New M-Audio Oxygen keyboards have DirectLink to your DAW

M-Audio Oxygen 25: the smallest in the new range.
M-Audio Oxygen 25: the smallest in the new range.

M-Audio's range of Oxygen keyboards is surely one of the most popular ever, and the latest iteration of it has just been announced.

25-, 49- and 61-note models are available, and they all benefit from what M-Audio reckons is "a sleek new look". More importantly, they're the first controllers to benefit from the company's DirectLink technology, which promises to automatically map the hardware's knobs, buttons and sliders to appropriate controls in your DAW.

Supported software includes Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Live, Logic and GarageBand.

Oxygen 25

Oxygen 25

"The new Oxygen controllers take M-Audio's classic Oxygen line to the next level with DirectLink, making it easier than ever to record, mix and shape a musical performance straight-away without any complicated set up," reckons Avid product Manager Tim Chandler.

"DirectLink is simple but effective, automatically linking up with useful controls in your music software. Ultimately, players and producers are able to be more creative and get musical results without the need for complex MIDI mapping or controller programming."

The new M-Audio Oxygen models will be shipping in the fourth quarter of this year. Prices are £73 for the Oxygen 25; £92 for the Oxygen 49; and £121 for the Oxygen 61.

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.