M-Audio - Oxygen Pro Mini - 32 Note USB Controller Keyboard

This unit replaces my old M-Audio controller that finally reached its end of life. I have always been pleased with their products and my previous one lasted over 10 years.This controller is really nice, well built and I really like the semi-weighted keys.It arrived fast from AMS and has so many bells and whistles it will take me awhile to dig in and discover all of its capabilities - I'm looking forward to it.I used it as a basic controller to track a song the day it arrived, am very pleased and look forward to many years of service. I also love the smaller size as my previous controller was a full size keyboard.If you are deciding between the different models out there, pick this one - you won't be disappointed.

A lot of bang for the buck, but some corners were cut.

Overall it's a great controller. I use it to run Reaper and record MIDI, I also use it to control a Roland JV 1080 sound module, and in general it works fairly well, but......the drum pads velocity sensitivity out of the box is abysmal--a light tap gets you exactly nothing. In fact, in order to get any usable velocity sensitivity that doesn't require you to actually beat the thing hard enough to cause damage, you have to set it all the way up, or forego sensitivity altogether--which I suspect is why they added the dedicated target velocity's to the mix. There's no real way to get a smooth transition from ultra soft playing to ultra loud playing. It just won't happen--you'd be better off assigning velocity in a MIDI editor--which kind of defeats the advantages of ... MoreOverall it's a great controller. I use it to run Reaper and record MIDI, I also use it to control a Roland JV 1080 sound module, and in general it works fairly well, but......the drum pads velocity sensitivity out of the box is abysmal--a light tap gets you exactly nothing. In fact, in order to get any usable velocity sensitivity that doesn't require you to actually beat the thing hard enough to cause damage, you have to set it all the way up, or forego sensitivity altogether--which I suspect is why they added the dedicated target velocity's to the mix. There's no real way to get a smooth transition from ultra soft playing to ultra loud playing. It just won't happen--you'd be better off assigning velocity in a MIDI editor--which kind of defeats the advantages of having pads.The faders, like the velocity on the pads seem to like to jump from one point to the next without a smooth transition. You can look at the curves after using them and it's pretty obvious that they are skipping a lot in the middle--it looks like square waves more than a linear transition.Both the pad sensitivity and faders could likely be fixed by a firmware update, and probably should be. If this controller didn't offer a plethora of other features I would have sent it back, but as far as bang for the buck you really can't match what this things does, but the two problems I mentioned are definitely worth consideration, while they can be worked around, I shouldn't have to--but again there are other features that more than make up for the difference, and when you're making something as all-encompassing as this at such a low price-point, some things are bound to suffer.

Available only at B&H

I can not believe that the M Audio Oxygen Pro Mini was available at B&H! This midi keyboard controller is a Jack of all Trades! PC compatible-check! Ableton compatible-check! Track Sliders- check! Akai pads-check! Akai keybed-check! Should i continue?32 mini keys- check! Etc...

Brilliant MIDI Keyboard and reasonably priced.

I am a complete amateur and cannot comment on any technical specs but I love the keyboard. I have been frustrated by trying to use virtual keyboards so this has been incredibly liberating. The keys have a really nice soft spring to them and overall the keyboard is pretty well made. It has a bit of a plastic feel and the buttons are a little poppy or clicky but these are very small niggles. I gave setting up three stars as I found that part very complicated. The free use of the included software that comes with the purchase generous and gives you heaps to get started with.

Faulty Display

I have an open ticket with M-Audio right now regarding the keyboard's faulty display. Even performing a factory reset didn't do anything. Without this, you can't make adjustments, for example, the velocity curve. M-Audio is not sure why this is happening. I did send them a video showing the display when the keyboard is turned on and how I attempted to adjust the velocity curve.

Insane value for money

I am sure if you're reading this you probably have already seen some youtube reviews on this unit. It's kind of staggering how much you get for the dollar with modern controllers. The one negative I will put out there is the keys definitely do feel a little vague at times. Also, not that I plan to put this to the test, but I have a feeling dropping this keyboard the wrong way would have a bad outcome. Buttons, dials and sliders are all great, but this chassis honestly feels pretty thin.Again- that's part and parcel for this kind of money. If I could change one thing it would mainly be the key feel. If you are looking for something cheap and cheerful to make some loops or practice on the go, this is it!

It's fine for a beginner, but not quite studio-worthy

This keyboard is a solid step up from a smaller controller like an MPK mini or an Arturia Minilab. However, I bought this keyboard as an all-in-one desktop replacement for my Komplete Kontrol S88, and was pretty disappointed.The DAW transport controls are nice, but in my case it took a lot of time and effort to get it situated correctly (for Ableton, that is). The manual offers little help, and it's a pretty new product so there's not much online community support either. The keys feel okay, no complaints there, although I would prefer a little more spring to them. They do have really responsive aftertouch and velocity sensitivity though, which is the most positive thing I can say about it.I'm unfortunately returning it to the store. This keyboard would be great ... MoreThis keyboard is a solid step up from a smaller controller like an MPK mini or an Arturia Minilab. However, I bought this keyboard as an all-in-one desktop replacement for my Komplete Kontrol S88, and was pretty disappointed.The DAW transport controls are nice, but in my case it took a lot of time and effort to get it situated correctly (for Ableton, that is). The manual offers little help, and it's a pretty new product so there's not much online community support either. The keys feel okay, no complaints there, although I would prefer a little more spring to them. They do have really responsive aftertouch and velocity sensitivity though, which is the most positive thing I can say about it.I'm unfortunately returning it to the store. This keyboard would be great if you have a strict budget and are just getting started in production, but if you have a little more experience under your belt and/or you're looking to take this on the road with you, I would recommend a Komplete Kontrol or Arturia Keylab instead.

Oxygen Pro 61

Overall:So I needed to replace my keyboard, decided to go with this unit mostly because of keybed quality at this price point. seems to work just fine, like the feel and response of the keys so Success!I have no need for some of the other things this keyboard is capable of, but the two things I would like to suggest to M-Audio are this: I am not at all fond of the arp light constantly flashing with no way to turn it off and second, the multi colored pads are also a distraction with no way to shut the lights off.Having said that, I am still quite happy with the units performance and firmly believe it is the best unit in its price range.

Piece of junk, M-Audio is a junk company

Bought this 6 months ago, used it a handful of times in home studio, barely even used it to be honest. The OLED screen wasn't working out of nowhere when I tried to use it last. M-Audio ignored my first attempt to contact them through their website/my account, they claim they respond in 72 hours, it's been weeks. Just had to hold for 30 minutes to speak to someone on the phone. Now I have to ship it to them (at my expense apparently, yikes) and be without a MIDI controller for somewhere between 4-6 weeks, now that I actually need to use it of course. I'll be selling this junk at a loss as soon as I get it back and won't be purchasing M-Audio products again, horrible experience with product and service.

you DO NOT get what you pay for

Overall:The keyboard is nice good quality. but the software package is a scam. You DO NOT get Hybrid 3.0 the next generation in synthesis, AIR Music’s Velvet virtual electronic piano, or AIR Music’s Mini Grand. What you get is a 14-day trial demo version of each that continuously bugs you that it will expire soon and to purchase a license. I emailed M-Audio support about the activation codes for the above 3 titles, but that fell on def ears because they haven't returned a response.You DO NOT get Vacuum Classic the monophonic vintage synthesizer, or Boom Drum Machine, these are nowhere to be found for download and are not installed by default.What you do get is Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition which is buggy as heck, Ableton Live Lite, and MPC Beats. I specifically ... MoreOverall:The keyboard is nice good quality. but the software package is a scam. You DO NOT get Hybrid 3.0 the next generation in synthesis, AIR Music’s Velvet virtual electronic piano, or AIR Music’s Mini Grand. What you get is a 14-day trial demo version of each that continuously bugs you that it will expire soon and to purchase a license. I emailed M-Audio support about the activation codes for the above 3 titles, but that fell on def ears because they haven't returned a response.You DO NOT get Vacuum Classic the monophonic vintage synthesizer, or Boom Drum Machine, these are nowhere to be found for download and are not installed by default.What you do get is Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition which is buggy as heck, Ableton Live Lite, and MPC Beats. I specifically bought this keyboard for its supposed “Premium Software Suite Included” as stated on the M-Audio product page, and zZounds page as well. Had I known it was scam-ware, I would have just bought the M-Audio MKV keyboard and saved $70 bucks. In this case you DO NOT get what you pay for.