There has been a long standing conundrum with the current incarnation of the VCA track with many users unhappy with the implementation, yet no changes/fixes being made for many years.. Likely to development not being able to break compatibility with projects already created with current implementation.
Why not make an entirely new kind of channel? VCI - Voltage Controlled Insert Amplifier
Instead of this track being limited to controlling fader links, MixConsole would add amplifier stages throughout the channel strip.
-Pre-Channel Strip
-Pre-Insert
-VCI Insert Plugin (perhaps updated Steinberg Volume plugin)
-Fader Control (VCAII mode without the “bugs”)
-Post-Insert Pre-Fader
-Post-Fader Post-Insert
The VCI Channel could tap into one of these locations, or multiple - allowing a user to simultaneously drive their insert plugin chain while also adding post-insert volume - for new sonic/creative mix control possibilities.
The VCI location selector would display on the channel similar to sends, in which the user could set controller offsets per destination.
I’d also propose that Cubase implements a new optional MixConsole section of which would be a Small Fader, giving every channel its own integrated VCA which could be used in a number of ways.
-Additional Gain Stage at any of the above insert points listed.
-A non-automated static gain stage leaving the main faders for automation purposes only (or vice versa)
-The ability to VCA link integrated VCAs with a dedicated VCA fader, instead of having VCA faders linked to main faders.
A first in DAW mixing.