M-Audio is a name which most music producers are familiar with due to their reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable equipment suited for a diverse range of uses. In this review, we’ll be diving into the specifics of one of their popular products, the M-Audio Oxygen 25. This compact MIDI keyboard controller, packed with a bundle of creative features, aims to bring out the best in your music production and performance. However, as is the case with all equipment, it comes with its share of pros and cons. We’ll be considering factors such as portability, design, functionality and value to give an in-depth, well-rounded review of this formidable MIDI controller. This analysis should help aspiring musicians and experienced producers alike in deciding if this distinctive piece of kit is a suitable addition to their studio or live setup.
Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
The M-Audio Oxygen 25 comes in a snappy, secure packaging that ensures all your gear will arrive in excellent condition. It comes neatly packed with a USB cable, a software registration card, a user guide, and of course, the MIDI keyboard itself.
Upon first look, the keyboard stands out with its sleek design and compact size. The color scheme is a mix of black, white, and blue which is pleasing to the eyes. Considering it is a 25-key MIDI controller, you’ll immediately notice that it is perfect for producers who want a piece of reliable equipment that doesn’t eat up all the space in the studio.
One of the most noticeable features on unboxing the Oxygen 25 is that it feels significantly sturdy. The build quality stands out, and despite being lightweight and compact, it doesn’t feel flimsy. This suggests that the Oxygen 25 won’t undergo easy wear-and-tear, making it an excellent choice for those who travel a lot or gig regularly.
Upon holding the keys, you will notice that they are full-sized, synth-action keys which are surprisingly responsive and smooth to touch. The pitch and modulation wheels also provide a good tactile feel, granting you more precise control over your digital instruments.
On board, you’re also getting eight MIDI-assignable knobs, transport controls, and DirectLink mode, which offers a hands-on control over your DAW, allowing you to tweak, mix, and create music exactly the way you want. The Oxygen 25 is fully USB powered, with no extra power supplies needed. This means that you just need to plug in and start making music, wherever you are.
After the unboxing, it becomes clear that the M-Audio Oxygen 25 combines a compact design with adequate controls, making it well-equipped for both studio production and live performance duties. The initial look and feel indicate that it’s built to deliver a flawless workflow and comfortable playing experience, which are crucial for every music creator.
| Product Name | Amazon Link |
|---|---|
| M Audio Oxygen 25 Keyboard Controller | Find more info on Amazon here! |
| M Audio Oxygen Pro 25 Controller | Find more info on Amazon here! |
Key Features and Functionality
The M-Audio Oxygen 25 is a compact and versatile MIDI controller that provides a variety of features and functionalities making it a preferred choice for both beginner and professional music producers.
-
25-Velocity Sensitive Keys: The Oxygen 25 features 25 full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys. These keys have a natural feel and are highly responsive, making it ideal for those who want the tactile precision of a traditional instrument.
-
8 Pads: This controller comes with 8 pads for beat production, clip launching, and more. The pads are also velocity-sensitive, allowing for expressive, detailed performance.
-
Assignable Knobs and Faders: With 8 assignable knobs and 1 master fader, you can gain complete control over your mix and DAW software. The Oxygen 25 lets you manipulate plugins and virtual instruments in real-time.
-
DirectLink Mode: The DirectLink mode in Oxygen 25 automatically maps the controls to popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and more. This feature offers an easy way to control your DAW right from the controller without manual mapping.
-
Compact and Portable Design: Oxygen 25 is compact and easily portable. It’s perfect for mobile production setups and smaller workspaces. Yet, it is durable and solidly built to withstand heavy use.
-
Software Suite: M-Audio Oxygen 25 comes bundled with a comprehensive software suite that includes Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition. These powerful music-making tools can kickstart your music production journey instantaneously.
-
Transport Controls: The Oxygen 25 also features transport controls, which let you play, stop, or record in your DAW from your controller. The control layout is also highly intuitive, facilitating a smooth workflow.
-
Sustain Pedal Input: This MIDI controller includes a sustain pedal input for additional expression during your performance.
-
USB-Powered: The Oxygen 25 operates via USB, which powers the unit and provides a MIDI connection to your computer. This eliminates the need for an additional power cable, making the setup process much smoother.
-
Integration: This controller integrates with popular DAWs, virtual instruments, plugins, and more. The integration is seamless and offers an uninterrupted music production experience.
These features make the Oxygen 25 a multifunctional tool that meets various music production requirements, providing a high level of control and flexibility for the user. Its seamless integration with various software tools also adds to its appeal and versatility, making it a solid investment.
Sound Quality and Performance
The sound quality and performance of the M-Audio Oxygen 25 are both noteworthy features. The Oxygen 25’s 25-key synth-action keyboard gives it an ideal range for performing while also being exceptionally portable. The keys are highly responsive, ensuring the user’s creative flow is met with seamless performance.
The Oxygen 25 comes with 8 MIDI-assignable knobs that let you automate and manipulate your DAW or virtual instruments effortlessly, further enhancing the quality of your music. The performance controls include Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels that come in handy for adding expression to your performance. These control aspects refine the sound quality, making it richer and more immersive.
The device also features auto-mapping buttons that work perfectly with popular DAWs, enabling you to enhance your performance without skipping a beat. The DirectLink mode automatically maps these controls to common DAW parameters, allowing you to customize your production and mix more intuitively.
Most importantly, the Oxygen 25 presents the producer with infinite possibilities when it comes to the sound palette. From virtual synths and plugins to sample triggers and drum pads, the Oxygen 25 accommodates them all. This proves extremely advantageous when it comes to sound quality as it allows artists to explore diverse sonic environments.
Incorporating these features into their performance, users of the M-Audio Oxygen 25 have noted an increase in their ability to produce exceptional sound quality. Whether it’s for live performances or studio recordings, the Oxygen 25 ensures a powerful and reliable performance every time.
It’s also worth noting that the Oxygen 25 has a well-implemented velocity sensitivity to ensure what you play is what you get. This results in a more authentic and expressive performance, capturing the emotional nuances of your project with greater precision.
In conclusion, the M-Audio Oxygen 25, with its exceptional performance and superior sound quality, strikes a perfect balance between functionality and creativity, making it a go-to-choice for musicians around the globe. Whether you are a beginner aiming to explore your musical talent, or an advanced user hunting for a piece of gear to add to your setup, the Oxygen 25 promises a significant improvement in your sound quality and performance.
Connectivity and Integration
The M-Audio Oxygen 25 offers a range of connectivity options that promises seamless integration with your digital audio workstation (DAW) of choice. It comes with a USB port to provide direct links to your computer without the need for additional drivers. The advantage of such feature is that it allows for quick plug-and-play functionality, making it very user-friendly even for beginners.
Additionally, the Oxygen 25 controller keyboard is class-compliant which means that you can use it with all major DAWs on macOS and Windows without the need for specific drivers. This not only simplifies the setup process but also broadens the range of music software the device can work with.
The controller also comes fully equipped with MIDI out, which makes it a versatile option for stage performances and studio setups alike. The MIDI out port allows users to control external hardware synthesizers, drum machines or any other devices that accept MIDI signals.
One of the most significant features of the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is the Auto Mapping technology. This technology significantly simplifies the process of mapping the MIDI controls to the parameters of your software instruments and enables the users to start making music right away.
In terms of software integration, the Oxygen 25 comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, both of which are powerhouse DAWs known for their robust functionality and wide user base. This makes the Oxygen 25 an excellent choice for those just starting out with music production or those looking to expand their existing studio setup.
Overall, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 offers exceptional connectivity and integration. With its extensive features, flexibility and ease of use it seems to be an ideal controller for both beginners and professional musicians.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to convenience and capacity in a compact MIDI keyboard, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is often a go-to choice. While this device offers some promising features, it does come with its own set of strengths and drawbacks.
Pros
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is its compact and lightweight design. It makes perfect sense for traveling musicians or those working in a home studio with limited space. The device can fit comfortably in most backpacks or laptop cases, allowing for easy transportation.
Additionally, the Oxygen 25 is very user-friendly. It is plug-and-play compatible with many software and hardware devices, ensuring seamless integration into most existing setups. The one-touch-button Auto Mapping feature is similarly a huge plus, making it easy to assign your controls to your software parameters without the need for obscure programming knowledge.
Moreover, the Oxygen 25 comes with an ample selection of controls, including eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads for beat production, a full array of transport controls, and assignable knobs to handle your mix. The pads are highly reactive and smooth to touch – providing a great drumming experience.
Furthermore, the device contains full-size synth-action keys that offer a great in-depth feel and response, contributing to a more authentic playing experience.
Cons
Despite its many pros, the Oxygen 25 does have some downsides. One of the chief complaints is the light build quality. Some users have reported problems with knobs, buttons, or keys failing after a relatively short period of use. This could be an issue for users who need a rock-solid gear.
Another critique is the lack of onboard display. This absence makes it slightly tricky to keep track of your parameters, patches, or settings, and it might be a significant issue for some, especially the beginners.
Finally, while the compact size is generally a benefit, it could also mean a potential drawback for some musicians. The slim, 25-key range may not be enough for those wishing to perform complex parts or advanced two-handed playing.
Comparisons with Other Products
When examining the M-Audio Oxygen 25, it’s important to compare it with similar products on the market to understand the features and benefits it offers.
Compared to the Novation Launchkey Mini, both have similar compact and portable sizes. The Oxygen 25, however, offers full-size keys compared to the mini keys of the Launchkey Mini, which some musicians might find more comfortable for playing. Both have eight drum pads, but the Oxygen 25 features velocity-sensitive ones for a more expressive experience.
In contrast to the Akai MPK Mini, the Oxygen 25 provides a more comprehensive control panel. While both have eight drum pads and preset functionality, the Oxygen features nine fully assignable sliders. On the other hand, the MPK Mini offers an arpeggiator and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control, which the Oxygen 25 lacks.
When compared to the Arturia MiniLab MkII, the Oxygen 25 stands out with its LCD screen, providing users with real-time feedback and control over their DAW. The MiniLab MkII, however, boasts 16 multitouch, RGB pads and comes with a software bundle that includes Arturia’s Analog Lab Lite, a powerful synthesizer plugin, which may be a strong selling point for some users.
Against the Nektar Impact LX25+, the Oxygen 25 sports a more robust build and an LCD screen. Both offer similar control options, but the Oxygen 25’s keys are full-sized in contrast to the compact keys of the LX25+, offering musicians a full-scale keyboard experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the M-Audio Oxygen 25 and other similar products mainly depends on personal preference and specific needs. Users looking for full-sized keys, a comprehensive control suite, and an LCD screen will likely choose the Oxygen 25. However, those prioritizing an arpeggiator, a 4-way joystick, or a bundled software might consider the other options.
Price Point and Value for Money
When it comes to budget-friendly MIDI controllers, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 holds its own. This compact keyboard delivers great utility and functionality, offering a fair number of features for its price point. For the novice producer or the traveling musician, the Oxygen 25 offers a manageable balance between cost and capabilities.
Retailing at around $119, this MIDI controller is quite affordable compared to similarly featured products in the market. The Oxygen 25 carries a value that convincingly matches its cost, providing a wide array of control and functionality. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, M-Audio doesn’t compromise on the quality, durability, or aesthetic charm of the product.
For its price, M-Audio Oxygen 25 delivers a handful of powerful features. These include a fully assignable array of modulation wheels, sliders, and knobs. There’s also the added benefit of a built-in arpeggiator, perfect for adding flavor and interest to the electronic music production in real-time. Furthermore, the presence of full velocity-sensitive keys adds to its value, even at such an affordable rate.
Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Oxygen 25 is its convenience and portability. Considering its budget price, the controller offers an impressive degree of adaptability for on-the-go musicians who need to fit a MIDI controller into their backpack or suitcase. Being USB-powered, it eliminates the need for an additional power supply, making it perfect for travel.
It’s also worth noting that Oxygen 25 is bundled with software like Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and Ableton Live Lite, both robust DAWs for making fantastic music. This addition certainly increases the value-for-money ratio of the product.
In summary, M-Audio Oxygen 25 is a fantastic choice for anyone searching for a cost-effective MIDI controller. It offers an excellent balance of features and affordability without sacrificing the quality of performance. Therefore, it retains a strong value-for-money factor that makes it a worthy investment.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The M-Audio Oxygen 25 offers impressive features for its price range, and it’s an ideal MIDI keyboard controller for both beginners and professional music producers. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a perfect choice for those who have limited studio space or need a portable device for on-the-go music production.
One of its standout features is the responsive and semi-weighted keys, which provide a comfortable and dynamic playing experience. Further, the eight assignable knobs, pads, and faders add significant value, offering hands-on control of your DAW and virtual instruments.
The Oxygen 25 integrates seamlessly with popular DAWs and comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite and other music creation software, offering instant creative potential right out of the box. While there’s a slight learning curve in understanding all its features and functions, it’s a manageable task with a considerable payoff.
A potential downside is the lack of an external power supply, but it’s a minor setback considering it’s a USB-powered device, which makes it more convenient and portable.
All in all, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is a versatile and value-packed MIDI controller that delivers on its promise of superior performance and extensive control. For beginners looking to get into music production or experienced producers needing a compact MIDI keyboard, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is definitely worth considering.