When Nektar launched their single-fader control surface at the beginning of 2024, it worked exclusively with Logic Pro, with the company stating that support for other DAWs would be added through future updates. The first such update is now live, allowing users of Steinberg’s Cubase and Nuendo to take control of their sessions with the Panorama CS12.
With its latest update installed, the surface offers control over all channel parameters including Cubase Channel Strip modules, Sends and QuickControls, as well as every insert plug-in. Insert slots can be selected using the CS12’s eight RGB LED buttons, with the corresponding plug-in’s parameters immediately mapped to its 12 illuminated endless encoders and four buttons. A further four display buttons provide page navigation and parameter control, while a menu encoder can be used to scroll between pages of settings, allowing the unit to accommodate parameter-heavy plug-ins.
All of the default Steinberg effects plug-ins are pre-mapped, along with over 1000 third-party plug-ins, and users are able to create their own custom mapping setups using the company’s Nektarine software.
We put the Panorama CS12 to the test in SOS July 2024 (you can read the review here) and so impressed was Executive Editor Paul White that he named it in our Gear of the Year 2024 round-up.
Compatibility
The Panorama CS12 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 12 or higher. The new Steinberg support extends to Cubase 13.0.51, Cubase 14.0.10 or higher and Nuendo 13.0.51 or above.
Pricing & Availability
The update is available now from the Nektar website, and is free of charge for existing users. For those wishing to purchase the Panorama CS12, its price remains at $399.99£349.99 including VAT / €399.99.
