Mackie
Unveils Next-Generation
Mackie Control Pro Series
Studio-grade
controllers deliver tactile control
for a complete music production experience
Audio
Product Stories Published: 11 February
2007
Mackie announced the Mackie Control Pro control surface series,
the next generation of the Mackie Control Universal line of
controllers. Comprising Mackie Control Universal Pro, Mackie
Control Extender Pro and Mackie Control C4 Pro, the series provides
the most complete feature set and software compatibility of
any control surfaces available today. Mackie Control Pro series
controllers are designed to seamlessly work together to deliver
ultimate hands-on control of mix and plug-in parameters, thereby
making the user’s music production software complete.
“Mackie Control Pro controllers allow users
to get the most out of Logic, Pro Tools and other major audio
production software by giving them control they simply can’t
get from a mouse or generic controller. Our new series once
again sets the standard for precision, expandability and ease
of use,” said James Woodburn, Mackie Recording Brand Manager.
Sporting a new streamlined appearance, the Mackie
Control Universal Pro control surface boasts the ability to
connect directly to a Mac or PC via USB, and support for connections
of up to three additional pieces of external MIDI gear. Like
the Mackie Control Universal, the MCU Pro features nine motorized,
touch-sensitive Penny + Giles faders, eight V-Pots and more
than 50 master buttons, as well as a sophisticated communication
protocol that enables ultra-precise control, makes setup easy
and gives real-time visual feedback via the huge backlit LCD
and eight LED rings.
The Mackie Control Extender Pro control surface
extension shares the new appearance of the MCU Pro, and allows
for easy expansion of the master module. Users can add eight
precision Penny + Giles faders and V-Pot channels at a time
— up to 24 faders and V-Pot channels total — by
way of MIDI ports supplied by the MCU Pro.
The Mackie Control C4 Pro plug-in and virtual
instrument controller offers hands-on control of up to 32 simultaneous
parameters as well as extensive visual feedback via four backlit
LCD “scribble strips.” Like the Extender Pro, the
C4 Pro has been designed to seamlessly connect to the MCU Pro,
but can also operate in standalone mode. The unique communication
protocol employed by the C4 Pro allows for plug and play setup,
and enables users to view parameter names and values in real
time. When the C4 Pro is combined with Mackie’s free C4
Commander Pro software, users can also take control of MIDI
hardware such as synthesizers, effects and amp modeling processors,
all without leaving the mixing sweet spot.
The new Mackie Control Pro series will be available
February 2007 and will have a U.S. manufacturer's suggested
retail price of $1549.99, $899.99 and $1299.99 for the Mackie
Control Universal Pro, the Extender Pro and C4 Pro, respectively.