CI2 - Advanced Integration Studio
Hardware most skillfully meets software by combining the best of two worlds with the CI2 Advanced Integration USB studio and Cubase AI 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. You now have all the tools in a single box to help you with whatever recording and production project you may have in mind.
Overview
- A no-worry full-system solution to record music at an unbeatable price point
- Easy to use with the Project Assistant — especially for beginners
- Browse functionality helps and assists throughout the project
- Interactive recording functionality allows hands-free recording with the optional footswitch and the optional mic stand adapter
- Advanced Integration system: totally integrated tactile control of the Steinberg Cubase range of production systems, maintaining complete focus on the project
- Ultra-precision AI controller knob: “point and control” support: controls any Cubase, FX or VSTi parameter using mouse-pointer selection for exhilarating speed
- AI-ready LED: when the LED lights up, the CI2 is ready to go! Instant plug and play — no additional setup or parameter assigning required
- Two high quality mic preamps with +48V phantom power with a fully USB powered audio interface giving total freedom of mobile recording elaborate
- Outstanding engineering and component quality: precision components, manufactured by Yamaha to exacting standards
- Mac and PC compatible: cross-platform support for Cubase on Mac OS X, Windows XP and Windows Vista
Target Groups
For guitarists, singers and electronic music producers alike, by putting the CI2 USB studio and Cubase AI 5 in one box, Steinberg is offering the ultimate entry-level recording system solution. And with the featured Advanced Integration technology musicians are given aid during every step of the music creation process: from the first idea down to the final mix. Joining forces, the CI2 and Cubase AI 5 provides a host of tools to meet the individual demand of each and every user. To name a few: Interactive Recording mode for hands-free-recording is ideal for rock guitarist and easy editing functionality of the AI Knob CI2 is a big plus for dance DJs and hip-hop producers. Recording vocal lines, last night’s session in the rehearsal room or the latest 60-minute mix, using both CI2 and Cubase AI 5 is as easy as it gets — with outstanding audio quality, massive features, all at mind-blowing price!
Singer/Songwriter
CI2 and Cubase AI 5 present the ideal tool kit for singers and songwriters looking to record vocal lines, preparing playbacks and creating entire songs. The +48V phantom power of the CI2’s two high quality mic preamps provide all capabilities necessary to connect any dynamic or condenser microphone for recording vocal tracks.
Cubase AI 5 also offers virtual instruments and sounds for creating professional-sounding accompaniments, such as playback for vocal exercises or even an entire demo. Various effect plug-ins for editing vocals such as a high quality EQ, compressor and reverb are readily available and easy to control with the CI2’s AI Knob. With the CI2 and Cubase AI 5, recording and editing the user strumming the accompanying harmonies with the guitar while singing the melody is really convenient. The CI2’s interface comes with a footswitch connector enabling hands-free recording in Cubase AI 5. Here the user has the choice between 14 different amp and 10 speaker cabinet emulations thanks to the AmpSimulator.
Guitarist
Guitarists benefit a great deal from putting CI2 and Cubase AI 5 together. The HI-Z input on the CI2 is best suited for the guitar’s characteristics, letting the user plug an electric guitar or bass directly into the CI2 without the need for an additional DI box. The great sounding AmpSimulator of Cubase AI 5 provides different amp and speaker cabinet emulations and, together with the ToneBooster, fans of hard and heavy styles will find plenty of quality sounds to work with.
One of the outstanding features provided by CI2 and AI 5 is the Interactive Recording mode, giving the user the absolute freedom to record a performance hands-free.
Electronic Music Producer
With CI2 and Cubase AI 5 combined into a single system, producers of electronic music will need to look no further for the perfect production kit.
In Cubase AI 5, the Arranger function allows for defining different segments of the song and playing them back in any order — a great tool for those live electronic performances There’s also the HALion ONE sampler player which covers a wide range of sounds from which each producer is glad to draw. And this dedicated version of Cubase 5 can do so much more: with outstanding tools like the drum editor for programming quick and individual grooves, more than 30 audio effects for sound designing and mixing no wishes are left unmet.
Cubase Owner
CI2 is, simply put, the ideal low-cost hardware for any Cubase owner who needs to record vocals, instruments, keyboards, percussion or any other audio source and also wants to edit any project easily. The Advanced Integration technology used by CI2 and Cubase alike provides a vast amount of functional enhancements not found in any other USB audio hardware. With Interactive Recording Cubase users are now able to control basic Cubase functions with the tap of a foot so that both hands are free to perform impeccable music. Cubase customers may also be motivated to purchase the CI2 from the same trusted brand as Cubase. What’s more, with all the additional functionality available exclusively to the Cubase owner, the price value of the CI2 is much higher when compared to competing hardware units.
Cubase AI 5 included
Cubase AI 5 is a special, compact version of Steinberg’s famed music production system. Based on the same technology as Cubase 5, Cubase AI 5 offers powerful yet easy-to-use software tools for audio recording, editing, MIDI sequencing and mixing — exclusive to customers of selected Steinberg or Yamaha hardware.
Press Reviews for CI2
Recording (US) August 2010
"... the CI2 is all about a plug-and-play experience..."
"I installed the CI2 ..., installed Cubase AI5, launched the program, chose a preset and recorded a few tracks, all in less time than grinding beans and making a cappuccino, it’s that painless and easy."