Authorship
Bernard Quayson - (IT-Specialist)

Mackie Control Universal Pro has the best control surface for DAW

Mackie Control Universal Pro
What is Mackie Control Universal Pro Bundle?

The Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle is a package that includes the Mackie Control Universal Pro control surface and one or more Mackie Control Extender Pro units. The Extender Pro adds eight more channel strips and another display to the system, allowing you to control more tracks and parameters with your DAW software.

Mackie Control Universal Pro

  • Motorized fader controller for software-based recording systems (DAWs)
  • 100 mm ALPS motorized faders (8 + 1 master)
  • 8 Knobs with LED ring
  • Large LCD display
  • Rec-, solo-, and mute buttons for each channel
  • Transport control
  • Expandable with the MCU XT Pro – eight-channel control surface extension
  • Integrated USB MIDI interface for direct connection to a Mac or PC with 3x MIDI I/O
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 419 x 429 x 120 mm
  • Weight: 5.4 kg
  • Included in the delivery: Power supply unit, USB cable, Tracktion 3, 5 templates

Mackie Control XT Pro

  • 8 Channel extender for Mackie Control
  • With similar amenities to the Mackie Control, only without the master section
  • Windows and Mac compatible
  • ALPS fader controller for software-based recording systems (DAWs) such as:
  • CubaseSX
  • Emagic Logic Audio
  • Nuendo
  • ProTools (via Hui Protocol)
  • Motu Digital Performer and more
What is Mackie Control Universal Pro

 is a device that lets you control your music production software with physical faders, knobs and buttons. It uses a special protocol to communicate with your software and make it easier to adjust parameters and settings. It can also be expanded with additional units for more channels and functions.

Some features of the Mackie Control Universal Pro are:

  • 9 motorized touch-sensitive Alps faders
  • 8 V-Pots with LED rings
  • Large backlit LCD display
  • Jog/shuttle wheel
  • Dedicated buttons for transport, automation, zoom, etc.
  • Plug-and-play setup with most DAWs
Connect Mackie Control Universal Pro to Computer.

There are two ways to connect the Mackie Control Universal Pro to your computer: USB and MIDI.

  • USB: You just need a USB cable to connect the device to your computer. This works with both Mac and PC platforms and does not require any driver installation.
  • MIDI: You need two MIDI cables (IN and OUT) to connect the device to a USB MIDI interface, and then connect the interface to your computer with a USB cable. Use the MIDI 2 (MAIN) ports on the device.

Download Manual here:  https://images6.static-thomann.de/pics/atg/atgdata/document/manual/111996_quickstartmanual.pdf

NB: Some additional steps may be required depending on your software settings and preferences.

REVIEWS

Some of the common themes and opinions from these reviews are:

  • The device is well-built, sturdy and durable, with a metal casing and high-quality components.
  • The device is easy to set up and use, with plug-and-play compatibility with most DAWs and clear labels and displays.
  • The device offers a lot of functionality and flexibility, with 9 motorized faders, 8 V-Pots, a jog/shuttle wheel, dedicated buttons for transport, automation, zoom, etc., and expandability options with additional units.
  • The device has some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of MIDI cables included in the package, the limited resolution of the V-Pots, and the occasional glitches or conflicts with some DAWs or plugins.

Overall, the Mackie Control Universal Pro is a highly rated product that can enhance your workflow and creativity when working with music production software.

To set up the Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle,
Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle

To set up the Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Connect the power cables to each unit and plug them into a power outlet.
  • Connect a USB cable from the Mackie Control Universal Pro to your computer. This will provide both power and MIDI communication for the device.
  • Connect two MIDI cables (IN and OUT) from each Extender Pro unit to the corresponding MIDI ports on the Mackie Control Universal Pro. Use the MIDI 3 (EXT 1) ports for the first Extender Pro, and use the MIDI 4 (EXT 2) ports for the second Extender Pro if you have one.
  • Turn on each unit by pressing the power button on its front panel.
  • Launch your DAW software and select Mackie Control as your control surface protocol. You may need to adjust some settings or preferences depending on your software.
  • Enjoy controlling your DAW software with physical faders, knobs and buttons!
Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle price

The Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle is a package that includes the Mackie Control Universal Pro control surface and one or more Mackie Control Extender Pro units. The price of the bundle may vary depending on the number of Extender Pro units and the retailer.

 Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle costs £1,885 (British pounds) with one Extender Pro unit, or £2,751 with two Extender Pro units. You can also create your own bundle starting from £1,065 with different accessories and matching items.

To convert British pounds to Ghana cedis, you can use a currency converter tool like XE Currency Converter. According to this tool, as of March 9th 2023, 1 British pound equals 9.41 Ghana cedis. So, the price of the Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle in Ghana cedis would be:

  • With one Extender Pro unit: £1,885 x 9.41 = GH₵17,741.85
  • With two Extender Pro units: £2,751 x 9.41 = GH₵25,888.91
  • Starting from: £1,065 x 9.41 = GH₵10,021.65

Please note that these prices are only estimates and may not reflect actual prices at your local retailer or online store. You may also need to consider other factors such as shipping costs, taxes and customs fees when buying products from abroad.

Buy Mackie Control Universal Pro bundle from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-MCU-Pro-8-channel-Control/dp/B004GGULCQ?keywords=mackie+control+universal+pro+bundle&qid=1678328181&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=mrgelisem02-20&linkId=1fa0beaaf09ba42b9eb886ea178f988e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Mackie DAW Software Compatibility.

Compatible with:

  • Steinberg, Cubase
  • Streinberg Nuendo
  • Apple Logic
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Propellerhead Reason
  • Motu Digital Performer
  • Cakewalk Sonar
  • Magix Samplitude
  • Magix Sequoia
  • SSL SoundScape
  • Ableton Live
  • Mackie Tracktion
  • Sony Acid Pro
  • Sony Vegas Pro
  • Abobe Audition
Reference:
  • https://www.guitarcenter.com/Mackie/Control-Universal-Pro.gc
  • https://mackie.com/en/products/controllers/mcu-pro-and-xt-pro/mcu_pro.html
  • https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/mackie-control-universal-pro-78907