Steinberg CI2+ USB Audio Interface and Controller

Full Description

Hardware most skillfully meets software by combining the best of two worlds with the CI2+ Advanced Integration USB studio and Cubase Essential 5, the dedicated version of Cubase 5. As the name implies, the CI2+ houses two major functions. There?s the two-channel XLR combo interface equipped with two sophisticated microphone preamps and phantom power, one HI-Z for direct guitar input and a footswitch connector for Interactive Recording. This is seconded by the controller section featuring the innovative AI Knob that provides intuitive control due to seamless integration into Cubase. Together with Cubase Essential 5, CI2+ allows you to take full advantage of a massive range of audio tools, at home, in the rehearsal room or wherever required.

INSTANT PLUG AND PLAY WITH "AI READY" LED

CI2+ features full plug-and-play support, so there's no need to add the parameters to Cubase, only the easy, one-step installation of a USB device. Once the CI2+ has been installed, Cubase detects the launched device and automatically embeds the CI2+ into the Cubase production environment. Visual feedback is provided through the "AI Ready" LED. When it lights up, CI2+ is ready to assume control. But instant plug and play is just one of the many advantages CI2+ has to offer as a fully integrated controller of Cubase, forming one exhilaratingly powerful hardware/software production system.

PROJECT ASSISTANT

The Project Assistant provides a wealth of ready-made templates for different styles and scopes like recording, mixing, producing and mastering. The templates contain the number of channels, effects, dynamics, amp simulators and channel inserts ? tailored to your particular needs. Creating customized user templates and integrating those into the Launch browser makes recording with a DAW software and audio interface just that easy: Start up Cubase Essential 5, hit the AI Knob and scroll down the list of provided templates. The chosen template is selected by pushing the AI Knob a second time. A new project is created for you with the necessary number of tracks, audio input and output routings, all effects, amp simulator, sounds and much more. Especially for CI2+, new plug-ins like the AmpSimulator and the ToneBooster have been added to Cubase Essential 5. The guitar is simply plugged into the input of the CI2+ and you can start creating songs in a jiffy. Thanks to this assistant, initializing a Cubase Project from scratch even saves professionals a lot of time - and as we all know, time is money.

BROWSE FUNCTION

The Browse function in Cubase helps you in many different ways. The intelligent browsing system focuses on available files or sounds based on where you are currently in the production process. By using the AI Knob on the CI2+ to select one of many project templates, track presets and other presets, there?s no more excuse for using the mouse extensively. The Browse function also allows you to listen in on samples while browsing, without having to load them first. As you see, CI2+ supports you throughout the entire project.

INTERACTIVE RECORDING

The Interactive Recording functionality allows a sequence of up to six transport functions. This sequence can be started and operated with the optional footswitch or the Action Pad on the CI2+, letting you control Cubase Essential 5 hands free while playing an instrument and simultaneously getting a visual feedback from the Action panel in Cubase.

Features/Specifications:

• A no-worry full-system solution to record music at an unbeatable price point
• Easy to use as a beginner with plug & play functionality
• Two high-quality mic preamps with +48 V phantom power and a fully USB-powered audio interface
• Outstanding engineering and component quality: precision components, manufactured by Yamaha in Japan to exacting standards
• Advanced Integration system: totally integrated tactile control of the Steinberg Cubase range of production systems, maintaining complete focus on the project
• Cross-platform support on Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7

Further Specs:

Electrical characteristics:

• AD/DA: 24 bit
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz (max)
• Gain: +60 dB (- 60 dB ~ -16 dB)
• HI-Z switch - Input impedance: 500 ohms
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (-3 dB @ 1 kHz)
• THD+N: 0.05% (@ 1 kHz, output level: +4 dBu)
• Dynamic Range: 96 dB (A-weighted)
• Power consumption: USB (bus-powered) 5 V 500 mA 2.5 W

• Power Requirements: USB-powered
• Physical dimensions: (H x W x D) 45.4 mm x 190 mm x 134.5 mm

• Tools for CI2+ CD-ROM (Mac/PC hybrid)
• Cubase Essential 5 DVD-ROM (Mac/PC hybrid, also contains demo project)
• eLicenser USB dongle
• Activation code sheet
• Printed CI2+ operation manual (EN/DE/FR+JA)
• USB cable

Minimum system requirements:

Macintosh

• Mac OS X version 10.5.5, 10.6
• Power PC G5 CPU (Intel Core Duo CPU recommended)
• 1024 MB RAM
• 1 GB of free HDD space
• Display resolution 1280 x 800 pixels
• DVD-ROM drive
• USB component port for CI2+ connection
• Internet access required for license activation

• Windows XP Home Edition (SP3) and XP
• Professional (SP3), Windows Vista, Windows 7
• 2 GHz CPU (dual core CPU recommended)
• 1024 MB RAM
• 1 GB of free HDD space
• Display resolution 1280 x 800 pixels
• DVD-ROM drive
• USB component port for CI2+ connection
• Internet access required for license activation