All user reviews of 4/5 for the M-Audio Oxygen 8

I actually got this as part of a college program and used it everyday. I know it's plastic, but this thing is durable. The Oxygen 8 V2 is perfect for somebody that wants to make MIDI music on the go. Bring it to your favourite jam space just incase, it will fit easily on almost any desktop, use it to control your DAW or even hook it up to a synth and play on.

Specs:
-25 velocity sensitive keys
-Pitch bend and modulation wheel
-8 MIDI control knobs
-6 MIDI transport buttons
-5 MIDI function buttons
-Octave up/down or transpose up/down button
-3 digit LED screen
-USB
-MIDI output
-Optional DC power jack
-Sustain pedal jack
-On/off switch
-Kensington lock hole
-Ableton Live Lite 4 included


UTILIZATION

The set up for general use was very simple. On my mac I didn't have to install any drivers and I was able to use keys, pitch bend and the octave problem with no problems. Getting it to work with your DAW is another issue. Now I'll be honest, I didn't know much about MIDI keyboard/controllers when I first tried to get it to work. And I may have gotten frustrated and learned to live without the knob control feature. I found that I really didn't use synths in a way that required me to have the midi control so it was no problem to not have. Lets also note that the MIDI knobs are not infinity (you they have a limit to how far they can be turned either way. This means that when you try to adjust one of your on screen settings using the knob, it will automatically snap to where the physical knob is. This is a pain when you can't remember what exact setting you had had on before. When you adjust on screen it will change the value, however once you touch the physical knob again it will snap to wherever the knob is pointed.

I don't remember much about the manual. And unfortunately it's currently unavailable on the m-audio website. It is very similar to other competing MIDI keyboards so if you are familiar with those you won't have a problem. If you are still unsure there are plenty of videos on youtube to help you out!

The buttons are moderately easy to use. There are enough buttons to preform certain functions (sometimes you get units with lots of dual use buttons and things can become a pain when you have to a lot of adjustments). The layout of the keyboard is well thought out. The double stacked midi knobs definitely save some space compared to having them all in one row.

OVERALL OPINION

What I liked the most was the compact design. Granted, things have gotten smaller since the release. But at the time this was a lot more compact than others. I'll confess that I have accidentally dropped it once or twice, but the unit was fine with no noticeable marks. Unless it was a fluke this thing is not going to fall apart on you.

I can't really comment on MSRP because mine was included in a college program. However I've seen used ones online for around $80 and refurbished price of $85. At those prices the M-Audio Oxygen 8 V2 is an excellent choice.

The 25 keys were sensitive to pick up a fine touch and will not buckle if you hammer them. The key response was alright, without weighted keys what can we expect right? It would be nice if the keys were slightly lower to the surface it is sitting on.

This was my first model and was my only choice. I later moved onto a Novation Nocturne 49 but still keep my Oxygen 8 V2 in my work studio. It's one of those pieces of gear that I couldn't bring myself to sell. And it's good that I didn't sell because I end up using it all the time.

Pros:
-Light
-Durable
-LED Display
-Pitch bend and modulation wheels

Cons:
-Keys aren't solid
-Knobs aren't infinity
-No beat pads
-The colour shows marks easily (something darker would be better)
-No DC adapter included

Used it in college as midi input for Ableton Live or Logic Pro. I used it exclusively with audio software that processes MIDI input.

They had a few of these in my college that I had used.

This keyboard uses USB to connect to a PC or Mac, Midi works properly, no latency. It has a lot of different soft knobs that can be configured to different midi functions which can be very useful when inputting into your recording program. It is very lightweight and easily portable to wherever you might need to take it.

I wasn't able to figure out how to configure all the different nobs to the MIDI controls in the software i was using. But I only had usage of this in a college multimedia computer lab. I wasn't crazy about the feel of the keys, but that is just a personal preference. They worked properly though.

Well constructed. Built to last. Feel confident buying one used. Keys don't get sticky or have any other issues.

Try one out if you like the feel of it, get it. Its great for MIDI input to computers. Should work without drivers in Mac and some Pcs.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

For me it's got too many features. All I needed is a way to sequence live play into my tracks which this thing does perfectly. But it's got 8 assignable control knobs for things like pitch, velocity, pan and so on that I rarely use becuase I prefer editing in software. If you're an oldschool hardware cat, then you'll like the option. It's powered by either USB or AC so that's great if you're on a laptop. The less wires the better.

Price paid

170.00 CAD

UTILIZATION

EASY. Plug in the USB connector, install the software and you're ready to go.

It's good, but I wouldn't drop it or anything like that... it's a very light unit so be careful. Other than that I know for a fact its pretty durable. It's survived a few hits from my mini basketball (when I need to relax from tracking something, I play min hoops in my "studio&quot It would be nicer if it was heavier.. or more solid.

OVERALL OPINION

It's good. But I'd rather get the Midiman Ozone for the built in mic pre's or the Keystation 49e for it's straightforward simplicity. But if all you need to do is key-in some live events in your songs or you're just getting started it's a good controller. I can't really complain.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: cocopuffz ( 6-, 2004)

Well It has some nobs and pitch and balances that are pretty useful especially for the sample based producer. Which are quite good basically.

Price paid

$139

UTILIZATION

Its real easy to use if you get use to it basically. You just have to adjust.

Well to me its well built and durable so Basically I like the quality of this keyboard. Plus I dropped it a few times and it didnt break at all which is quite good cause I don't have any warenty on this.

OVERALL OPINION

Its Pretty good basically works for most sequencers that are out already. You should definatly buy it.

I love. I use it all the time so basically its like the number one thing on my list so far basically so If you are just starting out producing you should really get this keyboard its really helpful to the newcomer.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Earthquake ( 7-, 2005)

I like that you can program the knobs in reason. For the price its worth it.

Price paid: $80.00USD

UTILIZATION

Its USB powered, just plug it in the usb port, install the drivers, configure to reason, good to go

I brought my used, it just has a few blemishes but thats it, its very light, you can put it in your book bag with your laptop.

OVERALL OPINION

I love that I can bring it anywhere. I just throw it in my bag go to a friends house, and im ready to play. I wish I would've got the ozone though, its a better buy.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: dbrand02121 ( 2-, 2006)

The M-Audio Oxygen 8 is a 2 octave MIDI controller with a volume lever, pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons and programmable knobs for control of plug-ins and virtual instruments. It has both MIDI inputs and outputs as well as a USB input which powers it if you don't have the power supply (which I don't).

UTILIZATION

The feel of the keyboard seems normal to me. The keys are easy to press down and the action is very friendly. Overall set up was pretty easy for the keyboard, but it really depends what software you are running it with. I use it with Reason 3.0 and have had a few problems setting it up with that. On my PC, unless you install the keyboard right when you are installing Reason, you must go back and reinstall Reason so that the keyboard is programed with it correctly. The patch selection is simple enough, as I just toggle on my computer. I had no manual with it because I bought it used, but I can definitely see it coming in handy.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had the Oxygen 8 for about 3 or 4 years and while its nice to have a small portable keyboard for playing lead lines, its tough to really play full keys with this. I do love how easy it is to use and the feel of it, but I wouldn't mind upgrading to a fuller sized keyboard. I used to have an M-Audio Keystation 49e and I wish I still had it. Although it didn't have all of the programmable options that the Oxygen 8 does, I prefer having the full size keyboard, but of course it all depends what you are using it for. I do wish it was a bit cheaper, which is the reason I had to buy it used. While this is a good controller for what it is, I think somewhere down the line I will look into something with more keys.