M-AudioOxygen Pro 61 - 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)

Pros:- Incredible value for the features offered- Superior build quality compared to the Arturia Keylab- Versatile and well-designed keyboard controller- Responsive and dynamic playing experienceCons:- Difficulty in pulling tempo from Logic- Cumbersome drum pad programming in LogicSummary:The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 keyboard delivers exceptional value and boasts better build quality compared to the Arturia Keylab. It offers a versatile and well-designed keyboard controller that enhances the playing experience. However, there are a couple of challenges that arise when working with Logic, specifically regarding tempo synchronization and drum pad programming.One significant advantage of the Oxygen Pro 61 is its remarkable value, providing an impressive range of features at an accessible price point. The build quality surpasses that of the Arturia Keylab, ensuring durability and longevity for extended use.The keyboard offers a responsive and dynamic playing experience, allowing musicians to express themselves with precision and accuracy. The keys are well-designed and provide a satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing overall performance.However, there are some hurdles when it comes to integrating the Oxygen Pro 61 with Logic. Pulling tempo from Logic can be a challenging task, which may require additional troubleshooting or configuration to achieve proper synchronization. This issue can potentially disrupt the workflow and hinder seamless collaboration between the keyboard and the DAW.Additionally, programming the drum pads in Logic can be a cumbersome process. It may involve navigating through complex menus and settings, which can be time-consuming and less user-friendly compared to other platforms or controllers.Despite these challenges, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 keyboard remains a highly valuable and well-built controller that enhances the overall musical experience. While the tempo synchronization and drum pad programming in Logic may require extra effort and patience, the keyboard's performance and versatility make it a worthy choice for musicians and producers.TL;DR:The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 keyboard offers incredible value and superior build quality compared to the Arturia Keylab. It provides a versatile and well-designed keyboard controller with a responsive and dynamic playing experience. However, there are challenges when working with Logic, including difficulty in pulling tempo and cumbersome drum pad programming. Despite these issues, the Oxygen Pro 61 remains a valuable tool for musicians, offering impressive features and performance.

So, I recently got my hands on the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61, and it’s been a pretty solid addition to my setup. If you’re looking for a 61-key MIDI controller that won’t empty your wallet, this one’s definitely worth considering.First off, the keys are quite responsive. They’ve got that nice bounce that’s perfect for everything from smooth melodies to those epic solos you practice when no one’s watching. They feel good to play, whether you’re just messing around or working on a serious project.The drum pads are a highlight. There are eight RGB-backlit pads that are super responsive. They’re perfect for triggering samples or laying down beats. The visual feedback from the lights is a nice touch—it makes it easy to see what’s happening at a glance, which is great for both studio work and live jams.The control section is pretty user-friendly. You’ve got knobs, faders, and buttons that you can map out to your DAW or virtual instruments. The MIDI learn function is straightforward, so you can get everything set up quickly without a lot of fuss.Setting it up with my DAWs was a smooth process. Whether it was Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio, everything synced up nicely without any headaches. It’s nice not to have to spend hours troubleshooting just to get started.Build-wise, the Oxygen Pro 61 feels solid. It’s not too heavy, so it’s easy to move around if you need to. It’s built well enough that it should hold up over time, which is always a plus.If I had to mention a couple of drawbacks, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have aftertouch, which might be a miss for some players. And while the pitch and modulation wheels get the job done, they’re a bit basic. Nothing too major, though—just a little something to keep in mind.Overall, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 is a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable, feature-rich MIDI controller that won’t break the bank. It’s a solid piece of gear for both beginners and more experienced musicians.

NOTE TO MAC SONOMA USERS!! You will have issues trying to install the software, as the software isn't updated for compatability with MAC OS, Sonoma; per their support site. I use it as a stand alone MIDI controller on a rig, the remainder of this review is from that perspective.It works stand alone, no computer required! Action is good enough, it works totally stand-alone, no computer needed to program or perform with. Has zone aftertouch, 4 MIDI zones and presets including program change commands, really pretty fully featured. It's not perfect and a bit quirky here and there, but it blows away the Novation controller I purchased a few months back. The presets take a few seconds to pull up and the pads need a latch/color latch, when used to send program change they don't stay lit. Common controllers are a bit clumsy to deal with (pitch, mod, etc. I would have given an honest 4.5 star rating if you could rate a 1/2 star increment. As a secondary board in a crazy rig, it plays well with everything. You shouldn't expect much from a $300 controller, but this board is not bad and is the only one I found that does what I need it to do; control several synth modules in a live performance; and I'm a bit snobbish with keyboards. It works well.

Very nice midi keyboard. As a beginner using a keyboard with recoding DAW. It will be a challenge to create a project that's pleasant to the ears. Wish me luck.