UC-33E midi controller

[Churst]

does anyone rate this unit highly at all?

UC-33E USB midi controller

It looks like a solid bit of kit... is it as good as the Novation zero sl??

thanks in advance

[Kickflip]

What sequencer are you using, and what will you be using the controller for? I was looking MIDI controllers a few years back, and it was between this and the BCR2000 for me. I wanted it primarily for synth control, but if you're wanting it more for mixing, the BCF2000 would be a better choice.

Testing them out, the UC33e doesn't feel as robust as it could, and the lack of endless rotaries/motorised faders is a down point. My Behringer has lasted more than 4 years, and survived a fall from the desk onto the knobs once!

Despite what people say about their mixers, these Behringers are pretty decent units. My BCR integrates very nicely with Logic 8 and Ableton. I've got it set up so that the two rows of buttons near the top act as mute/solo buttons for my main busses (drums, bass, synth, vocals etc.), which is very useful while writing and a lot more immediate and inspiring.

[mrfracas]

I've had no personal experience with the UC33e, but I've got an old UC16 from a few years ago, and it's simple and reliable.

My only criticism with it is the complicated scene mapping; but the upside to the UC33e is that a piece of software that deals with scene/control mapping is bundled. For what it was (a 16 rotary, USB controller) it did the job well.

If you've got a few more bucks to spend, then I'd probably go for the Zero SL, because it's got trigger pads, and a much nicer control surface; albeit larger than the UC33e (and with 8 less rotaries), but definitely worth that extra £45!

Edit: Another criticism with the UC controller... the controller resolution wasn't that high. Probably something like 127 steps. With the Zero SL, it'd probably be much, much higher.

[conor_j]

Originally Posted by mrfracas

I've had no personal experience with the UC33e, but
My only criticism with it is the complicated scene mapping; but the upside to the UC33e is that a piece of software that deals with scene/control mapping is bundled.

You didnt mention what OS your using churst, this may not apply to you but its worth noting that the software mrfracas mentions (enigma) doesnt work with vista at the minute

a plus for the zero sl is that it has an automap feature compatable with various DAW's and vst's

I personally have no experience with either, but I know users of both and they come highly recommended so you wont go wrong with either really, I considered both for use with ableton but ended up going for a trigger finger as it suited my needs better, but if I had to choose one i'd go with the zero

[Churst]

I'm using Vista 64-bit but mainly 32-bit software.

Probably going to go for the Novation Zero sl now. After a bit more research it does look the much better package!

[mutilatedlip]

Did you get the Zero SL?

I'm kind of thinking I could do with a decent control surface now, with knobs/sliders etc. mainly for taking the need to automate with a mouse away.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Then again, it's just dawned on me - I could probably use the Virus TI...

[Monarch]

Originally Posted by Churst

I'm using Vista 64-bit but mainly 32-bit software.

Probably going to go for the Novation Zero sl now. After a bit more research it does look the much better package!

If you are going the x64 route you might need to check the availability of compatible drivers.

[waxxy]

ive got the remote zero sl and its pretty useless as a mixer or drum pad controller.i bought this thinking i could have loads of control over my mixes and create killer beats with the pads ..and boy how wrong was i !!

the faders arnt accurate the values jump erratically and it takes ages to get the volumes how you want them..the pads are also to unresponsive and too small to be of any much use except for triggering samples live.

ive still got it and for controlling vsts its ok such as fx and synths via the knobs but for my mixes i bought a steinberg houston controller which is super accurate and has motorised faders and can also control all my vsts ..and i bought a akai mpd24 for creating beats which is brillant very responsive and has larger pads..if given the choic over again and if it was out at the time i should have bought the nocturn and saved myself lots of headaches..

if you want an even more cheaper solution get the nocturn,korg nano mixer,korg nanmo pads and there much better than a bog standard remote zero sl.

another problem ive had and after checking around ive found out its a pretty common faukt with remote zero sls is the left lcd screen has now lost some pixals on certain points on the screen only parts of the values are visable i conntacted novation and the guy explained its a common fault and will cost around 40 pounds to fix !! and checking other forum sites im not alone lots have complained about the samething.

[Churst]

Well, I went for the Remote Zero SL and I'm really liking it . I think it's only actual downside is the fact it doesn't have any navigation controls, which would be amazingly handy for any Ableton Live jams. But using the computer keyboard/mouse isn't the worst thing in the world.
If the faders were motorised this thing would be truely amazing... and also thrice the price!

[sureno]

your link isn't working to the description of this product

[ndk]

Originally Posted by sureno

your link isn't working to the description of this product

It is now that i have fixed it

[sureno]

not familiar with it but a lesson i learnt is that with the less known companies make sure support is up to scratch, check out their forum and means of contacting them in the event of needing tech support, i learnt this when buying a cme product only to discover dismal support and ended up flogging it as scrap.

however by reading your last post i see you went with the zero, better option in my opinion, more reputable