Cubase

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Cubase

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Basic data

developer Steinberg Media Technologies
Publishing year April 1989
Current  version 10.5
(November 13, 2019)
operating system macOS , Windows
programming language C / C ++
category DAW , sequencer
License proprietary
www.steinberg.net
Notation in Cubase SX (excerpt)

Cubase is music software for digital audio workstations (DAW) from Steinberg . It first appeared in 1989 as a simple MIDI - sequencer and scored 1996 a distribution boost by the introduction of the Virtual Studio Technology , which shortly afterwards VST to industry standard was.

Usage

The software is one of the most widespread of its kind. It usually forms the center of the production environment for music production and audio recordings . Cubase can cover a large part of the functions that are provided in classic recording studios in the form of analog devices such as tape machines , mixing consoles , effects devices or sound generators. Thus, the program can either be used as a support or exclusively during production. Like other programs of this type, it offers fully automatic restoration of all settings (“Total Recall”) and is often referred to as a production environment “in the box” (ITB).

Cubase is not an accompaniment machine ; H. its primary purpose is not to create the most perfect and voluminous arrangements possible from a small amount of musical input. Rather, the software is used for recording or creating (also manually with the help of various editors), processing and mixing various individual tracks into an overall recording. The focus here is on improving individual signals, but not on inventing them. For live use or musical creativity, individual functions are included, but Cubase is essentially a tool to capture existing ideas in the best possible quality.

Core functions of the software

  • Single or multi-track recording , detailed editing and playback of audio signals .
  • Recording, detailed editing and playback of MIDI data .
  • Track-based management and grouping of all signals and signal sources within a so-called project .
  • Management of tempos , time signatures and project sections for chronological and musical organization.
  • Operation of software instruments (VST plugins) as sound generators.
  • Control and integration of external MIDI and audio devices.
  • Mixing of audio signals to form groups and / or a composite signal (virtual mixer).
  • Apply effects (VST plugins) to audio signals or groups of audio signals in real time or offline.
  • Processing of MIDI data and output as notation .
  • Time-based automation of the virtual mixer and the individual signals.
  • Synchronization with external devices (e.g. tape machines) and integration of video files.
  • Creation of audio mixes (mixdowns) in mono , stereo or multi-channel formats up to 5.1 .

Computing requirements

Originally Cubase ran under TOS on the Atari ST with a Motorola 68000 processor clocked at 8  MHz and 1 megabyte of RAM . The Atari had the necessary MIDI interfaces as standard. The computer on which Cubase is operated requires external interfaces. An audio “card”, if possible with a fast ASIO driver, is required for recording and playing back audio material . A suitable interface must be connected to the computer in order to record MIDI data. Internal and external sound generators (e.g. synthesizers ) and MIDI input devices (usually a keyboard , but also a MIDI guitar, MIDI controller, etc.) can then be connected via MIDI.

The extent to which software instruments and audio effects are used, together with the requirement for very short audio latency times, largely determines the requirements that the operation of Cubase makes in terms of computer equipment. For contemporary music production "in the box" with the current Cubase version, a current generation computer with above-average equipment is recommended.

Platforms

Cubase was initially written for the Atari ST and later ported to the Apple Macintosh and Windows . Cubase is still available for the latter operating systems.

The last versions for the Atari platform were Cubase 3.1 (1993) and Cubase Score 2.0r6 (1994) for the Atari ST , and Cubase Audio 2.06 (1994) for the Falcon .

Names and versions

Full program

The manufacturer has varied the additions to the name several times in the course of the version history and partially reused the version numbers, which makes it difficult to classify and assess the currentness of a particular version. For example, Cubase 4 is about eight years younger / newer than Cubase VST 5.

The following overview shows the Cubase versions since 1997 in the chronological order of their appearance until today (only paid or major updates are considered). Unless otherwise stated, the versions mentioned were released in parallel or at intervals of a few months for the Macintosh and Windows platforms.

  • Cubase VST 3.5
  • Cubase VST 3.6
  • Cubase VST 3.7
  • Cubase VST 4.x (Macintosh only)
  • Cubase VST 5.x
  • Cubase SX
  • Cubase SX 2.x
  • Cubase SX 3.x
  • Cubase 4.x
  • Cubase 5.x
  • Cubase 6.x
  • Cubase 6.5.x
  • Cubase 7.x
  • Cubase 7.5.x (since December 2013)
  • Cubase Pro 8.0.x (since December 2014)
  • Cubase Pro 8.5.x (since December 2015)
  • Cubase Pro 9.0.x (since December 2016)
  • Cubase Pro 9.5.x (since November 2017)
  • Cubase Pro 10.0.x (since November 2018)
  • Cubase Pro 10.5.x (since November 2019)

Versions

version Released information
Cubase 1.0 Atari Apr. 1989 Originally Cubeat, later Cubit, but then called Cubase for trademark reasons, this was the successor to Pro-24. Cubase for Atari ran on the Atari 520ST and Atari 1040ST computers, provided they had 1 MB of RAM (the 520 with 1 MB of RAM is practically a 1040). For this an Atari SM-124 monochrome monitor had to be used, which offered an impressive resolution of 640x400 at the time at a rock-solid 71.25 Hz.

The most important innovation in Cubase was the graphical arrangement page, which made it possible to graphically display the composition using a vertical list of tracks and a horizontal timeline. This was much more intuitive and allowed much easier editing than the previous system of parameter lists. It has since been copied by almost every other similar product.

Cubase 1.0 Macintosh 1990 Cubase 1.0 released for Apple Macintosh computers.
Cubase 2.0 Atari Apr 1990
Cubase audio 1991 Macintosh, this version is based on Digidesign's TDM system .
Cubase audio 1993 Release for Atari Falcon 030. This version has digital signal processor (DSP) built-in effects with 8-track audio recording and playback using your own hardware. For that time it was a good price / performance ratio. on for the price at this time. Later versions allow 16-track mode with audio compression
Cubase 3.0 Atari 1992
Cubase for Windows 3.0 1992
Cubase Score for Windows 3.11 1993 Cubase Score released for Windows.
Cubase 2.8 for Windows 1996 Revision of the arrangement view. New features such as the Interactive Phrase Synthesizer, CueTrax and StyleTrax: the “virtual band”.
Cubase Audio 1.6 Windows 1996 Cubase Audio 1.6 supports the hard disk recording functions of the Session8 and Yamaha's CBX D3 / D5. Cubase Audio supports Digidesign's new AudioMedia III PCI card. In connection with AudioMedia III Cubase Audio there are 8 audio tracks, EQ and automation.
Cubase Audio 3.0 TDM for Macintosh 1996 Cubase Audio 3.0 TDM has up to 16 audio tracks with TDM support for up to 48 physical audio tracks, as well as all the new features of Cubase Score 2.0. OMS II support and MovieManager support were also offered.
Cubase Audio XT 3.0 1996 This version offers extended hardware support. Options included the Digidesign Session 8 & AudioMedia III PCI, Yamaha CBXD3 & CBXD5, Akai DR8 & DR16, and the Creamware Master Port. The simultaneous recording of several tracks was made possible. One of the last versions of Cubase that was still compatible with Windows 3.11.
Cubase Score 3.0 1996 At the time of this publication, the Cubase program offering consisted of the following products in hierarchical order: Cubasis (midi); Cubasis Audio; Cubase (standard including audio); Cubase Score (audio + notation); Cubase Audio XT (flagship product), this version was upgradeable to Cubase Audio XT and was one of the last versions of Cubase that was still compatible with Windows 3.11.
Cubase VST 3.0 Macintosh 1996 In 1996 Steinberg increased its share of MIDI + audio sequencers with the Virtual Studio Technology (VST) versions of Cubase. VST also included standards for plugins and virtual instruments, which were then also integrated into third-party products. Also contains 32 tracks of digital audio, up to 128 real-time EQs and a professional effects rack with 4 multi-effects processors. A plugin interface for external plugins so that external audio technology could be integrated into the Cubase environment. Professional score printing, up to 60 staves per side and 8-part polyphony. A bug limited the memory in the host system on the PowerMac to 64 MB - but this was fixed with a patch.
Cubase VST 3.5 Macintosh Aug 1997 Separate access to all audio inputs and outputs in connection with multi i / o audio hardware (amIII, 1212) via a flexible audio routing system, as well as new channel plugins: Chorus 2, Electrofuzz, WunderVerb 3 and a new one Master plugin Scorpio. Backup option via data stream.
Cubase VST 3.5 for Windows 95 Oct 1997 Windows Cubase VST provides up to 32 tracks of digital audio, 128 equalizers in real time, a fully equipped effects rack with four multi-effects processors, a master section and an open plug-in interface for additional real-time effects and mastering tools. VST for Windows supports Active Movie compatible plugins. Cubase Audio VST 3.5 + Wavelab 1.6 + Waves AudioTrack were bundled in the first "Producer Pac". This Cubase version is written for Windows 95 code and the first version that is not compatible with Windows 3.11.
Cubase VST 3.5.5 for Windows 95 1998 Other new features are the updated implementation of DirectX plugins, with which the user can organize the list of installed plugins according to personal preferences. Support for recycle export files (.REX files). This enables “recycled” sample loops to be used directly in VST audio tracks without the use of a special hardware sampler. The VST audio engine can now be disabled while VST is running (from the audio system menu) or by launching the program while holding down the Shift key.
Cubase VST 24 3.6 1998 96 tracks, submixer, ReWire, 8 FX sends and eight auxes. VST / 24 3.6 supports the entire functionality of the Yamaha DSP factory card.
Cubase VST 24 3.7 Windows Jul. 1999 This version introduced VST 2.0, which allows VST plugins to receive MIDI data from Cubase. It also introduced the concept of VST instruments - previous implementations of VST's were geared towards effects plugins - and included Neon, a free VST instrument. VST24 3.7 was the first sequencer to support VST instruments since Steinberg invented the "VSTi" specification.
Cubase VST 24 4.0 Macintosh 1998 For Macintosh only. Cubase VST 24 4.0 now offers 96 tracks with 24 bit, 96 kHz digital audio.
Cubase VST 24 4.1 Macintosh Jul. 1999 For Macintosh only. This is available as a free download for owners of version VST24 4.0. Introduction of VST 2.0, ASIO 2.0, DSP Factory support, TDM support and more. In addition, the Cubase VST / 24 mixer / EQ section contains an expansion with five new real-time processing modules - Compressor, Limiter, Auto Gate, Auto Limit and Soft Clip. Several VST elements could now also be remotely controlled from external devices such as the Yamaha 01-V.
Cubase VST 32 5.0 Sep 2000 Big update for the Windows version. Synchronization with Macintosh version is now also possible. More features are included, such as E.g .: 15,360 PPQN internal resolution, folder tracks, marker tracks, long track names, transport bar display options, user-definable toolbar and key commands, extended inspector, improved drag & drop, extended toolbox (including range selection tool), new controller editor, grooves and logical presets, Window sets, dedicated MIDI track mixer. The last Cubase version that is compatible with Windows 95. The application of the update to 5.1 then requires Windows 98.
Cubase VST 32 5.1 2001 This version was sold separately and as part of a Producer's Pack along with the Recycle Loop Editor and Rebirth Virtual Instrument (not a VST format; developed by Propellerheads, but distributed by Steinberg). The Propellerheads products came on Mac and PC compatible CDs, but the disc for Cubase was only usable with the PC. It was originally introduced for operation on the new Windows XP operating system.
Cubase SX 1.0 / Cubase SL 1.0 2002 Cubase SX 1.0 was released as the next generation after Cubase VST. Cubase was completely overwritten, based on the Nuendo V1.0 engine. Although some functions of Cubase VST brought significant improvements in terms of stability and feature quality, some functions of Cubase VST did not make it into the new version at first. SX 1.0 enables the import of Cubase VST projects and their storage in the new * .cpr format, but the conversion is not entirely correct.
Cubase SX 2.0 / Cubase SL 2.0 2003 Cubase SX 2.0 has been hailed by many as a big leap in functionality. One of the most innovative features was the timewarp function. This allowed users to record music either as MIDI and / or audio in free time, with no click or metronome, and then move the bars and beat grid to the music, automatically creating a tempo track. With the tool

users could move the track along grid lines.

Full PDC (Plugin Delay Compensation) was also introduced in Cubase SX 2.0. Many plugins, especially those that run on DSP cards such as UAD-1 or Powercore, cannot process their audio within 1-sample periods and thus add additional latency to the system. If this option is not checked, some audio channels will no longer be synchronized with others. PDC checks all the different latencies caused by such plugins and creates audio delay buffers to ensure that the audio data of all channels is correctly synchronized.

Cubase SX 3.0 2004 One of the most important features of Cubase SX 3.0 is the audio warp. This allows audio to stay synchronized with the project even after a tempo change. It also allowed users to apply tempo anchors' to an imported audio file so that it could be synced to the project's tempo regardless of the original tempo.

Audiowarp was largely successful, but had one major flaw in that it didn't work with variable-tempo projects. This is because the tempo map that you copied into the audio file in music mode is derived from the fixed tempo setting of the project and not from the tempo track. Nevertheless, the audio warp was an important addition to the musical features of Cubase.

Despite the caveats, the ability to change the tempo of a piece of music and have the audio tracks follow that new tempo has been an important tool in music production.

Cubase SX 3.1 Aug 31, 2005
Cubase SX 3.1.1 Oct 20, 2005
Cubase 4.0 2006 Cubase 4.0 marked the end of the names SX, SL and SE, with SX becoming Cubase 4, SL becoming Cubase Studio 4 and SE becoming Cubase Essentials 4.

The new plug-in standard VST 3 was introduced and support for the increasingly irrelevant DirectX plug-in standard was also removed.

Cubase 4 was the first Cubase version that did not support the import of Cubase VST songs and projects. In order to enable the import of older Cubase VST projects and songs, Steinberg decided to make the previous Cubase SX 3 and Cubase SL 3 versions available for download.

Cubase 4.0 brought a GUI change with it. In general, the GUI was darker than the previous version Cubase SX 3.

With this version the preset system has been changed. The files FXP (Preset) and FXB (Bank) were set together with the XML presets in the drop-down menu. These have been replaced by a new preset system, the Media Bay, which enables deeper categorization and management of presets.

Cubase 4.1 Oct 23, 2007 In addition to many bug fixes, some new functions have been added in Cubase 4.1, including sidechaining, free group routing, the project logical editor and the inclusion of sum objects. Existing features have also been improved, including the Play Order Track and the audio warp, which are now integrated into the Audio Sample Editor.
Cubase 4.5 3rd Sep 2008
Cubase 4.5.2 Sep 11 2008
Cubase 5.0 Jan. 27, 2009
Cubase 5.0.1 Apr 8, 2009
Cubase 5.1 Aug 24, 2009
Cubase 5.1.1 Dec 12, 2009
Cubase 5.5.1 Jun 21, 2010
Cubase 5.5.2 Nov 9, 2010
Cubase 5.5.3 March 29, 2011
Cubase 6.0 Jan. 17, 2011 Cubase 6.0 was developed for Windows 7 on 64-bit. The version contains the new VST 3.5 standard, which introduces new functions such as Note Expression. Note Expression bypasses the limits of MIDI controller events and enables articulation information for individual notes - even in a polyphonic arrangement (e.g. chords).
Cubase 6.5 Feb. 29, 2012
Cubase 7.0 Dec 5, 2012 The new functions include MixConsole, an improved workflow with full screen functionality as well as new "channel strips" and "channel centrals". It also includes a new chord track and a chord wizard.
Cubase 7.5 4th Dec. 2013 Workflow improvements such as the alternative TrackVersions and the Track Visibility Management System. There were also Groove Agent SE 4, HALion Sonic SE 2, LoopMash FX and the REVelation Reverb.
Cubase 8.0 3 Dec 2014 Increase in performance for more instruments, more tracks and shorter loading and saving times. VCA fader for complex mixing and automation workflows. Render in place: easy bouncing of MIDI and audio parts. Chord Pads: the ability to playfully and creatively compose with chords. Improved Windows operation on PC, dockable rack and MediaBay as well as a newly designed track list. Groove Agent SE 4 Acoustic Agent offers a virtual acoustic drum kit. Plugin Manager: Organize, sort and group your effects and instruments. New virtual bass amplifier, Quadrafuzz v2, Multiband Expander, Multiband Envelope Shaper Effects. New features for the mix: automation mode, direct routing and wave meters. Allen Morgan Pop-Rock Toolbox: 30 sound samples with 25 to 30 audio and MIDI loops each.
Cubase 8.5 Dec 2, 2015 Various improvements in the MIDI and drum editor allow you to save and share arrangements in clouds via "VST Transit". Upgrade of the analog synthesizer “Retrologue” (implementation of the third oscillator, 12 new filter types, a third bipolar envelope, its own effects rack and a four-track step sequencer). More options for importing tracks from other projects and improved drag-and-drop operation.
Cubase 9.0 7th Dec 2016 Improvements to cloud collaboration clouds via "VST Transit". Docked windows with the new "Lower Zone" allow access to the MIDI editors, sample editor, mix window and new sampler track without leaving the project window. The Caleidoscope Library is shipped with hundreds of samples. Undo history separated in the mix window. 10 marker tracks (similar to Nuendo 7 with 32 tracks), Autopan Plugin, Maximizer, new Sentinel scans plugins to check stability. New EQ with M / S support and automatic listening of EQ bands with built-in keyboard for easier frequency-to-pitch detection. 400 new drum loops via "Production Grooves". The top 5 feature requests for Cubase 9 were:
  1. Parameter Undo / Redo history for MixConsole
  2. Improved window workflow
  3. Extension of the options for importing tracks / channels in a project
  4. Expansion of the size adjustment options for the rack zone
  5. Basic sampler
Cubase 9.5 Nov 15, 2017 Improvements in graphics performance, zoning 2.0, automation curves, expanded metronome options, 64-bit mixing engine, more inserts with flexible pre / post fader, new look for Vintage Compressor, Tube Compressor and Magneto III, direct offline processing , HALion Sonic SE 3 with FLUX wavetable synth, Automation Range Tool, Adapt to Zoom, new video engine (no longer dependent on QuickTime), Softube Console 1 support, sampler track extensions, production presets.
Cubase 10.0 Nov 15, 2018 Interface improvements, High DPI Display Support, VariAudio 3, Audio Alignment, Channel Strip Revision, Groove Agent SE 5, Mix Console Snapshots, Multi-Dimensional Controller Support, VR Production Suite, Side Chaining Improvements, AAF Import & Export, new Distroyer Processor Effect, Latency Monitor, ARA Support, MPE Support.
Cubase 10.5 Nov 13, 2019 New features: Spectral Comparison EQ, video export function, MultiTap Delay, Padshop 2, colored mixer channels, import of tracks from projects, retroactive MIDI recording, combined selection tool for objects and areas.

Improved note editor, improved graphics performance for large projects, new plug-ins for Cubase Elements.

The change from VST to SX took place in 2002, whereby the first SX versions were functionally significantly inferior to the last VST version 5.1; rather, because of the increasingly difficult maintainability of the program code, with the appearance of Cubase SX, the product was placed on a new code base , according to the company . H. rewritten.

Function-reduced descendants

Four smaller versions of Cubase are currently being sold with a reduced range of functions and fewer extras (e.g. plugins, sample content, etc.):

  • Cubase Artist (current: Version 10.5)
  • Cubase Elements (currently: Version 10.5)
  • Cubase LE (currently: Version 10.5, only as an addition to hardware products or magazines)
  • Cubase AI (currently: Version 10.5, only available together with Steinberg / Yamaha hardware)

Steinberg has repeatedly changed the names and additions to these versions with reduced functionality in the course of the version history. Further examples of names for smaller versions of Cubase that existed at some point in the history of the product:

  • Cubasis
  • Cubasis VST
  • Cubase SE
  • Cubase Lite
  • Cubase SL
  • Cubase Studio
  • Cubase Essential

The name Cubasis was reused at the end of 2012 as the name for Steinberg's first sequencer app for iOS.

Sister product Nuendo

The Nuendo software from the same manufacturer includes all Cubase functions, provided that the NEK add-on product is installed and licensed. Nuendo and Cubase are practically identical in terms of their operation. Cubase project files can also be opened with Nuendo and processed there. Nuendo also offers additional functions for video dubbing ( post-production ).

File format compatibility

There is generally upward compatibility with regard to the project files created. A project created with one of the small Cubase versions or an older version can also be opened without any problems in the large or current versions (Cubase 8, Nuendo 7). However, in most cases, the reverse is not true.

Since the appearance of Cubase 4, the old file formats of the "VST" product series and their predecessors can no longer be opened, which is why Steinberg provides users of the current versions with an older version of Cubase SX / SL / SE 3 for project import free of charge. This means that ancient pieces of music and projects from the last millennium can still be used in their current versions.

copy protection

All larger versions of Cubase have been using USB dongles as copy protection for more than ten years in order to prevent unauthorized distribution of the programs. Cubase can be installed on several computers at the same time, but it only works on the computer to which the dongle is connected. Licenses that are still stored on the LPT dongle used up to 2002 for the printer port can be transferred to a USB dongle by the customer service department of the manufacturer.

There are three versions of the USB dongles, the oldest of which can cause performance disadvantages when working with current Cubase versions. Therefore, dongles of the first generation (up to around 2003, recognizable by their larger length) should be replaced with a more up-to-date version of the eLicenser if possible. The second and third generations only differ externally; Third generation dongles have become considerably shorter again.

The copy protection was originally developed by the German company Syncrosoft and taken over by Steinberg in 2008 under the name eLicenser .

The heavily slimmed-down versions of Cubase (e.g. Cubase Elements, LE, AI) use so-called "Soft-eLicenser" as copy protection. Here the license is not saved on a hardware dongle, but linked to a single computer. Such licenses can be manually transferred to a USB-eLicenser if required and can then be used on different computers by changing the dongle. This step is irreversible.

Apps for remote control of Cubase

Steinberg has released two apps for Apple iOS and one for Android that allow remote control of Cubase functions. The apps are available in the usual app stores for the respective platforms. They only work with the two largest Cubase versions.

Cubase iC (iOS only)

Cubase iC allows you to control the most important transport functions of Cubase. In addition, the individual "events" of the "arranger track" can be jumped to by name for navigation within a project.

Cubase iC Pro (iOS and Android)

In addition to advanced navigation within a project, Cubase iC Pro also offers mixer control, so that e.g. B. "Cue Mixes" can be controlled remotely. In contrast to Cubase iC, it is not possible to jump to “Arranger Events” by name. The Android version was discontinued in early 2016.

technology

MIDI

All versions of Cubase ever released support MIDI for communication with electronic musical instruments. Cubase is very well equipped in the MIDI area. MIDI data can be recorded, manipulated in almost any way, quantized over time and edited very comfortably in various sub-windows called "editors". Numerous MIDI plug-ins are also available for real-time manipulation. A special drum editor allows the comfortable editing of drum recordings made via MIDI. The only weakness is the handling of system exclusive MIDI data, which has been largely ignored within the software since the appearance of Cubase SX.

At times, Steinberg sold MIDI interfaces with a technology for increased timing accuracy ('LTB') in order to compensate for the technical weaknesses of MIDI. However, these devices have not been offered for many years and are only available on the second-hand market, although LTB is still supported in the current versions.

Audio

Cubase has been track-based or channel-based in the audio sector since the first VST versions and offers a complex mixer to process the audio signals using an equalizer and insert or send effects and, in the current version, with a complete “channel strip” Edit track and mix them together into subgroups or output channels. The channel automation offers very extensive possibilities for automated, time-controlled value changes. Cubase's audio equipment is generally good, but there is no real-time object orientation for individual audio clips compared to competing products.

A unique selling point in the large Cubase versions is the so-called "Control Room", which is a complex bus system for providing different listening situations, so that, for example, several musicians can receive individual headphone mixes at the same time, while the sum mix is ​​played back on the central listening path. Comparable products cannot be implemented in competing products, or only with a great deal of manual effort.

Cubase version 5 and higher offers functions for correcting the pitch and timing of monophonic audio recordings under the name “Variaudio”.

ASIO architecture

In 1996 Steinberg introduced the audio stream input / output architecture (ASIO) for Cubase. Together with an ASIO-compatible sound card, the ASIO architecture enables the rapid transmission of audio signals. By using the ASIO architecture, delays in the recording and playback of audio signals ( latencies ) could be reduced to such an extent that VST instruments can be played in real time. Instead of a disruptive latency of several hundred milliseconds, modern sound cards can record and play back audio signals with a latency of just a few milliseconds. For inexpensive cards without their own ASIO driver, there is a popular wrapper in the form of the ASIO4ALL driver from a third party.

The computing power that can be achieved when using ASIO depends on the computer used and its configuration, as well as the audio hardware and the ASIO driver used there. For users who need extremely short delay times, there are overviews that can serve as purchase advice. Instructions for the correct configuration of an audio computer are available online - especially for Windows operating systems - in order to achieve the best possible performance.

VST interface

1996 was an open to other providers with Cubase VST plug-in - interface for virtual effects called Virtual Studio Technology (VST) implemented. The improved VST version 2 followed in 1999, and finally version 3 of the interface in 2006, which is currently in version 3.6.0. The third version was accepted very hesitantly by the third-party developers in the first few years, but is now becoming more and more popular. However, third-party audio plugins and virtual instruments still appear as VST2 plugins.

VST plugins can act as audio effects, virtual instruments, or MIDI effects. There are also suppliers of hardware-based effects for the VST interface; In view of the computing power of current processors, however, the hardware platform now serves more as copy protection than as a necessary addition to computing power. Cubase is delivered with a bundle of plugins, in the case of Cubase 7 these are e.g. B. 66 audio effects, 18 MIDI plugins and five virtual instruments.

For many years, Steinberg has been offering the necessary development packages free of charge on the company website after registration , with which both commercial and hobby programmers can create new plugins. Programs such as NI Reaktor or Synthedit allow people without in-depth programming knowledge to create instruments and effects for the VST interface.

The VST interface has meanwhile become a standard for digital audio editing programs on Macintosh and Windows systems, but it is no longer supported by all programs in the new MacOS versions. Instead, other interfaces come, e.g. B. the AU interface ( audio unit ) or AAX / TDM are used. Steinberg products, however, still support the in-house VST interface under macOS . Emulations of real hardware are now also available as VST instruments and effects .

Nowadays it is possible to do without outboard equipment entirely and to carry out entire productions with VST instruments and effects on a PC or Mac basis. There are procedures for relocating computationally or memory-intensive plugins to other computers, but they are becoming increasingly less important in the course of increasing computer performance and the introduction of 64-bit operating systems (e.g. the "VST System Link" built into Cubase) , or - as an example from a third-party provider - the software FX Teleport ).

history

  • until 1989 - Manfred Rürup and Karl Steinberg had already made a name for themselves between 1983 and 1988 with the products Pro-16 and Pro-24 in the field of programming MIDI sequencers for the Commodore 64 , the Apple IIe , the Atari ST and the Commodore Amiga made and the company Steinberg Research GmbH founded.
  • 1989 - Steinberg releases the first MIDI sequencer on the Cubase platform: Cubit. In addition to a range of new features, the sequencer has been improved in terms of user friendliness. Cubit is written for the new operating system M.ROS, which is available for the Atari-ST, the Apple Macintosh and the PC.
  • 1990 - Cubase 2.0 offers an extended notation system and the "Phrase Synthesizer" feature (basically a complex arpeggiator) and is available for both the Atari-ST and the Apple Macintosh. Compared to Cubit, however, it is compiled for the respective operating system. At the same time, an entry-level version of the sequencer called Cubeat is offered.
  • 1991 - Cubase Audio (Apple Macintosh) now allows the recording of audio data. This function makes Cubase a serious alternative to classic recording on a tape machine.
  • 1992 - Cubase is released for Windows PCs.
  • 1996 - Cubase VST (Apple Macintosh) is presented at the Frankfurt Musikmesse. The "Virtual Studio Technology" allows the integration of real-time effects in the form of plugins. This means that all important functions and devices of everyday studio life are virtually available to the user. 1997 Cubase VST is also available for the PC.
  • 1996 - Cubasis AV appears for Windows PCs. It was an entry-level version that was later also available in a bundle with sound cards (Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live!).
  • 1999 - With Cubase VST Version 4.1 (Mac) and Cubase VST 3.7 for PC, users now have virtual instruments (VSTi) in addition to virtual effects. In addition to the advantages of the extended VST 2.0 interface, the open audio architecture ASIO 2.0 (Audio Stream Input / Output Architecture) makes it possible, among other things, to play the instruments with low latency . Both VST and ASIO have long since established themselves as quasi-standards.
  • 2000 - Cubase VST 5.0 is released. Both the Mac and the PC version have the same range of functions for the first time. So far, the Mac version has had more features than the PC version.
  • 2002 - In spring 2002, Steinberg presented the new versions of their sequencer at the NAMM Show in California: Cubase SX (Pro version) and Cubase SL (entry-level version).
  • 2003 - The expanded successor Cubase SX2 is released. The Steinberg company is bought by Pinnacle Systems.
  • 2004 - The Cubase SX3 version appears. Yamaha acquires Steinberg from Pinnacle Systems.
  • 2006 - Cubase 4 will be released in late 2006. The addition "SX" is not used. The VST3 standard is introduced.
  • 2009 - Cubase 5 will be shipped from January 2009. Steinberg is also presenting a remote controller application "Cubase iC" for the iPhone and iPod touch, which allows Cubase 5 to be controlled haptically .
  • 2010 - Steinberg released a free update to the program version Cubase 5.5 / Cubase Studio 5.5 in June.
  • 2011 - Steinberg introduces Cubase 6 at the winter NAMM 2011.
  • 2012 - Steinberg releases the paid version Cubase 6.5.
  • 2012 - Cubase 7 will be released in early December 2012.
  • 2013 - Cubase 7.5.0 will be released as a paid update in early December 2013.
  • 2014 - Cubase Pro 8 has been available since December 3, 2014.
  • 2015 - Cubase 8.5 will be released on December 2nd, 2015.
  • 2016 - Cubase 9 will be released on December 7, 2016.
  • 2017 - Cubase 9.5 will be released on November 15, 2017.
  • 2018 - Cubase 10 will be released on November 14, 2018.
  • 2019 - Cubase 10.5 will be released on November 13, 2019.

literature

  • Holger Steinbrink: Cubase Profi Guide. More creative music making and perfect sound. With the new features of Cubase 10 and 10.5. 7th updated and expanded edition. PPV Medien GmbH, Bergkirchen 2020, ISBN 978-3-95512-213-3 , p. 424 .
  • Ingo Lackerbauer: Now I'm learning Cubase SX. Starter kit for your digital music studio . Markt + Technik, Munich 2003, ISBN 3-8272-5807-3 .
  • Holger Steinbrink: Cubase Practice Guide (10th edition including Cubase Pro 9 and Artist 9), audio-workshop.de, technical script
  • audio workshop: Cubase practice & production tutorial video , German video training
  • audio workshop: Cubase Complete Tutorial video series , the most extensive German video training on the current Cubase versions
  • Werner Feindest, Gavin Lucas: Hands On Cubase Volume 1–5 , German learning course series on DVD
  • Steinberg team of authors: Cubase SX / SL 3. The reference . Mitp-Verlag, Bonn 2005, ISBN 3-8266-1560-3 .

Web links

Commons : Cubase  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ SAE online blog entry on "Mixing in the box" ( Memento from February 29, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
  2. ↑ Steinberg website: Recommendations for DAW configuration ( Memento from April 30, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
  3. ↑ ATARI Music Software. Retrieved July 25, 2020 .
  4. ^ Roger T. Dean: The Oxford handbook of computer music , Dean, RT, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009, ISBN 978-0-19-533161-5 , p. 574, OCLC 263605563 .
  5. ↑ Raymond Nekhumbe: Record music at home or anywhere made easy . RN Media Group, January 17, 2013, ISBN 978-1-300-64618-1 , p. 19.
  6. ↑ Werner Kracht: 25 years with Steinberge. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
  7. ↑ Compare all Cubase versions | STEINBERG. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
  8. ↑ Steinberg Cubasis App for iOS ( Memento from January 27, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
  9. ↑ Information on Nuendo NEK (Steinberg HP) ( Memento from March 15, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
  10. ↑ Knowledge Base / Help Center redirection. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
  11. ↑ Cubase Elements importing old files - www.steinberg.net. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
  12. ↑ Convert Cubase VST songs (ALL / ARR) to CPR format. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
  13. ↑ USB-eLicenser help / FAQ (dongle, key). Retrieved August 1, 2020 .
  14. ↑ * blümchen * eLizenser stick - Page 2 -. In: www.steinberg.net. Forum, accessed on August 1, 2020 .
  15. ↑ Nantho: Steinberg acquires Syncrosoft technology - MacMusic. macmusic.org, February 12, 2008, accessed August 1, 2020 .
  16. ↑ Soft-eLicenser FAQ (Steinberg KB)
  17. ↑ Discontinuation of Steinberg LTB-MIDI-Interfaces ( Memento from October 12, 2007 in the Internet Archive )
  18. ↑ Steinberg Midex 8 under Leopard 10.5.6. Retrieved on July 28, 2020 (German).
  19. ↑ LTB in Cubase 8? - www.steinberg.net. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
  20. ↑ ASIO4ALL - Universal ASIO Driver For WDM Audio. Retrieved July 25, 2020 .
  21. ↑ Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance Data Base - Gearslutz. Retrieved July 25, 2020 (English).
  22. ^ Steinberg Support. Retrieved July 25, 2020 .
  23. ^ The Rainbows - Music and Fun. Retrieved July 25, 2020 .
  24. ↑ CUBASIS 1.7, VST 3.6 AND NANOLOGUE ( Memento from December 8, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
  25. ↑ 3rd party developer. Steinberg, accessed July 25, 2020 .
  26. ↑ Build your own synth. SynthEdit, accessed July 25, 2020 .