Euphonix (MC- Mix) or (MC-Control) ?

[muziksculp]

Hi,

I use LP8, and have been trying to decide on which Euphonix contoller would be best to add first, the MC Mix, or the MC Control ?

I think the (MC Control) is due any day now, eventually I would like to have one (MC Control), and one (MC mix), but I would like to start using only one of the two models first, and then complement it with the other, but so far, I can't make up my mind as to which one I should buy first ?

I watched the product demo video on the Euphnonix website, for both the (MC Control) and (MC Mix), which was helpful to a degree, but I still can't seem to decide on which one to buy first.

Any suggestions, or recommendations that would be help me evaluate my initial choice ?

Thanks

[jdvmi]

I would definitely read through this thread first. I too was looking at picking up one of these, but it seems like they have some problems right now and apparently Euphonix support is not dealing with the issues too well. I think I'm going to wait a while now after reading that thread.

[muziksculp]

Thanks for the feedback.

Well, since I'm not in a big rush, I guess waiting a little bit longer is a good idea.

Euphonix will be releasing version 1.0.5 pretty soon, hopefully that will fix the issues current users seem to have with with the Eucon system, and LP8.01.

My question was which one would you choose as your first controller ... MC Mix, or MC Control ? (regardless of the current performance issues.)

[jdvmi]

Originally Posted by muziksculp

My question was which one would you choose as your first controller ... MC Mix, or MC Control ? (regardless of the current performance issues.)

I'm going to go for the MC Control first if I ever get one. I like the configurable touch screen and the shuttle wheel. The MC Mix can do just about everything the MC Control can do, it's just not quite as intuitive/user friendly to do some of the things related to scrubbing and such. Keep in mind this is not based on my own experience.

[andsonic]

...but it seems like they have some problems right now and apparently Euphonix support is not dealing with the issues too well.

The way I read that was that yes, there are some problems; but Euphonix was responding extremely well with multiple updates.

Personally I'm waiting for PC support to be announced. I might still get one for the Logic rig.

What are your needs? Faders or editng controls? I'd probably go with the MC Control first. That puppy gives you a lot of control.

Just a friendly reminder to everyone. Euphonix is definitely not Mackie. They are a tiny little company behind Fry's on El Camino Real on the Peninsula (SF Bay Area). The Artist series is probably a big ramp up for them.

[muziksculp]

Originally Posted by jdvmi

I'm going to go for the MC Control first if I ever get one. I like the configurable touch screen and the shuttle wheel. The MC Mix can do just about everything the MC Control can do, it's just not quite as intuitive/user friendly to do some of the things related to scrubbing and such. Keep in mind this is not based on my own experience.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm also leaning more toward the MC Control as my first Euphonix controller, I could then add the MC mix later on.

The MC Control has four faders, set-up in groups of four, so jumping to the next four tracks is one bank button away, which should be fine even with 16, or more track projects, but the additional buttons, faders, and Jog/shuttle wheel on the MC Control are not available in the MC Mix.

Since I have never used a control surface before, I'm still trying to figure out how much mousing is still going to be required in my workflow, even after gaining some practical experience with the MC Control/Mix. ?

I'm sure the MC units will reduce the need to use lots of keyboard Key-commands, since they can be assigned to OLED buttons on the MC Control, and possibly make mixing with a mouse obsolete.

[question]

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I am also pondering the same question as to which one is most useful.
I saw in one of the video demos that you can sort of "lock" the faders and knobs to certain functions. Regardless of changing pages or layers etc., these faders or knobs remain dedicated to one specific function. Has anyone tried this?
It would be useful for me to be able to dedicate the 8 most used parameters to these "locked" controls.
I would be interested to hear from people who mainly use a mouse regarding improved workflow with such a controller.
Thanks.

[dsstudio]

I am planning to get MC control for composing [not mixing] so is anybody know if I can configure 4 faders to send midi message ?[other than CC7 for volume]
Vienna users will want that... control for VelXfade, expression, filter etc...
I would get the control 1st the touch screen looks great
Thanks
Sonny

[JPZ]

Originally Posted by question

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I am also pondering the same question as to which one is most useful.
I saw in one of the video demos that you can sort of "lock" the faders and knobs to certain functions. Regardless of changing pages or layers etc., these faders or knobs remain dedicated to one specific function. Has anyone tried this?
It would be useful for me to be able to dedicate the 8 most used parameters to these "locked" controls.
I would be interested to hear from people who mainly use a mouse regarding improved workflow with such a controller.
Thanks.

I've used everything over the years dating back to Pro Control. It seems I always come back to using a trackball or mouse even though I spent years using the tape machine/console setup and I still use large format digital consoles on a daily basis. Probably because I learned DAW's before there were any decent controllers available it just feels better that way . I've got to say though the Euphonix looks sweet though.

[question]

dsstudio:

that is exactly my intention, to control VSL instruments' functions such as velocity crossfade etc..
I looked into doing this with the "Alphatrack", but it does not seem possible.
I am also searching for more of a composers tool for controlling software instruments and writing automation in real time.
I need something to help me "play" the software instruments more like a musician in real time and not have to painstakingly edit afterwards.
Since I have never worked with this type of hardware controller, is it a bit of overkill, or are there other useful functions for someone who works more with film music composition and less with mixing songs?
I have a keyboard controller and expression pedal, but the resolution is not fine enough for accurate control of the parameters. If I could "Lock" 8 functions on the faders/knobs and have them ready without extra searching and midi learn steps, that would be useful.
Anyone tried this or know if this is possible? (I know the MC Control is not yet out)

[Digital Network]

I've the MC MIX and I'm very happy. You can control all parameters of your plugins with it. I'll buy the MC CONTROL later.

[muziksculp]

Originally Posted by Digital Network

I've the MC MIX and I'm very happy. You can control all parameters of your plugins with it. I'll buy the MC CONTROL later.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm guessing you mean it can control both the plugins that are included with a DAW, plus 3rd party plugins you use with your DAW, correct ?

The MC Mix costs less than the MC CONTROL, and offers 8 faders to simultaneously mix 8 tracks at a time, so just a few advantages that the MC MIX offers when comparing it to the MC CONTROL.

For MIXing applications, the MC MIX would be the better choice, just as its name implies. The MC CONTROL offers more CONTROL features, but less MIX features.

So, I guess I have to evaluate my needs for CONTROL vs MIXING, to make a better decision as to which one to buy first, and the lower price of the MIX is another factor to consider.

[sweetmojo]

Or . . . you can be a slut and buy both!

Planning to get 4 of the MC Mixes and one of the MC Controls on a custom desk (similar to the Argosy and Omnirax stuff) as the main controller for our new currently-being-built studio. But still waiting for more feedback and for some of the issues with Logic to get resolved.

And this will be the main setup for a commercial facility (with lots of outboard, of course!). You just can't recoup any more buying analogue consoles.

So, I guess, we'll all have to wait and see how Euphonix deals with the issues. It would still be nice to have sth similar to the C|24 though with all the controls and faders at a similar price point. Euphonix stuff just jumps from a $5000 system (MC Mixes and MC Controls) to their $50,000 stuff. Oh well . . .

[Ethereralgreta]

I just purchased the MC control and will give it the the rundown and get back on how it operates with my Duende and UAD-2 quad cards running PT, Cubase 4.5 and Logic along with Ableton, NI Komplete 5/Spectrasonics stuff. I took a risk on this product despite a bad SOS review and I usually trust their take on things as opposed to the US rags. Right now, SSL Matrix is just a little out of reach for me, but we are getting there, slowly.


I agree completely with the recouping on analog consoles.
if you aren't a heavy hitter with a large client base, you are dead before the get go, especially in larger cosmo markets where commercial space lease and utilitiy costs run a major part of EOM expenditures. You gotta keep the place booked.

The MC control idea with a lot of good quality outboard, is a majorly good idea and i can see budget prosumer studios running to this concept as a cost effective alternative to the massive 1000 a day studios of years past. It just isn't feasable to run on that old paradigm, anymore as sweet as the sound of an SSL 9000 console was.

[sleadley]

I had the MC Mix and Control On loan from the Australian distributors. I already have a control eight from Digidesign. But the fact that the C8 unit does not allow selection of automation modes. And it is missing several key features, like many quick keys and the ability to automate pans with touch sensitive faders make it a less than suitable unit for editors.

Although the MC mix and control only works by HUI, the implementation is solid and the addition of the touchscreen makes all the difference from an editor working in quick turnaround situations.

There are several annoying features however, like the fact that the shift key isn't named, the faders on the MC control and the MC mix do not physically lineup. For my liking the unit sits a little flat and it would be great to get a set of rises that angle it better so that you can see the touchscreen. The small feet on the bottom should have the ability to be locked so that if you push the unit forward the legs do not fold up.
the Uucon software supplied to the Mac is very Mac like and the setup is simple but you do have to get your head around programming the touchscreen, but unlike other touchscreens you can program many and obscure ProTools features like turning scrolling on and off, importing movies etc etc. By incorporating the Mac keyboard shortcuts as part of the macro process.

once you get the hang of the shortcuts and create your own touchscreen setup possibilities are endless. We're been pre-mixing some television shows and have found the unit to perform excellently under these circumstances.

It seems that Euphonix are committed to creating good software hand I recently downloaded the latest version of the firmware which was also simple to install which has greatly improved overall usage of the units.

I would recommend if you are considering one of these units to get hold of them for a few days and give them a sporting chance like all control surfaces they do take some dedication to learn. (Another gripe is that the manuals are not complete) but I can see the writing on the wall.

There is a large gap between the C8 from Digidesign and are the control surfaces that they sell. The Euphonixs seems to nicely sit in the middle both for features and for price range. the design is excellent for the most part and the fact that it also operates with a number of DAW's like Logic, DP, Cubase is the real selling point.
I have no use affiliation with the Euphonix, I just like a well thought out gear, that simplifies my workflow.

my two cents
Simon L.

[Cody]

I've been looking at the mc control as a way to control my sub groups. I'm looking at incorporating a d-box, and I figure that this would be a fancy way to have control of what is going out to it. Plus, the touch screen would be a hue bonus for assigning all my edit commands... I switched to logic a while back, but I feel like the keyboard shortcut aren't quite as intuitive as pro tools (I was a video editor on he avid platform for over 5 years, this might have a lot to do with this).

I'd say the functionality of the m control would keep a person busy/happy until they could afford to add the mc mix.