Maximize your creative potential with the Loupedeck CT.
As a creative professional, I am always on the lookout for different tools that can help streamline my editing tasks. There are plenty of software options out there, but not too many professional-level hardware accessories. There is one that I like – the Loupedeck CT. It’s a customizable editing console that works natively with most editing apps such as Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro. It’s designed specifically for creative professionals and it’s made from premium materials that allow users to experience exceptional accuracy while editing. One of the best advantages of using the Loupedeck CT is that you are free to focus on your work instead of concentrating on what keys control what function on your keyboard. The Loupedeck CT helps to create a functional workflow using minimal equipment.
KEY FEATURES
- Workspaces: Group tools and functions into workspaces to keep yourself organized.
- Integrations: Loupedeck CT has a wide variety of native integrations with editing software including Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and Ableton Live.
- Tactile Controls: The control panel makes it possible for you to use one hand to make adjustments.
- Powerful Interface: Loupedeck CT features dynamic, seamless control and you can switch between software, tools, and functions without any delay.
- Custom Profiles: Create custom-made profiles to work with any software or application.
- Touch Buttons: Users have instant control with a tap of haptic, touch button, and swipe screen.
- Premium Build: Built with a high-quality aluminum cover and dials, touchscreens, and LED backlighting.
USER EXPERIENCE
The Loupedeck CT comes in a black box with the word “Loupedeck” embossed on the front. When you open it up, you find the control panel, a USB-C cable, and a quick start guide. I was very impressed with the build of the unit and how easy it is to get started with it. The unit has 6 dials, 8 round buttons, 12 square buttons, and a large, center control wheel. Out of the box, the Loupedeck CT is set to work with several major applications, but users can still set up their own profiles. The control panel gets its power from the USB-C connection to your computer. You don’t have to worry about it sliding around too much because it has small rubberized feet.
The Loupedeck CT console could be considered ’portable’ in that it isn’t too large to carry along in a laptop bag, but it’s not really 100% suited for remote editing since it’s a wired connection. The console really does work best on a desktop and not in a lap. The Loupedeck CT is slightly larger than the Apple Magic Trackpad so it doesn’t have a large desk footprint. If you plan on carrying it around with you, I do recommend getting the travel case for it so that the knobs and buttons aren’t damaged.
As a photographer, Lightroom is the main application I use the Loupedeck with. Fortunately for me, that is one of the native profiles that is preloaded into the Loupedeck system. Users do have the option to create custom profiles, but the process can take quite a bit of time to map out the buttons and knobs. Taking the time to program the console is worth it though. I was able to map presets to certain buttons, which made it possible to switch back and forth between looks a lot easier. I also set the dial functions to color and lighting settings so that I could easily adjust exposure, saturation, vibrance, and clarity.
One of the things I like the most about using the Loupedeck CT is the physical feel of editing. My fiance used to be a video editor and she said that she used to have a large control panel that had a jog wheel, advance/reverse buttons, play/pause buttons, and other controls. It made video editing much easier than just using a keyboard and shortcut keys. It was a much more tactile way to work through the process. When she saw the Loupedeck CT, she said it felt very similar to her video editing control console. That’s why I like it, too. It just makes photo editing so much more interactive and fluid as a workflow.
CONCLUSION
The Loupedeck CT is a solid piece of hardware that gives the user a lot of options for creative piece editing. At $549 (USD), it is an expensive piece of hardware. I think that it’s worth the investment, but definitely, something that should be taken into consideration. The Loupedeck support software is very functional, but there is a learning curve that comes along with it.
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