OVERVIEW
The newly updated version of M-Audio's popular Oxygen controller. You get a fully functional MIDI keyboard with excellent action and feel, plus eight MIDI-assignable knobs to control MIDI parameters. New features include full MIDI message support, plus 6 transport buttons that can be reassigned to any MIDI parameter. The Oxygen 8 v2 also offers 10 non-volatile memory locations and is compatible with the free Enigma software for computer-based storage, retrieval and management of an unlimited number of patches. The Oxygen 8 v2 also comes with Ableton Lite so you can start creating music right away.

OUR OPINION
The original Oxygen was a Lab bestseller for years. This new version keeps the features that made the original so popular, while updating it for today's studio. We really like the size and feel of this controller. It's small and light enough to call "portable" but it is substantial enough as a centerpiece for your home studio. It is also very straight forward and simple, all the features are useful and easy to use.

• 25-note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard with USB MIDI interface
• 8 fully assignable MIDI controller knobs
• 6 transport buttons also assignable to any MIDI parameter
• assignable pitch bend and modulation wheels
• octave up/down; transpose up/down
• MIDI Out jack
• powered via USB or optional power supply
• class-compliant with Windows XP and Mac OS X
• compatible with free Enigma librarian/editor for storing and organizing setups
• weighs only 4 lbs.
• includes Ableton Live Lite 4 music production software so you can make music right away

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by the mgmnt