M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 Best for Virtual Orchestration?
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- #MAUDIO #OxygenPro #VirtualOrchestration
- More info on the keyboard: bit.ly/2RWlQcR
- M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 (Amazon): amzn.to/3BHkROC
- M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro (Amazon): amzn.to/2TuOulQ
- Arturia Keylab 88mkii (Amazon): amzn.to/3vmhqdb
- M-Audio Hammer 88 (Original) (Amazon): amzn.to/3iJ2LFN
00:00 Getting a Conducting Baton at Juilliard
01:16 Why a 61 Keyboard?
02:24 Unboxing
04:18 First Impressions/Feel
05:00 Aftertouch
06:00 Hardware Controls
06:40 Size, Ergonomics, Desk top
07:34 One Month Later
08:22 Functionality vs the Hammer 88 Pro
08:49 DAW Control
09:23 Sustain Pedal (SP2)
09:53 Disadvantage: Knobs
10:10 Advantages of Semi-Weighted Keys
11:00 Software
11:32 Closing Thoughts, Good for Mockups?
12:22 Mini Shang Chi Review?
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www.didchoi.com
DIDCHOI
/ didchoi
Great video, this was by far the most comprehensive and informative video on this product I've seen so far.
Wow thanks! I didn't go into much details cause it was a repeat of the Hammer 88 video I did, check that one out too if you're interested in the software and stuff too!
Thank you for clearing a lot of my doubts. Definitely buying this one now. Great video. Keep producing such great content!! Best wishes from India!!
My pleasure!
Video and the background music is really nice quality. I love it!
You've covered all the relevant points I wanted to know. Thanks.
Yes! Glad to hear that!
Awesome review. Thank you!
New subscriber, thanks for clearing up the differences in the action and feel of the obvious competing controllers. I too needed faders on the left. although I don't do as much orchestration as you. Difficult choice for me on whether to do the 61 or 88. Great Job on the reviews of both.
Thanks! It’s definitely hard. 61 is much cheaper of course so depends on if you are a pianist and prefer the feel of weighed keys..
Great review. Very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks!
Very helpful. Thanks.
Nice review 👌
Fantastic video! Do you recommend me yo buy this keyboard to create Orchestal mockups ?? Thanks!
Hi! Nice review - a lot of work to share that.
I just struggled with a fast-evolution to get to the same point, on my own with only a need to score my own (solemnly serious) channel videos. So here's a question: You mentioned "film scoring software" and you showed a montage of some films, ending with I think The Truman Show. It wasn't a DAW - what was that? Did I see Cubase on your desk earlier? What edition do you think essential for film scoring? (Is that convenient "Track Archiving" really only in the pro version?) Thanks for your thoughts.
FYI: pitch wheel latency was later fixed with a firmware update, as well as screen burn problem that many people complained about; now the keyboard goes into "demo mode" when idle.
Good to know!
Thanks for the review. You had mentioned getting the Pro 61 for portability for gigs etc. Just wondered if you have had the opportunity yet to try it out with iOS or iPadOS yet? I would assume that that is how one would use it out and about when not in their home studio space. For me however it is critically important that the Oxygen Pro has good integration and functionality with iPad Pro because I am one of those iPad Pro only people. It is my only computing device, so any experience or insight you have about the Oxygen Pro line and its functionality in the iPad ecosystem is greatly appreciated. Thanks again for this video!
I don’t have an iPad Pro so I don’t have any experience unfortunately. For portable use I still take my laptop and use mainstage, for which this is great!
@@DIDCHOI No worries, thanks anyways. Perhaps in future you might consider getting yourself an introductory iPad for lighter travel use of the Pro 61.
@@TheJamSpace I do have an iPad, but lightning makes things annoying. More dongles needed. But there isn’t much powerful sounds on a iPad as far as I know yet?
Hello! May I know whether this keyboard is compatible with the half-pedaling function of continuous expression pedals such as Roland DP-10, Yamaha FC3A or Korg DS-1H (Sending cc through 0-127 depending on the pressure applied) please? I would appreciate so much if you would help me with that question.
Great video thanks deffo going to pick one up. The only considerations is 49 or 61..the extra octave would be nice
Fair enough!
Thanks for the video! Between this model and Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 what would recommend? : )
Dude, you are really cool, I've subscribed instantly. Do you know how the integration goes through FL studio? Are those knobs automatically linked? How does the scale-chord mode work? I'm considering buying this controller for learning and making some beats. Faster-melody beats. How do the keys feel? Apologies for a lot of questions. Keep going you are absolutely cool
Thanks man! Appreciate it. You just go into DAW mode on the controller and set it to FL Studio. You might have to do a one time set up thing in the DAW to recognize the proper protocol (think it was Mackie HUI).
I haven't used the scale-chord modes at all, cause its not part of my workflow, but there are great tutorials on it elsewhere, hope you can find better answers than what I can give!
Keys feel decent. They'll be fine for making beats. A little rough for piano playing,
Check out itsGratuiTous
..looking for a new keyboard, is it better than pro keys sono 61? sono has very good semi weighted keys but its very old now....regards
Hey :) Hope you're doing great. Love your videos and reviews including this one. I bought this keyboard off of this review and liked it quite a bit but decided I wanted the full 88 keys as this would be my only keyboard. So I turned it back in and bought an M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro and really liked it. But it came damaged from shipping so I just returned it. It is really heavy though, as you know, at 40 lb. Now today I just saw some reviews here of the just released Novation Launchkey 88 which like this keyboard has semi-weighted keys, but 88 of them. and the other features seem really similar. Sells for $100 more at $399. Unlike the Hammer 88 Pro it only weighs 18 lb. I was set to buy another Hammer 88 Pro but now am considering the Novation Launchkey 88. Perhaps your setup is best with the 2 plus a few others. This one weighing 10 lb., so it's portable, and the Hammer 88 Pro not so portable but with 88 fully weighted and graded keys. I'd be curious to hear what you think of the new Novation Launchkey 88.
Haven't looked too far into the LaunchKey 88, but if you're okay with semi weighted, I think it'd be a good option. I personally really want the hammer weighted and am okay if it's heavy. That's why I have the portable version too I guess
@@DIDCHOI Hey :) Thanks for the reply. Hope all's well.
What happened with me now is I saw a new "Used - Like New" listing on Amazon last week for the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro for $300 off so I thought I'd give it another try and see if it arrived in good condition this time. So I bought it. But, probably from talking nicely to Amazon people about my previous order that arrived damaged, they sent me a brand new one. Brand new! For $300 off. Love this keyboard. Love playing it.
How does the keyboard feel? Synth , semi weighted , Fully weighted hammer?
I love the video
Thanks!
Thanks for the review. Sorry it is not really related with the keyboard review. Which sound library do you use that has Sforzando?! I was looking for one and couldn't find it. Also I noticed you didn't map Crescendo and Diminuendo (possibly could be mapped to the bottom row?) unless you just use the velocity change instead of sampled one due to timing issue? How about other articulations, con sord, tenuto, sul pont, vibrato, trills, etc.? 16 pads are excellent for those quick switching between the articulations. Most keyboards have only 8 pads.
Sforzando is in the Cinematic Studio and OT Berlin Series libraries. Although it's not that much of a sforzando, and more like a portato/marcato.
You could definitely add more options and fill 16 pads or more. Personally, I can't keep track of all of that and it wouldn't be much of a time saver in the end. Thus, I just use the basics (Long, legato, some shorts, tremolo and trills) and then adjust things as needed. For example, you can just play the longs patch and edit it to be a con sord patch later. Helps me stay in the writing zone rather than looking around to see which pad to press
Awesome review, I just got an Oxygen Pro 61 in the mail and Im wondering if Ive got a defective model, the black keys are much louder than the white keys, when Im trilling on g and gsharp, roughly 15 ticks louder if I examine the midi... On a 10 year old keystation I can trill consistently. I’ve got a replacement coming in the mail but Im wondering if I should go with a different brand if this is a common issue. I love the control panel and look of the keyboard though.
Huh, interesting, I'd get in touch with M-Audio, I don't think that was something I've noticed
Hi, I'm a pianist/keyboardist and have been gigging for almost 20 years. I'm struggling to figure out whether I should get the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 or the Novation Launchkey mk3. My biggest worry is the sensitivity of the keys. In this price range, many keyboards have inconsistent velocity dynamics. I bought an Arturia keylab 88 essential and ended up returning it because the velocities were so inconsistent. Some notes hit more aggressively than others and also I felt that there were general inconsistencies in the velocity curve of each note. Even with endless tweaking of the velocity curve in Kontakt or Mainstage, I just couldn't arrive at something that felt like I wasn't fighting the keybed. Today I tried the Nektar Panorama T6. This one looked so great on paper but I had the same issue with the keyboard. It just reaches max velocity too easily with the standard velocity curve, I tried the softest curve but there were still inconsistencies between the notes PLUS very importantly, when playing softly I felt like I was fighting the springs under the keys which meant that some notes would get lost because I wasn't depressing the key enough to trigger a note. Just some background: I played a Triton Extreme for 12 years doing weekly live gigs and I also currently gig with a Novation Launchkey mk1 which isn't great but isn't that unpredictable in terms of having consistent velocity between notes and nor does it have that feeling like you're fighting against the springs when you play a bit softer. How does the Oxygen Pro feel in terms of velocity curve. Are the soft notes too soft? Is it too easy to max it out at 127 velocity? Do some keys reach 127 velocity faster than others? Does it have the springy feeling when you play softer or does the key give way easily so you can play more delicate stuff? What happens when you play at the back of the key as opposed to the front of the key? Usually I find these cheaper keyboards are difficult to play if your finger is closer to the back of the key, especially the black ones. Any thoughts?
@@edf859fa i ended up buying a second hand roland A800pro. The touch sensitivity is not perfect obviously but it’s ok. Played a lot of gigs with it since my last post.
I wish someone replied to this comment
@@muheetbharti hey buddy.. i’ve read more reviews about the oxygen pro on thomann and it seems it also has inconsistencies between black and white keys.. so honestly i’d just keep away.. i’m currently playing a roland A800pro.. it’s ok.. not bad, not great.. springs are a bit stiffer than the novation launchkey 61 that i used to play so it causes me some pain after playing for a couple of hours at a gig.. the more time passes, the more i think that the only solution is proper hammer action. That’s the only thing that will feel more natural to the fingers.. but what do u do if you don’t want an 88key? are there 61 or 76/73 keys with hammer action?
@@PhilipZilfothanks for replying. I am a music producer from India. I have a digital piano that I use the midi function of, but mostly for faster programming/ drum programming I like non weighted or semi weighted ones. But again for piano arrangements then I lose that touch. But I strongly believe there must be a midi that does a good job handling it all. Oh and I need assignable faders and knobs, for orchestral programming.
@@muheetbharti good luck
How does that keys feels after the hammer 88? I'm just gonna buy my first midi very soon, but i'm not shure if I need to overpay for the hammer 88 pro
Honestly, compared to the hammer, terrible hahaha. It does it’s job and has its purpose, but I 100% prefer the hammer 88 pro
Are you using orchestral patches from m-audio or plug in? Also, how are the variety of drum kits in m-audio? Thanks!
No, don’t really use those, most are Kontakt libraries I’ve collected over the years
Have you had any issues when playing the keyboard while listening to playback simultaneously? Like playing along with the track? For some reason the notes are delayed or simply not playing at all while playback. But as soon as the track stops playing, I’m able to to hear my playing just fine.
That would be an issue with the DAW not the controller. Could be your buffer size causing the latency or completely shutting off input monitoring during playback. I'm guessing the sound works okay if you set it to record rather than playback?
@@DIDCHOI that’s what I was thinking but even while recording it’ll play fine but then about 5-10 seconds into the recording it’ll just stop picking up my notes. I did however recently enable “MIDI 2.0” under the “MIDI/General” tab and that seemed to improve it. The strangest thing is that when I use my older, smaller, and cheaper akai mini mpk ii it seems to work better. Do you know if different controllers can cause different latency?
@@XKLOSANGELES That wouldn't happen. Latency is from your computer and your audio interface, nothing to do with the controller
@@DIDCHOI yeah I figured. it might just be my computer. Thanks for the responses 🙏🏼
I just bought the M-audio oxygen pro 61.... im a newb, was hoping for instructional video on this keyboard, theres none out there... how eavh button and knob work and what they are used for....
Theres nothing and I am clueless!! I bet you would get a huge following if you did videos on how to use everything!!
Thankyou
Cool ! So it would be nice to have the hammer 88 (not pro) for piano stuff, with its great keybed and this one for the advantages of the semi-weigthed and all its buttons and faders ? The price for both is the same as the hammer 88 pro :) (a bit more)
That would be a great combination! I could totally see it working well
Hi!, How did you map the drumpads to key switches? You mean in Kontakt?
I used articulation sets from Babylon Waves, which have a unified key switch system that works for ALL libraries (that they support, which is virtually everything). That means I can just map my drum pads to C-1 to D#1 (or whatever C + 16 semitones is) and it works for all my libraries. You can check out my articulation sets video for a little more details.
8:54 ghostly appearance at the back
Hahaha, probably a car passing by in front of me, but spoooky
Does it still works with your new Macbook Pro M1 Monterey ? :) Thanks
I might get one, I was disappointed by the keybed of Arturia Mk2 61 for the price point.
Yeah, works no problem! Unless it is some super integrated controller like the Native Instrument stuff, or audio interfaces like UA, MIDI hardware shouldn't have any problem with the M1 stuff. It's just 0s and 1s tech from the 80s.
Keybed-wise, I might guess that it'd be a similar feel. semi-weighted keys are always going to be just "okay" and no where near hammered stuff of course
Hi! Thanks for your review it's very detailed. I have the same keyboard and to me there's a noticable difference between the velocity of black and white keys. Black ones are louder. Have you noticed that with your unit?
I hade the same issue, and i’ve tried two different ones :/
@@harald3291 Same, the one I tested in the store acts exactly the same
Hmm I did not notice it myself. But it could just be my brain assuming the velocities will be unreliable in anyway?
I tried to recreate it, but I’m not sure if it’s true or not, since I’m probably compensating with my finger and ear…
Well made video. Everything you could think from your point of view is included.
I am a not professional keyboard player, I find most controllers with bad keybed feeling. Most are too "soft". Like old cheap things that I bought and sold. I prefer semi weighed versions because I am not a pianist, I never got the right skill to play hammer keys seriously.
Recently I bought an Arturia keylab mkII 61 but I sold it: it was good on many points but really too soft, impossible to play piano parts.
My current choice is Native Instruments Kontrol S61 mkII.
Perfect for the keys, very poor for midi controls, only 8 potentiometers in midi mode: at home I use Kontrol software but live it makes no sense.
This could be my perfect choice for upper manual but I would like to be sure on key feeling: cheaper and older M-Audio didn't satisfy me at all.
Thanks for your test, I hope your studies are going well.
If the arturia felt too soft, I think this will too. If you are finding those semi weighted soft, I’d say you should definitely go for weighed (maybe not hammer weighted if that feels too far off).
Also, have you experimented with MIDI velocity curves? For both the hammer and semi stuff I set the curve to “soft” so it’s harder to hit 127, and easier to play nuanced
@@DIDCHOI Arturia model had no way to change velocity response, they just changed some days ago the firmware to include that, but for me it's too late... I sold it.
I have a Studiologic SL73 Studio that I like very much, a nice and light hammer type. But I am not good enough for that, specially live... Yes: with that one I put velocity to soft, so I can reach 127 as velocity with no big efforts.
With soft you get to 127 easier, not harder...
Currently I am involved in a rock blues band where I play Hammond and brass lines, so I prefer a second semi weighted keyboard. Buying another Kontrol 61 makes no sense, because it lacks sliders and buttons. This one seems a real option but I will try to play it before buying it.
@@furiobisotti8150 Huh, the Keylab 88 had it so I assumed Arturia would have it on all keyboards. Its such a basic function! Even casio cheap ones have it.
Not sure with the 73, but Studio logic also uses the Fatar keybeds which are way too heavy for piano, so maybe that's why you feel that.
Soft gets 127 easier if you play hard but keeps your average velocities on the lower side.
Yeah, I really like the M-audio for hammond and synth style stuff
Hey, thanks so much for this. Do you have any advice on mapping the faders to expression and dynamics etc for Kontakt? I cannot seem to get it mapped correctly and whenever I do manage to assign fader 1 to dynamics for example, as soon as I change a library in Kontakt or a patch it resets it. Any help welcome!
Sounds like you're mapping within Kontakt? You should use the M-Audio editor and assign the faders to standard CC's that you need. Mine are set from left to right: Expression 11, Modulation 1, Vibrato 21, Breath 2, Volume 7. That way it'll work with all of the necessary parameters in most Kontakt patches. For the ones that use something else, you could always remap the stuff, and save that Kontakt patch. Hope that helps
@@DIDCHOI thanks mate. I work for Spitfire Audio and just want to say thanks for all of your awesome support!
@@tomjharding oh wow! Work for spitfire? That’s so cool!
Mk3 or oxygen pro? For mainstage
Did you experimented velocity issues with the black keys?
Alas, it is the bane of my existence. I ended up just selecting the black notes and pulling down the velocity after recording…
you use what VSTi for piano sound at 7:24 please ? thanks
It’s been a while but most likely that’s the NI Grandeur
Would you say the keybed feels better/is more high quality than the Komplete Kontrol A61?
I have not tried it for an extended period, but from what I've played in the music store, they felt around the same.
Is this keyboard good to play solo leads or the keys are heavy to do that ??
Great for solo leads I'd say
Great video! thank u!! now this keyboard is 229 euros on thomann, i'd like to buy it, but my question is: can i buy a better midi keyboard with 229 euros? (of course i need 61 keys but i need especially pads). greetings from Italy
Not really sure with Euros, but among the competitors, each have a different layout and setup, so it's really down to personal choice. I enjoy the Oxygen's layout very much
Hey! I’m curious on if you know how to change the velocity curve on the board? Thanks
Yeah, just go into Global settings, scroll over to keyboard sensitivity and choose from there. Can also be done in the computer software I think.
@@DIDCHOI Thanks!!
Are the keys more like the keystation 61 (they feel more like a piano) ,or the old oxygen? I hated that keys pressure, no resistance at all
No they are semi-weighted, which as pianist means, no weight hahaha
Hey. I am in the market for a new midi keyboard and this particular model has been coming up in my searches. I was wondering, how is your Oxygen Pro 61 now? Are you still using it and do you still recommend it?
I had to move to a different city and ended up selling it. Using the Hammer 88 Pro now, which is like the older brother to the Oxygen Pro. I still think it's a great keyboard. Some models have a problem where the black keys are more sensitive than white keys, so that's something to beware of. Other than that, I love the workflow.
@@DIDCHOI Thank you so much for your input. Subbed.
Hello, Choi. Please gimme some reasons why you chose M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 instead of an ordinary M-Audio Oxygen 61 !?
The layout mostly! I have the hammer pro which is the exact same layout.
Does the pitch bend wheel still have the latency even after updating to the latest drivers? Can you please check and tell I'm trying to buy the same one
Alas, despite using the keyboard everyday, I can't answer cause I don't use it! hahaha, I'll have to double check..
I've read they fixed it with the latest updates. Someone here said:
Sco B
5 months ago (edited)
I got this and I did the update and there is no pitch bend issue anymore.
Do I need the pedal for film scoring? Or is that something you would only use for Piano sounds?
Depends on the libraries you use. cinematic studio does same note legatos with pedal. Some synths are more easily played with pedal. You can also map the pedal to activate certain things like articulations or layers or something. It’s always useful to have
@@DIDCHOI Thanks... yea I will just get it. Its only $25 or something.
Hello im from Vietnamese. Oxygen pro 61 How does the keyboard feel? What level is it at? Synth , Semi-weighted , Fully weighted hammer ?
Hi, it is semi-weighted. I would say it feels not great. It's more for inputting notes, playing synths, etc. I've done some piano recording with it too, but lots of velocity editing
are the keys good on it? compared to komplete kontrol? I need a controller for my synth.
As good as a semi-weighted will feel. From the few times I've tried Komplete stuff as well as Arturia and Novation semi weighted keys, it feels about the same.
@@DIDCHOI I got one on the weekend, I like it! connected to a jupiter XM
Does M-Audio Oxygen have internal speakers or does it need to be connected to a laptop /speakers to be heard?
It's a controller, so no sound built-in, no speakers. It controls a laptop or external midi rack
I’m stuck between the Oxygen 49 Pro vs Keylab Essential 49 can anyone advise?🥴
Both will be fine really. Both will feel meh cause its semi-weighted. Its a matter of what you need. Faders on the left was really important to me so I got the Oxygen. The Arturia stuff will have a better interface and user experience as long as layout isn't a problem for you. Both will be nice and light.
Nice review bro! 😊 is it compatible with android phones
Thanks! It should be compatible, though you will need a desktop to map and change parameters on the keyboard itself
@@DIDCHOI more thanks brother. Is it the same with another midi controllers
@@braveheartconqueror5000 Pretty much yes
@@DIDCHOI thanks bro☺
I got this and I did the update and there is no pitch bend issue anymore ... ...the 61 key btw is boss so loving it from the pro 49 ,,,
That's good to know! Don't use pitch bend much personally, but I know some people were upset about that
are you sure? There is no delay at all now? Even a tiny delay?
@@DIDCHOI have you bought it finally? No delay at all anymore?
@@nio2418 Hey, sorry, like my comment above, even a year later, I rarely use pitch bend so I can't really comment. I just moved and had to sell my Oxygen Pro so can't test it out either!
Please do comparison between hammer 88 pro and oxygen pro 61 key .
Unfortunately the two are on opposite ends of North America at the moment so I won't be able to do a direct comparison. But I can tell you that the functionality is virtually identical. Obviously less ports on the 61, but really I only use sustain pedal and USB out so I don't care.
The touch is the biggest thing. The 61 is trash compared to the hammer. But it can be useful for organ playing, synth playing, fast sample repetitions, etc. And it's MUCH lighter so easily portable for gigs if needed. And thinner so it fits well on a desk, while the hammer I'd get a stand or a really low (modified) desk.
@@DIDCHOI then I'll go for hammer 88 pro . Thank you for your opinion bro 😍😊.
@@KIsaac-wp5dq Definitely the better choice if it is an option!
is there a function or preset for , arm track ?
Yup! It’s the buttons under the faders. You can set them to do that
@@DIDCHOI cool thanks !
M-Audio really makes some well designed keyboards. For my purposes (and budget), though, I went with a Novation Launchkey MK3. Your compositions sound great, BTW.
Thank you!!
Faders should always be on the left! 👍
YES! PLEASE
뉘 집 아들인지 정말 잘 생겼네.. 성공하세요!!
M-Audio does great Midi keyboards and I could not be witout my Oxygen
It’s great!
Ok the wig moment had me laughing a minute straight :P
Hahahaha glad you enjoyed it!
Heheh believe it or not I'm AGAIN on the road due to work and I'm browsing for a Maudio Pro 25 and it's sweet but not that compact.Have you tried a Korg microkeys?
Sorry, missed the reply. I haven't tried it. If i got something for the road, I was thinking of the Oxygen Pro Mini 32, got faders and drum pads within a laptop's footprint.
Before that was released, I was debating getting one of the Arturia mini keyboards with their touch strips. I liked to program the pitch wheel to vibrato that would snap to a "mid vibrato" default and I could juice for the bigger moments. And Mod wheel being mod of course
Hello. On 8.43 you showed that you can set a TREMOLO effect on a virtual instrument.
How to do this? I want to download virtual balalaikas or domras somewhere and record an instrumental version (minus/off vocal) of this track: ua-cam.com/video/4RCuR5Fs_M0/v-deo.html
Hi, so that kind of thing depends on what articulations your virtual instrument has. With articulation sets (watch my articulation sets video) you can map your pads to notes that correspond to articulations.
@@DIDCHOI Can you send me a link to those videos?
And do you know where to download balalaikas/domras with tremolo?
Kacang bos = Kakean Cangkem
the worst keyboard, regret for buying it....😕