Today, we’re taking a deeper look at the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – a 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller that is packed with amazing features. This compact keyboard is perfect for musicians and producers on the go, offering 32 velocity-sensitive keys for playing virtual instruments and synthesizers. With its semi-weighted keys, you’ll have the natural feel and expression of a traditional piano, all in a portable package.
One of the biggest benefits of owning the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is the level of control it gives you over your music production. With 8 RGB backlit drum pads, you can easily create beats, launch clips, and trigger sounds. Plus, the 4 assignable knobs, buttons, and faders allow for tactile control of virtual instruments, effect plugins, and more. It’s like having a full studio at your fingertips.
However, if you don’t own this MIDI keyboard, you may find yourself limited in your music production. Without the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini, you may have to rely on a standard keyboard or mouse to control your virtual instruments and plugins. This can be time-consuming and less intuitive, making it harder to bring your musical ideas to life. So if you’re serious about music production and want a versatile and portable controller, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is definitely worth considering.
Buyers Guide
When looking to buy a MIDI keyboard controller, there are a few key factors that you should consider. First and foremost, you need to determine the size and number of keys that will best suit your needs. The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini features 32 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys, making it a compact and portable option for musicians on the go.
Another important feature to look for is the ability to assign MIDI controls. The Oxygen Pro Mini offers 4 assignable knobs, buttons, and faders, allowing you to have tactile control over your virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAW controls. This level of flexibility and customization can greatly enhance your music production workflow.
Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the compatibility of the MIDI controller with your existing setup. The Oxygen Pro Mini is equipped with USB connectivity, making it compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems. It also comes with a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) MIDI output, expanding its connectivity options.
Lastly, the included software suite is an important factor to consider. The Oxygen Pro Mini comes with a complete software production package, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs. These software tools provide you with a wide range of sounds and effects to take your music production to the next level.
How M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Works
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is designed to provide musicians with comprehensive control over their music production process. With its 32 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys, you can play virtual sampler instruments and virtual synthesizer plugins with ease. The keys are responsive and provide a realistic playing experience, allowing for expressive performances.
One of the standout features of the Oxygen Pro Mini is its 8 RGB backlit MIDI assignable drum pads. These pads are velocity-sensitive and feature Note Repeat functionality, making them perfect for beat production, clip launching, and soundboard triggering. Whether you’re a drummer looking to add some electronic beats to your tracks or a producer wanting to experiment with different rhythms, these drum pads offer a versatile and intuitive way to create beats.
In addition to the drum pads, the Oxygen Pro Mini also includes 4 assignable knobs, buttons, and faders. These controls can be used to manipulate virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAW controls. You can assign them to control parameters such as volume, pan, EQ, and more, giving you hands-on control over your sound.
The Oxygen Pro Mini also features effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls and plugin parameters. This means that the controller will automatically recognize and map its controls to the corresponding functions in your digital audio workstation (DAW) and plugin software. This streamlined integration ensures a seamless workflow and allows you to focus on your music without the hassle of manual mapping.
Other notable features of the Oxygen Pro Mini include Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes, an arpeggiator, pitch and modulation wheels, sustain pedal input, and a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) MIDI output. These additional features further enhance your creative possibilities and enable you to explore new musical ideas.
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M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Uses
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your music production. Here are some examples of how this versatile MIDI keyboard controller can be utilized:
Live Performance
The Oxygen Pro Mini is the perfect companion for live performances. With its compact size and portable design, you can easily take it on stage and control your virtual instruments or trigger samples using the drum pads. The assignable knobs, buttons, and faders allow you to make real-time adjustments to your sounds, creating a dynamic and engaging performance.
Studio Recording
When recording in the studio, the Oxygen Pro Mini provides you with precise control over your virtual instruments and effect plugins. The semi-weighted keys feel natural to play, and the velocity sensitivity allows for expressive performances. With the included software suite, you have access to a wide range of sounds and effects to craft the perfect recording.
Beat Production
If you’re into beat production, the Oxygen Pro Mini’s drum pads and Note Repeat functionality are a game-changer. You can easily lay down drum patterns, trigger samples, and create intricate rhythms. The velocity sensitivity of the pads allows you to add dynamics and nuances to your beats, making them come alive.
Sound Design
With the assignable knobs, buttons, and faders, the Oxygen Pro Mini is a powerful tool for sound design. You can map these controls to different parameters in your virtual instruments and effect plugins, allowing you to shape and manipulate your sounds in real-time. This hands-on approach to sound design gives you more creative freedom and enables you to create unique and textured sounds.
Composition and Songwriting
Whether you’re composing classical music or writing pop songs, the Oxygen Pro Mini can be a valuable tool in your creative process. The Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes help you come up with complex chords and melodies even if you have limited music theory knowledge. The arpeggiator and pitch/modulation wheels add further depth and versatility to your compositions.
Product Specifications
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini MIDI keyboard controller offers the following specifications:
- Keyboard: 32 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys
- Drum Pads: 8 RGB backlit MIDI assignable drum pads with Note Repeat functionality
- Controls: 4 assignable knobs, buttons, and faders
- Connectivity: USB, 1/8-inch (3.5mm) MIDI output
- Software Suite: MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs
- Power: USB bus-powered
Here is a visualization of the specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | 32 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys |
| Drum Pads | 8 RGB backlit MIDI assignable drum pads |
| Controls | 4 assignable knobs, buttons, and faders |
| Connectivity | USB, 1/8-inch (3.5mm) MIDI output |
| Software Suite | MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments, MPC Expansion |
| Power | USB bus-powered |
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Who is M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is suitable for a wide range of musicians, producers, and composers. Here are some examples of who can benefit from this MIDI keyboard controller:
- Musicians looking for a compact and portable MIDI controller for live performances.
- Producers who want hands-on control over their virtual instruments and effect plugins.
- Beatmakers who need an intuitive and versatile drum pad controller for creating beats in various genres.
- Sound designers who want to shape and manipulate sound in real-time using assignable knobs, buttons, and faders.
- Songwriters and composers who are seeking a tool to aid in chord progressions, melodies, and arrangements.
The Oxygen Pro Mini is designed to cater to the needs of both beginners and professionals in the music industry. Its intuitive layout and comprehensive feature set make it a valuable addition to any music production setup.
Why Is M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini Better
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini stands out from the competition for several reasons:
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Versatility: With its combination of 32 velocity-sensitive keys, assignable drum pads, and assignable knobs, buttons, and faders, the Oxygen Pro Mini offers a wide range of creative possibilities. You can effortlessly switch between playing melodies, triggering drum samples, and manipulating sound parameters, all within a compact and portable form factor.
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Seamless Integration: The Oxygen Pro Mini features auto-mapping functionality, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with your favorite digital audio workstation (DAW) and plugin software. This means that you can focus on your music without the hassle of manually mapping controls. The included software suite further enhances this integration by providing you with a comprehensive set of tools for music production.
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Software Bundle: The Oxygen Pro Mini comes bundled with MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs. This software package provides you with a wealth of sounds, effects, and production tools to bring your musical ideas to life. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these software tools offer endless possibilities for creativity.
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Build Quality: The Oxygen Pro Mini is built with durability in mind. The semi-weighted keys and rugged construction ensure that this MIDI keyboard controller can withstand the rigors of regular use, whether in the studio or on the road. The attention to detail in the design and construction of the Oxygen Pro Mini gives it a professional feel that is often lacking in other MIDI controllers in its class.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- 32 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys for expressive performances
- 8 RGB backlit MIDI assignable drum pads with Note Repeat functionality
- 4 assignable knobs, buttons, and faders for tactile control
- Effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls and plugin parameters
- Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes for easy composition
- Included software suite with MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments, and MPC Expansion packs
- USB and MIDI connectivity options
Cons:
- Limited number of keys may not be suitable for all playing styles
- Drum pads may feel small for users with larger hands
- Limited physical controls compared to larger MIDI controllers
FAQ’s
Q1: Is the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini compatible with Mac and PC? A1: Yes, the Oxygen Pro Mini is compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems.
Q2: Can I use the Oxygen Pro Mini with my favorite digital audio workstation (DAW)? A2: Absolutely! The Oxygen Pro Mini features auto-mapping functionality, which allows it to seamlessly integrate with most popular DAWs.
Q3: Does the Oxygen Pro Mini require external power? A3: No, the Oxygen Pro Mini is USB bus-powered, meaning it draws power from your computer via the USB connection.
Q4: Can I use the Oxygen Pro Mini as a standalone instrument? A4: The Oxygen Pro Mini is a MIDI controller and does not produce sound on its own. It is designed to control virtual instruments and effect plugins in your DAW or music production software.
Q5: Does the Oxygen Pro Mini come with any included software? A5: Yes, the Oxygen Pro Mini comes with a complete software production package, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs.
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What Customers Are Saying About M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini
“We were blown away by the performance of the Oxygen Pro Mini. The keys feel great, the drum pads are responsive, and the assignable controls give us so much flexibility in our music production.”
- Music Producer Magazine
“The Oxygen Pro Mini has become an essential part of our live setup. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a breeze to carry around, and the quality of the keys and drum pads is top-notch.”
- Touring Musician
“I love the auto-mapping feature of the Oxygen Pro Mini. It saves me so much time in my music production workflow, and the included software is a fantastic bonus. Highly recommended!”
- Bedroom Producer
Overall Value
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini offers exceptional value for its price. With its combination of 32 velocity-sensitive keys, assignable drum pads, and assignable knobs, buttons, and faders, this MIDI keyboard controller provides musicians and producers with a versatile and intuitive creative tool.
The included software suite, featuring MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments, and MPC Expansion packs, further elevates the value of the Oxygen Pro Mini. These software tools provide you with a wide range of sounds, effects, and production capabilities to enhance your music production process.
Overall, the Oxygen Pro Mini is a reliable and feature-packed MIDI controller that caters to both beginners and professionals in the music industry. Its compact size, comprehensive feature set, and high build quality make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their music production workflow.
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Tips and Tricks For Best Results
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Experiment with different mappings: Take advantage of the assignable knobs, buttons, and faders to customize the controller to your liking. Mapping them to different parameters in your virtual instruments and effect plugins can greatly enhance your control and creativity.
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Utilize the included software suite: Make sure to explore and familiarize yourself with the MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments, and MPC Expansion packs included with the Oxygen Pro Mini. These tools offer a wealth of sounds and effects that can inspire new musical ideas.
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Take advantage of the auto-mapping feature: Let the Oxygen Pro Mini do the work for you by utilizing the auto-mapping functionality. This ensures that the controls are seamlessly integrated with your DAW and plugin software, allowing for a streamlined workflow.
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Explore the Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes: If you’re new to music theory or want to experiment with different chord progressions and scales, the Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes are invaluable. These features can help you come up with complex chords and melodies with ease.
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Practice with the drum pads: The drum pads on the Oxygen Pro Mini are highly versatile and can be used for more than just beat production. Experiment with triggering samples, creating sound effects, or even playing melodic patterns using the drum pads.
Conclusion
Product Summary: The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is a feature-packed and versatile tool for musicians and producers alike. With its compact size, comprehensive feature set, and high build quality, it offers exceptional value for its price.
The 32 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys provide a realistic and expressive playing experience, while the 8 RGB backlit drum pads and assignable knobs, buttons, and faders allow for intuitive and hands-on control over your music production. The included software suite further enhances the capabilities of the Oxygen Pro Mini, giving you access to a wide range of sounds, effects, and production tools.
Final Recommendation: Whether you’re a beginner starting your music production journey or a professional looking for a portable MIDI controller for live performances, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is a solid choice. Its compact size, versatility, and seamless integration make it an essential tool for any musician or producer.
