Steinberg CI-2 Advanced USB Studio Interface

Steinberg CI-2 Advanced USB Studio Interface

The Steinberg CI2 is a USB-powered audio interface and controller with Advanced Integration features. Together, CI2 and Cubase AI 6 present a complete recording system, providing a plug-and-play solution for recording and editing vocals and instruments with a computer in next to no time.

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 Browse function in Cubase helps you in many different ways. The intelligent browsing system focuses on available files or sounds based on where you are 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 you throughout the entire project.

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 your 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.

Start up Cubase, go to Project Assistant and select a template from the list. A new project is created with the necessary number of tracks, audio input and output routings, all effects, amp simulator, sounds and much more. 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 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 you control Cubase AI 6 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. 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. You 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. 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. The AI Knob of the CI2 controls all Cubase mixing parameters plus VST3 and VST2 plug-ins.

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