Evolution MK 449C

The Evolution MK-449C features 9 assignable 35mm sliders, 8 assignable rotary knobs, 10 assignable buttons and 49 full-size touch sensitive keys, giving computer music enthusiasts extreme hands-on control of their favorite software and hardware. Both the pitch bend and modulation wheels are fully assignable, as is the sustain pedal input—adding up to a total of 30 assignable controllers.

The  Evolution MK-449C's unique controller mute function mutes the output of all controllers, allowing you to position them before tweaking, thereby eliminating jumping filters or levels during your performance. The keyboard also features a drawbar mode for the 9 faders, which greatly enhances the experience of playing virtual instruments such as Native Instruments’ B4 Organ.

The  Evolution MK-449C ships with 10 pre-configured settings, making it instantly usable with today’s most popular plug-ins, virtual instruments and host applications. Creating your own custom setups is also quick and easy, as all 30 real-time controllers can be programmed via the numerical keypad. Each controller can also be set up to transmit on separate MIDI channels, and complete setups can be stored in any of the 10 memory locations.

In addition to standard controller numbers, the  Evolution MK-449C has RPN/NRPN and pre-programmed Sys-Ex messages for real-time access to parameters beyond immediate reach on products such as SoundBlaster, XG and GM-compatible soundcards. The Sys-Ex dump command allows the entire content of the memory to be sent from the keyboard to a location of your choice. A librarian program for PC users is included for saving, editing and sharing keyboard setups.

The Evolution MK-449C connects to a PC or Mac using the included USB cable. The keyboard can be powered via USB, or alternatively with an optional power supply. As with all Evolution controllers, the MK-449C is Class Compliant, so no drivers are required when using Windows XP or Mac OSX.

A conventional MIDI output on the back of the MK-449C has been included for operation with traditional MIDI gear or non-USB computer setups. Used in USB mode, the MIDI output acts as a USB to MIDI output interface.

Click here to see the new features on the next generation of Evolution MIDI controllers

Features:

• Function buttons make programming quick and easy, even while you're playing
• Independent channel assign for all 30 controllers
• Controller mute function mutes the output of all controllers so you can position before tweaking
• Backlit LCD display clearly shows controller information
• 10 MIDI assignable buttons double up as an essential data entry pad
• Global channel assign allows controllers to command up to 16 different channels at the touch of a button
• Snap Shot mode sends out current status for all controllers
• 10 memory locations store user setups
• Memory dump facility
• Sys-Ex librarian software allows PC users to load, save, send and receive any combination of setups
• Assignable pitchbend and modulation wheels allow thumb control effects
• Separate octave shift buttons provide instant access to 10 octaves
• MIDI-assignable sustain pedal input can be used with any polarity switch
• Keyboard Requirements
• PC/Mac or MIDI hardware with USB or MIDI In

Dimensions:

• 32” x 8.4” x 4”

Software Requirements

• Pentium II 300MHz 128Mb RAM or better, USB port, Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, approved MME or ASIO compliant soundcard
• iMac, Power Mac G3 or better with USB running OS9/OSX
• Keyboard powered by USB (cable included) or 9V DC, 250-300mA center positive power adaptor (not included)

New features on the next generation of Evolution MIDI controllers

The UC-33e, X-Session and 4-series keyboards have a memory dump and retrieve function and come with a
SysEx Librarian software so that you can change the memory banks via the computer essentially giving you
an unlimited amount of memory banks. You can now use Enigma for this purpose, downloadable from the
Support Centre in the Evolution web site.

They also have the following added features:

• Controller mute function so the controllers do not transmit MIDI messages until you have set them to where
  you want them. This is particularly good to prevent parameter jumps.
• Device ID. You can change the Device ID.
• Assigning buttons has been revised so that you can control Program number, LSB and MSB much better
  on the fly.

Enigma 1.0

Includes a huge library of files for your favourite VST plug-ins, instruments and host apps. All the controllable parameters are listed for each piece of software. Your Evolution keyboard or controller is actually shown on the screen. To assign a knob, slider or button on your Evolution product, simply drag the parameter from the list and drop it onto the controller you wish to assign ... and that's it!

Setup the way buttons work in an instant by simply dragging a particular button function (toggle On/Off etc...) from a complete list and dropping it onto the on-screen button which you want to assign.

Instantly view your Evolution controller's Default Presets then cut and paste any number of them into a new memory location. Do the same with your own User Presets... Copy and Paste... Drag and Drop... this is how editing and saving memories should be done.

System Requirements

• Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP
• Mac OS 10 including Panther