As a music producer and enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can elevate our creative process. That’s why I’m excited to dive into the M Audio Oxygen 49, a MIDI keyboard controller that’s been making waves in the industry. This versatile piece of equipment has caught my attention for its potential to enhance our studio setups and streamline our workflow.
In this comprehensive review and buying guide, we’ll explore the key features and controls of the M Audio Oxygen 49. We’ll also take a look at the software bundle that comes with it and check out its compatibility with various digital audio workstations. Additionally, we’ll put its performance and usability to the test, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to decide if the Oxygen 49 is the right fit for your music production needs.
Key Features and Controls
Let’s dive into the heart of the M Audio Oxygen 49, exploring its standout features that make it a powerhouse in music production.
49 velocity-sensitive keys
The Oxygen 49 boasts a full-size, 49-key keyboard that’s velocity-sensitive. This feature allows us to express our musical ideas with nuance and feeling. The semi-weighted keys with aftertouch provide a realistic piano-like feel, enhancing our playing experience. Whether we’re laying down intricate melodies or punchy chords, these keys respond to our touch, capturing the dynamics of our performance.
Assignable knobs, pads, and faders
One of the aspects I love about the Oxygen 49 is its versatility in control. It comes equipped with eight assignable knobs, nine assignable faders, and eight RGB backlit pads. These controls open up a world of possibilities for our music creation process.
The knobs are perfect for tweaking virtual instrument parameters or adjusting effects in real-time. I find them particularly useful when fine-tuning synth sounds or controlling plugin parameters during a mix.
The nine faders give us hands-on control over our mix levels. It’s a game-changer to be able to adjust track volumes without constantly reaching for the mouse.
The velocity-sensitive pads are a beat-maker’s dream. They’re great for triggering samples, launching clips, or even using as a soundboard. The Note Repeat function is a standout feature for creating dynamic, evolving rhythms.
DirectLink DAW integration
What sets the Oxygen 49 apart is its DirectLink technology. This feature automatically maps the keyboard’s controls to common DAW functions, providing intuitive, hands-on control over our sessions.
DirectLink is compatible with several popular DAWs, including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Reason, Cubase, Logic Pro X, and GarageBand. For most of these, it’s built-in and requires no additional setup. For others, we just need to download a simple personality file.
With DirectLink, our knobs automatically map to pan or device controls, transport buttons control our DAW transport, and faders map to mixer faders. This seamless integration allows us to stay in the creative flow, reducing the need to switch between our MIDI controller and computer keyboard constantly.
Software Bundle and Compatibility
When it comes to the M Audio Oxygen 49, we’re not just getting a fantastic MIDI controller; we’re also receiving a generous software bundle that’ll kickstart our music production journey. Let’s dive into what’s included and how it all works together.
Included Software
The Oxygen 49 comes packed with some impressive software options. First up, we’ve got Ableton Live Lite, a powerful music creation tool that’s perfect for composing, recording, and performing. It’s a stripped-down version of the full Ableton Live, but it’s still incredibly capable.
We also get our hands on MPC Beats, which is great for beat-making and sampling. It’s got that legendary MPC workflow and even hosts AU/VST plugins, so we can expand our sound palette as we grow.
For synth enthusiasts, there’s Hybrid 3.0, a virtual synthesizer that blends analog warmth with digital precision. It’s versatile enough to create both classic and futuristic sounds.
AIR Music’s offerings are also part of the package. We get Velvet, an electric piano emulator that nails the sound of classic instruments from the 60s and 70s. There’s also Mini Grand for acoustic piano sounds, TubeSynth for vintage analog vibes, Electric for a range of keyboard emulations, and Bassline for those classic monophonic synth tones.
DAW Compatibility
The Oxygen 49 plays nice with a wide range of Digital Audio Workstations. Thanks to M-Audio’s DirectLink technology, it integrates seamlessly with Pro Tools, which is a huge plus for those of us in professional setups.
For other DAWs like Logic Pro, Garage Band, Reason, and Cubase, we’ll need to download a DirectLink package from M-Audio’s website. It’s a simple process that gets us up and running quickly. Ableton Live users (version 8.09 and later) will find built-in support, making the setup process a breeze.
iOS Connectivity
One of the coolest features of the Oxygen 49 is its iOS compatibility. With the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately), we can connect it to our iPad or other iOS devices. This opens up a world of possibilities for mobile music production, allowing us to perform and compose on the go with various audio apps.
Performance and Usability
When it comes to performance and usability, the M Audio Oxygen 49 really shines. I’ve found it to be a versatile and reliable tool for music production, both in the studio and on stage.
Build quality
The Oxygen 49 boasts a solid, reliable build that’s typical of M-Audio controllers. As a brand that’s been leading the mobile MIDI keyboard controller market for nearly a decade, M-Audio has put a lot of thought into the design. The keys are full-sized and velocity-sensitive, which is great for expressive playing. While they’re not weighted, they offer a good middle-ground in terms of resistance and feel.
One standout feature is the ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels. These are placed in a conventional location on the left side of the keyboard, making them easy to reach without interrupting your playing. There’s also a 1/4″ sustain pedal input, which is a nice touch for pianists.
Ease of use
What really sets the Oxygen 49 apart is its ease of use. The DirectLink mode is a game-changer, automatically mapping the controls to common DAW functions. This means less time fiddling with settings and more time making music. The eight assignable knobs, nine assignable sliders, and dedicated transport controls give you hands-on control over your session.
I particularly appreciate the factory presets that offer instant mapping to popular virtual instruments. This out-of-the-box integration with software like Pro Tools is a huge time-saver. The Select buttons make it easy to switch between MIDI channels and presets, giving you deep control over multitimbral software instruments.
Portability
For musicians on the move, the Oxygen 49 is a great choice. Its sleek, compact design makes it perfect for both studio and stage use. It’s USB-powered and class-compliant, which means you can just plug it in and start playing without any complicated setup.
One feature I love is its iOS compatibility. With the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, you can connect it to your iPad or other iOS devices. This opens up a world of possibilities for mobile music production, allowing you to perform and compose on the go with various audio apps.
Conclusion
The M Audio Oxygen 49 proves to be a versatile and user-friendly MIDI controller that has a significant impact on music production workflows. Its combination of responsive keys, assignable controls, and seamless DAW integration makes it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned producers. The included software bundle adds extra value, providing a comprehensive toolkit to kickstart or enhance music creation projects.
For those looking to upgrade their setup or dive into the world of MIDI controllers, the Oxygen 49 is definitely worth considering. Its balance of features, performance, and portability makes it suitable for a wide range of musical applications. Whether you’re creating in the studio or performing live, this controller offers the flexibility and control needed to bring your musical ideas to life.
FAQs
1. How effective is the M-Audio Oxygen 49 as a MIDI controller?
The M-Audio Oxygen 49 comes highly recommended as a MIDI controller. It is designed for users who have a basic knowledge of MIDI and possess piano or synthesizer software to operate it. The product is well-constructed and offers additional features beyond a standard MIDI keyboard, though it is not a synthesizer or electric piano.
2. Is it possible to operate the M-Audio Oxygen 49 without connecting it to a computer?
Yes, you can use the M-Audio Oxygen 49 independently of a computer. It can be powered using a USB cable connected to a USB wall adapter. Additionally, you can connect it to an external sound module using the MIDI DIN output port.
3. Does the M-Audio Oxygen 49 support aftertouch?
Indeed, the M-Audio Oxygen 49 features Channel Aftertouch, which enhances the expressiveness and control over your performance. Channel Aftertouch allows you to influence the sound output of a virtual instrument by varying the pressure you apply to the keys after they are initially struck.
4. What items are included with the purchase of an M-Audio Oxygen 49?
The M-Audio Oxygen 49 package includes a 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller equipped with beat pads, Smart Chord and Scale modes, an arpeggiator, and a comprehensive software suite.
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