Master your M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini: get more out of your MIDI keyboard
By Melodics
November 4, 2025
Master your M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini: get more out of your MIDI keyboard
Just unboxed your M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini, or thinking about getting one? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re brand new to MIDI controllers or already a budding producer ready to dive deeper, this guide will walk you through everything - from setup and first notes to the advanced features that make this mini keyboard a serious creative weapon. Let’s get started and turn your musical ideas into something real.
What we’ll cover:
What comes in the box
Getting started with your Oxygen Pro Mini
Connecting and setting up
How to use Oxygen Pro Mini: the basics
Our favourite Oxygen Pro Mini features
Beyond the basics: advanced tips and Melodics integration
What comes in the box?
When you open your M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini, you’ll find everything you need to start making music straight away. Inside, you’ll get:
Oxygen Pro Mini MIDI Keyboard – A 32-key, velocity-sensitive MIDI keyboard built for portability and versatile control.
USB Cable – To connect your controller to your computer or other devices.
Quickstart Guide – A short but handy manual to get you up and running fast.
Software Bundle Access – Unlocks premium tools like Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, and Velvet.
Before you power it up, check that everything’s in the box and in good condition. Then, it’s time to create.
Getting started with your Oxygen Pro Mini
Setting up your Oxygen Pro Mini is refreshingly easy - no engineering degree required.
Connecting and setting up
Here’s how to get going:
Plug it in: Connect the USB cable from your Oxygen Pro Mini to your computer.
Register your device: Visit M-Audio’s website, create an account, and register your controller to unlock your software bundle.
Download your software: Use your access code to grab MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, and the included virtual instruments.
Set up your DAW: Open your preferred DAW (Ableton, Logic, FL Studio, etc.) and select M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini as your MIDI input device.
Customise your setup: Use the Oxygen Pro Preset Editor software to tweak pad sensitivity, assign knobs, and fine-tune velocity curves.
That’s it! You’re ready to play, record, and start bringing your musical ideas to life.
How to use Oxygen Pro Mini: the basics
Now that you’re connected, let’s explore what makes the Oxygen Pro Mini such a versatile creative tool.
Keys and pads
Keys: The Oxygen Pro Mini features 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys, perfect for melodies, basslines, and chord progressions. Despite its compact form, having 32 keys instead of 25 gives more range for richer harmonies and more dynamic performances - ideal for both practice and production.
Pads: You’ll find 8 backlit, velocity-sensitive pads designed for finger drumming, sample triggering, or launching clips in your DAW.
Knobs and faders: The four assignable knobs and faders let you control levels, filters, panning, or effects - giving you hands-on control over your sound.
Transport controls: Easily play, stop, record, or loop without touching your mouse.
The Oxygen Pro Mini packs serious power into a slim, lightweight design. It’s perfect for producers who create on the go - from your home studio to hotel rooms, coffee shops, or live performances. Compact enough to slip into your backpack, yet sturdy enough for real play.
2. Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes
For anyone learning keys or building confidence in music theory, these features are gold.
Smart Chord lets you play full chords with a single note, helping you build harmonic ideas faster.
Smart Scale locks the keys to specific scales so you can’t hit a wrong note - great for exploring new genres or improvising freely.
3. Built-in arpeggiator
Bring instant movement to your melodies and chords with the built-in arpeggiator.
Activate it: Press the Arp button.
Adjust it: Change rate, octave range, and pattern direction for creative rhythmic effects.It’s ideal for adding motion and energy to your tracks.
4. Seamless DAW integration
The Oxygen Pro Mini plays nicely with all the big names:
Ableton Live: Automatically maps to clip launching, mixer control, and instrument parameters.
Logic Pro & GarageBand: Easy control over track navigation, volume, and recording.
FL Studio: Pre-mapped for quick beat-making and performance tweaks.
Pro Tools: Full MIDI mapping for detailed production control.
Program editor for customisation
The Oxygen Pro Editor lets you personalise your controller completely. You can:
Re-map pads, knobs, and faders to match your DAW workflow.
Save custom presets for different sessions or genres.
Adjust sensitivity and response curves to match your playing style.
It’s the kind of customisation that helps your hardware feel like an extension of your creative mind.
Who should get the Oxygen Pro Mini
One of the best things about the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is it’s built for creators of all kinds - from total beginners to experienced producers.
Beginners: You’ll love its intuitive design and Smart functions that make learning less intimidating and more inspiring.
Producers on the move: Its compact size makes it perfect for mobile setups and small studios.
Experienced artists: With deep DAW integration and advanced performance controls, it’s a reliable tool for capturing ideas fast and performing live.
Whether you’re crafting beats, shaping synth lines, or scoring film cues, the Oxygen Pro Mini gives you everything you need to stay creative wherever you are.
Beyond the basics: top tips for Oxygen Pro Mini users
Melodics integration for better practice
Want to sharpen your playing or improve your finger drumming? Melodics is your ultimate practice companion.
Plug and play: The Oxygen Pro Mini works perfectly with Melodics.
Interactive lessons: Learn keyboard skills, finger drumming, and rhythm training through step-by-step, gamified lessons.
Track your progress: Stay motivated as you level up and see your skills evolve in real time.
It’s a fun, structured way to build confidence - turning daily practice into creative play.
Get access to 100s of interactive lessons and popular songs
Instant feedback on your progress and the tools to improve
The fun and effective way to reach your music goals
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is proof that big creativity can come in a small package. Whether you’re starting your musical journey or refining your production workflow, this compact controller gives you the tools, flexibility, and inspiration to make it happen.
So plug it in, open your DAW, and start experimenting - your next idea could be your best one yet.
Looking to develop your music production skills?
Melodics is the app that helps you play better. Build real skills on the MIDI keyboard and pads controller with interactive lessons designed for producers.The best part? It works seamlessly with the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini - so every practice session helps you play, perform, and produce with more confidence.