Studio | DJ Equipment Reviews

Tag: studio

Mackie MCU Pro Product Review

by Ria on Nov.29, 2009, under DJ Product Reviews

Mackie MCU Pro Product Review

Designed with YOUR software in mind

Times are changing, and on the digital stage, software is one of the most valuable asset for a working DJ. While most DJs view software as the gateway to easier mixing, other DJs think solely of the hassles caused by software, such as MIDI mapping and sub-par responsiveness after mix adjustments. Is it any surprise that, in time, these worries weaken their appreciation for software? No worries, guys, because pretty soon that appreciation is going to sky rocket. Mackie has, once again, designed another DJ product to eliminate unwelcome stress. With the design of their most interacting hardware controller to date, the MCU Pro, working DJs won’t have to worry about troublesome MIDI mapping anymore. In fact, DJs won’t have to worry about anything.

The Mackie MCU Pro completes your software. You haven’t seen anything quite like this desktop controller, as it integrates with your software and determines exactly how it can work for you. This way, Mackie states that working DJs will now get deep and intuitive control over mix and plug in parameters, and real-time visual feedback. Plus, setup is easy: plug and play. This desktop controller works seamlessly with your music production software, because it knows how to communicate. The MCU Pro listens…and then responds. And it does so beautifully.

Of course, vanity is a part of deejaying, so good looking units are a must. Thankfully, Mackie’s MCU Pro is about as good looking as it gets for hardware controllers. It’s sleek, metallic and offers an array of colorful buttons to play with. Personally, I think the best part of the MCU Pro’s design has nothing to do with aesthetics, but how easy it is to use. It’s so simplistically designed, it draws your hands where they’e supposed to be. Needless to say, the MCU Pro doesn’t disappoint.

Mackie MCU Pro

Mackie MCU Pro

Want a look at the most "comprehensive features on the market"? Check out the features of the MCU Pro:

Proprietary Mackie communication protocol for seamless music production software integration
100mm touch-sensitive optical Penny + Giles motorized faders
V-Pot control over software, plug-in effects and virtual instruments
More than 50 dedicated push-buttons for fine control of software parameters
Tape-style transport controls
Full meter display with track names and parameters
Quick cursor-style buttons for Up, Down, Left, Right and Zoom
Onboard USB MIDI interface for direct connection to Mac or PC and up to 3 additional pieces of external MIDI gear
Software-specific Lexan overlays included
Expandable via optional Mackie Control Extender Pro and C4 Pro modules

Sure, it has faders and transport control, but the Mackie MCU Pro also has much, much more than that. Personally, I love it enough to get my hands on one; Mackie’s desktop controller works with a bevvy of software, and, as Mackie states, it really does grow with your studio. It’s quick and responsive, and easy to use. If you’re a working DJ who once had difficulty figuring out what knob is assigned to what parameter, and what button is assigned to what function, the system overlay cleans that mess right up. So don’t stress; just enjoy.

I’m a softy for Mackie, but I still found a fault on their MCU Pro: its retail price is $1,689.99. Now that’s a lot of money. Thankfully, good sales are waiting for you at every corner.