M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Bottom line: The M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV USB MIDI Keyboard Controller ($199.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, not mini keys; main trade-off: 49 keys is short of a full 88 for piano repertoire.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, not mini keys
- ✓ 8 knobs plus 9 faders for hands-on mixing and plugin control
- ✓ 2 banks of 8 backlit velocity-sensitive pads with Note Repeat
- ✓ NKS integration browses Native Instruments presets from the keyboard
- ✓ Ships with MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, 5 MPC packs
Cons
- ✗ 49 keys is short of a full 88 for piano repertoire
- ✗ Semi-weighted feel only; no hammer action for classical players
- ✗ Software requires a download card and M-AUDIO account registration
- ✗ Komplete 15 Select is one curated bundle, not the full Komplete suite
Manufacturer description
The M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV is a 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller built for producers who want hands-on control instead of mouse-drawn automation. Full-size, velocity-sensitive piano-style keys give you the dynamic response virtual samplers and synth plugins are designed to read, while two banks of 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat handle beat programming, clip launching, and soundboard triggering. Where the Oxygen 49 earns its place on a desk is the control surface: 8 assignable knobs for plugin and synth parameters, plus 9 assignable faders for mixing. Auto-mapping…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV USB MIDI Keyboard Controller using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. M-AUDIO's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many keys does the Oxygen 49 MKV have, and are they full size?
It has 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive piano-style keys, so your fingering transfers directly from an acoustic piano.
What software comes with the M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV?
MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, two AIR Music Tech instruments (Hybrid 3 and Mini Grand), 5 Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs, and your pick of one of three Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic. You redeem them via the included download card on the M-AUDIO website.
Does it work with Native Instruments Komplete?
Yes. M-AUDIO partnered with Native Instruments to add Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) support to the Oxygen series, letting you browse and control NI presets and sound libraries from the keyboard.
Do I need a separate power supply or MIDI interface?
No. It is a USB MIDI controller and a USB MIDI cable is included, so a single USB connection to your computer handles both data and power.
Is it good for beat making, or just playing keys?
Both. Two banks of 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat cover beat production, clip launching, and soundboard triggering, alongside the 49 keys, arpeggiator, and Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes.
Key Features
- Recording Studio Equipment Essential - MIDI controller with 49 velocity-sensitive full-size piano style keys delivers a natural response that gets the best from virtual sampler and synthesizer plugins
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - M-AUDIO and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the Oxygen series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your Oxygen keyboard
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles; Beats, Band, or Electronic
- Make Better Beats with these Beat Maker Must Haves - 2 banks of 8 backlit velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat - for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering and more
- Get Hands-on with Your Music Studio Equipment - 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control of virtual synth parameters, effect plugins, DAW controls and more
- Every Tool You Need - Effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls and plugin parameters; Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes; Arpeggiator; pitch and mod wheels; sustain pedal input; USB MIDI cable included
Full Specifications
| Size | 49 Keys |
|---|---|
| Brand | M-AUDIO |
| Color | Black |
| Platform | Windows 10, Windows 7 |
| Instrument | Keyboard |
| Model Name | Oxygen 49 MKV |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Control Type | Keyboard Controller |
| Model Number | OXYGEN49MKV |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Noise Control | None |
| Product Style | Oxygen MKV |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Instrument Key | Any |
| Item Type Name | Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included |
| Number of Keys | 1 |
| Outer Material | Aluminium |
| Full listing title | M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys, 8 Beat Pads, 8 Knobs, 9 Faders, and Bundled DAW Recording Software, for Music Production |
Ready to buy?
M-AUDIO Oxygen 49 MKV USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys, 8 Beat Pads, 8 Knobs, 9 Faders, and Bundled DAW Recording Software, for Music Production is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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