Features

The HUI ($3,499) looks like a scaled-down version of Mackie's new digital D8B console. The unit checks in at a solid 37 lbs. It is 20.6” wide and 22.5” deep. The smooth matte gray surface is adorned with sliders, knobs, buttons, LEDs, V-Pots, indicator lights, dual-ladder level display and a 2x40 VFD (vacuum fluorescent display). To run HUI, users will need to have Pro Tools 4.1 installed on their Macintosh computer.

Like most mixing consoles, the back of the HUI has numerous connectors. There are six line levels inputs and six corresponding outputs. HUI can accommodate either balanced or unbalanced signals on 1/4”connectors. Two footswitch jacks handle functions like loop, play and record. A headphone jack, 3 microphone preamps, two inserts, two relay outputs (for 'on-air/recording' lights), several unused expansion ports, and MIDI I/Os are also available.

Mackie’s HUI communicates with Pro Tools via MIDI through Opcode's OMS (Open MIDI System). Simply put, OMS is a MIDI specification used with computer systems. In an ideal world, the MIDI cables connect from HUI to the MIDI interface, which connects to the computer. Specify HUI as a controller in the software and you are up-and-running. Unfortunately, it wasn't that easy. I couldn't get HUI and Pro Tools to communicate. After several hours on the phone with Mackie and Digidesign's tech-support, we figured out the problem. As it turned out, a “timing configuration” in one of the interface's (Mark of the Unicorn's MIDI Time Piece II) sub-menus had to correspond with the correct OMS software setting. Nothing like compatibility among four different manufacturers! Once this problem was resolved, however, everything worked perfectly.

In Use

For the sake of simplicity, the interface architecture can be divided into seven parts. Let's look at how they fit together. The bottom left-hand corner houses keyboard shortcuts. Buttons in this area handle utilitarian chores like save, edit and undo. Above that are selector controls that switch between different Pro Tools screens. These include the main edit window, the mix window and the transport control.

At the upper left-hand corner is an assign section where the internal mix bus and input and output hardware assignments are made. Switches that determine what the track's rotary V-Pot controls are also located here. These include Sends A through E, pan, shift and mute (the send output from each channel can be muted). A small LED indicates the current assignment.

At the heart of HUI's control surface are eight channels strips with 100mm touch-sensitive automated faders. Mackie used a high resolution, tightly tuned servo amplifier in the fader motor design. This provides a smoother response and extends the life of the fader. Any of HUI's channels can be configured as a main master, a group setting, an auxiliary return or simply as a channel strip. And all fader movements with HUI and Pro Tools are syncronized to each other in real time. Very cool indeed.

In the middle of each channel is a “scribble” strip. This four-character dot matrix LED automatically displays 11 different channel attributes (such as groups, signal phase, source and routing) of the corresponding Pro Tools track. Additionally, each channel has illuminated switches for solo, mute, automation, insert and record. A slick rotary V-Pot knob rounds out the controls for pan positions and auxiliary sends.

Moving to the lower right-hand corner is a well designed transport area. Controls include typical functions like stop, play, rewind and fast forward. The main attraction, however, is a very smooth and solid jog/shuttle wheel. Mackie even provides extra room to rest your hand when using the wheel. To the right are scrub and shuttle options and to the left are four arrow-buttons for navigating around ProTools' waveforms.

Above this section is an analog monitoring area. This provides standard control room features like studio cue, talkback mic, and two track monitoring. Assignable routings are available for three stereo or surround audio pairs. Also included are separate output trims and a master control. To the right of this section is a Mac-style keypad for data entry and recalling memory locations.

Moving on, we come to an eight-character red LED. This displays the current session location (as specified in Pro Tools) in either time code, feet, beats or standard real-time. Also here is Mackie's infamous “rude” solo light.

The next four sections handle various automation chores, grouping functions and editing commands (cut, copy, paste, delete, separate, etc.). Finally in the upper right-hand corner is a DSP area.

The alphanumeric display shows settings for plug-ins such as EQ, reverb and compression. Below the display are a series of select switches and rotary knobs for controlling these parameter settings. To take advantage of automation, plug-ins must be recent versions that support Pro Tools 4.0.

Summary

Mackie’s HUI is an elegant piece of gear. The design and ergonomics are logical and well thought out. It may not be for everyone, however. Using Pro Tools from a hardware interface may present a learning curve even for experienced users. And for some people, the mouse and keyboard provides a direct sense of immediate control.

HUI will appeal to professionals who want to use a computer from a “hands-on” analog-style mixer. In many ways, this is more efficient.

For example, multiple functions can be controlled with both hands at one time. That is simply not possible with a mouse. So for someone looking for a visual and tactile control surface, HUI is definitely one way to go.

At-A-Glance

Applications: Hardware control surface for Digidesign's Pro Tools software Key Features: Channel faders, jog/shuttle wheel, V-Pot rotary knobs, LED displays
Price: $3499

Product Points

Plus
+Flexible DAW control
+Surround sound configurable
+Excellent design and construction
+Good documentation from Mackie and Digidesign

Minus
-MIDI control may not be powerful enough for some high-end applications
-Price
-Can only control eight channels at once

Score
The Mackie HUI allows a computer to be used like a hands-on, analog-style mixer and control multiple functions at the same time.