Steinberg CI-2 Plus Advanced USB Studio Interface

Leading the CI series of interface controllers, the CI2+ USB-powered studio comes with its dedicated Cubase AI 6 and WaveLab LE 7 audio workstation. The holistic approach that Steinberg provides in form of its Advanced Integration technology allows this smart system to easily assist entry-level to professional musicians and producers with recording and producing music in first-class quality.

CI2+ features full plug-and-play support, so there's no need to add the parameters to Cubase, only the easy, one-step installation of a USB device. Once the CI2+ has been installed, Cubase detects the launched device and automatically embeds the CI2+ into the Cubase production environment. Visual feedback is provided through the "AI Ready" LED*. When it lights up, CI2+ is ready to assume control. But instant plug and play is just one of the many advantages CI2+ has to offer as a fully integrated controller of Cubase, forming one exhilaratingly powerful hardware/software production system.

The Project Assistant* provides a wealth of ready-made templates for different styles and scopes like recording, mixing, producing and mastering. The templates contain the number of channels, effects, dynamics, amp simulators and channel inserts - tailored to the user's particular needs. Creating customized user templates and integrating those into the Launch browser makes recording with a DAW software and audio interface just that easy. The user starts up Cubase AI 6, hits the AI Knob and scrolls down the list of provided templates. The chosen template is selected by pushing the AI Knob a second time. A new project is created for the user with the necessary number of tracks, audio input and output routings, all effects, amp simulator, sounds and much more. Especially for guitar players, plug-ins like AmpSimulator and ToneBooster are very helpful. The guitar is simply plugged into the input of the CI2+ and the user can start creating songs in a jiffy. Thanks to this assistant, initializing a Cubase Project from scratch even saves professionals a lot of time - and as we all know, time is money.

The Browse function* in Cubase helps the user in many different ways. The intelligent browsing system focuses on available files or sounds based on where the user is currently in the production process. By using the AI Knob on the CI2+ to select one of many project templates, track presets and other presets, there's no more excuse for using the mouse extensively. The Browse function also allows the user to listen in on samples while browsing, without having to load them first. As you see, CI2+ supports the user throughout the entire project.

The Interactive Recording* functionality allows a sequence of up to six transport functions. This sequence can be started and operated with the optional footswitch or the Action Pad on the CI2+, letting the user control Cubase AI 6 (and other Cubase versions) hands free while playing an instrument and simultaneously getting a visual feedback from the Action panel in Cubase. The sequences can either be chosen from a list of templates or be customized by the user. The Interactive Recording function provides full freedom of movement, doing away with mouse operation in specific situations and, more importantly, helps to maintain the creative flow. The user can operate this functionality by the Action Pad or with the optional footswitch Yamaha FC5.

One of the most innovative features of CI2+ is the revolutionary AI Knob, which is 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.