Steinberg CMC Series Operation Manual

							Operation Manual
EN 
						

							Contents
CMC Series Operation Manual
2
Contents
Welcome ...........................................................2
About Manuals ............................................................ 3
About the accessory disk............................................ 3
Before using the CMC series ..........................4
Connection of multiple CMC series devices ............... 4
Installing TOOLS for CMC ........................................... 5
Setting up the device and Cubase ............................. 6
How to operate the device and editor......................... 6
CMC-CH ............................................................7
CMC-FD ........................................................... 10
CMC-TP ........................................................... 13
CMC-PD ........................................................... 16
CMC-PD Editor ...............................................21
CMC-QC ..........................................................26
CMC-QC Editor ...............................................29
CMC-AI ............................................................32
Troubleshooting .............................................34
Appendix .........................................................35
Uninstalling the TOOLS for CMC .............................. 35
Editing User Commands ........................................... 35
Error Messages (CMC-PD Editor/CMC-QC Editor) ... 36
Glossary .................................................................... 36
Specifications ............................................................ 37
MIDI command map ................................................. 38
Welcome
A message from the CMC series 
development team
Thank you for choosing a Steinberg CMC series controller.
We are delighted to be able to offer a series of six small 
controllers that have been specifically designed to 
provide intuitive control of Cubase and Nuendo DAW 
systems.
DAW software can be controlled the computer’s mouse 
and keyboard, so what are the benefits of using a 
hardware controller? One advantage is the ability to view 
parameters being edited on a separate screen while 
monitoring the overall flow of the project on the computer 
display. Another is simultaneous access to multiple 
parameters. Although only one parameter can be 
controlled at a time using a mouse, a well-designed 
hardware controller frees you from that limitation, 
providing direct access to multiple fader levels as well 
as EQ, effect, and other parameters at the same time. 
Hardware controllers can provide a more human, more 
musical way of working, and that is precisely what we 
wanted to offer our users. Compact production systems 
are usually based around a single computer, and most 
users prefer to have all controls right under their fingers 
at all times. In creating the CMC controllers it was our 
goal to provide the most useful control functions in the 
most intuitive arrangement possible.
Modern DAW software provides an extensive, complex 
set of functions in order to accommodate the widest 
possible range of production methods. Depending on 
the user’s individual working style, some of the provided 
features will be used frequently while many others may 
not be used at all. Based on our experience with a large 
number of controllers, plus careful analysis of feedback 
from users, we set out to design the most versatile, 
useful controller for this type of situation. The result was 
a controller that allows the user to assign and easily 
access functions he or she needs. We also went to great 
lengths to achieve just the right configuration and visual 
appearance for efficient, enjoyable Cubase control … 
right down to the glow of the buttons and knobs. Select 
the controller or combination of controllers that best suits 
your needs from the six models in the lineup.
The development team has put every ounce of our 
combined know-how and experience into the CMC 
series controllers, in the hope that we can provide 
valuable support for the creative process and the birth of 
new music. We hope that you will push these products to 
their limits in order to fully realize your creative vision.
The Steinberg Hardware Development Team 
						

							Welcome
CMC Series Operation Manual
3
About Manuals
Contents
Read me first (printed)
This is included with the package. Please read through 
this manual carefully to ensure safe use before initially 
using the product. Please also confirm the contact 
information and included all package contents.
Operation Manual (PDF; this document)
Please read through this manual for instructions on 
installing the software and how to use the features of the 
product.
Conventions
What is “CMC series”?
The phrase “CMC series” in this manual applies to all 
models (CMC-CH/ CMC-FD/ CMC-TP/ CMC-PD/ CMC-
QC/ CMC-AI).
What is “Cubase”?
The phrase “Cubase” in this manual applies to all 
Cubase programs and versions (except Cubase LE).
Windows and Mac
When the procedures or explanations are specific to 
only one of the platforms, Windows or Mac, this is 
properly indicated in the manual. When there are no 
platform indications, procedures or explanations are for 
both Windows and Mac.
What does “Click” mean?
The phrase “click” in this manual applies to the mouse 
action by left clicking (Windows) or clicking (Mac).
Procedures
The indication “” appears on some procedures in the 
manual. For example, the string [Start]  [Control Panel] 
 [Programs and Features] indicates that you should 
perform the procedures in the following order.
1.Click the [Start] menu.
2.Select the [Control Panel].
3.Double click the [Programs and Features] folder.
Keyboard Shortcuts
[Windows modifier key]/[Mac modifier key] + [key] 
shows the shortcut keys. For example, [Ctrl]/[command] 
+ [Z] means “press [Ctrl] under Windows or [command] 
under Mac, then press [Z].”
Screens
This manual predominantly uses screenshots of 
Windows.
About the accessory disk
TOOLS for CMC CD-ROM contains the following 
software (with driver).
TOOLS for CMC
TOOLS for CMC is necessary when connecting the 
device to a computer. Please install the contents before 
using the device(s). The following two software 
components are installed.
• Yamaha USB-MIDI Driver
This software allows communication between the 
device and a computer.
• Steinberg CMC Applications
The software consists of the following three software 
components.
• Steinberg CMC Extension
This software allows you to link the device with 
Cubase.
• Steinberg CMC-PD Editor
• Steinberg CMC-QC Editor
This software allows you to edit various settings 
of CMC-PD/ CMC-QC on a connected computer.
NOTE
•For installation instructions, refer to “Installing TOOLS 
for CMC” on page 5.
•For the latest information on the software contained in 
the accessory disk, please see the Steinberg web site 
below. Future upgrades of application and system 
software and any changes in specifications are 
announced separately on the web site.
http://www.steinberg.net
Operation Manual
(This document) 
						

							Before using the CMC series
CMC Series Operation Manual
4
Before using the CMC series
Connection of multiple CMC 
series devices
This section explains how to connect the device(s) to a 
computer. See also “Setting up the device and Cubase” 
on page 6.
Controls and Functions (for all models)
 USB TO HOST terminal
This is a USB access point. Connect the device to a 
computer using a USB cable.
NOTICE
Be sure to observe the following points when connecting 
to the computer’s USB interface. Failure to do so can 
cause the device and/or the computer to hang up 
(freeze), possibly causing corruption or loss of data. If 
the device or computer does hang up, restart the 
application or computer.
•Be sure to disable the sleep/suspended/standby mode 
of the computer before making a connection to the 
computer’s USB connector.
•Quit all applications running on the computer before 
connecting or disconnecting the USB cable.
•Wait at least six seconds between connecting or 
disconnecting the USB cable.
NOTE
•Make sure to use an A-miniB type USB cable, 
preferably less than three meters in length and three 
millimeters in diameter.
•Power to the CMC series is supplied only from a 
computer via a USB cable.
 Stand
This allows you to set the device on a slant.
NOTICE
Make sure that the stand is locked in place before using.
Avoid applying excessive force.
 Guide
This is a groove for passing the USB cable through.
Connecting multiple devices
Each model of the CMC series (except the CMC-FD) can 
be singly connected to one computer. The CMC-FD on 
the other hand, lets you connect up to four devices, 
allowing a total of up to nine devices.
NOTE
•Connect devices to a computer using one of the 
methods below:
- Directly connect to the USB port of the computer.
- Use a USB hub that derives its power from an 
external power supply unit. For details, see the 
following web site.
http://www.steinberg.net
•When using CMC series devices, be sure to disable 
the sleep/suspended/standby mode of the computer. 
When the computer returns from the power-saving 
function, it may not be able to recognize the device.
Two devices can be connected by use of the joint plate 
included in the package, and can be placed horizontally.
Instructions on installing the joint plate are described 
below.
1.Insert the hooks of the joint plate properly into 
the device.
2.Put the device as assembled above on a level 
place such as desk, and place the other device 
that you want to connect on the top of the 
installed joint plate.
NOTE
•To detach the joint plate, perform the opposite 
procedure.
•Make sure to detach the joint plate when holding or 
moving the devices.
  
						

							Before using the CMC series
CMC Series Operation Manual
5
Installing TOOLS for CMC
NOTE
You are only permitted to use this software pursuant to 
the terms and conditions of the “License Agreement” 
shown during the installation.
Windows
Before installing
If the following warning messages appear during the 
installation, click [Continue Anyway], [Yes], or [Install].
Example warning messages on Windows XP
E
xample warning messages on Windows Vista/Windows 7
Installation
1.Start the computer and log on to the 
Administrator account.
2.Connect the device to the computer by using the 
included USB cable.
The device’s built-in READY LED lights as soon as 
the device is connected to the computer.
Windows XP:
If the “Found New Hardware Wizard” appears, click 
[CANCEL].
Windows Vista/ Windows 7:
If a message such as “Device Driver Software was 
not successfully installed” appears, click [Close].
3.Insert the TOOLS for CMC CD-ROM into the CD-
ROM driver.
4.Open the CD-ROM then double-click the file 
“setup.exe.”
5.Follow the on-screen instructions to install the 
software.
Install the following software in order.
•Yamaha USB-MIDI Driver
•Steinberg CMC Applications
6.When installation has been completed, click 
[Finish].
If a window requiring you to restart your computer 
appears, follow the on-screen instructions and 
restart the computer.
Mac
Installation
1.Start the computer and log on to the 
Administrator account.
2.Connect the device to the computer by using the 
included USB cable.
The device’s built-in READY LED lights as soon as 
the device is connected to the computer.
3.Insert the TOOLS for CMC CD-ROM into the CD-
ROM driver.
4.Open the CD-ROM then double-click the file 
“TOOLS for CMC.mpkg.”
5.Follow the on-screen instructions to install the 
software.
6.When installation has been completed, click 
[Close]. 
						

							Before using the CMC series
CMC Series Operation Manual
6
Setting up the device and Cubase
The procedures are described below.
1.Exit Cubase if it has been started.
Cubase cannot recognize the device if you connect 
the device to a computer after starting Cubase. 
Make sure to connect the device before starting 
Cubase.
2.Connect the device to the computer with a USB 
cable.
The device’s built-in READY LED lights.
3.Start Cubase.
4.Open the Cubase Device Setup window (called 
up via [Device Setup…] under the [Devices] 
menu).
When the device’s name connected to the 
computer appears under the [Remote Devices] 
folder in the [Device] column, Cubase has 
recognized the device. (Refer to Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
How to operate the device and 
editor
The operation names and the methods which are used 
for the device(s) and editor(s) are explained below.
Device
Editor
NOTE
The edit box applies to the components in the editor 
window (as shown below).
Operation Method
Slide Slide your finger on the touch 
controller.
Tap Tap your finger on the touch controller.
Pinch out Put two fingers on the touch controller, 
and move them away from each other.
Pinch in Put two fingers on the touch controller, 
and move them closer together.
Operation Method
Mouse wheel Locate the mouse pointer in the edit 
box, and rotate the mouse wheel.
Computer 
keyboard cursor 
keyOperate the  keys on the computer 
keyboard after selecting the edit box.
Direct input Input the value by using the numeric 
keypad after selecting the edit box, 
then enter it by pressing the [Enter] 
key.
6/% click Click 6/% on the edit box.
Virtual keyboard  Click the keyboard displayed in the 
CMC-PD Editor window. 
						

							CMC-CH
CMC Series Operation Manual
7
CMC-CH
The CMC-CH allows you to intuitively control parameters 
of the selected channel on Cubase.
Controls and Functions
NOTE
As soon as the device is connected to the computer, the 
fader’s built-in LEDs light, and the lights move up and 
down repeatedly a few times. The fader is then ready for 
use.
If you touch the fader during this start-up, the fader may 
not work properly. In this case, reconnect the device to 
the computer.Correspondence between the CMC-CH and Cubase
 READY LED
Lights when connected to a computer.
 Fader (Touch controller)
Adjusts the level (by slide operation). The fader value 
lights.
Two fader operation modes are available: Catch and 
Jump.
•Catch 
This allows you to control the parameter value only 
when your finger reaches the position of the fader 
value. 
•Jump
This changes the parameter value as soon as the fader 
is operated, to the new value where your finger 
touches.
This device is always started in the Catch mode. For 
instructions on switching between the above operation 
modes, see “SHIFT functions of each control” on page 8.
The fader resolution is 128 steps. (Audio channel: ∞ to 
+6dB, MIDI channel: off to 127)
Holding down [SHIFT] while operating the fader 
improves the resolution to 1024 steps, and lets you 
adjust detailed parameters. At this time, the fader range 
is 64 steps in normal editing.
  [CH SELECT ] 
(Channel Select button)
Shifts the selected channel forward/ back one level.


 

-1



!-2

-3
?


!
?

  




-1
-2
-3
 
						

							CMC-CH
CMC Series Operation Manual
8
 [PAN] (Pan)
Adjusts the stereo pan position of the sound.
LED brightness varies according to the setting value. 
The farther from the center the stereo pan position is, the 
brighter the LED. The nearer to the center the stereo pan 
position is, the darker the LED. When set to the center, 
the LED is not lit.
 [FREEZE] (Freeze button)
Press this to call up the “Freeze Channel Options” 
dialog.
Hold down this to execute the freeze function. This is the 
same operation when you call up the “Freeze Channel 
Options” dialog and click [OK].
This is available only for a Cubase version equipped with 
the freeze function.
  [FOLDER] (Folder button)
When selecting a folder track, this opens or closes the 
folder. When selecting a track which has automation, this 
opens or closes the automation folder.
-1  [INSERT] (Inserts Bypass button)
Turns Inserts Bypass on or off.
-2  [EQ] (EQ Bypass button)
Turns EQ Bypass on or off.
-3  [SENDS] (Sends Bypass button)
Turns Sends Bypass on or off.
  [R] (Read Automation button)
Turns Read Automation on or off.

  [e] (Edit Channel Setting button)
Opens or closes the Edit Channel Setting window of the 
selected channel.
  [W] (Write Automation button)
Turns Write Automation on or off.
!  (Edit Instrument button)
Opens or closes the Edit window of the VST instrument.
  [SHIFT] (Shift button)
When you operate an optional control while holding 
down this button, an extra function that the control 
provides (referred to as SHIFT function) is executed. For 
details on the SHIFT functions for each control, refer to 
the section “SHIFT functions of each control.”
  [M] (Mute button)
Turns mute on or off.
  [S] (Solo button)
Turns solo on or off.
? (Monitor button)
Turns the input monitoring of the selected Audio Channel 
on or off.
 (Record Enable button)
Specifies the behavior of the selected Audio Channel 
when recording is started. Alternately enables and 
disables recording of the selected track.
NOTE
•Each control lights while the function is performed. [], [FOLDER] and [SHIFT] light only while pressing 
the buttons.
•Refer to “How to operate the device and editor” on 
page 6 for instructions on using the fader.
•Be sure to operate the fader with bare hands. The 
fader will not work properly if operated with gloved 
hands.
SHIFT functions of each control
Controls SHIFT functions
Fader With slide operation, this allows finer 
adjustment of the level.
[CH SELECT ] Executes the user command F2.
[PAN] Allows finer adjustment of the stereo 
pan position of the sound.
[FREEZE] Executes the user command F3.
[FOLDER] Executes the user command F4.
[R] Executes the user command F5.
[e] Executes the user command F6.
[W] Executes the user command F7.
Executes the user command F8.
[M] Cancels the mute of all channels.
[S] Cancels the solo of all channels.
Switches the fader operation mode 
between Catch and Jump. 
						

							CMC-CH
CMC Series Operation Manual
9
User Commands
You can assign a desired command from among 
“Key Commands” of Cubase ([Key Commands…] 
under the [File] menu) to each button.
The initial settings of CMC-CH’s user commands 
are the following.
NOTE
For instructions on editing the user commands, 
refer to “Editing User Commands” on page 35. Button Category Command
F1 Transport Fast Rewind
F2 Transport Fast Forward
F3 Transport Stop
F4 Transport Start
F5 Transport Cycle
F6 Edit Snap On/ Off
F7 Transport Metronome On
F8 Edit Autoscroll 
						

							CMC-FD
CMC Series Operation Manual
10
CMC-FD
The CMC-FD allows you to control the four channels’ 
level faders in the Mixer window of Cubase with each 
device, and to control the level faders of up to sixteen 
channels when a maximum of four CMC-FDs are 
connected. You can also use it as level meter.
Controls and Functions
NOTE
As soon as the device is connected to the computer, 
each fader’s built-in LEDs light, and the lights move up 
and down repeatedly a few times. The faders are then 
ready for use.
If you touch any fader during this start-up, the faders 
may not work properly. In this case, reconnect the 
device to the computer.Correspondence between the CMC-FD and Cubase
Fig. 2
 READY LED
Lights when connected to a computer.
 –  Fader (Touch controller)
The level faders in the mixer of Cubase are assigned to 
each fader.
A group of channels, up to four channels per device, can 
be specified in the Mixer of Cubase. This is called a 
“Channel Bank”. (Refer to Fig. 2) Starting from the left, 
level faders of the channel bank are assigned to 
 –  
automatically.
These let you adjust the levels of the selected channels 
(by slide operation). The current setting value lights.
Two fader operation modes are available: Catch and 
Jump.
•Catch 
This allows you to control the parameter value only 
when your finger reaches the position of the fader 
value. 
•Jump
This changes the parameter value as soon as the fader 
is operated, to the new value where your finger 
touches.
This device is always started in the Catch mode. For 
instructions on switching between the above operation 
modes, see “SHIFT functions of each control” on 
page 11.
The fader resolution is 128 steps. (Audio channel: ∞ to 
+6dB, MIDI channel: off to 127)
Holding down [SHIFT] while operating the fader 
improves the resolution to 1024 steps, and lets you 
adjust detailed parameters. At this time, the fader range 
is 64 steps in normal editing.
For details when connecting multiple CMC-FDs, see 
page 12.
 –  



 
Channel bank