Just been looking at the latest NAMM 2024 updates on YT. Found this new controller from the Nektar folk - they call it the Panorama CS12. Currently supporting Apple Logic Pro only but coming to Steinberg next… see here…
Not sure of timescale for integrated Steinberg support, but unit will be priced at £349
Nice.
Yeah this seems huge.
Where is Cubase’s support though? Still logic only.
The Nektar Panorama CS12 does not have a jog wheel or a button that could be used for this purpose. This actually makes it unusable as a DAW controller, I think.
I think ‘unuseable’ is a bit dramatic/harsh… 
But, maybe I’m being too picky and you’re just making an observation.!
[Edit] As of today, Cubase ‘mapping/implementation’ has been in beta for a while. Got to be quite close to launch… 
Hello all just to confirm this is happening with Cubase/Nuendo v13 and the integration is written using Steinberg’s own API methods rather than fudging support via MCU.
Full channel strip support including pre-mapped and user assignable parameters and colors for any plugin as seen in the Logic demonstrations, plus support for Cubase’s custom channel strip modules, EQ and Quick Controls in Channel Mode.
The MIDI Remote feature of Cubase is excellent and we are embracing this by allowing the entire channel strip section to be customisable in Channel Mode. User assignments get parameter value and name feedback in the display, plus they support CS12’s unique ‘fine control’ which allows detailed editing of any parameter - way beyond the resolution 7-bit MIDI generally provides.
Jog wheel functionality is an assignable function for the tempo dial next to the display. This control is multi-functional and you can also use it for clip gain.
We are currently in private beta with some select CS12 owners. I expect full release to be November.
Best,
Tim
Hi Tim - great to get an update on this topic direct from you! I bought a CS12 with the hope that this was coming. Enjoying it in Logic but Cubase is my primary DAW of choice - super excited it is getting closer to release.
I asked a couple of (non Cubase) friends who bought the CS12 this year for use with Logic Pro. They say it is great with audio plug-ins but initially seems pretty dumb with Soft Synths. How’s it looking for soft synth VSTs in Cubase?
Hey @Tim_Chandler,
Great to have you on the forums. This all looks very promising, and I’m very excited to try one of these! If this is as good as we hope, the CS12 might very well be the device that finally puts the trusted old CC121 to rest.
Personally, I’m not entirely sure about some of the mapping choices, if this Cubase mapping screenshot represents the “final” default functionality… I would maybe move my left and right locator buttons to another spot while keeping the ⇤ and ⇥ buttons that they currently replaced. But as long as you can change that yourself – no problem! Nuendo/Cubase is already so immensely customisable, so we all have our own unique workflows and preferences – which is maybe why we love these DAWs so much. 
Some additional questions:
If you create a new custom mapping for a plugin, with colours and all – does CS12 then remember these settings and bring them back the next time you open that plugin again, even another instance of the same plugin, and even on another project?
If you change to another active plugin window with the mouse, instead of using the CS12’s menus, does the CS12 then “jump” to that active plugin anyway, so I can just grab the knobs to work on the plugin? To put it another way, is the knob section dependant on what plugin window is active at any time? Or what track is active? Or something else?
If all the plugin windows are closed, or the active track doesn’t have any plugins, what does the knobs to the right then do? Do they then control the stock Cubendo EQ for the selected channel instead, like the CC121?
As soon as there is a video demonstration of how the CS12 works with Cubendo, I will watch it in an instant. 
Thanks,
Eirik
@Tim_Chandler will this work with windows as well?
M
Thanks for posting @Tim_Chandler - looking forward to seeing this.
Thanks for all the interest guys, some excellent questions here. I’ll try to cover them all.
Windows compatibility - yes. The integration is a MIDI script using Steinberg’s API which is cross platform. ControlCore handles the plugin mapping and is also windows compatible.
Plugins are controlled directly through Cubase using Steinberg’s own API, without need for plugin hosting software or wrappers to be loaded on every track. This means you’ll find CS12 fits in with your existing projects immediately after running our controlCore installer. Many popular 3rd party plugin plus all Steinberg plugins are pre-mapped with color coding and page navigation. Plugins without existing maps can be user assigned, including color coding and the user mappings are stored such that the settings are recalled with every instance of that plugin.
All of this is handled by our controlCore software we first introduced with Logic when the CS12 was first released - so if you view any of the existing videos out there of plugin control using the CS12 in Logic, the same workflow now applies for Steinberg customers.
Regarding handling plugin focus, everything on the CS12 is a deliberate action. As such, the plugin in focus will not automatically affect what is under control from the CS12 - unless you have selected a control mode where this behaviour is intended. This was a deliberate decision, because CS12 is designed to compliment the mouse - replacing a mouse entirely is a ludicrous claim! It’s not always useful for focus to immediately take over a control surface. For example, using the CS12 you can have one plugin under control on the right hand side 360 pots, with their parameter names and values in the display and be using the hi-res fader in ‘mouse-over mode’ (SELECT button active) to quickly make adjustments to the focused plugin or any other parameter selected.
In keeping with everything on the CS12 being a deliberate action, there is no ‘fallback’ to EQ mode. If all plugins are closed, CS12 just controls whatever is on its display. No guess work. To control the Channel EQ, simply press the CHANNEL button on CS12.
All parameters be it in Steinberg software, or 3rd party plugins, including user assignments and Quick controls support the CS12 ‘fine resolution’ mode for the 360 pots, display feedback and a full 14-bit resolution where required when using the hi-res fader in mouse-over mode. Resolution is as high as it needs to be and you can use the Fine resolution mode with the high-res fader to really home in on a value, making .01dB adjustments.
The first release of the CS12 Steinberg integration, will bring support in line with Logic and as such Instrument plugins initially should be handled via the Quick Controls page. That said, we will be looking to add Instruments to the Channel strip directly in an update. A lot of the work to make this happen is already in place.
I trust that answers everything, apologies if I missed anything.
It seems amazing. Thanks Tim! It won’t have the portability of my CC121 (for those tweaking stuff on the sofa with my laptop moments), but it sure looks like something I’m going to buy the minute you are past beta testing… 
Will the cs12 update to the track you select with the mouse in cubase ? That’s one of the things I miss the most from the cc121 compared to most of the other controllers out there. (No bank or channel scrolling on the unit needed)
Yes absolutely. This seems like the most basic and obvious requirement of any single-channel focused controller.
For multi-channel desks I can see it could be useful not to follow selected track in Cubase, but even then, it should be a user option.
I’m amazed anyone would release a single channel focused control surface that doesn’t follow the selected track!
My CC121 follows the track selected by mouse just fine… If it doesn’t do this for you, then your Cubase-to-controller communication is not working correctly. (Most probably.)
HI @Tim_Chandler any update on CS12 compatibility with Cubendo 14?
Also
Nektar has just posted a Cubase firmware and controller update for the CS12 using Midi Remote. Haven’t had time to fully work with it yet, but hoping to start checking it out this week! It’s even mapped to the Cubase Channel Strip but they state you cannot turn on/off the individual modules from the controller as this is not available in Midi Remote. Hoping Cubase adds this option. One other thing I’ve noticed is the open Edit Instrument option is not working for me, but not sure if this is something on my side. Looking forward to hearing other’s thoughts.
Yes,
We have made controlCore v1.1.0 installer available which has added Steinberg integration.
You beat the official announcement! 
I’m really happy with how this project has turned out. Cubase/Nuendo V13.0.51 or v14.0.10 are minimum supported versions, since we worked closely with Steinberg to make some api improvements.
Best,
Tim
Yes, the entire channel strip is customisable using the MIDI remote editor. We wanted to embrace the excellent midi remote system and customisable nature of Steinberg software.
