The CC121 is unavailable everywhere for several months and will be for 7-9 more weeks accourding to Thomann. Steinbergs promoter Dom Sigalas made a video about it and said: “Get it while it’s still available.” That was a short time before it became unavailable. So I asked Steinberg support if they will launch a new version. No answer for several weeks. No answer is an answer, too…
So what do you think will the new CC121 be called? CC122 or CC121 Mk. 2?
What new features will it get? For example like the new SSL UF8: “If it’s completely unlit, it means that pressing it will do nothing in the UF8’s current state, while a dimly lit button indicates that its function is available if needed.”
What other functions do you expect? A cheaper pricetag? A quiet fader?
Upgraded fader would probably be one thing. I don’t own one though so not sure how loud it is but seeing as it was released like 10-11 years ago (more maybe) it would make sense that there’s better and cheaper technology out there for parts.
So yeah just better hardware all around I would hope/expect.
Personally I’d love to see a low cut and high cut on there.
What I really want is a channel strip controller. Something as intuitive as the console one but for cubase channel strip. With some feedback on the device too. Not having to double check what channel I’m on would be great.
A midi mode would be cool. Extra assignability is always nice.
I dunno. There’s loads of ways to take it.
It’s really nice for what it does and how small it is. So add too much and you end up getting something else than what you were aiming for.
I would like to see it centered around plugins. Everybody owns hundreds of plugins nowadays. Most users don’t use the Cubase channel strip, but one the 15 EQs or 30 compressors they own.
OK, let me fantasize a bit in case a Steinberg/Yamaha product manager is on this board: the new CC121 will be a merger of the CC121 and the Arturia Keylab Essentual 61. It will be called Yamaha CC61. Instead of 8 faders it will only have one on the left, but it will be automated like in the CC121. Of course there will be the AI knob, a pan knob and at least 8 knobs to control the plugins with MIDI Learn. The master keyboard will have a bright white color. There will be 8 or 16 pads for drumming/chords etc. All Pads, keys, knobs, and buttons will have LEDs with full RGB color. When using MIDI Learn on a knob it will change color on the keyboard AND in the plugin. The specification will be included in the next VST 3.x. The same applies to the colored LED rings around the knobs. Every LED will be controlled by software, not firmware. There will be no display on the new CC61, because it would look outdated anyway and the users want to use their screens.
I would purchase an updated CC121 YESTERDAY if they’d expand the integration into the existing channel strip and plugins. Please continue to innovate Steinberg, don’t let Presonus take the lead!
You are talking about Presonus Faderport V2, right? Does it work with Cubase without issues? Or is the old CC121 better? The Faderport doesn’t have 8 knobs for MIDI Learn.
I’ve given up on Steiny/Yamaha producing a mid range controller or expanding the CC121 and its functionality.
Now slightly off topic so forgive me here. I now have the new SSL UF8. It’s a seriously great controller based on the old MCU protocol. Having tried all the others, this is by far the most useful and user friendly implementation I have tried. The rotary controls, almost silent faders and large led with meters are a dream. It’s a short learning curve and their 360 software to control the layers and add key commands is very well thought out. Combined use with my Console 1 gives me all the control of Nuendo that I was missing without having to shell out 35k on Nuage. You don’t get spill function with the MCU protocol but it will mirror your track configs and it has a section on the board that lets you switch between, tracks, groups, FX and VCA’s.
If SSL had split these into separate fader units and a master section, I’d be shelling out right now for 2 x faders and a master unit. That’s how good I feel these are.
I’ve unplugged the Walmart for my CC121 as the fader is so noisy and it’s no longer needed now. It’s used for transport and shortcuts and the basic channel functionality. Built like a tank and still working after almost a decade. It should have been expanded upon yeas ago.
I agree, the CC121 should have been updated to control the new additions to the channel strip. SteveBee: I am curious as to why you went with the SSL instead of the Console 1 Fader since you already use a Console 1. More functionality? The info the screens provide look great on the SSL.
I’m now actually using all 3 together. Console 1, UF8 and CC121 and I’m finding it a great combo. You’re spot on, yes it was all about more functionality as well as hands on control. See pic. I’ll be getting another Elgato Streamdeck for this edit rig as I’ve found it invaluable for the main one for macro’s etc.
I’ve unplugged the power supply to the CC121 to remove the function of the motorised fader, this still allows me to continue to use all the buttons and knobs etc. I also replaced the capacitive fader cap on the CC121 with a non capacitive type so if I accidentally touch it, it doesn’t reset the fader on the selected channel.
As a trio they work beautifully together and the CC121 makes up for some of the functions missing on the UF8, namely transport. Without a doubt, the setup makes for faster and more enjoyable mixing.
In case anyone was interested, though I am sure it’s obvious, I made the Console 1 stand as refused to pay the stupid prices currently being asked for them and anyway, they don’t make them to sit at the right height and angle for the location I wanted it for the UF8.
I got many of the knobs mapped. Unfortunately, I could not get a few key things mapped. These include: Input Gain, Hi Cut, Low Cut, Phase Inv. Also, the knobs were not “one to one” so Cubase channel strip had a few extra controls that the Console 1 did not have (e.g. compressor output). Regardless, attached is my first crack at it. Just import via Generic Remote. I didn’t map everything (like all the select track buttons), but feel free to tweak and upload a different version. Ironically, I still haven’t even played with the Softube strip which I’m sure is great! Generic Remote 6 (Console 1).xml (51.1 KB)
Hopefully a “no answer” is the right answer we are looking for I wonder if anything has happened since 2021 when this was written? Haven’t seen any new controller, yet… Anyone knows anything?
I have the CC121 and I couldn’t live without it. Have been planning to get one on eBay while they are still there, but if a new device is coming I’d rather wait
It gives me all the quick controls I need. I use the fader, pan, W (write), e (open channel settings), instrument (open VST settings), AI knob (set to lock on the master out knob), value knob for metronome on/off + volume setting, function buttons for macros to "bounce in place "and “show in finder” all the time. My work flow is way faster this way.
For a new device I would definitely keep all of these wonderful features and would love to see Steinberg continue keeping the device’s functions to the in-built Cubase/Nuendo functionality in stead of trying to make it work with third party plugins (there are so many differences so it just never works well).
My suggestions for an upgrade would be:
EQ: a more intuitive eq section, I don’t use this one since it take more time to use than draggin with my mouse Function buttons: more of these for custom macros and customised work flows Cubase/Nuendo inbuilt effects: somehow make a section to control in-built effects, and update all together with the EQ section
Basically not much change I guess I love it as it is. But definitely the whole middle part of the controller can get an update.
I just saw your post, WOW! You are definitely not alone, I think a lot of people are waiting for Yamaha & Steinberg to put out a control surface just like your design or similar to it. I don’t understand what is taking them so long
The CC121 has now completely disappeared from the Steinberg product pages. Only the last downloads are still hidden under Support.
On the Yamaha website you can read that the large DAW solution “Nuage” is no longer being sold. This means that DAW hardware in general does not seem to be an issue at the moment.
It must also be clearly stated that the situation has changed enormously since 2008. Back then, the CC121 had a unique selling point. Today it is completely different, there are countless controllers at reasonable prices, so it is doubtful whether a new version of the CC121 would have a chance on the market as it did in 2008.
Two and a half years have already passed since the official announcement that the production of the CC121 has been discontinued (February 2022). During this time, MIDI Remote has become increasingly established, which means that the large number of controllers available today can also be used for Cubase. So why should users who have found their workflow with Cubase with their controllers switch to another controller (a new version of the CC121) later on?
Of course there would be a market for a new version of a CC121, but I suspect it would be much smaller than in 2008 and since there would be considerable price competition with the current range, the risk of a new development would be quite high for Steinberg. In my opinion, it makes more sense for Steinberg to watch what happens here for a few more years. In any case, MIDI Remote largely ensures that no customers will say goodbye to Cubase.
I wonder if anything has happened since 2021 when this was written? Haven’t seen any new controller, yet… Anyone knows anything?
I guess I love it as it is. But definitely the whole middle part of the controller can get an update.