Review MIDI keyboard M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4. Where to buy it?

M-Audio is a business unit of inMusic Brands that designs and markets digital audio and MIDI interfaces, keyboards and MIDI controllers, synthesizers, speakers, studio monitors, digital DJ systems, microphones and music software. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First, I will list the features of this M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users, and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards for you to compare.

• 61 full-size speed-sensitive synthesizer action keys
• 8 speed-sensitive trigger pads
• 8 assignable knobs
• 9 assignable faders
• Transport buttons for DAW control
• Automation for popular DAWs: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and more
• LCD screen
• USB powered
• Plug-and-Play Support
• MIDI-USB connectivity
• Input for sustain pedal
• Included software: Ableton Live Lite and SONiVOX Twist Synth
• The box also includes: SONiVOX Twist (Software), Ableton Live Lite (Software), USB cable, quick start guide, warranty and safety manual
• Dimensions: 977 x 243 x 94mm (width x depth x height)
• Weight: 3.4kg

This MIDI keyboard is typically priced at around €155/£133/$154 and offers 61 full-size, velocity-sensitive synthesizer action keys that allow you to play or compose different musical ideas on a DAW of your choice.

This MIDI controller also offers the control functions 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels.

When connected, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. Also included are the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses.

Now that we have seen the features of this M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.

Posts you may be interested in

• Ranking with the best midi keyboards
• My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
• Best MIDI Software to work with.
• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 vs Novation Launchkey 61 MK3

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 when the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3. is priced at €275/£249/$277:

• Both offer 61 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language)
• The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 offers 8 Sensitive Pads, 8 Freely Assignable Rotary Pads, 9 Freely Assignable Sliders, 4 Transport buttons for DAW control, Pitch Bend wheels and Modulation. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 features 16 RGB-backlit speed-sensitive ‘pads’, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and other function buttons.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 features a built-in MIDI output, sustain pedal input and USB connection.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 includes the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 is licensed under Ableton Live Lite, Serato Sample LE, AAS Session Bundle, XLN Addictive Keys (1 of 4 virtual keyboards selectable), Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette, Spitfire Audio LABS-Expressive Strings.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our first comparison, we have on the one hand the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 which offers 61 full-size velocity-sensitive synthesizer action keys, 8 sensitive Pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 offers 61 speed-sensitive keys, 16 RGB-backlit speed-sensitive pads, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and other function buttons.

As an advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4, we can comment on its assignable faders, which are very useful in areas such as mixing, to be more precise. Also, its automation in different DAWs is very appreciated. As an advantage of the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 we have a large number of pads reaching 16, and we also have a large number of licenses. Both are very similar drivers, if one meets your needs better, go for it.

And here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 review.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 vs M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154, while the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 has a difference of €115/£99/$114. Now let’s take a look at the face-to-face:

• Both offer 61 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language)
• The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 offers 8 Sensitive Pads, 8 Freely Assignable Rotary Pads, 9 Freely Assignable Sliders, 4 Transport buttons for DAW control, Pitch Bend wheels and Modulation. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up/down buttons, movement buttons, transport buttons (stop, play and net), and an assignable fader.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 integrates an external power supply input, MIDI output, sustain pedal input and USB connection.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 includes the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses. And the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet and AIR Xpand!2

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 that we analyzed earlier, and the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 that offers 61 speed-sensitive keys, modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up/down buttons, movement buttons, transport buttons (stop, play and net), and an assignable fader.

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features a number of control functions, such as pads, knobs and sliders, which allow for greater speed and precision in the functions and parameters used. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 comes with a slightly lower price and certain licenses that are included with the product. The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 is a better controller due to its control features, go for it.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 review.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 vs M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 when the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII is priced at €205/£177/$203, but the difference is so small that this may vary depending on the store where we ask. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 offers 61 full-size keys with speed sensitivity when the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII offers 88 full-size keys with sensitivity.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 offers 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 features modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up/down buttons, transport buttons (stop, play and net), and an assignable fader.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 integrates an external power supply input, MIDI output, sustain and expression pedal input, and USB connection.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 includes the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses. And the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 includes the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble plug-in, a virtual piano instrument that traps a nine-foot Steinway CD327 piano.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we find on the one hand the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 with its features and functions that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII that offers 88 keys, modulation and pitch bend wheels, up/down octave buttons, transport buttons (stop, play and network), and an assignable fader.

As an advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4, we can comment, as in the last comparison, that it has a good set of control functions that are its pads, knobs and faders. And as a main advantage of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII we can count on its 88-key keyboard, which for its price, is one of the most economical you will find with this feature. If you’re fine with a 5-octave keyboard and need a good set of control features, go for the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4, and if you want an 88-key controller, go for the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII review.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 vs Novation Impulse 49

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 while the Novation Impulse 49 is priced at €223/£205/$228:

• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 offers 61 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity, while the Novation Impulse 49 offers 49 semi-weighted and Aftertouch keys.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 offers 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Novation Impulse 49 offers 8 backlit Drum Pads, 9 assignable 55mm faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys (rec, play, pause, stop, etc.) and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. The Novation Impulse 49 integrates a MIDI input and output, sustain and expression pedal input, and USB connection.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 includes the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses. The Novation Impulse 49 includes the Xcite+ Software Pack licenses, with Ableton Live Lite.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we again have the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 with its functions and features we have already analyzed, and on the other hand, the Novation Impulse 49 that offers 49 semi-weighted keys and Aftertouch,8 backlit Drum Pads, 9 assignable 55mm faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys (rec, play, pause, stop, etc) and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features a 61-key keyboard, while the Novation Impulse 49 features a semi-weighted keyboard with Aftertouch and a host of control functions, including pads, faders, buttons and knobs. If you need a 5-octave keyboard and moderate control functions, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 will be your best choice. Now if you need a semi-weighted keyboard with Aftertouch and also many control functions, the Novation Impulse 49 will be your choice.

Here is a video of the Novation Impulse 49 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 49 review.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 vs Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 when the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 is priced at €239/£215/$239:

• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 offers 61 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity when the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers61 velocity-sensitive keys.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 offers 8 sensitive Pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 8 velocity-sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 pushbutton encoder, 9 rotary knobs, 13 assignable buttons, transport buttons, octave up/down buttons, other function buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 integrates a MIDI output, sustain pedal input, USB connection and input for external power supply.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 includes the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes the Arturia Analog Lab 2, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano licenses.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our latest comparison, we have on the one hand the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 that we analyzed earlier, and on the other hand the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 that offers 61 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 velocity-sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 push-in encoder, 9 rotary knobs, 13 assignable buttons, transport buttons, octave up/down buttons, other function buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 is that it has a very comprehensive set of control functions, which are also shared by the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61. Only if the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 covers all your needs will you be able to get it, of course, you will also have to cover its somewhat higher price tag, otherwise the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 is an excellent choice.

Here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 review.

What is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest possible note range, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.

In this post we have MIDI controllers in the price range of 155 Euro to 275 Euro, so we find controllers with at least 49 keys and good control functions, and the ideal controller for beginners in this post is the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 which offers 61 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), pads, knobs, and faders all assignable, plus a sustain pedal input and certain licenses included as software downloads, which are highly valued by beginners. If you have the opportunity to purchase it, don’t think twice.

Where to buy the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard

Amazon

• Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes a better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

 

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 100% reliable payment.
• A leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually the Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
• Akai MPK mini Mk2
• Akai MPK miniplay
• Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
• Arturia MiniLab MKII
• Roli Beatmaker Kit
• Novation Impulse 25
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white
• Alesis V25
• CME Xkey Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
• M-Audio Code 25 black
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
• Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
• Alesis V mini
• Arturia MicroLab Black
• Akai LPK 25 wireless
• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
• Korg nanoKEY Studio
• Swissonic EasyKey 25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 black
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
• Nektar Impact LX25+
• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
• Alesis Q25
• Akai MPK 225
• Korg microKEY 25
• Miditech Midistart Music 25
• Alesis VI25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 white
• Arturia MicroLab Blue
• Nektar SE25
• Korg microKEY Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
• Midiplus X2 mini
• Icon iKeyboard 3X
• Keith McMillen K-Board
• CME Xkey 25 silver
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• Alesis V49
• Arturia Keystep Black Edition
• Swissonic EasyKey 49
• Arturia Keystep
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
• Nektar Impact LX49+
• M-Audio Code 49 Black
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
• M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
• Novation Impulse 49
• Nektar Impact GX 49
• Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
• M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
• Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
• Roland A-300 Pro
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
• Alesis VI49
• Midiplus AK490
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
• M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
• Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
• CME Xkey 37 LE
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
• Korg microKEY 49 MkII
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
• Miditech Midistart Music 49
• Roland A-49 Black
• Korg microKEY 37 MkII
• Swissonic ControlKey 49
• Roland A-500 PRO
• Nektar SE49
• Korg microKEY Air 37
• Korg microKEY Air 49
• Roland A-49 White
• Nektar Panorama T4
• Miditech Garagekey mini
• Miditech Minicontrol-32
• Midiplus X3 mini
• Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
• Icon iKeyboard 4X
• Miditech i2-mini 32
• Midiplus X4 mini
• Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
• Icon iKeyboard 5X
• Acorn Masterkey 49
• M-Audio Code 61 Black
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
• Nektar Impact GX 61
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
• GSi DMC-122
• Nektar Impact LX61+
• Alesis VI61
• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
• Midiplus X6 mini
• Korg microKEY 61 MkII
• Midiplus X-6 II
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
• Kawai VPC1
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
• Swissonic ControlKey 88
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
• Nektar Impact LX88+
• Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
• Midiplus Stage 88
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Icon iKeyboard 8X
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
• Midiplus X-8 II
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case