Hi,

I'm looking for an easy to use DAW controller for Cubase. My main aim is to use the controller for basic recording, mixing and automation duties and to hopefully improve/speed up my workflow.
I have a Logickeyboard Astra 2 computer keyboard with various key commends mapped out which I find very useful but having a decent motorized fader will be useful for automation etc.

I'm narrowed my choices down to either the Nektar Panorama CS12 or the Nektar Panorama CS12 Icon P1 Nano with meterbridge (or possibly the P1-M + meterbridge though this takes up a little more space than is ideal).

As I already have a decent dedicated Cubase computer keyboard with lots of clearly labelled key comands I'm trying to work out which of these DAW controllers would be the most useful for controlling Cubase and mixing. I'm trying to cut down the amount I need to use my mouse.
Nektar or hoping to share how the CS12 integrates with Cubase in next week and also release a beta for Cubase. This will be very to check out!

What would you recommend as being the most useful as an addition to my Logic Astra 2 Cubase keyboard?

Nektar CS12 , this is a company who understands the needs of customers.
The icon stuff is extremely buggy. I had one here, I wouldn’t recommend their products to anyone.

I’ve used Nektar products and have one of their controllers and it just works. The CS12 looks great and I can’t wait until it supports Cubase.

Thanks. I had an email from Nectar saying Cubase beta is rolling out and they will be sharing more about its integration this week.

Did you get an update regarding the beta, yet?

Nothing yet!

I've tried a lot of different options and everyone has their own priorities.

For me the most important controller (besides knowing a ton of keyboard shortcuts) for mixing is a Behringer X-Touch midi with a simple generic remote script.
encoders 1-8 control the sends (level and on/off),
buttons top row bypasses inserts 1-8
buttons bottom row open/close insert plugin window 1-8

Reduces mousing and clicking *A LOT*


Herwig

Nektar CS12 now supports Cubase/Nuendo!

https://nektartech.com/products/pano...cubase-nuendo/

https://youtu.be/EftTXZUlZFI?si=I-8_CEwTSzxVZnql

have you considered the Avid dock or S1?

Eucon is the best protocol for a hardwarew controler still with Cubase/Nuendo.



I have an S3 and Avid dock and it works very well with Cubendo.


M

Do you use an iPad with your dock?

I use an android Tablet.

You need a screen with the dock otherwise its useless as it's all controlled from the Avid App. Works great and everything (hardware buttons) can be customised to work with your own Cubase commands etc.


M

Sounds great - thanks.

works great with the S3

M

Wow - great set up M.

Looks great.

I’ve often considered the S3.

I’ve currently got a Faderport 16 and it’s not great with Cubase.

The Nektar CS12 looks lit it will fit my workflow extremely well. I'm just hanging on to see if anything else gets announced NAMM 2025 from Steinberg etc?

I have an older Icon unit (platform m+), which I think is great. Works consistently and reliably every day.
The problem that I think people stumble into with DAW controllers is they want them to do everything.
They want to control their EQs and compressors with the pan knobs. Just stop it. Use your controller to control your levels, pan, solo, mute, playback, record. Then focus on how it feels.
I wouldnt change the controller I have for any other one because the one I have does all I need and feels good and fits my desk just right.

If you want a ton of extra features, get a separate device that is more focused in that direction.

That looks nice!

well with Eucon and especially with the S series of controlers you can control everything with knobs.

Plugins auto map nicely along with sends etc.

for example I use the gain,high and low pass filters from Cubase channel via the knobs on either the S3 or dock.

that's the benefit of having Eucon. Everything is mapped.


M