M-Audio O2 USB MIDI Controller

4.0 (14)

2 Critic Reviews

5 Reviews

Find out who is using M-Audio O2 USB

6 wishlisted

25 saved

Page last updated Nov 11, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your creativity with the M-Audio O2 USB MIDI Controller, a sleek and compact powerhouse designed for musicians on the move. With its ultra-thin profile, the O2 slips effortlessly into your bag, making it the ideal companion for spontaneous jam sessions, live performances, or studio work. Despite its small size, this controller offers a robust array of features to elevate your music production experience.

The O2 boasts 25 full-size, touch-sensitive keys that provide responsive tactile feedback, perfect for expressing dynamic musical ideas. With 18 assignable MIDI controllers, including eight knobs and eight buttons, you have all the tools you need to customize and control your sound. The integrated USB MIDI I/O and built-in MIDI interface enable seamless connectivity to your computer and external sound modules, making it easier than ever to interface with your favorite DAWs and synths.

Designed for versatility, the O2 includes octave shift buttons, modulation and pitch bend controls, and a sustain pedal input, offering the same expressive capabilities as a full-sized keyboard in a compact form. To top it all off, the O2 comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, ensuring you can start crafting tracks right out of the box.

Key Features:

25 full-size, touch-sensitive keys
8 fully assignable MIDI controller knobs and 8 buttons
Built-in 16 channel MIDI interface with USB MIDI In/Out
Includes Ableton Live Lite software
Modulation and pitch bend control
Sustain pedal input
Compact design perfect for travel
Powered via USB or external adapter
Integrates with Enigma editor/librarian for unlimited setup storage
Compatible with Windows XP and Mac OS X

Reviews

Add review

PROS

MIDI out is really helpful for controlling various instruments
Durable, withstands drops and rough handling
Compact and portable design
Keys, though not the best, are playable
Works perfectly with specific software like Analog Lab V

CONS

Keys sometimes feel weak
Lacks advanced features like mod wheel and pitch wheel
Limited range due to small size
Knobs not the best quality on the market
Pitch bend and mod controls in classic wheel shape not preferred

Critic Reviews

M-Audio O2

soundonsound.com

The M-Audio O2 USB MIDI Controller impresses with its ultra-thin design, making it ideal for mobile musicians. Despite its slim build, it offers full-size keys, essential for traditional keyboardists. The innovative rocker switches for pitch and modulation, although unconventional, are an exciting feature once mastered. While the half-distance key travel might feel odd initially, it becomes intuitive with use. The lack of a MIDI input is a downside, but the O2's affordability at £119 makes it a great value. If a compact, lightweight controller is your priority, the M-Audio O2 stands out as a top contender.

positive

Full Review

M-Audio: O2 Mobile USB MIDI Controller | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The M-Audio O2 USB MIDI Controller is a compact, budget-friendly solution for space-constrained studios, offering easy portability and USB connectivity without the hassle of extra cables. Its two-octave range and lightweight design make it ideal for quickly auditioning sounds, especially one-handed virtual instrument parts. It's user-friendly with instant plug-and-play capability on both Mac and Windows. While it lacks a built-in USB hub, which could inconvenience users with limited USB ports, its programmability and array of MIDI controllers make it a versatile tool for those not heavily invested in MIDI setups. Overall, it's a smart pick for those needing a simple, efficient MIDI controller.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lost_in_reverb

1558

almost 4 years ago

Cheap hidden gem for the studio

Well,of course the Arturia Microlab has better keys,but it was a bit limited for some stuff,for example,i couldn´t control my Volca Keys with that one,or at least not in a simple simple way,this O2 has midi out and that is really helpful. In terms of controls,the keys sometimes feel a bit weak but it´s ok,not a big problem,i don´t like the pitch bend and mod in the classic wheel shape but you get used to it,the knobs are not the best in the market but they work fine and feel good,in general i love how my workflow goes using this one paired to Analog Lab V,it works perfect for me and it is helping me to finish my first EP,get one,it´s cheap and great.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Ambient

nickgrooves

2155

almost 11 years ago

Built like a tank ... knock on wood :)

Acquired mine from a local recording studio when they closed their doors. I had tracked on it before, and knew it could perform. What I didn't realize was how well it held up over the years. Thousands of sessions later, I have dropped it and tossed it around at home and it still works. Something inside is ratting around, but does not seem to affect the function. Seems well made to me. Four stars only because the range is so tiny. I use my Hammond XK-3c as a MIDI controller when I need more keys.

carro

132

about 10 years ago

a generic USB Keyboard. Nothing special

Nothing special about this keyboard, no cool features, no mod wheel, no pitch wheel, just used for playing around with notes to see what works. Alright value for money but nothing game changing.