The future of hardware controllers?

The future of hardware controllers?

2 September, 2008 | 12.45PM

• Written by: The Last Real DJ Alive
• Filed under: Music News: cc121, controller, cubase, dj, mr816x, music production, steinberg

Feast your eyes on the Steinberg CC121 - the first hardware controller designed by the team who made Cubase.

Is this just another controller, or is it a good reason to switch over to Cubase from Logic, Reason, Ableton or Pro Tools?

Check out the video inside, and you decide.

More and more software developers are locking off their hardware for use with their Native products.

This isn’t exactly great news for serious producers and engineers, because people want to control many sequencers with one universal device.

The positives of hardware like this, and that of DigiDesign’s, is that they’re extremely functional when used in conjunction with the software they were built for.

Here’s a video of the CC121, presented by a guy who sounds like he’s just had his jaw anesthetised.

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The really impressive feature from this video is the way that anything your mouse is over can be controlled via the big, silver “AI Knob”.

One fader does seem pretty lame for a hardware controller, but we guess that it’s better than a kick in the ass, and the aforementioned feature makes up for it.

The CC121 has a dedicated channel strip, EQ and assignable controls.

Press release spiel:

* Advanced Integration System - totally integrated tactile control of Steinberg’s Cubase range of production systems, maintains complete focus on your production within Cubase
* Ultra-precision Advanced Integration Controller Knob with ‘point and control’ support - controls any visual Cubase 4 parameter, internal FX setting or VSTi parameter using mouse pointer selection
* High Quality, 100mm touch sensitive motorized fader: Full tactile control of the channel or group volume fader
* Dedicated controls for Cubase channel settings including solo, mute, record arm, automation (read/write), pan, VSTi editor and ‘e’ settings button
* Full Cubase EQ section in hardware: 12 Rotary EQ encoders and bypass/mode button
* Full transport section including jog wheel
* User-assignable section – adapt the CC121 to your needs
* Instant plug and play with Cubase-ready LED - no additional setup or parameter assigning required
* Outstanding engineering and component quality including valuable full metal case
* Cross-platform support – compatible with Mac and PC

Cubase launched this hardware with a fun video, that also demos their new MR816x audio device:

Just love the cheesy German speech at the end - “this things sounds awesome”.

Pricing & Availability

€399 / £299

Prices may vary regionally

Availability: end of 3rd quarter 2008 (estimated)

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