Evolution Introduces UC-33 USB MIDI Controller
 |
Top View
(Click for a close-up) |
 |
Rear View
(Click for a close-up) |
January 23, 2003
Evolution announced the UC-33 hardware controller at Winter NAMM, providing hands-on control for any computer music or MIDI setup, eliminating the frustrations of using a mouse. With an SRP of US$330, the UC-33 is an answer to controlling popular plug-ins, virtual instruments and host applications such as Cakewalk Sonar, Propellerhead Reason, Native Instruments B4 and Cubase SX.
The UC-33 offers instant and simultaneous control of up to 47 different parameters provided by 24 assignable rotary knobs, 9 full-size
assignable ALPS faders with light indicators and 14 assignable buttons.
The UC-33 comes with 33 presets allowing instant recall of setups for a whole range of industry standard software. No time consuming setting up procedures are required to get started. Specially designed overlay templates are also included, instantly transforming the UC-33 into a B4, Pro 53 or channel strip mixer.
Creating individual setups is extremely straight forward. Each of the 47 real-time controllers are programmed using a numerical keypad which makes assigning fast and precise. A crystal clear LCD display shows the current status for each controller providing an instant overview of the setup.
All of the UC-33's 47 controllers can transmit on separate MIDI channels allowing control of multiple plug-ins and mixer channels. There is even a Drawbar mode which reverses the polarity of the 9 assignable ALPS faders making the real-time control of classic organ instruments even more realistic. The UC-33 also has RPN/NRPN and pre-programmed Sys-Ex messages, which make it possible to gain real-time access to parameters beyond immediate reach on
SoundBlaster, XG and GM compatible soundcards.
Setups can be stored in 33 different memory locations for recalling at any time and a blank overlay template is included allowing the user to label the unit themselves.
The UC-33 connects to a PC or Mac using the included USB cable. This also provides power, keeping cables to a minimum and eliminating the need for a power supply. In common with all Evolution products, the UC-33 is Class compliant, so no drivers are required when using Windows XP or Mac OS X. Drivers for earlier operating systems are of course included.
The UC-33 can also be used as a USB MIDI interface. The MIDI Input and Output interface directly with host applications, adding an extra interface to a users' setup.
Of course, the UC-33 can be used with a conventional MIDI setup, for live performances or as a remote controller for an existing studio rack. Used in this configuration, the UC-33 sends MIDI controller data straight from the MIDI Out to a MIDI rack. Even complex live setups are easy to control from a single unit due to the UC-33's powerful programming features.
For situations when multiple UC-33's are needed, the UC-33 has been designed to operate perfectly alongside itself and any other Evolution controller. For example, one unit can control the mixer environment of a host application while another unit controls a selection of plug-ins.
The UC-33 will be available Q2 2003 with an SRP of (US)$330.00
For more information, visit their web site at www.evolution-uk.com. | 
