Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 5, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Steinberg has announced that it has begun shipping the MR816 CSX and MR816 X Advanced Integration DSP Studio FireWire interfaces and the CC121 Advanced Integration Controller. The new products are the result of Steinberg and Yamaha’s continuing technological collaboration. The hardware was developed in close cooperation by the two companies and is manufactured at Yamaha’s plants in Japan.
“The shipment of the MR816 CSX, MR816 X, and CC121 is a milestone for Steinberg,” said Stefan Schreiber, Steinberg’s Hardware Marketing Manager. “Thanks to completely new technologies, these products merge with Cubase to form an extremely powerful production system that delivers unparalleled hardware and software integration. The system also offers not only many workflow advantages, but first-class audio quality.”
The MR816 CSX and MR816 X are 16-channel FireWire interfaces that integrate seamlessly with Cubase. This enables features including True Integrated Monitoring, Quick Connect, full integration into the Cubase interface, and access to the onboard DSP effects as VST3 plug-ins in Cubase. The new integration and dynamic one-to-one mirroring between Cubase and the MR816 CSX/X are not the hardware’s only features. “The eight D-Pre microphone preamps were designed to deliver absolutely first-class sound,” Schreiber explained. “The quality of the REV-X reverb available on both units, together with the MR816 CSX’s Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strips, enhances the audio quality of the entire system. Although the MR816 CSX and MR816 X are ideal interfaces for Cubase, ASIO and CoreAudio drivers are of course also included, making both units compatible with other DAWs.”
The CC121 Advanced Integration Controller provides complete hands-on control of Cubase. A range of dedicated controls is combined with the highly flexible AI Knob. “This unique combination allows musicians and producers to concentrate fully on their projects. A parameter can be selected with the mouse in an instant, while users can also quickly find their way around the dedicated buttons and rotary controls. Combining these two approaches in a superbly built hardware controller makes working in Cubase exceptionally fast, intuitive, and efficient. The CC121 feels like a hardware extension of Cubase,” Schreiber said.
Pricing and availability:
The MR816 CSX, MR816 X, and CC121 are now shipping worldwide to specialist retailers. The MR816 CSX costs €1,199*, the MR816 X €799*, and the CC121 €399*.
