Cooler Master MasterHUB Review – The Voltron of Stream Decks

I admit, when I first looked at the Cooler Master MasterHUB, I had no idea what was going on with the device. It looked super cool, like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the practical application was a mystery to me. Occasionally I use an Elgato Stream Deck, but that's about it for familiarity. After experimenting with the MasterHUB, I can confirm that Cooler Master has taken things to the extreme with a sleek and sexy Frankenstein gadget.

I received the package in three separate boxes, one with what comes standard with the MasterHUB and two additional widgets. The MasterHUB itself consists of the base plate, feet for it, a USB-C cable for power and connection to your computer, a fader with five sliders on a control module, an IPS display module with fifteen buttons and a module with two rollers. The other two boxes contained a rotary encoder and a module with three buttons. It goes without saying that there are many options for the MasterHUB here, and hopefully this isn't the end for additional module styles. There is also a stand available for purchase, and after using the MasterHub with just the magnetic feet, I would recommend that or some type of boom arm for easier access.

Assembly for the MasterHUB is easier than I expected. As soon as you connect the base plate, it's ready to go, and the RGB lighting on the bottom lights up to let you know it's on. There are numerous contacts on the Pogo pinboard, this is where your modules come into play. From here, all you need to do is align your modules so that they attach magnetically to the board. The base can be arranged horizontally or vertically (with the feet moving accordingly), so you can decide how you want to mount your widgets.

If I tell you that it is so. If you only want to use the fifteen-key module, you can do so. As soon as it was connected to the board, my system recognized a new device and it lit up, ready for use. You determine whether or not the contacts on the board line up with where you're attaching your module, and of course you can attach it upside down, but overall you can customize things to your liking. Surprisingly, even positioning the 15-key module over the edge of the tabletop to create more space works, but everything falls into place in the software, making setup more complicated.

This level of modular customization is truly amazing. While I don't know if everyone needs it, the ability to modify the MasterHUB to suit your needs is incredible. If you are an audio engineer, add the faders and volume controls. You could even grab another set of faders and leave out the 15-key module if it's not necessary for your mixing. Streamers could simply bypass all the extras and combine two fifteen button modules into thirty buttons to meet all of their streaming needs. If you're a video editor, the ability to trim here and there with the fifteen buttons or scroll through your footage using the buttons with a fine-tooth comb is great. Making cuts down to the millisecond with the precision available is simply unmatched.

All of these modules are excellent. None of them feel cheap and are made from high quality parts. When it comes to operation, it's a first-class experience, whether you're clicking a button or turning a knob. Particularly noteworthy are the dial and buttons with textured handles that exude precision. I also love the quality of the ISP displays in the fifteen button and dial modules; both have crystal clear clarity – I demonstrated this by loading an image of Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn onto them.

It is currently in beta, but the MasterHUB software is already in good condition. It instantly detects the orientation and connectivity of your base and the modules connected to it. If you scroll through the available features, you'll find a lot here for Adobe, OBS, Streamlabs, desktop commands, and more. If you're not familiar with Stream Decks or something like Loupedeck Live or Elgato Stream Deck Mobile, it will be a bit intimidating for you, and the complexity of the device might be off-putting for beginners. Something I would like to see in the future: Presets. If I'm a streamer, give me a pre-built setup to link my account to, along with a specific module layout that's best for streaming. Only a few would need to be created and it would be a nice onboarding experience and a good starting point.

Given its beta status, you can see that the possible uses are currently somewhat limited. When I open the Stream Deck software, I have more curated features available on it than on the MasterHUB. I think this is more because a device has been on the market for a comparatively long time – which should be pretty obvious – so Cooler Master will take time. However, many functions here are generalized, meaning I have to dig deeper to assign the desired functions on my MasterHUB, but there is also a way to manipulate the programming to my advantage. I look forward to the future integrations with other popular apps that we will definitely see as the device is released and receives updates.

Great credit must be given to the storage capacity of the software. Every time I remove a module and plug in another, the previously set functions are saved. For example, with the three-button module, I added Streamlabs audio controls and Adobe Premiere Pro undo/redo functions to the bottom two buttons. I disconnected the module, waited a second and then replaced it. In just a few moments the connection was already restored and both of my functions were intact. By the way, remember to store things, otherwise they will disappear. Another cool feature: You can see how your faders move in real time in the software, so you know what's working properly and what's not.

Speaking to Editor-in-Chief Ron Burke, who is a flight simulation enthusiast, he was already chattering about how he could use this device for Star Citizen's mining systems, Flight Simulator's flight control surfaces, or a number of other examples of putting it on a boom arm. He also talked about being able to reconfigure it on the fly when changing features in these games, and it turns out I found a different audience. Further conversation got us thinking about Helldivers 2 and the strategies of war, and using the MasterHUB's multitasking feature would be another great way to tie it into gaming. I'm sure others might find more creative ways to use it, and that's the key here.

For me, streaming and video recording are the best uses. I already mentioned that there is a Stream Deck, and managing your scenes and transitions is just as easy on the MasterHUB. The additional audio management is also fantastic as I can use the faders to ensure my tone is just right. I don't have access to this on the fly, and not having to stop playing to adjust my audio on OBS or Streamlabs improves my content. I also love the screenshot button. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten the Cut and Sketch keyboard shortcut. So having them on hand is a huge advantage for someone who spices up their pieces with in-game shots.

Customization is certainly what Cooler Master is aiming for, and beyond just the modular parts it's about the RGB lighting and personalization of the modules. RGB is currently available as a strip around the baseplate and around the bottom of the three buttons if you have this module. These can be controlled individually or as a unit with some color and lighting options. The ISP displays also have their own personalization, such as: B. You can add your own symbols on the 15-button module and even put an image on the LED dial module. Making the MasterHUB your own is not just physical but also digital, and it's great to have these additional options. Even the faders that show the LED lighting wherever you move it are simply S-level aesthetically speaking.

Price will be the biggest barrier to entry for this product. Currently the MasterHUB is only available via Kickstarter, but it has been fully funded (and you can still support it until October 19th). At retail, you can expect to pay $400 for the standard device and between $40 and $120 for additional modules. If you only want to use one of MasterHUB's many features, it may not be worth your hard-earned money. However, if you want something that will grow with you and evolve according to your interests or skills, this is a wise investment.

David Burdette is a Tennessee gamer/writer/content creator and Editor-in-Chief for Gaming Trend. He loves Playstation, Star Wars, Marvel and many other fandoms. He also plays way too much Call Of Duty. You can chat with him on Twitter @SplitEnd89.

Even though the Cooler Master MasterHUB is a niche device, it is full of possibilities. An all-rounder has many advantages, and the MasterHUB really is an all-rounder. The price for the modular wonder is high, but technology that grows with you doesn't come along often.

–David Burdette