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Description

The Evolution UC-33e is your ticket to seamless music production, whether you're in the studio or performing live. Designed with both novice and seasoned musicians in mind, this versatile USB hardware controller offers effortless integration with any computer music/MIDI setup. The UC-33e's compact design belies its powerful capabilities, offering control over 47 different parameters and featuring 33 memory locations to effortlessly switch between setups.

Setting up your UC-33e is straightforward, thanks to 33 pre-set configurations tailored for popular software like Propellerhead Reason, Ableton Live, and Cubase SX. With its intuitive layout, you can easily assign real-time controls via a numerical keypad, ensuring that each of the 47 controllers can transmit pre-programmed Sys-Ex messages. Store your personalized configurations in the 33 memory locations for quick access, and use the included librarian program to save, edit, and share setups with ease.

One of the standout features is the controller mute function, which allows you to position controls without affecting performance, preventing unwanted jumps in filters or levels. The drawbar mode for sliders enhances the experience for virtual organ enthusiasts, making the UC-33e an indispensable tool for both studio and live environments. Whether you're using it in a standalone MIDI setup or as a remote controller, the UC-33e promises to elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • 24 fully-assignable rotary knobs
  • 9 full-size assignable ALPS faders with light indicators
  • Independent channel assign for all 47 controllers
  • 33 memory locations, including 4 one-touch access buttons
  • 14 assignable buttons for sequencer control and data entry
  • Multi-purpose LCD display for controller assignments
  • Drawbar mode for sliders
  • Memory dump facility for setup transfers
  • Global channel assign for up to 16 channels
  • Sys-Ex librarian software for PC users
thesonicscientist

thesonicscientist

"DJ-ing" in Logic with the Evolution UC-33e

Video thumbnail for "DJ-ing" in Logic with the Evolution UC-33e by thesonicscientist

"DJ-ing" in Logic with the Evolution UC-33e

thesonicscientist

thesonicscientist

Video thumbnail for 39242 - M-AUDIO EVOLUTION UC-33e USB/MIDI CONTROLLER. WORKS GREAT by Paul Jolly

39242 - M-AUDIO EVOLUTION UC-33e USB/MIDI CONTROLLER. WORKS GREAT

Paul Jolly

Paul Jolly

Reviews

PROS

  • Works seamlessly with Ableton Live for DJing and effects

  • Cost-effective for beginners in Controller DJing

  • Highly customizable for performance programming

  • Suitable for both music production and DJing applications

  • Classic midi controller with easy configuration

CONS

  • Feels cheaply made due to plastic construction

  • Design looks dated compared to modern controllers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Evolution UC-33e.

Software and compatibility

  • It's noted that the UC-33e may not work over USB with OS 11 due to legacy USB compatibility issues, despite being class compliant.

    Source
  • Using the MIDI Out to connect via an audio interface is suggested as a workaround for those experiencing USB recognition issues on newer Mac OS versions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Issues with USB connectivity could stem from broken sockets or solder joints, a common problem with older MIDI controllers like the UC-33e.

    Source

Build quality

  • Knobs and faders on the UC-33e are neither premium nor cheap, with a decent weight; however, the position markers are hard to see in low light.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The UC-33e is considered more of a complement to devices like a Launchpad, unlike the MPD32 which offers pads for more complex performance and looping capabilities.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The UC-33e is noted for its focus on triggering and adjusting FX/volumes, rather than the performance-oriented design of devices like the MPD32.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners feel the UC-33e is suitable for practice and casual use, but those seeking a professional-grade device may want to explore other options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

M-Audio: Evolution UC-33e USB MIDI control surface | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 32 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mrtomclaes

Classic knobs & faders

The UC33 was my favorite midi controller used with Ableton to DJ (triggering and effects) back in the days, way before the Ableton DJ equipment was released. It's a rather plastic box, but I'll keep it just for memories.

pkennethk

Yeah, but I bet it still works with Ableton and your current computer today, without a driver. How many USB devices from the early 00's can say the same?

caalmm

Excellent piece of gear. Function over form with this one...

Latches perfectly. Although the build looks dated, it works primarily with Ableton Live like a charm. Perfect for budgeting purposes for introduction to Controller DJing.

K

Great controller! out of print.

One of the great classic midi controllers. Feels a little cheap but it does an amazing job and very easy to configure.

muninn

sometimes is not working a pair of knobs

but i've payed this thing 50 bucks. and looks great.

everyos

M-Audio

One of Everyos´s Favorites Brands of midi controllers and audio interfaces, he use this controller for the small mixing in ableton live and some controls in Traktor Scratch Pro

oldsloturtle

Programable midi controller

Programming your performance with knobs and faders.

fword

Ultimate control device

Good for automation and even using with Traktor

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Madeon uses Evolution UC-33e

Madeon

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

One can see this controller at 1:45 of the video (particularly, the back of the unit and several of its knobs), as well as a brief glimpse of the corner at 1:07.

See how Paul van Dyk uses Evolution UC-33e

Paul van Dyk

Music Producer, DJ

BT & Paul van Dyk

...
Verified via Archive

"I have 19 software synths installed and I have two MIDI keyboards, so I play a lot of things live. I also have a UC-33 controller, an Akai controller and some other things that I can play with when I’m up there. With all these things I’m able to do some crazy stuff."

See how Tritonal uses Evolution UC-33e

Tritonal

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The UC-33e can be seen on the upper right side of the desk in Tritonal's studio.

See how Tim Hecker uses Evolution UC-33e

Tim Hecker

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Tim Hecker has an Evolution UC-33 in this picture, as well as an M-Audio Oxygen 25.

See how Amelie Lens uses Evolution UC-33e

Amelie Lens

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

The midi controller is visible in this photo.

See how Guy J uses Evolution UC-33e

Guy J

Music Producer

...
Verified via Nightclubber

In July of 2014, Guy J performed at Studio Theatre in Cordoba, Argentina. He used the Evolution UC-33e Midi Controller.

See how Luke Vibert uses Evolution UC-33e

Luke Vibert

Music Producer

Smooth Helmet

...
Verified via Photo

Luke has a UC-33 controller in this image.

See how Robert DeLong uses Evolution UC-33e

Robert DeLong

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"This thing over here is the UC-33, which they haven't made in probably like four years or something like that... it's pretty cool, I use it, y'know, it really just depends on the tune... I'll have different subgroups assigned to each of the knobs." (2:50)

See how Fritz Kalkbrenner uses Evolution UC-33e

Fritz Kalkbrenner

Music Producer, DJ

Paul & Fritz Kalkbrenner

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 1:19 into this video

See how Sébastien Léger uses Evolution UC-33e

Sébastien Léger

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Sébastien Léger - In The Studio With Future Music

See how DJ Koze uses Evolution UC-33e

DJ Koze

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Dancing Astronaut

In an article by Dancing Astronaut, DJ Koze is depicted using the Evolution UC-33e DAW controller, visible in the top right of the image accompanying the piece.

See how Silver Disco uses Evolution UC-33e

Silver Disco

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

Spotted in a few of his videos, the UC-33e midi controller can been seen being used for volume control when producing. It was also used in 2009 as part of his DJ sets, controlling ableton while firing off samples.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Evolution UC-33e, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
2
Akai MPC 3000
Akai MPC 3000 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
E-Mu Proteus 1000
E-Mu Proteus 1000 Synthesizers
1
Iomega Zip Drive
Iomega Zip Drive Computers & Peripherals
1
Clavia Nord Lead 3
1
Roland JX-8P
Roland JX-8P Synthesizers
1
E-mu Vintage Keys
E-mu Vintage Keys Sound Modules
1
Zoom 505 Guitar
Zoom 505 Guitar Multi Effects Pedals
1

3 alternative and related items for Evolution UC-33e, curated by the Equipboard community.

Korg nanoKONTROL Studio

$126.00 - $219.99

cheaper alternative

Can similarly save MIDI control scenes and control DAW transport. Is also still in production and not discontinued. No display.

Behringer BCF2000 MIDI Controller

$140.07

similar sound

the bcf2000 contains 8 motorized faders, like the uc33 (if we remove that the uc is not motorized)

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