I realize that it may be a tad early to be asking this question but I wonder if anyone has tired the Euphonix MC Control now that FCP7 has adapted the producers protocol?

The Euphonix web site suggests a high degree of functionality for this device from within FCP Studio as well as the potential for programmability for functions other than those that come preprogrammed.

Addendum: Since there have been no rapid responders I will assume that no one has had any experience with the Euphonix, so, I have placed an order for the aforementioned controller and will report back when it arrives and have had the time to try it out...hope it works as advertised since I am growing weary of packing and returning items that have not lived up to the manufacturer's hype.

Ouch - it's a thousand bucks.
Did you look at this JLCooper MCS3 SP RS-422/9PIN with VTR-style Jog/Shuttle JLC-MCS3SP-USB - SJ Media Systems (http://www.sjmediasystem.com/jlc-mcs3sp-usb.html) ?
Seems more basic but uses USB and has basic transport functions.
-C

Chris

Mate, these two devices are light years apart in terms of functionality, there is really no comparison!

The JL Cooper device offers no direct integration with FCP's transport controls at all. With regards to FCP its nothing more than a blind/dumb keystroke sending device. It's pretty to look at and may impress a couple of clients if you're lucky ... but its a pig to use, and far less responsive than the JKL keys already under your fingertips.

The Euphonix MC Control on the other hand is a full on control surface, and one who's native control protocol is now directly supported within FCP 7.
Euphonix :: MC Control (http://www.euphonix.com/artist/products/mc_control/)

If you do want to make a comparison then at least we should compare like with "nearly" like. The 399 USD Euphonix MC Transport is a jog/shuttle controller a la the JL Cooper device ... except as noted, it is a true transport control device with direct hooks into FCP's own transport control. I had a play with one of these a couple of months back (as well as its bigger brother the MC Control) and the jog/shuttle was incredibly smooth to use and very responsive... MUCH much nicer than the built in jog/shuttle on its bigger brother.
Euphonix :: MC Transport (http://www.euphonix.com/artist/products/mc_transport/)

Cheers
Andy

Ouch - it's a thousand bucks.
Did you look at this JLCooper MCS3 SP RS-422/9PIN with VTR-style Jog/Shuttle JLC-MCS3SP-USB - SJ Media Systems (http://www.sjmediasystem.com/jlc-mcs3sp-usb.html) ?
Seems more basic but uses USB and has basic transport functions.
-C

I agree with Andy's sentiments vis-a-vis the JL Cooper device and similar(i.e. Contour Shuttlepro). While I do not own and have no direct experience with the JL device I do own the ShuttlePro and although it is programmable and works with a variety of software packages it, as Andy notes, does not offer native support for FCP, furthermore, while it sports a host of programmable buttons, it is difficult, at least for me, to recall what the buttons have been programmed for when moving from one program to another...in essence, with the exception of the jog/shuttle wheel, it is more of pain than an asset.

Hopefully the Euphonix, which should arrive this morning, will negate the downside of the aforementioned devices and add to the editing process. I am aware of the difference between the jog/shuttle wheels on the MC and its little brother and depending upon my upcoming assessment may consider adding it to the editing suite, that is, desk real estate permitting.

P.S. in regards to your "OUCH," it is actually a bit more in cost, to be exact, $1349.95 B&H current sales price.

The Euphonix MC Control is currently online and...it works! The manual, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired but technical support is excellent and very responsive via telephone.

I have not had enough time to really put it through its paces but it is very responsive and will undoubtedly prove to be an asset for FCP, SoundTrack Pro and Motion. I can see that there will be bit of a learning curve requiring a degree of experimentation but that is to be expected and clearly worth the effort.

Not sure that the MC transport will be needed, as the jog/shuttle wheel works reasonably well on the MC Control, however, that is a decision that will be arrived at following a reasonable interval of use.

HI Ron, i have had a MC control for about a year now and use it with FCP 6. It does have a few bugs but otherwise is a fantastic controller. I bought it for use with Logic but it fits in well with FCP. They really are superior devices compared to other controllers.

HI Ron, i have had a MC control for about a year now and use it with FCP 6. It does have a few bugs but otherwise is a fantastic controller. I bought it for use with Logic but it fits in well with FCP. They really are superior devices compared to other controllers.

Hi Lou:
I agree, I am enjoying the device and now that FCP 7 provides native support for the unit its usefulness has increased.
Specifically, what is the nature of the "bugs" that you referring to? So far, although I've hardly scratched the surface, I haven't encountered any. I've even programmed some of the soft keys for use in Adobe CS4 Aftereffects, however, the transport controls are non-functional in this program with the current device specific software.
My only complaint relates to the position of the LCD screen, which makes it difficult to read with the unit placed in front of the Mac keyboard. The elevating legs do help to some extent but the unit would benefit from a greater degree of rearward elevation...the unit should have been designed with a tiltable screen and to this end I am considering placing some heavy density foam underneath the rear support to increase elevation.

Addendum: I elevated the rear supports from the desk surface by approximately 3/4" and it made a significant viewing difference.

My biggest complaint is that I seem to loose transport control... cant get it to work right now. its a bit of a pain. Fortunately I also have a Frontier Tranzport which I prefer for transport functions.

My biggest complaint is that I seem to loose transport control... cant get it to work right now. its a bit of a pain. Fortunately I also have a Frontier Tranzport which I prefer for transport functions.

Hi Lou:

I am running FCP 7, which now has native Euphonix support, and have played with it all weekend and have not experienced any loss of transport communication. Perhaps an upgrade to FCP 7 would resolve the issue at hand? In addition, there is a new driver and associated firmware available for download from the Euphonix site which may also be of some benefit.

The latest Mac OSX update, 10.5.8, is not compatible with the Eucon software while OSX 10.5.7 is entirely compatible, which just serves to illustrate the need for caution when considering OS updates.
I am told that a patch is anticipated but no time frame was provided.

HI Ron, i have had a MC control for about a year now and use it with FCP 6. It does have a few bugs but otherwise is a fantastic controller. I bought it for use with Logic but it fits in well with FCP. They really are superior devices compared to other controllers.

Hello Lou:

The MC Control is now working well with OSX 10.5.8. For some odd reason it seemed quirky at first but after reinstalling the new Eucon software it straightened itself out.

Question: do you use Soundtrack Pro and if so, have you been able to assign the various effects to the MC's soft buttons for adjustment? I have followed the instructions included with the device (i.e. to press the Insert button to reveal the various effect's parameters) but no matter what I do the MC Control does not seem to recognize reverb, EQ and so on.

ADDENDUM:
I have just completed a telephone conversation with Euphonix support and was informed that Apple has not fully implemented the Eucon-FCP union and it is for that reason that the effects inserts are non-functional on the MC Control with Soundtrack Pro and Final Cut.

Thank you in advance,
Ron

Just bought the MC Transport on BH Photo. It's a bummer they don't stock it (special order).
I'll report back when its integrated in my setup.
-C

Just bought the MC Transport on BH Photo. It's a bummer they don't stock it (special order).
I'll report back when its integrated in my setup.
-C

After using the MC Control for a week or so, I realized that the jog wheel leaves a lot to be desired. As a result, I checked around in search of the MC Transport as an addition to the Control and found that they had not yet been shipped. I did, however, place an order.

I will assume that the Transport will do a fine job, given that the MC Control works beautifully with FCP7, even better with Logic Pro 9 (Logic Studio 9) as well as with other software(i.e. AfterEffects Cs4 that requires one's own custom programming, etc.)

Received the MC Transport this morning and it mates quite well with the Control. There is new software to be loaded but once done, both units function together. The transport controls on the MC Control remain active, however, the jog and shuttle wheels on the MC Transport are much easier to use, making it more accurate as well. The time code read out is nice but it does not seem to work with SoundTrack Pro, however, since my acquisition of Logic Studio 9 I rarely use STP. Haven't had the time to try it out with FCP but will do so later on today. The time code function as well as a host of other functions do work, however, with Logic Pro (Logic Studio 9).

Doh! When I unwrapped the new MC Transport and plugged it in sizzled.
Completely DOA! Luckily it's on its way back to B&H in NYC.

When I called Euphonix service, they didn't even have the unit stocked yet... it's that new.
So they didn't offer any other ideas...

Lets hope #2 likes A/C.

It's been a bad month, first my MXO2 and now a brand new MC Transport.

-C

Doh! When I unwrapped the new MC Transport and plugged it in sizzled.
Completely DOA! Luckily it's on its way back to B&H in NYC.

When I called Euphonix service, they didn't even have the unit stocked yet... it's that new.
So they didn't offer any other ideas...

Lets hope #2 likes A/C.

It's been a bad month, first my MXO2 and now a brand new MC Transport.

-C

I received one of the first MC Transports out there, works just fine, but I did have the opportunity to call support to ask a question in re STP and they informed me that they had not yet seen one.
BTW, Sweetwater Sound, Ind. (sweetwater.com) stocks the MC Control and Transport, which is where my MC Transport shipped from.

Just as a side bar, I noticed that the height adjusters that snap onto either of the units (MC Control and or MC Transport) do not sufficiently raise the rear end such that the screen is clearly visible. Placing a 1 1/2 to 2" wide by 1 1/8-1/4" piece of wood beneath the rear support legs seems to do the trick for me.

Ron, Can you verify your firmware version for your Transport?
It won't let me update past 1.0.3 which is incompatible with FCP 7 & Jog/Shuttle.

Ron, Can you verify your firmware version for your Transport?
It won't let me update past 1.0.3 which is incompatible with FCP 7 & Jog/Shuttle.

Hi Christopher:

I will indeed check the firmware version for you when I get back into the video editing suite later on today.

I am certain that you are already aware, but if not, the MC Tranport's extreme left soft button must be depressed for the Jog/Shuttle to work in FCP 7, STP or Logic 9.

Hello Christopher;

The firmware for the MC Transport is 1.0.3.

I neglected to mention one very important point in re FCP 7 and the MC Transport or MC Control, and that relates to the fact that in order for the Jog/Shuttle of either of these devices to function the MIXER WINDOW for FCP 7 must be open. It can be minimized but it must be open!

If you've done all that and have latched the leftmost soft button on the Transport and it still does not work, then I would call Euphonix support. They are available on weekends and have been very accommodating.

P.S. the above assumes that you have installed the latest software, 2.0.3.6... from the Euphonix web site.

Hello Christopher;

The firmware for the MC Transport is 1.0.3.

I neglected to mention one very important point in re FCP 7 and the MC Transport or MC Control, and that relates to the fact that in order for the Jog/Shuttle of either of these devices to function the MIXER WINDOW for FCP 7 must be open. It can be minimized but it must be open!

If you've done all that and have latched the leftmost soft button on the Transport and it still does not work, then I would call Euphonix support. They are available on weekends and have been very accommodating.

P.S. the above assumes that you have installed the latest software, 2.0.3.6... from the Euphonix web site.

Ron- You've really helped me. I was on the phone with Euphonix support for two hours yesterday. The tech told me that the reason my transport wasn't working with FCP was because of my firmware version. He claimed on his transport it has 1.1.9 firmware.

Needless to say, after following your advice and opening the mixer, my Transport now can shuttle and jog through the sequence. Although, the timecode doesn't see to be working. It just displays 00:00:00:00 while going through the sequence. Any tricks to get timecode to display?

Thanks for allowing me not to chase my own shadow on my Saturday.
-C

Hi C:

Glad I could be of assistance.

I made the same discovery, in regards to the time code. While it works fine in Logic 9, I have been told that FCP and STP are not yet set up to do so. I guess that Apple hasn't inserted the proper hooks to the Eucon software. Hopefully, that will be included in a future FCP update.

BTW: I suspect that the firmware version mentioned by tech support is for the MC Control, not the Transport.

bummer on the bad unit

I've been looking at this device for FCP and other apps. The $1500 model isn't a bad deal. The OLED touchscreen is suppose to be quite good. I've read complaints about it loosing connection. I look forward to your reports.

The company that makes this is high-end in audio boards, so they should know what they're doing.

bummer on the bad unit

I've been looking at this device for FCP and other apps. The $1500 model isn't a bad deal. The OLED touchscreen is suppose to be quite good. I've read complaints about it loosing connection. I look forward to your reports.

The company that makes this is high-end in audio boards, so they should know what they're doing.

If there have been reports of "loss of communication," I would suspect that it might be related to the Mackie, HUI or other protocols, however, the native EUCON connections with FCP 7 and Logic 9 have been rock solid with no loss of communication and no delays whatsoever, in fact, the connection is transparent. The touch screen on the MC Control is, as you indicated, quite good and reliable with EUCON.
As for the non-Eucon native, Mackie protocol, I have programmed the MC Control to interface with the Cs4 version of Aftereffects and have not experienced any loss of communication. Perhaps the reliability is a function of the latest software/firmware and the reports that you have encountered were related to older versions?

I've heard horror stories about people taking these Euphonix devices to PAL land (220v) and having a terrible flicker problem. However, this could have been addressed with firmware updates...

My Eucon Crashes once a day... Mostly from unplugging the network cable. Its cheesy that it just crashes like that - they need to fix that. Also, any idea if you need to use this crossover cable they give you... Nobody I know uses crossover RJ-45 anymore but they must have had a reason for it...

Interesting enough Ron, I actually got timecode working in FCP 6.0.6 via MackieControl in the Euphonix Prefs Panel. This is a FCP 7 problem only.

I'm tempted to test FCP 7 via MackieControl and bypass its native Euphonix support - heck, I may even get timecode out of the deal...

Needless to say, this is a VERY new product (the transport) and indeed, it hasn't been put through the ranks yet. Although, I've found the device to be more responsive than midi controllers and hope to see added support / features in future FCP updates.

I tried using the device with Propellerheads Reason 4.0 and the transport doesn't work, just the softkeys. So, support for these things are a work in progress.

Are you happy with your MC Control aside from the dinky shuttle wheel?
-C

If they provide a crossover cable I believe they want you to plug it directly into the mac. I'm not sure what you mean when you say people don't use these anymore?

I do not have an answer for the crossover question but I am using them via an ethernet switch and I have not encountered any issues.

Yes, I am happy with the MC Control but as you suggested, the jog/shuttle wheel is of poor design, perhaps an afterthought, and it is for that reason that I purchased the MC Transport. The only issue I have with the unit is the available angle of elevation which makes the screen difficult to read unless you are looming directly from above. However, I fashioned a 2" wide by 1 1/8" high piece of wood, 29" long, and placed it beneath the rear legs of the snap-on supports across both units and that seems to have done the trick.

I have no experience with the unit in concert with FCP 6, since I had already upgraded to version 7 by the time I had received the MC Control and, more recently, the Transport. I have the MC Transport and Control running in Mackie mode for CS4 Aftereffects but the time code counter is nonfunctional in that scenario.

As for problems with PAL and 220V, I have no experience nor comments.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say people don't use these anymore?

Any recent network interface card (NIC) will have an auto-detection function, which tells it whether its a crossover cable or straight cable. Back in the day, a crossover cable was one of the only ways to connect directly from computer to computer without the use of a HUB/SWITCH or ROUTER.

I guess I thought it was an interesting choice but I assume the NIC inside the Euphonix devices have auto-detection.

I'll see if I can get timecode with FCP7 & Mackie Control tonight.

-C

Unfortunately, setting the devices up like you have to in FCP 6.0.6 didn't add timecode in FCP 7. Bummer, looks like we'll have to wait for an update from Euphonix.

I've attached a screenshot to show how I had it set in Euphonix Prefs.

-C

I have had an MC control for a month now and I am on OSX 10.5.8 with Eu control v2-1.0.3 and the latest firmware.

I have to say it just does not work with FCP V7 and it is very buggy and loses connection all the time, it is actually totally unuseable. I have it plugged straight into the back of my ii-mac using the provided cable.

I appreciate that I should be on 10.5.7 but its the same old story of kit being released and the drivers not being available. I have tried going back an osx level but my mac will not allow this so it will sit there collecting dust till the next update.

Also when I switch it on only some of the LED's light up is this correct I would have thought that a start boot would light all of them to show they have been reset?

I have had an MC control for a month now and I am on OSX 10.5.8 with Eu control v2-1.0.3 and the latest firmware.

I have to say it just does not work with FCP V7 and it is very buggy and loses connection all the time, it is actually totally unuseable. I have it plugged straight into the back of my ii-mac using the provided cable.

I appreciate that I should be on 10.5.7 but its the same old story of kit being released and the drivers not being available. I have tried going back an osx level but my mac will not allow this so it will sit there collecting dust till the next update.

Also when I switch it on only some of the LED's light up is this correct I would have thought that a start boot would light all of them to show they have been reset?

I encountered a similar issue when I upgraded to 10.5.8 but the latest Eucon software for the MC Control and MC Transport solved all my issues with FCP 7 (Mac/Intel 8 core). Did you check to see if the firmware on your MC Control is up-to-date? If it is, try re-installing the the Eucon (2.03) software... I had to do it twice after the 10.5.8 upgrade. If all else fails, give their support a call, they've been very helpful in the past. But, in summary, both my MC Control and MC Transport work as expected, although, as you may have noticed from this thread there are some features that FCP 7 does not yet support.

As for the LEDs not lighting, the last time I bothered to take notice, most of them did light at boot but if I recall correctly, at least one or two on the MC Control two did not, whereas, they all light up on the MC Transport. But if you find that many are not lighting, it might suggest an issue with the firmware, so, check for the latest version on the Eucon software utility.

"Hello Christopher
The answer is that Final Cut Pro 7 has a bug in it that makes it so it does not send time code to the MC Transport we have been recommending people email apple about this issue because its a fix they have to do on their end.

This information has also been updated and can be viewed in your control panel located on the OBEDIA website."

Looks like they want us to contact Apple about supporting timecode.
-C