As we announced a few week ago, Mackie Designs Inc. introduced the Mackie Control Universal (US MSRP $1299), a new control surface that combines the functionality and compatibility of Mackie Control, Emagic Logic Control and Mackie's HUI protocol into one universal controller. The new Mackie Control Universal will be available through U. S. dealers beginning September 2003 with European availability beginning in early October 2003.

The Mackie Control Universal features full implementation for Emagic's Logic Audio as well as the entire family of DAW software currently supporting the Mackie Control including: Digidesign Pro Tools, Cakewalk SONAR, Magix Samplitude and Sequoia, MOTU Digital Performer, RML Labs Saw Studio, Steinberg Cubase SX/SL and Nuendo, Syntrillium Cool Edit Pro and APB Tools TH-S software.

Design and layout for the new Mackie Control Universal is nearly identical to the previous Mackie Control and Logic Control. It features eight channel strips each with 100mm Penny+ Giles optical touch fader and V-Pot for fast tweaking of effects and plug-ins. Also included is a full-sized backlit LCD, and shortcut navigation and editing for all major software functions. The stock silk screen will now correspond to Logic Audio functions, while software-specific master section overlays will continue to be available to customize the unit to other supporting DAWs.

With this announcement, Mackie is offering several upgrade packages that will allow existing Mackie Control or Logic Control owners to retrofit their current system with cross-platform compatibility. Mackie has also made the recently announced HUI/Pro Tools upgrade available for existing Logic Control owners:

- Mackie Control Universal upgrade options for current Mackie Control owners:
Owners of existing Mackie Control's, regardless of version (1.1 or 2.0), can easily add Logic Audio support to their system by downloading a free MIDI file from http://www.mackie.com. Owners of v1.1 Mackie Controls, can add Pro Tools support by ordering the $99 HUI upgrade kit that is also available from Mackie's web site. Version 2.0 Mackie Controls already include the HUI/ProTools functionality, so these owners only need the free MIDI update should they wish to add Logic Audio support.

- Mackie Control Universal upgrade options for current Logic Control owners:
Existing Logic Control owners can add Mackie Control functionality to their system by downloading a free MIDI file from Mackie at . Current Logic Control owners who wish to add Pro Tools support to their system can purchase the $99 HUI upgrade kit via Mackie's web site.

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