STEINBERG CC121 Advanced Integration Controller

Dedicated Cubase hardware controller with revolutionary “point-and-control” function.

The Steinberg CC121 is engineered specifically for the thousands of music production environments that use Cubase. The CC121 provides totally integrated tactile control of all parameters within Cubase. The CC121 controller’s revolutionary and ultra-flexible AI Knob combines with a range of dedicated controls that mirror Cubase 4 functions to offer a fast and intuitive user experience.

Instant plug-and-play
CC121 features full plug and play with Cubase, requiring no additional setup as a controller device. A swift, one-step installation procedure as a USB device is all that’s required. Once the CC121 has been installed, Cubase detects the device when launched, and automatically binds CC121 into the Cubase production environment. To reflect this, the ‘Cubase Ready’ lamp lights up — CC121 is ready to assume control. Instant plug and play is just one of the advantages of CC121 as a fully integrated controller with Cubase, bonding with Cubase to form one exhilaratingly powerful hardware/software production system.

USB bus-powered
The CC121 is powered using the USB bus on your computer. This means simply connecting the CC121 to a USB port offers full control over Cubase. When the included AC adaptor is also connected, the precision fader is motorized, accurately displaying the volume level on the selected track.

Fully mirrored functionality
One of the major advantages of the CC121 is the software-hardware-mirroring. In distinction from DAW controllers you’ll find all Cubase controlling functions in hardware exactly mirrored to their software counterpart. You don’t need to learn where you’ve put the functions on your controller. You can work with your Cubase as intuitive as before but with the convenience of a hardware mixer. It’s possible to control all functions with the push of a button. No more necessity for long mouse clicking ways.

AI Knob—Revolutionary Advanced Integration Controller
Perhaps the most innovative area of CC121 is the revolutionary AI Knob, a ‘point and control’ precision controller. Rather than attempting to replace traditional mouse pointing devices, the AI Knob harnesses the flexibility of a computer mouse to offer unprecedented speed when editing parameters and adjusting settings. The computer mouse is simply moved over the parameter, which is then automatically placed under full precision control through the AI Knob, with no need to make any additional settings in Cubase, any additional software module or on the interface itself. The parameter can be locked to the AI Knob to retain control when the mouse is moved elsewhere onscreen.

Dedicated Cubase controls
The unique AI Knob is paired with a range of dedicated, high-quality hardware controls over a huge range of Cubase transport, channel, and EQ features. High-quality controller switches and rotary knobs dedicated to specific functions mean no tedious stepping through parameters for control. Colour coding that mirrors the Cubase buttons further supports easy navigation with CC121.

Transport section
The transport section of Cubase can be controlled directly from the CC121 with a compact and easy-to-use transport section that mirrors the Cubase transport bar.

Channel section
The CC121 is specifically designed for Cubase software, providing tremendous efficiency and speed in your workflow. CC121 offers dedicated control of Cubase channel settings including solo/mute, record arm, automation read/write as well as pan—all highlighted in the same colour as the graphic control in Cubase.
One of the most important features on CC121 is the motorized 100mm touch-sensitive fader. This top-quality component has an absolutely first-class feel normally only found on hardware mixing consoles costing many times more. This fader gives precision tactile control over volume settings for the selected track or group.
Another advantage of the very tight integration with Cubase comes in the form of the dedicated buttons to open both the VST Channel Settings and selected VST Instrument Track for detailed editing using the AI Knob and mouse.

EQ section
A unique feature of CC121 is the advanced Cubase Channel EQ in hardware form. Twelve dedicated rotary encoders offer precision control of the Cubase Channel EQ. Q-factor, Frequency and Gain all have their own rotary encoder for each band. Additional buttons provide control of the bypass switch for the EQ in the selected track, as well as selection of the EQ type. As with all the dedicated controls, the EQ section on the CC121 has been engineered to offer the best possible controller integration into the Cubase production environment, speeding up workflow and boosting creativity.

User-assignable section
The four Function buttons on the front panel can control various parameters of Cubase by assigning the desired parameter to each of these buttons. This may, for example, be zoom settings for the selected track. Also included are templates which automatically assign these controls for you, for example to the Cubase Control Room.

The CC121 works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X.