This article explains plugin control in Cubase 12 with the Platform Nano.

Here is an accompanying video to this article: https://youtu.be/bHbZnY32_RA

There two modes you use when operating plugins in Cubase 12 with the Platform Nano, ‘Compatibility’ mode and ‘Cubase’ mode, (Studio -> More Options -> Mackie Control -> Cubase/Compatibility Modes). Compatibility mode offers perhaps, more ease of use, although it doesn’t allow for the use of the Cubase channel strip.

 COMPATABILITY MODE

Plug-ins

Press PLUG INS – scroll through the IFX menu using the rotary controller - select the plugin of your choice – select PAGE DOWN – alter the parameters 1-4 using the rotary encoder knobs, selecting the button 5-8 for parameters 5-8. Select PAGE DOWN to access any further parameters and PAGE UP to navigate back.

Sends

Press DYN/FX/AUX, press PAGE DOWN/UP to navigate the 3xparameters On/Off, Level and Pre/Post (fader). Select the corresponding rotary controller to change the parameter.

VST Instruments

Select your VST instrument track in Cubase - Select PURPLE mode – select INSTRUMENT (top left) – select PAGE DOWN – use the rotary controller to change parameters and PAGE UP/DOWN to navigate through the pages of parameters.

Note: Some instruments that have extensive adjustable controls, may have parameters unavailable to external generic controllers. Some instruments may not work (or work very well) with external generic controllers at all.

EQ

Press EQ. Push and turn the EQ knobs to turn EQ sections on or off (2x knobs per section – press the 2^nd in each section to turn on or off – remembering the button ‘5-8’ to reach the final two sections). Rotate the knobs to affect changes in the EQ section.

CUBASE MODE

Plug-ins

Press PLUG INS – Press and hold LOCK and >|. Use (press and hold) LOCK+ |< and >| to replace PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN to navigate through the pages of parameters. Use the rotary controllers in the usual way to affect changes to parameters.

SENDS

Press DYN/FX/AUX, press PAGE DOWN, Press and hold LOCK and >|. Use (press and hold) LOCK+ |< and >| to replace PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN to navigate through the pages of parameters, (On/Off, level and Pre/Post). Select the corresponding rotary controller to change the parameter.

EQ is the same as in compatibility mode.

VST Instruments

Channel Strip

Press EDIT to load the channel settings, (RED mode, bottom right). Press DYN/FX/AUX  . Use the 1^st rotary knob to select one of the 6 strips. Use the 3^rd knob to select which module you’d like. Once you’ve arrived at the module you would like to use (i.e. in compressors, the standard, tube or vintage compressor), simply wait and the module will load.

[Press DYN/FX/AUX and use rotary controller 1 to navigate between modules, once selected].

Press and hold LOCK and  >| to select the parameters, use rotary controls to adjust. Continue pressing >| and |< to scroll back and forth through parameters.