, the long extinct Carillon Control 61, and this seems to do everything, and quite a bit more. Even has built in "chord memory" (now it doesn't matter that so many VST's don't have the feature!) and AFTERTOUCH!! Looks quite pretty too. Can't wait. I just hope it all works without too much messing around (we all know how it is with PC's, PC hardware & PC software lol).
Been on the hunt for a new MIDI Controller that has good DAW control. So I guess that's what sold me. I was on the fence about what to upgrade to, I've had a Nektar Impact LX49 for about 4 years now. And the aspect about better key feel sold me on this particularly. Thanks for the video! I think i will be getting the 49 and 25 key version of the Oxygen Pro
Answer me without having to justify your choice, which of these three do you prefer, M-Audio Oxygen Pro, Arturia MiniLab Mk II or Novation Launchkey 25 MK3, your answer is very important to me, thank you. Congratulations on the great channel. Maybe just take into account that it will be my first keyboard
Another great video, Sanjay! Thanks again, and best wishes for the new year. May 2021 be a fantastic, creative, and productive year for all beatmakers, etc... I am currently in the market for a Midi Controller as an addition to my 88 key Studio Logic LS88|Studio keyboard and am not really looking for another keyboard. Just something to control my Reaper and Ableton Live Lite DAWS. I am looking to find something in the max 200 Euro range (European price). For starters, I found the StudioLogic Mixface which seems to have everything I need but found a video review about it that said that the controller is too small and cramped too many buttons into the small space (I am 6.3Ft and have quite large hands, so mini controllers are not usable!) I am considering buying it anyway and trying it out for myself, but my studio is in the process of being built, (I have most equipment but it needs a studio desk, sound treatment, and -proofing!) So first: Do you have any advice? I also like Arturia, but most of their controllers seem to have a small key key-bed. Then there are several controllers (like the Akai Mk3) that don't have sliders/faders. Automated faders would be preferable. Finally, if you still recommend this M Audio device, can you direct me to where I can find the available options in Reaper and the setup Instructions for that DAW? That way, I can get one and try it out for myself. By the way, I want to thank you for the Studio Mic Video. It made me decide on the MXL 770 and I love it! Also, your Studio Monitor Video was very helpful. I chose the Adam Audio speakers and they sound great!!! Finally, your audio interface video made me go for the Focusrite Scarlet 4i4 and after having tested its workings, I am looking forward to putting it into full motion. Hoping you'll be able to find some time to respond. Fondly, Michael
Wow...you're tall. I haven't tried the StudioLogic, so I can't comment on that. I think Arturia is an excellent choice because it controls both your DAWs
@@SanjayC Thanks, Sanjay. I will have a closer look at the Arturia Essentials (My Studio Logic already has weighted keys and aftertouch! Perhaps I can even find a used Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII. Wouldn't that be great!
I'm really interested in buying this controller. Do you know if choosing GarageBand as your DAW will affect the ability to use any of keyboard's features/limit how many features can be used?
Great content as always 🔥🔥🔥 its an instant click whenever new vid notification pops up thank you so much sir 😍 Can you please make a video on mackie big knob studio since I wanted to know your take on the product its a combo of Audio Interface and monitor controller so wanted to know will it be truly worth in investing in the same i.e. mackie studio bundle (I may get a lil discount on that). I am considering to buy it for my home studio and for a long run. Also I noticed many bad reviews about mackie onyx AI on amazon but throughout youtube its all good so if possible please address these issues. Thank you.
Excellent review. I'm looking for a controller to connect to Gig Performer 5 on macbook pro m1. I was pleasantly surprised at the keyboard feel of this unit and also having after touch is a real bonus. I wanted to ask, When you went into to modified the Xpand parameters do I need to do all those menu clicks for each time i'm modifying a GP5 rackspace? I'm hoping that I just boot up Oxygen Pro and will just automatically map the controls to whatever I configured in GP without any additional menu diving. I'm assuming this is possible but just want to confirm if so. Thanks again Sanjay.
Damn... tough question. Daw control or keyboard feel... ughhhh... I’m going to go with daw control, because it’s really the reason why you would want a keyboard with so many knobs and buttons to begin with, I think. (And when they don’t get the controls right, it can be a major headache.) The keys, on the other hand, can almost always be tolerated when they aren’t premium. But regardless, the Oxygen Pro has extremely great-feeling keys on top of the great control... And I also highly recommend this keyboard. 9/10 - The only issue is the loud, plastic buttons. But you could get used to them.
How do the pads feel? The 16 pads is another reason I'm drawn to this, compared to others which usually only have 8. I do a lot of finger drumming so the feel is something I'm looking out for. Thanks!
I have not come across anyone in this business that is more passionate and disciplined like you! More power to you! At this rate we will reach a million views by the end of the year!
That would be awesome! Thank you so much!
📣 Cakewalk users: there is no preset for Cakewalk on this keyboard, BUT it is Mackie HUI compliant so you can set it up to control different things in Cakewalk. I haven't tested this myself, though.
Same thouths here. I also wanted the DAW control to work with Cakewalk BandLab but so far only the keyboard, pitch bends and modulations work on the new Cakewalk. The Oxygen Pro series are not yet on their list of premapped controllers.
Does anyone recommend a controller that is supported by Cakwalk? Thanks guys.
What does that mean
Your videos are fantastic and so informative. Despite 30 years of playing music, including a couple of years majoring in music production in college, I'm finally getting back to my passion, and setting up my home studio and relearning the tools. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Great review. I just got this as my first keyboard/controller. Must say I am underwhelmed by the lack of Logic DAW control. M-Audio instructions say use the ProTools mapping. That gives some basic functionality, but not enough. Would love to do a custom mapping, but as a novice , I find it daunting 😀
Update: after a frustrating 2 weeks with this keyboard, I exchanged it for a Novation Launchkey mk3. The main reason is the superior DAW control for Logic provided by Novation. The M-Audio basically provides only very primitive HUI based control.
I do miss the excellent M-Audio keybed, but have no regrets.
The M-Audio claim about DAW integration is simply not justified for Logic. A real shame.
One year later from your post. And Apple updates and M Audios updates haven’t got this working right either. Dang. Maybe in another year.
Just ordered one with 49 keys yesterday and your nice review just proofed it was the right choice! :) thanks a lot and keep up the great work! Greetings from Germany
where did you order from if you don’t mind me asking?
@@RamaAviananda sorry for my late response, I ordered the keyboard via an online store for electronic music production in Germany, it's called elevator. (www.elevator.de/m-audio-oxygen-pro-49.html) hope I could help you :)
Was waiting for your review of this keyboard anxiously, happy that it’s finally here! Loved your feedback on this unit!
Thanks, Fernando! What do you think of the keyboard?
@@SanjayC sure looks like a really good option! I feel bad my NI M32 is somewhat limited... love the thing but would sure appreciate the extra features this one has... will give it some thought!
THANK YOU! If it weren't for you I would have no idea at all about where to find the instructions to automatically map my oxygen pro to Ableton... This was SO helpful.
Me too! What DAW you planning on using, may I ask? And I hope all purchasing the M-Audio Oxygen Pro series are ordering the Decksaver for protecting your keys!!! 🙂 I don’t work there, want a deck cover for mine, lol, and they don’t make for Oxygen Pro series yet, they said they need more inquiries, requests before they’ll tool up!?!
Best music production channel on TH-cam. Your advice has been incredibly helpful as I get more serious about music production. Keep up the great work!!
You are awesome Sanjay, thank you for your time and passion
Thank you so much for watching!🙏🏽
Very happy to be of help, Guaro
I'm undecided on what midi to buy since I'm a beginner. I either wanted minilab mk2 (for its build quality and software bundle) or launchkey (for it's software integration). But watching your video convince me that this midi would be the best choice for me, especially since it provides so many features and bundle (which saves me some money). I really appreciate the review!
You should toss in tests on at least a couple of the free and open source DAWs, like maybe LMMS or Rosegarden, and *definitely* Ardour, which looks to be leading the pack these days. And while it's not commonly an issue any more, at least a passing mention of whether the USB implementation is class-compliant would be a nice bit of info for those of us on Linux.
I just upgraded from oxygen 49, to 49 pro. Excellent decision. M-Audio make amazing midi keyboards. I use Reason and it integrates well.
It work the M-audio oxygen pro mini with reason propellerhead??
@@florindaciangale-nunao2690 Hi, I think they work the same but different number of keys. I have never had issues with the pro, or basic version. I did see people in reviews saying it was too complicated to set up but if you are OK with using computers, then it should be no trouble. Tbh if they can't set up the keyboard, then they're definitely not ready for a DAW anyway.
The free software does change depending on the companies licencing agreement, so you might not get the same freebies as what you're expecting. I got some impressive synths in the freebies on mine.
That said, it took me less than an hour to get it set up, with all free software (the free bits I actually wanted) all installed. It works brilliantly. I would say the semi hammer action is not as heavy as I expected but still really nice.
Great kit.
Hey Sanjay! Loved the video as usual, but I noticed you didn't really talk about the Aftertouch feature on this keyboard.
I bought the 49 version, love it (especially for the price) but the only thing I hate about it is the Aftertouch sensitivity. Not only it's pretty much a 0 or 127 thing, but all keys react differently. Some keys are not so bad (I can control my pressure ''a little bit'', but most of them act like an momentary on/off switch). So i would say that if you're looking for a keyboard for it's Aftertouch feature, then skip this one because it completely unreliable. IMO, there's no point in having ''physical'' Aftertouch on a keyboard if it's not reliable. You can always program manually (mouse) or even with any knob/fader on your keyboard ''after'' the performance (which you will HAVE to do anyway since the Aftertouch is not reliable enough to keep it as is, even with lots of practice). What are your thoughts? Which keyboard would you suggest for a real good Aftertouch experience? Thanks! :)
Hi , thank you for that feedback. I ve been looking for a slightly larger semiweighted that gives me even more velocity control, but I'm really happy with the response of the arturia MKII . 25 keys but still delivers a very good velocity response and nice feeling, not springy. Icing on the cake price around £80.
For a midi keyboard I prefer daw control and the reason why is cause it’s a pain going back and four to get what you want to use in your daw so setting up your keyboard to do everything and using your keyboard to control your daw is great I just got the m audio oxygen pro 49 and I love it I love how I can control my daw right from my keyboard and I do a lot of looping videos on my channel so this is one of the reasons I got this keyboard is for looping so I love it
Just bought the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61, initially the keys feel a bit stiff but after pressing each one now it feels really good (full sized and semi-weighted). I also tried the Arturia Essentials but gotta say, the Oxygen Pro has a really good feel!
Piano/synth players you'll definitely love this!
Me too! What DAW you planning on using, may I ask? And I hope all purchasing the M-Audio Oxygen Pro series are ordering the Decksaver for protecting your keys!!! 🙂 I don’t work there, want a deck cover for mine, lol, and they don’t make for Oxygen Pro series yet, they said they need more inquiries, requests before they’ll tool up!?!
@@keithholman1438 I mainly use FL studio, Abletons ok and I tried Logic but that ones a nightmare.
Still after a month the Oxygen Pro lives up to its name; keys are amazing, buttons and sliders work, it's probs the BEST MIDI controller of 2021!
@@electrom4gnetik465 Thanks! see I’m on Mac so thinking Apple/Apple but guessing not...
@@electrom4gnetik465 Do me a favor... just “inquire” with Decksaver, about a Decksaver for it... they won’t even start making one until they “get enough interest...”
Hi, I'm thinking to buy the Oxygen Pro 61 too. But before buying it, I would like to know if the data resolution when moving knobs and faders is high or it's like the old M-Audio products (minimum resolution of almost 10 units). Could you make a test and let me know?
Really interested in the Oxygen Pro Mini as a replacement for my MPK Mini Mk2.
32 keys instead of 25, in almost the same form factor, but without sacrificing the drum pads like on the M32. Also real mod and pitch wheels instead of touch strips or a joystick.
My biggest concern with a mini keyboard is the physical size, and whether I can stuff it into my backpack with a laptop, tablet, and all my camera gear and cart it on an airplane. I was looking really hard at the Oxy Pro Mini, but alas the 32 keys will make it just too big for the backpack. I guess I"ll be down to the LaunchKey Mini or the Nextar LX mini (I've given up on Arturia despite the coolness of Analog Lab because the MIDI Control Center doesn't like linux at all :( ).
I think in this case more than others if you have the space and money you should go for the bigger versions. Great video as usual 💪
Thanks, Alessandro! Yes, I agree with you.
I bought the 49 key version for Christmas since I don't have much space. But now I'm starting to worry that I'll regret not having the extra octaves. I'm thinking about exchanging the keyboard for the 61 key version. The problem is that I'll lose the 15% discount I used when I purchased the 49 key version. Any advice on this?
If I'm broke and have the exact amount should I go for it
@@bonZoowe, did you?
@@rahuldoes nah I didn't
OXYGEN PRO VS LAUNCHKEY!!! (specially in ableton control)
That's true...I need to do that
Yessss please do it I can't decidee! I really want the semi weighted keys but I also feel like I'd have a better time with Novation using Ableton. And how does the Keylab Essential line compare to those?
@@DenimGeans 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have been going crazy waiting for that review!
@@eZiggy100 me too!!! 🤯
#notigang here .... Gotta make a comment no matter if it's 55th reupload. 😂😂 ...
Hey sanjay always amazed by your attention to details. ❤❤
You're the best, Maslin! Thanks again!
I first purchased a Launchkey 25 MK3 but I wasn't satisfied with the features and found out that the features that I want in these modern MIDI controllers are actually on the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25 so I returned and exchanged it to the Oxygen Pro 25, no regrets and happy with my decision to make the switch. I use mine on Reason 11, Ableton Live, and Akai MPC Live standalone.
Can I give a complicated response to the key feel vs DAW control?
First: key feel (the BASICS), then DAW control, then key feel (the luxury stuff like weighting)
What do I mean by this? Well, the KK M32 is a perfect example to me... I have one, and it's mostly a fantastic controller, except that I absolutely hate the keys because of the velocity response. Since you can't change the velocity curve on the M32 in software, it therefore fails my "first level" key-feel test. It doesn't matter how good the rest of the features are if I can't play in lines correctly because I need to drop an anvil on the thing to get 127velo articulations.
So, as long as the keys can successfully accomplish what they're supposed to do without being super noisy, then DAW control is more important (especially at this price point, it just need to be a complete package that "works").
Cheers Sanjay, thanks for the review.
Edit: The reason the scale mode works the way that it does (with duplicated notes) is because you can play any scale you set it to by only using the white keys.
I prefer daw control (mainly the transport controls) over key feel.
Yeah, DAW control is a must - especially for music production needs.
Keys matter too though.... You feel the difference in the music.....
Novation need to update the zero SL, would sell one to me for sure!
Wow, it was already difficult choosing between AKAI MPK Mini mk3 and Arturia Mini Lab mk2, now there's this... personally I agree with your preference of mod wheels and better DAW control.
what did you get
eventually?
i'm just starting out and looking to get myself a midi controller. this one seems perfect. the only one i've used before this is the akai mpk mini mk2, but it's getting quite old now and i'd really like to move to something with full size keys. i'm so happy to see that the 2 standout features on this one are the key feel and the daw integration, as i feel those are the 2 most important things to me. i was hesitant at first as this controller is now over 3 years old, and there are newer options such as the arturia keylab essential, but honestly to me this controller seems like it would fit my needs better as i've heard complaints about arturia's key feel
Key feel 100%. If I can't accurately express myself during the recording, the amount of time I'd need to correct it in the DAW wouldn't be worth it.
that's what i was thinking, might get this, is this ok for live ableton performing
Very well done review Sanjay! Very helpful. I'm sold on the Oxygen Pro's keybed, and most of its many features. The showstopper for me is that the encoder knobs are not endless. My midi controller research keeps leading me toward the Arturia Keylab Mk II, with its deep DAW integration, controls, build quality, and its included software (esp. Analog Lab 5); however, its weakest point IMO is its synth-action keys, which is an important thing to me as a keyboardist. Alas I'm stuck in 61-key midi controller indecision land.
Your videos are amazing Sanjay. Keep it going! Love from India. 🤘🏼❤️
Thank you, Mean Machine. Are you in the market for a new keyboard?
@@SanjayC Not really. I already bought the Arturia Essential and Nektar Impact after watching your videos so I'm full now.
That's cool
I am in the market, please message me. Thank you for your great reviews.
...purchased one month ago and is exactly as you described in this video! helpful to see a review becoming 100% Accurate! Thanks mate!
To answer your question on the video before the re-upload, I'm doing well, thanks for asking :))) hope you guys are too!
Hey thanks for catching my question before I reuploaded :-) Glad to hear you're doing well. What are you plans for music for the new year?
I am doing well too ! Happy new year
@@SanjayC I have a new single set to release in 2 days on the 5th, with more to come this year! Other than that, planning to keep honing the beatmaking skills, hopefully earn more mixing clients, and barring another shutdown, stay playing as many live shows as I can!
@@michaelduff2382 wow that's great man
@@joshuafrankline2617 :) thanks Joshua! Have a wonderful day!
Wow. Just wow. The ability to break down a new gadget this fast and detailed. Was ready to dip my toe into home recording, was ready to get the Aurturia then saw this. Love the smart chord feature for a guitar player who doesn't play keyboards.
if you got an m-audio device you got screwed m-audio gear sucks and will actually make it harder for you in the end.
Hi Sanjay, can Bollywood film songs be produced using DAWs, virtual instruments, and MIDI controllers alone?
Bollywood film songs are some of the richest types of songs ever made - and I am talking about the components OTHER THAN the vocals - they are so rich with detailed instruments and effects in the background.
What I want to know is - is it possible for a single home studio type of person to create and produce those type of sounds/instruments/effects using DAWs, virtual instruments, and MIDI controllers alone.
Or can they only be done with a huge team of professionals actually playing instruments, then doing the mixing using industry hardware, etc.?
I really want to know this.
Just to give a few examples of the richness of the background sounds, instruments and effects I am talking about - - check out Main Yahaan Hoon from Veer Zaara - - or Bani Bani from Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon.
Hi Lori. YES! For sure you can get that sound with DAWs, virtual instruments and midi controllers. There are several virtual instruments with Bollywood type sounds - Indian sounds. Check out Native Instruments India Series.
@@SanjayC Sanjay, it would be amazing if you could do a video demoing showing a Bollywood style composition with different sounds mixed in their rich glory.
I have a couple videos which feature Indian-inspired music. You can watch them here th-cam.com/video/QS9hAggwJC8/w-d-xo.html and here th-cam.com/video/SY8wrueTwW8/w-d-xo.html
@@SanjayC I'm with @Sunny P 100% on that. One of my favorite videos of yours was the one where you remade the Hall and Oats tune. I would LOVE to hear some Bollywood inspired stuff on your channel 😎
Thanks, Troy. I should really work on that stuff! I need to do too many more videos!! lol!
I prefer absolutely to daw control. 👍
Good Keys are also great but I think it has to be a nice mix of both. 👌
Many companies miss out on the 37 Key sweet spot
I don't understand why they even make 32 versions, you're beyond basic one-handed but not quite to comfortable two-handed
I'm very tempted to get the 61-key version, but this just seems like M-Audio slapping a new name on the Code series, and I've heard a lot of horror stories about their reliability.
Please make a review of the Mini version!
Great review! The keys feel for me is the most important thing. Budget midi keyboards suffer from cheap feel keys. I am glad that m audio did it right here. And I love the fact that they added aftertouch.
Yes, I agree...they've done a great job and the after touch is a nice bonus
Great content as always Sanjay! Quick question: apart from aftertouch, what differences are there between the Oxygen Pro and the Oxygen MKIV please?
Key feel is the most important 'feature'. If I don't like the feel I'll never use it. It's a deal breaker. Don't mind paying more for a premium feel. Don't care if it has pads or DAW control as long as it feels great to play. Sustain connection only seems very limited too. I would need at least one control pedal connection.
How would the 25 Key Oxygen Pro stack up against the Akai MPK225? Looking for a solid 25 key controller. Thank you.
Same here!. Trying to decide between 49key version M-Audio Oxygen / AKAImpk2 Did you try the AKAI keybed?
Akai has more features (expression pedal input and endless encoders) but it's more expensive
AfterTouch...Great for NI Electric Mint Guitar...Aftertouch is something that NI does not offer in their A 25! Thanks Sanjay.
Hey man awesome video very informative! I'm looking to buy my first midi, and I'm considering the oxygen pro 49. Here is what I'm looking for:
1) Good key-bed, I will mainly using it for playing the piano so "weighted keys" and good overall feeling
2) Decent Pads, both for drums and launching/recording clips... ideally to do some live looping which looks fun
3) Integration with many DAWs, since I will try many of them before sticking with one
200 euros is my budget. Now would you still recommend the oxygen pro or do you have other options? (Arturia, Code 49, Launchkey...) Thank you so much
I think the Oxygen Pro is an excellent choice, especially for your criteria. The keys are not fully weighted, but they still feel good.
@@SanjayC Thanks man, is there a way to have a list of all the DAW pre settings in Ableton... I mean how to know what each buttons on the keyboard controls in Ableton... I could not find a detailed list. For example, how can I make the pads play the drums instead of lunching clips. I have found no documentation on how to actually use the oxygen with Ableton...
I've been watching your videos for awhile now and I had to say....you are so amazing with your reviews 🔥🔥🔥you just earned yourself an extra subscriber
Which would you recomend as a beginner> M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 OR Arturia Essential 49?
Which keybed feels better out of those two?
Great video, so helpful and informative. This is one of the best channels for music-making!
Wow, thanks!
Don’t care about DAW integration at all....
Do the chord, arp, scale, etc. functions work through midi? For DAWless jamming
YES! They'll work well with a synth
Yes, any external synth, sound module, samplers, definitely DAWLESS on this one because of the 5-pin MIDI DIN OUT port.
@@PlayEngage ok, so can I hook this up to a Mpc one?
Thanks for the review, you covered every question I had about this instrument.
Lol Another great video from our 'master '🙂..!!!😍😍
Thanks much, Vaishnav. how are you doing?
@@SanjayC happiee..😁❣️❣️
I love the fact that they actually put a 5-pin Midi output on this thing.
Thanks for the great video, Sanjay. Happy New Year to you, your wife, and all of your awesome family.
Good God, you have 242K subscribers. You're on fire, brother.
Hi Caid! Happy New year to you too! What are your plans for the new year?
@@SanjayC No plans per say, kind of hanging onto my marriage by a thread, unfortunately.
This was very helpful! I have the arturia essential 88 and I do love the analog lab sounds and the keys are great the only thing is a bit big. So I am not sure if I should switch to this oxygen pro 61 instead. What do you think of the keys between both of these keyboards?
I would move down to the 61 arturia Essentials
@@geekindakitchen actually I tried the essential 61, the keys don’t feel good I didn’t like it at all. Too noisy
@@webncyber Damn that's not good myabe the Keylab Ultimate MKII in 61 I am not sure for me I haven't tried the essentials
Hi Sanjay ,Your videos are fantastic and so informative
What is the best MIDI keyboard for someone who wants to learn piano for the first time and has a bit of a mixing and Midi keyboard theme? like Between yamaha PSR-EW 425 And
M-Audio Oxygen Pro (And have keys more than 61 (Preferred 76 keys)
(Price: 400$)
Thanks for your helping
Notification squad 🤟
Hi Shiv! How's it goin? What do you think of the keyboard?
Sanjay - you are the best reviewer on the internet I believe. Thank you!!!
Finally, FL Studio got recognised!
Yes we need more FL keyboards
I think FL Studio is unsupported by a lot of midi controller/hardware manufacturers because of its proprietary signal flow. In a traditional DAW, audio flows from the multitrack I/O portion of the DAW into the mixer. In FL Studio, this is called the playlist/pattern arrangement, and the signal flow comes from the channel rack (into the mixer). The channel rack/step sequencer causes a lot of issues with folks who aren't familiar with FL Studio because of how proprietary and innovative it is. I personally love it compared to a traditional DAW because I feel as if it allows me much more flexibility. Unfortunately, it seems as if hardware manufacturers don't feel the same way, because I always feel like most hardware is never natively set up to support it. Image-Line tries to remedy this problem within the software itself, but their list of gear for preset midi routing in the options menu is very limited. They don't even have popular pieces of equipment such as the ALESIS v25 or the MPC One. Users are stuck setting up this equipment for DAW control themselves. Usually this involves linking software parameters to hardware parameters ONE BY ONE, and it's super tedious. It's even more tedious trying to unlink a parameter from a midi controller, especially when you've accidentally caused a conflict somewhere.
Key feel all the way! I use my keyboard more than I trying to use all the ‘features’ that they add. That being said I’m an FL user so it just slows me down in my workflow.
Best free DAW'S please
Hi, Ganesh! I suggest you try Akai MPC Beats, Cakewalk by BandLab, Pro Tools First, and Presonus Studio One 5 Prime are all free DAWs.
I've had an M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 for a few months. It has 61 semi not-so-weighted keys :) The keys make a kind of clunky thunky sound if you hit them even a bit hard. But if I'm careful, I don't elicit such sounds. With adequate sound output though, you won't hear the thunks. Aside from that, it is well built and velocity sensitive. It is now sitting sulking in a corner as I moved up to an 88 key digital piano....:) I had to do that as my fingers were just not building strength with the keys on the Keystation 61. For the first three weeks my fingers were screaming at me with the fully weighted 88 keys, but now the situation has improved a lot! :)
First of all, love the channel ! Been looking for a 49 or 61 key MIDI controller and have seen videos and read reviews on about every possible board out there : Arturia Keylab MK2, Native Instruments A-series (coupled with Maschine Mikro MK3), Novation SL MK3 and Launchkey, Akai MPK, models from Alesis and Nektar, and also this M-Audio Oxygen Pro. I have a Yamaha MX88 which I will use as my 88-key controller, so not sure whether to go for a 61 or 49 key model. Will use either Logic Pro or Ableton on my Mac, not decided yet, but I would also want to use the controller with my iPad for Korg Gadget 2 and Cubasis 3. I was considering the Keylab MK2 or the Komplete Kontrol A49 (with Maschine Mikro) at first but then I started looking at other options, since the Arturia and NI models are more or less tied to their own ecosystem. So after some comparisons, I narrowed it down to either the Akai MPK or this M-Audio Oygen Pro. The Akai gets rave reviews everywhere but it's an older model, out since 2014 so I thought I'd better go for something more recent. The Oxygen Pro certainly ticks all the boxes, except for one major thing : the keybed. It's semi-weighted, and you describe it as quiet and premium feeling, but that's not what I understand from other videos or reviews. In fact, it's quite the opposite, in that it has a very noisy and clacky keybed. I was more or less decided on this after your video, but after having seen a couple of other ones, where they play the keybed without producing any sound, it definitely seems very clickety-clack toy-like. Also, apparently the bundled software seems to have issues on the latest version of Mac OS, and iOS 14 as well. That's a bit lame, considering Mac OS Big Sur and iOS 14 have been out for a long time...
I bought the 49 key version of this for 167 euros, you're comparing it with novation which costs 250 euros or more depending on model. This has smart scale and chords, no other 49+ keys keyboard in this price range offers all that, not to mention aftertouch. Sure arturia might have a metal and wood body, but that costs 4-500 euros at least here in Europe. So i'm excited to try it after reading, comparing, watching all these reviews, it was between this and a used mpk249 which didn't offer everything this offers, plus heard it has some key issues. Not to mention I have a 3 year warranty on it so that should mean something
solid for 6 months so far .. best keyboard i have felt in a long time and axiomkeys
Yes, very impressed by it as well
Cheers bro ,great reviews ,keep up the good work,get mine tomorrow
After spending some time on researching and comparing multiple 61 keys models I decided to go with Oxygen Pro 61. Why?
1) semi-weighted keys with aftertouch - keyboard is mainly for playing with keys, so I want good experience and control here,
2) ARP, chord, scales, etc. working in MIDI mode, directly in the DAW (which is not so obvious - I look at you, Native Instruments!),
3) compatible with all major DAWs (minimum for me: Ableton, FL Studio, Reaper),
4) powered via single USB cable (why it's so hard for most manufacturers?),
5) reasonable features to price ratio.
If you know any other model that could meet those requirements and throws some nice extras that Oxygen Pro doesn't have - please let me know, I might consider it in future.
I also considered:
1) Novation 61 SL MK3 (better integration with Ableton, nice LEDs, but price is x2.5, and needs separate power cable - fix this, Novation, and I'll look at MK4),
2) NI Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 (it's a pretty good hardware with nice LEDs and screens, but price is x2.5 and... it works properly ONLY in Komplete Kontrol! I own Komplete 13 (used with the Maschine MK3) and that's why I still considered it, but I want major features to work properly in MIDI mode for my keyboard, directly in my DAW - not only in NI plugins. it's like 10/10 in KK, and 5/10 in MIDI mode - same story as with the Maschine, which was HUGE disappointment in MIDI mode for me. NI couldn't even make pad sensitivy work properly in MIDI mode, most non-pads buttons doing nothing and even basic stuff like transport control don't work in FL Studio - but you can workaround it with Python scripting, if you wish - enjoy).
I have not bought it because of this a problem in this review: th-cam.com/video/0BL0p9TydV8/w-d-xo.html Can you check it? Thanks
@@fianoanthonio I started with upgrading firmware to v2.1.1, and then tried Ableton Live 11 (on Windows 10) - absolutely no problems whatsoever, everything worked out of the box - without any remote scripts etc. Switching between tracks worked every time for me.
For FL Studio I needed to setup it as described here: th-cam.com/video/6mrfcttMpXQ/w-d-xo.html to make transport control works (play / stop / record) - but it's still rather basic stuff, integration with Ableton functions is much better.
so how is the oxygen pro after 10 month are u happy with it? i wanna buy it but there is lots of bad comments also people say m-audio is afk and support not possible to reach. have u seen any broke or not working part on ur keyboard or anything let me know please
@@kenryu3624 No issues here, so far - so yeah, I am pretty happy with it, and I would gladly buy it again. Just mind I am a hobbyist, so I cannot say much about durability in terms of professional usage. For my humble needs it's more than enough, though.
@@TsunamiFM thank u for response
Really feature packed and a great choice for beginners who don't want to go the standalone groovebox route. The Mini 32 would be my choice. I'd consider it with Ableton or Reaper. If this was a choice when I started...I'd roll with this and just use it to master DAWs. Great review as usual. Happy New Year.
Yeah, I can't wait to get the mini version. I really want to compare that to other keyboards
@@SanjayC that I cannot wait for. But for the category, it looks like it gets a lot of things right. I hope they do firmware/software updates to make it even better.
Yeah, me too. Maybe they can add more DAWs with firmware as well!
love it everytime i get notification for one of your videos :) idk they just seem very homely and like they come from someone with a good soul. if there's anyone who helps make these videos possible thank them for me .. thanks to you as well of course :) hope today is everything you decide to make it :)
each moment is so beautiful isnt it lol.
Thank you, Charles. I really appreciate that. :-D
@@SanjayC i hoped so :) i'll be here forever.
Sanjay, can you please make a video on "How to setup a home studio or portable workstation using iPad" which current ipad model is best for this, what DAW to use, What plugins to use, what audio interface, what midi controller and what other gadgets to go with it? thank you! Happy new year
awesome work, thank you.
Never seen such a professional, no BS review, good job !
Hey always pumped to see you reviewing new equipment. I would like to see an M audio oxygen pro mini before you buy it video or Comparision between all the top mini keyboards. Keep the good work up 🔊
Im looking at the mini version in this and the akai mk3. Still very decisive tho.
Thanks again for dropping this vid Sanjay stay blessed.
buy the arturia mini instead. trust me. Inmusic brands don't last as long as Arturia.
Which one get the best feeling with pads? The minilab or this oxygen 25?
I'm looking for my 1st controller and I cannot decide which to pick between those 3, akai arturia and m audio.
The akai seems better for pads which I prefer but the softwares list coming with aren't so great compared to the others.
And having daw control seems impressive.
Any suggestions? :)
M-Audio is going to sell a lot of these! The mini key version is impressive. I’m going to sell my Axiom mini-32, for the new Oxygen Mini. Getting actual pitch/mod wheels is worth the switch.
Yeah, I like that they put wheels on the mini as well. I really want to get that keyboard to test out. How long have you had your Axiom?
I’ve had the Axiom Mini for about a year. It’s holding up fairly well too. You won’t be impressed by the key feel. It’s toyish, and that’s being generous. My main controller is the Hammer88. I also have the Keystation 49 mk3.
Top quality video as always. Keep up!
For now I have Arturia Keylab 88 mk2 and I am really pleased. Although, I am looking forward to future. I hope there will be more innovation in music production industry. With new midi 2.0 on the horizon I can't wait for the new stuff that current keyboard manufactures will come up with.
Yes, I'm excited to see what MIDI 2.0 brings
Thank you! Can't choose between Komplete and M-Audio pro)))
What are the features you want most?
@@SanjayC I'm novice on keys, i'm playing just a guitar. Whant to study music, play with pleasant keys, create music in my home studio whis elements of show (probably for Tik Tok). It's also interesting to have a good library of sounds.
The Komplete Kontrol keyboards are relying on Komplete software to be able to use the Smart features. The M-Audio Oxygen Pro series are DAW independent and can be used with just hardware samplers, synths , and sound modules.
@@PlayEngage thank you!
This is an amazing video. Requesting you to make a video on how to set this keyboard up with Ableton live and Fl Studio. Also when will this be available in India
Please Reply sir ...😀😊
I guess I am watching this one only now, but you helped me decide so clearly... thanks a bunch
Thank you sanjay for your hardwork keep doing what you are doing
It's my pleasure
Watching review now, ty. I have been debating which controller to upgrade to for last couple weeks. Arturia mkII to Novation stuff . Then I remembered how much I like my M audio oxygen25 and thought i wonder if M audio has a high end keyboard with aftertouch. Sure enough the pro, and for the price you can save some money on an m audio. Nice review and channel. I subbed
The housing material and the click noise of the buttons gives me the idea, that it came from the same manufacturer as the Native Instruments controller 😉
Haha...actually its the same manufacturer as the Akai keyboards
One of my favourite channels on everything about music production.
Thanks so much, Joel!
@@SanjayC I wish I’d seen it a bit earlier. I ordered my oArturia Minilab on the Boxing Day.
@@SanjayC update: I was able to upgrade my order and guess who just got himself a new Oxygen Pro 25?? 🤩🤩🤩 thanks For this amazing review and right on time.
Based on this video I’ve purchased this device. In Aus it’s only about $30 more expensive than the mini but still $260. I’m no piano player but I think having a controller will help.
Oxygen Pro Mini doesn't work with Reaper out of the box (I turned on Reaper in display of the midi keyboard). It was the only one reason I bought it instead of Novation Launchkey Mini.
I just bought the 61 key version (can't go smaller, I love being able to play high & low ATST), coming from a very old similar KB, the long extinct Carillon Control 61, and this seems to do everything, and quite a bit more. Even has built in "chord memory" (now it doesn't matter that so many VST's don't have the feature!) and AFTERTOUCH!! Looks quite pretty too. Can't wait. I just hope it all works without too much messing around (we all know how it is with PC's, PC hardware & PC software lol).
Been on the hunt for a new MIDI Controller that has good DAW control. So I guess that's what sold me. I was on the fence about what to upgrade to, I've had a Nektar Impact LX49 for about 4 years now. And the aspect about better key feel sold me on this particularly. Thanks for the video! I think i will be getting the 49 and 25 key version of the Oxygen Pro
how does it feel after using it for a few months? Did you regretted your purchase or was it worth the price?
Amazing Video!!!
Love the idea of your channel
High level of professionalism
Great video, thanks so much! Really useful.
Nice review. Difficult to choose between this one and the Novation 25 mk3.
Me2, I’m now so confused to choose one of them!!!
Very informational and useful video, Sanjay, thanks a lot. I'm looking to replace my Komplete Kontrol S1 with something lighter.
Thanks for the review and the DAW setup Instruction links!
The best reviewer so detailed in his analysis.
CRAZY how I was recommended this video AFTER I already bought it 🤦♂
😅
Happy new year Sanjay! Reliable review as always!
Happy new year! Thanks so much!
Hey Sanjay great video! Fun fact, M-Audio, Akai, Air Music Technology, Alesis (to name a few) are all owned by InMusic Brands.
Yes, you're right. The M-Audio folks need to share their DAW control tech with their Akai colleagues! lol!
@@SanjayC lol I agree. I enjoy the videos that you create. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent with us!
Answer me without having to justify your choice, which of these three do you prefer, M-Audio Oxygen Pro, Arturia MiniLab Mk II or Novation Launchkey 25 MK3, your answer is very important to me, thank you. Congratulations on the great channel. Maybe just take into account that it will be my first keyboard
Another great video, Sanjay! Thanks again, and best wishes for the new year. May 2021 be a fantastic, creative, and productive year for all beatmakers, etc... I am currently in the market for a Midi Controller as an addition to my 88 key Studio Logic LS88|Studio keyboard and am not really looking for another keyboard. Just something to control my Reaper and Ableton Live Lite DAWS. I am looking to find something in the max 200 Euro range (European price). For starters, I found the StudioLogic Mixface which seems to have everything I need but found a video review about it that said that the controller is too small and cramped too many buttons into the small space (I am 6.3Ft and have quite large hands, so mini controllers are not usable!) I am considering buying it anyway and trying it out for myself, but my studio is in the process of being built, (I have most equipment but it needs a studio desk, sound treatment, and -proofing!) So first: Do you have any advice? I also like Arturia, but most of their controllers seem to have a small key key-bed. Then there are several controllers (like the Akai Mk3) that don't have sliders/faders. Automated faders would be preferable. Finally, if you still recommend this M Audio device, can you direct me to where I can find the available options in Reaper and the setup Instructions for that DAW? That way, I can get one and try it out for myself. By the way, I want to thank you for the Studio Mic Video. It made me decide on the MXL 770 and I love it! Also, your Studio Monitor Video was very helpful. I chose the Adam Audio speakers and they sound great!!! Finally, your audio interface video made me go for the Focusrite Scarlet 4i4 and after having tested its workings, I am looking forward to putting it into full motion. Hoping you'll be able to find some time to respond. Fondly, Michael
Wow...you're tall. I haven't tried the StudioLogic, so I can't comment on that. I think Arturia is an excellent choice because it controls both your DAWs
@@SanjayC Thanks, Sanjay. I will have a closer look at the Arturia Essentials (My Studio Logic already has weighted keys and aftertouch! Perhaps I can even find a used Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII. Wouldn't that be great!
Excellent review SanjayC!
Thank you!
Wow so much information in just a few minutes,thanks for share.
I love your reviews, Sanjay. But I wish you have talked more about the pads and clip triggering in Ableton Live.
great detailed review, Sanjay!! :)
Glad you liked it!
To get this work with the latest version of Logic 10.6.1 you need to choose Garage band as your DAW
I'm really interested in buying this controller. Do you know if choosing GarageBand as your DAW will affect the ability to use any of keyboard's features/limit how many features can be used?
You are a Life saver!!! I’ve been trying to figure this out for weeks
@@rachelb4775 Nope no limits on keyboard functionality as far as I can tell everything looks to be working.
@@RADIX5 oh amazing!! Thank you for your response :D
Great content as always 🔥🔥🔥 its an instant click whenever new vid notification pops up thank you so much sir 😍 Can you please make a video on mackie big knob studio since I wanted to know your take on the product its a combo of Audio Interface and monitor controller so wanted to know will it be truly worth in investing in the same i.e. mackie studio bundle (I may get a lil discount on that). I am considering to buy it for my home studio and for a long run. Also I noticed many bad reviews about mackie onyx AI on amazon but throughout youtube its all good so if possible please address these issues. Thank you.
Excellent review. I'm looking for a controller to connect to Gig Performer 5 on macbook pro m1. I was pleasantly surprised at the keyboard feel of this unit and also having after touch is a real bonus. I wanted to ask, When you went into to modified the Xpand parameters do I need to do all those menu clicks for each time i'm modifying a GP5 rackspace? I'm hoping that I just boot up Oxygen Pro and will just automatically map the controls to whatever I configured in GP without any additional menu diving. I'm assuming this is possible but just want to confirm if so. Thanks again Sanjay.
indeed you will be spending several minutes minutes setting up DAW and functions. Currently setting up my Oxygen MKV 49. What work it is.
Damn... tough question. Daw control or keyboard feel... ughhhh... I’m going to go with daw control, because it’s really the reason why you would want a keyboard with so many knobs and buttons to begin with, I think. (And when they don’t get the controls right, it can be a major headache.) The keys, on the other hand, can almost always be tolerated when they aren’t premium. But regardless, the Oxygen Pro has extremely great-feeling keys on top of the great control...
And I also highly recommend this keyboard. 9/10 - The only issue is the loud, plastic buttons. But you could get used to them.
How do the pads feel? The 16 pads is another reason I'm drawn to this, compared to others which usually only have 8. I do a lot of finger drumming so the feel is something I'm looking out for. Thanks!