![]() The construction is definitely plastic-y, but I’ve been banging the hell out of it for a couple of weeks and taking it with me for impromptu jam/recording sessions, and it hasn’t fallen apart yet. I realize size was a major consideration in this keyboard’s design, but I much prefer wheels to rocker buttons for pitch bend and modulation. It did take me a couple of quick passes through the user manual to figure out how to do things like change the degree of pitch bending and make knobs control various common functions the documentation is fairly good if a bit too generic (software-specific help would have been nice). The beauty of MIDI controllers is that most of the controls are assignable. The package includes a copy of Ableton Live Lite 5, which is reasonably easy for beginners to get started with, as well as Enigma for managing and storing your different MIDI setups. You can adjust the order of presets too, in case you’ve got a more elaborate equipment/software setup. Which preset you use depends on what recording or sequencing software you’re using I tested the 02 successfully with GarageBand and Logic Pro 7 using the GM preset, and the 02 worked flawlessly with Reason using the Reason (native) setting. There are five presets stored in the 02’s internal ROM: General MIDI (GM), Reason (native), Reason (mixer), Yamaha/Roland, and a MIDI CC. Of course, if you’re used to a real piano, this kind of action can drive you a bit nutty. The 25 keys are half-action, meaning they don’t go down very far, so they let you play pretty easily and fast. On the back of the 02, you’ve got an on/off switch, a jack for an optional programmable footswitch or sustain pedal, a MIDI output (in case you want to save a USB port or use it with another MIDI device), a USB 2.0 port, and a 9V DC jack (for use with the optional AC adapter). ![]() The overall layout is very clean and practical. An assignable fader controls volume by default. Five more buttons control various presets and programming functions, and there are rubberized two-way buttons for octave shift/transpose, modulation, and pitch bending (the last two are also assignable). It’s got a three-digit LED screen and eight fully assignable control knobs plus one assignable rubberized button beneath each knob. The 02 weighs in at about 3 pounds, which is right in line with most other 25-key models. This thing is impressively compact, at just 1.5″ thick by 17.5″ long by 8.5″ deep, so it slips easily into a backpack. (Don’t be freaked out by the $179.95 list price only total newbs would pay that much.) Either way, the M-Audio 02–the followup to the company’s successful Oxygen 8 keyboard–isn’t the most advanced 2-octave controller out there, but it’s a solid choice, and you can find it at places like J&R for around $100. Need an ultra-slim MIDI controller keyboard for laying down quick tracks while you’re on the go? Or perhaps you’re looking for a small, inexpensive keyboard to complement your full-size home studio rig.
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