The MC Control from Euphonix is an four-channel control surface with a comprehensive touch-screen interface that uses a 100 Mbs Ethernet EuCon connection to control audio/video applications running on Mac OS X based computers. EuCon is a high-speed communication protocol and enables control of virtually every application feature with EuCon aware software. The control surface also supports the HUI and Mackie Control protocols, but with a slightly diminished level of integration.
The MC Control's Touch-screen offers full color, high resolution feedback, and allows easy access to setup functions, soft keys and track information. Twelve programmable soft keys are also available for fast access to frequently used functions. The unit can be set up to access multiple applications simultaneously (only one program is in focus at one time), and the controller intelligently recognizes which application is in focus and loads the corresponding Application Set into the display.
Four motorized, touch-sensitive faders allow control of track levels and record status, while eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders offer direct control over everything from panning and gain, to editing plug-ins and EQ. Also included are transport controls and a data entry wheel that also functions as a jog/shuttle wheel.
Euphonix has long been a mainstay of high-end broadcast, post, video and audio production equipment, and the MC Control borrows many features from the Euphonix MC Pro and System 5-MC. The unit will work with up to three additional MC Mix units to create a larger, integrated system with up to thirty-six faders.
| Connection |
EuCon (Ethernet) Support for HUI and Mackie Control protocols |
| Faders | 4 x 100mm motorized, touch-sensitive |
| Transport Controls | Yes |
| Jog/Shuttle | yes |
| Rotary Controls | 8 x Touch-sensitive with Knob Select/On keys |
| Numeric Keypad | No |
| Display | 800 x 480 pixel touch-screen (6 x 3.6") |
| Multiple Units | Yes |
| Included Software |
EuCon Artist Studio Manager Express Application Sets |
| Software Supported |
Abelton Live Apple Logic Pro Apple Soundtrack Pro Apple Final Cut Pro Digidesign Pro Tools (HD/LE/M-Powered) MOTU Digital Performer Propellerheads Reason Steinberg Nuendo Steinberg Cubase Any software that conforms to the EuCON, HUI or Mackie control protocols |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.4 or above |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 20 x 9.5 x 1.2" (500 x 238 x 30mm) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| Specialties | 1/4" TS phone footswitch input for remote "punch in/out" recording |
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Euphonix MC Control - Control Surface with Touch-Screen for Audio and Video Software:
The design is strong and controls feel good to use. The touch screen has good color and appearance. Setting up the control surface for the different applications is fairly simple and intuitive. The surface switches to which ever application is active and you can program keys for any application from Mail to Finder to Final Cut and Logic. I have found it fairly useful in Photoshop to relive the pain of pressing complicated key combination such as Save for the Web. The EuCon software still needs improvement though as the daemon fails during operation or if the surface is powered off while the CPU is still running. In those cases you almost need a reboot to get it all back in operation. If this EuCon software gets ironed out this is a very useful tool.
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