Steinberg Intros CMC Modular Controllers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOtaD2rwW5I

Steinberg has announced a new range of USB controllers that can be individually combined to form a custom-made Cubase control system.

Comprising six units, the CMC series has control options for recording, editing and mixing music, creating beats or performing live. Each of the six slim-sized controllers is unique in its own way and features a dedicated set of rotary encoders, touch faders or pads designed to take hands-on control of a specific section in Cubase.

Here are the details on the CMC modules:

  • CMC-CH is the hardware equivalent of the eminently powerful Cubase channel section and brings hands-on access to all channel-related functions.
  • CMC-FD carries four newly developed, high resolution touch faders that provide precision control over four Cubase channels at the same time, including solo/mute and metering.
  • CMC-TP provides access to the Cubase transport section, featuring dedicated buttons and a multi-purpose touch slider for convenient DAW control.
  • CMC-PD houses a MPC-style 4×4 pad matrix.
  • CMC-QC brings the Cubase Quick Controls to your fingertips and provides precise tactile control over the Cubase Channel EQ and external MIDI devices.
  • CMC-AI features Steinberg’s AI Knob

With the included joint plate, up to nine CMC units can be combined to design a personal controller system. For even more flexibility, you can use the PD, FD or any other CMC model together with Steinberg’s CC121 Advanced Integration controller. Optional frames provide a way to safely mount your units.

The CMC modular controllers are available now, priced at $149-$199.

8 thoughts on “Steinberg Intros CMC Modular Controllers

  1. a) Because nobody has identical needs, and (like the API lunchboxes) this lets you build exactly what fits *your* system.

    b) Do you really think something combining all of these would have hit the $149 price point? This approach lets you build through a series of not-very-expensive purchases, rather than having to save up $1K for the uber controller (see Euphonix for an example).

  2. When I look at the hardware itself (and purely the hardware) then I think its quite overpriced. A few buttons and touch sections in a casing isn’t worth a minimum of $150,-. If it were your average weather system would also be priced amongst those regions. And lets also not forget a very important detail here: all this stuff might be custom made, but its also mass produced (thus lowering the price again).

    If you’re going to make a controller either make one solution which you think / know will suit your software the best OR better yet: Don’t try to take this on yourself but use the expertise and experience of a company who already knows how to create control surfaces.

    I think Ableton sets a very good example here with their APC40 and APC20. The controller is for their software, but its Akai which produces it. AND the specs are fully in the open, so other companies can benefit as well (think about Novations launchpad for example). Or better example: the Vestax VCM -600 which isn’t even an “official” controller.

    That way you get much more diversity, much wider price ranges and as such much better options for your customers. However, you also risk not taking all the money yourself, and I have to admit that I too think that’s what this is mostly about. Same applies (to a certain degree anyway) with the PHeads and their “balancer”.

  3. Justin Beibers older German cousin presented some nice kit there! I love the idea of more tactile interfaces to my DAW. I am a Logic user now (ex Cubase) so I cant wait for Apple to make similar devices at three times the price 😉

    1. Dude, if Apple made controllers like that for Logic it would obviously be an ipad app and probably cost 5 bucks. I don’t even like ipads but i look at these cubase controllers and think “why couldn’t this have just been an app?”

      1. You can get Apps that control Logic already, but why bother using something with no tactile feedback on a tiny screen? The idea of these hardware controls are to quicken up the production process / aid the creative process. A touchscreen app on a tiny iPhone screen wouldnt help here IMO. Just because you can use it doesnt mean its usable! 🙂 I own both an iPhone and iPad but have not used any Logic controller apps as the touchscreen experience I believe would not quicken my production or creative process.

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