The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 is a powerhouse MIDI controller designed to give modern producers total hands-on control. With 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 RGB pads, assignable knobs and faders, Smart Play features, and automatic DAW mapping, it’s built to fit effortlessly into any setup.
Whether you’re creating beats, composing melodies, or recording full arrangements, the Oxygen Pro 49 brings together intuitive design and deep functionality at a mid-range price that’s hard to beat.
49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads
8 assignable knobs and 9 faders
Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes
Built-in arpeggiator with tempo sync
Auto-mapping for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio and more
MIDI Out port for hardware synths
USB bus-powered (no adapter needed)
The Oxygen Pro 49 feels every bit as solid as it looks. Its semi-weighted keybed offers a satisfying balance of resistance and speed, equally suited to piano playing and synth performance. The overall construction feels durable, with sturdy pads and smooth-turning knobs.
Layout-wise, M-Audio has kept things clean and practical. Everything is within easy reach – from the transport controls to the assignable faders – making it ideal for both studio use and live sessions.
This is where the Oxygen Pro 49 truly shines. Automatic DAW mapping means you can plug in, select your software, and start controlling transport, mixer, and instrument parameters straight away. It’s compatible with all major DAWs and comes pre-configured for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and FL Studio.
The small OLED screen, while basic, provides enough feedback for quick parameter tweaks. Combined with the Smart Play features, it keeps your workflow fast and intuitive – no endless menu diving required.
M-Audio’s Smart Play tools make creative experimentation effortless. Smart Chord lets you trigger complex harmonies with a single note, while Smart Scale locks the keyboard to your chosen scale so you can focus purely on performance. Add in the built-in arpeggiator, and you’ve got a versatile creative companion that helps ideas flow instantly.
These functions are particularly useful for producers who want to stay inspired without needing deep theory knowledge – a real advantage when working quickly.
Setup is as simple as plug-and-play via USB. The keyboard is class-compliant with macOS and Windows and includes a generous software bundle: Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, and a suite of AIR Music Tech instruments.
For hybrid setups, the dedicated MIDI Out port allows you to control external synths and drum machines alongside your DAW.
At around £180, the Oxygen Pro 49 represents excellent value. You get semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, premium pads, and deep integration features normally reserved for higher-priced models. It’s a controller that genuinely enhances your production workflow without compromise.
Yes – it includes instant DAW mapping and transport control for Ableton Live and other major DAWs.
Yes – the MIDI Out port lets you connect to external instruments directly.
Yes, it’s fully bus-powered and doesn’t need an external adapter.
Yes – every key supports aftertouch for expressive playing.
If you’re after a versatile MIDI controller that balances expressive feel, smart creative tools, and deep DAW integration, the Oxygen Pro 49 is hard to beat. It’s intuitive, well-built, and packed with features that make modern production faster and more musical.
From bedroom studios to professional setups, this keyboard hits the sweet spot between playability, control, and affordability.
Ready to add expressive control and seamless workflow to your studio?
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