Steinberg Cubase 11

ManualsBrandsSteinberg ManualsSoftwareEducational Version - incl. free update to Artist 12, when activated from 10.11.2021

S t e i n b e r g

Cubase 11 £499

Cubase updates typically combine new features, expanded content and

tweaks. Does v11 of this lagship DAW do enough to tempt us? Let’s see…

Steinberg has spearheaded music software

development for over 30 years, and through

Cubase, which started as a MIDI sequencer,

introduced a whole generation to the block-

based arrange screen now used in the majority

of today’s DAWs. Along the way they invented

virtual studio technology, developed a class-

leading audio editor (Wavelab) and survived the

dark days of software piracy. However, in the last

few years the music software landscape has

changed beyond recognition and their lagship

DAW, once one of only two or three serious

contenders, now inds itself competing in a sea

of seriously powerful and yet surprisingly

similar apps, many of which of course owe their

modus operandi to Cubase. So, how does this

market-leading DAW keep things fresh? Existing

users already know the answer, and that is the

regular annual updates. These are typically

paid-for updates, which is somewhat annoying.

However, there are usually some good new

features to tempt us and Cubase 11 will hopefully

be no exception.

Cubic

In 290 we provided an extensive breakdown

of the new features which include new plugins,

SpectraLayers integration, MIDI Key Editor

improvements, improved stem exporting,

enhanced sampler track options and better

score editing, and here we’re going to pick up on

that and see how they perform. But irst let’s

have a recap of what exactly you’re buying into.

If you’re new to Cubase, there are three paid-for

versions (see boxout), so if you’re not ready to

commit to the full Pro version there is some

merit in starting at a lower level. Remember, all

versions are capable of professional results and

you won’t lose out inancially by upgrading from

one level to the next.

Features-wise, Cubase is a cross-platform

DAW and has, over many years, developed a

formidable and somewhat daunting feature set.

It incorporates audio recording, MIDI

sequencing (check our explainer opposite for

version-based track limits), track automation

and real time and oline audio processing.

There are a multitude of processing plugins,

including MIDI-speciic ones. There is also a

multifaceted and rather excellent integrated

channel strip with six diferent processors and

an EQ focus panel. Mixing is handled via the

MixConsole which can be accessed in the

bottom panel. Although to reveal its full

analogue-inspired glory it can be undocked, and

this is great if you’re using a second monitor. If

you need a helping hand with audio processing

there are also a multitude of categorised track

processor presets that load chains of

preconigured plugins.

From a worklow perspective Cubase

combines a core project window with various

additional zones and windows, some of which

ZONES

Open/close the left, right

and lower zones using

these three icons

RIGHT

Access four

tabs

including the

Media rack,

Meters,

Control Room

and VSTi

Rack

PROJECT

WINDOW

The main window

is both a record,

edit and

arrangement

space, and a

gateway to

more detailed

edit windows

LOWER ZONE

Sampler Control, Chord Pads,

audio …or MIDI Editors

and docked MixConsole

INSPECTOR

View and edit

a multitude of

track-specific

parameters

from the

Inspector tab

SEPARATE

WINDOW

Click this icon

to undock

and float

various

windows for

maximum

flexibility

TOOLBAR

The main project tools are accessed

via the top bar, or via a right-click to

open them in a floating window

MIX CONSOLE

Either access the mixer from this lower

zone tab, but if you have the screen

space it also has its own window

GLOBAL TRACKS

Tempo, marker, arrangement and

chords can now also be viewed in

the Key Editor

OUTPUT

In the metering section you

get either regular level

meters or loudness meters

70 / COMPUTER MUSIC / February 2021

> reviews / steinberg cubase 11

CMU291.rev_cubase11.indd 70 11/12/2020 10:11

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
> reviews / steinberg cubase 11 INSPECTOR View and edit a multitude of track-specific parameters from the Inspector tab GLOBAL TRACKS Tempo, marker, arrangement and chords can now also be viewed in the Key Editor TOOLBAR The main project tools are accessed via the top bar, or via a right-click to open them in a floating window RIGHT Access four tabs including the Media rack, Meters, Control Room and VSTi Rack PROJECT WINDOW The main window is both a record, edit and arrangement space, and a gateway to m
PAGE 2
steinberg cubase 11 / reviews < “The amount of content depends on the version but even Elements gets a sizable chunk of sample sets” can be undocked and floated. The main project window incorporates an arrangement timeline in the middle with various editing-related panels below. This is flanked by the VST instrument rack and MediaBay browser in the right zone and track or editor Inspector in the left zone.
PAGE 3
> reviews / steinberg cubase 11 combination of compression types coupled with the razor sharp attack and release created some amazing effects on just one band. Multiply that by three and you can get really creative. Squasher is pretty easy to get to grips with but if you’re looking for inspiration there are a bunch of presets that showcase what it can do. New for both Pro and Artist are Supervision and Imager, Supervision being a configurable analysis plugin.
PAGE 4
steinberg cubase 11 / reviews < “It’s tough for an established DAW to feel groundbreaking whatever they add” Our favourite is the Note Editing Overlay which, as suggested, overlays the MIDI notes above or below the staff so you can edit length/velocity. The new sounds Although Cubase 11 doesn’t get any new synths, all versions get six new sound sets totalling just under 6GB of content, courtesy of Black Octopus Sound, Beat Butcha and Robert Dudzic.