Operation Manual
Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte, Marita Sladek This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the complexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images. The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Table of Contents 7 7 7 8 9 Introduction Platform-Independent Documentation About the Documentation Conventions Key Commands 10 10 17 20 Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Setting Up MIDI Connecting a Synchronizer 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 Audio Connections Audio Connections Window Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs Adding Input and Output Busses Presets for Input and Output Busses About Monitoring Editing the Bus Configurations 26 27 27 37 42 47 51 52 56 59 59 Project Window Showing/Hiding Zo
Table of Contents 168 168 171 173 177 183 183 Recording Basic Recording Methods Monitoring Audio Recording Specifics MIDI Recording Specifics Remaining Record Time Lock Record 184 184 190 Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing Audio Files Importing MIDI Files 193 193 194 194 195 195 196 Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Functions Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths Quantizing MIDI Event Ends Quantizing Audio Event Starts Quantize Panel 202 202 206 207 209 Fades and Crossfad
Table of Contents 403 404 404 405 406 408 409 410 411 VST Instruments in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) VST Instruments Toolbar (not in Cubase LE) VST Instrument Controls (not in Cubase LE) Presets for Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Latency Import and Export Options VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) 414 414 414 417 Installing and Managing Plug-Ins Installing VST Plug-Ins VST Plug-In Manager Compiling a New Effects Collection 418 418 420 421 425
Table of Contents 607 607 607 608 608 608 609 619 Searching for Key Commands Removing Key Commands Saving Key Commands Presets Loading Key Command Presets Importing Key Command Settings Resetting Key Commands The Default Key Commands Setting Up Tool Modifier Keys 621 621 623 624 624 624 625 626 627 629 Customizing Using the Setup Options Customizing the Meter Colors Customizing the User Interface Colors Color Selector Pane Coloring Tracks, Parts, or Events Manually Auto Track Color Mode Colorizing Track
Introduction The documentation covers the following Steinberg products: Cubase Elements, Cubase AI, and Cubase LE. Functions that are only available in Cubase Elements and not in Cubase AI or Cubase LE are clearly indicated. The screenshots are taken from Cubase Elements. Platform-Independent Documentation The documentation applies to the operating systems Windows and macOS. Features and settings that are specific to one of these platforms are clearly indicated.
Introduction Conventions Groove Agent SE Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument Groove Agent SE. Conventions In our documentation, we use typographical and markup elements to structure information. Typographical Elements The following typographical elements mark the following purposes. PREREQUISITE Requires you to complete an action or to fulfill a condition before starting a procedure. PROCEDURE Lists the steps that you must take to achieve a specific result.
Introduction Key Commands Key Commands Many of the default key commands, also known as keyboard shortcuts, use modifier keys, some of which are different depending on the operating system. When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are shown with the Windows modifier key first followed by the macOS and the key: ● Windows modifier key/macOS modifier key-Z EXAMPLE Ctrl/Cmd-Z means: press Ctrl on Windows or Cmd on macOS, then press Z.
Setting Up Your System To use Cubase, you must set up your audio, and if required, your MIDI system. Setting Up Audio IMPORTANT Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections. Simple Stereo Input and Output Setup If you only use a stereo input and output from Cubase, you can connect your audio hardware, for example, the inputs of your audio card or your audio interface, directly to the input source and the outputs to a power amplifier and speaker.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio About Recording Levels and Inputs When you connect your equipment, make sure that the impedance and levels of the audio sources and inputs are matched. Using the correct type of input is important to avoid distortion or noisy recordings. For microphones, for example, different inputs can be used, such as consumer line level (-10 dBV) or professional line level (+4 dBu). Sometimes, you can adjust input characteristics on the audio interface or on its control panel.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio 3. Do one of the following to open the control panel for your audio hardware: ● On Windows, click Control Panel. ● On macOS, click Open Config App. This button is available only for some hardware products. If it is not available in your setup, refer to the documentation of your audio hardware. NOTE The control panel is provided by the manufacturer of your audio hardware and is different for each audio interface brand and model.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio ASIO-Guard Latency Shows the ASIO-Guard latency. HW Sample Rate Shows the sample rate of your audio hardware. HW Pull Up/Down Shows the pull up/down status of the audio hardware. Set to Defaults Allows you to restore the default settings. Processing Precision Allows you to set the audio processing precision to 64 bit. This way, all channels are processed and mixed in 64-bit floating point.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio ASIO Driver Setup This section allows you to set up your ASIO driver. ● To open the section where you can set up the ASIO driver, select Studio > Studio Setup and select the audio driver in the Devices list. The following options are available: Control Panel Opens the control panel for the audio hardware. Input Latency Shows the input latency of the audio driver. Output Latency Shows the output latency of the audio driver.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Port System Name The system name of the port. Show As Allows you to rename the port. This name is used in the Input Routing and Output Routing pop-up menus. Visible Allows you to activate/deactivate audio ports. State The state of the audio port. Using External Clock Sources If you are using an external clock source, Cubase must be notified that it receives external clock signals and derives its speed from that source. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Audio Hardware Configuration Most audio cards provide one or more small applications that allow you to customize your hardware. The settings are normally gathered on a control panel that can be opened from within Cubase or separately, when Cubase is not running. For details, refer to the audio hardware documentation. Settings include: ● Selecting which inputs/outputs are active. ● Setting up word clock synchronization.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up MIDI Audio Bus Setup Cubase uses a system of input and output busses to transfer audio between the program and the audio hardware. ● Input busses let you route audio from the inputs of your audio hardware into Cubase. This means that audio is always recorded through one or several input busses. ● Output busses let you route audio from Cubase to the outputs of your audio hardware. This means that audio is always played back through one or several output busses.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up MIDI your own playing, edit the MIDI data in Cubase, and then play it back on the keyboard and record the audio that is coming out of the keyboard for a better edited performance. Showing or Hiding MIDI Ports You can specify if a MIDI port is listed on the MIDI pop-up menus in the program. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select MIDI Port Setup. 3. To hide a MIDI port, deactivate its Visible column. 4. Click OK.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up MIDI The following colums are displayed: Device The connected MIDI devices. I/O The port input/output status. Port System Name The system name of the port. Show As Allows you to rename the port. This name is used in the Input Routing and Output Routing pop-up menus. Visible Allows you to activate/deactivate MIDI ports. State The state of the MIDI port. In 'All MIDI Inputs' Allows you to record MIDI data from all MIDI inputs.
Setting Up Your System Connecting a Synchronizer Use System Timestamp for 'DirectMusic' Inputs Activate this option if you have persistent timing problems such as shifted notes. If this is activated, the system timestamp is used as a time reference. Plug and Play Support for USB MIDI Devices Cubase supports plug and play of USB MIDI devices. These devices can be plugged in and switched on while the application is running.
Audio Connections To play back and record in Cubase, you must set up input and output busses in the Audio Connections window. The bus types that you need depend on your audio hardware, on your general audio setup, and on the projects that you use. Audio Connections Window The Audio Connections window allows you to set up input and output busses. ● To open the Audio Connections window, select Studio > Audio Connections.
Audio Connections Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs Device Port Shows which physical inputs/outputs on your audio hardware are used by the bus. Expand the bus entry to show all speaker channels. If the bus entry is collapsed, only the first port that is used by this bus is visible. The Device Port pop-up menu displays how many busses are connected to a given port. The busses are shown in square brackets next to the port name. Up to 3 bus assignments can be displayed in this way.
Audio Connections Adding Input and Output Busses Activating and Deactivating Ports (macOS only) On macOS you can specify which input and output ports are active. This allows you to use the microphone input instead of the line input or to deactivate the audio card input or output. NOTE This function is only available for built-in audio, standard USB audio devices, and a certain number of other audio cards. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2.
Audio Connections Presets for Input and Output Busses Presets for Input and Output Busses For input and output bus configurations, you can use different kinds of presets. ● A number of standard bus configurations. ● Automatically created presets tailored to your specific hardware configuration. On startup, Cubase analyzes the physical inputs and outputs that are provided by your audio hardware and creates a number of hardware-dependent presets. ● Your own presets.
Audio Connections Editing the Bus Configurations Editing the Bus Configurations After you have set up all the required busses for a project you can edit the names and change port assignments. The bus configuration is saved with the project. Removing Busses PROCEDURE ● In the Audio Connections window, right-click a bus in the list and select Remove Bus. You can also select the bus and press Backspace. Changing Port Assignments You can change the port assignment of busses in the Audio Connections window.
Project Window The Project window provides an overview of the project, and allows you to navigate and perform large scale editing. Each project has one Project window. The Project window is displayed whenever you open or create a new project. ● To open a project, select File > Open. ● To create a new project, select File > New Project.
Project Window Showing/Hiding Zones The lower zone shows the Chord Pads, the Editor, the Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only), and the MixConsole. 4 Right Zone The right zone shows the VST Instruments rack, and the Media rack (not in Cubase LE). RELATED LINKS Project Zone on page 27 Left Zone on page 37 Lower Zone on page 42 Right Zone on page 47 Toolbar on page 28 Showing/Hiding Zones You can show/hide the zones in the Project window according to your needs.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Track List on page 31 Event Display on page 32 Ruler on page 32 Status Line on page 33 Info Line on page 34 Overview Line on page 35 Transport on page 35 Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for opening other windows and various project settings and functions. ● To show/hide tools, open the toolbar context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the toolbar and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All.
Project Window Project Zone Constrain Delay Compensation Allows you to minimize the latency effects of the delay compensation. Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Media & MixConsole Windows These buttons allow you to open or close the MediaBay, the Pool, and the MixConsole. State Buttons These buttons show the mute, solo, listen, and automation states. Auto-Scroll Allows you to keep the project cursor visible during playback.
Project Window Project Zone Snap On/Off Allows you to activate/deactivate snap to restrict horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. Snap Type Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap. Grid Type Allows you to specify a grid type for the snap function. This setting only has effect if Snap Type is set to one of the grid options. Quantize Allows you to move recorded audio or MIDI to musical relevant positions.
Project Window Project Zone Toolbox The toolbox makes the editing tools from the toolbar available at the mouse pointer position. It can be opened instead of the standard context menus in the event display and editors. ● To activate the toolbox function, activate Pop-up Toolbox on Right-Click in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page). ● To open the toolbox, right-click in the event display or editor. If Pop-up Toolbox on Right-Click is deactivated, the context menu opens.
Project Window Project Zone You can also click Divide Track List in the top right corner of the Project window below the ruler. Video, marker, or arranger tracks are automatically moved to the upper track list. All other track types are moved to the lower track list. ● To move any type of track from the lower track list to the upper and vice versa, right-click it in the track list and select Toggle Track List from the context menu.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Project Setup Dialog on page 65 Ruler Display Formats You can select a display format for the ruler. ● To select a new display format for the ruler, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler and select an option from the pop-up menu. The selection that you make affects the time display formats in the following areas: ● Ruler ● Info line ● Tooltip position values The following options are available: Bars+Beats Bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks.
Project Window Project Zone Audio Inputs/Audio Outputs These fields are shown if the audio device ports are not connected. Click to open the Audio Connections dialog and connect the ports. Max. Record Time Displays the remaining time for recording, depending on your project settings and the available hard disk space. Click in this field to display the remaining record time in a separate window. Record Format Displays the sample rate and the bit resolution used for recording.
Project Window Project Zone Overview Line The overview line allows you to zoom and navigate to other sections in the project. To activate the overview line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Overview Line. In the overview line, events and parts are displayed as boxes. A rectangle indicates the section of the project that is displayed in the event display. ● To zoom the event display in or out horizontally, resize the rectangle by dragging the edges.
Project Window Project Zone Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. System Performance Meter Shows the meters for ASIO time usage and hard disk transfer load. Locators Allows you to go to the left or right locator position, and to set the left and right locator position numerically. Punch Points Allows you to activate/deactivate Punch In and Punch Out. These points determine the record start and stop positions.
Project Window Left Zone Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Input/Output Activity Allows you to monitor the MIDI input/output signals, the audio input/output signals, and allows you to control the output level. RELATED LINKS Common Record Modes on page 170 Audio Record Modes on page 175 MIDI Record Modes on page 181 Left/Right Toolbar Divider on page 30 Left Zone The left zone of the Project window allows you to display the Inspector.
Project Window Left Zone RELATED LINKS Inspector on page 38 Inspector The Inspector allows you to show controls and parameters for either the selected track in the track list or the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone. The bottom of the left zone features two tabs: Track and Editor. ● Click the Track tab to open the Track Inspector for the selected track. ● Click the Editor tab to open the Editor Inspector for the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone.
Project Window Left Zone 2. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Track tab. RESULT The Track Inspector for the selected track in the track list is opened. If more than one track is selected, the controls and parameters for the topmost selected track are shown. Opening the Editor Inspector The Editor Inspector shows controls and parameters for the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone.
Project Window Left Zone RESULT The Editor Inspector for the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone is opened. NOTE The Editor Inspector only contains information if the lower zone shows an editor. Otherwise, it is empty. RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 46 Inspector Sections The Track Inspector and the Editor Inspector are divided into a number of sections that each contain different controls for the track, event or part.
Project Window Left Zone RELATED LINKS Inspector Settings Dialog on page 41 Audio Track Inspector on page 76 Instrument Track Inspector on page 81 MIDI Track Inspector on page 85 Sampler Track Inspector on page 90 Arranger Track Inspector on page 93 Marker Track Inspector on page 106 Video Track Inspector on page 108 Key Editor Inspector on page 471 Drum Editor Inspector on page 511 Sample Editor Inspector on page 305 Inspector Settings Dialog The Inspector settings dialogs allow you to set up the sections
Project Window Lower Zone Hidden Items Displays sections that are hidden in the Inspector. Visible Items Displays sections that are visible in the Inspector. Pin If you activate Pin by clicking the column for a section the open/close status of the selected Inspector section is pinned. Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden sections list to the list of visible sections. Remove Allows you to move an item selected in the visible sections list to the list of hidden sections.
Project Window Lower Zone To close the lower zone, click Close Lower Zone to the left of the tabs. RELATED LINKS Opening Chord Pads on page 44 Opening MixConsole in the Lower Zone on page 44 Opening Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only) on page 45 Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 46 Setting up the Lower Zone In the lower zone, the tabs MixConsole, Editor, Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only), and Chord Pads are shown.
Project Window Lower Zone NOTE In the Presets section of this dialog you can also save a preset of your tab configuration. RESULT The tabs in the lower zone are shown according to your configuration. Opening Chord Pads Chord Pads allow you to play with chords, and to change their voicings and tensions. PREREQUISITE The Chord Pads tab is activated in the Lower Zone Setup. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone. 2.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT The MixConsole is opened in the lower zone. RELATED LINKS MixConsole in Lower Zone on page 229 Opening Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control allows you display and edit the waveform of an audio sample on a sampler track. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone. 2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the Sampler Control tab. RESULT Sampler Control is opened.
Project Window Lower Zone Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone The Editor in the lower zone allows you to perform event editing procedures from within the lower zone of the Project window, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events. NOTE By default, double-clicking an audio event/part or a MIDI part in the event display or selecting it and pressing Return opens the corresponding editor in the lower zone of the Project window. Using a menu command opens a separate editor window.
Project Window Right Zone Selecting a different MIDI Editor You can display the MIDI part that is opened in the editor in the lower zone in a different MIDI editor. To do this, you do not necessarily need to change the default MIDI editor. PROCEDURE 1. On the Editor tab in the editor in the lower zone, click Select MIDI Editor. 2. Select an editor from the pop-up menu. RESULT The MIDI part is displayed in the selected editor. NOTE This selection is temporary.
Project Window Right Zone NOTE You can show/hide specific tabs from the right zone by right-clicking a tab header and activating/ deactivating the options in the context menu. RELATED LINKS VSTi Rack in the Right Zone on page 48 Media Rack in the Right Zone on page 50 Opening the VSTi Rack in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) You can show the VSTi rack in the right zone of the Project window.
Project Window Right Zone ● Track Shows the associated VST instrument for an instrument track. ● Rack Shows a VST instrument. The following controls are available: 1 Add Track Instrument Opens the Add Instrument Track dialog that allows you to select an instrument and add an instrument track that is associated to this instrument. 2 Find Instruments Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument.
Project Window Right Zone RESULT The Media rack is opened in the right zone of the Project window. RELATED LINKS Media Rack in the Right Zone on page 50 MediaBay on page 365 Media Rack in the Right Zone The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window allows you to drag audio events, MIDI parts, or instrument presets into the event display. It lists Steinberg factory content and any installed Steinberg content sets.
Project Window Keyboard Focus in the Project Window The Media rack Home page is divided into several sections: Search Allows you to search media files by name or by attribute. Navigation Controls Allow you to go back to the previous page, to the Home page , or to any subpage. Show All Items Shows the Results page for a selected tile. If no tile is selected, all media files are shown. Instruments Tile Shows all included VST instruments.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window NOTE You can change the focus color in the Preferences dialog (User Interface—Custom Colors page). RELATED LINKS Project Zone on page 27 Left Zone on page 37 Lower Zone on page 42 Right Zone on page 47 Project Window on page 26 Activating Keyboard Focus for a Zone You can activate the keyboard focus for a zone by clicking with the mouse and by using key commands. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● To activate any zone, click in it.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window Zooming Horizontally ● Select the Zoom tool and click in the event display to zoom in. To zoom out, hold down Alt and click. ● Use the horizontal zoom sliders to zoom in and out. ● Click the lower half of the ruler and drag down to zoom in horizontally. Click the lower half of the ruler and drag up to zoom out horizontally. ● Click H to zoom in horizontally. Click G to zoom out horizontally.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window Zoom Submenu The Zoom submenu contains options for zooming in the Project window. ● To open the Zoom submenu, select Edit > Zoom. The following options are available: Zoom In/Out Zooms in/out one step, centering on the project cursor. Zoom Full Zooms out so that the whole project is visible. The whole project means the timeline from the project start to the length set in the Project Setup dialog.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window ● To save the current zoom setting as a preset, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Add. In the Type In Preset Name dialog that opens, type in a name for the preset and click OK. ● To select and apply a preset, select it from the Zoom Presets pop-up menu. ● To zoom out so that the whole project is visible, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Zoom Full.
Project Window Snap Function Zoom History You can undo and redo zoom operations. This way you can zoom in several steps and then easily go back to the zoom stage at which you started. You can undo and redo zoom operations in the following ways: ● To undo zoom, select Edit > Zoom > Undo Zoom or double-click with the zoom tool. ● To redo zoom, select Edit > Zoom > Redo Zoom or press Alt and double-click with the zoom tool.
Project Window Snap Function Snap Types You can select between different snap types to determine the snap point. ● To select a snap type, open the Snap Type pop-up menu. The following snap types are available: Grid If this option is activated, the snap points are set with the Grid Type pop-up menu. The options depend on the display format that is selected for the ruler. If you select Seconds as ruler format, time-based grid options are available.
Project Window Snap Function The same principle works when changing the order of more than two events. Magnetic Cursor This grid type lets the project cursor become magnetic. Dragging an event near the cursor causes the event to be aligned with the cursor position. Grid + Cursor This is a combination of Grid and Magnetic Cursor. Events + Cursor This is a combination of Events and Magnetic Cursor. Events + Grid + Cursor This is a combination of Events, Grid, and Magnetic Cursor.
Project Window Cross-Hair Cursor If you activate Time Linear in the ruler context menu, the distances between the grid lines are still constant but based on musical values such as bars and beats. RELATED LINKS Snap Types on page 57 Zooming in the Project Window on page 52 Ruler Display Formats on page 33 Cross-Hair Cursor The cross-hair cursor is displayed when working in the Project window and in the editors, facilitating navigation and editing, especially when arranging large projects.
Project Window Edit History Dialog ● To undo your actions, move the horizontal, colored line upwards to the desired position. You can only undo your actions in reverse order, for example, the last performed action is the first action to be undone. ● To redo an action that was undone previously, move the line down the list again. NOTE ● You can also undo applied audio processes. However, we recommend to modify or delete these using the Direct Offline Processing window.
Project Handling In Cubase, projects are the central documents. You must create and set up a project to work with the program. Creating New Projects You can create empty projects or projects that are based on a template. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > New Project. Depending on your settings, either the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog opens. 2. 3. In the location options section, select where to store the new project. ● To use the default location, select Use default location.
Project Handling Hub Hub When you start Cubase or create new projects using the File menu, the Hub opens. The Hub keeps you up to date with the latest information and assists you with organizing your projects. It consists of the News and Tutorials section and the Projects section. News and Tutorials section The News and Tutorials section displays Steinberg news, tutorial videos as well as links to the user forum, downloads, and the Help Center.
Project Handling Project Assistant RELATED LINKS Project Assistant on page 63 Deactivating the Hub To start Cubase or to create new projects without the Hub, you can deactivate it. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select General. 2. Deactivate Use Hub. RESULT Cubase starts without opening a project and opens the Project Assistant dialog when you create a new project using the File menu. However, you can still open the Hub through the Hub menu.
Project Handling About Template Files ● Track Pictures About Template Files Templates can be a good starting point for new projects. Templates are projects where you can save all settings that you regularly use, such as bus configurations, sample rates, record formats, basic track layouts, VSTi setups, drum map setups, etc. The following template types are available from within the Hub: ● Factory templates for specific scenarios.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog 5. Click the Value field of the Template Category attribute and select a template category from the pop-up menu. If you do not select a category, the new template will be listed in the Hub in the More category. 6. Click OK to save the template. Renaming Templates PROCEDURE 1. In the Hub or the Project Assistant, right-click a template and select Rename. 2. In the Rename dialog, enter a new name and click OK.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog author in the Default Author Name field in the Preferences dialog (General— Personalization page). Company Allows you to specify a company name that is written into the file, when you export audio files and activate the Insert iXML chunk option. You can specify a default company in the Default Company Name field in the Preferences dialog (General— Personalization page). Start Allows you to specify the start time of the project in timecode format.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog keeps the audio quality absolutely pristine. Effect processing and level or EQ changes in the input channel are done in 32 Bit Float format. If you record at 16 or 24 Bit, the audio will be converted to this lower resolution when it is written to a file. As a result, the signal may degrade. This is independent of the actual resolution of your audio hardware.
Project Handling Opening Project Files HMT Depth (MIDI only) (Cubase Elements only) Allows you to specify the overall degree of retuning. RELATED LINKS Record - Audio on page 653 Opening Project Files You can open one or several saved project files at the same time. IMPORTANT If you open a project saved with a different program version that contains data for functions that are not available in your version, this data may be lost when you save the project with your version.
Project Handling Saving Project Files ● Select File > Recent Projects and select a recently opened project. Re-Routing Missing Ports If you open a Cubase project that was created on a different system with other audio hardware, Cubase tries to find matching audio inputs and outputs for the input/output busses. If Cubase cannot resolve all audio/MIDI inputs and outputs that are used in the project, the Missing Ports dialog opens.
Project Handling Reverting to the Last Saved Version Saving Project Files As a New Version You can create and activate a new version of an active project file. This is useful if you are experimenting with edits and arrangements and want to be able to go back to a previous version at any time. To save a new version of the active project, do one of the following: ● Select File > Save New Version. ● Press Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-S.
Project Handling Creating Self-Contained Projects Preparing Archives The Prepare Archive function allows you to gather all files that are referenced by your project to ensure that these are in the project folder. This is useful if you want to move or archive your project. PROCEDURE 1. Select Media > Prepare Archive. If your project references external files, you are prompted if you want to copy them to your working directory.
Project Handling Creating Self-Contained Projects sections of large files. It also means that you cannot use other parts of the audio files if you continue working with the project in its new folder. Freeze Direct Offline Processing Allows you to flatten all edits and make all processing and applied effects permanent to each clip in the Pool. Remove Unused Files Allows you to remove unused files and to back up only the files that are actually used.
Tracks Tracks are the building blocks of your project. They allow you to import, add, record, and edit data (parts and events). Tracks are listed from top to bottom in the Track list and extend horizontally across the Project window. Each track is assigned to a particular channel strip in the MixConsole. If you select a track in the Project window, the controls, settings, and parameters displayed in the Inspector and the track list allow you to control the track.
Tracks Track Control Settings Hidden Items Displays sections that are hidden in the Inspector. Visible Items Displays sections that are visible in the Inspector. Pin If you activate Pin by clicking the column for a section the open/close status of the selected Inspector section is pinned. Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden sections list to the list of visible sections. Remove Allows you to move an item selected in the visible sections list to the list of hidden sections.
Tracks Track Control Settings Track Type Allows you to select the track type to which your settings are applied. Hidden Controls Displays controls that are hidden in the track list. Visible Controls Displays controls that are visible in the track list. Width If you click in this column, you can set the maximum length for the track name. Group Displays the group number. Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden controls list to the list of visible controls.
Tracks Audio Tracks Reset Allows you to restore all default track controls settings for the selected track type. Controls Area Preview Shows a preview of the customized track controls. Controls Area Width Allows you to determine the width of the track control area for the selected track type. In the Controls Area Preview, this area is shown with a frame. Presets Allows you to save track controls settings as presets. To recall a preset, click Switch Presets in the bottom right corner of the track list.
Tracks Audio Tracks Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Auto Fades Settings Opens a dialog where you can make separate audio fade settings for the track. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output. Freeze Audio Channel Allows you to freeze the audio channel.
Tracks Audio Tracks Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. Audio Track Inspector sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, audio tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections. Inserts Allows you to add insert effects to the track. Strip Allows you to set up the channel strip modules. Equalizers Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQ for each track.
Tracks Audio Tracks Sends Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. Audio Track Controls The Track List for audio tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your audio track. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output. Bypass Inserts Bypasses the inserts for the track. Bypass EQs Bypasses the equalizers for the track. Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track. Channel Configuration Shows the channel configuration of the track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Instrument Track Inspector The Inspector for instrument tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control your instrument track. It shows some of the sections from VST instrument channels and MIDI tracks. The top section of the instrument track Inspector contains the following basic track settings: Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Volume Allows you to adjust the level of the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track. Load/Save/Reload Track Preset Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets. Input Routing Allows you to specify the input bus for the track. Activate Outputs This control is only available if the instrument provides more than one output. It allows you to activate one or more outputs for the instrument.
Tracks Instrument Tracks MIDI Modifiers Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in realtime during playback. Instrument Section Shows the audio-related controls for the instrument. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. Instrument Track Controls The Track List for instrument tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your instrument track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Double-click to rename the track. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Allows you to route incoming MIDI signals to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Edit Instrument Allows you to open the instrument panel. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation.
Tracks MIDI Tracks Allows you to select a drum map for the track. Freeze Channel Opens the Freeze Channel Options dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds. MIDI Tracks You can use MIDI tracks for recording and playing back MIDI parts. Each MIDI track has a corresponding MIDI channel in the MixConsole. A MIDI track can have any number of automation tracks. ● To add a MIDI track to your project, select Project > Add Track > MIDI.
Tracks MIDI Tracks Allows you to write track automation. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). MIDI Volume Allows you to adjust the MIDI volume for the track. MIDI Pan Allows you to adjust the MIDI pan for the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, MIDI tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections. Chords Allows you to specify how the track follows the chord track. MIDI Modifiers Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in realtime during playback.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Fader Section Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. MIDI Track Controls The Track List for MIDI tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your MIDI track. The track list for MIDI tracks contains the following controls: Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Monitor Allows you to route incoming MIDI signals to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). Channel Allows you to specify the MIDI channel. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Output Allows you to specify the output for the track. Programs Allows you to select a program. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Track Inspector The Inspector for sampler tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your sampler track. The top section of the sampler track Inspector contains the following basic track settings: Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track. Load/Save/Reload Track Preset Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets. Input Routing Allows you to specify the input bus for the track. Sampler Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, sampler tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Instrument Section Shows the audio-related controls for the sampler track. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. Sampler Track Controls The track list for sampler tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your sampler track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Record enable Activates the track for recording.
Tracks Arranger Track Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. ASIO Latency Compensation Moves all recorded events on the track by the current latency. Bypass Inserts Bypasses the inserts for the track. Bypass EQs Bypasses the equalizers for the track. Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track. Freeze Channel Opens the Freeze Channel Options dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds.
Tracks Arranger Track Track Name Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Arranger Editor. Select Active Arranger Chain + Function Allows you to select the active arranger chain, to rename it, to create a new one, to duplicate or to flatten it. Current Arranger Chain Shows the active arranger chain. Arranger Events Lists all arranger events in your project. Click the arrow for an arranger event to play it back and start the live mode. Stop Allows you to stop the live mode.
Tracks Chord Track Chord Track You can use the chord track for adding chord and scale events to your project. These can transform the pitches of other events. ● To add the chord track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Chord. Chord Track Inspector The chord track Inspector contains a number of settings for the chord events. The top section of the chord track Inspector contains the following settings: Track name Click to show/hide the basic track settings section. Mute Mutes the track.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks If this option is activated the program creates scale events automatically. Mapping Offset Allows you to specify an offset value to make sure that chord events also affect the MIDI notes that have been triggered too early (enter a negative value) or too late (enter a positive value). Chord Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, the chord track provides other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole. An FX channel track can have any number of automation tracks. ● To add an FX channel track to your project, select Project > Add Track > FX Channel. FX Channel Track Inspector The Inspector for FX channel tracks shows the settings for the FX channel. When you select the folder track instead, the Inspector shows the folder and the FX channels it contains.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks FX Channel Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, FX channel tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections. Inserts Allows you to add insert effects to the track. Strip Allows you to set up the channel strip modules. Equalizers Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQ for each track.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Sends Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. FX Channel Track Controls The Track List for FX channel tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the settings for the effect. Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track.
Tracks Folder Tracks Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Mute Automation Deactivates the automation read function for the selected parameter. Automation parameter Allows you to select a parameter for automation. Bypass Inserts Bypasses the inserts for the track. Bypass EQs Bypasses the equalizers for the track. Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track.
Tracks Folder Tracks Folder Track Inspector The Inspector for folder tracks shows the folder and its underlying track, much like a folder structure in the File Explorer/macOS Finder. When you select the one of the tracks shown under the folder, the Inspector shows the settings for that track. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output. Group Channel Tracks You can use group channel tracks to create a submix of several audio channels and apply the same effects to them. A group channel track contains no events as such, but displays settings and automation for the corresponding group channel.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Volume Allows you to adjust the level for the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. NOTE When you select the group folder track instead, the Inspector shows the folder and the group channels it contains. You can click one of the group channels shown in the folder, to have the Inspector show the settings for that group channel.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Equalizers Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQ for each track. Sends Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. Group Channel Track Controls The Track List for group channel tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the settings for the group. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation.
Tracks Marker Track Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track. Channel Configuration Shows the channel configuration of the track. Marker Track You can use the marker track to add and edit markers that help you to locate certain positions quickly. ● To add the marker track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Marker. Marker Track Inspector The marker track Inspector displays the marker list. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.
Tracks Ruler Track Allows you to select a cycle marker. Zoom Allows you to zoom in a cycle marker. Add Marker Allows you to add a position marker at the project cursor position. Add Cycle Marker Allows you to add a cycle marker at the project cursor position. Ruler Track You can use ruler tracks to show several rulers with different display formats for the timeline. This is completely independent from the main ruler, as well as rulers and position displays in other windows.
Tracks Video Track Video Track You can use the video track to play back video events. Video files are displayed as events/clips on the video track, with thumbnails representing the frames in the film. ● To add a video track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Video. Video Track Inspector The video track Inspector contains a number of parameters to control the video track. Mute Video Track Mutes the track.
Track Handling Adding Tracks You can add tracks via the Project menu, the context menu, or by dragging files from the MediaBay. Tracks can be added with or without track presets. Add Track Dialog The Add Track dialog opens when you add audio, MIDI, group/FX channels, or instrument tracks. The available options depend on the track type. Browse Expands the dialog and allows you to select a track preset for the track. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.
Track Handling Adding Tracks RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog on page 109 Adding Tracks based on Track Presets You can add tracks based on track presets. Track presets contain sound and channel settings. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track. 2. Select Using Track Preset. You can also right-click the track list and select Add Track Using Track Preset. 3. In the Choose Track Preset dialog, select a track preset. The number and type of the added tracks depend on the selected track preset. 4.
Track Handling Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI File Import Options Dialog Copy File to Working Directory Copies the audio file to the Audio folder of the project, and has the clip refer to the copy. Deactivate this option to have the clip refer to the original file in the original location. In this case, it is marked as “external” in the Pool.
Track Handling Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI File Export Options for MIDI Files The Export Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data is included in the exported MIDI files. Export Inspector Patch If this option is activated, the MIDI patch settings in the Inspector - Bank Select and Program Select (used for selecting sounds in the connected MIDI instrument) are included as MIDI Bank Select and Program Change events in the MIDI file.
Track Handling Removing Tracks the precision with which you will be able to view and edit the MIDI data. The higher the resolution, the higher the precision. The resolution should be chosen depending on the application or sequencer with which the MIDI file will be used though, because certain applications and sequencers may not be able to handle certain resolutions. Export Locator Range If this option is activated, only the range between the left and right locator will be exported.
Track Handling Coloring Tracks AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK If the Parts Get Track Names option is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing page), and you move an event from one track to another, the moved event will automatically be named according to its new track. Coloring Tracks All new tracks are automatically assigned a color according to the Auto Track Color Mode settings. However, you can change the track color manually.
Track Handling Showing Track Pictures If you move the mouse to the left on a track, a highlighted rectangle appears. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Double-click the rectangle to open the Track Pictures Browser and set up a track picture. RELATED LINKS Track Pictures Browser on page 115 Track Pictures Browser The Track Pictures Browser allows you to set up and select pictures that can be shown in the track list and in the MixConsole. Track pictures are useful to recognize tracks and channels easily.
Track Handling Setting the Track Height Show/Hide Preview Opens/Closes a section with further color and zoom settings. Track Picture Preview Shows the current track picture. When you zoom in the picture, you can drag it with the mouse to change its visible part. Track Color Opens the Track Color Selector. Click the rectangle to change the track color. Intensity Allows you to apply the track color to the track picture and set the color intensity. Zoom Allows you to change the size of the track picture.
Track Handling Selecting Tracks The following options are available: Zoom Tracks x Rows Zooms all track heights to show the specified number of rows. Zoom Tracks Full Zooms all tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom x Tracks Zooms the specified number of tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom N Tracks Allows you to set the number of tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom Tracks Minimal Zooms all track heights to the minimum size.
Track Handling Duplicating Tracks Selecting Tracks with Arrow Keys You can select tracks and events with the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key on the computer keyboard. However, you can make the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key exclusively available for selecting tracks. ● To make the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key exclusively available for selecting tracks, activate Use Up/Down Navigation Commands for selecting Tracks only in the Preferences dialog (Editing page).
Track Handling Handling Overlapping Audio ● To remove tracks from a folder, select them and drag them out of the folder. ● To hide/show tracks in a folder, click the Expand/Collapse Folder button of the folder track. ● To hide/show data on a folder track, open the context menu for the folder track and select an option from the Show Data on Folder Tracks submenu. ● To mute/solo all tracks in a folder track, click the Mute or Solo button for the folder track.
Track Handling Track Presets ● Show Event Details If this option is activated, event details are displayed. If this option is deactivated, data blocks are displayed. NOTE You can change these settings in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Folders page). Track Presets Track presets are templates that can be applied to newly created or existing tracks of the same type.
Track Handling Track Presets ● The VST instrument used for the track ● Staff settings ● Color settings ● Drum map settings MIDI Track Presets You can use MIDI track presets for multi-timbral VST instruments (not in Cubase LE). When creating MIDI track presets you can either include the channel or the patch. The following data is saved in MIDI track presets: ● MIDI modifiers (Transpose, etc.
Track Handling Track Presets NOTE Modifiers, inserts, and EQ settings are not saved. VST effect plug-ins are available in VST 3 and VST 2 format. NOTE In this manual, VST presets stands for VST 3 instrument presets, unless stated otherwise. Creating a Track Preset You can create a track preset from a single track or from a combination of tracks. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select one or more tracks. 2. In the track list, right-click one of the selected tracks and select Save Track Preset. 3.
Track Handling Track Presets NOTE ● Once a track preset is applied, you cannot undo the changes. It is not possible to remove an applied preset from a track and return to the previous state. If you are not satisfied with the track settings, you have to either edit the settings manually or apply another preset. ● Applying VST presets to instrument tracks leads to removal of modifiers, inserts, or EQs. These settings are not stored in VST presets. Loading Track, VST, or Sampler Track Presets PROCEDURE 1.
Track Handling Track Presets Extracting the Sound from an Instrument Track or VST Preset For instrument tracks, you can extract the sound of an instrument track preset or VST preset. PROCEDURE 1. Select the instrument track to which you want to apply a sound. 2. In the Inspector, click VST Sound. 3. In the preset browser, select an instrument track preset or VST preset. 4. Double-click the preset to load the settings.
Parts and Events Parts and events are the basic building blocks in Cubase. Events In Cubase, most event types can be viewed and edited on their specific tracks in the Project window. Events can be added by importing or recording. RELATED LINKS Audio Events on page 125 MIDI Events on page 128 Audio Events Audio events are created automatically when you record or import audio in the Project window. You can view and edit audio events in the Project window and in the Sample Editor.
Parts and Events Events RELATED LINKS Basic Recording Methods on page 168 Importing Audio Files on page 184 Importing Audio CD Tracks on page 186 Importing Audio from Video Files on page 189 MediaBay on page 365 Audio Part Editor on page 325 Sample Editor on page 299 Find Media Window on page 357 Creating New Files From Events An audio event plays a section of an audio clip, which in turn refers to one or more audio files on the hard disk.
Parts and Events Events This allows you to undo processing at a later stage, and to apply different processing to different audio clips that refer to the same original file. You can view and edit audio clips in the Pool. RELATED LINKS Pool on page 348 Audio Regions on page 127 Replacing Clips in Events on page 127 Replacing Clips in Events You can replace the clips in audio events.
Parts and Events Parts of the region determined by the start and end position of the event or selection range within the clip. Events from Regions This function is available if you have selected an audio event whose clip contains regions within the boundaries of the event. The function will remove the original event and replace it with events positioned and sized according to the regions.
Parts and Events Parts Audio Parts Audio parts are containers for audio events. If you want to treat several audio events as one unit in the Project window, you can convert them to a part. You can create audio parts in the following ways: ● Select the Draw tool and draw on the audio track. ● Press Alt, select the Object Selection tool, and draw on the audio track. ● Select the Object Selection tool and double-click on the audio track, between the left and right locator.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events This section describes techniques for editing in the Project window. If not explicitly stated, all descriptions apply to both events and parts, even though we use the term event for convenience. In the Project window, you can edit events using the following techniques: ● By selecting and using one of the tools in the Project window toolbar.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The project cursor moves correspondingly and the event is played back. The speed and the pitch of the playback depend on how fast you move the mouse. NOTE Insert effects are bypassed when scrubbing with the mouse. Scrub Tool Scrubbing can be quite a burden on your system. If playback problems occur, open the Preferences dialog (Transport—Scrub page), and deactivate Use High Quality Scrub Mode.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Select Controllers in Note Range This function is available in the MIDI editors. All on Selected Tracks Selects all events on the selected track. Events under Cursor Automatically selects all events on the selected tracks that are touched by the project cursor. Select Event This function is available in the Sample Editor. Left/Right Selection Side to Cursor These functions are only used for range selection editing.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE You can only drag events to tracks of the same type. If you hold down Ctrl/Cmd while dragging, you can restrict the movement either horizontally or vertically. RESULT The events are moved. If you moved several events, their relative positions are kept. NOTE To avoid accidentally moving events when you click them in the Project window, the response when you move an event by dragging is slightly delayed.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Renaming Events PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select the events and type in a new name in the Name field on the info line. ● Change the track name, hold down a modifier key, and press Return to rename all events after the track. Resize Events You can resize events by moving their start or end positions individually. To resize events, you can use the Object Selection, the Trim, or the Scrub tools.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Resizing Events with the Object Selection Tool - Sizing Moves Contents You can move the start or end point of the event and move the content. PROCEDURE 1. Select Object Selection 2. Click the Object Selection tool again, and select Sizing Moves Contents from the pop-up menu. 3. Click and drag the lower left or right corner of the event. . RESULT The event is resized and the content follows.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events 3. Do one of the following: ● Click Trim Start Left ● Click Trim Start Right ● Click Trim End Left ● Click Trim End Right . . . . RESULT The start or end position of the selected events are moved by the amount set on the Grid Type pop-up menu. Resizing Events with the Scrub Tool You can scrub the event when moving the start or end point of the event. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play 2. Click Play again to open a pop-up menu. 3.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE If you split a MIDI part so that the split position intersects one or several MIDI notes and Split MIDI Events is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—MIDI page), the intersected notes are split and new notes are created at the beginning of the second part. If it is deactivated, the notes remain in the first part, but stick out after the end of the part.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The events are inserted on the track with the name that exactly matches the original track name. For all events that have no matching track name, new tracks are created. Duplicating Events In the Project window, you can duplicate selected events. PROCEDURE ● Select the event and do one of the following: ● Select Edit > Functions > Duplicate. ● Hold down Alt and drag the event to a new position.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Repeat Events Dialog The Repeat Events dialog allows you to create a number of real or shared copies of the selected events. ● To open the Repeat Events dialog, select Edit > Functions > Repeat. Count Allows you to specify how many times you want the event to be repeated. Shared Copies Activate this to create a shared copy.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Muting Events You can mute events in the Project window. Muted events can be edited as usual (with the exception of adjusting fades), but are not played back. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select Mute ● Select the events and select Edit > Mute. and click the events or drag a selection rectangle around them. RESULT The events are muted and grayed out. You can unmute events by selecting them and selecting Edit > Unmute.
Range Editing Editing in the Project window is not restricted to handling whole events and parts. You can also work with selection ranges, which are independent from the event/part and track boundaries. Creating a Selection Range ● To make a selection range, drag with the Range Selection tool. When the Range Selection tool is selected, you can select selection ranges options via Edit > Select.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges From Cursor to End Makes a selection on all tracks, from the project cursor to the end of the project. Equal Pitch - all Octaves This function requires that a single note is selected. It selects all notes of this part that have the same pitch in any octave as the selected note. Equal Pitch - same Octave This function requires that a single note is selected. It selects all notes of this part that have the same pitch and the same octave as the selected note.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges ● By adjusting the selection range start or end position on the info line. ● By using the trim buttons on the toolbar. The left trim buttons move the start of the selection range and the right buttons move the end. The edges are moved by the amount specified on the Grid pop-up menu. NOTE The trim buttons are located on the Nudge Palette, which is not visible on the toolbar by default. ● By using Move Left and Move Right on the toolbar.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Paste Pastes the clipboard data to the start position and track of the current selection. Existing events on the tracks remain at their original position. Paste at Origin Pastes the clipboard data back at its original position. Existing events on the tracks remain at their original position. This option is available in Edit > Functions. Cut Time Cuts out the selection range and moves it to the clipboard.
Playback and Transport Cubase offers multiple methods and functions to control playback and transport. RELATED LINKS Transport on page 655 Transport Panel The Transport panel contains the main transport functions as well as many other options related to playback and recording. ● To show the transport panel, select Transport > Transport Panel or press F2.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Punch Points Allows you to activate/deactivate Punch In and Punch Out. Main Transport Shows the basic transport controls as well as the time display options. Arranger (Cubase Elements only) Shows the arranger functions. Pre-roll & Post-roll Allows you to activate/deactivate pre-roll and post-roll. The section to the right of the pre-roll buttons allows you to set the pre-roll values numerically. You can hide/show that section by clicking the points on the divider.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Audio Level Control Shows clipping indicators and allows you to control the output level. RELATED LINKS Transport on page 655 Transport - Scrub on page 656 Transport Menu The Transport menu contains several transport functions as well as many other options related to playback and recording. Transport Panel Opens the Transport panel. Transport Start Starts playback. Stop Stops playback. Start/Stop Starts/Stops playback. Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Enter Time Signature Allows you to enter the time signature manually. Go to Project Start Moves the project cursor position to the start of the project. Go to Project End Moves the project cursor position to the end of the project. Exchange Time Formats (Cubase Elements only) Switches the primary and the secondary time display. Locators Go to Left Locator Position Moves the project cursor position to the left locator.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Set Punch Out to Project Cursor Position Moves the punch out position to the project cursor position. Enter Punch Out Position Allows you to enter the punch out position manually. Set Punch Points to Selection Range Sets the punch in and the punch out position to the selected event range. Set Project Cursor Position Locate Selection Start Moves the project cursor to the beginning of the selection.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Common Record Modes Punch In/Out Activates/Deactivates punch in/out. Re-Record Activates/Deactivates the re-record mode. Start Recording at Project Cursor Position Activates/Deactivates the start of the recording at the project cursor position. Start Recording at Left Locator/Punch In Position Activates/Deactivates the start of the recording at the left locator. Audio Record Mode These options allow you to select what happens when you record over existing events.
Playback and Transport Transport Mix-Stacked (No Mute) Same as Stacked, but parts are not muted. Auto Quantize in Record Activates automatic quantizing during record. Retrospective MIDI Record Allows you to capture MIDI notes that you play in stop mode or during playback. For this to work, you need to enable the Retrospective Record option in the Preferences dialog (Record—MIDI page). Metronome Setup Opens the Metronome Setup dialog. Activate Metronome Activates/Deactivates the metronome click.
Playback and Transport Transport Transport Sections The Transport has different sections that you can show or hide by activating the corresponding options on the context menu. ● To activate the Transport, click Set up Window Layout on the Project window toolbar and activate Transport. ● To show/hide tools, open the Transport context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the Transport and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All.
Playback and Transport Transport Pop-Up Window Allows you to activate/deactivate Punch In and Punch Out. These points determine the record start and stop positions. Main Transport Shows the main transport controls. Time Displays Shows the time display options. Pre-roll & Post-roll Allows you to activate/deactivate pre-roll and post-roll, and to set the values numerically.
Playback and Transport Time Display Window ● Enter Project Cursor Position Shift-P ● Enter Tempo Shift-T ● Enter Time Signature Shift-C ● Enter Punch In Position Shift-I ● Enter Punch Out Position Shift-O ● Go to Left Locator Num1 ● Go to Right Locator Num2 Using a specific key command opens the corresponding section of the Transport pop-up window: Transport pop-up window for entering the left Locator position. NOTE To close the Transport pop-up window, press Esc.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators ● To adjust the window size to the size of the displayed values, double-click the window. To adjust the size of the displayed values step by step, you can also right-click and select Increase Window Size or Decrease Window Size from the context menu. ● To set the transparency of the window, adjust the Window Transparency slider in the Studio Setup dialog (Time Display page).
Playback and Transport Setting the Project Cursor Position Setting Locator Ranges There are several ways to set locator ranges. To set the locator range, do one of the following: ● Click in the upper part of the ruler and drag to the right. ● Select a range or an event and select Transport > Locators > Set Locators to Selection Range. ● Double-click a cycle marker. ● Press P.
Playback and Transport Auto-Scroll NOTE For this to work you must activate Locate when Clicked in Empty Space in the Preferences dialog (Transport page). ● By using locators. NOTE You can use Num1 to set the project cursor to the left locator position, and Num2 to set the project cursor to the right locator position. ● By using markers. ● Cubase Elements only: By using the arranger functions. ● By using key commands.
Playback and Transport Time Formats Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing If you do not want the Project window display to change when editing during playback, activate Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing. Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing is available as an option in the Switch Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu to the right of the Auto-Scroll button.
Playback and Transport Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Pre-Roll and Post-Roll You can activate pre-roll and post-roll with the corresponding buttons in the Pre-roll & Post-roll section on the Transport panel or by selecting Transport > Pre-roll & Post-roll > Use Pre-roll/ Use Post-roll. ● By setting a pre-roll value you instruct Cubase to roll back a short section whenever playback is activated.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click RELATED LINKS Activating Recording Automatically on page 169 Stopping Recording on page 169 Metronome Click You can use the metronome click as a timing reference for playing along and recording. The two parameters that govern the timing of the metronome are project tempo and the time signature that you can set up in the Transport panel. ● To activate the metronome click, activate Activate Metronome Click on the Transport panel.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click RELATED LINKS General Page on page 162 Click Sounds Page on page 163 161
Playback and Transport Metronome Click General Page The General page allows you to make basic metronome settings. In the topmost section, the following options are available: Activate Metronome Click Activates/Deactivates the metronome click. In the Click Destinations section, the following options are available: Use MIDI Click Activates a MIDI click for the metronome. Use Audio Click Activates an audio click for the metronome that is output via the audio hardware.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click Activate this to let the count-in automatically use the time signature and tempo set at the position where recording starts. ● Time Signature at Project Position Activate this to let the count-in use the time signature at the project position. ● Use Custom Time Signature Allows you to set a time signature for the count-in. In this mode, signature changes in the project do not affect the count-in.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click Velocity Allows you to set the velocity of the MIDI click sound. Set the velocity for the first beat in a bar in the top row, and the velocities for the other beats in the rows below. The Audio Click Settings section allows you to set up the audio click that sounds if you activate Audio Click in the Click Destinations section on the General page. Use Steinberg Click Sound Activates the default sounds for the metronome click.
Playback and Transport Chase 6. Set the level of the sounds by clicking the respective rows in the Audio Click Level column and adjusting the value. 7. Optional: Click Play to audition the custom sounds. RESULT The metronome uses the defined custom sounds for the audio click. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Open the Click Sound Presets pop-up menu and save your custom sounds as a preset.
On-Screen Keyboard The On-Screen Keyboard allows you to play and record MIDI notes by using your computer keyboard or mouse. This is useful if you have no external MIDI instrument at hand and you do not want to draw in notes with the Draw tool. When the On-Screen Keyboard is displayed, the usual key commands are blocked because they are reserved for the On-Screen Keyboard.
On-Screen Keyboard On-Screen Keyboard Options On-Screen Keyboard Options 1 Note Velocity Level This slider allows you to adjust the volume of the On-Screen Keyboard. You can also use the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key for this. 2 Change On-Screen Keyboard Type This button allows you to switch between computer keyboard and piano keyboard display mode. The computer keyboard mode, you can use the two rows of keys that are displayed on the On-Screen Keyboard to enter notes.
Recording In Cubase, you can record audio and MIDI. Make the following initial preparations: ● Set up, connect, and calibrate your audio hardware. ● Open a project and set up the project setup parameters according to your specifications. Project setup parameters determine the record format, sample rate, project length, etc. that affect the audio recordings that you make during the course of the project. ● If you plan to record MIDI, set up and connect your MIDI equipment.
Recording Basic Recording Methods Activating Recording You can activate recording manually or automatically. Activating Recording Manually ● To activate recording, click Record on the Transport panel or on the toolbar. You can also use the corresponding key command, by default Num-*. Recording starts from the current cursor position.
Recording Basic Recording Methods PROCEDURE 1. Click the Cycle on the Transport panel to activate cycle mode. 2. Activate recording from the left locator, before or within the cycle. As soon as the project cursor reaches the right locator, it jumps back to the left locator and continues recording a new lap. RESULT The results of cycle recording depend on the selected record mode. They also differ for audio and MIDI.
Recording Monitoring NOTE The previous recordings are removed from the project and cannot be retrieved using Undo. However, they remain in the Pool. Monitoring In Cubase, monitoring means listening to the input signal while preparing to record or while recording. The following ways of monitoring are available. ● Via Cubase. ● Externally by listening to the signal before it reaches Cubase. ● By using ASIO Direct Monitoring. This is a combination of both other methods.
Recording Monitoring 2. Open the Auto Monitoring pop-up menu and select Manual. 3. Deactivate Monitor in Cubase. 4. On your mixing desk or mixer application for your audio hardware, activate the Thru or Direct Thru mode to send the input audio back out again. ASIO Direct Monitoring If your audio hardware is ASIO 2.0 compatible, it may support ASIO Direct Monitoring. This feature may also be available for audio hardware with macOS drivers.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Monitoring MIDI Tracks You can monitor everything you play and record though the MIDI output and channel that are selected for the MIDI track. PREREQUISITE Local Off is activated on your MIDI instrument. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select MIDI. 2. Make sure MIDI Thru Active is activated. 3. In the track list, activate Monitor. RESULT Incoming MIDI is echoed back out again.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics 3. Select Set Record Folder. 4. In the file dialog, navigate to the folder that you want to use as record folder or create a new folder by clicking New Folder. If you want to have separate folders for different types of material (speech, ambient sounds, music, etc.), you can create subfolders within the project Audio folder and assign different tracks to different subfolders.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Audio Track Inspector on page 76 Recording Audio You can record audio using any of the basic recording methods. When you finish recording, an audio file is created in the Audio folder within the project folder. In the Pool, an audio clip is created for the audio file, and an audio event that plays the whole clip appears on the recording track. Finally, a waveform image is calculated for the audio event. If the recording was very long, this may take a while.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Recording with Effects Cubase allows you to add effects and/or EQ directly while recording. This is done by adding insert effects and/or making EQ settings for the input channel in the MixConsole. IMPORTANT If you record with effects, the effects become part of the audio file itself. You cannot change the effect settings after recording. When you are recording with effects consider using 32-bit float format.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics RESULT The event is now extended, and the audio that you played before activating the recording is inserted. This means that if you played along during playback, the captured notes end up exactly where you played them in relation to the project. RELATED LINKS Record - Audio on page 653 Recovering Audio Recordings after System Failure Cubase allows you to recover audio recordings after a system failure, because of a power cut or other mishap, for example.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics The available MIDI inputs and outputs are listed. On Windows, the device to choose depends on your system. 3. Click in the Show As column and type in a new name. 4. Click OK. RESULT The new port names appear on the MIDI Input and Output Routing pop-up menus. Setting the MIDI Input In the Inspector, you set the MIDI input for the track. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the track to which you want to assign a MIDI input. 2.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Program Change messages give access to 128 different program locations. 3. If your MIDI instruments have more than 128 programs, you can open the Bank Selector pop-up menu and select different banks, each containing 128 programs. NOTE Bank Select messages are recognized differently by different MIDI instruments. The structure and numbering of banks and programs may also vary. Refer to the documentation of your MIDI instruments for details.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics You can find them in the Preferences dialog on the MIDI and on the Record—MIDI page. RELATED LINKS Basic Recording Methods on page 168 MIDI on page 648 Record - MIDI on page 654 Recording Different Types of MIDI Messages You can record different types of MIDI messages. ● To specify which event types are recorded, deactivate the options for the type of MIDI message that you want to record in the Preferences dialog (MIDI—MIDI Filter page).
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Recording System Exclusive Messages System Exclusive (SysEx) messages are special types of MIDI messages that are used to send data that only makes sense to a unit of a certain make and type. SysEx can be used to transmit a list of the numbers that make up the settings of one or more sounds in a synth. Reset Function The Reset function sends out note-off messages and resets controllers on all MIDI channels.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics MIDI Cycle Record Mode When you record MIDI in cycle mode, the result not only depends on the MIDI record mode, but also on the cycle record mode that is selected in the MIDI Cycle Record Mode section. Mix For each completed lap, everything you record is added to what was previously recorded. This is useful for building up rhythm patterns. Record a hi-hat part on the first lap, the bass drum part on the second lap, etc.
Recording Remaining Record Time 4. Play some MIDI material either in Stop mode or during playback. 5. Select Transport > Retrospective MIDI Record. RESULT The content of the MIDI buffer is turned into a MIDI part on the record-enabled track, and the captured notes end up exactly where you played them in relation to the project. RELATED LINKS Record - MIDI on page 654 Remaining Record Time The Max. Record Time display lets you see how much time you have left for recording.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files You can add audio and MIDI files to your project by importing them. Importing Audio Files You can import compressed and uncompressed audio files in a variety of different formats. You can also import audio from audio CDs or extract the audio of video files. RELATED LINKS Importing Media on page 359 Setting Up Audio File Import Options You can specify how audio files should be handled on import. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select Editing > Audio. 2.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing Audio Files Copy File to Working Directory Copies the audio file to the Audio folder of the project, and has the clip refer to the copy. Deactivate this option to have the clip refer to the original file in the original location. In this case, it is marked as “external” in the Pool. Convert to Project: Sample Rate/Sample Size Converts the imported file if the sample rate or the sample size differ from the settings in the Project Setup dialog.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing Audio Files 3. Make your settings in the Import Options dialog. NOTE If Use Settings is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page), the corresponding import settings are used. RESULT In the Project window, an event referencing the audio file is inserted on the selected track at the project cursor position. If no track was selected, a new track is created. A new audio clip is created and added to the Pool.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing Audio Files 4. Click the Copy button to create a local copy of the audio files or sections. 5. Click OK. RESULT The copied audio files are imported into the Project window and inserted on new tracks at the project cursor position. By default, imported audio CD tracks are saved as wave files (Windows) or AIFF files (macOS) in the Audio folder of the current project. New audio clips are created and added to the Pool.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing Audio Files Secure Mode Activates error checking and correction when reading the CD (Windows only). Columns The columns in the dialog have the following functions: Copy Activate this option for the tracks that you want to copy/import. # Shows the track number. CD Track The name of the CD track. On import, this is used as file name. It is provided automatically from CDDB, if available. To rename a track, click the track name and type in a new name.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing Audio Files Copy Copies the files. Copied Files Lists the files that you copied for import. Importing Audio from Video Files You can import the audio from a video file without importing the video itself. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Import > Audio from Video File. 2. In the file dialog that opens, locate and select the video file, and click Open.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing MIDI Files NOTE You can achieve similar results by using Cubase’s own loop slicing features. RELATED LINKS Slices on page 318 Importing MIDI Files Cubase can import standard MIDI files. This allows you to transfer MIDI material to and from virtually any MIDI application on any platform. Import Options for MIDI Files The Import Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data is included in imported MIDI files.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing MIDI Files Auto Dissolve Format 0 Automatically dissolves imported MIDI files of type 0. Each embedded MIDI channel in the file is placed on a separate track in the Project window. If this option is deactivated, only one MIDI track is created. This track is set to MIDI channel Any, allowing all MIDI events to play back on their original channels.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Importing MIDI Files Cubase can also export XF data as part of a MIDI file of type 0. If you do not want to export the XF data together with the MIDI data, mute or delete the tracks containing the XF data. MIDI Loops In Cubase, you can import MIDI loops. To import MIDI loops, use the MediaBay. MIDI loops have the file extension .midiloop.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing means moving recorded audio or MIDI and positioning it on the nearest grid position that is musically relevant. Quantizing is designed to correct errors, but you can also use it in a creative way. You can quantize audio and MIDI to a grid or to a groove. Audio and MIDI can be quantized at the same time. However, what exactly happens during quantizing differs for audio and MIDI: ● Audio quantizing affects the audio event starts.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Cuts off the ends of selected MIDI events so that the events match the length quantize value. The start positions are kept. ● Quantize MIDI Event Ends Moves the ends of MIDI events to the nearest grid positions. ● Freeze MIDI Quantize Makes the start and end positions of MIDI events permanent. This function is useful in situations where you want to quantize a second time, based on the current quantized positions rather than the original positions.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing MIDI Event Ends PROCEDURE 1. 2. Perform one of the following actions: ● In the Key Editor, select the MIDI events that you want to quantize. ● In the Project window, select a MIDI part. Select Edit > Advanced Quantize > Quantize MIDI Event Lengths. RESULT The ends of the selected MIDI events are cut off so that the events match the length quantize value. The start positions are kept.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Quantize Panel The Quantize Panel allows you to define how to quantize audio or MIDI to the grid or to a groove. Depending on what method you choose, different parameters are shown. To open the Quantize Panel, perform one of the following actions: ● Click Open Quantize Panel on the toolbar. ● Select Edit > Quantize Panel. Quantize Presets To the top of the Quantize Panel the quantize presets are shown.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Save Preset Allows you to save the current settings as a preset, so that they become available on all Quantize Presets pop-up menus. Remove Preset Allows you to remove the selected preset. Rename Preset Opens a dialog where you can rename the selected preset. Restore Factory Presets Allows you to restore the factory presets. Creating Groove Quantize Presets You can create a groove quantize map based on hitpoints that you have created in the Sample Editor.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel ● The following options become available: Grid Allows you to select the basic value for the quantize grid. Swing Offsets every second position in the grid, creating a swing or shuffle feel. NOTE Swing is only available if Grid is set to a straight value and Tuplet is deactivated. Catch Range Allows you to set a value that determines that quantizing affects only audio or MIDI within the set distance from the grid lines. This is reflected in the grid display.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel iQ Mode Applies a loose quantization so that your audio or MIDI moves only part of the way to the closest quantize grid position. The Iterative Strength value to the right determines how close your audio or MIDI moves towards the grid. NOTE Iterative quantizing is based on the current, quantized positions and not on the original event positions.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Velocity (MIDI Only) Determines how much the velocity values within the groove affect the music. NOTE Not all grooves contain velocity information. Length (MIDI Only) Allows you to specify how much the lengths of the notes are affected by the groove. NOTE For drums, the Length setting is ignored. Non-Q Allows you to create a safe zone before and after the quantize positions.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel MIDI CC Moves controllers related to MIDI notes (pitchbend, etc.) automatically with the notes when these are quantized. Reset Quantize Resets your audio or MIDI to its original, unquantized state. IMPORTANT This function has no effect on an event that was moved manually. Auto Applies any changes immediately to the selected parts or events. A way of using this feature is to set up a playback loop and adjust the settings until you are satisfied with the result.
Fades and Crossfades Fades allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume at the start or end of audio events or audio clips, and to create smooth transitions. You can create the following fades: ● Fade ins/fade outs Fade ins and fade outs allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume of audio events or audio clips. Fade ins and fade outs can be either event-based or clip-based. Event-based fades are calculated in real time when you play back audio events.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades Creating and Editing Fades with the Range Selection Tool on page 204 Fade Dialog for Event-Based Fades on page 205 Creating and Editing Fades with the Handles You can create and edit event-based fade ins and fade outs using the event handles. This gives you a visual feedback and allows you to apply the same fade type to several selected events. PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio events for which you want to create fades and point at one of them with the mouse.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades ● To change the volume, drag the volume handle in the top middle up or down. Fade and volume changes are reflected in the event waveform and on the info line. NOTE To change the event volume and the fades with the mouse wheel, activate Use Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page).
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades Fade Dialog for Event-Based Fades ● To open the dialog for event-based fades, create a fade for one or more audio events, select the events and select Audio > Open Fade Editor(s). NOTE If you select several events, you can adjust the fade curves for all selected events at the same time. This is useful if you want to apply the same type of fade in to more than one event, etc.
Fades and Crossfades Creating Clip-Based Fades 8 As Default Click this button to save the current settings as default fade. 9 Shape buttons Give you quick access to some common curve shapes. Creating Clip-Based Fades You can create and edit clip-based fade ins and fade outs using Direct Offline Processing. These fades are applied to the audio clip. Events that refer to the same clip get the same fades. PROCEDURE 1.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades Crossfades Crossfades allow you to create smooth transitions for consecutive audio events on the same track. Crossfades are always event-based. You can only create crossfades if the consecutive events or their respective clips overlap. ● If the audio events overlap, a crossfade of the default shape (linear, symmetric) is applied in the overlapping area. NOTE You can edit the default crossfade length and shape in the Crossfade editor.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades Crossfade Editor The Crossfade editor allows you to edit crossfades. It contains fade-in and fade-out curve settings, and common settings. ● To open the Crossfade editor, select one or both crossfaded events, and select Audio > Crossfade, or double-click the crossfade zone. Fade curve displays Shows the shape of the fade-out and fade-in curve, respectively. ● To add points, click a curve. ● To change the fade shape, click and drag existing points.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Audition Level Allows you to set the audition level. Length Specifies the length of the crossfade area. Cubase tries to center the crossfade, i. e. the length change will be applied equally to both sides. To be able to resize a crossfade, it must be possible to resize the corresponding event. For example, if the fade out event already plays its audio clip to the end, its end point cannot be moved any further to the right.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades NOTE Auto fades are not indicated by fade lines. Auto Fades Dialog The Auto Fades dialog allows you to set up auto fades and crossfades for the whole project, or separately for each audio track. ● To open the global Auto Fades dialog, select Project > Auto Fades Settings. ● To open the Auto Fades dialog for a track, right-click in the track list and select Auto Fades Settings. 1 Fades Click this tab to show the settings for auto fades.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Equal Gain allows you to adjust the fade curves so that the summed fade in and fade out amplitudes are the same all along the crossfade region. Equal Power allows you to adjust the fade curves so that the energy (power) of the crossfade is constant all along the crossfade region. 3 Length Allows you to specify the length of the auto fades or crossfades. 4 Auto Fade In Allows you to activate auto fade ins.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades PROCEDURE 1. Perform one of the following actions: ● Right-click the track in the track list, and from the context menu, select Auto Fades Settings. ● Select the track, and in the Inspector, click Auto Fades Settings. The Auto Fades dialog for the track opens. 2. Deactivate Use Project Settings. Any settings you now make are applied to the track only. 3. Set up the auto fades. 4. Click OK.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) The arranger functions in Cubase allow you to work in a non-linear fashion. Using an arranger track allows you to specify how and when specific sections are played back, even in live performances. This way, you do not need to move, copy, and paste events in the Project window. NOTE There can be only one arranger track in a project. To use the arranger functions, you must add an arranger track and define arranger events. Arranger events can be of any length.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track > Arranger. The arranger track is added. 2. Select the Draw tool and draw an arranger event on the arranger track. An arranger event is added. 3. Draw as many events as you need. RESULT The arranger events are added to your project. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Use the functions of the Arranger Editor to arrange the events.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor 1 Arranger Controls Shows the transport buttons, the arranger transport buttons, and the arranger tools. 2 Current Arranger Chain NOTE Initially, the arranger chain is empty. To fill it up, you must add events from the Arranger Events list. Shows the order in which the events are played back, from top to bottom, and how many times they are repeated. 3 Arranger Events Lists the available arranger events in the order they appear on the timeline.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor Removes the selected arranger chain. This is only available if you have created more than one arranger chain. 12 Flatten Converts the current arranger chain into a linear project. 13 Flatten (with Options & Preferences) Allows you to set up the flatten options. Arranger Chain Repeat Modes The Arranger Editor features a function that allows you to repeat and loop your arranger events. This way, you can create a sketch of a song structure.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events New Project Allows you to flatten one or more chains in a new project with the following naming options: ● Append Chain Name Appends the chain names to the project name. ● Use Chain Name Names the new projects after the current arranger chains. ● Add Number Names the new projects after the old ones and adds a number. The Options section contains further settings.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events RELATED LINKS Arranger Chain Repeat Modes on page 216 Adding a New Arranger Chain You can create several arranger chains in order to set up alternative versions for playback. PREREQUISITE Arranger Mode is activated. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Arranger Editor. 2. Click Create New Chain. RESULT A new, empty arranger chain is activated.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Jump Mode PROCEDURE 1. Select the arranger chain that you want to convert into a linear project. 2. Optional: Click Flatten (with Options & Preferences) 3. Optional: Activate the desired flattening options. NOTE If you realize that you want to do further adjustments, click Go Back. The activated flatten options are kept. 4. Click Flatten.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Jump Mode RESULT The arranger event is looped according to your settings, until you click another arranger event. NOTE You can assign key commands to trigger arranger events in the Arranger category of the Key Commands dialog. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK ● To stop Jump Mode, click Stop. ● To continue playback from a specific arranger event, click the arranger event in the Current Arranger Chain list.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranging Music to Video None Jumps to the next section immediately. 4 bars, 2 bars Jumps to the next arranger event after 2 or 4 bars. If the current arranger event is shorter than 2 or 4 bars, playback jumps to the next arranger event at the event end. 1 bar Jumps to the next section at the next bar line. 1 beat Jumps to the next section at the next beat. End Plays the current section to the end, then jumps to the next section.
Markers Markers are used to locate certain positions quickly. There are two types of markers: position markers and cycle markers. If you often find yourself jumping to a specific position within a project, you should insert a marker at this position. You can also use markers to make range selections or for zooming. Markers are located on the marker track. Position Markers Position markers allow you to save a specific position.
Markers Markers Window Editing Cycle Markers When editing cycle markers on a marker track, snap is taken into account. ● To add a cycle marker, press Ctrl/Cmd click and drag on the marker track. ● To change the start/end position of a cycle marker, drag the start/end handle. ● To move a cycle marker to another position, drag the upper border. ● To delete a cycle marker, click with the Erase tool. If you hold down Alt when you click, all consecutive markers are deleted.
Markers Markers Window Shows the markers in the order in which they occur in the project. 6 Marker Settings Shows the marker settings. Editing in the Markers Window In the Markers window, you can select, edit, add, move, and remove markers. ● To select or edit a marker, click on it. Select multiple markers by Shift or Ctrl/Cmd-clicking them. ● To add a position marker at the cursor position, select Functions > Insert Marker.
Markers Markers Window Cycle follows when locating to Markers This sets the left and right locators automatically to a position or cycle marker, when locating to this marker. This is useful if you need to set the locators on the fly during recording for Punch In/Punch Out, for example. Show marker IDs on marker track If this option is activated, the marker IDs are shown on the marker track.
Markers Marker Track Sorting and Reordering Columns You can customize the display of the marker attributes in the marker list by sorting or reordering the columns. ● To sort the marker list by a specific attribute, click on the corresponding column header. NOTE No matter by which attribute you sort, the second sort criterion will always be the position attribute. ● To reorder the marker attributes, drag and drop the corresponding column headers.
Markers Marker Track If you select a cycle marker in this pop-up menu, the left and right locators are set to the corresponding cycle marker. 5 Zoom pop-up menu If you select a cycle marker in this pop-up menu, the view zooms to the corresponding cycle marker. 6 Marker event (inactive) Shows an inactive marker event. 7 Marker event (active) Shows an active marker event. 8 Cycle marker event (inactive) Shows an inactive cycle marker event.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Markers and marker tracks can be imported and exported. The following files can contain markers: ● MIDI files Importing Markers via MIDI You can import position markers by importing MIDI files containing markers. This is useful if you want to use your marker tracks in other projects or if you want to share them with other Cubase users. Any markers you have added are included in the MIDI file as standard MIDI file marker events.
MixConsole The MixConsole provides a common environment for producing mixes in stereo. It allows you to control level, pan, solo/mute status, etc. for audio and MIDI channels. Furthermore, you can set up the input and output routing for multiple tracks or channels at the same time. You can open the MixConsole in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 2 Fader Section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list. 3 Page Selector Allows you to select what page is displayed in the fader section: the channel faders, the insert effects for a channel, or the send effects. The top button allows you to show/hide the toolbar.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The main MixConsole sections are: 1 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 2 Channel Selector Allows you to set up the visibility of channels in the fader section. 3 Channel Racks (Upper Zone) Allows you to show additional channel controls as needed. 4 Fader Section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Apart from the main sections, you can also access the following sections from within the MixConsole window: 1 Meter Bridge Allows you to monitor the levels of your channels. 2 Equalizer Curve Allows you to draw an EQ curve. Click in the curve display to open a larger view where you can edit the curve points. 3 Pictures Opens the Pictures section that allows you to add a picture to the selected channel. Pictures can help you identify your MixConsole channels quickly.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● To show/hide channels, check/uncheck them by clicking to the left of the channel name. ● To collapse/expand groups and folders, click the group or folder name. NOTE The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window does not follow any visibility changes you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa. MixConsole Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Rack Settings Opens a pop-up menu with settings for the racks. Go to Left/Right Locator Position Allows you to go to the left/right locator positions. Left/Right Locator Position Shows the left/right locator positions. Transport Buttons Shows the transport controls. Time Display Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format. Markers Allows you to set and locate marker positions. State Buttons Allows you to set mute, solo, listen, and automation states.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Window Zone Controls Allows you to show or hide the left zone and the upper zone of the MixConsole. The Setup Window Layout pop-up menu allows you to show or hide the status line, the info line, and the overview line. Filtering Channel Types The channel types filter on the MixConsole toolbar allows you to determine which channel types are shown. PROCEDURE 1. Click Filter Channel Types. This opens the channel types filter. 2.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Move Configuration to Position This function becomes available if 2 or more configurations exist. It allows you to change the position of the active configuration on the menu. This is useful as you can assign key commands to the first 8 configurations in the Channel & Track Visibility category of the Key Commands dialog. Saving Configurations To quickly switch between different channel setups, you can save configurations.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Strip (audio-related channels only) Allows you to integrate channel strip modules, such as Gate, Compressor, EQ, Transformer, Saturator, and Limiter that allow you to enhance your sound. Sends Allows you to select send effects for your channel. Rack Settings The Rack Settings pop-up menu allows you to make settings for the racks. ● To open the Rack Settings pop-up menu, click Rack Settings.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Using Quick Link You can activate the Temporary Link Mode to synchronize all touched parameters of selected channels. PROCEDURE 1. Select the channels that you want to link. 2. On the MixConsole toolbar, activate Q-Link. NOTE You can also press Shift-Alt to temporarily link channels. In that case, the link is only active as long as you press the keys. 3. Change the parameters for one of the selected channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Global Meter Settings Opens a submenu where you can set up the global meter settings. Reset MixConsole Channels Allows you to reset EQ, insert, and send effect settings for all or selected channels. Solo and mute buttons are deactivated, the volume fader is set to 0 dB, and pan is set to the center position. Saving MixConsole Settings You can save MixConsole settings for selected audio-related channels in the MixConsole and load them into any project. PROCEDURE 1.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE If a channel is deactivated in the channel selector or if its channel type is deactivated, it is not shown in the fader section. The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window does not follow any visibility changes you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa. It is linked to the track visibility of the Project window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Setting Pan For each audio-related channel with at least a stereo output configuration, you can find a pan control at the top of the fader section. For MIDI channels, the pan control sends out MIDI pan messages. The result depends on how your MIDI instrument is set to respond to pan. The pan control allows you to position a channel in the stereo spectrum. ● To make fine adjustments, hold down Shift when you move the pan control.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Using Channel Settings You can open each MixConsole channel in a separate Channel Settings window. This allows for better overview and editing of the channel settings. ● To open the channel settings for a specific channel, click E in the fader section. The Channel Settings window for audio-related channels is divided into several sections: ● Channel Inserts ● Channel Faders ● Channel Sends The Channel Strip and Equalizer are always available.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● Showing the output chain If you click Show Output Chain on the toolbar, the output chain is shown in the Channel Faders section. This allows you to keep track of more complicated output routings. ● Browsing through channels RELATED LINKS Equalizer Settings on page 251 Browsing through Channels Every channel has its own Channel Settings window, but you can view any channel’s settings from a single window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window For audio channels, the volume fader controls the volume of the channel before it is routed to an output bus, directly or via a group channel. For output channels, the volume fader controls the master output level of all audio channels that are routed to an output bus. For MIDI channels, the volume fader controls the volume changes in the MixConsole by sending out MIDI volume messages to the connected instruments that are set to respond to MIDI messages.
MixConsole MixConsole Window In this mode, the input channel level meters show the level of the signal at the input of the bus, before any adjustments, such as input gain, EQ, effects, level, or pan are made. This allows you to check the level of the unprocessed signal coming into the audio hardware. 2. Play back the audio and check the level meter for the input channel. The signal should be as loud as possible without exceeding 0 dB, that is, the clipping indicator for the input bus should not light up.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window features the Inserts and the Sends rack only. RELATED LINKS Routing on page 246 Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) (Cubase Elements only) on page 248 Inserts on page 249 Equalizers (EQ) on page 250 Channel Strips on page 253 Sends on page 259 Copying and Moving Rack and Channel Settings You can use drag and drop to copy or move rack and channel settings. NOTE This function is only available in the MixConsole window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window You can route the outputs from multiple audio channels to a group. For example, to control the channel levels using one fader, and to apply the same effects and equalization to all the channels. Setting up Routing PREREQUISITE Set up busses and group channels in the Audio Connections window. PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Routing to show the Routing rack above the fader section. 2.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Output Busses For output busses any assignment is possible. Using Group Channels You can route the outputs from multiple audio channels to a group. This enables you to control the channel levels using one fader, apply the same effects and EQ to all channels, etc. You can also select a group channel as input for an audio track, to record a downmix of separate tracks, for example. PREREQUISITE You have created and set up a group channel track in stereo. PROCEDURE 1.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 3. Click to the left of the low-cut filter to activate the low-cut filter. You have the following options: ● Drag the slider to adjust the cutoff frequency. The available range spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. ● Click Select Filter Slope on the right of the low-cut filter to select a filter slope. You can choose between 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 dB. The default value is 12 dB. RESULT The changed settings are visible in the curve display.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RESULT The selected insert effect is loaded and automatically activated. Its plug-in panel opens. Bypassing Insert Effects ● To bypass all inserts, click Bypass at the top of the Inserts rack. ● To bypass a single insert, click the button on the left of the inserts slot. ● To deactivate bypass, click the button again. Saving/Loading FX Chain Presets You can save and load all insert rack settings using FX chain presets. FX chain presets have the file name extension .
MixConsole MixConsole Window Equalizer Settings You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands. These have different default frequency values and different Q names. However, they all have the same frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz). You can specify different filter types for each individual module. 1 Bypass EQ Click to bypass all EQ bands. 2 Curve Display Click on the display in a channel to show a larger version.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Click to activate/deactivate an EQ band. Band Settings 1 Activate Band Activates the equalizer band. 2 Gain Set the amount of cut or boost. The range is ±24 dB. 3 Frequency Sets the center frequency of the frequency range to be cut or boosted. You can set the frequency either in Hz or as a note value. If you enter a note value, the frequency is automatically displayed in Hz. For example, a note value of A3 sets the frequency to 440 Hz.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Strips The Channel Strip rack is only available for audio-related channels. It allows you to load built-in processing modules for separate channels. NOTE This channel rack is only available in the MixConsole window. Channel Strip Modules The channel strips allow you to apply modules directly to specific channels. You can change the position of specific modules in the signal flow via drag and drop.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Activate Filter Activates/Deactivates the internal side-chain and allows you to set up a filter to modify the signal detection. Filter Frequency (50 to 20000 Hz) If the internal side-chain is activated, this parameter sets the filter frequency for the signal detection. Q-Factor (0.01 to 10000) If the internal side-chain is activated, this parameter sets the resonance of the filter for the signal detection. Listen Filter Allows you to monitor the filtered signal.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Input (-24.0 to 48.0 dB) Determines the compression amount. The higher the input gain, the more compression is applied. Output (-12.0 to 12.0 dB) Sets the output gain. Gain Reduction LED Indicates the amount of compression of the signal. Attack (0.1 to 100.0 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds. If the attack time is long, more of the initial part of the signal passes through unprocessed.
MixConsole MixConsole Window EQ You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands. These have different default frequency values and different Q names. However, they all have the same frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz). You can specify different filter types for each individual module. 1 Activate Band x Activates the equalizer band. 2 Select EQ Band x Type Opens a pop-up menu where you can select an EQ type for the band. Bands 1 and 4 can act as parametric, shelving, or high/low-cut filters.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Drive Controls the amount of tape saturation. Dual Mode Simulates the use of two tape machines. Auto Gain Adjusts the gain automatically. Output Sets the output gain. Drive Amount LED Indicates the amount of drive of the signal. Low-Frequency This is a low shelving filter with fixed frequency. High-Frequency This is a Hi Cut filter. Use the frequency fader to reduce harshness of the output signal.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Gain Reduction LED Displays the amount of gain reduction. Maximizer This channel strip module raises the loudness of audio material without the risk of clipping. Optimize Determines the loudness of the signal. Output (-24 to 6 dB) Determines the maximum output level. Set this to 0 dB to avoid clipping. Gain Reduction LED Displays the amount of gain reduction. Mix (0 to 100) Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Sends The Sends rack for audio-related channels features send effect slots that allow you to load send effects and value sliders that allow you to determine the send level for a channel. For MIDI channels the Sends rack features send effect slots that allow you to load send effects. Adding Send Effects PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Sends to show the rack above the fader section. 2. Click one of the send slots to open the send selector. 3.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Activating Keyboard Focus PROCEDURE 1. Click in an empty area of the section to activate the keyboard focus. 2. Press Tab to activate the next section. This allows you to cycle forward through the sections. 3. Press Shift-Tab to activate the previous section. Navigating in a Section Once you have activated the focus for a section, you can control it with the computer keyboard.
Audio Effects Cubase comes with a number included of effect plug-ins that you can use to process audio, group, instrument, and ReWire (not in Cubase LE) channels. This chapter contains general details about how to assign, use, and organize effect plug-ins. The effects and their parameters are described in the separate document Plug-in Reference. Insert Effects and Send Effects You can apply effects to audio channels by using insert effects or send effects.
Audio Effects Insert Effects and Send Effects To edit send effects, you can use the following sends sections: ● The Sends rack in the MixConsole. ● The Destinations section in the Channel Settings window. ● The Sends section in the Inspector. RELATED LINKS Direct Offline Processing on page 280 VST Standard Audio effects can be integrated in Cubase thanks to the VST standard. At the moment, the VST 3 and VST 2 standards are supported.
Audio Effects Insert Effects VST 3 dynamics plug-ins with look-ahead functionality feature a Live button that allows you to disengage the look-ahead. This minimizes latency during real-time recording. For details, see the separate document Plug-in Reference. To avoid latency during realtime recording or realtime playback of VST instruments, you can also use Constrain Delay Compensation.
Audio Effects Insert Effects Adding Insert Effects If you add insert effects to audio channels, the audio is routed through the insert effects. PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio track. 2. In the track list, click Edit Channel Settings . The Channel Settings window for the audio channel opens. 3. In the Inserts section, click the first insert slot on the Inserts tab, and select an effect from the selector. RESULT The selected insert effect is loaded and activated, and the audio is routed through it.
Audio Effects Insert Effects 3. In the Inspector for the group track, open the Inserts section. 4. Click the first effect slot and select an effect from the selector. 5. In the Inspector for the audio tracks, open the Output Routing pop-up menus and select the group. RESULT The signal from the audio track is routed through the group channel and passes through the insert effect.
Audio Effects Insert Effects PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the audio track with the insert effect that you want to deactivate. 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section, and Alt-click Bypass Insert. RESULT The effect is deactivated and all processing is terminated, but the effect is still loaded.
Audio Effects Send Effects Freezing Insert Effects Freezing an audio track and its insert effects allows you to reduce processor power. However, frozen tracks are locked for editing. You cannot edit, remove or add insert effects for the frozen track. PREREQUISITE You have made all settings for the track and you are sure that you do not need to edit it anymore. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector for the audio track that you want to freeze, click Freeze Audio Channel. 2.
Audio Effects Send Effects FX Channel Tracks You can use FX channel tracks as routing destinations for audio sends. The audio is sent to the FX channel and through any insert effects set up for it. ● You can add several insert effects to an FX channel. The signal passes through the effects in series, from the top downward. ● You can rename FX channel tracks as any other tracks. ● You can add automation tracks to FX channel tracks. This allows for automating various effect parameters.
Audio Effects Send Effects Adding Insert Effects to FX Channel Tracks You can add insert effects to FX channel tracks. PREREQUISITE You have added an FX channel track and set up the correct output bus in the Output Routing pop-up menu. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list for the FX channel track, click Edit Channel Settings. The Channel Settings window for the FX channel track opens. 2. In the Inserts section, click an insert slot on the Inserts tab, and select an effect from the selector.
Audio Effects Send Effects RELATED LINKS Adding FX Channel Tracks on page 268 Pre/Post Fader Sends (Cubase Elements only) You can send the signal from the audio channel to the FX channel before or after the audio channel volume fader. ● Pre-fader sends The audio channel signal is sent to the FX channel before the audio channel volume fader. ● Post-fader sends The audio channel signal is sent to the FX channel after the audio channel volume fader.
Audio Effects Dither Effects (Cubase Elements only) 5. Click Edit Channel Settings to open the Channel Settings window for the audio track. 6. In the Sends section on the Destinations tab, locate the effect slot and drag to the left or right to set the send level. This determines how much of the signal from the audio channel is routed to the FX channel. RESULT The effect level is adjusted according to your settings.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel Effect Control Panel The effect control panel allows you to set up the parameters of the selected effect. The contents, design, and layout of the control panel depend on the selected effect. ● To open the control panel for a plug-in, double-click the effect slot. The following controls are available for all effects: 1 Activate Effect Activates/Deactivates the effect. 2 Bypass Effect Allows you to bypass the effect.
Audio Effects Effect Presets These parameter settings are now saved as setting B. RESULT You can now switch between both settings by clicking Switch between A/B Settings. You can compare them, make further adjustments or just go back to setting A. Settings A and B are saved with the project. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can copy the settings between A and B by clicking Copy A to B. You can take these settings as a starting point for further fine-tuning.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 1 Location Tree Shows the folder that is searched for preset files. 2 Filters Shows the available preset attributes for the selected effect. 3 Results Lists the available presets for the selected effect. 4 Previewer Allows you to preview the files shown in the results list. Loading Effect Presets Most VST effect plug-ins come with a number of useful presets that you can instantly select.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 2. In the Results section, select a preset from the list. 3. Optional: Activate playback to audition the selected preset and step through the presets until you find the right sound. NOTE You can set up cycle playback of a section to make comparisons between different preset settings easier. 4. Double-click to load the preset that you want to apply. RESULT The preset is loaded.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 5. Optional: Click Show Attribute Inspector in the bottom left corner of the pane and define attributes for the preset. 6. Click OK. RESULT The effect preset is saved. Saving Default Effect Presets You can save your effect parameter settings as default effect preset. This allows you to load your parameter settings automatically, every time you select the effect. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Preset Management pop-up menu. 2. Select Save as Default Preset.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section. 3. On the Inserts tab, click Preset Management and select Save FX Chain Preset. 4. In the Save FX Chain Preset pane, enter a name for the new preset in the New Preset section. 5. Click OK. RESULT The insert effects and their effect parameters are saved as insert preset. Loading Insert Presets You can load insert presets to audio, group, instrument, and FX channels.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window 3. On the Inserts tab, click Preset Management and select From Track Preset. 4. In the track preset pane, select the preset that contains the insert effects you want to load. 5. Double-click to load the effects and close the pane. RESULT The effects used in the track preset are loaded.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window Managing System Components in the System Component Information Window ● To make a plug-in available for selection, activate the checkbox in the left column. Only the activated plug-ins appear in the effect selectors. ● To see where a plug-in is used, click in the Instances column. NOTE A plug-in may be in use even if it is not activated in the left column. The left column only determines whether or not the plug-in is visible on the effect selectors.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing allows you to instantly add audio processes to the selected audio events, clips, or ranges, without destructing the original audio. Applying offline effects is common practice in dialogue editing and sound design. Offline processing has several advantages over applying realtime mixer effects: ● The workflow is clip-based. This allows you to apply different effects to events on the same track.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Workflow Direct Offline Processing Window on page 281 Direct Offline Processing Workflow You can perform offline processing operations in the Direct Offline Processing window. The window always shows the processing of the selected audio. For the Direct Offline Processing window, the following applies: ● Only one instance of the window can be open. ● The window size is determined by the displayed process.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window In the Direct Offline Processing window, the following options and settings are available: 1 Process panel Shows the last added process and allows you to modify its settings or to delete it. 2 Toolbar Allows you to add audio processing, to audition the audio with the current edits, and to make global settings for offline processing.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● Select an event or a range in the Project window. ● Select a clip in the Pool. ● Select a range in the Sample Editor. ● Select an event or a range in the Audio Part Editor. 2. Select Audio > Direct Offline Processing. 3. On the Direct Offline Processing toolbar, click Add Process and select an audio process. The selected audio process is added to process list in the left zone. 4.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● Select the processed event in the Project window or in the Audio Part Editor. NOTE In the Project window or in the Audio Part Editor, processed events are indicated by a waveform symbol in the upper right corner. ● Select the processed clip in the Pool. NOTE In the Pool, processed clips are indicated by a waveform symbol in the Status column. ● Select the processed range in the Sample Editor. 2.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes ● To remove a curve point, click and drag it outside the display. Presets Allow you to set up presets that you want to apply to other events or clips. ● To save a preset, click Store, type in a name, and click OK. ● To apply a preset, select it from the pop-up menu. ● To remove a preset, select it from the pop-up menu, and click Remove. Fade In/Fade Out Fade In and Fade Out allow you to apply a fade to the selected audio.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Gain Gain allows you to change the gain, that is, the level of the selected audio. Gain Allows you to set a gain value between -50 dB and +20 dB. Clipping Detection text This text is displayed if you use Audition and the gain setting results in audio levels above 0 dB. NOTE In case of clipping, lower the Gain value and use the Normalize audio process instead. This allows you to increase the level of the audio as much as possible without causing clipping.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Remove DC Offset Remove DC Offset allows you to remove any DC offset in the audio selection. If your audio signal contains too large a component of direct current, you may notice that it is not centered around the zero level axis. This is called DC offset. ● To verify if your audio contains DC offsets, select the audio and select Audio > Statistics. IMPORTANT DC offset is normally present throughout the entire recording.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Reverse Reverse allows you to reverse the audio selection so that it sounds as if you play back a tape backwards. There are no adjustable parameters for this audio process. Silence Silence allows you to replace the selection with silence. There are no adjustable parameters for this audio process. Stereo Flip Stereo Flip allows you to manipulate the left and right channels of stereo audio selections.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Beats Allows you to set the length of the selected audio in beats. Signature Allows you to set the time signature. Original Length This section contains information and settings regarding the audio that is selected for processing. Length in Samples Shows the length of the selected audio in samples. Length in Seconds Shows the length of the selected audio in seconds. Tempo in BPM Allows you to enter the actual tempo of the audio in beats per minute.
Direct Offline Processing Applying Direct Offline Processing Using Key Commands RELATED LINKS Time Stretch Algorithms on page 291 Applying Direct Offline Processing Using Key Commands You can apply offline processing by using key commands. If you add audio processes via key commands, the following applies: ● The current settings are used. ● The Direct Offline Processing window opens.
Time Stretch Algorithms In Cubase, time stretching algorithms are used for operations like for the Time Stretch offline process, or in the Sample Editor. RELATED LINKS Time Stretch on page 288 Sample Editor on page 299 Standard on page 291 Limitations on page 292 Standard The Standard algorithm is optimized for CPU-efficient realtime processing. The following presets are available: Standard – Drums For percussive sounds. This mode does not change the timing of your audio.
Time Stretch Algorithms Limitations Grain Size Allows you to determine the size of the grains in which the standard time-stretching algorithm splits the audio. Low grain size values lead to good results for material that has many transients. Overlap This is the percentage of the whole grain that will overlap with other grains. Use higher values for material with a stable sound character.
Audio Functions Cubase offers particular functions for analyzing the audio in your project. RELATED LINKS Detect Silence on page 293 Spectrum Analyzer on page 295 Statistics on page 298 Detect Silence Detect Silence allows you to search for silent sections in events. You can split events and remove the silent parts from the project, or create regions corresponding to the non-silent sections.
Audio Functions Detect Silence Waveform Display Allows you to zoom in on and out of the waveform by using the zoom slider to the right, by clicking in the waveform, and moving the mouse up or down. You can scroll the waveform by using the scrollbar, or by using the mouse wheel. You can adjust the Open Threshold and Close Threshold values by moving the squares at the beginning and at the end of the audio file. Open Threshold When the audio level exceeds this value, the function opens and lets the sound pass.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer Auto Activate this option to analyze the audio event and update the display automatically every time you change the settings. NOTE If you are working with very long files, consider deactivating the Auto option as this may slow down the process. Removing Silent Sections The Detect Silence dialog allows you to detect and remove silent sections of your audio. PROCEDURE 1. Select one or multiple audio events with silent sections in the Project window. 2.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer Size in Samples Allows you to set a size for the analysis blocks of the audio. The higher this value, the higher the frequency resolution of the resulting spectrum. Size of Overlap Allows you to set the overlap between each analysis block. Window Used Allows you to select which window type is used for the fast Fourier transform, the mathematical method used for computing the spectrum.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer dB Activate this option to show dB values on the vertical axis. Deactivate this option to show values between 0 and 1. Freq. Log Activate this option to display the frequencies on the horizontal axis on a logarithmic scale. Deactivate this option to show a linear frequency axis. Precision Indicates the frequency resolution of the graph. This value is governed by the Size in Samples setting in the spectrum analyzer settings.
Audio Functions Statistics Statistics The Statistics function analyzes the selected audio events, clips, or selection ranges. The Statistics window shows the following information: Channel Shows the name of the analyzed channel. Min. Sample Value Shows the lowest sample value in dB. Max. Sample Value Shows the highest sample value in dB. Peak Amplitude Shows the largest amplitude in dB. True Peak Shows the maximum absolute level of the audio signal waveform in the continuous time domain.
Sample Editor The Sample Editor provides an overview of the selected audio event. It allows you to view and edit audio by cutting and pasting, removing, or drawing audio data, and by processing audio. Editing is non-destructive so that you can undo modifications at any time. You can open the Sample Editor in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window. This is useful if you want to access the Sample Editor functions from within a fixed zone of the Project window.
Sample Editor The Sample Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, manipulating, and playing back audio. 2 Info Line Shows information about the audio. 3 Overview Line Shows an overview of the whole audio clip and indicates which part of the clip is shown in the waveform display. 4 Inspector Contains audio editing tools and functions. NOTE The Editor Inspector for the lower zone editor is shown in the left zone of the Project window.
Sample Editor Toolbar NOTE The info line, the overview line, and the regions can be activated/deactivated by clicking Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activating/deactivating the corresponding options.
Sample Editor Toolbar Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. The Switch Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the edited audio. Audition Loop loops the playback until you deactivate the Audition icon. The Audition Volume slider allows you to adjust the volume. Tool Buttons Range Selection Allows you to select ranges.
Sample Editor Toolbar Musical Information Displays the estimated length of your audio file, the estimated tempo, the time signature, and the warp algorithm. These values are important for using Musical Mode. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the lower zone editor. It opens the editor in a separate window.
Sample Editor Info Line NOTE You can determine the speed and pitch of the playback by dragging faster or slower. Editing Audio Samples with the Draw Tool You can edit the audio clip at sample level with the Draw tool. This way, you can remove audio clicks manually, for example. PROCEDURE 1. On the audio waveform, locate the sample position that you want to edit and zoom in to the lowest zoom level. 2. Select the Draw tool. 3.
Sample Editor Overview Line ● To show or hide the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate or deactivate the Info Line option. The on/off status of the info line in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor are independent of each other. NOTE Initially, length and position values are displayed in the format specified in the Project Setup dialog.
Sample Editor Ruler ● To open or close the Inspector sections, click their names. RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor Inspector on page 39 Hitpoints The Hitpoints section allows you to edit hitpoints to slice your audio. Here you can create groove quantize maps, markers, regions, and events based on hitpoints. ● To open the Hitpoints section, click its tab in the Inspector. Ruler The ruler shows the timeline and display format of the project, the project tempo grid.
Sample Editor Waveform Display Waveform Display The waveform display shows the waveform image of the edited audio clip. 1 Level Scale Indicates the amplitude of the audio. 2 Level Scale options Allow you to select whether the level is shown as percentage or in dB. 3 Ruler Shows the project tempo grid. 4 Audio waveform Shows the waveform image of the selected audio. 5 Half Level Axis To show the half level axis, open the audio waveform context menu and select Show Half Level Axis.
Sample Editor Range Editing ● If you have zoomed in to one sample per pixel or less, the appearance of the samples depends on the Interpolate Audio Waveforms option in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Audio page). Zoom Submenu The Zoom submenu of the Edit menu contains options for zooming in the Sample Editor. ● To open the Zoom submenu, select Edit > Zoom. The following options are available: Zoom In Zooms in one step, centering on the project cursor.
Sample Editor Range Editing PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, activate the Range Selection tool. 2. Click at the position in the waveform display where you want the range to start and drag to the position, where you want the range to end. 3. Optional: Perform one of the following actions to resize the selection range: ● Drag the left or the right edge of the selection to a new position. ● Hold down Shift and click at a new position. RESULT The selected range is highlighted in the waveform display.
Sample Editor Regions List 2. Drag the selection range to an audio track in the Project window. RELATED LINKS Selecting a Range on page 308 Creating Clips from Selection Ranges You can create a new clip that contains only the selected range. PROCEDURE 1. Select a range. 2. Right-click the selected range and select Audio > Bounce Selection. 3. Perform one of the following actions: ● Click Replace if you want to replace the original. ● Click No if you want to keep the original.
Sample Editor Regions List 5 Play Region Plays back the selected region. 6 Regions list Allows you to select and display regions in the audio waveform. Creating Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated the Regions option. PROCEDURE 1. On the Sample Editor toolbar, activate the Range Selection tool and in the waveform display, select the range that you want to convert into a region. 2.
Sample Editor Snap Point ● Drag the Region Start or Region End handle in the waveform display. ● Double-click the Start or End field in the regions list and enter a new value. NOTE The positions are shown in the display format selected for the ruler and info line, but are relative to the start of the audio clip. Removing Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated the Regions option. You have created regions. PROCEDURE 1.
Sample Editor Snap Point The snap point is used when Snap is activated on the Project window toolbar and you insert a clip from the Sample Editor in the event display. It is also used when you move or copy events in the event display. In the Sample Editor, you can edit the following snap points: ● Event Snap Point This is shown in the Sample Editor if you open a clip from within the Project window. ● Clip Snap point This is shown in the Sample Editor if you open a clip from the Pool.
Sample Editor Snap Point NOTE You can also adjust the snap point by setting the project cursor at the desired position and selecting Audio > Snap Point To Cursor.
Hitpoints Hitpoints mark musically relevant positions in audio files. Cubase can detect these positions and create hitpoints automatically by analyzing onsets and melodic changes of the audio. NOTE All hitpoint operations can be performed in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor. When you add an audio file to your project by recording or by importing, Cubase automatically detects hitpoints.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints RESULT The calculated hitpoints for the selected event are shown in the Project window. NOTE You can disable automatic hitpoint detection by deactivating Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page). Hitpoint Filters Cubase automatically detects and filters hitpoints. However, you can filter hitpoints manually if the result does not meet your expectations.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints 3. To disable a hitpoint that you do not need, press Shift and click on the line that represents the hitpoint. The mouse pointer changes to a cross icon and the tooltip Disable Hitpoint is shown. Disabled hitpoints are not taken into account for further operations. 4. Press Tab to navigate to the next slice. 5. To insert a hitpoint, press Alt and click at the position where you want to insert the hitpoint.
Hitpoints Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window You can navigate through the hitpoints of an audio event in the Project window. PREREQUISITE Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page). PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio track that contains the audio event for which you want to locate hitpoints. 2. Perform one of the following actions: ● Press Alt-N to navigate to the next hitpoint.
Hitpoints Slices RESULT The areas between the hitpoints are sliced and become separate events. The original audio event is replaced by an audio part containing the slices. On playback, the audio plays back seamlessly at the project tempo. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Change the project tempo. The slices are moved accordingly, keeping their relative positions within the part. Double-click the sliced audio part and replace or extract individual slices in the Audio Part Editor.
Hitpoints Creating a Groove Quantize Map Creating a Groove Quantize Map You can use hitpoints to create a groove quantize map. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to extract the timing is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. PROCEDURE ● In the Hitpoints section, click Create Groove. RESULT The groove is extracted from the audio event and automatically selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the Project window toolbar.
Hitpoints Creating Events Creating Events You can create events at hitpoint positions. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to create events is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. PROCEDURE ● In the Hitpoints section, click Create Events. RESULT Events are created between two hitpoint positions. Creating MIDI Notes You can export hitpoints to a MIDI part containing a MIDI note for each hitpoint.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes Velocity Sets the Fixed Velocity Value. Pitch Sets a note pitch for all created MIDI notes. Length Sets a note length for all created MIDI notes. Destination Allows you to select a destination: ● To place the MIDI part on the first selected MIDI or instrument track, select First Selected Track. NOTE Any MIDI parts from previous conversions on this track will be deleted. ● To create a new MIDI track for the MIDI part, select New MIDI Track.
Tempo Matching Audio You can tempo match audio to adapt its tempo to the project tempo, for example. NOTE All tempo matching operations can be performed in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor. The following functions are described: ● Stretch to Project Tempo Stretches the selected event to match the project tempo. ● Musical Mode Applies realtime time stretching to audio clips, so that they match the project tempo.
Tempo Matching Audio Stretching Audio Events to the Project Tempo Stretching Audio Events to the Project Tempo You can stretch audio loops to the project tempo. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Import > Audio File, select the audio loop that you want to import, and click OK. 2. Select the audio loop in the project. 3. Select Audio > Advanced > Stretch to Project Tempo. RESULT The audio loop is stretched to match the project tempo.
Audio Part Editor The Audio Part Editor provides an overview of the selected audio parts. It allows you to view, audition and edit parts by cutting and pasting, crossfading, drawing level curves, or by processing parts. Editing is non-destructive so that you can undo modifications at any time. You can open the Audio Part Editor in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
Audio Part Editor The Audio Part Editor in the lower zone of the Project window: 1 Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio parts. 2 Info Line Displays information on the audio parts. 3 Ruler Displays the timeline and the display format of the project.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 46 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 39 Ruler on page 32 Info Line on page 34 Toolbar on page 327 Toolbar The toolbar contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio parts. ● To show or hide the toolbar elements, right-click the toolbar and activate or deactivate the elements. The following options are available: Info/Solo Solo Editor Solos the selected audio during playback.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar Zoom Allows you to zoom in the waveform display. To zoom out, hold Alt while clicking. Erase Allows you to erase events from audio parts. Split Allows you to split audio parts. Mute Allows you to mute/unmute audio parts. Comp Allows you to assemble takes. Draw Allows you to edit audio. Play Allows you to play back the clip from the position where you click until you release the mouse button. Scrub Allows you to locate positions.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar Trim Start Right Decreases the length of the selected element by moving its start to the right. Move Left Moves the selected element to the left. Move Right Moves the selected element to the right. Trim End Left Decreases the length of the selected element by moving its end to the left. Trim End Right Increases the length of the selected element by moving its end to the right.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar Iterative Quantize On/Off Activates/Deactivates iterative quantize. Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize or a groove preset. Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Event Colors Color Menu Allows you to define audio part colors. Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop for the edited part. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider.
Audio Part Editor Info Line Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. RELATED LINKS Auto-Scroll on page 157 Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing on page 158 Info Line The info line shows information about the audio part, such as the start, end, length, or the time stretch algorithm. ● To show or hide the info line, activate Show/Hide Info on the toolbar.
Audio Part Editor Operations Operations All operations can be performed in the Audio Part Editor window and in the lower zone editor. Zooming, selecting and editing in the Audio Part Editor is done just as in the Project window. NOTE If a part is a shared copy, any editing you perform will affect all shared copies of this part.
Audio Part Editor Operations completely independent – other events (on other tracks) are played back as usual. The only interaction between the loop and the regular playback is that the loop starts every time the cycle starts over again. PROCEDURE 1. Activate Independent Track Loop on the toolbar. If it is not visible, right-click the toolbar and add the Independent Track Loop Settings section. 2. Ctrl/Cmd-click in the ruler to set the start and Alt-click to set the end of the loop.
Audio Part Editor Operations ● Edit Active Part Only lets you restrict editing operations to the active part only. If you select Edit > Select > All with this option activated, all events in the active part are selected, but not the events in other parts. ● You can zoom in on an active part so that it is displayed in its entirety in the window by selecting Edit > Zoom > Zoom to Event. ● Show Part Borders can be used if you want to see clearly defined borders for the active part.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) The sampler track features allow you to chromatically play back any audio from your audio sample library via MIDI. You can create and edit new sounds based on specific samples, and integrate them into an existing project. The sampler track features include: ● A sampler track that allows you to control the playback of the audio sample that is loaded in Sampler Control. ● Sampler Control that allows you load and edit audio samples.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Creating Sampler Tracks ● To load a MIDI part, drag it from the MediaBay, the Project window event display, or the File Explorer/macOS Finder and drop it in Sampler Control. IMPORTANT If Sampler Control already contains MIDI, it is overwritten. Cubase creates an audio file from the MIDI part. This includes the instrument sound and the channel settings from the VST instrument or the return channel.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Waveform Display on page 339 Envelope Editors on page 342 Sound Parameter Section on page 340 Keyboard Section on page 345 Sampler Control Toolbar The Sampler Control toolbar contains various settings and functions. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Switch between A/B Settings Allows you to switch between different parameter settings.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Tempo Shows the tempo of the sample. Root Key Shows the root key that determines the pitch of the sample. You can change the root key by entering a new value in the value field or by dragging the root key handle on the Sampler Control keyboard. Loop Mode Allows you to select a loop mode for playback via MIDI. ● If this is set to No Loop, the sample is played once.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control If this option is deactivated, you can play up to 128 notes simultaneously. Transfer to New Instrument Allows you to transfer the audio sample with all its Sampler Control settings to an instrument that is loaded to a new instrument track. Open in Separate Window Opens Sampler Control in a separate window. To close the separate window and open Sampler Control in the lower zone, click Open in Lower Zone .
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control ● To select the format, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler and select an option from the pop-up menu. You can display bars and beats, seconds, or samples. Zooming ● To zoom in/out on the time and level axes, use the horizontal and vertical zoom sliders or the corresponding key commands.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control In Music mode, the minimum playback speed adjustment is 12.5 %. Values below this limit have no effect. Original BPM If AudioWarp Sync Mode is set to Tempo, you can enter the original tempo of the sample in beats per minute. The playback speed of the sample is adjusted to match the tempo of the host application. NOTE This parameter is only available in Solo and in Music mode.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control ● To activate the filter settings, click Activate/Deactivate Filter . Cutoff Controls the cutoff frequency of the filter. Resonance Sets the filter resonance. Drive Determines the level of the input signal and thus the amount of saturation. Show/Hide Filter Envelope Shows the filter envelope editor. RELATED LINKS Envelope Editors on page 342 Amp In the Amp section, you can set volume and pan of the sample.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Pitch Envelope Envelope Amount Determines how much the selected envelope affects the audio. This parameter allows for positive and negative values. If the Envelope Amount is set to 0, the envelope has no effect. NOTE This parameter is only available for Filter and Pitch. Envelope display Shows the envelope curve. You can adjust it by adding, moving, and deleting nodes.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Zoom Functions in the Envelope Editors on page 344 Selecting Nodes You can select single nodes or multiple nodes. Selected nodes are edited together. ● To select a node, click on it in the graphical editor. The Time field at the top of the graphical envelope editor shows the parameters of the selected node. ● To add a node to a selection, Shift-click the node.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sample Editing and Playback Functions Keyboard Section In the keyboard section of Sampler Control you can set the root key and the key range of the sample, and the modulation range of the pitchbend wheel on your MIDI keyboard. Pitchbend Determines the maximal modulation that is applied when you move the pitchbend wheel on your MIDI keyboard. You can set the pitchbend range in semitone steps up to 12 semitones.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sample Editing and Playback Functions Setting the Root Key Manually The Root Key shows the original pitch of the sample. Sometimes, if the sample does not contain any root key information or if you want the sample to play at a different pitch you must set the root key manually. NOTE If you load a sample that does not contain any root key information, the root key is automatically set to C3.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to VST Instruments RESULT If Fixed Pitch is deactivated, the sample is played back and the pitch is defined by the notes you play. If you hit lower keys, the sample is played back with a low pitch. If you hit higher keys, the sample is played back with a high pitch. If Fixed Pitch is activated, the sample is played back in its original pitch.
Pool Every time that you record on an audio track, a file is created on your hard disk. A reference to this file, a clip, is added to the Pool. The following rules apply to the Pool: ● All audio and video clips that belong to a project are listed in the Pool. ● Every project has a separate Pool. The way the Pool displays folders and their contents is similar to the way the File Explorer/macOS Finder displays folders and file lists.
Pool Pool Window The content of the Pool is divided into the following folders: Audio Folder Contains all audio clips and regions that are in the project. Cubase Elements only: If the projects contains one or more sampler tracks, a dedicated Sampler Track subfolder is created in the audio folder. This subfolder contains all clips of samples that you have loaded into Sampler Control. Video Folder Contains all video clips that are in the project.
Pool Pool Window 10 Pool Record Folder Displays the path to the record folder of the active project. By default, this is the Audio folder. However, you can create a new Audio subfolder and designate this as your Pool record folder. Pool Window Columns Various information about the clips and regions can be viewed in the Pool window columns. The columns contain the following information: Media Contains the Audio, Video, and Trash folders.
Pool Pool Window Info For audio clips, this column displays the sample rate, bit resolution, number of channels, and length. For regions, it displays start and end times in frames. For video clips, it displays the frame rate, resolution, number of frames, and length. Type Displays the file format of the clip. Date Displays the date when the audio file was last changed. Origin Time Displays the original start position where a clip was recorded in the project.
Pool Working with the Pool Working with the Pool NOTE Most of the Pool-related main menu functions are also available on the Pool context menu. Renaming Clips or Regions in the Pool IMPORTANT Renaming clips or regions in the Pool also renames the referenced files on disk. It is recommended to rename clips or regions in the Pool. Otherwise, the reference from the clip to the file may get lost. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select a clip or region, and click the existing name. 2.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE The clips are positioned so that their snap points are aligned with the selected insert position. If you want to adjust the snap point before inserting a clip, double-click a clip to open the Sample Editor. Here, you can adjust the snap position and then perform the insert options. RESULT The clip is inserted on the selected track or on a new audio track. If several tracks are selected, the clip will be inserted on the first selected track.
Pool Working with the Pool Deleting Files from the Hard Disk To delete a file permanently from the hard disk, you must first move the corresponding clips to the Trash folder in the Pool. IMPORTANT Make sure that the audio files that you want to delete are not used in other projects. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the clips that you want to delete from the hard disk, and select Edit > Delete. You can also press Backspace or Delete, or drag the clips into the Trash folder.
Pool Working with the Pool Locating Events and Clips You can quickly display to which clips the selected events belong and to which events the selected clips belong. Locating Events via Clips in the Pool You can find out which events in the project refer to a particular clip in the Pool. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select one or more clips. 2. Select Media > Select in Project. RESULT All events that refer to the selected clips are now selected in the Project window.
Pool Working with the Pool The search will include the selected folder and all subfolders. NOTE Folders that you have recently selected using the Select Search Path function appear on the pop-up menu, so that you can quickly select them again. 4. Click Search. The search is started and Search is labeled Stop. ● To cancel the search, click Stop. When the search is finished, the files that are found are listed on the right. 5.
Pool Working with the Pool 6. Optional: To remove a search filter settings preset, open the extended search pop-up menu, select the preset, and then select Remove Preset. Find Media Window The Find Media window is a stand-alone window that offers the same functionality as the Search Media option in the Pool. ● To open the Find Media window, select Media > Search Media.
Pool Working with the Pool process audio and stored in the Edits folder within the project folder), it may be possible for the program to reconstruct it by recreating the editing to the original audio file. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, locate the clips for which files are missing. 2. Check the Status column. If the status of the files is “Reconstructible”, the files can be reconstructed by Cubase. 3. Select the reconstructible clips and select Media > Reconstruct.
Pool Working with the Pool Opening Clips in the Sample Editor The Sample Editor allows you to perform detailed editing on the clip. ● To open a clip in the Sample Editor, double-click a clip waveform icon or a clip name in the Media column. ● To open a certain region of a clip in the Sample Editor, double-click a region in the Pool. You can use this to set a snap point for a clip, for example.
Pool Working with the Pool Importing Audio CDs into the Pool You can import tracks or sections of tracks from an audio CD directly into the Pool. This opens a dialog in which you can specify which tracks are copied from the CD, converted to audio files, and added to the Pool. ● To import an audio CD to the Pool, select Media > Import Audio CD.
Pool Working with the Pool 4. If you are using the Bounce Selection option to create a separate audio file for a clip that refers to the same audio file as another clip, enter a name for the new audio file. RESULT A new audio file is created in the specified folder. The file has the name of the region and is automatically added to the Pool.
Pool Working with the Pool 4. Drag the clips to the new folder. Applying Processing to Clips in the Pool You can apply audio processing to clips from within the Pool in the same way as to events in the Project window. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the clips that you want to process. 2. Select Audio > Direct Offline Processing and select a processing method. RESULT A waveform symbol indicates that the clips have been processed.
Pool Working with the Pool RELATED LINKS Backing Up Projects on page 71 Converting Files In the Pool, you can convert files to another format. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the files that you want to convert. 2. Select Media > Convert Files. 3. In the Convert Options dialog, make your settings and click OK. Convert Options Dialog In this dialog, you can convert audio files in the Pool. To open the Convert Options dialog, select a clip in the Pool window, and select Media > Convert Files.
Pool Working with the Pool Conforming Files You can align the file attributes with the project attributes. This is useful if the attributes of the selected files are different from the project attributes. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the clips that you want to conform. 2. Select Media > Conform Files. 3. Select whether to keep or replace the original unconverted files in the Pool. ● If you select the Replace option, files in the Pool and in the Audio folder of the project are replaced.
MediaBay The MediaBay allows you to manage all your media files and presets from multiple sources. Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) You can open the Media rack in the right zone of the Project window. This is useful if you want to access the MediaBay functions from within a fixed zone of the Project window. To open the Media rack in the right zone, do the following: ● Click Show/Hide Right Zone zone, click the Media tab.
MediaBay Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) RELATED LINKS Showing/Hiding Zones on page 27 Favorites Section on page 373 Results Section on page 374 Previewer Section on page 378 Filters Section on page 382 Loading Loops and Samples on page 384 Loading Track Presets on page 384 Loading Instrument Presets on page 384 Loading Effect Plug-In Presets on page 385 Loading FX Chain Presets on page 385 Loading Strip Presets on page 386 Results Page The Results page shows all media files that are found in t
MediaBay Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) Shows all media files that are found in the selected location and allows you to select a media file. 8 Previewer Allows you to preview the selected media file. RELATED LINKS Setting Up the Results List Columns on page 374 Results Section on page 374 Previewer Section on page 378 Favorites Page (not in Cubase LE) The Favorites page allows you to add your own favorite folders to the Media rack.
MediaBay Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) Allows you to browse and select folders. 2 Results List Shows all supported media files that are found in the selected folder and allows you to select a media file. 3 Previewer Allows you to preview the selected media file.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Adding Favorites Using the Favorites Page (not in Cubase LE) You can add favorite folders to the Favorites page. This allows you to directly access media files in specific folders. PROCEDURE 1. In the Media rack, click the Favorites tile. 2. At the top left of the page, click Add Favorite 3. Select the folder that you want to add as a Favorite. 4. Click OK. . RESULT On the Favorites page, a new tile with the specified name is added.
MediaBay MediaBay Window MediaBay The MediaBay is divided into the following sections: 1 File Browser Allows you to scan specific folders in your file system, and to add favorites. 2 Favorites Allows you to switch between the previously defined favorite locations. 3 Filters Allows you to filter the results list using a logical or an attribute filter. 4 Results Displays all supported media files. You can filter the list and perform text searches.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Setting Up the MediaBay You can show and hide the different sections of the MediaBay. This saves screen space and enables you to display only the information that you need. PROCEDURE 1. Click Set up Window Layout in the lower left corner of the MediaBay. 2. Activate/Deactivate the checkboxes for the sections that you want to show/hide. 3. Click outside the pane to exit the setup mode.
MediaBay MediaBay Window RELATED LINKS Scanning Folders on page 372 Adding Favorites on page 372 Scanning Folders To include specific folders in the MediaBay search, you must scan them. PROCEDURE 1. In the File Browser section of the MediaBay, navigate to the folder that you want to include in the scan. 2. Click the checkbox for the folder to activate the scan. RESULT All files that are found in the scanned folder are shown in the Results list.
MediaBay MediaBay Window 4. Click OK. RESULT In the File Browser section, a new folder with the specified name is added to the Favorites folder. In the Favorites section, the added favorite is available in the Select Defined Favorite pop-up menu. In the Media rack in the right zone of the Project window, a new tile with the specified name is added on the Favorites page. NOTE All media files that a Favorite contains are automatically scanned.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Results Section The Results list shows all media files that are found in the selected folder in the File Browser. NOTE To show media files in the Results section, you must select a scanned folder in the File Browser section of the MediaBay. NOTE You can set the maximum number of files that are displayed in the Results list in the MediaBay Settings.
MediaBay MediaBay Window ● To delete a file, right-click it in the list and select Delete. The file is permanently deleted from your computer. IMPORTANT If you delete a file using the File Explorer/macOS Finder, it is still displayed in the Results list, although it is no longer available to the program. To remedy this, rescan the corresponding folder. Shuffling the Results List You can display the Results list entries in a random order.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Show Media Types Selector You can activate the media types that you want to be displayed in the Results list. The following media types are available: Audio Files If this option is activated, the list shows all audio files. The supported formats are .wav, .w64, .aiff, .aifc, .rex, .rx2, .mp3, .mp2, .ogg, .sd2 (macOS only), .wma (Windows only). MIDI Files If this option is activated, the list shows all MIDI files (file name extension .mid).
MediaBay MediaBay Window Saving/Loading EQ Presets on page 252 Saving/Loading FX Chain Presets on page 250 Video File Compatibility on page 594 Filtering According to Rating With the Rating Filter, you can filter files according to their rating. NOTE The Rating Filter is not available in the Media rack in the right zone (not in Cubase LE).
MediaBay MediaBay Window When entering strings separated by “or” (or a comma), files are found that contain either a or b, or both. Not [-] [not b] When entering text preceded by “not” (or a minus sign), all files not containing b are found. Parentheses [()] [(a or b) + c] Using parentheses, you can group text strings. In this example, files are found that contain c and either a or b. Quotation marks [“”] [“example text”] With quotation marks, you can define sequences of several words.
MediaBay MediaBay Window 1 Transport Controls Allow you to start, stop, pause, and cycle the preview. 2 Preview Level Fader Allow you to specify the preview level. 3 Auto Play New Results Selection If this option is activated, the selected file is automatically played back. 4 Align Beats to Project If this option is activated, the selected file is played back in sync with the project, starting at the project cursor position. Note that this can apply realtime time stretching to your audio file.
MediaBay MediaBay Window RELATED LINKS VST Instruments on page 402 Previewing MIDI Loops NOTE MIDI loops are always played back in sync with the project. 1 Transport Controls Allows you to start and stop the preview. 2 Preview Level Fader Allows you to specify the preview level. 3 Auto Play New Results Selection If this option is activated, the selected file is automatically played back.
MediaBay MediaBay Window You can display the On-Screen Keyboard in the keyboard display mode or in the piano display mode. 5 Computer Keyboard Input If this option is activated, you can use your computer keyboard to preview the presets.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Previewing Presets Via the Computer Keyboard NOTE If you activate Computer-Keyboard Input, the computer keyboard is used exclusively for the Previewer section. However, you can still use the following key commands: Ctrl/Cmd-S (Save), Num * (Start/Stop Record), Space (Start/Stop Playback), Num 1 (Jump to left locator), Delete or Backspace, Num / (Cycle on/off), and F2 (Show/Hide Transport panel). PROCEDURE 1. Activate Computer-Keyboard Input. 2.
MediaBay MediaBay Window ● Each attribute column displays only the attribute values that are found in the selected location. Applying an Attribute Filter With the Attribute filter, you can quickly find tagged media files with certain attributes. ● To apply an Attribute filter, select an attribute value. The Results list is filtered accordingly. Apply more attribute filters to narrow down the result even more.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Loading Loops and Samples PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click MIDI Files, Audio Files, or MIDI Loops, and select a media file. ● In the Media rack in the right zone (not in Cubase LE), click the Loops & Samples tile, and click the following tiles until you can select the media files in the Results list.
MediaBay MediaBay Window ● Drag the instrument preset and drop it on the track list to create a new instrument track with the loaded instrument preset. ● Drag the instrument preset and drop it in the event display to create a new instrument track with the loaded instrument preset. ● Drag the instrument preset and drop it on an instrument track to apply the preset to the track. RESULT The instrument is loaded as a track instrument, and the preset is applied to the instrument track.
MediaBay Working with MediaBay-Related Windows RELATED LINKS Show Media Types Selector on page 376 Loading Strip Presets PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click Strip Presets, and select a preset. ● In the Media rack in the right zone (not in Cubase LE), click Presets > Strip Presets, and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list. 2. In the Project window, select an audio track. 3.
MediaBay Working with MediaBay-Related Windows Applying Track Presets You can choose from a variety of track presets. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector, click the Preset Management icon on the right of the Inserts section. 2. Select From Track Preset. 3. In the Results browser, double-click a track preset to apply it. RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 120 Applying Instrument Presets When working with VST instruments, you can choose from a variety of presets via the Results browser. PROCEDURE 1.
MediaBay Working with Volume Databases VST presets for instruments can be divided into the following groups: Presets Presets contain the settings of the entire plug-in. For multi-timbral instruments, this includes the settings for all sound slots as well as the global settings. Programs Programs contain only the settings for one program. For multi-timbral instruments, this includes only the settings for one sound slot.
MediaBay Working with Volume Databases Creating a Volume Database PROCEDURE ● In the File Browser section, right-click the external storage medium, drive, or partition of your computer system for which you want to create a database, and select Create Volume Database. IMPORTANT You must select the topmost directory level for this. You cannot create a database file for a lower-level folder. RESULT The file information for this drive is written into a new database file.
MediaBay MediaBay Settings RESULT The metadata is integrated in the local MediaBay database file, and the volume database file is deleted. NOTE If the drive contains a large amount of data, this process may take some time. Mounting and Unmounting Volume Databases Volume databases that are made available while Cubase is running must be mounted manually.
MediaBay MediaBay Key Commands MediaBay Key Commands You can display the available MediaBay key commands from within the MediaBay window. This is useful if you want to get a quick overview over the assigned and the available MediaBay key commands. ● To open the key commands pane, click Key Commands in the lower left corner of the MediaBay. ● To close the key commands pane, click anywhere outside of the pane. ● To assign or modify a key command, click the corresponding key command.
Automation In essence, automation means recording the values for a particular MixConsole or effect parameter. When you create your final mix, Cubase can adjust this particular parameter control. Recording your Actions If the settings in your current project are crucial, you may not want to experiment with automation until you know more about how it all fits together. If so, you can create a new project for the following example.
Automation Static Value Line 2 Jump curves Jump curves are created for on/off parameters, such as mute. Static Value Line When you open an automation track for the first time, it does not contain any automation events. This is reflected in the event display as a dotted horizontal line, the static value line. This line represents the current parameter setting.
Automation Writing Automation Data Writing Automation Data You can create automation curves manually or automatically. ● Manual writing makes it easy to quickly change parameter values at specific points without having to activate playback. ● Automatic writing lets you work almost as if you were using a real mixer. With both methods, any applied automation data is reflected in both the MixConsole (a fader will move for example) and in the corresponding automation track curve.
Automation Writing Automation Data 3. Select the Draw tool. 4. Click on the static value line. An automation event is added, read automation mode is automatically activated, and the static value line changes to a colored automation curve. 5. Click and hold to draw a curve by adding many automation events. When you release the mouse button, the number of automation events is reduced.
Automation Editing Automation Events NOTE The result depends on the direction from which you draw the parabolic curve. Sine, Triangle, or Square mode If you click and drag on the automation track with the Line tool in Sine, Triangle, or Square mode and the Snap Type is set to Grid, the period of the curve (the length of one curve cycle) is determined by the grid setting. If you press Shift and drag, you can set the period length manually, in multiples of the grid value.
Automation Editing Automation Events 3. When you are satisfied with the result, release the mouse button. RESULT A smooth transition curve according to your edits is created. If you are not satisfied with the result and want to start over again from the original linear curve segment, double-click the handle. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK For even more precise editing, add new automation events to your bézier curve segment. This creates new segments that you can smoothen as described above.
Automation Editing Automation Events ● Activate the Range Selection tool and select a range on a ramp type automation track. NOTE If you work with the Range Selection tool, the smart control for Stretch is not available. The automation event editor features the following smart controls for specific editing modes: 1 Tilt Left If you click in the upper left corner of the editor, you can tilt the left part of the curve.
Automation Editing Automation Events NOTE If you select automation events using the Range Selection tool, additional automation events are automatically created at the start and the end of the selection. This ensures that the entire selection is edited. RELATED LINKS Automation Curves on page 392 Quick Vertical Scaling of Automation Events You can scale the curve segment between two automation events vertically without any need to select the events first. PROCEDURE 1.
Automation Automation Tracks RELATED LINKS Selecting Automation Events on page 397 Removing Automation Events ● To remove an automation event, click on it with the Erase tool. ● To remove multiple automation events, select them and press Backspace or Delete or select Edit > Delete. ● To remove all automation events from the automation track and close the automation track, click the automation parameter name in the track list and select Remove Parameter from the pop-up menu.
Automation Automation Tracks 2. From the pop-up menu, select the parameter or select More to open the Add Parameter dialog that lists all parameters that can be automated, and select the parameter there. RESULT The parameter replaces the current parameter in the automation track. NOTE The replacement of the automation parameter is non-destructive. If the automation track contains any automation data for the parameter that you just replaced, this data is there, although it is not visible.
VST Instruments VST instruments are software synthesizers or other sound sources that are contained within Cubase. They are played internally via MIDI. You can add effects or EQ to VST instruments. Cubase allows you to make use of VST instruments in the following ways: ● By adding a VST Instrument and assigning one or several MIDI tracks to it (not in Cubase LE). ● By creating an instrument track. This is a combination of a VST instrument, an instrument channel, and a MIDI track.
VST Instruments Creating Instrument Tracks Creating Instrument Tracks You can create instrument tracks that hold dedicated VST instruments. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track > Instrument. 2. Open the Instrument pop-up menu and select a VST instrument for the instrument track. 3. Click Add Track. RESULT The selected VST instrument is loaded for the instrument track. In the MixConsole an instrument channel is added.
VST Instruments VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) The VST Instruments window allows you to add VST instruments for MIDI and instrument tracks. All instruments that are used in your project are shown. You can access up to 8 quick controls for each added instrument. To open the VST Instruments window, select Studio > VST Instruments.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls (not in Cubase LE) VST Instrument Controls (not in Cubase LE) The VST instrument controls allow you to make settings for a loaded VST instrument. The following controls are available on each instrument: 1 Activate Instrument Activates/Deactivates the instrument. 2 Edit Instrument Opens the instrument panel. 3 Freeze Instrument Freezes the instrument. This allows you to save CPU power. 4 Instrument Selector Allows you to select another instrument.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments Copy/Paste Instrument Setting Allows you to copy the instrument settings and paste them to another instrument. Load/Save Preset Allows you to load/save an instrument preset. Default Preset Allows you to define and save a default preset. Switch to A/B Setting Activates the setting A or B. Copy A to B Copies the effect parameters of effect setting A to effect setting B. Activate Outputs Allows you to activate one or more outputs for the instrument.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments Saving VST Presets You can save your settings on VST instruments as VST presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● In the VST Instruments window, click Preset Browser for the instrument, and select Save Preset. ● In the control panel for the VST instrument, click Preset Browser, and select Save Preset. 2. In the Save Preset dialog, enter a name for the preset. 3.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments After you have added a VST instrument and selected a sound, you can play back the VST instrument using the instrument or MIDI track in your project. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, activate Monitor for the track that has the VST instrument loaded. 2. Press one or more keys on your MIDI keyboard or use the On-Screen Keyboard. The corresponding sounds are triggered on your VST instrument. 3.
VST Instruments Latency NOTE To edit the tracks, parameters, or synth channels again, and to delete the rendered file, unfreeze the instrument by clicking Freeze again. Freeze Instrument Options The Freeze Instrument Options dialog opens when you click Freeze. It allows you to specify exactly what should happen if you freeze an instrument.
VST Instruments Import and Export Options Constrain Delay Compensation To avoid Cubase to add latency when you play a VST instrument in realtime or record live audio, you can activate Constrain Delay Compensation. This minimizes the latency effects of the delay compensation, while maintaining the sound of the mix as far as possible. Constrain Delay Compensation is available on the Project window toolbar and in the Transport zone. You can also find it as a menu item in the MixConsole on the Functions menu.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) Filtering According to Media Type on page 375 Exporting MIDI Loops You can export MIDI loops to save a MIDI part together with its instrument and effect settings. This allows you to reproduce patterns that you created without having to search for the correct sound, style, or effect. MIDI loops have the file extension .midiloop. PROCEDURE 1. Select an instrument part. 2. Select File > Export > MIDI Loop. 3.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) 1 Show/Hide VST Quick Controls Allows you to show/hide the VST Quick Controls for the instrument. 2 VST Quick Controls Allow you to remote-control the parameters of the instrument. NOTE The number of VST Quick Controls that are shown depends on the size of the VST Instruments window. 3 Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls Allows you to activate the VST Quick Controls to remote-control the instrument.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) RESULT The quick controls are now associated with control elements on your external remote controller. If you move a control element, the value of the parameter that is assigned to the corresponding Quick Control changes accordingly. The remote controller setup for Quick Controls is saved globally, that is, it is independent of any projects.
Installing and Managing PlugIns Installing VST Plug-Ins Cubase supports the VST 2 and VST 3 plug-in standards. You can install effects and instruments that comply with these formats. A plug-in is a piece of software that adds a specific functionality to Cubase. The audio effects and instruments that are used in Cubase are VST plug-ins. Effect or instrument plug-ins normally have their own installation application. Read the documentation or readme files before installing new plug-ins.
Installing and Managing Plug-Ins VST Plug-In Manager The VST Plug-in Manager window shows the following: VST Effects This tab lists all VST effects that are loaded in Cubase. You can sort the list by name, vendor, category, etc. by clicking the corresponding column heading. VST Instruments This tab lists all VST instruments that are loaded in Cubase. You can sort the list by name, vendor, category, etc. by clicking the corresponding column heading.
Installing and Managing Plug-Ins VST Plug-In Manager Search Field Enter the name of a plug-in in the search field. The list of all effects or VST instruments is filtered to show only those plug-ins whose names contain the text that you entered. Display Options Allows you to choose which plug-ins are shown: ● To show all loaded plug-ins, select Show All Plug-ins. ● To hide all plug-ins that are part of the active collection, select Hide Plug-ins That Are in Active Collection.
Installing and Managing Plug-Ins Compiling a New Effects Collection RELATED LINKS VST Plug-In Manager on page 414 VST Audio System on page 12 Compiling a New Effects Collection You can create a new collection of effects or VST instruments for use in the plug-in selectors. PREREQUISITE A number of effect plug-ins is correctly installed on your computer, and these plug-ins are listed on the VST Effects tab of the VST Plug-in Manager window. PROCEDURE 1.
Remote Controlling Cubase It is possible to control Cubase via MIDI. A large number of MIDI control devices is supported. This chapter describes how to set up Cubase for remote control. The supported devices are described in the separate document Remote Control Devices. There is also a Generic Remote Device option, allowing you to use any MIDI controller to remote control Cubase.
Remote Controlling Cubase Setting Up 2. If you cannot find the remote device you are looking for, click on the plus sign in the top left corner and select the device from the pop-up menu. The selected device is added to the Devices list. NOTE Note that it is possible to select more than one remote device of the same type. If you have more than one remote device of the same type, these will be numbered in the Devices list.
Remote Controlling Cubase Operations in the Devices list, select it and click the Reset button in the lower part of the Studio Setup dialog. The Send Reset Message to all Devices button at the top left of the dialog next to the + and - buttons will reset every device in the Devices list.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Generic Remote Device Assigning remote key commands For some remote devices, you can assign any Cubase function (to which a key command can be assigned) to generic buttons, wheels, or other controls. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select your remote device. On the right side of the window you will find a table. This is where you assign commands. 3.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Generic Remote Device 4. Use the MIDI Input and Output pop-up menus to select the MIDI ports to which your remote device is connected. 5. Use the pop-up menu to the right to select a bank. Banks are combinations of a certain number of channels, and are used because most MIDI devices can control only a limited number of channels at a time (often 8 or 16).
Remote Controlling Cubase The Generic Remote Device Column Description Houston status value, see the Steinberg Houston hardware manual. MIDI Channel Clicking in this column opens a popup menu, allowing you to select the MIDI channel on which the controller is transmitted. Address The Continuous Controller number, the pitch of a note, or the address of a NRPN/ RPN Continuous Controller. Max. Value The maximum value the control will transmit.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Generic Remote Device Column Description device in Cubase is controlled. The special “Command” option allows you to perform certain command actions by remote control. One example of this is the selection of remote banks. Channel/Category This is where you select the channel to be controlled or, if the “Command” Device option is selected, the Command category.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) NOTE Note that you only need to make settings in the bottom table for this bank. The table at the top is already set up according to the MIDI remote device. If necessary, you can add banks by clicking the Add button below the Bank pop-up menu. Clicking the Rename button allows you to assign a new name to the selected bank, and you can remove an unneeded bank by selecting it and clicking the Delete button. 9.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Layout Section The main area of the editor is the Layout section. Layouts represent the hardware devices that are used to remote-control the plug-in parameters. Like these devices, a layout can have a number of pages. These pages contain a number of cells, which in turn contain controls. The available controls are 1 text label, 1 knob, and 2 switches.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Status Bar When you position the mouse pointer over an element in the editor window, the status bar shows information on what you can do with this element. Setting up the Standard Layout Click the “Set up Cell Layout” button to open the Cell Layout Configuration panel. Here, you can make the following settings: ● Use the pop-up menu to specify the number of cells per page.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Control Type Settings for Knobs The following control types are available for knobs: Standard A standard knob with undefined LED style. Toggle Switch This is best used for parameters with 2 states, like On/Off buttons. LED Ring An LED ring is shown around the knob. The setting increases clockwise. LED Ring (counter-clockwise) An LED ring is shown around the knob. The setting increases counter-clockwise from right to left.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Decreasing Stepwise Pressing the switch steps through the available settings in reverse order until the minimum is reached. Increasing Stepwise (cycle) Pressing the switch steps through the available settings, starting over with the minimum value when the maximum is reached.
Remote Controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Editing the Layout In the Layout section, you can perform a number of editing operations and arrange the pages to your liking. Making Name Settings for the Cells The top 3 text fields in the Inspector can be used to specify the names for a cell. This is useful if you are working with hardware devices that have value fields that only display a limited number of characters, for example.
Remote Controlling Cubase Apple Remote (macOS only) Adding/Removing a New Hardware Layout ● To add a hardware layout for a particular hardware type, click the “+” button to the right of the tabs. ● To remove a hardware layout, click the “x” icon of a tab. Changing the Settings in a Layout ● To modify an existing layout, save the new settings by clicking the Apply button in the top right corner of the editor.
Remote Controlling Cubase Apple Remote (macOS only) By default, the Apple Remote always controls the application that has the focus on your Macintosh computer (provided that this application supports the Apple Remote). NOTE When the “Disable when application is not in front” option is not selected, the Apple Remote will control Cubase even if it does not have the focus.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI realtime means that you can change or transform MIDI events on MIDI or instrument tracks before they are sent to the MIDI outputs. This allows you to change the way MIDI data is played back. The actual MIDI events on the track are not affected. Therefore, MIDI real time changes are not reflected in any MIDI editor.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE For live playing, select and record-enable the track, and activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). MIDI Modifiers Section NOTE If you want to compare the result of your modifier settings with the unprocessed MIDI, you can use the bypass button in the MIDI modifiers section. If this button is activated, the MIDI modifiers settings are temporarily disabled. Transpose Allows you to transpose all notes on the track in semitones.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers Random Allows you to introduce random variations to various properties of MIDI notes. Range Allows you to specify a pitch or velocity range and either force all notes to fit within this range, or exclude all notes outside this range from playback. HMT: Follow (Cubase Elements only) Activate this button to apply Hermode tuning to the notes played on this track.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK To deactivate the function, open the Range pop-up menu and select OFF. Range Modes On the Range pop-up menu, you can select different range modes. Values are shown as numbers, from 0 to 127, for the velocity modes and as note numbers, from C-2 to G8, for the pitch modes. Vel. Limit Allows you to force all velocity values to fit within the range that you specify with the min and max values.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers RESULT If you use a VST 3 instrument that supports Micro Tuning and Note Expression, notes are retuned dynamically while you play them. For VST instruments that support Note Expression, this also works in MIDI Thru mode. If you use a track that has a VST 2 instrument loaded, the notes you play are retuned on every keystroke. RELATED LINKS Hermode Tuning on page 437 Hermode Tuning You can select different Hermode tuning types.
MIDI Realtime Parameters Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line ● The settings in the MIDI Modifiers section, such as Transpose, Vel. Shift, Vel. Comp., and Len. Comp.. ● The info line settings Transpose and Velocity. RELATED LINKS MIDI Track Inspector on page 85 Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line You can edit the transposition and the velocity for selected MIDI parts on the info line. This only affects the notes on playback.
Using MIDI devices The MIDI Device Manager allows you to specify and set up your MIDI devices, making global control and patch selection easy. MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling On the following pages, we will describe how to install and set up preset MIDI devices, and how to select patches by name from within Cubase. About Program Change and Bank Select To instruct a MIDI instrument to select a certain patch (sound), you send a MIDI Program Change message to the instrument.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling Installed Devices List of connected MIDI devices. The first time you open the MIDI Device Manager, this list will be empty. Install Device/Remove Device Use these buttons to install/remove devices. Export Setup/Import Setup Use these buttons to import/export XML Device setups. Open Device This button opens the selected device. Output Here you specify to which MIDI output the selected device is connected.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling Defining a new MIDI device If your MIDI device is not included in the list of pre-configured devices (and is not a “plain” GM or XG device), you need to define it manually to make it possible to select patches by name. PROCEDURE 1. In the MIDI Device Manager, click the Install Device button. The Add MIDI Device dialog opens. 2. Select “Define New…” and click OK. A dialog appears. 3.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling ● To remove a device from the Installed Devices list, select it and click Remove Device. About Patch Banks Depending on the selected device, you may find that the Patch Banks list is divided in two or more main banks. Typically, these are called Patches, Performances, Drums, etc. The reason for having several patch banks is that different “types” of patches are handled differently in the instruments.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling This sends the appropriate MIDI message to the device. You can also scroll the program selection up or down, as with any value. Renaming patches in a device The pre-configured devices list is based on the factory-preset patches, i. e. the patches included in the device when you first bought it.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling IMPORTANT For details on which MIDI events are used for selecting patches in the MIDI device, consult its documentation. ● To change which Program Change value is sent out to select the patch, adjust the number in the Value column for the Program Change event. ● To add another MIDI event such as Bank Select click directly below the last event in the list and select a new event from the pop-up menu.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling 4. Click OK. A number of new presets have now been added to the selected bank or folder, according to your settings. Other editing functions ● You can move presets between banks and folders by dragging them to the Patch Banks list. ● You can remove a bank, folder or preset by selecting it in the Patch Banks list and pressing Backspace. ● If you specify more than one bank, a Bank Assignment tab is added next to the Patch Banks tab.
MIDI Functions MIDI functions allow you to permanently edit MIDI events or MIDI parts in the Project window or from within a MIDI editor. Which events are affected when you use a MIDI function depends on the function, the active window and the current selection: ● In the Project window, the MIDI functions apply to all selected parts, affecting all events of the relevant types in them. ● In the MIDI editors, MIDI functions apply to all selected events.
MIDI Functions Merging MIDI Events into a New Part ● Select a root note and a scale type for the new scale in the New Scale pop-up menus. NOTE If the new root note differs from the current root note, this leads to an entirely different key. Use Range Limits the transposition of notes to the note values that you specify with the Low and High settings. NOTE Notes that would end up outside the range after transposition, are shifted to another octave, keeping the correct transposed pitch if possible.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part Include Inserts Applies MIDI modifiers. Erase Destination Deletes MIDI data between the left and right locators on the destination track. Include Chase Includes events placed outside the selected part but relating to it in the processing, for example, a program change right before the left locator. RELATED LINKS Chase on page 165 Applying Effects to a Single Part You can apply MIDI modifiers to a single part. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part NOTE This option is not available when Dissolve to Lanes is activated. Dissolve to Lanes Dissolves the part to lanes. Dissolving Parts into Separate Channels You can dissolve MIDI parts that contain events on different MIDI channels and distribute the events into new parts on new tracks, one for each MIDI channel found. PROCEDURE 1. Select the parts that contain MIDI events on different channels. 2. Select MIDI > Dissolve Part. 3. Activate Separate Channels. 4. Click OK.
MIDI Functions Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track Loops RESULT For each MIDI pitch used in the selected parts, a new MIDI track is created. Each event is copied into the part on the track for the corresponding pitch, and the original parts are muted. Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track Loops You can repeat the MIDI events inside an independent track loop to fill up a MIDI part. This is useful, if you want to convert the events of an independent track loop to actual MIDI events.
MIDI Functions Fixing MIDI Note Lengths Fixing MIDI Note Lengths You can set the length of selected MIDI notes to the Length Quantize value. PREREQUISITE A MIDI part with some note events is open in the Key Editor. PROCEDURE 1. In the Key Editor toolbar, open the Length Quantize pop-up menu and select the desired note length. 2. Select the note events that you want to fix. 3. Select MIDI > Functions > Fixed Lengths. RESULT The selected note events are set to the specified Length Quantize value.
MIDI Functions Deleting Overlaps 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Pedals to Note Length. RESULT The selected notes are lengthened to match the sustain pedal off position, and the sustain controller on/off events are removed. Deleting Overlaps You can delete overlaps of notes that have the same or different pitches. This is useful, if your MIDI instruments cannot handle overlapping events. PROCEDURE 1. Select the note events. 2. Do one of the following: ● Select MIDI > Functions > Delete Overlaps (mono).
MIDI Functions Deleting Double Notes Compress/Expand Uses the Ratio setting (0 to 300 %) to compress or expand the dynamic range of MIDI notes. A factor higher than 1 (over 100 %) expands the differences between velocity values, while using a factor lower than 1 (under 100 %) compresses them. ● To compress the dynamic range, use ratio values below 100 %. After compression, you can add a velocity amount to maintain the average velocity level. ● To expand the dynamic range, use ratio values above 100 %.
MIDI Functions Restricting Polyphonic Voices Restricting Polyphonic Voices You can restrict polyphonic voices in selected MIDI notes or parts. This is useful when you have an instrument with limited polyphony and want to make sure all notes are played. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI notes or parts that contain the voices. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Restrict Polyphony. 3. Specify how many voices you want to use. 4. Click OK.
MIDI Functions Reversing the Playback Order of MIDI Events Reversing the Playback Order of MIDI Events You can invert the order of the selected events or of all events in a selected parts rhythmically. This causes the MIDI to play backwards. However, this is different from reversing an audio recording. The individual MIDI notes still play as usual, but the playback order changes. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI events or the MIDI part. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Reverse.
MIDI Editors There are several ways to edit MIDI in Cubase. You can use the tools and functions in the Project window for large-scale editing or the functions on the MIDI menu to process MIDI parts in various ways. To manually edit your MIDI data on a graphical interface, you can use the MIDI editors. ● The Key Editor presents notes graphically in a piano roll-style grid. The Key Editor also allows for detailed editing of non-note events such as MIDI controllers.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions ● The Zoom tool. ● The Zoom submenu in the Edit menu. When you use the Zoom tool for zooming, you can determine if you want to zoom horizontal only or horizontal and vertical at a time. ● To activate/deactivate the corresponding option, activate/deactivate Zoom Tool Standard Mode: Horizontal Zooming Only in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page).
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Channel The note events get different colors depending on their MIDI channel value. Part The note events get the same color as their corresponding part in the Project window. Use this option if you are working with 2 or more tracks in an editor, to see which note events belong to which track. Grid Match The note events get different colors depending on their time position.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions In Loop Selects all note events that are partially or completely inside the boundaries of the left and right locators (only visible if locators are set). From Start to Cursor Selects all note events that begin to the left of the project cursor. From Cursor to End Selects all note events that end to the right of the project cursor.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Cutting Note Events The Trim tool allows you to cut off the end or the beginning of note events. PROCEDURE 1. Select the Trim tool on the toolbar. 2. Do one of the following: ● To trim the end of a single note event, click on the note event. ● To trim the beginning of a single note event, press Alt and click the note event. ● To trim several note events, click and drag across the note events.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions If you select the Bars+Beats display format, the snap grid is set by the quantize value on the toolbar. This makes it possible to snap to straight note values and to swing grids that have been set up in the Quantize Panel. ● If you select any of the other display formats, positioning is restricted to the displayed grid.
MIDI Editors Key Editor ● To change the size of the part, drag the part borders. The part borders display the name of the active part. NOTE If the part that you open for editing is a shared copy, any editing that you perform affects all shared copies of this part. In the Project window, shared copies are indicated by an equal sign in the top right corner of the part. Looping MIDI Parts The Independent Track Loop function allows you to loop a MIDI part independent of the project playback.
MIDI Editors Key Editor NOTE If you select MIDI > Set up Editor Preferences, the Preferences dialog opens on the Editors page. Make your settings to specify if you want the editors to open in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Editors Key Editor 1 Toolbar Contains tools and settings. 2 Status line Informs about the mouse time position, the mouse note position, and the current chord. 3 Info line Displays note event information about a selected MIDI note. 4 Ruler Displays the timeline. 5 Inspector Contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. 6 Note display Contains a grid in which MIDI notes are displayed as boxes.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. The Switch Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing. Switch Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to specify the auto-scroll settings. Tool Buttons Object Selection Allows you to select events. Draw Allows you to draw events. Erase Allows you to delete events. Trim Allows you to trim events. Split Allows you to split events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Auto Select Controllers Auto Select Controllers Automatically selects controller data of the selected MIDI notes. Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop. Show Note Expression Data Show Note Expression Data Shows note expression data. Multiple Part Controllers Show Part Borders Shows/Hides part borders for the active MIDI part within the left and right locators.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Move Left Moves the selected event to the left. Move Right Moves the selected event to the right. Trim End Left Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the left. Trim End Right Increases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the right. Transpose Palette Move Up Transposes the selected event up by a half note. Move Down Transposes the selected event down by a half note. Move Up More Transposes the selected event up by an octave.
MIDI Editors Key Editor ● Grid + Cursor snaps events to the quantize grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu or to the cursor position. ● Events + Cursor the cursor position. ● Grid + Events + Cursor snaps events to the quantize grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu, to the start or end of other events or to the cursor position.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Moves all note events to the right of the step input position to the right to make room for the inserted event when you insert notes. NOTE This only works if Step Input is activated. Record Pitch Includes the pitch when you insert notes. Record NoteOn Velocity Includes the NoteOn velocity when you insert notes. Record NoteOff Velocity Includes the NoteOff velocity when you insert notes. Event Colors Event Colors Allows you to select event colors.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. RELATED LINKS Zooming in MIDI Editors on page 456 Status Line The status line shows information about the mouse time position, the mouse note position, and the current chord. To show or hide the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate or deactivate Status Line.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Key Editor Inspector In a MIDI editor, the inspector is located left of the note display. The inspector contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. Chord Editing (Cubase Elements only) Allows you to enter chords instead of single notes. Quantize Allows you to access the main quantize parameters. These are identical with the functions on the Quantize panel. Transpose Allows you to access the main parameters for transposing MIDI events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Note Display The note display is the main area in the Key Editor. It contains a grid in which note events are shown as boxes. The width of a box corresponds to the note length. The vertical position of a box corresponds to the note number (pitch), with higher note events higher up in the grid. The piano keyboard helps you to find the right note number. Controller Display The area at the bottom of the Key Editor window is the controller display. It contains the controller events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Events other than velocity values are shown as blocks. The block corresponds to the event values. The beginning of an event is marked by a curve point. NOTE Unlike note events, controller events have no length. The value of a controller event in the display is valid until the beginning of the next controller event. Key Editor Operations This section describes the principal editing operations within the Key Editor.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● To draw a note, click in the note display. The note event has the length that is set on the Length Quantize pop-up menu. ● To draw longer note events, click and drag in the note display. The length of the note event is a multiple of the Length Quantize value. If Length Quantize is set to Quantize Link, the note value is determined by the quantize grid. The Snap function is taken into account.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations The following line modes are available: Line If this option is activated, you can click and drag to insert note events in the note display along a straight line in any angle. Use this option to edit controller data along a straight line in the controller display. Parabola, Sine, Triangle, Square These modes insert note events along different curve shapes. Paint This mode allows you to insert note events by painting in the note display.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● To resize the note event, position the Object Selection tool at the start or the end of a note event and drag the mouse cursor to the left or right. ● To move the start or end positions of the selected notes in steps according to the Length Quantize value on the toolbar, use the Trim Start/End buttons on the Nudge palette. ● Select the note and adjust its length on the info line. ● Select Draw and drag left or right within the note display to draw a note.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Gluing Note Events You can glue together note events of the same pitch. ● To glue note events, select Glue and click on a note event. The note event is glued together with the next note event of the same pitch. The result is a long note event that spans from the start of the first note to the end of the second note. The properties (velocity, pitch, etc.) of the first note event apply.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Chord Editing Section (Cubase Elements only) The Chord Editing section in the Inspector allows you to insert and edit chords, and change voicings. Chord Type Shows the chord type of the selected chords. Add to Chord Track Adds the chord indicated in the Chord Type field to the chord track. The chord event is inserted at the position on the chord track that corresponds to the position of the MIDI notes. Any existing chord events at this position are overwritten.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Drop Notes - Move the third highest note an octave lower Moves the third highest note of a chord down by one octave. Drop Notes - Move the second and fourth highest notes an octave lower Moves the second and fourth highest notes of a chord down by one octave. Create Chord Symbols Performs a chord analysis of the selected notes. If nothing is selected, the whole MIDI part is analyzed.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● In the note event if the zoom factor is high enough. ● When dragging a note event. Editing Note Events via MIDI Input You can directly hear your editing results. Editing the properties of note events via MIDI can be a quick way to, for example, set the velocity value of a note event. PROCEDURE 1. In the Key Editor, select the note event that you want to edit. 2. Click MIDI Input on the toolbar. Editing via MIDI is enabled. 3.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations The note events that you insert are positioned according to the Quantize value and have the length of the Length Quantize value. NOTE If Length Quantize is set to Quantize Link, the note length is also determined by the Quantize value. 5. Play the first note event or chord on your MIDI instrument. The note event or chord appears in the editor and the step input position advances by one quantize value step.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● To remove a controller lane, open the Controller Selection and Functions pop-up menu and select Remove this Lane. This hides the lane from view. It does not affect the events in any way. If you remove all lanes, the controller display is hidden. To bring it back, click Create Controller Lane. ● To show/hide multiple lanes, open the Controller Lane Setup pop-up menu, and select Show/Hide Controller Lanes.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 2. In the MIDI Controller Setup dialog, move all the controllers that you need to the list on the left and move the controllers that you do not need to the list on the right. 3. Click OK. Handling Controller Lane Presets Once you have made up your controller lane setup, you can save it as a controller lane preset.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations The Object Selection tool automatically switches to the Draw tool when you move the pointer into the controller display. When you move the pointer in the controller lane, the corresponding event type value is displayed below the event type name. In velocity mode, no new controller events are added this way. ● To edit the values of any other event type in the controller display, press Alt and drag, or use the Draw tool or the Line tool and drag.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations NOTE If Snap is activated, the Length Quantize value determines the density of created controller curves. For very smooth curves, use a small Length Quantize value or deactivate Snap. To avoid over-dense controller curves, which can cause MIDI playback to stutter, use a medium-low density. Parabola Mode In Parabola mode, you can draw events on a parabola curve. This gives more natural curves and fades. The result depends on the direction from which you draw the parabola.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● You can also set the curve period freely by holding down Shift when you insert events in Sine, Triangle, or Square mode. Activate Snap, Shift-click and drag to set the length of one period. The period length will be a multiple of the quantize value. Paint Mode In Paint mode, you can draw in multiple notes. The quantize value determines the density of created controller curves. For very smooth curves, use a small quantize value or deactivate Snap.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Adding Poly Pressure Events PROCEDURE 1. Open the Controller Selection and Functions pop-up menu and select Poly Pressure. 2. Click on the keyboard display to set the note number. The selected note number is displayed in the upper value field to the left of the controller display. NOTE This only works for the topmost lane.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations If you click in the middle of the upper border of the editor, you can scale the curve vertically. This allows you to raise or lower the event values of the curve in percent. 4 Move Vertically If you click on the upper border of the editor, you can move the entire curve vertically. This allows you to raise or lower the values of the event values of the curve.
MIDI Editors Score Editor RESULT The events inside the selection are moved to the new position. Snap is taken into account. NOTE If Auto Select Controllers is activated on the Key Editor toolbar, selecting notes also selects the corresponding controller events. Moving events in the note display also moves the corresponding controller events.
MIDI Editors Score Editor The Score Editor in the lower zone of the Project window: The Score Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar Contains tools and settings. 2 Status line Informs about the mouse time position, the mouse note position, and the current chord. 3 Info line Displays note event information about a selected MIDI note. 4 Extended toolbar Contains note value buttons and enharmonic shift buttons.
MIDI Editors Score Editor ● To rearrange the staves, close the editor and in the Project window, rearrange the tracks. Then reopen the Score Editor. NOTE You can activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, the tools, and the filters by clicking Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activating/deactivating the corresponding options. Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and various settings for the Score Editor.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Insert Velocity Insert Velocity Allows you to specify a velocity value for new notes. Snap Snap Type Allows you to select one of the following snap types: ● Grid snaps events to the grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets popup menu. ● Grid Relative grid. keeps the relative positions when snapping events to the Quantize Iterative Quantize On/Off Activates/Deactivates iterative quantize.
MIDI Editors Score Editor MIDI Input/Note Expression MIDI Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI input and note expression MIDI input. Move Insert Mode Moves all note events to the right of the step input position to the right to make room for the inserted event when you insert notes. NOTE This only works if Step Input is activated. Record Pitch Includes the pitch when you insert notes. Record NoteOn Velocity Includes the NoteOn velocity when you insert notes.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Status Line The status line is displayed below the toolbar. It shows important information about the mouse position and the chord display. Select the notes that form (compose) the chord to make the status line appear in the Current Chord Display. To show or hide the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate or deactivate Status Line.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Enharmonic Shift Allows you to manually select whether a note is displayed with flat or sharp accidentals. The Off button resets the notes to original display. The other options are double flats, flats, No (no accidentals shown, regardless of pitch), sharps, and double sharps. RELATED LINKS Enharmonic Shift on page 500 Score Display The main area of the Score Editor window shows the notes in the edited parts on one or several staves.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations and make a neater score. To achieve this, the Staff Settings dialog provides settings that determine how the program displays the music. Staff Settings Dialog This dialog allows you to change how Cubase displays the music. IMPORTANT The settings that you make in this dialog are independent for each staff (track), but common for a piano staff that you have created with the Split option.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations IMPORTANT These display values are only used for the graphical display in the Score Editor. They do not affect the playback. Notes Determines the smallest note value to be displayed and the smallest position to be recognized and properly displayed. Set this to the smallest significant note position used in your music. For example, if you have notes on odd 16th note positions, set this value to 16. The T values are for triplet note values.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations you to record and play back a multi staff arrangement and still score each instrument according to its own transposition. Semitones Allows you to manually set a display transpose value. Instrument Allows you to select the instrument for which you are scoring. Interpretation Options In this section, you can make additional settings on how the score is displayed.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations With the quantize value set to 1/8, you can only input notes at 8th note positions. You can also use the Quantize Panel to create other quantize values, irregular grids, etc. Creating Notes In the score display, the Insert Note tool allows you to create notes. However, you must first set the note value (length) and spacing. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Set the note value in one of the following ways: ● Click the note symbols on the extended toolbar.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Duplicating Notes PROCEDURE 1. Open the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the toolbar and select a quantize value. 2. Select the notes that you want to duplicate. 3. Press Alt and drag the notes to their new position. To restrict moving to one direction, press Ctrl/Cmd while dragging. Changing the Note Length The displayed note length is not necessarily the actual note length.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations 2. Select MIDI > Scores > Flip Stems. Working with Text You can use the Text tool to add comments, articulation, or instrumentation advice and other text strings anywhere in the score display. Adding Text PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, select the Text tool. 2. Click anywhere in the score. A blinking cursor indicates that you can enter text. 3. Enter the text and press Return. Editing Text ● To edit existing text, double-click it with the Object Selection tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Font Allows you to specify the font for the text. Which fonts are available on the pop-up menu depends on the fonts that you have installed on your computer. IMPORTANT Do not use the Steinberg fonts. These are special fonts used by the program, for example, for score symbols, and not suited for common text. Size Sets the size of the text. Frame Allows you to enclose the text in a rectangular (box) or oval frame.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor If the MIDI track has a drum map assigned and Editor Content Follows Event Selection and Use Drum Editor when Drum Map is assigned are activated in the Preferences dialog (Editors page), you can do the following to open a MIDI part in the Drum Editor: ● Double-click a MIDI part in the Project window. ● Select a MIDI part in the Project window and press Return or Ctrl/Cmd-E. ● Select a MIDI part in the Project window and select MIDI > Open Drum Editor.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor The Drum Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar Contains tools and settings. 2 Status line Informs about the mouse time position and the mouse note position. 3 Info line Displays information about the selected event. 4 Inspector Contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. 5 Drum sound list Lists all drum sounds. 6 Drum map Lets you select the drum map for the edited track or a list of drum sound names. 7 Ruler Displays the time line.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and various settings for the Drum Editor. ● To show or hide the toolbar elements, right-click the toolbar and activate or deactivate the elements. Static Buttons Solo Instrument (Requires Drum Map) Solos the instrument during playback. NOTE This only works if there is a drum map assigned. Solo Editor Solos the editor during playback if the editor has the focus.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Tool Buttons Object Selection Allows you to select events. Drumstick Allows you to draw events. Erase Allows you to delete events. Zoom Allows you to zoom in/out. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. Mute Allows you to mute events. Line Allows you to create a series of contiguous events. Acoustic Feedback Acoustic Feedback Automatically plays back events when you move or transpose them, or when you create them by drawing.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Currently Edited Part Lists all parts that were selected when you opened the editor, and allows you to activate a part. Insert Velocity Insert Velocity Allows you to specify a velocity value for new notes. Notes Length Insert Length Allows you to determine a length for newly created notes. Show Note Length On/Off Shows drum notes as boxes that display the note length. Nudge Palette Trim Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Move Down Transposes the selected event down by a half note. Move Up More Transposes the selected event up by an octave. Move Down More Transposes the selected event down by an octave. Snap Snap On/Off Activates/Deactivates the snap function. Snap Type Allows you to select one of the following snap types: ● Grid snaps events to the grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets popup menu. ● Grid Relative grid.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Quantize Iterative Quantize On/Off Activates/Deactivates iterative quantize. Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize or a groove preset. Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Step/MIDI Input Step Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI step input. MIDI Input/Note Expression MIDI Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI input and note expression MIDI input.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Edit VST Instrument Edit VST Instrument Opens the VST Instrument that the track is routed to. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the lower zone editor. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Track Loop Start/Track Loop End If Independent Track Loop is activated on the toolbar and you set up a loop, the start/end position is displayed. RELATED LINKS Toolbar on page 505 Info Line The info line shows values and properties of the selected events. If several notes are selected, the values for the first note are displayed in color. To show or hide the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate or deactivate Info Line.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Setup Allows you to open a dialog to edit the Inspector settings for the editor. Click Setup Inspector , and from the pop-up menu, select Setup. NOTE These sections are also featured by the editor Inspector for the editor in the lower zone. RELATED LINKS Quantize Panel on page 196 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 39 Note Display The note display of the Drum Editor contains a grid in which note events are shown. The notes are displayed as diamond symbols.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor ● Program Change events ● System Exclusive events ● Any type of continuous controller event Velocity values are shown as vertical bars in the controller display. Each velocity bar corresponds to a note in the note display. Higher bars correspond to higher velocity values. Events other than velocity values are shown as blocks. The block corresponds to the event values. The beginning of an event is marked by a curve point.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Drum Sound List The drum sound list lists all drum sounds by name and allows you to adjust and manipulate the drum sound setup in various ways. NOTE The number of columns in the list depends on whether a drum map is selected for the track or not. Pitch Note number of the drum sound. Instrument Name of the drum sound. Snap This is used when entering and editing notes. Mute Allows you to mute drum sounds. I-Note Input note for the drum sound.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations Drum Sound Visibility The Drum Visibility Agents on the drum editor toolbar allow you to determine which drum sounds are shown in the drum sound list. ● To open the visibility agents, click Drum Visibility Agents on the toolbar. Show All Drum Sounds Shows all drum sounds as defined in the selected drum map. NOTE In this mode, you can edit the order of the drum sound list manually.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● Select the Object Selection tool and double-click in the event display. ● Select the Drumstick tool and click in the event display. NOTE To temporarily switch from the Object Selection tool to the Drumstick tool, hold down Alt. RESULT A note event is inserted. Inserting Multiple Note Events You can insert multiple note events of the same pitch with the Object Selection tool or the Drumstick tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations ● To edit the time position, hold down Shift and drag to the left or to the right. NOTE You can activate/deactivate Snap temporarily by holding down Ctrl/Cmd. Changing the Note Length You can change the note length in the drum editor with the Object Selection tool or with the Drumstick tool. PREREQUISITE You have activated Show Note Length On/Off on the drum editor toolbar. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations RESULT The note events are deleted. Moving and Transposing Note Events There are several options to move and transpose note events. ● To move note events in the editor, select the Object Selection tool and drag them to a new position. All selected note events are moved, maintaining their relative positions. Snap is taken into account. ● To allow only horizontal or only vertical movement, hold down Ctrl/Cmd while dragging.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps RELATED LINKS Selecting a Drum Map for a Track on page 522 Drum Maps A drum kit in a MIDI instrument is most often a set of different drum sounds with each sound placed on a separate key. For example, the different sounds are assigned to different MIDI note numbers. One key plays a bass drum sound, another a snare, and so on. Different MIDI instruments often use different key assignments.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps The list on the left shows the loaded drum maps. The sounds and settings of the selected drum map are displayed on the right. NOTE The settings for the drum sounds are the same as in the Drum Editor. Output Allows you to select the output for the drum map sounds. Drum Sound List Lists all drum sounds and their settings. To audition a drum sound, click the leftmost column.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps The GM map is set up according to the General MIDI standard. You can change all drum map settings except the pitch directly in the drum sound list or in the Drum Map Setup dialog. These changes affect all tracks that use the drum map. RELATED LINKS Drum Sound List on page 514 Drum Map Setup Dialog on page 519 Importing Drum Maps from Virtual Instruments You can import your drum map settings to an instrument track that is routed to Groove Agent SE.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps ● To select the same MIDI channel or MIDI device for all sounds in a drum map, click in the Channel column, press Ctrl/Cmd, and select a channel or output. ● If you make specific MIDI channel and output settings for all sounds in a drum map, you can switch between drum maps to send your drum tracks to another MIDI instrument.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps The O-note settings let you set things up so that the bass drum sound really plays a bass drum. If you are using a MIDI instrument in which the bass drum sound is on the C2 key, you set the Onote for the bass drum sound to C2. When you switch to another instrument (in which the bass drum is on C1) you want the bass drum O-note set to C1.
Chord Functions The chord functions provide you with many possibilities for working with chords. The chord functions allow you to: ● Build chord progressions by adding chord events to the chord track. ● Convert chord events to MIDI. ● Use the chord track to control MIDI playback. ● Use the chord track voicing to change the pitches of your MIDI. ● Extract chord events from MIDI data to get an overview of the harmonic structure of a MIDI file. ● Record chord events with a MIDI keyboard.
Chord Functions Chord Events Chord Events Chord events are representations of chords that control or transpose playback on MIDI and instrument tracks. Chord events alter the pitches of MIDI notes if their track is set up to follow the chord track. Chord events have a specific start position. Their end, however, is determined by the start of the next chord event.
Chord Functions Chord Events Activate these buttons to define a root note, a chord type, a tension, and a bass note for your chord event. NOTE If you do not select a separate bass note, the setting is linked to the root note, so that no extra bass note is heard. 4 Keyboard display Shows the notes of the chord event, considering the current voicing settings. 5 Define Chord by Text Input Allows you to define a chord using the computer keyboard.
Chord Functions Chord Events NOTE If you have activated Solfège in the Note Name pop-up menu in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Chords page), you can also enter chords in this format. You must capitalize the first letter and write “Re” instead of “re”, for example. Otherwise, the chord is not recognized. 4. Press Tab to add a new chord and define it. Chord Assistant The Chord Assistant allows you to use a chord as a starting point to get suggestions for the next chord.
Chord Functions Chord Events ● To play a chord and assign it to the selected chord event, click it. The last 3 chords that you clicked are shown with a highlighted border. ● To define a new key, right-click the chord in the Chord Assistant and select Use as Origin, or use the Rotate Left/Rotate Right controls. ● To select the parallel minor chord and define it as key, click Major/Minor.
Chord Functions Scale Events Changing How Chord Events Are Displayed You can change how chord events are displayed. This is useful if chord events overlap each other at low zoom levels or if you do not like the font type. PROCEDURE 1. On the chord track, activate Resolve Display Conflicts. 2. In the Preferences dialog, select Event Display > Chords, and set up the chord font. Here you can also determine the note name and naming format.
Chord Functions Voicings The keys that correspond to the scale are highlighted. Voicings Voicings determine how chord events are set up. They define the vertical spacing and order of the pitches in a chord, but also the instrumentation and genre of a musical piece. For example, a C chord can be spread over a wide range of pitches, and a pianist will choose different notes than a guitarist. The pianist may also play completely different pitches for different musical genres.
Chord Functions Voicings 5 Automatic Scales Activate this to let Cubase set the scales automatically. 6 Mapping Offset If you enter a negative number of ticks, the chord events will affect the MIDI notes that have been triggered too early. Configure Voicing Parameters If you click Configure voicing parameters in the Voicings section of the Inspector, you can configure your own voicing parameters for a specific voicing scheme.
Chord Functions Converting Chord Events to MIDI Highest Note Sets the limit for the highest note, except the root note. In the Style section for Guitar voicings, you can set up the following parameters: Triads Sets a triad with 4, 5 or 6 voices. 4-note chords Sets a 4-note chord with 4, 5 or 6 voices without tensions. 3-string triads Sets a 3-string triad. Modern Jazz Sets 4-note, 5-note, and 6-note chords, partly without root note, but with tensions.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track You can use the chord track to control MIDI playback. Using Live Transform Live Transform allows you to transpose the MIDI input live to a chord progression on the chord track. This way, you do not have to worry about what key you hit on your MIDI keyboard as the MIDI input is transposed to match chords or scales on your chord track in real time. PROCEDURE 1.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Follow Chord Track Modes This section of the Inspector allows you to determine how your track follows the chord track. The following options are available on the Follow Chord Track pop-up menu: Off Follow Chord Track is deactivated. Chords & Scales This maintains the intervals of the original chord or scale as far as possible. Chords This transposes MIDI notes to match the key note and maps them to the current chord.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Follow Chord Track Dialog This dialog opens the first time that you select an option from the Follow Chord Track pop-up menu on the Chords section of the Inspector. Follow Directly Activate this if your MIDI notes are already in accordance with the chord track. This is the case if you extracted your chords from the MIDI events on the track by selecting Project > Chord Track > Create Chord Symbols, for example.
Chord Functions Assigning Voices to Notes Assigning Voices to Notes You can transpose MIDI notes to match the voices of a selected voicing library. PROCEDURE ● Select Project > Chord Track > Assign Voices to Notes. RESULT The note pitches now match the voicing of the chord track and you can still edit the MIDI notes. If you now select a note in the Key Editor, you see that Voice on the info line is assigned. Extracting Chord Events from MIDI You can extract chords from MIDI notes, parts, or tracks.
Chord Functions Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard Create Chord Symbols Dialog This dialog allows you to determine, which MIDI data should be taken into account when extracting chord events from MIDI. Include Bass Notes Activate this if you want your chord events to contain a bass note. Include Tensions Activate this if you want your chord events to contain tensions.
Chord Pads Chord pads allow you to play with chords, and to change their voicings and tensions. In terms of harmonies and rhythms, they allow for a more playful and spontaneous approach to composition than the chord track functions. You can: ● Perform with chords in real time via a MIDI keyboard. ● Record your performance as MIDI events on a MIDI or instrument track or even on the chord track. NOTE We assume that you have a MIDI keyboard connected and set up.
Chord Pads Chord Pads 1 Current Player Shows the current player and opens a menu where you can select another player. 2 Current Mode Shows the current player mode and opens a menu where you can select another player mode. 3 Chord Pad Each chord pad can contain a chord symbol. To change it, click the Open Editor control on the left edge of the chord pad. 4 Keyboard Shows which keys are played when you trigger a chord pad. To zoom the keyboard, click a key and drag up or down.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Shows/Hides the chord settings, where you can configure different players, the pad layout, and the remote assignment. RELATED LINKS Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control on page 547 Players and Voicings on page 551 Opening Chord Pads on page 44 Chord Pad Controls The chord pad controls allow you to edit the chord pads. ● To show the chord pad controls, move the mouse over a chord pad. 1 Open Editor Opens the chord editor that allows you to select a chord for the chord pad.
Chord Pads Functions Menu Allows you to lock a chord pad for editing. ● Adaptive Voicing All chord pads follow the adaptive voicing. This is indicated by a check mark. If you change the voicing for a pad manually, adaptive voicing is deactivated. ● Adaptive Voicings Reference Sets the current pad as adaptive voicing reference. If set, the automatic voicings for the following pads will be set in a way that they do not get too far away from the reference voicing.
Chord Pads Chord Assistant 2. In the Add Instrument Track dialog, select an instrument, and click Add Track. 3. On the instrument track, click Record Enable. 4. Select Project > Chord Pads to open the Chord Pads. RESULT You can now click the chord pads or press some of the assigned keys on your MIDI keyboard to trigger the preassigned chords. Chord Assistant The Chord Assistant allows you to use a chord as a starting point for suggestions for the next chord.
Chord Pads Assigning Chords to Chord Pads The roman numerals mark the chords of the current key with their scale degree. You can use these chords to create typical chord progressions. However, you can also use the other chords for more creative results. ● To play a chord, click it. The last 3 chords that you clicked are shown with a highlighted border. ● To assign a chord to the next unassigned chord pad, right-click the suggested chord and select Assign to Pad.
Chord Pads Assigning Chords to Chord Pads Assigning Chords with the Chord Editor If you know exactly which chord you want to assign to a specific chord pad, you can use the chord editor. PROCEDURE 1. Move the mouse pointer to the left edge of the chord pad, and click Open Editor. 2. In the chord Editor window, use the chord definition buttons to define a root note, a chord type, a tension, and a bass note. The new chord is triggered automatically to give an acoustic feedback.
Chord Pads Moving and Copying Chord Pads Assigning Chords with the MIDI Keyboard If you know which chord you want to assign to a specific chord pad, you can use a MIDI keyboard. PREREQUISITE You have selected a MIDI track or an instrument track. PROCEDURE 1. Right-click the chord pad that you want to use for the new chord, and select Assign Pad from MIDI Input. The borders of the chord pad change their color to indicate that it is now ready for recording. 2.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords ● To copy the chord assignment of one chord pad to another pad, Alt-click a chord pad and drag it to another chord pad. While you drag, the border of the destination chord pad changes its color. When you drop the pad on another, the first pad’s assignment is copied to the destination chord pad. NOTE When you move or copy chord pads, the chord is moved or copied together with its settings, except for the Adaptive Voicings Reference.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control RESULT The triggered chords are recorded on the track. The note events are automatically assigned to different MIDI channels according to their pitches. Note events that correspond to the soprano voice are assigned to MIDI channel 1, alto is assigned to MIDI channel 2, and so on. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can now open the Key Editor and fine-tune your recorded MIDI parts using the chord editing functions, for example.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control 1 Show/Hide Settings Opens the settings for the chord pads. 2 Pads Remote Range The keys that are assigned as remote keys for the chord pads are highlighted in blue. 3 Voicings/Tensions/Transpose The keys that are assigned as remote keys for voicings, tensions, and transpose control are highlighted in green.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control Activate this if you want the chord pad to play back until it is triggered again. Default Remote Assignment Default Remote Assignment for Pad Control By default, the MIDI events C1 to B1 trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads. All keys that are not assigned for remote control can be used for regular playback.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Players NOTE If you use the remote keys for voicings, tensions, or transposition after releasing the remote key for the chord pad, the next played chord is affected. Changing the Pads Remote Range You can widen the pads remote range to access more chord pads. If you want to use a wider key range on your MIDI keyboard for regular playing, you can narrow the pads remote range. PROCEDURE 1. Select Show/Hide Settings > Remote Control to open the remote control assignments. 2.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Players Opens a menu where you can select the player that you want to add. From here, you can also rename or remove the current player. RELATED LINKS Players and Voicings on page 551 Voicings on page 530 Chord Pad Settings – Players on page 550 Players and Voicings Different types of instruments and styles have different voicing libraries. These determine how the chords are played back, and which pitches are played. These voicings are referred to as players.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Players 2. Perform one of the following actions: ● Click Import MIDI Loop to select a MIDI loop that you want to use as a pattern. ● Drag a MIDI part from the event display to the Drop MIDI Part field. NOTE The loop or part must have between 3 and 5 voices. In the MediaBay, the number of voices is indicated in the Voices column of the result list. The loop or part is taken as a reference and defines how the chord is played.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Pad Layout For example, select a guitar sound and assign a Guitar Player. 8. Select the next instrument track, and proceed as for the other 2 tracks. For example, select a string sound and assign a Basic Player. 9. Select all instrument tracks, and click Record Enable. RESULT You can now play the chord pads and use the remote control parameters for tensions and transpose to change all chord symbols for each player simultaneously.
Chord Pads Creating Events from Chord Pads In the same way, you can also load only the player configurations of a chord pads preset. This is useful if you have saved very complex player settings and want to reuse them on other chord pads without changing the assigned chords. ● To load only the player settings of a chord pads preset, select Chord Pads Presets > Load Players from Preset. Saving Chord Pads Presets If you have set up the chord pads, you can save them as chord pads presets. PROCEDURE 1.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Project Tempo Modes For every project you can set a tempo mode, depending on whether your music has a fixed tempo or if it changes throughout the project. On the Transport panel, you can set the following tempo modes: ● Fixed Tempo Mode If you want to work with one fixed tempo that does not change throughout the project, deactivate Activate Tempo Track on the Transport panel. You can change the tempo value to set a fixed rehearsal tempo.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Tempo Track Editor The Tempo Track Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Tempo scale Shows the tempo scale in BPM. 2 Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, adding, and changing tempo and time signature events. 3 Info line Shows information about the selected tempo or time signature event. 4 Ruler Shows the timeline and the display format of the project. 5 Time signature display Shows the time signature events in the project.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up Tempo Changes for Projects Allows the tempo event display to scroll during playback, keeping the project cursor visible in the editor. Snap Allows you to restrict horizontal movement and positioning of tempo events to certain positions. Time signature events always snap to the beginning of bars. Type of New Tempo Points Allows you to select the type of new tempo points.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo Setting up a Tempo Track by Adding Tempo Changes PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Tempo Track to open the Tempo Track Editor. 2. Open the Type of New Tempo Points pop-up menu and select an option. 3. Do one of the following: ● On the toolbar, select the Object Selection tool and click the tempo curve. ● On the toolbar, select the Draw tool, and click and drag in the tempo curve display.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo If you do not know the tempo of your music, use one of the following tools to calculate and set it: ● Beat Calculator ● Set Project Tempo from Loop RELATED LINKS Setting the Project Tempo from a Recording on page 559 Setting the Project Tempo from an Audio Loop on page 560 Setting the Project Tempo from a Recording You can calculate the tempo of freely recorded audio or MIDI material with the Beat Calculator and set it as the project tem
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Beat Calculator 5. Click OK to close the window. The tapped tempo is shown in the BPM field of the Beat Calculator. 6. Click one of the buttons in the Insert Tempo into Tempo Track section to insert the calculated tempo into the tempo track. RESULT The project tempo is set to the tapped tempo. RELATED LINKS Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo on page 558 Setting the Project Tempo from an Audio Loop You can set the project tempo from the tempo of an audio loop.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Set Definition From Tempo 2 BPM Shows the tempo calculated for the selection. 3 Tap Tempo Opens a window where you can specify a tempo by tapping. 4 Insert Tempo into Tempo Track at Tempo Track Start If your project is in tempo track mode, the calculated tempo is set as the first tempo curve point. If your project is in fixed tempo mode, the calculated tempo is set for the entire project.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Time Signature Events Time Signature Events You can set up one or more time signatures for a project. You can set up the first time signature event of your project on the Transport panel. You can add further time signature events in the Tempo Track Editor. RELATED LINKS Toolbar on page 28 Transport on page 35 Adding Time Signature Events in the Tempo Track Editor PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Tempo Track to open the Tempo Track Editor. 2.
Export Audio Mixdown The Export Audio Mixdown function allows you to mix down and export all audio that is contained between the left and right locators of a project. To open the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, select File > Export > Audio Mixdown. The Export Audio Mixdown dialog is divided into several sections: 1 Channel Selection Allows you to select the channel that is mixed down from a list of all output channels that are available in the project.
Export Audio Mixdown Mixing Down to Audio Files Allows you to select a file format and make additional settings for the file to be created. This includes codec settings, metadata, sample rate, bit depth, etc. The available options depend on the selected file format. 4 Audio Engine Output Allows you to specify a sample rate, a bit depth, and the number of audio channels for the audio output. 5 Import Into Project Allows you to automatically import the resulting audio file back into your project.
Export Audio Mixdown Available Channels for Export Available Channels for Export The Channel Selection section of the Export Audio Mixdown dialog contains a list of channels that you can export as an audio mixdown. NOTE MIDI tracks are not available for export. To include MIDI in a mixdown, you must record MIDI to audio tracks. RELATED LINKS Audio Connections on page 21 Channel Selection The Channel Selection section allows you to select the channels that are mixed down.
Export Audio Mixdown File Location 5 ● Use Project Audio Folder sets the path to the Audio folder of your project. ● Recent Paths allows you to select recently selected file locations. ● Clear Recent Paths allows you to delete all recently selected file locations. Naming Scheme Opens a dialog where you can specify a naming scheme for the mixdown file name. 6 Resolve File Name Conflicts Specifies how file name conflicts with existing files are resolved.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format Defining Naming Schemes You can define a naming scheme by combining attributes that determine the structure of the file names for the exported audio files. PROCEDURE 1. Drag and drop up to 5 attributes into the Result section. You can also double-click an attribute to add it to the Result section. 2. In the Settings section, double-click the Separator text field and type in a separator. The Preview section displays the file name scheme according to your settings. 3.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format This is a family of standards used for encoding audio-visual information such as movies, video, and music in a digital compressed format. Cubase can read MPEG Layer 2 and MPEG Layer 3. MP3 files are highly compressed files that still provide good audio quality. The files have the extension .mp3. ● Windows Media Audio File (Windows only) This is an audio file format defined by Microsoft Inc. WMA files can be decreased in size with no loss of audio quality.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format AIFC Files AIFC files support compression ratios as high as 6:1 and contain tags in the header. AIFC files have the extension .aifc and are used on most computer platforms. 1 Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk Activates the embedding of additional file information in Broadcast Wave format. NOTE By activating this option, you create a Broadcast Wave file. Some applications may not be able to handle these files.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format 4 Insert Tempo Definition This option is only available if Insert iXML Chunk is activated. It allows you to include tempo information from the tempo track in the iXML chunk of the exported files. MP3 (MPEG-1 Layer 3) files MP3 files are highly compressed files that still provide good audio quality. They have the extension .mp3. 1 Bit Rate Sets the bit rate for the MP3 file. The higher the bit rate, the better the audio quality and the larger the file.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format ● Codec Settings Opens the Windows Media Audio File Settings dialog. Windows Media Audio File Settings - General The General tab in the Windows Media Audio File Settings dialog allows you to specify sample rate, bit rate, and channels for the encoded file. 1 Sample Rate Allows you to set the sample rate to 44.100, 48.000, or 96.000 kHz. Set this to match the sample rate of the source material or use the closest available value that is higher than the actual value.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format Windows Media Audio File Settings - Advanced The Advanced tab in the Windows Media Audio File Settings dialog allows you to specify the dynamic range control, that is, the difference in dB between the average loudness and the peak audio level (the loudest sounds) of the audio for the encoded file. 1 Dynamic Range Control The dynamic range is automatically calculated during the encoding process. If you activate this option, you can specify the dynamic range manually.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format FLAC Files Free Lossless Audio Codec files are audio files that are typically 50 to 60 % smaller than regular Wave files. 1 Compression Level Sets the compression level for the FLAC file. Since FLAC is a lossless format, the level has more influence on the encoding speed than on the file size.
Export Audio Mixdown Audio Engine Output NOTE Activating this option creates a Broadcast Wave file. Some applications may not be able to handle Broadcast Wave files. If you get problems using the file in another application, deactivate Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk and export the file again. 2 Edit Opens the Broadcast Wave Chunk dialog where you can enter embedded information. 3 Insert iXML Chunk Includes additional project-related metadata, such as project name, author, and project frame rate.
Export Audio Mixdown Import Into Project NOTE If the CPU and disk speed of your computer do not allow to export all channels simultaneously in real time, the program stops the process, reduces the number of channels, and starts again. Afterwards, the next batch of files is exported. This is repeated as often as needed to export all selected channels. 4 Mono Downmix Allows you to downmix the 2 channels of a stereo bus to a single mono file.
Export Audio Mixdown Post Process Post Process In this section, you can select a process that you want to run after mixing down your audio file. 1 Deactivate External MIDI Inputs Activate this option if MIDI inputs that are performed on external devices should be ignored during the export process. 2 Close Window after Export Closes the dialog automatically after export. 3 Update Display Activate this option if you want the meters to be updated during the export process.
Synchronization Background What is synchronization? Synchronization is the process of getting 2 or more devices to play back together at the same speed and position. These devices can range from audio and video tape machines to digital audio workstations, MIDI sequencers, synchronization controllers, and digital video devices. Synchronization basics There are 3 basic components of audio/visual synchronization: position, speed, and phase.
Synchronization Timecode (positional references) ● LTC (Longitudinal Timecode) is an analog signal that can be recorded on tape. It should be used for positional information primarily. It can also be used for speed and phase information as a last resort if no other clock source is available. ● VITC (Vertical Interval Timecode) is contained within a composite video signal. It is recorded onto video tape and is physically tied to each video frame.
Synchronization Clock sources (speed references) 30 fps This frame rate is not a video standard anymore but has been commonly used in music recording. Many years ago, it was the black and white NTSC broadcast standard. It is equal to NTSC video being pulled up to film speed after a 2-3 telecine transfer. Frame count vs. frame rate Part of the confusion in timecode stems from the use of frames per second in both the timecode standard and the actual frame rate.
Synchronization The Project Synchronization Setup dialog IMPORTANT MIDI clock cannot be used to synchronize digital audio. It is only used for MIDI devices to play in musical sync with one another. Cubase does not support being a MIDI clock slave. The Project Synchronization Setup dialog Cubase’s Project Synchronization Setup dialog provides a central place to configure a complex synchronized system.
Synchronization The Project Synchronization Setup dialog ASIO Audio Device This option is only available with audio cards that support ASIO Positioning Protocol. These audio cards have an integrated LTC reader or ADAT sync port and can perform a phase alignment of timecode and audio clock. VST System Link VST System Link can provide all aspects of sample-accurate synchronization between other System Link workstations.
Synchronization Synchronized operation MIDI Timecode Destinations Cubase can send MTC to any MIDI port. Use this section to specify the MIDI ports to which MTC is routed. Devices that can lock to MTC will chase Cubase’s timecode position. NOTE Some MIDI interfaces send MTC over all ports by default. If this is the case, only select one port of the interface for MTC.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link Sync mode If you activate “Use External Synchronization” on the Transport menu, the following happens: ● Cubase awaits incoming timecode from the chosen timecode source defined in the Project Synchronization Setup dialog in order to play. Cubase will detect incoming timecode, locate to its current position, and start playback in sync with the incoming timecode.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link you can switch between computers very rapidly. If you decide not to go this route, the network will function just the same, but you may end up doing a lot of jumping from one machine to the other while setting up! Making connections Below, we assume that you are connecting 2 computers.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link RESULT Typically, the ASIO control panel for an audio card contains some indication of whether or not the card receives a proper sync signal, including the sample rate of that signal. This is a good indication that you have connected the cards and set up clock sync properly. Check your audio hardware’s documentation for details. IMPORTANT It is very important that only one card is the clock master, otherwise the network cannot function correctly.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link The number and configuration of the busses depend on your audio hardware and on your needs. If you have a system with 8 digital i/o channels (such as an ADAT connection), you could create several stereo or mono busses, a surround bus together with a stereo bus, or any combination you need.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link The VST System Link networking signal is carried on only one bit of one channel. This means that if you have an ADAT-based system which normally carries 8 channels of 24-bit audio, once you activate VST System Link you will have 7 channels of 24-bit audio and one channel of 23bit audio (the least significant bit of this last channel will be used for networking).
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Putting the network online After each computer’s name you will see whether it is online or not. When a computer is online, it will receive transport and timecode signals, and its sequencer application can be started and stopped by remote control. If it is off-line, it can only be started from its own keyboard – it is effectively an independent machine, although it is still on the network.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Using MIDI As well as supplying transport and sync control, VST System Link also supplies up to 16 MIDI ports, with 16 channels each. PROCEDURE 1. Use the MIDI Inputs and MIDI Outputs value fields to specify the number of MIDI ports you need. The default value is 0 MIDI In and 0 MIDI Out ports. 2. In the Project window, create a MIDI track and open the Inspector (top section). 3.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Hearing the network audio If you are using an external mixing desk, hearing your audio really is not an issue – just plug the outputs of each computer into the desired channels on the external mixing desk, start playback on one of the computers, and you are good to go. However, many people prefer to mix internally inside the computer and just use a desk for monitoring (or maybe not use any external mixer at all).
Synchronization Activating VST System Link your hardware. Most modern ASIO cards support this function. If yours does not, you may want to change the Offset Samples value on the VST System Link page to compensate for any latency issues. RELATED LINKS ASIO Direct Monitoring on page 172 Setting up a larger network Setting up a larger network is not much more difficult than a 2-computer network. The main thing to remember is that VST System Link is a daisy chain system.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link In Cubase, click the Monitor button in the track list or Inspector. 8. Start playback on computer 1. It will now send the MIDI information on the track to the VST instrument loaded on computer 2. RESULT Even with a slow computer you should be able to stack a whole bunch of extra VST instruments this way, expanding your sound palette considerably.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Dedicated Video Playback Playback of high-resolution video can be taxing on a system’s CPU. By dedicating one computer for video playback via System Link, you can free up resources on your main CPU for audio and MIDI processing. Since all transport commands will respond on the VST System Link computers, scrubbing video is possible even when it is coming from another computer.
Video Cubase supports the integration of video files in your project. You can play back video files in various formats and via different output devices from within Cubase, extract the audio material from a video file, and edit your music to the video. Video File Compatibility When working on a project involving a video file, you must make sure that the video file type works on your system.
Video Frame Rates Frame Rates Cubase supports different video and film frame rates. Frame rate (speed) Regardless of the frame counting system, the actual speed at which frames of video go by in real time is the true frame rate. Cubase supports the following frame rates: 24 fps This is the true speed of standard film cameras. 25 fps This is the frame rate of PAL video. 29.97 fps This is the frame rate of NTSC video. The count can be either non-drop or dropframe.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects IMPORTANT You must install the appropriate driver for the video device and set the video card output to the video file resolution used in your project. RELATED LINKS Video Player Setup on page 598 Preparations for Creating Video Projects Before you can start working with video in Cubase, some basic preparations must be made. In Cubase, you may work with multiple video files of different formats on the same video track.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects Adopting the Frame Rate To ensure that the time display of Cubase corresponds to the actual frames in the video, you must set the project frame rate to the frame rate of the imported video file. PREREQUISITE The frame rate of the imported video file differs from the project frame rate. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2. In the Project Setup dialog, click Get from Video. 3. Click OK.
Video Preparations for Video Playback NOTE Refreshing an already existing thumbnail cache file can be done only from within the Pool. RESULT The thumbnail cache file is generated in the background so that you can continue working with Cubase. Preparations for Video Playback You can play back imported video files from within Cubase by using the transport controls. For this to work, you must activate and set up a video output device. IMPORTANT Your graphics card must support OpenGL 2.0 or higher.
Video Preparations for Video Playback NOTE If you have no external device connected, you can use the Onscreen Window device that allows you to play back the video file on your computer monitor. RELATED LINKS Video Output Devices on page 595 Video Player Window The Video Player window provides different size options for video playback on your computer screen. However, the larger the size of the window and the higher the resolution of your video, the more processor load is needed.
Video Editing Video Aspect Ratio You can also drag the borders of the Video Player window to resize it. However, this might lead to a distorted image. To prevent this, you can set an option from the Aspect Ratio pop-up menu. ● If you select None, the aspect ratio of the video is not kept when you resize the window. The image is enlarged/reduced to occupy the whole Video Player window. ● Internal allows you to resize the window freely while keeping the aspect ratio of the video.
Video Editing Video The extracted audio stream is added to the project on a new audio track and can be edited like all other audio material.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Introduction ReWire is a special protocol for streaming audio between two computer applications. Developed by Propellerhead Software and Steinberg, ReWire provides the following possibilities and features: ● Realtime streaming of up to 48 separate audio channels, at full bandwidth, from the synthesizer application into the mixer application. In this case, the mixer application is of course Cubase. An example of a synthesizer application is Propellerhead Software’s Reason.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Activating ReWire channels RELATED LINKS Activating ReWire channels on page 603 Quitting a ReWire session When you are finished, you also need to quit the applications in a special order. PROCEDURE 1. First quit the synthesizer application. 2. Then quit Cubase. Launching both programs without using ReWire We cannot think of any scenario, in which you would need to run Cubase and the synthesizer application simultaneously on the same computer, without using ReWire, but you can.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) How the ReWire channels are handled Basic transport controls When you run ReWire, the transports in the two programs are completely linked. It does not matter in which program you play, stop, fast forward or rewind. However, recording (if applicable) is still completely separate in the two applications. Loop settings If there is a loop or cycle facility in the synthesizer application, that loop will be completely linked to the cycle in Cubase.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Considerations and limitations The MIDI outputs for a Reason song. Here, each output goes directly to a device in the Reason rack. ● The number and configuration of MIDI outputs depends on the synthesizer application. Considerations and limitations Sample rates Synthesizer applications may be limited to audio playback in certain sample rates. If Cubase is set to a sample rate other than those, the synthesizer application will play back at the wrong pitch.
Key Commands Key commands are assigned to most of main menus and functions in Cubase. They are stored as global Cubase preferences that are used for all your projects. You can view and add key commands in the Key Commands dialog. Key command assignments are also shown in the tooltips. Tooltips that show an exclamation mark at the end have no key command assigned yet. You can save key commands settings as a key commands file, which is stored separately and can be imported into any project.
Key Commands Searching for Key Commands NOTE You can set up several different key commands for the same function. Adding a key command to a function that already has another key command will not replace the key command previously defined for the function. Searching for Key Commands You can search for key commands. This is useful, if you want to know which key command is assigned to a certain function in Cubase. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Key Commands. 2.
Key Commands Loading Key Command Presets Loading Key Command Presets You can load key commands presets. PROCEDURE ● In the Presets section, open the pop-up menu and select the preset. RESULT The key command preset replaces the current key command settings and macros. Importing Key Command Settings You can import key commands settings that you saved with an earlier program version. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Key Commands. 2. In the Presets section, click Import Key Command File. 3.
Key Commands The Default Key Commands IMPORTANT Any changes made to the default key commands are lost. If you want to be able to revert to these settings again, make sure to save them first. The Default Key Commands The default key commands are arranged in categories. NOTE When the On-Screen Keyboard is displayed, the usual key commands are blocked because they are reserved for the On-Screen Keyboard.
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command MixConsole in Project Window Alt-F3 On-Screen Keyboard Alt-K Video Player F8 VST Instruments (not in Cubase LE) F11 Direct Offline Processing Category Option Key command Direct Offline Processing F7 Edit Category Option Key command Activate/Deactivate Focused Object Alt-A Auto-Scroll On/Off F Copy Ctrl/Cmd-C Cut Ctrl/Cmd-X Cut Time Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-X Delete Delete or Backspace Delete Time Shift-Backspace Duplicate Ctrl/Cm
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Mute M Mute Events Shift-M Mute/Unmute Objects Alt-M Open Ctrl/Cmd-E Paste Ctrl/Cmd-V Paste at Origin Alt-V Paste Relative to Cursor Shift-V Paste Time Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-V Primary Parameter: Decrease Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Down Arrow Primary Parameter: Increase Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Up Arrow Record Enable R Redo Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Z Repeat Ctrl/Cmd-K Right Selection Side to Cursor D Secondary Parameter: Decrease Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Left Arrow Se
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Unmute Events Shift-U Write W Editors Category Option Key command Open Score Editor Ctrl/Cmd-R Open/Close Editor Return File Category Option Key command Close Ctrl/Cmd-W New Ctrl/Cmd-N Open Ctrl/Cmd-O Quit Ctrl/Cmd-Q Save Ctrl/Cmd-S Save As Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-S Save New Version Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-S Media Category Option Key command Open MediaBay F5 Open/Close Attribute Inspector Ctrl-Alt-Num6 Open/Close Favorites Ctrl-Alt-Num
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Preview Cycle On/Off Shift-Num / Preview Start Shift-Enter Preview Stop Shift-Num 0 Search MediaBay Shift-F5 MIDI Category Option Key command Show/Hide Controller Lanes Alt-L Navigate Category Option Key command Add Down: Shift-Down Arrow Expand/Undo selection in the Project window to the bottom/ Move selected event in the Key Editor down 1 octave Shift-Left Arrow Add Left: Expand/Undo selection in the Project window/ Key Editor to
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Select previous in the Project window/Key Editor Right Arrow Right: Select next in the Project window/Key Editor Toggle Selection Ctrl/Cmd-Space Top: Home Select top track in the track list Up Arrow Up: Select next in the Project window/ Move selected event in the Key Editor one semitone up Nudge Category Option Key command End Left Alt-Shift-Left Arrow End Right Alt-Shift-Right Arrow Left Ctrl/Cmd-Right Arrow Right Ctrl/Cmd-Right A
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Quantize Category Option Key command Quantize Q Set Insert Length Category Option Key command 1/1 Alt-1 1/2 Alt-2 1/4 Alt-3 1/8 Alt-4 1/16 Alt-5 1/32 Alt-6 1/64 Alt-7 1/128 Alt-8 Toggle Dotted Alt-.
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Previous Tool F9 Range Tool 2 Select Tool 1 Split Tool 3 Zoom Tool 6 Transport Category Option Key command Activate Metronome C Activate Punch In I Activate Punch Out O Cycle Num / Enter Left Locator Shift-L Enter Project Cursor Position Shift-P Enter Right Locator Shift-R Enter Tempo Shift-T Enter Time Signature Shift-C Exchange Time Formats .
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Locate Next Event N Locate Next Hitpoint Alt-N Locate Next Marker Shift-N Locate Previous Event B Locate Previous Hitpoint Alt-B Locate Previous Marker Shift-B Locate Selection Start L Loop Selection Alt-P Nudge Cursor Left Ctrl/Cmd-Num - Nudge Cursor Right Ctrl/Cmd-Num + Panel (Transport panel) F2 Play Selection Range Alt-Space Recall Cycle Marker 1 to 9 Shift-Num 1 to Num 9 Record Num * Retrospective MIDI Record Shift
Key Commands The Default Key Commands Option Key command Stop Num 0 To Marker 1 Shift-1 To Marker 2 Shift-2 To Marker 3 to 9 Num 3 to 9 or Shift-3 to 9 Use External Synchronization Alt-Shift-T Use Tempo Track T Window Zones Category Option Key command Show/Hide Left Zone Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-L; Alt-I Show/Hide Right Zone Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-R Show/Hide Lower Zone Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-E Show/Hide Transport Zone Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-T Show Previous Tab Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Left Arrow Show Next Tab Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Right Arr
Key Commands Setting Up Tool Modifier Keys Zoom Category Option Key command Zoom Full Shift-F Zoom In H Zoom In Tracks Ctrl/Cmd-Down Arrow Zoom In Vertically Shift-H Zoom Out G Zoom Out Tracks Ctrl/Cmd-Up Arrow Zoom Out Vertically Shift-G Zoom to Event Shift-E Zoom to Selection Alt-S Zoom Tracks Exclusive Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Down Arrow Setting Up Tool Modifier Keys You can set up tool modifier keys that allow you to get an alternate function when using a tool. PROCEDURE 1.
Key Commands Setting Up Tool Modifier Keys RESULT The modifier keys for the action are replaced.
Customizing In Cubase you can organize windows and dialogs in workspaces, set up the appearance of specific elements, customize the colors, and save program settings as profiles.
Customizing Using the Setup Options The info line setup context menu Setup Dialogs The setup dialogs allow you to specify which elements are visible/hidden and in what order they are shown. You can save and recall setup presets. ● To open a setup dialog, right-click the element that you want to set up, and select Setup. The left section of the dialog shows the visible items, the right section shows the hidden items.
Customizing Customizing the Meter Colors Customizing the Meter Colors You can customize the meter colors in Cubase. This helps you to keep an overview of what levels are being reached. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select Metering > Appearance. 2. Do one of the following: 3. ● Click Channel Meter to make settings for the channel meter. ● Click Master Meter to make settings for the master meter.
Customizing Customizing the User Interface Colors Customizing the User Interface Colors You can change the color of the Cubase desktop, the track types, the Project window, and the Editor elements. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select User Interface > Color Schemes. 2. Do one of the following: ● Activate a default color scheme by clicking on it. ● Click Choose Custom Color and the color selector pane to select a new color. RESULT The color scheme is instantly applied.
Customizing Auto Track Color Mode RESULT If you apply a color to a track, the corresponding events and parts are displayed in the same color. NOTE If you assign a different color to individual parts or events, they no longer follow color changes of the track. Resetting the Default Track Color You can reset the color of a track, part, or event to the default color. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select the track, event or part that you want to reset to the default color. 2.
Customizing Colorizing Track Controls The following options are available: Use Default Track Color The default color (gray) is assigned. Use Previous Track Color Analyzes the color of the selected track and uses the same color for the new track. Use Previous Track Color +1 Analyzes the color of the selected track and uses the color that comes next in the color palette for the new track. Use Last Applied Color Uses the color that is selected in the Select Colors pop-up menu.
Customizing Project Colors Dialog RESULT Only the folder track controls are colorized. Project Colors Dialog The Project Colors dialog allows you to set up a different set of colors for the tracks, events or parts. ● To open the Project Colors dialog, select the Color tool on the Project window toolbar. Click again to open a pop-up menu and select Project Colors. Color fields Click a field to open a color selector pane that allows you to specify a new color.
Customizing Project Colors Dialog Load Program Defaults to Current Set Applies the default set of colors. Reset Current Set to Factory Settings Returns to the standard color palette. Adding and Editing Individual Colors You can use the Options menu in the Project Colors dialog to fully customize the color palette. The following options are available: Append New Color This adds a new color button at the bottom of the colors list.
Customizing Where are the Settings Stored? Reset Current Set to Factory Settings This returns to the standard color palette of Cubase. Where are the Settings Stored? There is a large number of ways in which you can customize Cubase. While some of the settings you make are stored with each project, others are stored in separate preference files. If you need to transfer your projects to another computer (e. g.
Customizing Where are the Settings Stored? ● Disable program preferences Disables the current preferences, and opens the program with the factory default settings instead. ● Delete program preferences Deletes the preferences and opens the program with the factory default settings instead. This process cannot be undone. Note that this affects all versions of Cubase installed on your computer.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance This section gives you some hints and tips on how to get the most out of your Cubase system, performance-wise. NOTE For details and current information on system requirements and hardware properties refer to the Steinberg web site. Performance Aspects Tracks and Effects The faster your computer, the more tracks, effects, and EQ you are able to play. Exactly what constitutes a fast computer is almost a science in itself, but some hints are given below.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance This is especially true when using Cubase for Windows: ● Under Windows, ASIO drivers written specifically for the hardware are more efficient than the Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver and produce shorter latency times. ● Under macOS, audio hardware with properly written macOS (Core Audio) drivers can be very efficient and produce very low latency times. However, there are additional features only available with ASIO drivers, such as the ASIO Positioning Protocol.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance Average load Shows how much of the available CPU power is used for audio processing. Real-time peak Shows the processing load in the realtime path of the audio engine. The higher this value, the higher the risk that dropouts occur. Overload indicator The overload indicator to the right of the real-time peak indicator and the average load indicator displays overloads of the average or real-time indicator.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance Activating the ASIO-Guard PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select VST Audio System. 3. Activate the Activate ASIO-Guard option. NOTE This option is only available if you activate Multi Processing. 4. Select an ASIO-Guard Level. The higher the level, the higher the processing stability and audio processing performance. However, higher levels also lead to an increased ASIO-Guard latency and memory usage.
Preferences The Preferences dialog provides options and settings that control the global behavior of the program. Preferences Dialog The Preferences dialog is divided into a navigation list and a settings page. Clicking one of the entries in the navigation list opens a settings page. ● To open the Preferences dialog, select File > Preferences. In addition to the settings, the dialog provides the following options: Preference Presets Allows you to select a saved preference preset.
Preferences Preferences Dialog Delete Allows you to delete a preset. Store marked preferences only Allows you to select which pages are included in the preset. Help Opens the dialog help. Defaults Resets the options on the active page to their default settings. Apply Applies any changes that you have made without closing the dialog. OK Applies any changes that you have made and closes the dialog. Cancel Closes the dialog without saving any changes.
Preferences Editing Editing ‘Edit Solo’/’Record in MIDI Editors’ follow focus If this option is activated, and Record in Editor or Solo Editor is activated in a MIDI editor, these options follow the focus. That is, if the Project window gets the focus, Record in Editor and Solo Editor are suspended in the MIDI editor. Display Warning before Deleting Non-Empty Tracks If this option is activated, a warning message is displayed if you delete tracks that are not empty.
Preferences Editing Automation Reduction Level This slider allows you to remove all superfluous automation events. A reduction level value of 0% removes repeated automation points only. A reduction level value between 1 to 100 % smoothens the automation curve. The default value of 50 % should reduce the automation data amount significantly without touching the sound result of the existing automation.
Preferences Editing Allows you to set standard actions for importing audio. Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection If this option is activated, and you add an audio file to your project by recording or by importing, Cubase automatically detects its hitpoints. This allows you to navigate to hitpoints of an audio file from within the Project window.
Preferences Editing In this mode, you can click with the left or right mouse button to decrease or increase the value. To edit values by typing in this mode, please double-click. Under macOS, right-clicking is the same as Ctrl/Cmd-clicking. We recommend that you use a 2-button mouse and set up the right button to generate a Ctrl/ Cmd-click. ● Increment/Decrement on Left-Click and Drag In this mode, you can click and drag up or down to adjust the value (much like dragging a vertical fader).
Preferences Editing ● If Legato Overlap is set to 0 Ticks, the Legato function extends each selected note so that it reaches the next note exactly. ● Setting Legato Overlap to a positive value causes the notes to overlap by the specified number of ticks. ● Setting Legato Overlap to a negative value makes the Legato function leave a slight gap between the notes.
Preferences Editing Enable Record on Selected Audio Track If this option is activated, selected audio tracks are automatically record-enabled. Enable Solo on Selected Track If this option is activated, the selected tracks are automatically soloed. Enlarge Selected Track Activate this option to enter a mode where the selected track in the Project window will be enlarged. You can adjust the size directly in the track list if the default enlargement factor does not suit you.
Preferences Editors If this option is activated and you drag a selection rectangle with the Zoom tool, the window is only zoomed horizontally and the track height does not change. If this option is deactivated, the window is zoomed both horizontally and vertically. Select Tool: Show Extra Info Activate this to show a tooltip for the Object Selection tool in the Project window event display. This tooltip indicates the current pointer position and the name of the track and event at which you are pointing.
Preferences Event Display Smallest Track Height To Show Data Specifies from which track height the track contents are displayed. Smallest Track Height To Show Name Specifies from which track height the track names are displayed. Event Display - Audio Interpolate Audio Waveforms If you have zoomed in to one sample per pixel or less, the appearance of the samples depends on this setting. If this option is deactivated, single sample values are drawn as steps.
Preferences Event Display Chord Symbols There are several ways of indicating chord types, for example, major and minor chords. These options allow you to select your preferred display method for major 7th chords, minor chords, half-diminished chords, diminished chords, and augmented chords. Custom Chord Symbols You can modify the default chord symbols that are used on the chord track, for the chord pads, and in the Score Editor. ● The New Custom Chord button allows you to add a new custom chord symbol.
Preferences Event Display ● Hide Data When Expanded If this option is activated, the display of events is hidden when you open folder tracks. Event Display - MIDI Part Data Mode Determines if and how events in MIDI parts are shown: not shown, as lines, as score notes, as drum notes, or as blocks. Note that this setting is overwritten for tracks with drum maps if the Use Drum Editor when Drum Map is assigned option is activated. Show Controllers Governs whether non-note events such as controllers, etc.
Preferences General General The General page contains general settings that affect the program user interface. Set these according to your preferred work methods. Language Allows you to select which language is used in the program. After switching the language, you must restart the program for the change to take effect. Auto Save If this option is activated, Cubase automatically saves backup copies of all open projects with unsaved changes. These are named Name.
Preferences MIDI MIDI This page contains settings that affect MIDI recording and playback. MIDI Thru Active If this option is activated, all MIDI tracks that are record-enabled or have monitoring activated will “echo” incoming MIDI data, sending it back out on their respective MIDI outputs and channels. This allows you to hear the correct sound from your MIDI instrument during recording. NOTE If you use MIDI Thru, select Local Off mode on your MIDI instrument to prevent each note from sounding twice.
Preferences MIDI Low lowers the latency and increases the responsiveness of the MIDI playback engine. However, this setting might also decrease your computer performance if your project contains lots of MIDI data. Normal is the default mode and the recommended setting for most workflows. High increases the latency and the playback buffer. Use this if you work with complex VST Instrument libraries or with projects that have a very high performance level. MIDI Max.
Preferences MIDI Export Markers If this option is activated, any markers you have added will be included in the MIDI file as Standard MIDI File Marker events. Export as Type 0 If this option is activated, the MIDI file will be of Type 0 (all data on a single track, but on different MIDI channels). If you do not check this option, the MIDI file will be of Type 1 (data on separate tracks).
Preferences MIDI Import to Left Locator Aligns the imported MIDI file at the position of the left locator. If this option is deactivated, MIDI files start at the project start position. If you choose to have a new project created automatically, the MIDI file always starts at the project start position. Import Markers Imports any markers that have been added. Import Dropped File as Single Part Places the file on one track if you drag and drop a MIDI file into the project.
Preferences MediaBay Channels If you activate a Channel button, no MIDI messages on that MIDI Channel will be recorded or thruput. Already recorded messages will however be played back normally. Controller Allows you to prevent certain MIDI controller types from being recorded or thruput. To filter out a controller type, select it from the list at the top of the section and click “Add”. It will appear in the list below.
Preferences Record Meters’ Fallback This allows you to specify how quickly the meters in the MixConsole return to lower values after signal peaks. Metering - Appearance On this page you can assign colors to level meter values to quickly identify what levels are reached. You can adjust the colors for the channel meter or the master meter. For the master meter you can only make changes for the Digital Scale scaling mode. Changes take effect when you click Apply or OK.
Preferences Record RF64 files use the .wav extension. However, they can only be opened with an application that supports the RF64 standard. Create Audio Images during Record If this option is activated, Cubase calculates the waveform image and displays it during the actual recording process. NOTE This realtime calculation uses some extra processing power.
Preferences Transport Nothing is replaced, even though Replace Mode is selected. ● Controller Only controller data is replaced, not notes. ● All Replace mode works as usual - notes and controllers are replaced when recording. Transport This page contains options related to playback, recording and positioning. Playback Toggle triggers Local Preview If this option is activated, you can use the Space on your keyboard to start/stop “local” playback of the selected file in the Sample Editor or the Pool.
Preferences User Interface that if you set the Fast Wind Factor to 2, the wind speed will be twice as fast. If you set it to 4, the wind speed will be 4 times as fast, etc. You can set a value between 2 and 50. Cursor Width Adjusts the width of the Project Cursor line. Zoom while Locating in Time Scale If this option is activated, you can zoom in or out by clicking in the Ruler and dragging down or up.
Preferences VST VST This page contains settings for the VST audio engine. Connect Sends automatically for each newly created Channel When this option is enabled, creating a new audio or group channel will automatically connect the send routing for existing FX channels. Note that this option is disabled by default to save memory resources.
Preferences VST Do not Connect Input/Output Busses When Loading External Projects Activate this option to load external projects without automatically connecting their input and output busses to the ASIO ports of your system. If you often work with projects created on computers that have ASIO configurations different from the configurations of your own system, this option prevents unwanted audio connections.
Preferences Video When this is selected, no MIDI track will be created when you add a VSTi in the VST Instruments window. This is the behavior from earlier versions of Cubase. ● Always ask to When this is selected, you will be asked whether a corresponding MIDI track is created when you add a VSTi in the VST Instruments window.
Index A Audio Connections 21 About 21 Editing 25 Presets 24 Audio effects Using VST System Link 591 Audio events About 125 Auditioning 130 Audio files Previewing in MediaBay 378 Audio Functions 293 Detect Silence 293 Spectrum Analyzer 295 Statistics 298 Audio hardware Connections 10 Externally clocked 15 Audio Part Editor Lower zone 46 Audio parts Auditioning 130 Creating 129 Audio performance Optimizing 631 Audio Pre-Record Seconds 653 Audio processing Pool 362 Audio Processing Direct Offline Processing
Index Auto fades Global settings 211 Track settings 211 Auto Monitoring Manual 657 Tapemachine Style 657 Auto Save 70, 647 Auto Save Internal 647 Auto Select Events under Cursor 637 Auto Track Color Mode 646 Auto-Scroll 157, 158 Crossfades 208 Suspend 158 Automatic Hitpoint Detection Enabling 638 Automatic scales 529 Automatic voicings 530 Automatically generating new audio clips Pool 364 Automation About 392 Bézier curves 396 Data 393 Jump curves 392 Quick scaling 399 Ramp curves 392 Read 393 Recording ac
Index Chord Pad Settings Pad layout 553 Players 550 Remote Control 547 Chord Pads 538, 538, 540, 540, 541, 542 Adaptive voicing 551 Assigning chords 544, 544, 545, 545 Context menu 540 Controls 542 Creating events 554 Functions menu 541 Moving and Copying 545 Multiple tracks 552 Pads remote range 548, 550 Pattern player 551 Players 551 Playing back 546 Preparations 541 Presets 553 Recording chords 546, 547 Remote assignment 549 Saving presets 554 Setting up 542 Voicings 551 Zone 542 Chord symbols 644 Chord
Index Presets 208 Simple Crossfade Editor 208 Symmetric Fades 208 Cursor Setting 156 Cursor Width 655 Custom Chord Symbols 644 Customizing Colors 624 Info line 621 Inspector 621 Meter Colors 623 Toolbars 621 Transport panel 621 User Interface Colors 624 Cycle Follows Range Selection 637 Cycle markers About 222 Editing with tools 223 Using 222 Zooming 55, 223 Cycle recording 169 Remove DC Offset 287 Resample 287 Reverse 288 Silence 288 Stereo Flip 288 Time Stretch 288 Toolbar 282 Using key commands 290 Win
Index Exporting system component information files 279 Extracting insert effect settings from track presets 277 Insert effects 261, 263 Managing system components 279 Pasting presets 276 Plug-in delay compensation 262 Pre/Post fader sends 270 Presets 273 Presets browser 273 Routing 269 Saving insert presets 276 Saving presets 275 Selecting presets 274 Send effects 261, 267 System Component Information window 278 Tempo sync 263 VST 3 262 Enable Record on Selected Audio Track 641 Enable Record on Selected MI
Index File Browser Media rack 368 File Extensions Showing in results list 652 Fill Loop 139 Fixed lengths 451 Fixed tempo Mode 555 Fixed Tempo Mode 558 Setting up 558 Fixed velocity 451 Flac files Exporting 573 FLAC files Importing 186 Flattening Arranger track 216, 218 Folder parts 129 Folder tracks 100 Displaying events 119 Inspector 101 Modifying event display 119 Track controls 101 Follow Chord Track 534 Auto 534 Chords 534 Directly 535 Scale events 535 Single Voice 534 Synchronizing Track Data 535 Usi
Index Insert effects 261 About 263 Adding to busses 264 Adding to Group channels 264 Routing 264 Insert Reset Events after Record 648 Inserting and finding media Pool 357 Inserts FX chain presets 250 MixConsole 249 Using while scrubbing 656 Inspector About 38 Editor Inspector 39 Settings Dialog 41 Track Inspector 38 Inspector Sections Showing/Hiding 40 Instrument Freeze 408 Instrument Presets Applying 387 Loading in MediaBay 384 Results 387 Instrument tracks 80 Inspector 81 Track controls 83 Instruments us
Index Exporting 228 Exporting via MIDI 228 IDs 226 Importing 228 Importing via MIDI 228 Position markers 222 Settings 224 Max.
Index Processing 456 MIDI Port Setup 177 MIDI ports Setting up 17 MIDI Record Catch Range in ms 654 MIDI Record Mode 181 MIDI Recording Channel and Output 178 Continuous messages 180 Different types of messages 180 Instruments and channels 177 MIDI Input setting 178 Naming MIDI ports 177 Notes 180 Preparations 177 Program Change Messages 180 Record mode 181 Recovering recordings 182 Reset 181 Retrospective Record 182 Sound selection 178 System Exclusive Messages 181 MIDI recordings Exporting to MIDI file 5
Index Setting values 499 Setting velocity values 461 Setting with Snap 460 Splitting 476, 500 Transposing 475, 518 Note lengths Changing 500 Note stems Flipping the direction 500 Note values Setting 499 Notepad MixConsole 259 Pattern Chord Pads 550 Pedals To note length 451 Performance Aspects 631 Audio performance 632 Optimizing 631 Phase MixConsole 249 Phase Reverse Direct Offline Processing 286 Piano voicings 530 Pick-up Mode 413 Pitch Changing for chords 477 Pitch Notation 644 Plain Chords Chord Pads
Index Preferences Colors 656 Dialog 635 Disabling 629 Saving presets 636 Store marked preferences only 636 Presets Previewing in MediaBay 381, 381, 381, 382 Previewing using a MIDI file 381 Previewing using the Memo Recorder 381 Previewing via MIDI Input 381 Previewing via the Computer Keyboard 382 Presets browser Effects 273 Primary Time Format Selecting 158 Project Assistant 63 Project Colors Dialog 627 Project cursor Setting 156 Project Setup Dialog 65 Project window Event display 32 History 28 Info lin
Index Remaining Record Time 183 Stopping 169 With Effects 176 Recovering recordings Audio 176 MIDI 182 ReCycle files 189 Reducing the project size Pool 362 Reference file Pool 348 Refresh Views MediaBay 373 Regions About 127 Creating with Detect Silence 295 Event or Range as Region 127 Events from Regions 127 Renaming 352 Remote control Key commands 421 Setting up 418 Writing automation 420 Remote Controllers Connecting with Quick Controls 412 Remove DC Offset Direct Offline Processing 287 Remove Empty Tra
Index Save partial preferences settings 636 Save Track Preset 122, 122 Scale Around Absolute Center Automation Event Editor 397 Controller Event Editor 487 Scale Around Relative Center Automation Event Editor 397 Controller Event Editor 487 Scale events About 529 Adding 529 Auditioning 529 Automatic scales 529 Changing 529 Follow Chord Track 535 Showing 529 Scale Vertically Automation Event Editor 397 Controller Event Editor 487 Scan Folders only when MediaBay is open 652 Scan unknown File Types 652 Scanni
Index Stereo Flip Direct Offline Processing 288 Stop playback while winding 655 Stretch Automation Event Editor 397 Controller Event Editor 487 Strip presets 258 Strip Presets Loading in MediaBay 386 Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing 158 Suspend VST 3 plug-in processing when no audio signals are received 658 Swing Quantizing 197 Synchronization About 577 Operation (Sync mode) 583 Setting up 580 Speed references 579 Timecode 577 Timecode preferences 581 Timecode source 580 Synchronize Plug-in Program Selecti
Index Customizing track controls 74 Disabling audio tracks 118 Duplicating 118 Folder 100 FX channel 96 Group Channel 102 Instrument 80 Marker 106 MIDI 85 Moving 113 Removing 113 Renaming 113 Ruler 107 Sampler 89 Selecting 117 Video 108 Transformer Strip module 253 Transport 151 Overview 152 Project window 35 Sections 152 Transport menu Functions 147 Transport panel 145 Display format 158 Overview 145 Post-roll 159 Pre-roll 159 Sections 145 Transport pop-up window 153 Transpose MIDI function 446 Treat Mute
Index VSTi rack Right zone 48, 48 W Warn before removing modified effects 658 Warn on Processing Overloads 657 Wave 64 files Exporting 573 Wave files Exporting 568 Waveform Brightness 644 Waveform display 307 Sample Editor 307 Waveform Outline Intensity 644 Waveforms Showing 644 When Recording Wave Files larger than 4 GB 653 Wind Speed Options 655 Windows Media Audio files Exporting 570 Importing 186 Word clock About 579 Working with MIDI data Tools and functions for 511 Writing automation 393 Automatical
