M Audio are the game changers in this industry right now. It was the code series before and I loved the code series. The Oxygen pro takes it to a whole new level.
We're just cycling back about 15 years when everyone was trying to cram everything into their controllers. My old Axiom 49 was a wicked controller, still running strong-ish. I would personally love for this mentality to make a comeback. You're buying a controller to have physical control over things!
Thank you Mike, I just got, still in the box it’s a 49, and I wanted to watch this again. You convinced me so for the price and Fl studio this should be the board for me! Got deepmind 12 too!
Just a word to the wise; the free Pro Tools First edition software bundled with the keyboard *does not* permit use of the DAW controls on the Oxygen Pro (M-Audio don't mention this *anywhere* in their promo material or even the quickstart manual) and you'll be needing to buy the "full-fat" version of PT if you want to use that feature of the keyboard. Other than that minor gripe (I ended up investing in the full Pro Tools DAW, but what the hell), I can confirm that it is an *outstanding* midi controller, and John Mikes evaluation of this bit of kit - as per his video - is pretty much on the money, and if you're in the market for a *really good* midi controller at a decent price, it's seriously a no-regrets purchase.
My Pro61 arrived in the mail last week and I'm very happy with it. No, they're not paying me to say this. It was honestly just one of the only affordable 61-key controllers I could find with aftertouch that looked decent. The pads are actually a lot softer than my oldschool 1st generation MPK25. The keybed is not as resilient as the MPK25, but I actually didn't like that about the MPK25. I think it's a really nice keyboard overall. You won't be disappointed.
Ohh man, I’ve been waiting for this review for so long! 😭 thanks a lot. Bought this end of November and I’m still waiting for it to arrive 😤 apparently because of Covid
Had to return a 49-key Oxygen Pro - hopefully nobody else will, it looked awesome on paper and I found the keybed to feel really nice in the price range and aftertouch is as awesome as you think, definitely get a board with aftertouch! I just had some issues with it, even a screen issue in time (but that can be a one-off thing, they're making thousands of products and it doesn't mean they all have bad screens). Based on what I talked about with other owners while I had it, it could use a firmware update for sure, hopefully they get that underway (been talking about it for months - we want to believe, M-Audio!). Anyone loving it right now, wish you nothing but continued love and success with it, make good music y'all and enjoy. Just sharing my experience.
Hi there, thanks for sharing your experience with the board. As you had an issue with the screen, do you know if there's any way to see the screen on the computer so you are still able to change all the settings even if the screen is not readable? Thanks!
@@TheMarczh No idea. I have been using an Akai MPK 249 instead since, no issues & I love it. The same conglomerate owns both companies, but a higher manufacturing budget for a well-established piece of hardware (plus, Made in Taiwan vs. Made in China) seems to count for something good here, IMO.
There are some great options out there for keyboards in that price bracket. My only issue with M-Audio is they have a tendency to drop support for their hardware a few years after release.
Yeah this happened to me years ago with one of their more affordable 49 key keyboards it’s still in great condition but I can’t seem to find drivers for it that will make it work with my current operating system :(((
😮 i had a Roland 49 key for years. When i upgraded to this M Audio Oxygen Pro 61 my piano playing improved 100% I can practice on it for hours and everything just works fine. I know they are better keyboards out there but you wont be disappointed with this one. With a powerful computer the keypads work well very reaponsive but if you are dealing with latency issues then obviously its a no go to ise the pads.
wow you released this vid just in time. I literally had my finger on the trigger but was hesitating, but now I've decided thanks to you! where is the affiliate link to purchase this?
I'm having trouble deciding between the Arturia Keylab Essential and the M-Audio Oxygen Pro. It sounds like the Pro has a noisier keybed. Which keybed is better? Which controller is better overall? I can't wait for a comparison. Great review!
@@Talia.777 should I buy m audio oxygen61 or oxygen 61 pro.. I'm a little confused is it worth spending more dollars? Or should I go with basic oxygen?
Just bought the Pro 49. Don't know about other DAWs, but if you use Studio One then first thing you should do is update the keyboard's firmware. There was an issue with the earlier firmware that meant Track 1 was always triggered, regardless of which track you were working in. Again, can only speak for Studio One. Firmware update resolved the issue and now I absolutely LOVE this keyboard. So summary: if using Studio One, update firmware as soon as you take it out of the box. Otherwise fantastic.
I wonder why no one never points out the control side of these units in their reviews. These are midi controllers after all. Like, can you assign parameters to encoders?,#cc to faders?. Do faders have a pickup or jump selection assignable,?. Daw integration etc. This will help make an informed decision. My two cents.
I got a more detailed review coming to show all of those things...and most of the time as reviewers we know we only got a short time to hold people’s retention...10 min is most of the time the max retention window...hard to squeeze all of those things in with a 10 min overview covering the main features...
I owned it for over a year. It's really decent keyboard. However, first copy arrived broken, touch buttons were corrupted. Second one I was using until last week. Screen started to burning out many months ago to finally go nuts and completely broken. I've read similar opinions on reddit, so I'm not the only one. This week I'll test Launchkey Mk3, Arturia Keylab Essential and Komplete Kontrol A49, hope one of these will stay with me for a longer :) Have a great day!
@@franperru4090 I ended up with another copy of Oxygen Pro 49 - great keybed and many features included, for me best midi keyboard in this price range.
Nice video just got this keyboard two days ago I love it upgraded from a Alesis vi61 I prefer this m-audio over the alesis great keyboard and makes my work flow faster
Been looking for a new midi controller since my axiom 25 died. M-Audio almost sold me with the oxygen pro line, but the lack of endless encoders turned me off. The axiom had them 15 years ago. This feels like a downgrade.
Hi John Mike, firstly thank you very much for all of your videos and for putting all your time and effort in to helping us all out 👍 I've just bought a 25 key version of the Oxygen PRO, but I found it very limited key number wise for my style, so I'm sending it back. I've got 250 GBP to spend on a 49 Key controller, what controller would you recommend for use with FL Studio in that price range. Thanks.
I had a recent bad experience with m-audio customer service. I will never buy m-audio products any more as they do not provide proper technical support.
@@felipeleoo Yeah I got it and I am enjoying it a lot. The keys feel great, you get a lot of VST's with it too so you can start playing right away. I think its a mighty fine keyboard, deffo 5/5.
Im coming from a dawless ecosystem. Decided to do a softsynths one and was ready to pull the trigger on a keylab but last moment this boy went on listings so i brought it home. The how easily it blends with studio artist and reason is mindblowing but i feel is like the unofficial fl studio midi keyboard akai knows... Long time ago when i was studying i had the komplete S49 mk1. This one feels more noisy but quality build its not bad at all overall +aftertouch im extremely happy with it. Looks good also next to my jdxa and juno106 .
1 more expression input, 1 midi DIN input and At least 4 encoders and this would be perfect. Up to this date nothing beats the Novation 61-SL MK2 not even the MK3, even having touch sensitive controllers
I really like how M-Audio is DAW agnostic, that is, they make keyboards that support almost all major DAWs that people use and the ones that keep getting overlooked like FL Studio. How is this new Oxygen Pro compared to the M-Audio Code?
@@tonylancer7367 They support them but integration really sucks with anything besides ableton and pro tools. I´m using Cubase and can't recommend this keyboard because it just sucks on the controller side of things. Also theres literally no documentation besides a small Quickstart-Guide.
Mr. Mike, I only see one long-term review of this keyboard in all of RU-vid land. Would you be able to give an honest review, simply stating how this keyboard has held up over time? It's been a few years now.
Great review Mike!! As always!. Quick question: How well does Oxygen Pro integrate with NI's Komplete software? Because you mention you use NI Komplete software. Thanks
i use it with cubase 11, there's two mains problem, the pitchbend is lagging, and using the oxygen pro make the rec always armed on the first track (i have to disconnect the midi port set on mackie control to disarmed the rec on the first track) so i can't use the transport etc...other than that the keybed is ok, the pad aren't enough sensitive but workable...hope that m-audio support will react fast with a new firmware... i have the launchkey mk3 no bug but the pad are small (good sensitivity), the keybed is strange but workable and no note repeat
Hi John - about to choose between two amazing 61 key controllers - would like to know if you would recommend the Oxygen 61 PRO or the Arturia Keylab ESSENTIAL 61? I'm siding with the Oxygen on the basis that the keybed is semi-weighted and the feel of keys is an important factor for me which is why it's just tipping the scales over the keylab essential. Would be great to get your verdict. Thanks!
I went with the pro and have no regrets! The control, feel, internal features and especially the keys are an absolute steal for the price - luckily got it on an Xmas deal for £200 as well, thank you for your help and expertise dude👍🏼
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
Sorry, but after 2 weeks of using the 49, the Chord and Scale functions have gone crazy ... The configuration software is very, very complicated to use, and in Fl 20 it does not work quite well. The knobs do not work well in Fl, and neither do the transport controls. I suppose those functions will improve, but it is still too new a product, with essential improvements to be made.
Clicky clacky like the old m-audio code. Hmm, I always had m-audio keyboards but this is a point I can´t live with any longer. Time to try Arturia. Thanks for the review.
I bought this probably with a different requirement to most - record/play live jazz piano. The keyboard is sooo sensitive even in lowest sensitivity mode that it's impossible to use with pianos without sounding like you're hammering them, limiting the velocity works a little, but then you can't have great dynamic range. I've sent it back and bit the bullet on an sl73.
traded up from 49 to 61 and Wow this could be my new workhorse along with my mpc studio mk2 ....m-audio and akai are doing great this year....yo btw John have you tested this on the mpc preset daw in mpc studio ?
Looks good. But I can’t stand clicky-clacky. Sorry. Solid sounding works for me. Which would you recommend. I all ready got enough sounds. Need a more solid sounding key-bed.
Is this keyboard a valid replacement for the Code 61? I believe the keybed is the same but the Code always had some problems with midi freezes that caused the communication with the Daw to stop. (I can't continue with this fear with live shows). So I was wondering if anyone experienced something similar with the Oxygen Pro. Or if someone could suggest me a good keyboard within the, more or less, same price range (I've seen that the Novation Impulse is quite high rated).
Hi, thanks for the review! I always follow your videos with interest and wanted to ask you how do you think the Oxygen pro 61 compares to the Akai Professional MPK61?
I bought one of these last year and compared with my usual novation controllers, it's sub standard. No expression pedal input and terrible touch sensitivity issues.
Hey Mike. Thanks for the work you’re doing, much appreciated. Now I have a question for you that I hope you can answer. Where did you find the information that the Keybed is the exact same as on the Keystation 61? And when you rate the keybed 4/5 - is that reflecting the price range or is it in direct comparison with, let’s say, a fully weighted digital piano? With love from Scandinavia Sincerely Mosi
Hi, recently I bought oxygen pro 61. Im disappointment the black keys have different velocity from white keys! When you’re playing suddenly sounds more louder than the white keys. Annoying. Have do you the same experience?
Pretty sure you said in a another video since you're right handed you like the Launchkey faders being on the right so you can still hold chord with your left while adjusting. Here you said you like them on the left instead. If I'm wrong, I apologize, but if I'm not, then which is it, right or left?
I like the lay out , but as a long time FL user and I have the red Axiom 49 1st gen, and the Axiom 25 1st gen , and just got the Akai MPK mini 3. I need proof that it work well in FL Studio -20 for me to get this board. or any other size M-Audio Pro.
Very hard choice...I need to really sit with them both...hard to say at this point...I would probably go with the oxygen tho because of all of the control it offers
hey, thanks for review. Just a question - which keybed you think is the best on the market (not hammered keys, that is different category) if not this one? I am looking for some best feeling of keys on the semiweighted keyboard. I thought it is this one. If you dont think so, please give me some recommendation:) Thanks.
Thanks for this awesome review, I didnt even know they came out with a new model, until i saw your thumbnail yesterday. I had the 1st Oxygen, the grey one... Got it around year 2005, and got rid of it in 2018... Other than the keys eventually turning yellow, it started sending random midi signals, Midi Cc 7 would randomly turn down my volume on whichever Vst.
I just got a used m audio axiom pro 61, had to return it in a day because it stopped working within half an hour. A few slaps and it did start back but I couldn't invest in something that unreliable. It seems m audio stuff ain't that long lasting.
I really like that the aftertouch it works vs axiom but you cannot assign it to a cc parameter like the axiom at least its not in the editor.. the pads are great too no double taps just controlled triplets lol
@John Mike - Have you tried the M-Audio Code 49/ 61, and if so - how does it compare to this keyboard? I'm leaning more towards picking up the Code 61 because of the placement of the pads, but wondering if there is a noticeable difference in the key beds? Great video, thanks so much J
I have...here’s a video I did on it...ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-skJUSRdL-dA.html but if I had a choice I’d probably still go for the oxygen
Thank you for this and have my sub. I'm selling my Juno DS and getting this. I started doing everything in box and so a synth with the bare minimum of midi control wasn't cutting it. My UMC 404 has midi i/o as using an expression pedal is big for me switching from piano to synth and back, so no worries there.
@RAE GAIA Switching over made my life so much easier. Hitting drum samples and chopped loops with the pads, great midi integration, and less weight to carry. And I got a great buyer on Reverb who bought my Juno (I had all the original boxes/paperwork), so I paid nothing for the Oxygen Pro.
@RAE GAIA 1. I played piano/key parts and more traditional synth parts in my band. No complaints on the semi-weighted key bed. 2. It has tranpose, arp mode, and chord mode (never used it). 3. Fully USB powered. It'll last as long as whatever it's connected to. 4. This is a midi-only keyboard. It does not make or modify sound by itself. It will always need a computer/tablet/etc running some sort of software. Since I played shows where there's always a trillion power strips, it was another reason I ditched the Juno. All I used it for was to control Ableton.
I confirm that the controller doesn't work in FL Studio. The play button does not work with Fl studio software. There are several issues reported by users that use logic pro as well.
After reading many online reviews on the net(specially German ones) for this keyboard it seems that it has a worst keybed than any simular Novation,NI and even AKAI's keyboards. Also it has a very bad implementation of aftertouch. It needs quite a lot of key pressing to make it fuction?? Is it correct John?