Evolution UC33e MIDI Control Surface
24 assignable rotary knobs. Multi-purpose LCD display. 9 assignable faders.
Overall User Ratings (based on 56 ratings)
Submitted May 24, 2008 by a customer from bellsouth.net
"You have to be smarter than the product. Spend some time to get in its head."
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
My UC 33e has worked for a couple of years, I only get to use it on weekends when I have the time and the creative urge is working. If it had a Jog wheel and about three more midi ins and outs it would be a 10.
Sound
Obviously this device doesn't make any sound of its own but I don't want to give any unnecessary low numbers on it.
Features
More knobs, me likey. I use my Uc33's for Cubase SX on a PC and if you spend enough time you can make them control nearly any component of the mix you like. I use two and run one connected through USB and I MIDI the second one into the first one so I have control of 16 channels.
Ease of Use
Plug and play is always a relative term. Expect to spend some time to assign the knobs to your purpose. The manual is kind of vague. The deal is, this thing can eventually be programmed to replace your Gram'ma and once it's set up you just use it like the end table next to your couch. (wow I think I just wrote a country song)
Quality
Compact and portable. Feels like a cast aluminum housing or at least thick abs plastic. The sliders have really good travel distince. (not short and sensitive) Every once in a while I have to double tap a button to get a response. Set your drink coaster several inches away from it and it will last a long time.
Value
The price is fair compaired to similar devices like the Mackie Stuff.
Manufacturer Support
Support is kinda weak, but they try. A little slow on the hold time. No toll free number. once you've spent 5 or 6 hours with the UC 33e you are likely to know more than tech support.
The Wow Factor
It's not impressive in appearance like a big sound board you see on Cribs, but it is functional as heck compaired to doing everything with a mouse. When you hand the final mixdown CD of your latest work to a friend, they wont know the difference.
Musical Background:
Previous Active musician and Writer, Work in Progress
Musical Style:
Rock, Classical, Blues,
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Submitted December 3, 2007
"I'd get something else instead."
Good for adding a hands-on feel to production, but unreliable for live performance.
Features
Good amount of knobs/faders/buttons, should be enough for most people.
Knobs don't spin 360, and faders aren't motorized.
Quality
The product itself is sturdy enough, but the DRIVERS are TERRIBLE. I have to reinstall them on a weekly basis and sometimes the problem can persist. Very problematic for live gigs.
Value
It does the job for a decent price. Get it if you can't afford a Novation Zero =).
Manufacturer Support
Evolution is an M-Audio company. Nuff said.
Musical Background:
Recording Engineer, Producer, DJ
Musical Style:
House, Electro
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