Evolution

Also known as: Evolution Electronics, Evolution Electronics Ltd

Evolution Electronics Ltd. was a UK-based manufacturer of USB MIDI keyboards and control surfaces, founded by Richard Watts and built up over roughly two decades before being acquired by Midiman/M-Audio in 2003. The company carved out a niche in the budget end of the computer-music controller market, offering compact, assignable controllers aimed at home studios and producers moving to software...

10 Products · Used by 28 Artists

Evolution UC-33e DAW Controllers

4.5 (32)

^# 75

in DAW Controllers Rank

18 artists using

Evolution MK-249C MIDI Keyboard Controllers

4.5 (4)

2 artists using

Evolution MK-461C MIDI Keyboard MIDI Keyboard Controllers

4.5 (3)

1 artist using

Evolution MK-425c MIDI Keyboard Controllers

3.0 (1)

Evolution UC-16 DAW Controllers

4.5 (3)

1 artist using

Evolution MK-225 Midi Keyboard MIDI Keyboard Controllers

4.0 (4)

2 artists using

Evolution X-Session USB MIDI Controller DAW Controllers

4.0 (1)

1 artist using

Evolution UC33 DAW Controllers

3 artists using

Evolution EVS-1 Sound Modules

Evolution MK149 Keyboard MIDI Keyboard Controllers

Evolution is best remembered for its UC-series control surfaces, beginning with the UC-16 — a 16-knob assignable controller with a three-digit LCD — and followed by the UC-33e, which added nine faders, 24 rotary encoders and 14 buttons in a USB-powered package designed to map onto DAWs and softsynths. The company also produced a line of MK-series MIDI keyboard controllers, including the MK-149, MK249C, MK-461C and MK-7, spanning 25-, 49- and 61-key layouts.

After the M-Audio acquisition, Evolution-branded products continued to be sold for a period before being phased into M-Audio's own keyboard and controller lines, making Evolution's hardware a relatively common sight on the used market rather than an active current catalog.

Evolution has 10 products cataloged on Equipboard, including MIDI Keyboard Controllers, DAW Controllers, and Sound Modules. Their gear is featured by 28 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Stage & Screen. Notable users include Four Tet, Tim Hecker, and Madeon.