Customer Reviews

M-Audio OXYGEN 61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller 9900-51394-10

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd been looking for a MIDI keyboard to control my virtual instruments in Cubase, and this one seemed to have the most features for the price Amazon was offering. I was not disappointed- the keyboard is solidly built and has just the right amount of features. I downloaded a Cubase profile on a third-party site and instantly I could use the 9 faders to control 8 tracks and the master volume. The same went for the faders, and even the transport controls (Loop, Rew, FF, Stop, Play, Rec) worked flawlessly.

The pressure sensitivity on the keys is adequate, but may not be enough for a more accomplished piano player. I just use it to bang out accompaniment for the guitar and bass tracks I'm writing. I also use it to program drum tracks, and am able to get different drum velocities by varying the pressure on the keys.

This keyboard includes pitch and modulation wheels (both excellent), programmable buttons/panners/faders, octave up and down (up to 3 octaves in either direction), extra MIDI in/out ports, and a USB interface.

If this keyboard had motorized faders, it would jump up to the next class of controllers, but would probably weigh and cost a bit more. As it is, I just have to remember to zero out the faders and panners before loading an existing project, then carefully match the project track levels. This could wreak havoc with saved mixes if you don't pay attention.

Also, the keys sometimes don't register a hit when playing very softly- but again, I'm not a piano player so this may be a user problem. In other words, it's likely that below a certain threshold, the keys aren't supposed to activate. I don't feel like it's broken, and I think the sensitivity can be modified but I haven't felt the need to.

Finally, although a wide range of preset profiles were included, I had to find a Cubase profile myself, and Cubase is pretty common recording software. Still, the Internet provides where companies do not.

Overall, I am very pleased with this keyboard and it suits my needs. It didn't break the bank and I can do 90% of the things I wanted to do with it. In the future I may buy a Behringer motorized mixer and let that handle the mixing functions that this keyboard really wasn't intended for anyway.

I've been playing my Oxygen 61-key for a while and I've been very impressed with the quality of the keyboard. The keys are weighted well. Not too stiff and definitely not loose, giving them a realistic feel. The controls are easily mapped to your virtual instrument. The modulation and pitch control wheels allow fine tuning of the sound.

I've used many MIDI controllers, including other M-Audio products and I think this is the most realistic feeling controller I've played.

I used many different brands of MIDI controllers, and was given an OXY 61 by M-Audio to review in my new book: Composing Digital Music For Dummies. Composing Digital Music For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

I've found that it works great with almost all software, and has some built-in settings to help interface with programs like Reason and Ableton, which help speed the learning curve. I've found it simple to use, yet it supplies a lot of advanced features, the best combination.

First of all, it IS vista-32bit/Mac compatible. Thing with vista is you have to download the Vista 32-bit driver off their website
[...]

Pros:
-Light-weight
-Looks clean and very professional
-Nearly every key/slider/knob is assignable
-Cheap
-Easy to setup
-Works for both Mac & Windows

Cons:
-Userguide that comes with it doesn't show you how to do anything
-Had to manually go to their website and download the vista-32bit driver.
-Driver Installation CD only works for XP/Mac

I researched this on the M-Audio site as well as here - and this isn't the Oxygen 61 on M-Audio's site. This is a discontinued model and doesn't work with DirectLink Mode in Apple Snow Leopard - and there aren't any drivers available for it - nor do I see any planned.

So - If you're looking for a Mac keyboard for GarageBand or Logic - you want the current BLUE version.

I've given it 3 stars for fast shipping - can't tell anymore than that - and this needs a rating to post.

I'm starting a little home studio and this is the perfect tool to start making music in your pc or playing live using any sound you like from a multimedia library. It has all de gadgets you'll need to control the different aspects of the effects on the sound your playing. For the price there's nothing like it and M-Audio runs with everything. Is a plug-and-play hardware for pc or mac. If mine broke down I'd buy it again.

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I got to admit, I am a newbie at MIDI. I decided to buy the Oxygen 61 as per suggestions from the salesman and so far I'm impressed with it. After just one night trying to get the hold of it, I was able to create some cool samples with the bundled software Ableton Live 6 (it says 4 in the box but this is not true). At first I didn't have a clue on how to program all those controls it comes with, but some YouTube and Ableton's documentation helped me a lot. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the controls next to the display but overall I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase.

Excellente choice if you want a verdatile usb controller for garageband or, better, Logic Studio. You convert your Mac in many great synths.

The Oxygen 61 Controller is just what I wanted in a controller. The action is workable for most any circumstance I have come across. The Price was very good considering all the features

The keys feel terrific on this 61 key midi-controller. It works perfectly with Logic Studio. It has a wealth of knobs, buttons, faders, even transport controls that are all programmable making it a must have for the serious home studio/gig rig.

The unit is very solid and built to last yet is not too heavy.

Love this keyboard! Hard to believe it costs so little!