Loupedeck, Review -

Loupedeck CT Editing Console

When you edit as many videos and photos as we do, for either the business or our ball players, you start looking around for ways to trim away tasks.  Most certainly, when many of those tasks contain the same sequences every time, editing consoles can really lend a hand.  For the most part, these don't do anything you can't already do with a Keyboard.  But editing consoles place functions and shortcuts in a very convenient place to perform these tasks more efficiently.

When the Loupdeck CT device was announced, we knew this was the device that could really set us up for success.  Other devices have been used in the past with varying degrees of success.  But this device appears to work well with most of the software we like to use; Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Photoshop.  We immediately placed and order and waited for its release date.  Below, in reverse order, are updates that we will add on a regular basis.  Please check back for more information.  If you just found this article, start from the bottom and work your way up. The latest information will be directly below:

UPDATE 11/27/2019 @ 3:00 PM

A couple of updates since we last posted:

1.) Loupedeck is in the process of replacing our unit.  We are still using the item with the damaged key and will be sending it back when the new device arrives.

2.) We finally broke down and ready the manual (I know...I lose my man card).  While the learning curve is higher than expected, we have unlocked so much capability in the short time we have had it.  Here is a video showing some of the customization we have done to help with our Premiere Pro workflow.  Once we are done with the review, we will post a full workflow tutorial using this device:

UPDATE 11/25/2019 @ 9:45 AM

I spoke with Loupedeck customer service this morning.  They are going to replace the device with the broken key.  We will continue to experiment with the damaged device and update you with new features as well as how long it takes for the new device to arrive.  No shipping confirmation at this time.

UPDATE: 11/23/2019 @ 2:30pm

Well...things just don't seem to be going my and Loupedeck's way.  One of the buttons just broke off.  Nothing special led up to this.  We will be reaching out to Loupedeck to see how to proceed.  Trying to give the benefit of the doubt on a new product.  But suffice it to say, it is a disappointing situation.

Appears to be a clean break on the back side.  This is not one of those situations where a clip just came disconnected.  The keys are plastic.  The areas not coated are to allow the LEDs to illuminate through the key to light up the text and symbols on the other side.  I hope this is a fluke, but this could be a fragile design.

 

UPDATE 11/23/2019 @ 12:00 PM

So as with most things, when in doubt, read the manual.  My issues with Premier Pro were solved by following the instructions in the manual.  After you perform the download and install of the Loupedeck software (which we had), you must configure Premiere Pro to recognize the device (which we had not).  Following the instructions is often humbling, but important in this case:

 

UPDATE 11/22/2019 @ 9:30 PM

Very nice little device that fits well on any desk; or in this case, coffee table.  My office tends to be wherever I land.  Software installed with no issues and recognizes that I am in Premiere Pro.  Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be working well.  I must admit, I've not read the instructions.  I tend to always try to run things out of the box just to see how intuitive a product is.  Probably not fair to blame this one on Loupedeck at this point.

 

UPDATE 11/22/2019 @ 6:00 PM

So this came in today.  We ordered the device on 11/3/2019 and was told it would ship on 11/11.  11/11 came and went with no notice.  We reached out to Loupedeck and was told that devices had started shipping, and ours would ship out when they received more stock.  So, initially, we weren't really pleased with the process up front.  I totally get the issues that can occur when a new product is released, but we are calling this a strike 1 up front for being late...and not a lot of sympathy from Loupedeck.