M-Audio Announces Shipment of New Evolution UC-33e Controller


The world’s largest supplier of USB MIDI keyboards and controllers ships affordable new model


Arcadia, CA, October 3, 2003 — M-Audio, a leading manufacturer and distributor of hardware and software for computer-centric musicians, is proud to announce shipment of Evolution’s new UC-33e, an affordable and compact controller designed for use with any computer/MIDI setup.


The UC-33e allows instant and simultaneous controls of up to 47 different parameters via its 24 assignable rotary controllers, nine assignable sliders, and fourteen assignable buttons including a 10-button keypad. 33 non-volatile memory locations allow quick and easy setup changes. The UC-33e can be used with a conventional MIDI setup, for live performances, or as a remote controller for an existing studio rack. When used in standalone mode, the MIDI Out can be used to send MIDI controller data to a MIDI rack.


To facilitate easy use of the controller with leading music software, the UC-33e comes with pre-configured settings for use with a variety of popular plug-ins, virtual instruments and host applications (including presets for Propellerhead Reason’s Malstrom, Subtractor, ReDrum, Dr.Rex, NN-19 and Mixer). The unit also ships with 5 color overlays for the front panel customized for popular software programs such as Ableton Live, plus a blank template users can tailor to their personal setup needs.


The UC-33e’s unique controller mute function mutes the output of all controllers, allowing users to position them before tweaking, thereby preventing parameters such as filter cut-off or amplitude levels from changing abruptly during performance. The unit also features a drawbar mode for the sliders, which greatly enhances the experience of playing virtual instruments such as Native Instruments’ B4 virtual Hammondorgan.


The UC-33e ships with an extensive software bundle featuring a dedicated librarian program that gives PC users the ability to save, edit and share keyboard setups. Also included are Sound Studio II, a powerful MIDI and audio sequencer with VST plug-in support Music Teacher, a tutorial program that teaches novices to play the keyboard; MusicPlanet, an array of professionally recorded samples; and a large selection of VST plug-ins and Virtual Instrument demos.


“Software programs like Propellerhead Reason and Ableton Live are so rich with functionality, and the UC-33e makes it easier to access all the advanced features of the programs than ever before,” says Adam Castillo, M-Audio Marketing Director. “Evolution has brought powerful functionality and ease-of-use together into one compact package that can easily fit into any studio setup.”


The UC-33e carries an MSRP of $329.95 and is now shipping.


About M-Audio


M-Audio is a leading provider of creative tools for today’s electronic musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988, M-Audio now has independent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and Japan, as well as independent distribution in most of the rest of the world.M-Audio’s ability to parlay advanced technology into affordable products has led the Company to win some of the international audio community’s highest praise and awards. M-Audio’s mission of “Redefining the Studio” delivers new levels of control, virtualization and mobility that transform the way computer-centric musicians compose, perform and live their creative lives. In addition to manufacturing its own product lines like the popular Delta audio cards, Studiophile reference monitors and USB MIDI controllers, M-Audio also wholly owns Evolution Electronics LTD and distributes other best-of-class products such as Propellerhead’s Reason, Ableton’s Live, ArKaos VJ and Groove Tubes microphones. In 2002, the Company successfully launched a product line that brings professional-quality audio to the consumer electronics market.


U.S. media contact: Kevin Walt at 800-969-6434 x229 or kevin@m-audio.com.


For additional product information, please visit http://www.m-audio.com/products/evolution/.


For high-resolution product images, please visit http://www.m-audio.com/company/images.php.