OXI Instruments OXI One MKII: Sequencing at the Speed of Inspiration

OXI Instruments introduces the OXI One MKII as the next evolutionary step in their flagship sequencer line, positioning it as both powerful and accessible. The company emphasizes that MKII is the result of years of iterative refinement, with direct input from their community and artists shaping its development. This isn’t just a spec bump—it’s a rethinking of how a sequencer can serve as the creative core of a modern, hybrid rig.

The central promise is to eliminate barriers between musical inspiration and execution. OXI claims that the MKII’s workflow has been streamlined for both speed and creativity, aiming to keep up with the pace of spontaneous musical ideas. The video sets the tone for a device that wants to be more than just a step-sequencer: it’s pitched as a genuinely inspiring tool for both studio and live performance, with an emphasis on immediacy and hands-on control.

The headline feature in the MKII is its expanded sequencing architecture: users now have access to eight independent sequencers, each capable of running up to 64 tracks in multi-track mode. This makes the MKII a true contender for the central role in complex setups, whether you’re driving modular synths, drum machines, or hybrid DAWless rigs. Each sequencer can operate in mono, poly, chord, stochastic, matricial, or multi-track modes, offering a palette of sequencing approaches for different musical needs.

OXI highlights the updated OXI app, which now allows effortless import of instrument definitions and direct drag-and-drop of MIDI files into sequencers. Multiple presets can be saved for studio workflows, further enhancing the MKII’s integration into diverse production environments. The addition of new soft buttons for navigation and performance rounds out the hardware’s commitment to fast, flexible control.

This architecture isn’t just about raw numbers—it’s about workflow. The video demonstrates how the MKII’s expanded track and mode support can transform the device into a true “brain” for your setup, with each sequencer independently tailored to a specific role, from melodic lines to generative textures.

The MKII introduces a suite of new performance tools designed to let users interact with multiple tracks simultaneously. The revamped Performance mode is a standout, enabling instant access to mutes, transposition, and step shift across all tracks. This is a clear nod to live performers and improvisers who need to manipulate complex arrangements on the fly.

The Gen page is another workflow enhancer, allowing users to visualize patterns and expand them into full compositions with minimal friction. The Flow key brings live variation and performative gestures to sequences, making it easy to introduce organic changes during a set. Meanwhile, the Groove page lets users load groove templates—including custom ones from the OXI app—and tweak accent, timing, and randomization for more humanized patterns.

Taken together, these tools make the MKII not just a programming device but a live instrument in its own right. The focus here is on immediacy: every function is designed to be accessible in real time, supporting both structured compositions and spontaneous performance tweaks.

Beyond traditional sequencing, the MKII introduces two advanced engines for dynamic pattern generation. The Repetition engine allows users to repeat a step up to 15 times within a defined span, with real-time control over velocity curves and groove. This opens up new rhythmic possibilities, especially for those who want to move beyond static patterns.

The Accumulator engine adds interval shifts every time a step is triggered, supporting both positive and negative accumulation spans. Both engines are conditional and can be linked to the Flow button, enabling performers to activate or deactivate them live. This means evolving, complex sequences can be created and manipulated with minimal effort, further blurring the line between composition and performance.