Production Gear: Mackie MCU and MCU XT Controllers

Everyone who is in the production game knows the name Mackie. They have been around for years now and they have announced their new type of studio mixer controller that can be built upon to add as many channels as the user likes or gives newbies an option to expand their channel count as money and time goes on...Introducing the Mackie MCU Pro and MCU Pro XT.

Author:: DJ Blaze
Publish date:: Dec 3, 2010

Everyone who is in the production game knows the name Mackie. They have been around for years now and they have announced their new type of studio mixer controller that can be built upon to add as many channels as the user likes or gives newbies an option to expand their channel count as money and time goes on...Introducing the Mackie MCU Pro and MCU Pro XT. The Mackie MCU Pro can be used with virtually any MIDI production software (such as Pro-Tools and Logic) and has all the functionality of an analog style studio mixer. You can map several buttons and knobs for the functionality you need. The best part of all is that when you need more than the 8-channel control functions at a time, you can purchase another block of 8-channels by purchasing the MCU Pro XT (or extension). You can add as many of these MCU Pro XT units as the producer desires. Read the official press release and link for more information...

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Anyone who knows anything about Production Gear knows that Mackie has been making top-of-the-line Mixing boards since the beginning of sound-producing time! Mackie now has a new innovative line of Mixers called the ProFX Series Mixers. These mixers boast full Stereo USB connectivity for compatibility with the mixing software of your choice, 7-Band Graphical EQ per channel, 32-bit effects, and dedicated in-line compression all at a reasonable cost. Check inside for more information on the new 16-line and 22-line ProFX Mixers.

For the music producers out there that need an inexpensive USB powered MIDI keyboard controller without sacrificing that 'real' keyboard feel, the Korg Microkey will be available shortly to quench your thirst. The MicroKey comes with a built in USB 2-port hub that allows you to connect other USB devices and a nice software bundle with free editing software to get you all started.

Zoom has just announced its new portable production unit called the R8. The Zoom R8 is perfect for that "producer-on-the-go" who needs a compact tool for 8-track playback, audio interface, sampler and control surface. It comes pre-loaded with lots of drum samples and sounds and can support up to 32GB SDHC cards to add even more sounds whenever you need it. The Zoom R8 also has internal microphone for recording and is bundled with Cubase LE software. Check inside for more details.

The iMS-20 App for the apple iPAD just got a little bit nicer. The new iMS-20 update gives the App full MIDI control over the MS-20 synth knobs and controls. The iMS-20 is a complete music production application for iPad, which consists of a Korg MS-20 analog synthesizer, an analog sequencer(Korg SQ-10), a drum machine (with pads), a seven-channel mixer with effects, and Korg's Kaoss Pad technology. (50% off for a limited time only...details inside).

Korg is back at it once again as they have been releasing Production Gear like hot-cakes in the past month or so. This time they are announcing the limited edition run of the SP-170RD which is a vibrant red color option for the SP-170 Digital Piano. This is Korg's most affordable piano ever without cutting any corners on quality and play. At the $700 price-point, you are getting an authentic piano feel and more functions than you can shake a stick at.

Great news for the production students and teachers out there. Propellerhead Software has now announced the Reason Record Education software suites which are consolidated into new packages for schools and institutions. In other words, students and teachers can now purchase multiple licenses of the Reason Record Production Application at a special low price. They can be purchased in license packs of 1, 5, and 10 at prices that allow students and teachers of the production realm to be able to use their time and money on new gear and projects. Details Inside.

One of my final posts from the excellent NAMM 2011 show is from a well-known audio maker who is legendary when it comes to production gear and audio quality. Introducing the Mackie TH-12A and TH-15A Powered Loudspeakers in twelve-inch and fifteen-inch woofer configurations; and the Mackie MR5mk2 and MR8mk2 Powered Studio Monitors in five-inch and eight-inch woofer configurations. Having used Mackie speakers and monitors during countless sessions in the studio, I know that these speakers will more than likely live up to the hype and deliver leading-class sound quality and reliability. Press Release and Information inside.