Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH has announced the release of a new update to its Nuendo and Cubase digital audio workstations. The 2.2 versions of Nuendo, Cubase SX and Cubase SL will offer new remote control features, with Cubase SX and Nuendo also receiving three new VST plug-ins. The update for all three programs is now available as a free internet download to existing owners.

The added functionality includes improved support for hardware controllers. New in Cubase SL, Cubase SX and Nuendo 2.2 is support for the Mackie Control Universal Extender units, in addition to the current support for the main Mackie Control unit. Multiple Extender units can be added to a Mackie Control to offer direct access to channels in Cubase SX, Cubase SL and Nuendo.

The Generic Remote area of all three applications has also seen an overhaul, with control for a full set of functions now implemented in Cubase SX/SL and Nuendo, including Send effects levels, EQ settings and plug-in parameters.

“This 2.2 update brings some exciting new features to three of our most important products,” said Arnd Kaiser, Senior Product Manager for Music Technology. He continued: “The new, fantastic-sounding plug-ins add to the creative versatility of both Cubase SX and Nuendo.”

Lars Baumann, Senior Product Manager for Nuendo, added: “We’re pleased to introduce native support for a successful product such as the Mackie Control Universal Extender. The much-improved Generic Remote functionality is also an important step forward for both Nuendo and Cubase.”

The 2.2 versions of Cubase SX and Nuendo offer three new VST plug-ins comprising two new virtual synthesizers and one new VST filter effect.

• Monologue is a monophonic analog synthesizer based on physical modeling technology that offers a full, rich and colorful palette of sounds for bass, lead and sequenced sounds without straining the computer’s CPU.
• Embracer is a simple but powerful polyphonic surround-capable synthesizer designed for producing pads and accompaniment sounds in both stereo and surround environments.
• The last of the trio of new plug-ins is Tonic, a versatile and powerful analog modeling filter effect based on the filter design of the Monologue monophonic synthesizer. All three 2.2 versions also include a number of minor product enhancements.

Additional information is available at the Steinberg site.