Steinberg Presents CI2 Advanced Integration USB Studio
Steinberg CI2 |
"CI2 offers so much at a really great price that it makes you realise just how far music technology has come," comments Stefan Schreiber, Steinberg's Product Marketing Manager for Hardware. "To start with, CI2 is a unique combination of a great audio interface with two preamps, a controller in the shape of the AI Knob and the Cubase AI5 software. But it's also been designed to integrate seamlessly as one system, with a lot of smart features that support first-time producers in creating their first tracks, such as Interactive Recording, browsing sounds in Cubase from CI2, complete plug and play, the Project Assistant and much more. It's an interface, controller and production software all in one package - but designed to be effortlessly easy to use," says Schreiber.
With many workflow enhancements to support first-time producers and songwriters, the CI2 USB audio interface features two mic preamps with XLR/TRS combo connectors and 48v phantom power as well as a Hi-Z input, allowing connection to just about any audio signal, including large diaphragm microphones, guitars, basses and line inputs. Designed in cooperation with and built by Yamaha, CI2 also offers the AI Knob controller, which assumes control of any parameter by simply hovering over it with the mouse. Another example of the Advanced Integration technology is the "Cubase Ready LED", indicating that Cubase is connected and the system is ready to use. "The Advanced Integration technology combines the audio recording and controller features with the included Cubase AI5 to form one recording system that is as powerful as it is portable," Schreiber explains. "It's a unique combination you just can't find anywhere else at this price point."
CI2 also sports many workflow features designed to make the entire hardware and software system very easy to use. The AI Knob controller becomes a sound browser with a single push, and is integrated into browser windows in Cubase to find the right instrument sound or loop more quickly by scrolling through and (de)selecting entries in the sound browser windows. Interactive Recording mode uses the optionally available footswitch for hands-free recording, ideal for guitarists and vocalists recording their own performances. The Project Assistant is a new Cubase AI5 feature that offers a large range of templates for many production tasks and genres, allowing for setup of new projects in seconds. Highlighting ease-of-use and intuitiveness as one of the major design goals for CI2, Schreiber comments: "These features have one purpose: to simplify recording and production, reflecting the uncompromising focus on supporting newcomers to digital music production."
The included Cubase AI5 is a streamlined version of Steinberg's highly successful Cubase 5, with audio technology found in countless professional production environments worldwide. Cubase AI5 offers up to 48 audio tracks, 64 MIDI tracks, a range of audio and MIDI plug-ins, virtual instruments, the Cubase Key, Score and Drum editors, comprehensive automation and much more. As with all Cubase and Steinberg hardware products, CI2 supports both Windows and Mac OS X.
For more information please visit www.steinberg.net.