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Description

Engineered specifically for the thousands of production environments using Cubase worldwide, CC121 interfaces the creativity of musicians and producers with the functional complexity of the world’s most popular music production system. CC121 provides totally integrated tactile control of all parameters within Cubase, with a unique design architecture that keeps you 100% focused on your project.

Product specs

Brand Steinberg
Model CC121 Advanced Integration Controller
Finish Silver/Black
Year 2010s
Categories Utility

FAQs

What DAWs is the Steinberg CC121 compatible with?

The Steinberg CC121 is designed to integrate seamlessly with Steinberg's Cubase and Nuendo software, offering advanced control over these DAWs.

Does the Steinberg CC121 require any special drivers for installation?

Yes, the Steinberg CC121 requires specific drivers, which can be downloaded from Steinberg's official website to ensure optimal functionality and integration with your DAW.

What are the main features of the Steinberg CC121?

The Steinberg CC121 offers precise control with its motorized fader, dedicated EQ section, and comprehensive transport controls, enhancing workflow efficiency for Cubase and Nuendo users.

How does the Steinberg CC121 connect to a computer?

The Steinberg CC121 connects to a computer via USB, providing a straightforward setup and reliable connection for controlling your DAW.

Can the Steinberg CC121 be used with DAWs other than Cubase and Nuendo?

While the Steinberg CC121 is optimized for Cubase and Nuendo, it offers limited functionality with other DAWs, primarily through its MIDI mode.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater - Steinberg CC-121

Video thumbnail for Sweetwater - Steinberg CC-121 by Sweetwater

Sweetwater - Steinberg CC-121

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for CC121:Why it's STILL the best Cubase Controller in 2020 (10 -year user!) #cubase #controller #cc121 by Dom Sigalas

CC121:Why it's STILL the best Cubase Controller in 2020 (10 -year user!) #cubase #controller #cc121

Dom Sigalas

Dom Sigalas

Video thumbnail for Cubase Quick Controls using the CC121 by William Morris Music

Cubase Quick Controls using the CC121

William Morris Music

William Morris Music

Video thumbnail for Using the Steinberg CC121 with Cubase: an Overview by Scott's Synth Stuff

Using the Steinberg CC121 with Cubase: an Overview

Scott's Synth Stuff

Scott's Synth Stuff

Video thumbnail for MusoTalk 217 - Angecheckt - Steinberg CC 121 Teil 1 by musotalk

MusoTalk 217 - Angecheckt - Steinberg CC 121 Teil 1

musotalk

musotalk

Video thumbnail for MusoTalk 217 - Angecheckt - Steinberg CC 121 Teil 2 by musotalk

MusoTalk 217 - Angecheckt - Steinberg CC 121 Teil 2

musotalk

musotalk

Video thumbnail for Steinberg CC121 Test by delamar MAX

Steinberg CC121 Test

delamar MAX

delamar MAX

Video thumbnail for Steinberg CC121 Unboxing #gearporn #sweetwater by Scott's Synth Stuff

Steinberg CC121 Unboxing #gearporn #sweetwater

Scott's Synth Stuff

Scott's Synth Stuff

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly integrated with Cubase, enhancing studio workflow

  • Quality build, durable for long-term use

  • Firmware updates add valuable new features and secondary functions

  • Easy setup and installation process

  • Intuitive layout of buttons and knobs improves efficiency

  • Compatible with older computer systems

  • Motorized fader offers precise control

  • Plays well with other controllers

CONS

  • Size may not fit all desk setups comfortably

  • No native option for rack mounting, limiting installation options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Steinberg CC121.

Features and functionality

  • Users highlight the CC121's seamless plug-and-play integration with Cubase, offering instant functionality without additional setup steps.

    Source
  • The blue "Cubase ready" light can be visually distracting, but easily covered with tape for improved focus.

    Source
  • The AI knob is highlighted as a particularly useful tool for precise control over various parameters.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Presonus Faderport v2 is cited as a viable alternative, replicating most CC121 features except the EQ section, and allows for easy customization via MIDI Remote scripts.

    Source
  • Some users wish for a mid-range solution between the CC121 and Steinberg's high-end Nuage system, indicating a gap in the market.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Nektar CS12 is anticipated for its Cubase integration, offering unique automation and customization options, although initially designed for Logic.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the CC121's motorized fader is crucial for some, while others have disabled it to suit personal preferences.

    Source
  • Blind users find the CC121’s tactile controls essential for daily use, emphasizing its accessibility and importance beyond standard functionality.

    Source
  • A user who purchased a used CC121 for about €140 reports significant satisfaction, suggesting that secondhand units can offer great value.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The CC121 often sells for upwards of €300 on eBay, highlighting a significant price increase due to scarcity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users pair the CC121 with the Steinberg CMC QC for enhanced functionality when available on the used market.

    Source
  • The CC121 is considered indispensable by many users for its tactile interface, particularly beneficial for those relying on physical feedback over visual cues.

    Source
  • Users find the CC121's mapping of rotary pots to the channel strip particularly beneficial for streamlined workflow in Cubase.

    Source

Other

  • The Frontier Design AlphaTrack, although discontinued, is praised for its motorized fader and touch-sensitive controls, making it a budget-friendly option if found secondhand.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners express a strong attachment to the CC121, indicating its durable construction and reliability over time, despite the discontinuation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Steinberg CC121

soundonsound.com

Steinberg's CC121 is a sleek, metal-built controller that's a joy for Cubase and Nuendo users. The motorized fader and color-coded buttons make it a breeze to use, offering precise and intuitive control over channel and EQ functions. The standout AI knob, while limited to VST3 plugins, provides a seamless "point and control" experience. However, its reliance on Steinberg software and lack of broader assignable controls might deter some. It's pricier than competitors like the Presonus Faderport, but for those entrenched in Steinberg's ecosystem, it's a compelling choice. Ideal for those who prioritize ease of use and build quality.

positive

Steinberg CC121 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Steinberg CC121 stands out as a Cubase-focused controller that excels in integration and ease of use. It's compact and sturdy, featuring intuitive controls like a motorized fader and an AI Knob that enhances workflow by easily mapping to parameters with a simple mouse hover. However, it lacks a parameter readout, and its EQ dials are limited, only controlling Cubase's built-in EQ. The AI Knob's functionality is also restricted to specific plugins. Despite these drawbacks, the CC121's dedicated design and ease of learning make it a solid choice for Cubase users.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
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futuretunes

Sturdy rugged little thing

Lovely little transport unit to control your Cubase DAW. You can also call this obsolete because with an iPad and Cubase IC software your can mimic this unit, but in this case there is nothing like the hardware. The sturdy knobs, the motorized fader, it just is a joy to work with. I just wish it was a tiny bit smaller so it fitted better on my desk with the rest of my geard and also wold love to rack this up. Someone make me a 19" mount for this!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Giuseppe Ottaviani uses Steinberg CC121

Giuseppe Ottaviani

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

seen in the top left corner at the start of the video

See how Pan-Pot uses Steinberg CC121

Pan-Pot

Music Producer

Pan-Pot

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo we can see an cc121!

See how The Thrillseekers uses Steinberg CC121

The Thrillseekers

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Steinberg CC121 on his desktop

See how Thorsten Quaeschning uses Steinberg CC121

Thorsten Quaeschning

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

Thorsten's Steinberg CC121 can be seen at 1:15 in this music video

See how Jerome Froese uses Steinberg CC121

Jerome Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Jeromefroese

On his official website, Jerome Froese lists the Steinberg CC121 as part of his studio gear.

See how Danny Baranowsky uses Steinberg CC121

Danny Baranowsky

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Dannybstyle

"I also use Steinberg's awesome CC121 controller"

See how Seismal D uses Steinberg CC121

Seismal D

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

In a series of photos shared by Seismal D on Facebook, the Steinberg CC121 DAW Controller is visible in use, captured by Hypnos Studio.

R

Robert Dudzic

Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Recording Magazine

In this article with Recording Magazine, Robert Dudzic is quoted saying:

Some time-tested Steinberg hardware is also a part of Dudzic’s studio workflow. “I have a couple of the MR816 series audio interfaces, which I think were way underrated in terms of their sound quality,” he points out. “Then, there’s my CC121 controller — the one that has the jog wheel and single motorized fader — which I’ve had almost ten years. I still use it every day. It controls every aspect of Cubase I need it to, and it’s built like a tank!”

See how Mike Bello uses Steinberg CC121

Mike Bello

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "I Built My DREAM Home Studio - 2025 Home Studio Tour" by Mike Bello, a Steinberg CC121 Cubase hardware controller is visible at 0:20, positioned toward the left on his studio desk. This confirms that Mike Bello utilizes the Steinberg CC121 in his music production setup.

See how Se.Ra.Phic uses Steinberg CC121

Se.Ra.Phic

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Studio upgrade with CC121!

See how YMIR uses Steinberg CC121

YMIR

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided Instagram video, the Steinberg CC121 can be seen at 0:52 towards the left of the video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Steinberg CC121, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
C

christian_van_someren

Gear IQ 59

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