Cubase is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg for music and MIDI recording, arranging and editing.[2] The first version, which was originally only a MIDI sequencer and ran on the Atari ST computer, was released in 1989.[3] Cut-down versions of Cubase are included with almost all Yamaha audio and MIDI hardware, as well as hardware from other manufacturers. These versions can be upgraded to a more advanced version at a discount.
Cubase can be used to edit and sequence audio signals coming from an external sound source and MIDI, and can host VST instruments and effects. It has a number of features designed to aid in composition, such as:
The user can also mix the various tracks down into a stereo .wav file ready to be burned to a compact disc (CD) in Red Book format, or .mp3 burned to CD or DVD as files, or to be published on the Web.
Cubase VST 3.7 in 1999 introduced a virtual instrument interface for software synthesizers known as VSTi. This made it possible for third-party software programmers to create and sell virtual instruments for Cubase. This technology has become a de facto standard for other DAW software, when integrating software based instruments on the Macintosh and Windows platforms. A new version of VST, VST3, was introduced with Steinberg's Cubase 4 which introduced improved handling of automation and audio output, native sidechaining, and many other features. Cubase 6 included VSTs such as HALion Sonic SE, Groove Agent ONE, LoopMash 2 and VST Amp Rack.
When Cubase 6 was released in 2011, Steinberg introduced 5 different editions for different levels of use. From highest to lowest they are: Cubase (now known as Cubase Pro), Cubase Artist, Cubase Elements, Cubase AI and Cubase LE. They have all been updated as new versions come out. While they all run on the same audio engine, the lower tiers have limits on the number of certain types of tracks. The number of audio tracks allowed in Cubase Pro is unlimited, Artist: 64, Elements: 48, AI: 32, LE: 16.
After a brief period with audio integration, the next version, Cubase VST, featured fully integrated audio recording and mixing along with effects. It added Virtual Studio Technology (VST) support, a standard for audio plug-ins, which led to a plethora of third-party effects, both freeware and commercial. Cubase VST was only for Macintosh and Windows; Atari support had been effectively dropped by this time, despite such hardware still being a mainstay in many studios. Cubase VST was offering a tremendous amount of power to the home user, but computer hardware took some time to catch up. By the time it did, VST's audio editing ability was found to be lacking, when compared with competitors such as Pro Tools DAE and Digital Performer MAS.
To address this, a new version of the program, Cubase SX (based on Steinberg's flagship post-production software Nuendo) was introduced, which dramatically altered the way the program ran. This version required much relearning for users of older Cubase versions. However, once the new methods of working were learned, the improvements in handling of audio and automation made for a more professional sequencer and audio editor.
A notable improvement with the introduction of Cubase SX was the advanced audio editing, especially the ability to 'undo' audio edits. Early versions of Cubase VST did not have this ability. Cubase SX also featured real-time time-stretching and adjustment of audio tempo, much like Sonic Foundry's ground-breaking ACID.
In September 2006 Steinberg announced Cubase 4 - the successor to Cubase SX3. Notable new features include 'control room', a feature designed to help create monitor mixes, and a new set of VST3 plug-ins and instruments.
There are also lighter economic alternatives by Steinberg, originally named Cubasis, later becoming Cubase SE and then Cubase Essential at version 4. For its sixth generation, the program was renamed Cubase Elements 6. The name change was done presumably, because its rival Cakewalk had taken the Essential branding for its own entry-level DAW software, Sonar X1 Essential.
While the full version of Cubase features unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, lesser versions have limits. For instance, Cubase Elements 6 has a maximum of 48 audio track and 64 MIDI tracks and Cubase Artist 6 offer 64 audio and 128 MIDI tracks.
In 2013, Steinberg introduced Cubasis for iPad, a Cubase for iOS. This version was a full rewrite and supports MIDI and audio tracks, audiobus and virtual MIDI to work with external music apps from the first versions.[6] In 2016, Cubasis 2 was released as a free update with new features such as real-time time-stretching, pitch-shifting for changing the key, a "channel strip" effects suite, and new plug-ins and sounds.[7] In 2017, Steinberg received the MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award) for Cubasis 2 in the Mobile Music App category at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt.[8]
In late 2019, Cubasis 3 followed as a new app and included group tracks, a "Master Strip" effects suite, a revamped MediaBay, more effects and many more features in addition to iPhone support. In mid-2020, Cubasis 3 was released for Android tablets and smartphones.[9]
The main innovation of Cubase was the graphic arrange page, which allowed for the graphic representation of the composition using a vertical list of tracks and a horizontal timeline.[19] This was much more intuitive and allowed much easier editing than the prior system of parameter lists. It has since been copied by just about every other similar product.
Cubase SX2.0 also saw the introduction of Full PDC (plug-in delay compensation). Many plug-ins, particularly those which run on DSP Cards such as UAD-1 or Powercore, cannot process their audio within a 1-sample time period and thus introduce extra latency into the system. Unchecked, this will cause some audio channels to end up out of sync with others. PDC checks all the various latencies introduced by such plug-ins and creates audio delay buffers to ensure that audio from all channels is correctly synchronized.
Audiowarp was largely successful, but had a major flaw in that it didn't work with variable tempo projects. This was because the tempo map it copied to the Audio file when musical mode was enabled was derived from the fixed tempo setting of the project rather than from the tempo track.
Nonetheless Audiowarp was an important addition to the musical features of Cubase. Despite the caveats, having the ability to change the tempo of a musical piece and have the audio tracks follow this new tempo was an important ability in music production.
Cubase 4 was the first Cubase version not to support the import of Cubase VST songs and projects. To give the ability to import older Cubase VST projects and songs, Steinberg decided to make the prior Cubase SX3 and Cubase SL3 versions available as downloads.
With this version the preset system was changed. The FXP (Preset) and FXB (Bank) files were discontinued along with the drop-down menu XML presets. They were replaced by a preset system that integrates in a new feature, the Media Bay, which allows deeper categorizing and managing of presets.
Steinberg Cubase is a world class Digital Audio Workstation which allows you to record and sequence music on your computer. It features integrated audio recording and editing functionality, mixing tools and MIDI squencing in addition to comprehensive support for a wide range of audio plugins and virtual instruments.
If you are just beginning or you are looking to step up from a smaller home recording setup, the choice as to which version of Cubase you need can be confusing. On initial inspection there seems to be a number of versions plus educational versions and a miriad of update and upgrade options. In this article we contrast the features of each product so you can choose the most appropriate solution for your studio setup.
There are only three versions of Cubase all of which offer basic digital audio workstation (DAW) functionality. Steinberg take their main fully featured flagship product and remove features to create products that hit certain price points. The most basic product Cubase Elements 13 is firmly aimed at the begginer and the main difference is that there are limitations to the number of plugins you can run. Cubase Artist 13 also has limitations but is powerful enough for most home studios. The flagship product Cubase Pro 13 is aimed at the professional and has no limitations as well as powerful functions to aid the workflow process.
If you are choosing a sequencer for a home studio then Cubase Artist is likely to be the best choice. You sacrifice some high end functionality such as 5.1 surround mixing and advanced notation support but you still get a very capable sequencer with lots of audio effect and virtual instruments. You can invest the money you save into a better pair of studio monitors or a midi controller.
However, there is a reason that the full version of Cubase costs almost twice as much as Artist. Features such as Mixconsole History, Cloud Collaboration, Plug-in Sentinel & much more make the extra cash spent more than worth it.
If you are purchasing the software for a professional environment or if you are not phased by the price tag then choose the full version of Cubase 13 because it has features that define it as one of the market leaders in the Digital Audio Workstation market.
Cubase Elements 13 is aimed at begginers and priced for begginers. It is a fantastic introduction into recording and sequencing audio. You do not get much content (i.e only 16 VST Slots) and there are limits put in place that may affect your project but you can layer up to 48 tracks of audio which is more than enough for anyone starting out. If you do begin to feel confined by what Cubase Elements 9 offers then there is an upgrade route available direct.
Steinberg are very supportive of people in the Education sector. If you are a full-time student or a teacher at a public or private school then you will be eligable to purchase one of the Cubase versions at a discounted price. This only applies to full versions, there is no education discount for updates and upgrades. Although we do not require any proof of eligibility Steinberg may request this proof when you register the software.
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