M-Audio Oxygen MKV: Classic Controller goes into the Next Round

M-Audio introduces the Oxygen MKV mini keyboard MIDI. The veteran among the USB / MIDI keyboard controllers is getting some features of the more expensive Oxygen Pro in the new generation, such as an integrated arpeggiator and the auto-mapping function. You can find out what other innovations the M-Audio Oxygen MKV will bring here.

The addition “MKV” makes it clear: The M-Audio Oxygen is one of the absolute classics among USB MIDI keyboard controller and can perhaps even be seen as the founder of this type of device. M-Audio is now presenting the fifth generation of Oxygen, which has been available for almost 20 years.

Last autumn, the manufacturer introduced the Oxygen Pro, a “luxury version” of Oxygen with many new functions. Now the Oxygen Pro has its own competition: many extras that were previously reserved for the Pro are now also available in the entry-level class.

Externally, the Oxygen MKV M-Audio keyboard is based on the previous series. While the Oxygen Pro has a decidedly angular appearance, the keyboards of the new Oxygen series are, as before, in plastic housings with gently rounded edges. As usual, the keyboard is available with 25, 49, and 61 lightly weighted, velocity-sensitive keys.

The number of controls also remains unchanged compared to the fourth generation. All three MIDI keyboards are each equipped with eight touch-sensitive, illuminated pads and eight rotary controls. This shows a difference from the Pro series, whose 16 pads are illuminated in multiple colors. The mini keyboard MIDI models with 49 and 61 buttons also offer nine faders and buttons each. Thanks to the new auto-mapping function, the controls can be easily adapted to the most popular DAWs. In contrast to the OLED display of the Pro series, the Oxygen MKV has a simple, three-digit LED display.

There is another difference to the Oxygen Pro on the back: The MIDI output in 5-pin DIN format is missing here; the Oxygen MKV only communicates via USB, which is also used for the power supply. The only other connection is for a sustain pedal. There is also a power switch so that you don’t always have to pull out the USB cable to turn it off.

Perhaps the most important new feature is the integrated arpeggiator, which has become a popular feature on USB controller keyboards in the entry-level class in recent years. In addition to an octave setting, the arpeggiator also enables the gate time to be adjusted and offers a swing function.

The “Smart Scale” and “Smart Chord” functions have also been adopted from the Oxygen Pro. Smart Scale prevents notes from being played that does not belong to the selected scale. Smart Chord plays entire chords with the touch of a button.

As usual with the M-Audio keyboard, the new Oxygen MKV comes with an extensive software package. In addition to Ableton Live Lite, the in-house DAW MPC Beats is also included. There are also two virtual instruments, the Hybrid 3 software synthesizer, and the Mini Grand Acoustic Piano.

With so many features that bring the Oxygen closer to the Oxygen Pro, the question naturally arises whether the extra charge for the Pro series is worth it at all. If you work a lot with pads, you won’t have to waste time making the decision: The 16 RGB pads are only available in the Pro series. Only the Pro offers the MIDI output. Everyone else who simply needs an uncomplicated USB controller keyboard with the most important functions will get their money’s worth with the cheaper Oxygen MKV.

Price and availability

The M-Audio Oxygen MKV is available now to pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com. Prices are $129 for the Oxygen 25 MKV, $179 for the Oxygen 49 MKV, and $229 for the Oxygen 61 MKV.

Recently, iConnectivity introduced the AUDIO4c audio and MIDI interface that is compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. And it should not only be suitable for streaming and recording but also cut a fine figure in a live performance.