Cubase

Cubase is a music production software that has a wide range of features and is used extensively by professionals. It was designed by Steinberg to be an all-in-one solution for the various stages of the music production process, including tracking, editing, arranging, mixing, and mastering of the finished product.

Cubase is a music production all-in-one solution, one of the most well-known and used music software

From its Beginning: A Short History of Cubase

Cubase, developed by Steinberg, has undergone multiple significant updates, each version building upon the abilities of its anterior version.

In 1989, Cubase’s first version was made available for the Atari ST, Macintosh, and Windows as a MIDI-only program. The following version, Cubase VST, was released in 1996 following a brief period of audio integration. This version supported Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plug-ins and had fully integrated audio recording and mixing features. As a result, numerous third-party effects—both freeware and paid—were created. However, Atari support had been removed by this point, and Cubase VST was only available for Macintosh and Windows.

In 2000, Steinberg introduced Cubase SX. It was based on Nuendo, their premier post-production program. Users of earlier versions were forced to learn new working procedures because this version significantly changed how the program operated. However, the advancements in automation and audio handling allowed for a sequencer and audio editor that was more expert. Advanced audio editing features like audio edits that can be undone as well as real-time time stretching and tempo adjustments were included in Cubase SX.

In 2003, Steinberg was acquired by Pinnacle Systems, and later by Yamaha Corporation in 2004. In 2006, Cubase 4 was announced as the successor to Cubase SX3, introducing new features such as “control room” for creating monitor mixes and a new set of VST3 plug-ins and instruments. Steinberg also released lighter economic alternatives, such as Cubase SE, Cubase Essential, and Cubase Elements.

In 2013, Steinberg introduced Cubasis for iPad, a full version of Cubase for iOS devices. This version supports MIDI and audio tracks, audiobus, and virtual MIDI to work with external music apps. In 2016, Cubasis 2 was released with new features such as real-time time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and a “channel strip” effects suite. In 2017, Steinberg received the MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award) for Cubasis 2 in the Mobile Music App category at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. In 2019, Cubasis 3 was released for iOS and Android devices, featuring group tracks, a “Master Strip” effects suite, a revamped MediaBay, and more effects and features.

Cubase is currently considered a full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and a comprehensive music software solution for both Mac and Windows computers. Additional information and the option to download Cubase can be found on the official product page on Steinberg.De. For a condensed history of the software, you can refer to Wernerkracht.Com.

Exploring the Key Features of Cubase: A Short LIST

There are a lot of things to say about Cubase, most of them positive, but maybe we will develop this subject in a separate article. Below you will find the most important features of Cubase in a completely random order:

  • Audio Warp Quantize: Allows users to warp-quantize multiple audio tracks at once using the convenient Quantize panel, allowing for non-destructive quantization of both single audio loops and entire arrangements with a single mouse click.
  • Channel Strip (Advanced): Carefully crafted in collaboration with audio engineers, the channel strip modules provide professional mixer quality for turning music into fantastic productions.
  • Licensing System: New licensing system does not require a physical copy protection device and lifts many restrictions of the past.
  • MIDI REMOTE: Automatic detection and mapping of controls for MIDI controllers, with the ability to create custom scripts with the MIDI Controller Surface Editor.
  • Chord Pads: Inspiring tool for quick and creative music composition, allowing for real-time jamming with chords and patterns and control of multiple parameters for chord improvisation.
  • Comping: Allows for creation of the perfect version of a recording from multiple takes, with easy swipe and click-and-drag features for instant results.
  • Sampler Track: Ability to take any piece of audio and use it to create a Sampler Track, with manipulation options such as filters, controls, and LFOs for experimentation.
  • MixConsole: High-end analog mixing console-like usability, look and feel, and sound.
  • VariAudio: Fully-integrated vocal editing and pitch change of individual notes in monophonic vocal recordings, allowing for solving intonation and timing problems with just a few clicks.
  • Scale Assistant: Allows for easy setting and following of a song’s scale in the Key Editor, with the ability to quantize a solo to the scale or play live in perfect tune, and even suggests the right scale based on analysis of a MIDI recording.
  • Groove Agent: Comprehensive drum production software instrument with a huge library of samples, grooves, and patterns, as well as a full virtual mixer and FX suite for added creative options.
  • Spectral Comparison EQ: Allows for cleaning up overlapping frequencies using the comparison mode in the Channel EQ, by comparing and editing spectral curves from two different tracks within one EQ display.
  • Advanced Audio Export: Syncs export selection to the selection in the project, with the ability to export the full signal path including master bus effects, and collect and export the whole queue in one go.
  • Control Room: Unique recording and monitoring environment for integrating performer mixes and monitoring setups into the recording and mixing workflow, with the ability to create and manage up to four unique studio mixes and manage feeds from external audio sources.
  • Easy side-chaining: Allows for easy setup and routing of the popular technique of side-chaining, with the ability to activate side-chaining in FX plug-ins and select the source from the track list.
  • ARA support: Allows for integration and use of compatible plug-ins such as SpectraLayers, Melodyne, and more directly into the DAW’s Lower Zone Editor.
  • MediaBay: Helps users find and organize content, with the ability to scan folders and list all media files of supported formats in the Results section.
  • Next-generation audio engine: Award-winning audio engine with crystal-clear, 64-bit floating-point resolution at a 192 kHz sample rate, true surround capability, and up to six discreet channels for 5.1 surround mixes.
  • VST System Link: Network system for digital audio that allows multiple computers to work together in one large system, using digital audio hardware and cables already in the studio.
  • OMF support: Allows for importing and exporting of Open Media Framework Interchange (OMFI) files, a platform-independent file format intended for the transfer of digital media between different applications.
  • AAF support: Allows for importing and exporting of Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) files, a platform-independent file format intended for the transfer of digital media between different applications, enabling collaboration with people using other audio and video applications.
  • Video Import: Allows for importing of compatible video files into a project, creating a video track with a video event.

Cubase vs the Competition: An Analysis of the Pros and Cons

Among the available options in the market, Cubase is a well-known and widely used DAW. However, it is not the only option available.

Cubase vs Ableton

Both applications provide a wealth of features and capabilities, but they excel in different areas and are best suited to distinct processes.

Cubase is a digital audio workstation that can be used to create and arrange music. Traditional recording studios, composers, and film composers all use it because of how simple it is to record, edit, and arrange MIDI and audio. Ableton Live, on the other hand, is a digital audio workstation made specifically for live music production and performance. It’s a great digital audio workstation (DAW) for creating electronic music and performing it live due to its features, sounds, and workflow.

When compared and contrasted against Cubase, Ableton Live’s compatibility and ease of use with a wide variety of MIDI controllers are clear advantages. This eliminates the hassle of mapping parameters to the MIDI controller, making it easy to connect and use some of the most popular MIDI controllers with Ableton.

Cubase’s default instrument plugins include organic instruments like pianos, drums, guitars, violins, and a few synths, while its default audio effects are the standard, traditional processors required for mixing and mastering. Ableton Live, on the other hand, is geared toward live performance, electronic music, and sound design, so its built-in instruments and audio effects are more suited to these genres. Sound designers will appreciate Ableton’s expanded selection of synthesizers and avant-garde audio effects.

Cubase vs Logic

Cubase and Logic Pro are both powerful digital audio workstations (DAWs) used by musicians and producers to record, edit, and mix music. Both of these DAWs are absolutely incredible and are all you need to go from an idea to a complete track ready for release. However, both have tons of unique features as well as things that are lacking or not as appealing, so let’s try to sum it up.

First of all, it’s important to note that Cubase is available on both Windows and macOS, while Logic Pro is exclusively available on macOS. Additionally, Logic Pro only supports AU format plugins, while Cubase supports VST2-VST3 and AU formats (AU plugins only ever work on Mac though).

When it comes to MIDI sequencing and arranging, Cubase will be the option to go for. If you have experience in music composition or come from a classical background, Cubase is literally designed for you. There’s a reason most film composers use Cubase after-all. Cubase also stands out when it comes to recording and creating tracks, by utilizing MIDI instruments. In addition to this, the audio manipulation possibilities in Cubase stand above the ones available in Logic Pro X.

That being said, Logic Pro X is probably the best DAW for beginners to pick up and learn on. With a super intuitive and easy to use interface, Logic Pro stands far above Cubase in terms of ease of use. The learning curve of Logic Pro X is also not nearly as steep as Cubase. If you’re a DIY musician and want the least possible resistance between you and the DAW, Logic Pro X is perfect for you.

In terms of channel strip, Cubase’s channel strip offers quick functions of compression, limiting, and EQ without the need for any additional plugins, while Logic Pro’s channel strip is more basic and requires the use of additional plugins to make changes to the sound. On the other hand, Logic Pro’s stock plugins, such as instruments, effects, and MIDI plugins, are considered to be excellent for songwriting and producing, while Cubase’s stock plugins are not as capable.

In terms of pricing and versions, there is only one version of Logic Pro, while there are three versions of Cubase: Pro, Artist, and Element. The Pro version is focused on professional studio setups, while the Artist option is mainly forsongwriters and bedroom musicians, and the Element option is mainly aimed at beginners. Additionally, Cubase offers a separate VST plugin called VST transit and VST Connect (not included in Cubase Element) which allows for real-time collaboration with other artists.

It’s like two sides of the coin. Cubase is in-depth and advanced, but can be difficult to comprehend for new users. Logic Pro on the other hand doesn’t hide behind it’s lack of in-depth alterations and processing, instead, reveling in the simplicity and ease of use of the software. The effects, instruments, and utility bundled with Logic Pro X are more appealing, than those of Cubase. But, on the flip side, Cubase Pro comes with tonnes more instruments and sounds than Logic Pro, but the price is much higher for those instruments.

In conclusion, both Cubase and Logic Pro X are solid options for your main music production, audio editing and composing platform. From mixing and mastering, to electronic music production, to recording, both DAWs are absolute industry standard beasts. Whichever you end up choosing depends more on you as a musician, than any other criteria. Cubase is suited for in-depth musicians, that enjoy advanced and razor-sharp precision, when creating music and altering audio. Logic Pro X is better suited for beginner producers, serving as an incredible tool to quickly and easily go from idea, to recording, to a finished product.

Ultimately, both DAWs have their own unique strengths and weaknesses and it’s important to evaluate your own needs and preferences as a musician. While Cubase offers advanced MIDI sequencing and arranging capabilities, and superior audio manipulation options, Logic Pro X is more beginner-friendly and offers a more intuitive interface. Both DAWs are industry-standard, and the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

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