Hi everyone,
I would like to propose a feature request that could completely redefine how we interact with plug-ins in Cubase, focusing on a fundamental principle: mixing with your ears, not your eyes, using the mouse as the ultimate tactile controller.
The Vision: The Mouse as the Perfect Controller
No matter how advanced our hardware controllers are, the mouse (or trackball) remains the fastest and most universal tool for positioning. However, it currently suffers from limitations that force us to look at the screen constantly. I am requesting a set of integrated features that would turn the mouse into a flawless, blind-controlled tactile tool.
1. Blind Mixing Mode (Hide Numerical Values)
Human brains naturally prioritize visual feedback over auditory information. When turning a knob, we are instantly bombarded with numerical values (e.g., -3.14 dB, 250 Hz). This triggers cognitive bias—we stop adjusting because the numbers look correct.
- The Request: A global option to completely hide or suppress numerical value pop-ups and text overlays inside plug-in windows. We want to see the physical layout of the knobs, but we want to hide the numbers to force our ears to make the decisions.
2. Intelligent Cursor Locking
Currently, when adjusting a plug-in knob with the mouse wheel, any slight physical movement of your hand can cause the cursor to drift away, losing focus on the parameter.
- The Request: A feature (triggered by a modifier key like Caps Lock or middle-click) that locks the mouse cursor onto the exact pixel of the knob while you are adjusting it. This allows the user to relax their hand, look away from the screen, and scroll freely without any risk of the cursor slipping off the control.
3. Dynamic Mouse Wheel Acceleration
Right now, Cubase relies on a rigid modifier key system for fine-tuning.
- The Request: Implement native velocity-based scroll acceleration. Scrolling the wheel rapidly should result in large, coarse value changes, while scrolling slowly should automatically trigger ultra-fine, microscopic adjustments.
Why this belongs natively in Cubase:
While some of these behaviors can be crudely emulated using third-party background macro scripts, having it built directly into Cubase would be a game-changer. It would load seamlessly with the DAW, eliminate the need for external software, and work flawlessly across all plug-in formats.
Steinberg has always been at the absolute forefront of workflow innovation—just look at the revolutionary MIDI Remote system. I am fully confident that such a brilliant and capable development team can easily implement these features natively, giving engineers a level of tactile, ear-driven control that no other DAW on the market currently offers.
I would love to hear thoughts from the community and the development team!
Thank you.
