Komplete Kontrol A49 V.S. M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61?

@spender_m, 2 questions:

1. Why not compare the A61 to the Oxygen Pro 61? Is there something about the A61 (or Oxygen Pro 49) you don't like?

2. Do you live in a region where you'd be able to compare both models side by side in a store yourself?

I've never used either model, so I can't comment personally, but from a quality standpoint, both Native Instruments and InMusic (parent company of M-Audio, Alesis, etc) have proven capable of making best-in-class MIDI controllers in recent years... so I doubt we'll be able to rule out one or the other based purely on quality issues. Key feel is absolutely the right thing to be focused on, given your needs and the models you're looking at.

I've never tried Komplete control but the m-audio oxygen line has always had mediocre action and chintzy knobs/sliders. They pack a lot of features per dollar but aren't exactly high quality.

Personally for soundtrack work I tend to use 2 keyboards over traditional DIN midi cables, one with hammer action and one with wheels like an actual synth so I can be controlling samples and sending synth audio if I want... and sometimes a nanocontrol which helps with spitfire products.

Think about what you're trying to do before settling on 2 or 3 products designed just as controllers. Sometimes your money is better spent on an actual synth, digital stage piano or workstation that can do double duty plugged into your computer.

I've never tried Komplete control but the m-audio oxygen line has always had mediocre action and chintzy knobs/sliders. They pack a lot of features per dollar but aren't exactly high quality.

When M-Audio was owned by Avid, the Oxygen line was a lower-tier offering. Oxygen boards had a less substantial feel than the flagship Axiom line in that period. The first 2 generations of Oxygen controllers were especially insubstantial in their feel. But over time, and especially under InMusic's ownership, they've phased out the Axiom line, and the Oxygen line has moved upmarket relative to what it used to be. I don't think the current Oxygen Pros are going to match the high water mark of the much older Axiom Pros, but I'd be shocked if the current Oxygen Pro line felt dramatically less substantial than NI's A-series boards.

...but all that said, I'd also be shocked if the Oxygen Pro felt MORE substantial than the NI A-series. :D

update:

Think about what you're trying to do before settling on 2 or 3 products designed just as controllers. Sometimes your money is better spent on an actual synth, digital stage piano or workstation that can do double duty plugged into your computer.

But once you go to DIN MIDI and external synths, you've lost the convenience and simplicity of working 100% in-the-box. We don't know of OP even has an interface that can bring DIN MIDI into DAW domain... but to your point, the price of a used workstation synth with hammer action keys and the cost of a new midi controller with comparable key action isn't always that huge... and every MIDI controller, short of that Kawai beast with the wooden keys, is essentially a disposable item that will be worth exactly $0 in 10 years, whereas even the cheapest Yamaha MOTIF or Korg workstation from 2002 still has some kind of reason to live in 2022.... but OP is looking at $250-ish price range... we're not talking about best way to spend $800-$1200.

but to your point, the price of a used workstation synth with hammer action keys and the cost of a new midi controller with comparable key action isn't always that huge... and every MIDI controller, short of that Kawai beast with the wooden keys, is essentially a disposable item that will be worth exactly $0 in 10 years, whereas even the cheapest Yamaha MOTIF or Korg workstation from 2002 still has some kind of reason to live in 2022.... but OP is looking at $250-ish price range... we're not talking about best way to spend $800-$1200.

That's my point... you have it. As to price point? There's a happy medium between cheap and affordable in the used market in the covid years. In 2019 I wouldn't have suggested this, but if you're willing to walk into a chain music store now there are smokin' deals.

I lament midi man's transformation into m audio. I ran my old midi man phat boy2 into the ground for 20 years man.

I lament midi man's transformation into m audio. I ran my old midi man phat boy2 into the ground for 20 years man.

There aren't enough Flying Cow AD/DAs on Equipboard.