Experts recommend Akai Pro MPK249 more than M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Akai Pro MPK249 over M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV, but both MIDI Controllers have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Akai Pro MPK249 received 2 recommendations: from Equipboard (28 Jul 2024) and Music Critic (16 Feb 2024). By contrast, M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV received only 1 recommendation from Music Critic (16 Feb 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com  | guitarandmusicinstitute.com  | Gearank  | Keyboard Kraze  | Sweetwater  | Equipboard  | Music Radar  | Music Critic  | Prime Sound  | The Guitar Junky  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | - | Check price |  Akai Pro MPK249 The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | - |
| 46 | N/A | $299 |  M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV | - | - | - | - | - | - |
- | 6 | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #3 and M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV as #6
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 10 Akai Pro MPK249 Best Value... ... ... #6 out of 10 M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV ... ... ... Source: musiccritic.com - On 28 Jul 2024 Equipboard ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #1
Rank MIDI Controller #1 out of 7 Akai Pro MPK249 ... ... Source: equipboard.com
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Akai Pro MPK249 outranks M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV. This is not to say that M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV is a bad option. Like Akai Pro MPK249, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Akai Pro MPK249 is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV is not.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com
| guitarandmusicinstitute.com | Gearank | Keyboard Kraze | Sweetwater | Equipboard | Music Radar | Music Critic | Prime Sound | The Guitar Junky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Check price |  Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | - | $99 |  Akai MPK Mini MK3 The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
| 3 | - | Check price | Akai Pro MPK249 The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | - |
| 4 | - | $109 |  Arturia MiniLab MkII The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go. | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [6]
Total expert reviews: 6
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 5
| Highest score by midilifestyle.com | 100 |
| Average score based on 6 reviews | 100 |
| Lowest score by midilifestyle.com | 100 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [4]
Total expert reviews: 4
- with a score: 2
- without a score: 2
| Highest score by GuitarFella | 98 |
| Average score based on 4 reviews | 94 |
| Lowest score by Music Radar | 90 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Pro Keyboard Performance - 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel
- Beat Making Essentials - 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads - the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
- Read more
From Seller:
- Compact, ultra portable performance keyboard controller with 49 full size, synth action velocity sensitive keys and on board pitch bend and modulation wheels for expressive performances
- 8 velocity sensitive trigger pads for beat production and clip launching; 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders for manipulating virtual instruments, daw parameters and plugins on board lcd screen provides instant parameter feedback
- Read more