The Elgato Stream Deck has become an industry standard for many content creators. However, Cooler Master aims to change that with their new MasterHUB, a modular content creation tool that lets you design the perfect setup. I recently had the opportunity to try out an early version of this innovative control system, and I was thoroughly impressed by its versatility and potential.
Unboxing the MasterHUB, I was impressed by the potential it gives creators. At its core, the Cooler Master MasterHUB is a customizable command center that allows users to mix and match different input modules to create their ideal setup. The base unit features a grid of magnetic pogo pin connectors, letting you snap various control modules into place with ease. It’s an elegantly simple concept that opens up a world of possibilities, especially if you want to craft your setup to meet your specific needs.
The MasterHUB’s modular nature truly sets it apart from competitors like the Elgato Stream Deck. Instead of being confined to a fixed layout, you can configure the MasterHUB to suit your specific workflow perfectly. As someone who dabbles in various aspects of content creation, I found myself gravitating towards a combination of the 15-key LCD button panel, fader sliders, and dual scroll wheels. However, a streamer might prefer more precision dials and scrubbing controls. The potential is there, provided you invest the time to customize it to your needs.
“At its core, the Cooler Master MasterHUB is a customizable command center that allows users to mix and match different input modules to create their ideal setup.”
The level of control comes down to the impressive array of modules Cooler Master offers to choose from. The one most people will gravitate towards is undoubtedly the 15-key panel, which features vibrant IPS displays on each individual button. You can customize these with static images, animated GIFs, or even live video feeds. The tactile feel of the buttons is excellent, with a satisfying click that isn’t too loud for on-stream use.
The versatility of the MasterHUB doesn’t stop there. It offers a range of modules that provide tactile control that is invaluable for content creation. For more granular control, there are modules with faders, rotary encoders, and jog wheels. I was particularly fond of the 5-fader module, which was excellent for making quick audio level adjustments without the stress of using a mouse. The dual scroll wheel module also proved handy for scrubbing through video timelines, adjusting in-game camera views, or zooming into a picture for close-up editing.
Even though I’m still configuring the MasterHUB to best meet my needs, I see immense potential waiting to be exploited. For example, the large encoder dial module features its own circular IPS display, opening up exciting possibilities for displaying things like audio visualizers or custom graphics. Cooler Master even showcased some fun use cases, such as displaying your pet’s photo while you adjust various settings.
Even though the device I tested was a pre-release model, I was impressed with the build quality of both the main unit and the modules. Everything felt sturdy and precise, living up to Cooler Master’s reputation for solid hardware. The RGB lighting around the base adds a touch of flair without being overly gaudy. The attention to detail in the dials and controls shows that care was put into each aspect, giving the entire MasterHUB setup a sense it was built to last.
While it took a bit of fiddling and a tutorial to get everything sorted, once I got the hang of the software, setting things up was relatively painless. Cooler Master’s MasterControl software makes it easy to program macros, assign functions, and customize the visual elements of each module. There is built-in support for popular streaming tools like OBS and Streamlabs. However, at the time of testing, I had to manually program software like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop. Fortunately, once I understood the software, it was simply a matter of programming the keyboard commands, and I was good to go.
The software automatically detects which modules are connected and adjusts its interface accordingly. Swapping modules in and out on the fly is a breeze, the magnetic connections are strong enough to hold everything securely in place, but still allow for easy removal when you want to change things up. I imagine for people looking to build out their setup, the real magic will come from being able to purchase individual modules and craft your own perfect layout. The base unit includes four USB-C ports, so you have plenty of connectivity options for adding more modules down the line.
It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into making the MasterHUB as flexible as possible. The base can be used in either horizontal or vertical orientations, and Cooler Master hinted at plans for larger base units to accommodate even more modules in the future. I am already excited by the potential this new tool brings to various content creation workflows, and the final software isn’t even available yet. I am hopeful that there will be more software profiles at launch to make setup easier for buyers eager to start creating.
Compared to something like the Stream Deck, the MasterHUB offers a much higher degree of customization. While Elgato’s offering is still a solid choice, especially for those who just need a grid of programmable buttons, MasterHUB’s modular approach makes it far more adaptable to different use cases.
Of course, the true test will be how well all of this holds up in real-world use. Cooler Master is still putting the finishing touches on the MasterHUB, and they weren’t quite ready to confirm an exact release date or price point. However, they are aiming for a summer launch, which isn’t too far off.
Based on my time with the device, I’m genuinely excited to see how creators put the MasterHUB to use. The modular design opens up many possibilities for streamlining workflows and adding new dimensions of control to content creation. Whether you’re a Twitch streamer looking to level up your production or a video editor in need of more precise input options, the MasterHUB seems poised to become an indispensable tool.
I’m eager to spend more time with the final version of the MasterHUB and really put it through its paces in a full review. For now, consider me thoroughly impressed. Cooler Master has crafted an exciting new tool that could change the game for creators of all types. Keep an eye out for more news on pricing and availability as we get closer to launch—this is definitely one to watch.
