Operation Manual
Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Lillie Harris, 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 8 Introduction Platform-Independent Documentation PDF Documents and Online Documentation Conventions Key Commands 10 10 17 19 Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Setting up MIDI Synchronizers 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 Monitoring Bus Bus Configurations 27 28 28 39 44 49 54 55 58 61 61 63 Project Window Showing/Hiding Zones Proj
Table of Contents 187 187 187 On-Screen Keyboard Recording MIDI With the On-Screen Keyboard On-Screen Keyboard Options 189 189 192 195 199 204 205 Recording Basic Recording Methods Monitoring Audio Recording Specifics MIDI Recording Specifics Remaining Record Time Lock Record 206 206 212 Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import MIDI File Import 215 215 216 216 217 217 218 Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Functions Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths Quantizing MIDI E
Table of Contents 449 454 455 458 459 460 462 VST Instrument Control Panel (not in Cubase LE) VST Instrument Selector Creating Instrument Tracks VST Instruments in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) VST Instruments Window 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) 464 464 467 468 468 Installing and Managing VST P
Table of Contents 657 Editing Video 658 658 658 659 660 660 661 661 662 ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Introduction Enabling ReWire Applications Launching and quitting Activating ReWire channels Using the transport and tempo controls How the ReWire channels are handled Routing MIDI via ReWire Considerations and limitations 663 663 664 664 664 665 665 665 666 676 Key Commands Adding Key Commands Searching for Key Commands Removing Key Commands Saving Key Commands Presets Loading Key Command Presets Importin
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 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 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 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 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 32 bit float or 64 bit float. Depending on this setting, all channels are processed and mixed in 32-bit floatingpoint or 64-bit floating-point format.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Record Shift Allows you to shift the recordings by the specified value. RELATED LINKS VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 465 ASIO Driver Setup Page This page allows you to set up your ASIO driver. ● To open the page 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.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Ports Reset Allows you to reset all port names and visibilities. 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 audio ports. State The state of the audio port.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio RESULT The application that has the focus gets access to the audio hardware. 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 Your System Setting up MIDI RELATED LINKS Audio Connections on page 21 Monitoring In Cubase, monitoring means listening to the input signal while recording. The following ways of monitoring are available: ● Externally by listening to the signal before it reaches Cubase. ● Via Cubase. ● By using ASIO Direct Monitoring. This is a combination of the other methods.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI 4. Click OK. Setting up All MIDI Inputs When you record MIDI, you can specify which MIDI input each recording MIDI track should use. However, you can also record any MIDI data from any MIDI input. You can specify which inputs are included when you select All MIDI Inputs for a MIDI track. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select MIDI Port Setup. 3. Activate In ‘All MIDI Inputs’ for a port.
Setting up Your System Synchronizers The following columns 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 Synchronizers RELATED LINKS Synchronization on page 632 20
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 RELATED LINKS Inputs/Outputs Tab on page 21 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.
Audio Connections Bus Configurations RELATED LINKS Setting the Default Output Bus (Main Mix) on page 23 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.
Audio Connections Bus Configurations Exclusive Port Assignments For certain channel types, the port assignment is exclusive. Once a port has been assigned to such a bus or channel, it must not be assigned to another bus, otherwise the connection to the first bus will be broken. The corresponding ports are marked in the Audio Connections window on the Device Port popup menu.
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 3 Lower Zone 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).
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Track List on page 35 Event Display on page 36 Ruler on page 36 Status Line on page 37 Info Line on page 38 Overview Line on page 38 Transport Bar on page 39 Project Window 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.
Project Window Project Zone Constrain Delay Compensation Constrain Delay Compensation Minimizes the latency effects of the delay compensation. Left Divider Left Divider Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Media & MixConsole Windows Open MediaBay Opens/Closes the MediaBay. Open Pool Window Opens/Closes the Pool window. Open MixConsole Opens/Closes the MixConsole. State Buttons Deactivate All Mute States Deactivates all mute states.
Project Window Project Zone Transport Controls Go to Previous Marker/Zero Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline. Go to Next Marker/Project End Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end. Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Activate Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback. Start Starts playback. Transport Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events and parts.
Project Window Project Zone Splits events. Glue Glues events together. Mute Mutes events. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. Line Creates a series of contiguous events. Play Allows you to play back events. Color Menu Colorize Selected Tracks or Events Opens the Colorize pane that allows you to colorize the selected tracks or events. Nudge Palette Trim Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left.
Project Window Project Zone Snap Snap to Zero Crossing Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero. Snap On/Off Restricts horizontal movement and positioning to the positions specified by the Snap Type. Snap Type Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap. Grid 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.
Project Window Project Zone Window Zone Controls Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone of the window. Show/Hide Lower Zone Shows/Hides the lower zone of the window. Show/Hide Right Zone Shows/Hides the right zone of the window. Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout. Set up Toolbar Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible.
Project Window Project Zone Track List The track list shows the tracks that are used in the project. When a track is added and selected, it contains name fields and settings for this track. ● To decide which controls are visible for each track type, right-click the track list and open the Track Controls Settings dialog. RELATED LINKS Track Control Settings Dialog on page 80 Dividing the Track List You can divide the track list into an upper track list and a lower track list.
Project Window Project Zone Event Display The event display shows the parts and events that are used in the project. They are positioned along the timeline. Ruler The ruler shows the timeline and the display format of the project. Initially, the Project window ruler uses the display format that is specified in the Project Setup dialog. ● To select an independent display format for the ruler, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler and select an option from the pop-up menu.
Project Window Project Zone ● Info line ● Tooltip position values The following options are available: Bars+Beats Sets the ruler to display bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks. By default, there are 120 ticks per sixteenth note. To change this, adjust the MIDI Display Resolution setting in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). Seconds Sets the ruler to display hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. Timecode Sets the ruler to display hours, minutes, seconds, and frames.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 29 Info Line The info line shows information about the event or part that you selected in the project zone. To activate the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Info Line. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 29 Value Editing Rules on the Info Line You can edit almost all event or part data on the info line using regular value editing.
Project Window Left Zone Transport Bar The Transport Bar allows displaying the transport functions in an integrated and fixed zone of the Project window. ● To activate the Transport Bar, click Set up Window Layout on the Project window toolbar and activate Transport Bar. ● To show/hide tools, open the Transport Bar context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the Transport Bar and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All.
Project Window Left Zone 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 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. PREREQUISITE The Sample Editor, the Key Editor, the Drum Editor or the Score Editor is shown in the lower zone. PROCEDURE 1.
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 47 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 Arranger Track Inspector on page 118 Marker Track Inspector on page 122 Video Track Inspector on page 123 Key Editor Inspector on page 531 Drum Editor Inspector on page 563 Sample Editor Inspector on page 345 Inspector Settings Dialogs The Inspector settings dialogs allow you to set up the sections that are available in the Track Inspector and the Editor Inspector.
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 Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone on page 46 Opening Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only) on page 46 Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 47 Project Window Toolbar on page 29 Setting up the Lower Zone In the lower zone, the MixConsole, Editor, Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only), and Chord Pads tabs are shown. You can change their order, and you can hide tabs that you do not need. PROCEDURE 1. Click Set up Lower Zone in the bottom right of the lower zone. 2.
Project Window Lower Zone Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone The MixConsole in the lower zone allows you to perform all basic mixing procedures from within the lower zone of the Project window, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events. 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 MixConsole tab. RESULT The MixConsole is opened in the lower zone.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT Sampler Control is opened. RELATED LINKS Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) on page 376 Project Window Toolbar on page 29 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.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT Depending on your event or part selection, the lower zone shows either the Audio Part Editor, the Sample Editor, or one of the MIDI editors. NOTE To change the default MIDI editor, select MIDI > Set up Editor Preferences, and select an option from the Default MIDI Editor pop-up menu. NOTE If you open the editor and no event or part is selected, the editor in the lower zone is empty.
Project Window Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) RESULT The MIDI part is displayed in the selected editor. NOTE This selection is temporary. Next time you open the MIDI part, the default MIDI editor is used. Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) The right zone of the Project window allows you to display the VSTi rack and the Media rack (not in Cubase LE). To show/hide the right zone, click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar. The top of the right zone features the following tabs: VSTi and Media.
Project Window Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) NOTE You can show/hide specific tabs in the right zone by right-clicking a tab and activating/ deactivating the options in the context menu. RELATED LINKS VSTi Rack in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) on page 50 Media Rack in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) on page 53 Project Window Toolbar on page 29 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 (not in Cubase LE) Add Track Instrument Opens the Add Track dialog that allows you to select an instrument and add an instrument track that is associated to this instrument. Find Instruments Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Previous Instrument Allows you to set the remote-control focus to the previous instrument.
Project Window Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) RESULT The Media rack is opened in the right zone of the Project window.
Project Window Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) Media Rack in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) 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. The Media rack Home tab shows the following tiles: VST Instruments Shows all included VST instruments. VST Effects Shows all included VST effects.
Project Window Keyboard Focus in the Project Window RELATED LINKS Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) on page 408 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 408 Keyboard Focus in the Project Window The different zones in the Project window can be controlled by using key commands. To make sure that a key command has effect on a specific zone, you must make sure that this zone has the keyboard focus.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window NOTE The project zone and the lower zone have separate toolbars and info lines. If you use the toolbar or the info line for one of these zones, the corresponding zone automatically gets the focus. Zooming in the Project Window You can zoom in the Project window according to the standard zoom techniques. NOTE If screen redraws are slow on your system, consider activating Quick Zoom in the Preferences dialog (Editing page).
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window RESULT The contents of audio parts and events in your project are zoomed in vertically. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK To get an approximate reading on the level of the audio events by viewing the waveforms, zoom out by dragging the slider all the way down again. Otherwise, zoomed waveforms may be mistaken for clipped audio. Zoom Submenu The Zoom submenu contains options for zooming in the Project window. ● To open the Zoom submenu, select Edit > Zoom.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window for detailed editing. The Zoom Presets pop-up menu allows you to select, create, and organize zoom presets. ● To open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu, click the button to the left of the horizontal zoom control. The upper part of the menu lists the zoom presets. ● 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.
Project Window Snap Function The middle part of the pop-up menu lists any cycle markers that you have added to the project. RESULT The event display is zoomed in to encompass the marker area. RELATED LINKS Markers Window on page 245 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.
Project Window Snap Function RELATED LINKS Adjusting the Snap Point on page 353 Snap to Zero Crossing When splitting and sizing audio events, sudden amplitude changes can cause pops and clicks. To avoid this, you can activate Snap to Zero Crossing to snap to points where the amplitude is zero. ● To activate Snap to Zero Crossing, activate Snap to Zero Crossing on the toolbar. Snap Types Menu You can select between different snap types to determine the snap point.
Project Window Snap Function 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 Cursor. Events + Cursor This is a combination of Events and Cursor. Events + Grid + Cursor This is a combination of Events, Grid, and Cursor. Grid Type Menu Allows you to specify a grid type that determines the grid and snap resolution in the event display.
Project Window Cross-Hair Cursor 1000 ms Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1000 ms. RELATED LINKS Snap Types Menu on page 59 Zooming in the Project Window on page 55 Ruler Display Format Menu on page 36 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. ● You can set up the cross-hair cursor in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page).
Project Window Edit History Dialog Action Shows the name of the action. Time Shows the time when this action was performed. State Shows the state of the action. Details Shows further details, and allows you to enter new text. Separator Move the separator upwards to undo your actions. To redo an action again, move the separator down. NOTE ● You can also undo applied audio processes. However, we recommend to modify or delete these using the Direct Offline Processing window.
Project Window Color Handling Color Handling You can colorize events and tracks in Cubase. Colorizing Single Tracks You can colorize single selected tracks. PROCEDURE 1. Select the track that you want to colorize. 2. In the Inspector, click Colorize Selected Track. 3. In the Choose Track Color pane, click one of the color fields. RESULT The selected track is colorized.
Project Window Color Handling ● Use Add Track or Add Other Track or Use Track Preset controls area of the track list to add a track. ● Drag some files from the Media rack to the event display. in the global track RESULT The new tracks are automatically colorized according to your settings. RELATED LINKS Event Display - Tracks on page 695 Resetting the Default Color You can reset the color of a track, part, or event to the default color. PROCEDURE 1.
Project Window Color Handling Color fields Click a field to open the Color Picker that allows you to specify a new color. The following options are available in the Options pop-up menu: Append New Color Adds a new color button at the bottom of the color list. Insert New Color before Selection Adds a new color button above the selected color button. Remove Selected Color Removes the selected color button. Reset Selected Color Resets the selected color to the factory settings.
Project Window Color Handling Adding and Editing Individual Colors You can add new colors to the Project Colors dialog. This allows you to apply custom colors for events, tracks, and channels. PROCEDURE 1. On the Project window toolbar, click Colorize Selected Tracks or Events. 2. In the Colorize pane, click Set up Colors. 3. In the Project Colors dialog, click Options and select Append New Color. 4. Click the newly created color field to open the Color Picker. 5. Pick a color and click OK.
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 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. NOTE Ensure that you have an active Internet connection to access this material. Projects Section The Projects section lets you create new projects, which can either be empty or based on a template. It lets you specify where to save the projects.
Project Handling Project Assistant Dialog 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 Template Files 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. These are listed in the Recording, Scoring, Production, or Mastering categories.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog 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 Setup Dialog You can perform general settings for your project in the Project Setup dialog. ● To open the Project Setup dialog, select Project > Project Setup.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog Project Length Allows you to specify the length of the project. Project Frame Rate In the Project Frame Rate section, the following options are available: Project Frame Rate Allows you to specify the timecode standard and frame rate for the project. When synchronizing to an external device, this setting must correspond to the frame rate of any incoming timecode.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog ● When you record with effects, consider setting the bit depth to 32 bit float or 64 bit float. This prevents clipping (digital distortion) in the recorded files and keeps the audio quality very high. Effect processing and level or EQ changes in the input channel are done in 32-bit float or 64-bit float format, depending on the Processing Precision setting in the Studio Setup dialog.
Project Handling Opening Project Files HMT Type (MIDI only) (Cubase Elements only) Allows you to specify a mode for Hermode tuning of MIDI notes. HMT Depth (MIDI only) (Cubase Elements only) Allows you to specify the overall degree of retuning. RELATED LINKS VST Audio System Page on page 12 Record - Audio on page 701 Opening Project Files You can open one or several saved project files at the same time.
Project Handling Saving Project Files Opening Recent Projects You can open recent projects directly from the recent projects list. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● In the category bar of the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog, click Recent, select a project from the projects list, and click Open. ● Select File > Recent Projects and select a recently opened project.
Project Handling Reverting to the Last Saved Version ● To specify how many backup files are created with the Auto Save function, use the Maximum Backup Files option. When the maximum number of backup files is reached, the existing files are overwritten, starting with the oldest file. Saving Project Files As a New Version You can create and activate a new version of an active project file.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects ● Select one of the template projects and click Create to create a project based on a template. RESULT The project is created and saved in the specified location. Self-Contained Projects If you want to share your work or transfer it to another computer, your project must be selfcontained.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects RESULT A copy of the project is saved in the new folder. The original project remains unaffected. NOTE VST Sound content provided by Steinberg is copy-protected and is not included in the backup project. If you want to use a backup copy that uses VST Sound content on a different computer, make sure that the corresponding content is also available on that computer. Back up Project Options Dialog This dialog allows you to create a backup copy of your project.
Tracks Tracks are the building blocks of your project. They allow you to import, add, record, and edit 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 Dialog 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 Dialog 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 Ungroup Allows you to ungroup grouped controls in the visible controls list. To remove an entire group, select the first (topmost) element belonging to this group and click Ungroup. 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 controls area for the selected track type.
Tracks Audio Tracks The following settings are available: Audio Inputs Opens a window where you can select an input of your connected audio hardware. If you have added an input bus in the Audio Connections window, you can connect to that input bus. The Open Audio Connections button opens the Audio Connections window. Configuration Allows you to set the channel configuration. Audio-related tracks can be configured as mono or stereo tracks. Audio Outputs Allows you to set the output routing.
Tracks Audio Tracks Audio Track Inspector The Inspector for audio tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your audio track. The top section of the audio 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. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Edit Channel Settings Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track.
Tracks Audio Tracks Freeze Audio Channel Allows you to freeze the audio channel. 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. Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track.
Tracks Audio Tracks Inserts Allows you to add insert effects to the track. 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.
Tracks Audio Tracks Strip Allows you to set up the channel strip modules. Quick Controls Allows you to configure quick controls to use remote devices, for example. 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 Channel Settings Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation.
Tracks Instrument Tracks 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. Freeze Channel Opens a dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds. Instrument Tracks You can use instrument tracks for dedicated VST instruments.
Tracks Instrument Tracks The following settings are available: Instrument Allows you to select an instrument. Audio Outputs Allows you to set the output routing. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Edit Channel Settings 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. Record Enable Activates the track for recording.
Tracks Instrument Tracks 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. Edit Instrument Allows you to open the instrument panel. Programs Allows you to select a program. Drum Maps Allows you to select a drum map for the track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in real time 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. Track name Double-click to rename the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) 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. ASIO Latency Compensation Moves all recorded events on the track by the current latency. Programs Allows you to select a program. Bypass Inserts Bypasses the inserts for the track. Bypass EQs Bypasses the equalizers for the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – Sampler on page 94 Creating Sampler Tracks on page 377 Sampler Control on page 378 Add Track Dialog – Sampler The Sampler page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add sampler tracks. To open the Sampler page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following: ● Click Add Track in the global track controls area of the track list, and click Sampler.
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. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Edit Channel Settings Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) 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. Sampler Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, sampler tracks also provide other Inspector 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 MIDI Tracks 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 a dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds.
Tracks MIDI Tracks The following settings are available: Name Allows you to specify a track name. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog.
Tracks MIDI Tracks Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Edit Channel Settings 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. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output.
Tracks MIDI Tracks Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. Channel Allows you to specify the MIDI channel. Edit Instrument Allows you to open the instrument panel. Bank Selector Allows you to set a bank select message that is sent to your MIDI device. Programs Allows you to select a program. Program Selector Allows you to set a program change message that is sent to your MIDI device. Drum Maps Allows you to select a drum map for the track.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Modifiers Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in real time during playback. 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.
Tracks MIDI Tracks The track list for MIDI tracks contains the following controls: Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Track name 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). Channel Allows you to specify the MIDI channel. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks FX Channel Tracks You can use FX channel tracks for adding send effects. Each FX channel can contain up to eight effect processors. By routing sends from an audio channel to an FX channel, you send audio from the audio channel to the effects on the FX channel. You can place FX channel tracks in a special FX channel folder, or in the track list, outside an FX channel folder. Each FX channel has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Name Allows you to specify a track name. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Volume Allows you to adjust the level of the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. FX Channel Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, FX channel tracks also provide other Inspector sections. Inserts Allows you to add insert effects to the track.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Equalizers Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQs for each track. Fader Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks 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 Double-click to rename the track. Edit Channel Settings 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 Group Channel Tracks 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. All group channel tracks are automatically placed in a special group track folder in the track list for easy management. Each group channel track has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog. Group Channel Track Inspector The Inspector for group channel tracks shows the settings for the group channel.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks 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 EQs 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 Channel Settings 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 Ruler Track Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track. Channel Configuration Shows the channel configuration of the track. 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. You can add ruler tracks via the Add Track dialog.
Tracks Folder Tracks Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog. Ruler Track Controls In the track list for ruler tracks, you can change the display format for the ruler. Click the display format to open a pop-up menu. The following display formats are available: Bars+Beats Activates a display format of bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks. By default there are 120 ticks per sixteenth note.
Tracks Folder Tracks The following settings are available: Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog.
Tracks Other Tracks Solo Solos the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output. Folder Track Controls The track list for folder tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit all tracks in the folder. Expand/Collapse Folder Shows/Hides the tracks in the folder. Hidden tracks are played back as usual. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track.
Tracks Other Tracks Arranger Track You can use the arranger track for arranging your project by marking out sections and determining in which order they are to be played back. ● To add the arranger track to your project, click Add Other Track or Use Track Preset the global track controls area of the track list, and select Add Arranger Track. in Arranger Track Inspector The arranger track Inspector displays the lists of available arranger chains and arranger events.
Tracks Other Tracks Select Active Arranger Chain + Functions 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 of an arranger event to play it back and start the live mode. Stop Allows you to stop the live mode.
Tracks Other Tracks 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. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Mute Chord Track Mutes the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Acoustic Feedback Allows you to audition the events on the chord track.
Tracks Other Tracks 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 also provides other Inspector sections. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track.
Tracks Other Tracks Marker Track Inspector The marker track Inspector displays the marker list. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Open Marker Window Opens the Markers window. Marker attributes Shows the markers, their IDs, and their time positions. Click in the leftmost column for a marker to move the project cursor to the marker position.
Tracks Other Tracks 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, click Add Other Track or Use Track Preset global track controls area of the track list, and select Add Video Track. in the Video Track Inspector The video track Inspector contains a number of parameters to control the video track.
Track Handling Tracks are the building blocks of your project. In Cubase, events and parts are placed on tracks. Adding Tracks via the Add Track Dialog You can add tracks via the Add Track dialog. This dialog is only available for track types that can be added more than once. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track . 2. Click the track type and set up the options according to your needs. 3. Click Add Track.
Track Handling Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay The number and type of the added tracks depend on the selected track preset. 4. Click OK. RESULT The new tracks are added to the project below the selected track. RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 134 Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay You can add tracks by dragging files from the MediaBay. PREREQUISITE One of the following prerequisites must apply: ● The MediaBay is open. To open the MediaBay, press F5.
Track Handling Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files Copy File to Working Directory/Copy Files 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 Files Export Inspector Patch Includes MIDI patch settings in the Inspector as MIDI bank select and program change events in the MIDI file. Export Inspector Volume/Pan Includes volume and pan settings in the Inspector as MIDI volume and pan events in the MIDI file. Export Automation Includes automation as MIDI controller events in the MIDI file. Cubase Elements only: This also includes automation recorded with the MIDI Control plug-in.
Track Handling Removing Selected Tracks Removing Selected Tracks You can remove selected tracks from the track list. PROCEDURE ● Select Project > Remove Selected Tracks. If you delete tracks that are not empty, a warning message is displayed. NOTE You can deactivate this message. To reactivate the message, activate Display Warning before Deleting Non-Empty Tracks in the Preferences dialog (Editing page). Removing Empty Tracks You can remove empty tracks from the track list.
Track Handling Showing Track Pictures 4. Click OK. RELATED LINKS Colorizing Single Tracks on page 63 Showing Track Pictures You can add pictures to tracks to recognize your tracks easily. Track pictures are available for audio, instrument, MIDI, FX channel and group channel tracks. PREREQUISITE Adjust the track height to at least 2 rows. PROCEDURE 1. Right-click any track in the track list. 2. From the track list context menu, select Show Track Pictures.
Track Handling Setting the Track Height Factory Shows the factory content in the pictures browser. Pictures browser Shows the pictures that you can assign to the selected track/channel. User Shows your user content in the pictures browser. Import Opens a file dialog that allows you to select pictures in bmp, jpeg, or png format and add them to the user library. Remove Selected Pictures from User Library Removes the selected pictures from the user library.
Track Handling Selecting Tracks Track Zoom Menu The track zoom menu allows you to set the number of tracks and the track height in the Project window. ● To open the track zoom menu in the lower right of the Project window, click the arrow button above the vertical zoom control. 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.
Track Handling Deselecting Tracks Select Channel/Track on Solo on page 691 Select Channel/Track on Edit Settings on page 691 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.
Track Handling Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks RESULT The track color changes and the corresponding channel in the MixConsole is hidden. To enable a disabled track and restore all channel settings, right-click in the track list and select Enable Track. Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks You can organize your tracks in folders by moving tracks into folder tracks. This allows you to perform editing on several tracks as one entity. Folder tracks can contain any type of track including other folder tracks.
Track Handling Events Display on Folder Tracks Events Display on Folder Tracks Closed folder tracks can display data of the contained audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks as data blocks or as events. When you close folder tracks, the contents of the contained tracks are displayed as data blocks or events. Depending on the folder track height, the display of the events can be more or less detailed. Modifying Event Display on Folder Tracks You can modify the event display on folder tracks. PROCEDURE 1.
Track Handling Track Presets Audio Track Presets Track presets for audio tracks, group tracks, FX tracks, VST instrument channels, input channels, and output channels include all settings that define the sound. You can use the factory presets as a starting point for your own editing and save the audio settings that you optimized for an artist that you often work with as a preset for future recordings.
Track Handling Track Presets Loading Presets for Tracks 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 134 Loading Presets for VST Instruments When working with VST instruments, you can choose from a variety of presets via the Results browser. PROCEDURE 1.
Track Handling Track Presets ● VST instrument ● VST instrument settings 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. 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.
Track Handling Track Presets RESULT The preset is applied. Sampler Track Presets You can use sampler track presets to reuse created sounds in later projects or newly created sampler tracks. The following data is saved in sampler track presets: ● Audio insert effects ● Audio EQ ● Audio volume and pan ● MIDI track parameters ● Color settings Creating a Sampler Track Preset (Cubase Elements only) You can create a sampler track preset from a sampler track or you can use the Sampler Control toolbar.
Track Handling Track Presets NOTE You can also drag and drop track presets from the MediaBay or the File Explorer/macOS Finder onto a track of the same type.
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 140 MIDI Events on page 143 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 189 Audio File Import on page 206 Importing Audio CD Tracks on page 208 Importing Audio from Video Files on page 211 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 408 Audio Part Editor on page 366 Sample Editor on page 338 Find Media Window on page 400 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 390 Audio Regions on page 142 Replacing Clips in Events on page 142 Replacing Clips in Events You can replace the clips in audio events.
Parts and Events Events RESULT A region is created in the corresponding clip, with the start and end position of the region determined by the start and end position of the event or selection range within the clip. RELATED LINKS Creating Regions on page 350 Creating Events from Regions PROCEDURE 1. Selected an audio event whose clip contains regions within the boundaries of the event. 2. Select Audio > Advanced > Events from Regions.
Parts and Events Parts Parts Parts are containers for MIDI or audio events, and for tracks. RELATED LINKS Audio Parts on page 144 MIDI Parts on page 144 Folder Parts on page 144 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.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE If you want to edit the individual tracks within the folder, you can double-click the folder part. This opens the editors for the events and parts that are present on the tracks. RELATED LINKS Event Colors Menu on page 509 Editing Techniques for Parts and Events This section describes techniques for editing in the Project window.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Scrubbing The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in events by playing back, forwards or backwards. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play. 2. Click again to open a pop-up menu. 3. Select Scrub. 4. Click the event and keep the mouse button pressed. 5. Drag to the left or right. 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.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events All Selects all events in the Project window. None Deselects all events in the Project window. Invert Inverts the selection. All selected events are deselected and all events that were not selected are selected instead. In Loop Selects all events that are partly or wholly between the left and right locator. From Start to Cursor Selects all events that begin to the left of the project cursor.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Event Movement Options You can move events using any of the following methods: ● Use the Object Selection tool. ● Use the Nudge tool. ● Select Edit > Move to and select one of the options. ● Select the event and edit the start position on the info line.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events The following options are available: Cursor Moves the selected event to the project cursor position. If you selected several events on the same track, the following events keep their relative position. Origin Moves the selected events to the positions at which they were originally recorded. Front/Back Moves the selected events to the front or back, respectively.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Resizing Events with the Object Selection Tool - Normal Sizing You can move the start or end point of the event. PROCEDURE 1. Select Object Selection. 2. Click the Object Selection tool again, and select Normal Sizing from the pop-up menu. 3. Click and drag the lower left or right corner of the event. RESULT The event is resized and according to where you dragged, more or less of the content is revealed.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The part is stretched or compressed to fit the new length. ● If you resize MIDI parts, the note events are stretched (moved and resized). Controller data are stretched, too. ● If you resize audio parts, the events are moved, and the referenced audio files are time stretched to fit the new length. If several events are selected, they are all resized in the same way.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Splitting Events PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select Split and click the event that you want to split. ● Select Object Selection, hold down Alt and click the event. ● Move the project cursor to the position where you want to split the events, and select Edit > Functions > Split at Cursor. NOTE This splits all events on all tracks that are intersected by the project cursor. If you select specific events, only these events are split.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● Select Glue, hold down Alt, and click the event that you want to glue to all following events. RESULT The events are glued together. NOTE If you first split an audio event and then glue the parts together again, an event is created. In any other case, a part is created. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 29 Pasting Events You can paste events from the clipboard.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● Hold down Alt and drag the event to a new position. NOTE If you hold down Ctrl/Cmd as well, movement direction is restricted to either horizontal or vertical. RESULT A copy of the selected event is created and placed after the original. If several events are selected, all of these are copied as one unit, maintaining the relative distance between the events. NOTE If you duplicate audio events, the copies always refer to the same audio clip.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Count Allows you to specify how many times you want the event to be repeated. Shared Copies Activate this to create a shared copy. RELATED LINKS Shared Copies on page 155 Shared Copies Shared copies are useful if you want to create copies that are automatically edited in the same way as the original event. You can convert a shared copy to a real copy by selecting Edit > Functions > Convert to Real 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 the Mute tool and click the events or drag a selection rectangle around them. ● Select the events and select Edit > Mute. 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 PROCEDURE 1. On the Project window toolbar, select Range Selection. 2. Do one of the following: ● Draw a selection rectangle around the range that you want to select. ● Select Edit > Select, and select one of the menu functions.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges From Start to Cursor Makes a selection on all tracks, from the start of the project to the project cursor. 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.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges The pointer takes the shape of a double arrow when you move it over an edge of the selection range. ● By holding down Shift and clicking. The closest selection range edge is moved to the position at which you clicked. ● By adjusting the selection range length, or the 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.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Duplicating Selection Ranges PREREQUISITE You have created a selection range. PROCEDURE ● Click the selection range, hold down Alt, and drag. RESULT RELATED LINKS Creating a Selection Range on page 157 Cut, Copy, and Paste of Selection Ranges You can cut or copy and paste selection ranges, using the functions on the Edit menu. You can also use the Cut Time and Paste Time options. Cut Cuts out the data in the selection range and moves it to the clipboard.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Deleting Data in Selection Ranges ● To replace data within the deleted selection range with empty track space, select Edit > Delete or press Backspace. Events to the right of the range keep their position. ● To remove the selection range and make the events to the right move to the left to fill the gap, select Edit > Range > Delete Time.
Playback and Transport Cubase offers multiple methods and functions to control playback and transport. RELATED LINKS Transport on page 703 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 Allow you to select what happens when you record over existing MIDI parts. MIDI Auto Quantize Automatic MIDI Record Quantize Activates automatic quantizing during a MIDI recording. Locators Go to Left Locator Position Allows you to go to the left locator position. Left Locator Position Shows the left locator position. Go to Right Locator Position Allows you to go to the right locator position. Right Locator Position Shows the right locator position.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback. Start Starts playback. Transport Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. Time Display Select Primary Time Format Allows you to select a time format for the primary time display. Primary Time Display Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format. Markers Jump to Marker Allows you to set and locate marker positions. Open Markers Window Opens the Markers window.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Allows you to set the post-roll position. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Tempo & Time Signature Activate Tempo Track Allows you to activate/deactivate the tempo track. Tempo Allows you to set the tempo value. Time Signature Allows you to set the first time signature value. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Input/Output Activity MIDI In Activity Displays the MIDI input signals. MIDI Out Activity Displays the MIDI output signals.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu 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 Commands Start Starts playback. Stop Stops playback. Start/Stop Starts/Stops playback. Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Fast Rewind Moves backward at a faster speed.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Locators Go to Left Locator Position Moves the project cursor position to the left locator. Go to Right Locator Position Moves the project cursor position to the right locator. Set Left Locator to Project Cursor Position Sets the left locator to the project cursor position. Set Right Locator to Project Cursor Position Sets the right locator to the project cursor position. Enter Left Locator Position Allows you to enter the position of the left locator manually.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Play from Selection End Activates playback from the end of the current selection. Play until Selection Start Activates playback two seconds before the start of the current selection and stops at the selection start. Play until Selection End Activates playback two seconds before the end of the current selection and stops at the selection end. Play until Next Marker Activates playback from the project cursor and stops at the next marker.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Audio Record Mode These options allow you to select what happens when you record over existing events. Keep History Keeps existing events or portions of events. Cycle History + Replace Replaces existing events or portions of events by the new recording. In cycle mode, all takes from the current cycle recording are kept. Replace Replaces existing events or portions of events by the last take.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Activate External Sync Sets Cubase to be synchronized externally.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Audio Record Modes Audio Record Modes Allow you to select what happens when you record over existing audio events. MIDI Record Modes MIDI Record Modes Allow you to select what happens when you record over existing MIDI parts. MIDI Auto Quantize Automatic MIDI Record Quantize Activates automatic quantizing during a MIDI recording. Left Divider Left Divider Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Punch Out Activates Punch Out. Transport Controls Go to Previous Marker/Zero Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline. Go to Next Marker/Project End Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end. Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback. Start Starts playback. Transport Record Activates/Deactivates record mode.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Open Markers Window Opens the Markers window. Pre-roll & Post-roll Activate Pre-roll Activates pre-roll. Pre-roll Amount Allows you to set the pre-roll position. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Activate Post-roll Activates post-roll. Post-roll Amount Allows you to set the post-roll position. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Tempo & Time Signature Activate Tempo Track Allows you to activate/deactivate the tempo track.
Playback and Transport Transport Pop-Up Window Click & Count-in Activate Metronome Click Activates the metronome click. Activate Count-in Activates the metronome click in count-in. Open Metronome Setup Opens the Metronome Setup dialog. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Input/Output Activity MIDI In Activity Displays the MIDI input signals. MIDI Out Activity Displays the MIDI output signals. Audio Activity Displays the audio input/output signals. Audio Clipping Displays audio clipping.
Playback and Transport Time Display Window Enter Left Locator Shift-L Enter Right Locator Shift-R 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 Num 1 Go to Right Locator Num 2 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.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators Right-click the window to access the following options: Bars+Beats Displays the time in bars and beats. Seconds Displays the time in seconds. fps Displays the time in frames per second. Samples Displays the time in samples. Show Beat Count Only Shows the beat counts only. This is useful if you want to use the Time Display window as a visual metronome. Increase Window Size Increases the size of the window and the displayed values.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators Locators are indicated by the flags in the ruler. The area between the left and the right locator is the locator range. The locator range is highlighted in the ruler and the event display. NOTE The event display in the MIDI editors is only highlighted if Show Part Borders is deactivated. ● To activate/deactivate cycle mode, click the locator range in the upper part of the ruler.
Playback and Transport Setting the Project Cursor Position ● Press Ctrl/Cmd and click at the position in the upper part of the ruler to set the left locator. ● Press Alt and click at the position in the ruler to set the right locator. ● Adjust the Left/Right Locator Position value on the Transport panel. To set locator positions to the project cursor position, do one of the following: ● Press Ctrl/Cmd, and on the numeric keypad press 1 to set the left locator.
Playback and Transport Time Formats Page Scroll The project cursor moves from the left side to the right side of the window. When the project cursor reaches the right side of the window, the ruler and the project cursor jump to the left side of the window and start over again. This behavior can be compared to turning a page of a book. Stationary Cursor The project cursor is kept in the middle of the window and the ruler scrolls continuously to the left.
Playback and Transport Pre-Roll and Post-Roll RESULT The time format on the Transport panel and all rulers and position displays is updated. Independent Time Displays (Cubase Elements only) You can show time displays that are independent from the global display format. To select an independent time display, do one of the following: ● In the ruler of the Project window or any editor, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler.
Playback and Transport Punch In and Punch Out 5. Right-click anywhere on the Transport panel or in the Transport Bar and activate Pre-roll & Post-roll. 6. In the Pre-roll & Post-roll section, activate Pre-roll 7. In the Pre-roll Amount and Post-roll Amount fields, enter the pre-roll and post-roll values. 8. Activate Record. and Post-roll . RESULT The project cursor rolls back by the specified pre-roll value and playback starts.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click ● In the Transport Bar, open the Click & Count-In section, and click Open Metronome Setup.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click General Tab The General tab 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 Use Audio Click in the Click Destinations section on the General tab. 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 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 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. In computer keyboard mode, you can use the two rows of keys that are displayed on the On-Screen Keyboard to enter notes. The piano keyboard has a wider range of keys.
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 parameters in the Project Setup dialog according to your specifications. The parameters in the Project Setup dialog determine the record file format, sample rate, project length, etc. that affect the audio recordings that you make during the course of the project.
Recording Basic Recording Methods RELATED LINKS Editing - Project & MixConsole on page 691 VST on page 704 Record Enabling Tracks on Selection You can set up a preference so that tracks are record-enabled when you select them. PROCEDURE 1. Select Edit > Preferences. 2. Open the Editing—Project & MixConsole page and activate Enable Record on Selected Audio Track or Enable Record on Selected MIDI Track. RESULT The tracks are record-enabled when you select them.
Recording Basic Recording Methods Stopping Recording PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Click Stop on the Transport panel. ● Press Num *. RESULT Recording stops while playback continues. Stopping Recording Automatically with Punch Out PROCEDURE ● Activate Punch Out on the Transport panel. RESULT Recording stops automatically when the project cursor reaches the punch out position. Playback continues.
Recording Monitoring RELATED LINKS Left and Right Locators on page 176 MIDI Recording on page 201 Audio Recording on page 196 Common Record Modes Menu The Common Record Modes determine what happens if you click Record during an audio or MIDI recording. ● To access the record modes, select Transport > Common Record Modes. You can also access the Common Record Modes by clicking the upper part of the Record Modes section on the Transport panel. Punch In/Out In this mode, the recording is stopped.
Recording Monitoring ● By using ASIO Direct Monitoring. This is a combination of both other methods. Monitoring via Cubase If you use monitoring via Cubase, the input signal is mixed with the audio playback. This requires an audio hardware configuration with a low latency value. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, activate Monitor. 2. In the MixConsole, adjust the monitoring level and the panning. You can add effects and EQ to the monitor signal using the track’s channel.
Recording Monitoring PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, activate Monitor. 2. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 3. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver, and activate Direct Monitoring. If the checkbox is grayed out, your audio hardware (or its driver) does not support ASIO Direct Monitoring. Consult the audio hardware manufacturer for details. 4. In the Preferences dialog, select VST. 5. Open the Auto Monitoring pop-up menu and select a monitoring mode. 6.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Audio Recording Specifics Preparations Selecting a Record File Format You can set up the record file format, that is, the sample rate, bit depth, and record file type for new audio files. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2. Set up the settings for Sample Rate, Bit Depth, and Record File Type. IMPORTANT The bit depth and file type can be changed at any time while the sample rate of a project cannot be changed at a later stage.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – Audio on page 82 RAM Requirements for Recording Each track on which you record requires a certain amount of RAM, and the memory usage increases the longer the recording lasts. For each audio channel, 2.4 MB of RAM are required for MixConsole settings, etc. The memory usage increases with the length of the recording, the sample rate, and the number of tracks you record.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Audio Record Modes By selecting an Audio Record Mode, you decide what happens to your recording and to any existing events on the track where you are recording. This is necessary because you will not always record on an empty track. There may be situations where you record over existing events, especially in cycle mode. ● To access the record modes, select Transport > Audio Record Mode.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics RELATED LINKS Pool Window on page 390 Recovery of Audio Recordings Cubase allows you to recover audio recordings. You can recover audio recordings in two situations: ● You hit Record too late. For this to work, you must specify an audio pre-record time. ● The system failed during recording. Specifying an Audio Pre-Record Time You can capture up to 1 minute of any incoming audio that you play in stop mode or during playback.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics failure, it is always possible that a computer crash, power cut, etc. might have damaged another component of the computer, making it impossible to save or recover any of the data. ● Do not try to actively bring about this kind of situation to test this feature. Although the internal program processes have been improved to cope with such situations, Steinberg cannot guarantee that other parts of the computer are not damaged as a consequence.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics NOTE If you select All MIDI Inputs, the track will receive MIDI data from all available MIDI inputs. Setting the MIDI Channel and Output The MIDI channel and output settings determine where the recorded MIDI is routed during playback. They are also relevant for monitoring MIDI in Cubase. You can select the channel and output in the track list or in the Inspector. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the track to which you want to assign a MIDI channel and output. 2.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics PROCEDURE 1. Click in the MIDI editor so that it gets the focus. 2. In the MIDI editor toolbar, activate Record in Editor. 3. Do one of the following to activate recording: ● Click Record on the Transport panel. ● Click Record on the toolbar. RESULT The MIDI data is recorded into the MIDI part that is opened in the MIDI editor. If you record outside the part borders, the part is automatically enlarged.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics ● Note On (key down) ● Note Off (key up) ● MIDI channel NOTE Normally, the MIDI channel information is overridden by the MIDI channel setting for the track. However, if you set the track to the Any MIDI channel, the notes will be played back on their original channels. Continuous Messages Pitchbend, aftertouch, and controllers, such as modulation wheel, sustain pedal, volume, etc.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics RELATED LINKS MIDI on page 696 MIDI Record Modes By selecting a MIDI Record Mode you decide what happens to any existing parts on the track where you are recording. MIDI tracks can play back all events in overlapping parts. If you record several parts in the same locations or move parts so that they overlap, you will hear the events in all parts. ● To access the record modes, select Transport > MIDI Record Mode.
Recording Remaining Record Time Automatic MIDI Record Quantize Cubase can automatically quantize MIDI notes on recording. ● Automatic MIDI Record Quantize the Transport Bar. is available in the MIDI Auto Quantize section of If you activate Auto Quantize, the notes that you record are automatically quantized according to the quantize settings. RELATED LINKS Quantizing MIDI and Audio on page 215 Quantize Panel on page 218 Recovering MIDI Recordings Cubase allows you to recover MIDI recordings.
Recording Lock Record If you use individual record folders to store your tracks on different drives, the time display refers to the medium with the least storage space available. Lock Record The Lock Record function prevents you from accidentally deactivating record mode. ● Select Edit > Key Commands and in the Transport category, assign key commands to the Lock Record and Unlock Record commands.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files You can add audio and MIDI files to your project by importing them. Audio File Import 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 402 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 Audio File Import Copy File to Working Directory/Copy Files 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.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import 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 instead. 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 Audio File Import 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 Audio File Import Secure Mode (Windows only) Activates error checking and correction when reading the CD. 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 enter a new name.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import Destination Folder Allows you to select a folder for the imported 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 MIDI File Import You can also adjust the tempo and have the REX file automatically follow, provided that its track is set to a musical time base. NOTE You can achieve similar results by using Cubase’s own loop slicing features. RELATED LINKS Slices on page 358 MIDI File Import Cubase can import standard MIDI files. This allows you to transfer MIDI material to and from virtually any MIDI application on any platform.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files MIDI File Import 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. Destination Allows you to specify what happens when you drag a MIDI file into the project. ● MIDI Tracks creates MIDI tracks for the imported file.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files MIDI File Import 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 ● 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. ● Create Groove Quantize Preset Creates a groove quantize map based on hitpoints that you have created in the Sample Editor.
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 Select Preset Allows you to select a preset. 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.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel The following options are 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 slight variations and, at the same time, prevents your audio or MIDI from ending up too far away from the grid. 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 The following options become available: Position Determines how much the timing of the groove affects the music. 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.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Orig. Position Sets the original starting position of the quantized material as starting point of the quantizing. This allows you to synchronize material that does not start from bar 1 of the project. Randomize Allows you to set a distance in ticks so that your audio or MIDI is quantized to random positions within the specified distance from the quantize grid.
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 RELATED LINKS Creating and Editing Fades with the Handles on page 225 Creating and Editing Fades with the Range Selection Tool on page 226 Fade Dialog for Event-Based Fades on page 227 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.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades ● To change the fade-out length, drag the fade handle in the upper right to the left or to the right. ● 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, for example.
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 Show 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 Length Specifies the length of the crossfade area. Cubase tries to center the crossfade, that is, the length change is 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 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 RESULT The arranger events are added to your project. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Use the functions of the Arranger Editor to arrange the events. RELATED LINKS Arranger Track on page 118 Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events on page 239 Snap Function on page 58 Snap Types Menu on page 59 Renaming Arranger Events When you add arranger events, they are automatically named in alphabetical order.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor 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 Toolbar ● To open the Arranger Editor, select an arranger track, and click Open Arranger Editor in the track list.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor Duplicate Current Chain Creates a duplicate of the current arranger chain, containing the same events. Remove Current Chain Removes the selected arranger chain. This is only available if you have created more than one arranger chain. Flatten Converts the current arranger chain into a linear project. Flatten (with Options & Preferences) Allows you to set up the flatten options.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events Current Chain Flattens the current chain only. Checked Chains Opens a list of the available arranger chains where you can activate the arranger tracks that you want to flatten. All Chains Flattens all arranger chains of the current project. The Destination section allows you to choose where the result of the flattening is saved. Current Project This is only available if Source is set to Current Chain.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events 3. 4. Perform one of the following actions to add arranger events to the arranger chain: ● Double-click an event in the Arranger Events list. ● Select one or more events in the Arranger Events list, right-click, and select Append Selected In Arranger Chain. ● Drag an arranger event from the Arranger Events list and drop it in the Current Arranger Chain list.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Jump Mode RELATED LINKS Arranger Chain Repeat Modes on page 238 Flattening the Arranger Chain When you have set up an arranger chain that you like, and you are sure that you do not want to edit it any more, you can convert it to a linear project. PREREQUISITE You have saved a copy of the project before flattening the arranger chain. NOTE Flattening the arranger chain may remove events and parts from the project.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Jump Mode 3. In the Arranger Events list of the Inspector, click the arrow to the left of the arranger event that you want to trigger. 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.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranging Music to Video 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. Arranging Music to Video When you compose music for video, you can use arranger events to fill a specific video section with music. The following is an example on how you could do that. PREREQUISITE You have connected and set up an external sync master device to your computer.
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 AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Now you can move the project cursor position to the start or the end of the cycle marker by moving it to the corresponding locator or use cycle markers to export specific ranges of your project with the Export Audio Mixdown dialog. 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.
Markers Markers Window 4 Auto-Scroll with Project Cursor Allows you to keep track of the locate arrow, even if your project contains a large number of markers. If this option is activated, the Marker window is automatically scrolled to keep the locate arrow visible. 5 Markers list 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.
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 4 Cycle pop-up menu 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 3. Click on the marker track in the selected range and drag the range to a new position. If you hold down Alt while you drag the range, the selection in the Project window is copied instead. 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.
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 1 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. 2 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 3 Fader section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The MixConsole is divided into the following sections: 1 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 2 Inspector Allows you to set up the visibility of channels in the fader section. 3 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 curves 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 Channel racks Allows you to show additional channel controls as needed. 4 Pictures Allows you to add a picture to the selected channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS MixConsole Inspector (Left Zone) on page 255 MixConsole Toolbar on page 256 Project Window Toolbar on page 29 Fader Section on page 264 Channel Racks Selector on page 261 Track Pictures Browser on page 129 Adding Notes to a MixConsole Channel on page 284 Channel Latency Overview on page 284 Channel Strips on page 277 MixConsole Inspector (Left Zone) The left zone of the MixConsole, the Inspector, shows a list of the MixConsole channels that allows you to show/hide
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window does not follow any visibility changes that you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa. MixConsole Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. NOTE The toolbar of the lower zone MixConsole contains a limited set of tools. This includes: Channel Filter Types, Link Group, Zoom Palette, Mixer Functions Menu, and Window Zone Controls.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Go to Right Locator Position Allows you to go to the right locator position. Right Locator Position Shows the right locator position. Transport Buttons Go to Previous Marker/Zero Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline. Go to Next Marker/Project End Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end. Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Activate Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format. Select Secondary Time Format Allows you to select a time format for the secondary time display. Markers Jump to Marker Allows you to set and locate marker positions. Open Markers Window Opens the Markers window. State Buttons Deactivate All Mute States Deactivates all mute states. Deactivate All Solo States Deactivates all solo states.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Zoom Palette Reduce Channel Width Allows you to reduce the channel width. Set Number of Channels Displays the set number of channels. Increase Channel Width Allows you to increase the channel width. Reduce Rack Height Allows you to reduce the rack height. Increase Rack Height Allows you to increase the rack height. System Performance Meter System Performance Meter Shows the meters for average audio processing load and the disk cache load.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. Filtering Channel Types The channel types filter on the MixConsole toolbar allows you to determine which channel types are shown. PROCEDURE 1. Click Set Channel Type Filter. This opens the channel types filter. 2. Click to the left of a channel type to uncheck it and hide all channels of that type.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 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. The configurations contain visibility settings as well as the show/hide status of channel types and racks. PROCEDURE 1. Set up the configuration that you want to save. 2. On the toolbar, click Channel Visibility Configurations. 3.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS MixConsole Toolbar on page 256 Rack Settings Menu 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 on the MixConsole toolbar. Exclusive Expanded Rack Shows the selected rack exclusively and collapses the other racks. Fixed Number of Slots Shows all available slots for the Inserts, Sends, Cues, and Quick Controls racks.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 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. RESULT The changes are applied to all selected channels until you deactivate Q-Link. Functions Menu The Functions Menu contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. ● To open the Functions Menu, click Functions Menu on the MixConsole toolbar.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Saving MixConsole Settings You can save MixConsole settings for selected audio-related channels and load them into any project. PROCEDURE 1. Select the channels with the settings that you want to save. 2. Select Functions Menu > Save Selected Channels. 3. In the file dialog, specify the file name and location. 4. Click Save. RESULT The settings for the selected channels are saved with the file extension .vmx. The input/output routing is not saved.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE If a channel is deactivated on the Visibility tab 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 ● To make fine adjustments, hold down Shift when you move the pan control. ● To select the default center pan position, hold down Ctrl/Cmd, and click the pan control. ● To edit the value numerically, double-click the pan control. RELATED LINKS Creating New Projects on page 67 Stereo Balance Panner The stereo balance panner allows you to control the balance between the left and right channels. It is activated by default.
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 2. 3. Do one of the following to set the level position for a color change: ● Double-click a level position to the right of the meter scale and enter the level (dB) value. To enter dB values smaller than zero, add a minus sign before the entered number. ● Click a level position and drag it to a specific level, and press Shift for more accurate positioning.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Input Levels When recording digital sound, it is important to set the input levels high enough to ensure low noise and high audio quality. At the same time, you must avoid clipping (digital distortion). Setting Input Levels PROCEDURE 1. Select Functions Menu > Global Meter Settings > Meter Position and activate Input.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Clipping Clipping typically occurs in the audio hardware when an analog signal is too loud and therefore converted to digital in the hardware’s A/D converters. Channel Racks The Channel Racks section contains specific MixConsole functions, such as routing, insert, or send handling. These are organized in racks. NOTE The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window features the Inserts and the Sends rack only.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● For example, copying from input/output channels leaves the sends settings in the target channel unaffected. Routing The Routing rack allows you to configure input and output routing, that is, setting up input and output busses. NOTE This channel rack is only available in the MixConsole window. Input busses are used when you record on an audio track. In this case, you must select from which input bus the audio is received.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● Mono output busses, or mono group output busses. These should not lead to feedback. RELATED LINKS Routing on page 271 Input Routing Configurations for Stereo Channels ● Mono or stereo input busses. ● Mono or stereo output busses, and mono or stereo group output busses. These should not lead to feedback. RELATED LINKS Routing on page 271 Output Busses For output busses any assignment is possible.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Making Filter Settings Each audio-related channel has separate high-cut and low-cut filters that allow you to attenuate signals with frequencies that are higher or lower than the cutoff frequency. PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) to show the Pre rack above the fader section. 2. Click to the left of the high-cut filter to activate the high-cut filter.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Inserts The Inserts rack for audio-related channels features insert effect slots that allow you to load insert effects for a channel. For MIDI channels you can load MIDI inserts. For further information, see the separate document Plug-in Reference. RELATED LINKS Audio Effects on page 296 Adding Insert Effects PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Inserts to show the Inserts rack above the fader section. 2.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Activating Equalizer Bands PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Equalizers to show the EQ rack above the fader section. 2. Click Activate/Deactivate Band to activate an EQ band. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Click on the display in a channel to show a larger version. The display is also available in the Equalizers section of the Project window Inspector and in the Channel Settings window. Clicking the curve display enlarges the view and shows a cross-hair cursor. The current mouse position shows the frequency, note value, offset, and level at the top or bottom of the display. ● Click to add a curve point and activate the corresponding EQ band.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Determines the width of the affected frequency range. Higher values give narrower frequency ranges. 5 Select EQ Band 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. EQ bands 2 and 3 are always parametric filters. RELATED LINKS Making Filter Settings on page 273 Saving/Loading EQ Presets You can save and load EQ presets.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Noise Gate (Cubase Elements only) Noise gating silences audio signals below a set threshold. As soon as the signal level exceeds the threshold, the gate opens to let the signal through. Threshold (-60 to 0 dB) Determines the level at which Gate is activated. Signal levels above the set threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold close the gate.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Gain Reduction LED Indicates the amount of compression of the signal. Attack (0.1 to 100 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds to signals above the set threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal passes through unprocessed. Release (10 to 1000 ms or Auto mode) Sets the time after which the gain returns to the original level when the signal drops below the threshold.
MixConsole MixConsole Window VintageCompressor (Cubase Elements only) The VintageCompressor is modeled after vintage type compressors. Input Gain (-24 to 48 dB) In combination with the Output Gain setting, this parameter determines the compression amount. The higher the input gain setting and the lower the output gain setting, the more compression is applied. Output Gain (-48 to 24 dB) Sets the output gain. Gain Reduction LED Indicates the amount of compression of the signal. Attack (0.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Determines the width of the affected frequency range. Higher values give narrower frequency ranges. Tools (Cubase Elements only) Provides a tool to attenuate or boost the gain of the attack and release phase of your audio. EnvelopeShaper This channel strip module can be used to attenuate or boost the gain of the attack and release phase of audio material. You can use the knobs to change parameter values.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Tube Saturation This channel strip module simulates the saturation and compression of recording of analogue tube compressors. Drive Controls the amount of tube saturation. Output Gain 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 high-cut filter. Use the frequency fader to reduce harshness.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Standard Limiter This channel strip module is designed to ensure that the output level does not exceed a set output level, to avoid clipping in following devices. Standard Limiter can adjust and optimize the Release parameter automatically according to the audio material, or it can be set manually. Input (-24 to 24 dB) Adjusts the input gain. Output (-24 to 6 dB) Determines the maximum output level. Gain Reduction LED Displays the amount of gain reduction. Release (0.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypassing Send Effects ● To bypass all sends, click the bypass button at the top of the Sends rack. ● To deactivate bypass, click the button again. Adding FX Channels to a Send PROCEDURE 1. Right-click on the send slot to open the context menu. 2. Select Add FX Channel to . 3. In the Add FX Channel Track window, select the effect and configuration. 4. Click OK.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Type Indicates if the latency is caused by an insert effect, a channel strip module or a panner. Latency (ms) Shows the latency in milliseconds. Latency (Samples) Shows the latency in samples. Total Channel Latency Shows the total latency for that channel in milliseconds and in samples. NOTE If you want any plug-in delay to be compensated during playback, make sure that Constrain Delay Compensation is deactivated.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The Channel Settings window is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the Channel Settings window. 2 Inserts/Strip The Inserts section features insert effect slots that allow you to load insert effects for a channel. The Strip section allows you to load built-in processing modules for separate channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Settings Toolbar The toolbar in the Channel Settings window contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the Channel Settings window. Channel Navigation Go to Last Edited Channel Shows the channel that you last edited in the Channel Settings window. This is only available if you have edited at least 2 channels. Go to Next Edited Channel Shows the next channel in the Channel Settings window. This is only available if you have edited at least 2 channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Shows the name of the output channel. Edit Instrument Edit VST Instrument Allows you to open the VST instrument control panel. This is only available for MIDI and instrument channels. Output Chain Show Output Chain Shows the output chain. This allows you to keep track of more complicated output routings. Track Templates Load/Save Track Preset Allows you to load/save track presets. Reload Track Preset Allows you to reload track presets.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypass Inserts Bypasses the insert effects for the channel. Inserts Allows you to add insert effects for the channel. Preset Management Allows you to load or save FX Chain presets. Move Channel Strip to Pre/Post-Inserts Position Allows you to move the channel strip to pre-fader position or to post-fader position in the signal flow. Strip Allows you to activate and set up channel strip modules for the channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypass Channel Strip Bypasses the channel strip modules for the channel. Channel Strip Allows you to activate and set up channel strip modules for the channel. Preset Management Allows you to load or save strip presets.
MixConsole MixConsole Window In the details view, the following additional parameters are available: ● Soft Knee/High Ratio ● Hold ● Analysis ● Dry Mix ● Input Gain meter ● Output Gain meter ● Gain Reduction meter You can close the details view by clicking Close Module . RELATED LINKS Standard Compressor on page 278 Tube Compressor – Details View (Cubase Elements only) The Tube Compressor features a details view with more controls and value readouts for the meters.
MixConsole MixConsole Window VintageCompressor - Details View (Cubase Elements only) The VintageCompressor features a details view with more controls and value readouts for the meters. ● To open the details view, click Edit Module .
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypass Equalizers Bypasses the equalizer settings for the channel. Equalizer display Allows you to make equalizer settings for the 4 bands in a large EQ curve display with several modes. Show/Hide Equalizer Controls Allows you to step through different display modes of the Equalizer section: Show Equalizer Controls, Show Equalizer Knob Controls, or Hide Equalizer Controls. Preset Management Allows you to load or save equalizer presets.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypass Sends Bypasses the send effects for the channel. Sends—Destinations Allows you to set up a destination for the send effects for the channel. RELATED LINKS Channel Settings on page 285 Channel Settings – Channel Faders ● To open the Channel Faders in the Channel Settings window, click Set up Window Layout, and activate Channel Faders. The controls are the same as in the MixConsole fader section.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS Fader Section on page 264 Channel Settings on page 285 Keyboard Focus in the MixConsole The left zone, the channel rack section, and the fader section can be controlled with the computer keyboard. For this to work, the section must have the focus. If a section has the keyboard focus, the border that surrounds it is highlighted in a specific color. Activating Keyboard Focus PROCEDURE 1. Click in an empty area of the section to activate the keyboard focus. 2.
Audio Effects Cubase comes with a number of included 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 317 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 To avoid latency during real-time recording or real-time playback of VST instruments, you can also use Constrain Delay Compensation. RELATED LINKS Constrain Delay Compensation on page 460 MixConsole Window on page 252 Tempo Sync Plug-ins can receive timing and tempo information from Cubase. This is useful to synchronize plug-in parameters, such as modulation rates or delay times, to the project tempo. Timing and tempo information is provided to plug-ins of the standard VST 2.
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. 2. Select the audio track. 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 4. Click Add Track. The group track is added to the track list. 5. In the Inspector for the group track, open the Inserts section. 6. Click the first effect slot and select an effect from the selector. 7. 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 Rearranging Insert Effects You can change the position of an insert effect in the signal chain of the audio channel by moving it to a different slot of the same channel. You can also move an insert effect to another audio channel. PREREQUISITE You have added at least one insert effect to an audio channel. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > MixConsole. 2. In the Inserts rack, locate the insert effect that you want to rearrange. 3. Drag the insert effect to another insert slot.
Audio Effects Insert Effects 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section, and click Bypass Insert. RESULT The effect is bypassed, but still processing in the background. Removing Insert Effects PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the audio track with the insert effect that you want to remove. 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section and on the effect that you want to remove, click Select Insert. 3. In the effect selector, select No Effect.
Audio Effects VST Effect Selector The frozen audio track is saved in the Freeze folder that can be found in the following location: ● Windows: within the Project folder ● macOS: User/Documents In the MixConsole, the frozen audio channel is indicated by a snowflake symbol above the channel name. You can still adjust the level and panning, make EQ settings, and adjust the effect sends. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK To unfreeze a frozen track, click Freeze again.
Audio Effects Send Effects RELATED LINKS FX Channel Tracks on page 304 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.
Audio Effects Send Effects RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – Effect on page 104 Adding FX Channels to Selected Channels PREREQUISITE You project contains some tracks to which you want to add an FX channel. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, right-click the tracks to which you want to add an FX channel, and select Add Track > FX Channel to Selected Channels. 2. In the Add Track dialog, open the Effect pop-up menu and select an effect for the FX channel track. 3.
Audio Effects Send Effects 2. In the track list, click Edit Channel Settings to open the Channel Settings window. 3. In the Sends section on the Destinations tab, click Select Destination for an effect slot, and select the FX channel track from the selector. 4. On the send slot, click Activate/Deactivate Send. RESULT The audio is routed through the FX channel.
Audio Effects Send Effects ● To move a send to post-fader position, open the Channel Settings window for the audio channel, right-click a send and select Move to Post-Fader. The Pre-/Post-Fader button indicates that the send is in post-fader position. NOTE If you activate Mute Pre-Send when Mute in the Preferences dialog (VST page), sends in prefader mode are muted if you mute their channels. Setting the Level for the Sends PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Effects Dither Effects (Cubase Elements only) Dither Effects (Cubase Elements only) Dither effects allow you to control the noise that is produced by quantization errors that can occur when you mix down to a lower bit depth. Dithering adds a special kind of noise at an extremely low level to minimize the effect of quantization errors. This is hardly noticeable and preferable to the distortion that otherwise occurs. Applying Dither Effects PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > MixConsole. 2.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel Allows you to read/write automation for the effect parameter settings. 4 Switch between A/B Settings Switches to setting B when setting A is active, and to setting A when setting B is active. 5 Copy A to B Copies the effect parameters of effect setting A to effect setting B. 6 Preset browser Opens the preset browser where you can select another preset. 7 Preset Management Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to save or load a preset.
Audio Effects Effect Presets Hiding/Showing Effect Control Panels When you add an audio effect, the respective plug-in control panel opens automatically. You can hide the control panels from view. This is useful to get a better overview if you added a number of plug-ins to your project whose control panels clutter up the screen. PROCEDURE ● Select Window > Hide Plug-in Windows. NOTE This also hides VST instrument control panels.
Audio Effects Effect Presets RELATED LINKS Loading Presets for Effects on page 311 Loading Insert Presets on page 314 Preset Browser The preset browser allows you to select a VST preset for the loaded effect. ● To open the preset browser, click the preset browser field in the effect control panel. The Results section of the presets browser lists the available presets for the selected effect.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 2. In the Results section, select a preset from the list. 3. Double-click to load the preset that you want to apply. RESULT The preset is loaded. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can return to the preset that was selected when you opened the preset browser by clicking Revert to Last Setting. Saving Effect Presets You can save your effect settings as presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Open the Preset Management pop-up menu. Select Save Preset.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 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. You are asked if you want to save the current settings as default preset. 3. Click Yes. RESULT The effect settings are saved as default preset.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 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. PREREQUISITE You have saved a combination of insert effects as insert presets. PROCEDURE 1. Select the track to which you want to apply the new preset. 2.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window Loading Insert Effect Settings from Track Presets You can extract the effects that are used in a track preset and load them into your inserts rack. PROCEDURE 1. Select the track to which you want to apply the new preset. 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section. 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.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window Category The category of each plug-in. Version The version of the plug-in. SDK The version of the VST protocol with which the plug-in is compatible. Managing System Components in the System Component Information Window ● To make a plug-in available for selection, activate the checkbox in the left column. ● To see where a plug-in is used, click in the Instances column. Only the activated plug-ins appear in 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 real-time 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 318 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 Audition Audition Allows you to audition the selected audio with all processing from the top of the process list up to the selected process in the list. All processes below are ignored during playback. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate the Audition button. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window Applying Processing to Multiple Events Direct Offline Processing allows you to add the built-in audio processes to multiple events at once. You can also modify or delete processing on multiple events simultaneously. ● To apply audio processes to multiple events at once, select the audio and add, modify, or delete the processing.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes ● Delete the process by clicking Delete on the process panel. RELATED LINKS Direct Offline Processing Window on page 318 Pool Window Columns on page 392 Built-In Audio Processes Cubase provides several built-in audio processes that can be used for Direct Offline Processing. Envelope Envelope allows you to apply a volume envelope to the selected audio.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Fade In/Fade Out Fade In and Fade Out allow you to apply a fade to the selected audio. Curve Kind buttons Determine whether the corresponding envelope uses Spline Interpolation, Damped Spline Interpolation, or Linear Interpolation. Fade display Shows the shape of the fade curve. The resulting waveform shape is shown in a dark tone, with the current waveform shape in a light tone. ● To add points, click the curve.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes 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. RELATED LINKS Normalize on page 324 Normalize Normalize allows you to raise the level of audio that was recorded at too low an input level. Normalize Allows you to set a maximum level for the audio, between -50 dB and 0 dB.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes RELATED LINKS Statistics Window on page 336 Resample Resample allows you to change the length, tempo, and pitch of an event. If you resample to a higher sample rate, the event gets longer and the audio plays back at a slower speed with a lower pitch. If you resample to a lower sample rate, the event gets shorter and the audio plays back at a faster speed with a higher pitch. File Sample Rate Shows the original sample rate of the event.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Subtract Subtracts the left channel information from the right. This function is typically used for karaoke background as it removes the centered mono material from a stereo signal. Time Stretch Time Stretch allows you to change the length and tempo of the selected audio without affecting the pitch. Define Bars You can set the length of the selected audio and the time signature in this section.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Key Commands Resulting Length These values change automatically if you adjust the Time Stretch Ratio to stretch the audio so that it fits within a specific time span or tempo. Samples Shows the resulting length in samples. Seconds Shows the resulting length in seconds. BPM Shows the resulting tempo in beats per minute. For this to work, the Original Length values must be specified.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Key Commands Key Commands for Direct Offline Processing If the corresponding section in the Direct Offline Processing window has the focus, the following default key commands apply: Option Key command Open/Close Direct Offline Processing window F7 Set focus within Direct Offline Processing window Tab Navigate in the process list Up Arrow/Down Arrow Activate/Deactivate Audition (Playback Toggle Space triggers Local Preview must be activated in the Pr
Time Stretch Algorithms In Cubase, time stretching algorithms are used for operations like the Time Stretch offline process, or in the Sample Editor. RELATED LINKS Time Stretch on page 326 Sample Editor on page 338 Standard on page 329 Limitations on page 330 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 Dialog on page 331 Spectrum Analyzer Window on page 334 Statistics Window on page 336 Detect Silence Dialog 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 Dialog The following options are available: Waveform display Allows you to zoom in on and out of the waveform by using the zoom slider to the right or 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.
Audio Functions Detect Silence Dialog NOTE If your audio contains repeated short sounds, and this results in too many short open sections, try raising this value. Min. Time Closed Determines the minimum time that the function remains closed after the audio level has dropped below the Close Threshold value. Set this to a low value to make sure that you do not remove sounds. Pre-roll Causes the function to open slightly before the audio level exceeds the Open Threshold value.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer Window RELATED LINKS Removing Silent Sections on page 334 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. Select Audio > Advanced > Detect Silence. 3. In the Detect Silence dialog, make your settings. 4. Click Compute to analyze the audio.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer Window Frequency display Shows the frequency graphs for the analyzed audio. If you move the mouse pointer over a certain position, the channel, frequency, note, and level at that position are shown in the value field at the top of the display. Channel selector For multichannel audio, this pop-up menu allows you to select which channels are shown in the frequency display. Zoom slider Allows you to zoom in and out horizontally.
Audio Functions Statistics Window Comparing Level Values You can display the difference in level between two positions on the same or different graphs in the Spectrum Analyzer window. PROCEDURE 1. Move the mouse pointer to the first position and right-click to select it. 2. Move the mouse pointer to the second frequency position. RESULT The difference in level between the positions is displayed as value D in the value field.
Audio Functions Statistics Window 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. DC Offset Shows the amount of DC offset as a percentage and in dB.
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 in the lower zone of the Project window: 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 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.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 47 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 41 Sample Editor Toolbar on page 340 Info Line on page 344 Overview Line on page 344 Sample Editor Inspector on page 345 Ruler on page 346 Waveform Display on page 346 Regions List on page 350 Sample Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the selected audio. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate Audition. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume. Tool Buttons Range Selection Selects ranges. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. Draw Draws a volume curve.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar Musical Information Musical Mode Locks audio clips to the project tempo by using realtime time stretching. Number of Bars Defined in Audio File Displays the estimated bars of your audio file. Remaining Number of Beats Defined in Audio File Displays the remaining number of beats of your audio file. Defined Tempo of Audio File Displays the estimated tempo of your audio file. Defined Time Signature of Audio File Displays the estimated time signature of your audio file.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar Allows you to activate/deactivate the regions. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. RELATED LINKS Auto-Scroll Settings Menu on page 178 Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing on page 179 Locating Positions with the Scrub Tool The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in the audio. PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, activate the Scrub tool. 2. Click in the waveform display and keep the mouse button pressed.
Sample Editor Info Line 3. Click at the beginning of the section that you want to correct and draw in the new curve. RESULT A range selection covering the edited section is automatically applied. Info Line The info line shows information about the audio clip, such as the audio format and the selection range. ● To show or hide the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate or deactivate Info Line.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Inspector The on/off status of the overview line in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor are independent of each other. 1 Event Start Shows the start of the audio event if Show Audio Event is activated on the toolbar. 2 Selection Shows which section is selected in the waveform display. 3 Event End Shows the end of the audio event if Show Audio Event is activated on the toolbar.
Sample Editor Ruler ● 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. The ruler is located above the waveform display. It is always shown. 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 a percentage or in dB.
Sample Editor Waveform Display 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. NOTE You can set up a wave image style in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Audio page). Zooming Vertically You can zoom in the waveform vertically. This allows you to see a specific detail of the waveform. PROCEDURE ● Drag the vertical zoom slider down to zoom in or up to zoom out.
Sample Editor Range Editing Zoom Full Zooms out so that the whole clip is visible in the waveform display. Zoom to Selection Zooms out so that the whole clip is visible in the waveform display. Zoom to Selection (Horiz.) Zooms in horizontally so that the current selection fills the waveform display. Zoom to Event Zooms in so that the waveform display shows the section of the clip corresponding to the edited audio event. This is not available if you have opened the Sample Editor from the Pool.
Sample Editor Range Editing RELATED LINKS Select Menu on page 349 Select Menu Select Menu on the Edit Menu If you select Edit > Select, the following functions are available: All Selects the whole clip. None Deselects everything. In Loop Selects the audio between the left and right locator. From Start to Cursor Selects the audio between the clip start and the project cursor. From Cursor to End Selects the audio between the project cursor and the clip end.
Sample Editor Regions List ● Click No if you want to keep the original. RESULT A new Sample Editor window opens with the new clip. It refers to the same audio file as the original clip, but it contains the audio corresponding to the selection range only. Regions List Regions are sections within an audio clip that allow you to mark important sections in the audio. You can add and edit regions for the selected audio clip in the regions zone.
Sample Editor Regions List 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. Perform one of the following actions: ● Above the regions list, click Add Region. ● Select Audio > Advanced > Event or Range as Region. A region is created, corresponding to the selected range. 3. Optional: Double-click the region name in the list and enter a new name.
Sample Editor Snap Point Removing Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated Regions. You have created regions. PROCEDURE 1. In the regions list, select the region that you want to remove. 2. Above the regions list, click Remove Region. RESULT The region is removed from the regions list. Creating Audio Events from Regions You can create new audio events from regions using drag and drop.
Sample Editor Snap Point The snap point is used when Snap is activated 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 in the Hitpoint Section Cubase automatically detects and filters hitpoints. However, you can filter hitpoints manually if the result does not meet your expectations.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints 2. Move the mouse to the waveform display and click between two hitpoints. The mouse pointer changes to a speaker icon and the tooltip Play back Slice is shown. The slice is played back from the beginning to the end. 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 Hitpoints is shown.
Hitpoints Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window The tooltip Lock Hitpoint is shown. RESULT The hitpoints are edited according to your settings. NOTE To reset a hitpoint to its original state, press Ctrl/Cmd-Alt until the tooltip Enable/Unlock Hitpoints is shown and click. RELATED LINKS Hitpoint Filters in the Hitpoint Section on page 356 Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window You can navigate through the hitpoints of an audio event in the Project window.
Hitpoints Slices Slicing Audio Slicing audio is useful if you want to change tempo and timing of the audio without affecting its pitch and quality. PREREQUISITE The audio event is opened in the Sample Editor and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. NOTE When slicing audio, all events referring to the edited clip are also replaced. PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● In the Hitpoints section in the Inspector, click Create Slices.
Hitpoints Creating a Groove Quantize Map ● Select Audio > Advanced > Close Gaps (Time Stretch) to apply time stretch to each slice and close the gaps. Consider activating auto fades for the corresponding audio track, and setting the fade-out to 10 ms to eliminate clicks. ● Select Audio > Advanced > Close Gaps (Crossfade) to apply crossfades to the slices and close the gaps. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK NOTE If you decide to change the tempo again, undo your actions and use the original, unstretched file.
Hitpoints Creating Markers Creating Markers You can create markers at hitpoint positions. This allows you to snap to hitpoint positions. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to create markers is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. PROCEDURE ● In the Hitpoints section in the Inspector, click Create Markers.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes Creating MIDI Notes You can create MIDI notes from hitpoints. This allows you to double, replace, or enrich drum hits by triggering sounds of a VST instrument. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to create MIDI notes is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. PROCEDURE 1. In the Hitpoints section in the Inspector, click Create MIDI Notes. 2. In the Convert Hitpoints to MIDI Notes dialog, set up the parameters. 3.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes ● 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. ● To copy the MIDI part to the clipboard, select Project Clipboard.
Tempo Matching Audio Cubase offers several functions that allow you to match the tempo of audio in your project. You can perform the following tempo matching operations in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor: ● 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 Musical Mode 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. Musical Mode The Musical Mode allows you to tempo-match audio loops to the project tempo. If you activate Musical Mode for an audio clip, realtime time stretching is applied to the clip so that it matches the project tempo. The audio events adapt to any tempo changes in Cubase, just like MIDI events.
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 Audio Part Editor Toolbar 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 Audio Part Editor Toolbar Left Divider Left Divider Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the selected audio. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate Audition. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Mute Mutes audio parts. Draw Draws a volume curve. 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. Multiple Part Controls Show Part Borders Shows/Hides part borders for the active audio part, within the left and right locators. Edit Active Part Only Restricts editing operations to the active part.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Trim End Right Increases the length of the selected element by moving its end to the right. Snap Snap to Zero Crossing Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero. Snap On/Off Restricts horizontal movement and positioning to the specific positions. Snap Type Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap. Grid Grid Type Allows you to select a grid type.
Audio Part Editor Info Line Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop for the edited part. Right Divider 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. It opens the editor in the lower zone of the Project window.
Audio Part Editor Ruler Ruler The ruler shows the timeline and the display format of the project. You can select a separate display format by clicking on the arrow button on the right. Select an option from the pop-up menu. Lanes Lanes can make it easier to work with several audio events in a part. Moving some of the events to another lane can make selecting and editing much easier.
Audio Part Editor Operations Auditioning Using the Audition Tool You can use the Audition tool to directly start a single audition of a selection or loop an audition using the Audition Loop function. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● To play back the section between the first and last selected event, select the events with the Object Selection tool. ● To play back a range, select a range with the Range Selection tool.
Audio Part Editor Operations PROCEDURE 1. Activate Independent Track Loop on the toolbar. If it is not visible, right-click the toolbar and add the Independent Track Loop section. 2. Ctrl/Cmd-click in the ruler to set the start and Alt-click to set the end of the loop. NOTE You can also edit the loop start and end positions numerically in the fields next to the Loop button. RESULT The loop is indicated in blue in the ruler.
Audio Part Editor Operations If this option is activated, all parts except the active one are grayed out, making the borders easily discernible. There are also two markers in the ruler with the name of the active part, marking its beginning and end. These can be moved freely to change the part borders. ● It is possible to cycle between parts, making them active using key commands. In the Key Commands dialog, there are two functions in the Edit category: Activate Next Part and Activate Previous Part.
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 to load and edit audio samples.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Loading MIDI Parts into Sampler Control Loading MIDI Parts into Sampler Control You can load MIDI parts from instrument tracks or MIDI tracks into Sampler Control by dragging. NOTE For this to work, the instrument track or the MIDI track must be routed to a VST instrument. ● 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.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Sampler Control If the sampler track is selected, Sampler Control is available in the lower zone of the Project window. Sampler Control allows you to view, edit, and play back samples or specific sections of the samples. 1 Toolbar Contains tools that allow you to select and edit the audio sample, to organize track presets, and to transfer the sample with its settings to an instrument.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Allows you to write track automation. Switch between A/B Settings Allows you to switch between different parameter settings. Event Received Indicator This LED indicates incoming MIDI messages via the selected MIDI input. The LED lights up on receiving note-on and controller messages. This way, you can check if Cubase and your MIDI keyboard are connected to the same MIDI device input.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control ● If this is set to Continuous, the sample is played in a continuous loop. ● If this is set to Alternate, the sample is played back in a loop that alternates forward and backward. ● If this is set to Once, the sample is looped once. ● If this is set to Until Release, the sample is looped repeatedly until you release the key on the keyboard.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control RELATED LINKS Setting the Root Key Manually on page 387 Setting up Loops for Audio Samples on page 387 Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to VST Instruments on page 389 Waveform Display The waveform display shows the waveform of your audio sample. It allows you to define the start and end of the audio sample, of the loop, and of the fade-in/-out. Sample Start Defines the sample start. On playback, all audio before the sample start is ignored.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Sound Parameter Section In the sound parameter section you can make settings for time stretching and formant shifting (AudioWarp section), tuning and pitch modulation (Pitch section), filtering (Filter section), or level and panorama (Amp section). AudioWarp Section In the AudioWarp section, you can apply time stretching and formant shifting to your samples. ● To activate the AudioWarp settings, click Activate/Deactivate AudioWarp.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control NOTE This parameter is only available in Solo and in Music mode. In Music mode, the lower limit of the playback speed adjustment is 12.5 %. Values below this limit have no further effect. Formant Allows you to adjust formant shifting. Formant shifting allows you to avoid so-called Mickey Mouse effects when pitch-shifting a sample. This is especially useful with samples of human voices or acoustic instruments.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control 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 384 Amp Section In the Amp section, you can set the volume and the pan of the sample. The amplifier envelope allows you to shape the volume over time. Volume Sets the level of the sample. Pan Sets the position of the sample in the stereo panorama.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Envelope display Shows the envelope curve. You can adjust it by adding, moving, and deleting nodes. The nodes for attack (A), sustain (S), and release (R) are always shown and cannot be deleted. Next to the release node, the release time of the envelope is shown. Mode Determines how the envelope is played back when it is triggered. ● Select Sustain to play the envelope from the first node to the sustain node.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Adding and Removing Nodes You can add up to 128 nodes to an envelope curve. ● To add a node, double-click at the position where you want to add the node. ● To remove a node, double-click it. ● To delete several selected nodes, press Delete or Backspace. NOTE ● You cannot remove the attack (A), the sustain (S), or the release node (R). ● All nodes added after the sustain node always affect the release phase of the envelope.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sample Editing and Playback Functions Sample Editing and Playback Functions All sample editing in Sampler Control is non-destructive. Setting Sample Start and End By setting the sample start and end, you can define what range of the sample is played back when you press a key on your MIDI keyboard. PROCEDURE 1. Drag the Set Sample Start handle to the right to adjust the sample start point. 2. Drag the Set Sample End handle to the left to adjust the sample end point.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sample Editing and Playback Functions Setting the Key Range You can determine the key range for the sample. This is useful for samples that only sound good within a certain key range. PROCEDURE ● In the keyboard section, adjust the key range by dragging the range handles above the keyboard display. RESULT Only keys within the determined key range play a sound when triggered.
Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to VST Instruments Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to VST Instruments You can transfer audio samples with all settings that you have made in Sampler Control to specific Steinberg VST instruments. Transferring audio samples from Sampler Control to a VST instrument creates a new instrument track in the track list. This new track is added below the sampler track.
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 project 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 Pool Window Columns The Pool window columns display information about the clips and regions. The following columns are available: Media Contains the Audio, Video, and Trash folders. If the folders are opened, the clip or region names are shown and can be edited. Used Displays how many times a clip is used in the project. If there is no entry in this column, the corresponding clip is not used. Status Displays various icons that relate to the current Pool and clip status.
Pool Pool Window Tempo Displays the tempo of audio files if available. If no tempo has been specified, the column displays “???”. Sign. Displays the time signature, for example, “4/4”. Key Displays the root key if one has been specified for the file. Algorithm Displays the algorithm preset that is used if the audio file is processed. ● To change the default preset, click the preset name and select another preset from the pop-up menu.
Pool Pool Window Audition Plays back the selected audio. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate Audition. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume. View/Attributes Allows you to activate/deactivate the attributes that are displayed in the Pool window. +/- All Opens/Closes all folders. Import Allows you to import media files to the Pool. Search Allows you to search the Pool and connected disks for media files. Project Folder Displays the path to the folder of the active 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 You can delete clips from the Pool by deleting the corresponding file 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.
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 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. ● To audition a file, select it in the list and use the playback controls to the left (Play, Stop, Pause, and Loop).
Pool Working with the Pool Find Media Window The Find Media window is a stand-alone window that offers the same functionality as the Search option in the Pool. ● To open the Find Media window, select Media > Search Media. ● To insert a clip or region into the project from the Find Media window, select it in the list, select Media > Insert into Project, and select one of the insert options.
Pool Working with the Pool 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. RESULT The editing is performed and the edit files are recreated. Removing Missing Files from the Pool If the Pool contains audio files that cannot be found or reconstructed, you may want to remove these.
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. Optional: 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 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 and Media Rack You can manage media files on your computer as well as presets from multiple sources from within the MediaBay or the Media rack. The MediaBay window offers advanced functions for working with media files and managing database items. To show the media files on your computer in the MediaBay, you must scan the folders or volumes that contain the files so that these are added to the database.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) VST Effects Shows VST effects and effect presets. Loops & Samples Shows audio loops, MIDI loops, or instrument sounds ordered by content set. Presets Shows the track presets, strip presets, FX chain presets, and VST FX presets. User Presets Shows track presets, strip presets, pattern banks, FX chain presets, VST FX presets, and instrument presets that are listed in the User Content folder.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Attribute filter Allows you to view and edit some of the standard file attributes found in your media files. 3 Results list Shows all media files that are found in the selected folder and allows you to select a media file. 4 Previewer Allows you to preview the selected media file.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Add Favorite Allows you to add the selected folder as a favorite folder. 3 Back/Forward/Up Up navigates to the parent folder. Back navigates to the previously used folder. Forward navigates to the most recent folder. 4 File browser Allows you to browse selected folders.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) VST Instruments Page The VST Instruments page shows all VST instruments of the selected collection. ● To open the VST Instruments page, go to the Home page of the Media rack, and click VST Instruments. The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls 2 Expand All Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. Expands all results. 3 Collapse All Collapses all results.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) Adding Pictures of VST Instruments to the Media Rack on page 417 VST Effects Page The VST Effects page shows all VST effects of the selected collection. ● To open the VST Effects page, go to the Home page of the Media rack, and click VST Effects. The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Expand All Expands all results.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) 6 Plug-in list Shows the plug-ins of the selected collection. RELATED LINKS VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 465 Adding Pictures of VST Effects to the Media Rack on page 418 Media Rack Navigation Controls The navigation controls allow you to navigate to files and folders in the Media rack. The following controls allow you to perform a text search, and to show all results on the current page.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) RELATED LINKS Home Page on page 408 Results Page on page 409 Media File Attributes on page 432 Working with the Media Rack The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window allows you to search for supported media files and included VST instruments, and add them to your project. The controls on the different pages of the Media rack allow you to browse, filter, select, and to preview your media files.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) ● To add the effect to an audio-related channel, drag the effect from the Media rack, and drop it in the Inserts or Sends section of the MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window, or the Channel Settings window. RELATED LINKS Loading Effect Plug-In Presets on page 435 Applying Track Presets You can use the Media rack to add track presets to your project. PROCEDURE 1. In the Media rack, click the Presets tile. 2.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) Adding Favorites Using the File Browser Page You can add favorite folders using the File Browser page. This allows you to directly access media files in specific folders. PROCEDURE 1. In the Media rack, click the File Browser tile. 2. In the File Browser, navigate to the folder that you want to add as a favorite and select it. 3. Do one of the following: ● At the top left of the page, click Add Favorite.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Adding Pictures of VST Effects to the Media Rack Pictures of VST effects from other vendors are not loaded by default. However, you can add them to the Media rack manually. PREREQUISITE You have added a VST effect from another vendor. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector for the track or in the MixConsole, open the Inserts section, locate the VST effect, and double-click the effect slot. The VST effect control panel opens. 2.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 1 File Browser Allows you to scan specific folders in your file system, and to add favorites. 2 Toolbar Contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MediaBay, and allows you to switch between the previously defined favorite locations. Favorites in the MediaBay window are not automatically scanned. 3 Filters Allows you to filter the Results list using a logical or an attribute filter. 4 Results Displays all supported media files.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Activate this to show the content of folders and subfolders. Left Divider Left Divider Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Text Search Search Allows you to search media files by name or by attribute. Media Types Filter Select Media Types Allows you to select the media types that are displayed on the Results page. Rating Filter Rating Filter Filters files according to their rating.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window MediaBay Settings MediaBay Settings Opens the MediaBay settings. Window Zone Controls Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone of the window. Show/Hide Lower Zone Shows/Hides the lower zone of the window. Show/Hide Right Zone Shows/Hides the right zone of the window. Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window To show the supported media files in the Results section of the MediaBay, you must scan all folders that you want to include in the search. You can also add favorite folders. All media files contained in a Favorite are automatically scanned. RELATED LINKS Scanning Folders on page 422 Adding Favorites on page 422 Scanning Folders To include specific folders in the MediaBay search, you must scan them. PROCEDURE 1.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 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 Favorites in the MediaBay window are not automatically scanned.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window NOTE You can set the maximum number of files that are displayed in the Results list in the MediaBay Settings. Setting up the Results List Columns For each media type, or for combinations of media types, you can specify the attribute columns that are displayed in the Results list. PROCEDURE 1. In the Results section, select the media types for which you want to make settings. 2. Click Set up Result Columns and activate or deactivate the options on the submenus.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Finding the Location of a File You can show the location of a file on your system in the File Explorer/macOS Finder. NOTE This function is not available for files which are part of a VST Sound archive. PROCEDURE ● In the Results list, right-click a file, and select Show in Explorer/Reveal in Finder. RESULT The File Explorer/macOS Finder opens and the corresponding file is highlighted.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window The following media types are available: Audio Files Shows all audio files. The supported formats are .wav, .w64, .aiff, .aifc, .rex, .rx2, .mp3, .mp2, .ogg, .wma (Windows only). MIDI Files Shows all MIDI files (file name extension .mid). MIDI Loops Shows all MIDI loops (file name extension .midiloop). Track Presets Shows all track presets for audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks (file name extension .trackpreset).
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Performing a Text Search You can perform a text search of the Results list. If you enter text in the text search field on the MediaBay toolbar, only media files whose attributes match the entered text are displayed. ● Click the field and enter the text that you want to find. For example, if you are looking for all audio loops relating to drum sounds, enter “drum” in the search field.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window NOTE These operators can also be used for logical filtering. Resetting the Results List You can reset all filter settings and filter results. ● In the MediaBay toolbar, click Reset Filter. Previewer Section You can preview individual files in the Previewer section to find out which one to use in your project. The elements visible in this section and their functions depend on the media type.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window To use this option to its full extent, set the left locator at the beginning of a bar, then start playing back the project using the Transport panel. The loops that you now select in the Results list start together with the project in perfect sync. RELATED LINKS Musical Mode on page 365 MIDI Files Previewer The Previewer for MIDI files allows you to listen to MIDI files before you use them in your project.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 3 Auto Play New Results Selection Automatically plays back the selected file. 4 Link Playback to Chord Track Transposes the events of the MIDI loop to play back in context with the chord track. Note that you need a chord track with chord events for this. If this option is activated, and you insert a MIDI loop into the project, Follow Chord Track is automatically activated for the track.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Previewing Presets Via MIDI Input MIDI input is always active. For example, when a MIDI keyboard is connected to your computer and set up properly, you can directly start playing the notes to preview the selected preset. Previewing Presets Using a MIDI File PROCEDURE 1. 2. On the Previewer Sequence Mode pop-up menu, select Load MIDI File. In the file dialog that opens, select a MIDI file and click Open. The name of the MIDI file is displayed on the pop-up menu. 3.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 2. Play some notes on the computer keyboard. Filters Section The MediaBay allows you to refine your file searches. Media File Attributes Media file attributes are sets of metadata providing additional information on the file. The different types of media files have different attributes. For example, .wav audio files have attributes, such as name, length, size, sample rate, content set, etc., while .mp3 files have additional attributes, such as artist or genre.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window NOTE Character attributes always form an AND condition. Resetting the Filter PROCEDURE ● To reset the filter, click Reset Filter at the top of the Filters section. This also resets the Results list. Working with the MediaBay When you work with many music files, the MediaBay helps you to find and organize your content. After scanning your folders, all found media files of the supported formats are listed in the Results section.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RESULT The media file is inserted on the new track or at the insert position. RELATED LINKS Show Media Types Selector on page 425 Loading Track Presets PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click Track Presets, and select a preset. ● In the Media rack in the right zone (not in Cubase LE), click Presets > Track Presets, and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Loading Effect Plug-In Presets PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click Plug-in Presets, and select a preset. ● In the Media rack in the right zone (not in Cubase LE), click Presets > VST FX Presets, and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list. Do one of the following: ● Drag the plug-in preset to an audio track or its Inserts section in the Inspector.
MediaBay and Media Rack Working with Volume Databases ● 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. Drag the preset from the MediaBay or Media rack and drop it on the open Strip section of the Inspector. RESULT The strip preset is applied to the track, and all settings of the preset are loaded.
MediaBay and Media Rack Working with Volume Databases 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. When the new database file is available, this is reflected by the symbol to the left of the drive name. NOTE If the drive contains a large amount of data, this process may take some time.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Settings Mounting and Unmounting Volume Databases Volume databases that are made available while Cubase is running must be mounted manually. ● To mount a volume database manually, right-click the external storage medium, drive, or partition of your computer system that you want to mount and select Mount Volume Database. ● To unmount a volume database, right-click it and select Unmount Volume Database.
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 by a moved fader, for example, and in the corresponding automation track curve.
Automation Writing Automation Data 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. NOTE To adjust the thinning out of events, open the Automation Panel, open the Settings page, and enter a value for Reduction Level. 6.
Automation Editing Automation Events Sine/Triangle/Square 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, that is, 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. NOTE The Line tool can only be used for ramp type automation curves.
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.
Automation Editing Automation Events 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. This allows you to tilt the event values at the start of the curve upwards or downwards.
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 439 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 444 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 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. By clicking on the automation parameter name in the track list, you can switch back to the replaced parameter.
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 VST Instrument Control Panel (not in Cubase LE) 1 Activate Instrument Activates/Deactivates the instrument. 2 Read Automation/Write Automation 3 Switch between A/B Settings Allows you to read/write automation for the instrument parameter settings. Switches to setting B when setting A is active, and to setting A when setting B is active. 4 Copy A to B Copies the instrument parameters of instrument setting A to instrument setting B.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Selector Hiding/Showing VST Instrument Control Panels on page 451 Hiding/Showing VST Instrument Control Panels When you add a VST instrument, the respective plug-in control panel opens automatically. You can hide the control panels from view. This is useful to get a better overview if you added a number of plug-ins to your project whose control panels clutter up the screen. PROCEDURE ● Select Window > Hide Plug-in Windows. NOTE This also hides VST effect control panels.
VST Instruments Creating Instrument Tracks 1 Expand Tree/Collapse Tree Expands/Collapses the tree. 2 Search VST Instrument Allows you to search for VST instruments by typing in the name or parts of the name or the category. 3 Plug-in Collections and Options Allows you to select a collection. If you select the Default collection, the options Sort By Category and Sort by Vendor become available. These allow you to sort the default collection.
VST Instruments VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) NOTE The VST Instruments in the right zone are just another representation of the VST Instruments window. All features are the same. RELATED LINKS Showing/Hiding Zones on page 28 Project Window Toolbar on page 29 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.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls (not in Cubase LE) Find Instruments Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Previous Instrument Allows you to set the remote-control focus to the previous instrument. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Next Instrument Allows you to set the remote-control focus to the next instrument.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments This lights up when MIDI data is received by the instrument. Click this button to open a pop-up menu that allows you to select, mute/unmute, and solo/unsolo for tracks that send MIDI to the instrument (inputs). NOTE If you resize the VST Instruments window, you can access this option by using an Input/ Output Options pop-up menu. 7 Activate Outputs This control is only available if the instrument provides more than one output.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments ● VST Presets VST presets include the parameter settings of a VST instrument. These are available from the VST Instruments window, from the instrument control panels, and from the Programs field in the Inspector. ● Track Presets Track presets include the instrument track settings and the settings for the corresponding VST instrument. These are available from the Inspector or the track list context menu.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments ● 2. Right-click the instrument track, and from the context menu, select Load Track Preset. In the preset browser, select a preset from the list and double-click it to load it. RESULT The track preset is applied. To return to the previously loaded preset, open the preset browser again and click Revert to Last Setting.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments 4. Click OK to save the preset and close the dialog. 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.
VST Instruments Latency ● The Freeze button lights up. ● The MIDI/instrument track controls are grayed out. ● The MIDI parts are locked. 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 Dialog 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 that Cubase adds latency when you play a VST instrument in real time 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.
VST Instruments Import and Export Options NOTE You can also drag MIDI loops onto existing instrument or MIDI tracks. However, this only imports the part information. This means this part only contains the MIDI data (notes, controllers) that is saved in the MIDI loop, but no Inspector settings or instrument parameters.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) RELATED LINKS Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files on page 126 VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) VST Quick Controls allow you to remote-control a VST instrument from within the VST Instruments window. To show the VST Quick Controls on the VST Instruments window, activate Show/Hide all VST Quick Controls.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) 9. Select the next slot in the Control Name column and repeat the previous steps. 10. Click OK. RESULT The VST Quick Controls are now connected with control elements on your MIDI device. If you move a control element, the value of the parameter that is assigned to the corresponding VST Quick Controls changes accordingly. NOTE The remote controller setup for VST Quick Controls is saved globally, that is, it is independent of any projects.
Installing and Managing 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. NOTE Cubase only supports 64-bit plug-ins. 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. VST effect or VST instrument plug-ins normally have their own installation application.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Plug-ins and Collections VST Plug-in Manager Window You can manage VST effects and VST instruments in the VST Plug-in Manager window. ● To open the VST Plug-in Manager window, select Studio > VST Plug-in Manager. The VST Plug-in Manager is divided into the following sections: 1 VST Effects Lists all VST effects that are loaded in Cubase. To sort the list by a specific attribute, click the corresponding column header.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Plug-ins and Collections RELATED LINKS Plug-ins and Collections on page 464 VST Audio System Page on page 12 VST Plug-in Manager Toolbar on page 466 VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings on page 467 Hiding Plug-ins on page 468 Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blacklist on page 468 VST Plug-in Manager Toolbar Shows tools and shortcuts for functions in the VST Plug-in Manager. ● To open the VST Plug-in Manager window, select Studio > VST Plug-in Manager.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Adding New Plug-in Collections VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings Shows information about the selected VST 2 plug-in path. ● To open the VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings, select Studio > VST Plug-in Manager, and click VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings. 1 VST 2 Plug-in path list Shows all VST 2 plug-in paths. 2 Add Path Allows you to add a new VST 2 plug-in path. 3 Delete Path Deletes the selected VST 2 plug-in path. 4 Reset Resets the list to default.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Hiding Plug-ins RESULT The new collection is saved. If you select it, its plug-ins are shown in the plug-in selectors. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK To remove a plug-in from a collection, select it and click Remove. RELATED LINKS Plug-ins and Collections on page 464 VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 465 Hiding Plug-ins You can hide plug-ins from all collections. This is useful if you have plug-ins installed on your computer that you do not want to use in Cubase.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blacklist AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK If you want to move the plug-in back to the blacklist, click Rescan All in the VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings, and restart Cubase.
Remote Controlling Cubase You can control Cubase via MIDI with a connected MIDI device. The supported devices are described in the separate document Remote Control Devices. You can also use a generic MIDI controller to remote-control Cubase. NOTE Most remote-control devices are able to control both MIDI and audio channels in Cubase, but the parameter setup may be different. Audio-specific controls such as EQ are disregarded when controlling MIDI channels.
Remote Controlling Cubase Setting up Remote Devices 3. In the table on the right, deactivate In ‘All MIDI Inputs’ for the MIDI input to which you have connected the MIDI remote unit. The State column reads Inactive. 4. Click OK. RESULT The remote unit input is removed from the All MIDI Inputs group. RELATED LINKS MIDI Port Setup Page on page 18 Setting up Remote Devices PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2.
Remote Controlling Cubase Setting up Remote Devices A bright stripe in the Project window and in the MixConsole indicates which channels are linked to the remote-control device. You can open a panel for the added device by selecting Studio > More Options. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Depending on your external MIDI control device, you might need to configure the parameters.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Devices and Automation MIDI Input Allows you to select a MIDI input. MIDI Output Allows you to select a MIDI output. User Commands Lists the controls or buttons of your remote device. Smart Switch Delay Allows you to specify a delay for the smart switch function. Functions that support the smart switch behavior are activated for as long as the button is pressed.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page 3. Click in the Category column for the control to which you want to assign a Cubase command, and select the category from the pop-up menu. The categories correspond to the categories in the Key Commands dialog. 4. Click in the Command column, and select the Cubase command from the pop-up menu. The available items on the pop-up menu depend on the selected category. 5. Click Apply.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page The following options are available: MIDI Input Allows you to select the MIDI input port to which your remote device is connected. MIDI Output Allows you to select the MIDI output port to which your remote device is connected. MIDI Remote Control Configuration The upper table shows the MIDI remote-control configuration of your remote device. Cubase Control Assignment The lower table allows you to assign Cubase controls to your remote device.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page The following options are available in the upper table: Control Name Double-click this field to change the name for the control, and enter the one written on the console, for example. This name is automatically reflected in the lower table. MIDI Status Allows you to specify the type of MIDI message sent by the control. MIDI Channel Allows you to select the MIDI channel on which the controller is transmitted.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page Delete Deletes the selected control from the table. Learn Allows you to assign MIDI messages by learning. Cubase Control Assignment Section You can specify the Cubase control assignment section in the lower table of the Generic Remote setup page. Each row in the table is assigned to the controller in the corresponding row in the MIDI remote-control configuration table.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page Bank pop-up menu Allows you to switch banks. This is necessary if your MIDI control device has 16 volume faders, and you are using 32 MixConsole channels in Cubase, for example. Rename Allows you to rename the selected bank. Add Adds banks to the pop-up menu. Delete Deletes the selected bank from the pop-up menu.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) RESULT The values for MIDI Status, MIDI Channel, and Address are automatically set to those of the moved control. NOTE If you use the Learn function for a control that sends a program change value, Prog. Change Trigger is automatically selected in the MIDI Status pop-up menu. This allows you to use the different values of a program change parameter to control different parameters in Cubase.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) 4 Add New Hardware Layout Adds a new layout for a particular hardware type. To remove a hardware layout, click its Close button. 5 Layout section Shows layouts that represent the hardware devices that are used to remote-control the plug-in parameters. Here you can change the parameter assignments, the name in the text label, the cell setup, and the order of cells and pages. 6 Toolbar Shows tools for setting up the layout.
Remote Controlling Cubase 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 A knob with 2 states. LED Ring An LED ring around the knob. The setting increases clockwise. LED Ring (counter-clockwise) An LED ring around the knob. The setting increases counter-clockwise.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Decreasing Stepwise Steps through the available settings in reverse order until the minimum is reached. Increasing Stepwise (cycle) Steps through the available settings, starting over with the minimum value when the maximum is reached. Decreasing Stepwise (cycle) Steps through the available settings in reverse order, starting over with the maximum value when the minimum is reached.
Remote Controlling Cubase Apple Remote (macOS only) ● To copy the settings of one cell to another, select a cell, press Alt and drag it to another cell. ● To move a cell, drag it to an empty cell. ● To swap the contents of 2 cells, press Ctrl/Cmd and drag one cell to the other. NOTE Drag and drop also works between different pages. ● To add a page to a layout, click Add New Page. ● To remove a page, click Remove Current Page.
Remote Controlling Cubase VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) Control list Lists the Apple Remote controls. Open the pop-up menu to select the Cubase parameter that you want to assign to that control. Disable when application is not in front Activate this if you do not want the Apple Remote to control Cubase when it does not have the focus. 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.
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 realtime 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 ● To open the MIDI Modifiers section, select a MIDI track, and in the Inspector, click MIDI Modifiers. 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.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers Length Compression Allows you to add a multiplier to the length of all notes on the track. The value is set with a numerator and a denominator. 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.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE You can make independent settings for the two Range functions. 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.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE Notes that are produced by MIDI plug-ins are not taken into account. 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.
MIDI Realtime Parameters Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line 2. Select MIDI > Freeze MIDI Modifiers. RESULT The following settings are frozen: ● Several settings in the top section of the Inspector, such as Delay, Program Selector, and Bank Selector. ● The settings in the MIDI Modifiers section, such as Transpose, Vel. Shift, Vel. Comp., and Len. Comp.. ● The info line settings Transpose and Velocity.
Using MIDI Devices The MIDI Device Manager allows you to work with MIDI devices, that is, representations of external MIDI hardware. You can install preset MIDI devices or define new ones. This is useful for global control and patch selection. Program Change Messages and Bank Select Messages To select a patch, that is, a sound in your MIDI device you must send a program change message to that device. Program Change Messages You can record program change messages, or enter them in a MIDI part.
Using MIDI Devices Patch Banks Patch Banks The Patch Banks list can have two or more main banks, depending on the selected device. This is due to the fact that different types of patches are handled differently in the instruments. Patches, for example, typically are regular programs that you play one at the time. Performances, however, may be combinations of programs, which could be split across the keyboard, layered, or used for multitimbral playback, and so on.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager Install Device Allows you to install a preset device. These presets are simple patch name scripts that do not include any device mapping of parameters and controls and no graphic panels. For more information about patch name scripts, see the separate document MIDI Devices. Remove Device Removes the selected device. Export Setup Exports the MIDI device setup as XML file. Import Setup Allows you to import an XML file of a MIDI device setup.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager New Folder Creates a new subfolder in the selected bank or folder. This could correspond to a group of patches in the MIDI device, or just be a way for you to categorize sounds. New Preset Adds a new preset in the selected bank or folder. If you select it, the corresponding MIDI events are shown to the right. The default program change value for a new preset is 0, but you can adjust the number in the Value column.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager ● To add another event, click below the last event, and select an option from the pop-up menu. ● To remove an event, select it and press Delete or Backspace. IMPORTANT If you insert a Bank Select event, keep in mind that, depending on your device, you must choose CC: BankSelect MSB, Bank Select 14 Bit, Bank Select 14 Bit MSB-LSB Swapped or some other option. Value The value of the event. MIDI Message Bytes The message bytes of the event.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager Selecting Patches for Installed Devices If you installed a device and you select it from the Output Routing pop-up menu for the MIDI track, you can select patches by name. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Select the MIDI track that you want to associate to the installed device, and open the top section of the Inspector. Open the Output Routing pop-up menu, and select the installed device.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager 2. Click Install Device. 3. In the Add MIDI Device dialog, select Define New. 4. Click OK. 5. In the Create New MIDI Device dialog, enter the name of the device and activate the MIDI channels that you would like to use. 6. Click OK. 7. Select the device in the Installed Devices list. 8. Activate Enable Edit and use the Commands pop-up menu to organize the patch structure of the new device.
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 Scale Correction Transposes the selected notes to the closest note of a specific scale type. This allows you to change the key and the tonality. ● Select a root note and a scale type for the current scale in the Current Scale pop-up menus. ● 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.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part Dialog Freezing MIDI Modifiers on page 489 MIDI Merge Options Dialog ● To open the MIDI Merge Options dialog, select a MIDI part, and select MIDI > Merge MIDI in Loop. The following options are available: Include Inserts Applies MIDI modifiers. Erase Destination Deletes MIDI data between the left and right locators on the destination track.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part Dialog Separate Pitches Separates MIDI events according to their pitch. This is useful for drum and percussion tracks, where different pitches usually correspond to separate drum sounds. Optimized Display Automatically removes silent areas of the resulting parts. NOTE This option is not available when Dissolve to Lanes is activated. Dissolve to Lanes Dissolves the part to lanes.
MIDI Functions Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track Loops PROCEDURE 1. Select the parts that contain MIDI events of different pitches. 2. Select MIDI > Dissolve Part. 3. Activate Separate Pitches. 4. Click OK. 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.
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 if 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 selected part 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 Invert Inverts the selection. All selected note events are deselected and all notes that were not selected are selected instead. 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 Deleting Note Events ● To delete note events, click on them with the Erase tool or select them and press Backspace. Trimming 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.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Finding Exact Positions with Snap The Snap function restricts horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. This helps you find exact positions in the note display when editing note events in a MIDI editor. Affected operations include moving, duplicating, drawing, sizing, etc. ● To activate/deactivate snap, click Snap. If you select the Bars+Beats display format, the snap grid is set by the quantize value on the toolbar.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Looping MIDI Parts The Independent Track Loop function allows you to loop a MIDI part independent of the project playback. When you activate the loop, the MIDI events within the loop are repeated continuously while other events on other tracks are played back as usual. Every time the cycle restarts, the independent track loop also restarts. PROCEDURE 1. Activate Independent Track Loop on the toolbar.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions ● 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 Common MIDI Editor Functions 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 Common MIDI Editor Functions 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 Common MIDI Editor Functions 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.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions 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. However, this creates a large number of MIDI events, which can cause MIDI playback to stutter in some situations. A medium-low density is often sufficient. Editing Events using the Draw Tool You can draw and edit events in the controller display with the Draw tool.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions NOTE This only works for the topmost lane. If you have selected Poly Pressure for several controller lanes, you have to type in the note number directly in the lower value field to the left of each lane. 3. Use the Draw tool to add a new event. Editing Poly Pressure Events PROCEDURE 1. Open the Controller Selection and Functions pop-up menu and select Poly Pressure. 2. Click the arrow button next to the note number to the left of the controller lane.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions If you Alt-click in the upper right corner of the editor, you can compress or expand the right part of the curve. This allows you to compress or expand the event values at the end of the curve. 6 Tilt Right If you click in the upper right corner of the editor, you can tilt the right part of the curve. This allows you to tilt the event values at the end of the curve upwards or downwards.
MIDI Editors Key Editor 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. RELATED LINKS Selecting Controllers within the Note Range on page 522 Deleting Events in the Controller Display IMPORTANT If there is more than one note at the same position, there is only one visible velocity bar.
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 The Key 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 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 Key Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and settings for the Key Editor. ● To show or hide the toolbar elements, right-click the toolbar and activate or deactivate the elements. Static Buttons Solo Editor Solos the editor during playback if the editor has the focus. Record in Editor Enables the recording of MIDI data in the editor if the editor has the focus. NOTE This only works if MIDI Record Mode is set to Merge or Replace.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Erase Deletes events. Trim Trims events. Split Splits events. Glue Glues together events of the same pitch. Mute Mutes events. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. Line Creates a series of contiguous events. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the right. 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.
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 snaps events to the start or end of other events, or to 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 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. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout. 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 508 Status Line The status line shows information about the mouse time position, the mouse note position, and the current chord. ● To show the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate 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 Line Tool Modes The Line tool allows you to create a series of contiguous note events along different line shapes. You can also edit multiple controller events simultaneously. ● To open the Line tool modes, click Line. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations RELATED LINKS Transpose Setup Dialog on page 498 Resizing Note Events Do one of the following: ● 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● To split all notes that are intersected by the project cursor position, select Edit > Functions > Split at Cursor. ● To split all notes that are intersected by the left or right locator at the locator positions, select Edit > Functions > Split Loop. 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.
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. 2. In the Key Editor, select the note event that you want to edit. Click MIDI Input on the toolbar. Editing via MIDI is enabled. 3.
MIDI Editors Score Editor 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. NOTE If Move Insert Mode is activated, all note events to the right of the step input position are moved to make room for the inserted note event or chord. 6.
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. Score Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and various settings for the Score Editor.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Split Splits events. Glue Glues together events of the same pitch. Insert Text Inserts text. Insert Velocity Note 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 pop-up menu. ● Grid Relative keeps the relative positions when snapping events to the grid. Quantize Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Step/MIDI Input Computer Keyboard Input Activates/Deactivates computer keyboard input. Step Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI step input. 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.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone. Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. 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.
MIDI Editors Score Editor ● To show the extended toolbar, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate Tools. Note Value Buttons Allows you to select a note value for input. The dotted note values. and options are for triplet and The selected note value is displayed in the Length value field on the info line. To resize all selected notes to the same note value, press Ctrl/Cmd and click one of the note value buttons.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Score Editor Operations This section describes the principal editing operations within the Score Editor. Improving the Score Display When you open the Score Editor for a part that was recorded in real time, the score may not look as legible as you expect. The Score Editor can ignore the minor time variances in performance and make a neater score. To achieve this, the Staff Settings dialog provides settings that determine how the program displays the music.
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 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. ● Select an option from the Length Quantize pop-up menu on the toolbar. Select the Insert Note tool.
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 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 Acoustic Feedback Acoustic Feedback Automatically plays back events when you move or transpose them, or when you create them by drawing. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events and parts. Drumstick Draws drum events. Erase Deletes events. Mute Mutes events. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. Line Creates a series of contiguous events. Auto Select Controllers Auto Select Controllers Automatically selects controller data of the selected MIDI notes.
MIDI Editors Drum 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 Drum Editor 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 pop-up menu. ● Grid Relative keeps the relative positions when snapping events to the grid. ● Events snaps events to the start or end of other events. ● Shuffle changes the order of events if you drag one event to the left or right of other events. ● Cursor snaps events to the cursor position.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Edit Active Part Only Restricts editing operations to the active part. Currently Edited Part Lists all parts that were selected when you opened the editor, and allows you to activate a part. Event Colors Event Colors Allows you to select event colors. 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 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. It opens the editor in the lower zone of the Project window. Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone. Show/Hide Controller Lanes Shows/Hides the controller lanes. Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor 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 the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate Info Line. Length and position values are displayed in the selected ruler display format. The on/off status of the info line in the Drum Editor window and in the lower zone editor are independent of each other.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor NOTE These sections are also featured by the editor Inspector for the editor in the lower zone. RELATED LINKS Quantize Panel on page 218 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 41 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. If you activate Show Note Length On/Off on the toolbar, notes are displayed as boxes and show the note length.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor 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. When you select a line in the drum sound list, only the velocity controller events that belong to the note events on this line are displayed in the controller display. If you select more than one line in the drum sound list, the controller lane shows all velocity controller events for all notes on the selected lines.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor 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. When you play this note, it is mapped to the corresponding drum sound and automatically transposed according to the Pitch setting for the sound.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations Drum Map and Names Menus Below the drum sound list are pop-up menus that are used for selecting a drum map for the edited track or, if no drum map is selected, a list of drum sound names. RELATED LINKS Drum Maps on page 570 Drum Editor Operations This section describes the general editing operations within the Drum Editor. Inserting Note Events You can insert note events with the Object Selection tool or the Drumstick tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations NOTE If you want to snap positions according to the Quantize Presets setting on the toolbar, activate Use Quantize. PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● On the toolbar, select the Object Selection tool, double-click in the event display and drag to the right. ● On the toolbar, select the Drumstick tool, click in the event display and drag to the right. RESULT The note events are inserted.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations RESULT The note length is changed. Snap is taken into account. Deleting Note Events PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● Select the Erase tool and click the event. ● Select the Object Selection tool and double-click the event. ● Select the Drumstick tool and click the event. RESULT The note event is deleted. Deleting Multiple Note Events You can delete multiple note events of the same pitch with the Object Selection tool or the Drumstick tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps RELATED LINKS Selecting a Drum Map for a Track on page 573 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 565 Drum Map Setup Dialog on page 570 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 Selecting a Drum Map for a Track ● To select a drum map for a MIDI track, open the Map pop-up menu in the Inspector or in the Drum Editor and select a drum map. ● To deactivate the drum map functionality in the Drum Editor, open the Map pop-up menu in the Inspector or in the Drum Editor and select No Drum Map. Even if you do not use a drum map, you can still separate sounds by name using a name list. NOTE Initially, the Map pop-up menu only contains GM Map.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps your MIDI instruments, you can select another drum map when you want to use another MIDI instrument for drum sounds. Setting Pitches of Notes According to their O-Note Settings You can set the pitch of notes according to their O-note settings. This is useful if you want to convert a track to a regular MIDI track with no drum map and still have the notes play back the correct drum sound. It is a typical use case to export your MIDI recording as a standard MIDI file.
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 RELATED LINKS Chord Track on page 119 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. They can have a root note, a type, a tension, and a bass note.
Chord Functions Chord Events NOTE This works only if the last chord event on the chord track is selected. 3 Chord definition buttons 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.
Chord Functions Chord Events ● Define a chord extension, for example, 7, 9, or 13. NOTE If you have activated Solfège in the Note Name pop-up menu in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Chords&Pitches 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 undefined chord and define it.
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 in bold. ● 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 Add Track Dialog – Instrument on page 88 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&Pitches, 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 2. Click the corresponding pads on the HALion Sonic SE keyboard to trigger the chords. 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.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Follow Chord Track Modes on page 585 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.
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 Zone 1 Chord Pad Output Mode Activate this to send chord data to all tracks that are monitored or record-enabled. Deactivate this to send chord data exclusively to tracks that are monitored or recordenabled and where Input Routing is set to Chord Pads. NOTE If Record-Enable allows MIDI Thru is deactivated in the Preferences dialog (Record— MIDI page), you must activate Monitor to use the chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Zone Allows you to save and load presets for chord pads and players. 11 Show/Hide Chord Assistant Shows/Hides the Chord Assistant window that shows suggestions of chords that match the chord that you specified as the origin chord. 12 Show/Hide Player Setup Shows/Hides the player setup options.
Chord Pads Functions Menu Use X as Origin for Chord Assistant Sets the chord of the current pad as an origin chord for the chord assistant. Assign Pad from MIDI Input Allows you to assign a chord by pressing keys on your MIDI keyboard. Lock 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.
Chord Pads Chord Assistant Unlock All Pads Unlocks all chord pads. Unassign All Pads Removes the chord assignment from all pads. Chord Assistant The Chord Assistant allows you to use a chord as a starting point for suggestions for the next chord. It assists you in finding the right chords for creating a chord progression for your song. ● Click Show/Hide Chord Assistant on the left side of the chord pads area to open the Chord Assistant.
Chord Pads Chord Assignment ● To play a chord, click it. The last 3 chords that you clicked are shown in bold. ● To assign a chord to the next unassigned chord pad, right-click the suggested chord and select Assign to Pad. You can also drag the suggested chord and drop it on a chord pad. ● To assign a suggestion to the next unassigned chord pad and use this chord as origin, right-click the chord and select Assign to Pad and Use as Origin.
Chord Pads Chord Assignment 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. Assigning Chords with the Chord Assistant – Circle of Fifths Mode If you have a chord that you want to use as a starting point for a chord progression, but you do not know how to create such a progression, you can use the Chord Assistant – Circle of Fifths window. PROCEDURE 1.
Chord Pads Swapping Chord Assignments The borders of the chord pad change their color to indicate that it is now ready for recording. 2. On your MIDI keyboard or on the On-Screen Keyboard, press the keys for the chord that you want to assign. The chord and its voicing are assigned to the chord pad, and you hear an acoustic feedback of the chord. NOTE The assigned voicing can be changed by the Adaptive Voicing setting.
Chord Pads Copying Chord Assignments Copying Chord Assignments You can copy the chord assignment of one pad and paste it on another pad. PROCEDURE ● 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. RESULT When you drop the pad on another, the first pad’s assignment is copied to the destination chord pad together with its settings, except for the Adaptive Voicing Reference.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords 4. Click Add Track. The instrument track is added to the track list, and the control panel of the selected VST instrument is opened. 5. On the instrument track, click Record Enable or Monitor. NOTE If Record-Enable allows MIDI Thru is deactivated in the Preferences dialog (Record— MIDI page), you must activate Monitor to use the chord pads. 6. Select Project > Chord Pads > Show/Hide Chord Pads to open the Chord Pads. 7. Activate Chord Pad Output Mode. 8.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords RESULT The instrument track now receives MIDI data exclusively from the chord pad device. You can use a connected MIDI keyboard to trigger the chord pads. This still works if you hide the Chord Pads from view. NOTE On the Chord Pads page of the Studio Setup dialog, you can select your connected MIDI keyboard from the MIDI Input pop-up menu. This is useful if you want to use a specific MIDI keyboard exclusively for triggering the chord pads.
Chord Pads Player Setup 2. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Other Track or Use Track Preset . 3. Select Add Chord Track. The chord track is added to the track list. 4. In the Inspector for the chord track, click Record Enable. 5. On the Transport panel, activate Record. 6. On your MIDI keyboard, press the keys that trigger the chord pads. RESULT The chord events are recorded on the chord track.
Chord Pads Player Setup 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. RELATED LINKS Voicings on page 581 Adaptive Voicing In Cubase, the adaptive voicing setting ensures that pitches in chord progressions do not change abruptly.
Chord Pads Player Setup RELATED LINKS Chord Pads Setup Dialog on page 603 Player Modes—Pattern If you select Pattern in the Player Modes pop-up menu, this allows you to play the notes that make up the chord one after another as an arpeggio based on the notes of the pattern. ● Click Show/Hide Player Setup to open the Player Setup, and in the Player Modes pop-up menu, select Pattern.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog 4. In the Velocity from field, select a velocity source for the notes. RELATED LINKS Assigning Voices to Notes on page 587 Setting up the Results List Columns on page 424 Using Different Players on Multiple Tracks You can set up different players with different sounds on different tracks. If you record-enable these tracks and play the chord pads, each track uses a dedicated player. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track 2.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog Pad Remote Control Allows you to specify a range of remote keys that trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads. Here, you can also set up chord modifiers that allow you to specify how the chords are played back. Pad Layout Allows you to change the layout that is used for the chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog In the Chord Pad Triggers section, the following options are available: Latch Chords Activate this if you want the chord pad to play back until it is triggered again. Pads Remote Range Start Allows you to set the start note for the remote range. By default, this is set to C1. Pads Remote Range End Allows you to set the end note for the remote range. By default, this is set to B1.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog Next Voicing Plays back the next voicing of the last played chord. Previous Voicing Plays back the previous voicing of the last played chord. Modify All Pad Voicings Allows you to set the voicings for all chord pads using one of the following modifiers: ● No Modifier ● Aftertouch ● Pitchbend ● Controller If you select Controller, you can set the controller number in the Controller Number field.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog If you select Controller, you can set the controller number in the Controller Number field. MIDI Learn Activates/Deactivates the MIDI Learn function to assign MIDI input to the parameters for changing transpose. 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. Click Set up Chord Pads. 2.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Presets Start Note In Keyboard mode, you can select the start note for the first chord pad. Number of Columns In Grid mode, you can select the number of columns that you want to display. Chord Pads Presets Chord Pads Presets are templates that can be applied to newly created or to existing chord pads.
Chord Pads Creating MIDI Parts from Chord Pads RESULT A chord event is created. RELATED LINKS Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard on page 588 Creating MIDI Parts from Chord Pads You can use the chords assigned to the chord pads to create MIDI parts in the Project window. PROCEDURE ● Click a chord pad, and drag it on a MIDI or instrument track. RESULT A MIDI part is created. It contains the MIDI events that build up the chord and has a length of one bar.
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 Tempo Track Editor Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events. Draw Draws events. Erase Deletes events. Zoom Zoom in. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. New Tempo Type Type of New Tempo Points Allows you to select the type of new tempo points.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Tempo Changes for Projects Right Divider Right Divider Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Show Info Line Show/Hide Info Opens/Closes the info line. Set up Toolbar Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. Tempo Changes for Projects If the tempo track is activated, you can set up tempo changes for your project.
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 615 Setting the Project Tempo from an Audio Loop on page 616 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 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 614 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 Dialog 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 Project Window Toolbar on page 29 Transport Bar on page 39 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. RELATED LINKS File Formats on page 624 Export Audio Mixdown Dialog ● To open the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, select File > Export > Audio Mixdown. The Export Audio Mixdown dialog is divided into several sections.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog File Name Allows you to specify the name of the mixdown file. Click File Name Options to open a pop-up menu with naming options: ● Set to Project Name inserts the project name into the File Name field. ● Auto Update Name adds a number to the file name and increments the number every time you export a file. File Path Allows you to specify the file path of the mixdown file.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog NOTE ● This parameter is only available for uncompressed audio file formats and FLAC files. ● If you set the value lower than the project sample rate, the audio quality degrades and the high-frequency content is reduced. If you set the value higher than the project sample rate, the file size increases without increasing the audio quality. For CD burning, select 44.100 kHz, because this is the sample rate used on audio CDs.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog Example Shows the file name with the naming scheme applied. Resolve File Name Conflicts Exporting audio can cause name conflicts with existing files that have the same name. You can define how file name conflicts are resolved: ● Always Ask opens a warning that allows you to choose if an existing file should be overwritten or if a new unique file name should be created by adding an incremental number.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog ● To open the Naming Scheme dialog, open the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, and click Set up Naming Scheme. Scheme Allows you to select, create, save, and delete naming schemes. Attributes Shows the available naming scheme attributes. Result Allows you to drag attributes to this field and rearrange them. Settings Allows you to make separator and counter settings. Preview Displays a preview of your current naming scheme.
Export Audio Mixdown Mixing Down to Audio Files Mixing Down to Audio Files PROCEDURE 1. Set up the left and right locators to encompass the section that you want to mix down. 2. Set up your tracks so that they play back the way you want. This includes muting unwanted tracks or parts, making manual MixConsole settings, and/or activating the R (Read) automation buttons for MixConsole channels.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats FLAC File This is an open source format that reduces the size of audio files by 50 % to 60 % compared to regular Wave files. The files have the extension .flac. Ogg Vorbis File This is an open source, patent-free audio encoding and streaming technology. The Ogg Vorbis encoder uses variable bit rate encoding. It offers compressed audio files of small size, but with comparatively high audio quality. The files have the extension .ogg.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats 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. If you select the AIFC File format for the exported file, you can make the following settings in the Select Attributes section: 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.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats NOTE By activating this option, you create a Broadcast Wave file. Some applications may not be able to handle these files. If you get problems using the file in another application, deactivate Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk and export the file again. Set up Broadcast Wave Chunk Opens the Broadcast Wave Chunk dialog where you can enter information. Insert iXML Chunk Includes additional project-related metadata, such as project name, author, and project frame rate.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats ● To open the Windows Media Audio File Settings, click Codec Settings in the Select Attributes section. Codec Settings Opens the Windows Media Audio File Settings dialog. Windows Media Audio File Settings Dialog - General Tab The General tab in the Windows Media Audio File Settings dialog allows you to specify sample rate, bit depth, and channels for the encoded file. Sample Rate Allows you to set the sample rate to 44.100, 48.000, or 96.000 kHz.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Bit Rate/Quality ● Allows you to set the bit rate settings depending on the selected mode and/or output channels. The higher the bit rate or quality you select, the larger the final file.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats FLAC Files Free Lossless Audio Codec files are audio files that are typically 50 % to 60 % smaller than regular Wave files. ● To open the FLAC File Settings, click Codec Settings in the Select Attributes section. 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 File Formats Set up Broadcast Wave Chunk Opens the Broadcast Wave Chunk dialog where you can enter information. Insert iXML Chunk Includes additional project-related metadata, such as project name, author, and project frame rate. 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.
Synchronization Synchronization is the process of getting 2 or more devices to play back together at the same speed, position, and phase. These devices can range from audio and video tape machines to digital audio workstations, MIDI sequencers, synchronization controllers, and digital video devices. If you know the position and speed for the master device, you can resolve the speed and position of the slave device to it, so that the 2 devices play in perfect sync with one another.
Synchronization Timecode Formats ● Timecode Slave Any device receiving the timecode and synchronizing or locking to it. Timecode Formats The position of any device is most often described using timecode. Timecode represents time using hours, minutes, seconds, and frames to provide a location for each device. Each frame represents a visual film or video frame. The following timecode formats are supported: ● LTC Longitudinal timecode or LTC is an analog signal that can be recorded on tape.
Synchronization Clock Sources 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/29.97 dfps This is the frame rate of NTSC video. The count can be either non-drop or dropframe.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog AES/SPDIF Digital Audio An audio clock source is embedded within AES and SPDIF digital audio signals. This clock source can be used as a speed reference. Preferably, the signal itself does not contain any actual audio (digital black), but any digital audio source can be used if necessary. ADAT Lightpipe ADAT Lightpipe, the 8-channel digital audio protocol developed by Alesis, also contains audio clock and can be used as a speed reference.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog Sources Page The Sources page allows you to set up the synchronization inputs, and to determine which external signals enter the application.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog In the topmost section, the following options are available: Activate External Sync Activates/Deactivates the external synchronization. Timecode Source The Timecode Source section allows you to determine whether Cubase is acting as timecode master or slave.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog NOTE Discrepancies between the Project Frame Rate and the incoming timecode can cause problems during postproduction, even if Cubase is able to lock to that timecode. MIDI Timecode Settings The MIDI Timecode Settings become available if you activate MIDI Timecode as a Timecode Source. MTC Input Allows you to select the MIDI input ports. To allow Cubase to synchronize to MIDI timecode from any MIDI connection, select All MIDI Inputs.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog Destinations Page The Destinations page allows you to set up the synchronization outputs, and to determine which external signals leave the application. MIDI Clock Destinations In the MIDI Clock Destinations section, you can select any MIDI ports that you want to output MIDI clock. Some MIDI devices, such as drum machines, can match their tempo and location to incoming MIDI clock.
Synchronization External Synchronization MIDI Timecode Preferences In the MIDI Timecode Preferences section, the following options are available: MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time Ensures that the MTC output always follows the time position of Cubase. Allows you to specify an offset to be applied to outgoing MTC. The amount of offset is added or subtracted from the project’s current position before being transmitted.
VST System Link VST System Link is a digital audio network system that allows you to link several computers using digital audio hardware and cables. Linking up 2 or more computers allows you to split different tasks and different tracks between different computers. You can run CPU-intensive processes, such as send effect plug-ins or VST instruments (not in Cubase LE) on one computer, and record audio tracks on another one.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link Active Activates VST System Link. Online Puts the computer online. ASIO Input Allows you to define the networking input channel. ASIO Output Allows you to define the networking output channel. Use Selected ASIO Ports for Data only Activate this if you want to devote more bandwidth to MIDI, and send VST System Link information on the entire channel. This channel is then no longer available for audio transfer.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link List Shows the name of each computer. Setting up a Network You can set up a network by connecting computers. PROCEDURE 1. Use a digital audio cable to connect the digital output of computer 1 to the digital input of computer 2. If you have more than 2 computers, add the others one by one. 2. Use a cable to connect the digital output of computer 2 to the digital input of computer 1.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link indication that you have connected the cards and set up clock sync properly. Check the documentation of your audio hardware for details. RELATED LINKS Selecting an Audio Driver on page 11 ASIO Driver Setup Page on page 14 Adjusting the Buffer Size In a VST System Link network, adjusting the buffer size to minimize latency is extra important.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link 2. In the Project Time Displays section, open the Sample Rate pop-up menu and select a sample rate. Setting up Digital Audio Connections PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Audio Connections. 2. Click the Inputs tab, and click Add Bus. 3. In the Add Input Bus dialog, configure the bus. 4. Click Add Bus. 5. Click the Outputs tab, and click Add Bus. 6. In the Add Output Bus dialog, configure the bus. 7. Click Add Bus. 8.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link 3. In the Devices list, select VST System Link. 4. Use the ASIO Input and ASIO Output pop-up menus to define which channel is the networking channel that carries the VST System Link information. NOTE The networking signal is carried on only one bit of one channel. For an ADAT-based system 7 channels of 24-bit audio and 1 channel of 23-bit audio will be used for networking. You will still have around 138 dB headroom on this channel. 5.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select VST System Link. 3. Activate Online. 4. Repeat this for each computer in the network. RESULT The computers are online now. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Start playback on one computer to check if the system is working, and if all computers start and play perfectly in time. VST System Link sends and understands all transport commands.
VST System Link Application Examples Application Examples VST System Link allows you to split different tasks between 2 or more computers. The following application examples should give you an idea of what is possible. Configuring a Main Mix Computer Configuring one computer as a main mix computer that receives the audio from your other computers allows you to mix internally in the computer.
VST System Link Application Examples NOTE If your audio cards have multiple sets of input and output connections, you can link up multiple ADAT cables and send audio via any of the busses on any of the cables. Routing MIDI Tracks to VSTis on Other Computers (not in Cubase LE) You can route MIDI tracks from one computer to VST instruments on another computer. This allows you to use one computer for playback and recording and the other one as a VSTi rack. PROCEDURE 1. Record a MIDI track into computer 1.
VST System Link Application Examples 7. Open the Sends rack for the track in the Inspector or the MixConsole. 8. Open the Send Routing pop-up menu for one of the sends and select the VST System Link bus assigned to the effect. 9. Use the Send slider to adjust the amount of effect as usual. RESULT The signal will be sent to the track on computer 2 and processed through its insert effect, without using any processor power on computer 1.
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/29.97 dfps This is the frame rate of NTSC video. The count can be either non-drop or dropframe.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects 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. NOTE For proper synchronization of audio and video events, make sure that the project frame rate matches the frame rate of the video file.
Video Preparations for Video Playback 2. In the Project Setup dialog, click Get Frame Rate from Video. 3. Click OK. RESULT ● If Cubase supports the frame rate of the video, the project frame rate is adopted to it. If needed, the project start time is automatically adjusted to reflect the change in frame rate. For example, if the project frame rate is switched from 30 fps to 29.
Video Preparations for Video Playback Video Player Page The Video Player setup page in the Studio Setup dialog allows you to set up your video player, and to check if your video equipment allows for video playback from within Cubase. ● To open the Video Player page, select Studio > Studio Setup and activate Video Player in the Devices list. The following options are displayed: Device Lists the video output devices that are available on your system. Format Allows you to select an output format.
Video Preparations for Video Playback Fullscreen Mode Sets the window to full screen mode. To exit full screen mode, open the context menu and select Exit Fullscreen Mode or press Esc. Quarter Size Reduces the window to a quarter of the actual size. Half Size Reduces the window to half the actual size. Actual Size Sets the window to the size of the video. Double Size Enlarges the window to twice the actual size. Aspect Ratio You can also drag the borders of the Video Player window to resize it.
Video Editing Video Scrubbing Video You can scrub video events, that is, play them back forwards or backwards. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Video Player. 2. Do one of the following: ● Click in the Video Player window and move the mouse to the left or to the right. ● Use a jog wheel on a remote controller. Editing Video Video events are created automatically when you import a video file. You can view and edit video events in the Project window.
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) Launching and quitting PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > ReWire > ReWire Setup. 2. Activate the ReWire applications that you want to use. 3. Click Apply. RESULT The enabled ReWire applications become available in the ReWire submenu. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can activate ReWire channels in the ReWire panel of the application.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Activating ReWire channels NOTE Please note that the two programs now compete for system resources such as audio cards, just as when running with other, non-ReWire audio applications. Activating ReWire channels ReWire supports streaming of up to 48 separate audio channels. The exact number of available ReWire channels depends on the synthesizer application. The ReWire device panels in Cubase, allow you to activate the channels that you want to use.
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 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. Consult the documentation of the synthesizer application for details. ASIO drivers ReWire works well with ASIO drivers.
Key Commands Key commands are assigned to most main menus and functions in Cubase. They are stored as 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 does 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 Edit > 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 Edit > Key Commands. 2. In the Presets section, click Import Key Command File. 3.
Key Commands 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. 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 Default Key Commands Devices (Studio) Category Option Key command Audio Connections F4 Audio Performance F12 MixConsole F3 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-S
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Invert Alt-F Invert Selection Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-I Left Selection Side to Cursor E Move to Cursor Ctrl/Cmd-L Move to Front (Uncover) U 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
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Solo S Split At Cursor Alt-X Split Range Shift-X Stationary Cursor Alt-C Undo Ctrl/Cmd-Z 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
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Open/Close Attribute Inspector Ctrl-Alt-Num 6 Open/Close Favorites Ctrl-Alt-Num 8 Open/Close File Browser Ctrl-Alt-Num 4 Open/Close Filters Ctrl-Alt-Num 5 Open/Close Previewer Ctrl-Alt-Num 2 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
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Bottom: End Select bottom track in the track list Down Arrow Down: Select next in the Project window/Move selected event in the Key Editor one semitone down Left: Left Arrow Select previous in the Project window/Key Editor Right: Right Arrow 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 E
Key Commands Default Key Commands Project Category Option Key command Open Markers Ctrl/Cmd-M Open Pool Ctrl/Cmd-P Open Tempo Track Ctrl/Cmd-T Remove Selected Tracks Shift-Delete Set Track/Event Color Alt-Shift-C Setup Shift-S 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 Default Key Commands Tool Category Option Key command Draw Tool 8 Drumstick Tool 0 Erase Tool 5 Glue Tool 4 Mute Tool 7 Next Tool F10 Play Tool 9 Previous Tool F9 Range Tool 2 Select Tool 1 Split Tool 3 Zoom Tool 6 Transport Category Option Key command Activate External Sync Alt-Shift-T 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
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Enter Time Signature Shift-C Exchange Time Formats . Fast Forward Shift-Num + Fast Rewind Shift-Num - Forward Num + Go to Left Locator Num 1 Go to Project Start Num.
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Retrospective MIDI Record Shift-Num * Rewind Num - Set Left Locator to Project Cursor Position Ctrl/Cmd-Num 1 Set Marker 1 Ctrl/Cmd-1 Set Marker 2 Ctrl/Cmd-2 Set Marker 3 to 9 Ctrl/Cmd-Num 3 to Num 9 or Ctrl/Cmd-3 to 9 Set Right Locator to Project Cursor Position Ctrl/Cmd-Num 2 Start Enter Start/Stop Space Stop Num 0 To Marker 1 Shift-1 To Marker 2 Shift-2 To Marker 3 to 9 Num 3 to Num 9 or Shift-3 to 9 Window Zones Category O
Key Commands Setting up Tool Modifier Keys Option Key command Show/Hide Info Line Ctrl/Cmd-I Show/Hide Overview Alt-O Windows Category Option Key command Inline: Key Commands Shift-F4 Inline: Settings Shift-F3 Inline: View Layout Shift-F2 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
Key Commands Setting up Tool Modifier Keys 2. Select an option in the Categories list, and locate the action for which you want to edit the modifier key. 3. In the Action list, select the action. 4. Hold down the desired modifier keys and click Assign. NOTE If the modifier keys you pressed are already assigned to another tool, you will be asked whether you want to overwrite them. If you do, this leaves the other tool without any modifier keys assigned. 5. Click OK.
Customizing In Cubase you can organize windows and dialogs in workspaces, set up the appearance of specific elements, and save program settings as profiles. RELATED LINKS Setup Options on page 678 Setup Options You can customize the appearance of the following elements: ● Transport panel ● Status line ● Info line ● Toolbars ● Inspector Setup Context Menus Setup context menus are available for the Transport panel, the toolbars, the info lines, or the Inspector.
Customizing 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 Where are the Settings Stored? 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 in another studio, for example, you can bring all your settings along by copying the desired preference files and installing them on the other computer.
Customizing Where are the Settings Stored? ● 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 EQs 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 real time 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 RELATED LINKS VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings on page 467 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 Activate Multi Processing. 4. Select an ASIO-Guard Level. The higher the level, the higher the processing stability and audio processing performance.
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 Edit > Preferences. In addition to the settings, the dialog provides the following options: Preference Presets Allows you to select a saved preference preset.
Preferences Editing 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. Saving Preference Presets You can save complete or partial preference settings as presets. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, make your settings. 2. Click Store in the lower left section of the dialog. 3.
Preferences Editing Display Warning before Deleting Non-Empty Tracks Shows a warning if you delete tracks that are not empty. Select Track on Background Click Allows you to select a track by clicking in the event display background. Auto Select Events under Cursor Automatically selects all events in the Project window or in an editor that are under the project cursor.
Preferences Editing Use Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades Allows you to use the mouse wheel to move event volume and fades. ● Moving the mouse wheel moves the event volume curve up or down. ● Holding down Shift while moving the mouse wheel moves the fade curves. ● Positioning the mouse in the left half of the event moves the end point of the fade in. ● Positioning the mouse in the right half of the event moves the start point of the fade out.
Preferences Editing Editing - Controls Value Box/Time Control Mode Allows you to select your preferred way of controlling value fields. ● Text Input on Left-Click Clicking opens a value box for editing. ● Increment/Decrement on Left/Right-Click Clicking decreases the value, right-clicking increases the value. Double-clicking allows you to enter values manually. ● Increment/Decrement on Left-Click and Drag Clicking and dragging up or down adjusts the value.
Preferences Editing An overlap setting of 0 ticks causes each selected note to extend so that it reaches the next note exactly. A positive value causes the notes to overlap by the specified number of ticks. A negative value causes a slight gap between the notes. Legato Mode: Between Selected Notes Only Adjusts the length of selected notes so that they reach the next selected note.
Preferences Editors 2. Select the action for which you want to edit the modifier keys in the Action list. 3. On your computer keyboard, hold down the modifier keys and click Assign. RESULT The current modifier keys for the action are replaced. If this tool already has assigned modifier keys, you are prompted to replace them. Editing - Tools Pop-up Toolbox on Right Click Opens a toolbox when you right-click in the event display and editors.
Preferences Event Display Hide Truncated Event Names Hides event names if they do not fit. Show Overlaps Determines how overlapping events are displayed. Grid Overlay Intensity Sets the overlay intensity of the displayed grid lines. Event Handling Opacity Sets the opacity of overlying events when you move them. Smallest Track Height To Show Data Determines from which track height the track contents are displayed.
Preferences Event Display ● Enharmonics from Chord Track Uses the chord events on the chord track to determine if enharmonically equivalent notes in the Key Editor and in the List Editor are displayed as sharp or flat. Chord Font Allows you to specify a font for all chord symbols. Chord Symbols Allows you to select your preferred display method for major 7th chords, minor chords, half-diminished chords, diminished chords, and augmented chords.
Preferences General Displays data blocks or event details always. ● Never Show Data Displays nothing. ● Hide Data When Expanded Hides the display of events when you open folder tracks. Event Display - MIDI Part Data Mode Determines if and how events in MIDI parts are shown. This setting is overwritten for tracks with drum maps if Use Drum Editor when Drum Map is assigned is activated. Show Controllers Shows non-note events such as controllers, etc. in MIDI parts.
Preferences MIDI Enable HiDPI (Windows only) Enables the appropriate resolution to render Cubase GUI elements sharp and precise on high resolution displays, and support scaling factors of 100 % and 200 %. NOTE On macOS, you can disable HiDPI support in the Cubase application folder by invoking Get Info and checking Open in Low Resolution. 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.
Preferences MIDI 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. Reset on Stop Sets Cubase to send out MIDI reset messages, including note-off and controller resets, on stop. Never Reset Chased Controllers Never resets controllers to 0 when you stop playback or move to a new position in the project.
Preferences MIDI MIDI Max. Feedback in ms Allows you to set the maximum length of the notes when using Acoustic Feedback in MIDI editors. MIDI - MIDI File Export Options These options allow you to specify what data is included in exported MIDI files. Export Inspector Patch Includes MIDI patch settings in the Inspector as MIDI bank select and program change events in the MIDI file. Export Inspector Volume/Pan Includes volume and pan settings in the Inspector as MIDI volume and pan events in the MIDI file.
Preferences MIDI Import Options The Import Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data is included in imported MIDI files. Extract First Patch Converts the first Program Change and Bank Select events for each track to Inspector settings for the track. Extract First Volume/Pan Converts the first MIDI Volume and Pan events for each track to Inspector settings for the track.
Preferences MediaBay Import Karaoke Lyrics as Text Converts karaoke lyrics in the MIDI file to text that can be displayed in the Score Editor. If this option is deactivated, lyrics are only shown in the List Editor. MIDI - MIDI Filter This page allows you to prevent certain MIDI messages from being recorded and/or echoed by the MIDI thru function (thruput). The page is divided into 4 sections: Record Prevents the corresponding type of MIDI message from being recorded.
Preferences Record Note that the tracks are mirroring the input bus signal, that is, you will see the same signal in both places. When using mapped metering, any functions, such as trimming, that you apply to the audio track are not reflected in its meters. Meters’ Peak Hold Time Allows you to specify for how long the peak levels are held in the meters. For this to work, deactivate Meters - Hold Forever in the MixConsole.
Preferences Record Record - Audio - Broadcast Wave This page allows you to specify the Description, Author, and Reference Value text strings that are embedded in recorded Broadcast Wave files. The settings you make here also appear as default strings in the Broadcast Wave Chunk dialog when you export files to certain formats. Not only Broadcast Wave files can contain embedded information, but also Wave, Wave 64, and AIFF files.
Preferences Transport Transport This page contains options related to playback, recording, and positioning. Playback Toggle Triggers Local Preview Allows you to use Space on your keyboard to start/stop local playback of the selected file in the Sample Editor or the Pool. When the Sample Editor is not open or when there is no audio file selected in the Pool, Space still toggles the global project playback. Show Timecode Subframes Shows subframes for all frame-based display formats.
Preferences User Interface Use High Quality Scrub Mode Enables effects for scrubbing and uses a higher resampling quality. However, scrubbing will be more demanding on the processor. Use Inserts While Scrubbing Allows you to activate insert effects for scrubbing with the shuttle speed control. By default, insert effects are bypassed. User Interface This page contains options that allow you to adjust the default user interface colors.
Preferences VST Mute Pre-Send when Mute Mutes pre-fader sends when you mute their channels. Default Send Level Allows you to specify a default level for your send effects. Group Channels: Mute Sources as well Mutes channels that are directly routed to a group channel when you mute the group channel. Channels that were muted prior to the group channel being muted will not remember their mute status and will be unmuted when the group channel is unmuted.
Preferences Video VST - Plug-ins Warn before Removing Modified Effects Shows a warning if you remove an effect plug-in for which you have made parameter changes. Open Effect Editor after Loading It Opens the effect control panel when you load VST effects or VST instruments. Create MIDI Track when Loading VSTi (not in Cubase LE) Allows you to determine if a MIDI track is created when you add a rack instrument. ● Always A MIDI track is always created. ● Do not No MIDI track is created.
Index A Attribute Filter Applying in the MediaBay 432 MediaBay 432 Attributes MediaBay 432 Audio Handling 141 Overlapping 133 Zooming 55 Audio clock Synchronization 634 Audio Connections 21 Editing 25 Presets 24 Audio events 140 Auditioning 145 Audio files Previewing in MediaBay 428 Audio Functions 331 Detect Silence 331 Spectrum Analyzer 334 Statistics 336 Audio hardware Connections 10 Externally clocked 15 Audio Part Editor Lower zone 47 Audio parts Auditioning 145 Creating 144 Audio performance Optimiz
Index B Audio tracks 82 Add Track dialog 82 Inspector 84 Track controls 87 Audition chords 579 Auditioning Audio events 145 Audio parts 145 Using key commands 401 Auto fades Global settings 233 Track settings 233 Auto Monitoring Manual 704 Tapemachine Style 704 Auto Save 76, 695 Auto Save Internal 695 Auto Select Events under Cursor 687 Auto Track Color Mode 695 Auto-Scroll 178, 179 Crossfades 230 Suspend 179 Automatic Hitpoint Detection Enabling 688 Automatic scales 580 Automatic voicings 581 Automatical
Index Chord events 576 Adding 577 Adding chords 577 Auditioning 579 Chord type 576 Converting to MIDI 583 Editing 577 Extracting from MIDI 587 Mapping offset 581 Resolving Display Conflicts 580 Tension 576 Voicings 581 Chord Font 693 Chord Pad Controls 591 Chord Pads 589, 591–593 Adaptive voicing 601 Assigning chords 594–596 Context menu 591 Controls 593 Copying Assignments 597 Creating chord events 608 Creating MIDI parts 609 Functions menu 592 Multiple tracks 603 Pad Remote Control 604 Pads remote range
Index Device ports Selecting for busses 23 Direct Offline Processing 317 Applying 320 Applying to multiple events 321 Deleting 321 Envelope 322 Extend Process Range 321 Fade In 323 Fade Out 323 Gain 323 Key Commands 328 Modifying 321 Normalize 324 Phase Reverse 324 Pool 405 Remove DC Offset 324 Resample 325 Reverse 325 Silence 325 Stereo Flip 325 Time Stretch 326 Toolbar 319 Using key commands 327 Window 318 Workflow 318 Disable Acoustic Feedback during Playback 689 Disable Track 132 Display format Ruler 3
Index Editing Project window info line 38 Editor Content Follows Event Selection 692 Editor Inspector Opening 41 Effect Plug-in Presets Loading in MediaBay 435 Effects 296 Comparing settings 309 Control panel 308 Copying presets 313 Direct Offline Processing 317 Dithering 308 Exporting system component information files 316 Extracting insert effect settings from track presets 315 Insert effects 296, 298 Managing system components 316 Pasting presets 313 Plug-in delay compensation 297 Pre/Post fader sends 3
Index Favorites Adding 416, 417, 422 Media rack 415 File Browser Media rack 415 File Extensions Showing in Results list 700 Fill Loop 155 Fixed lengths 503 Fixed tempo Mode 610 Fixed Tempo Mode 614 Setting up 614 Fixed velocity 503 Flac files Exporting 630 FLAC files Importing 208 Flattening Arranger track 238, 241 Folder parts 144 Folder tracks 115 Add Track dialog 115 Displaying events 134 Inspector 116 Modifying event display 134 Track controls 117 Follow Chord Track 585 Auto 585 Chords 585 Directly 586
Index L Input gain MixConsole 273 Input levels 11 Input ports 16 Inputs Meter position options 267 Insert effects 296, 298 Adding to busses 299 Adding to Group channels 299 Routing 299 Insert Reset Events after Record 696 Inserting and finding media Pool 400 Inserts FX chain presets 274 MixConsole 274 Using while scrubbing 703 Inspector 40 Editor Inspector 41 Settings Dialog 43 Track Inspector 40 Inspector Sections Showing/Hiding 42 Instrument Freeze 458 Instrument Presets Applying 136 Loading in MediaBay
Index Marker window 245 Functions 246 Marker list 246 Markers 244 Attributes 247 Cycle markers 244 Exporting 250 Exporting via MIDI 250 IDs 248 Importing 250 Importing via MIDI 250 Position markers 244 Settings 246 Max.
Index MixConsole (continued) Setting volume 266 Solo 266 Solo Defeat 266 Strip presets 283 Toolbar 256 Visibility 255 MixConsole in Project Window 46 Mixing down to audio files 624 Modifier keys 676 Monitoring 17, 192 ASIO Direct Monitoring 193 External 193 MIDI 194 Via Cubase 193 Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades 688 Move Vertically Automation Event Editor 444 Controller Event Editor 520 Moving Events 148 Moving tracks 128 MP3 files Exporting 627 Importing 208 MPEG files Importing 208 Multi processin
Index Note events (continued) Setting values 551 Setting velocity values 513 Setting with Snap 513 Splitting 536, 552 Transposing 535 Trimming 512 Note lengths Changing 552 Note stems Flipping the direction 552 Note values Setting 551 Notepads MixConsole 284 Pattern Chord Pads 600 Pedals To note length 503 Performance Aspects 682 Audio performance 683 Optimizing 682 Phase MixConsole 273 Phase Reverse Direct Offline Processing 324 Piano voicings 581 Pitch Changing for chords 537 Pitch Notation 693 Plain Ch
Index Projects (continued) Opening 74 Opening recent 75 Prepare archive 77 Project Assistant 69 Revert 76 Saving 75 Saving templates 70 Setting up 71 Punch In 181 On Stop 701 Punch In/Out Common Record Modes 192 Punch Out 181, 191 Stop after automatic 701 Punch Points 181 Preferences Colors 704 Dialog 686 Disabling 680 Saving presets 687 Store marked preferences only 687 Presets Previewing in MediaBay 431 Previewing using a MIDI file 431 Previewing using the Memo Recorder 431 Previewing via MIDI Input 431
Index Recording (continued) Stopping automatically 191 With Effects 197 Recovering recordings Audio 198 MIDI 204 ReCycle files 211 Reducing the project size Pool 405 Reference file Pool 390 Refresh Views MediaBay 423 Regions Creating with Detect Silence 334 Event or Range as Region 142 Events from Regions 143 Renaming 395 Remote control 470 Apple Remote 483 Assigning commands 473 Automation 473 Connections 470 Control Assignment 477 Generic Remote 474 Global Options 472 MIDI Port Setup 470 MIDI remote cont
Index Sampler Control (continued) Transferring samples to VST instruments 389 Waveform display 381 Sampler tracks 93 Add Track dialog 94 Creating 377 Inspector 95 Loading Audio Samples 376 Loading MIDI Parts 377 Pool 390 Sampler Control 376 Track controls 97 Transferring Samples to Instruments 389 Saturation Strip module 277 Save as Template 70 Save partial preferences settings 687 Save Track Preset 135, 138 Scale Around Absolute Center Automation Event Editor 444 Controller Event Editor 520 Scale Around R
Index Tempo track 610 Activate 611 Editor 610 Mode 610 Tempo changes 613 Thumbnail Memory Cache Size 706 Thumbnails 654 Thumbnail cache files 654 Tilt Left Automation Event Editor 444 Controller Event Editor 520 Tilt Right Automation Event Editor 444 Controller Event Editor 520 Time display 179 Time Display Window 175 Time Format 179 Time Signature Events Adding 618 Setting up 618 Time Stretch Algorithms 329 Direct Offline Processing 326 Limitations 330 Timecode Standards 633 Synchronization 633 Timecode S
Index U Track Presets (continued) Loading in MediaBay 434 MIDI 135 Multi-Track 137 Previewing in MediaBay 430 VST Presets 136 Track Quick Controls 484 Track Selection follows Event Selection 687 Track Zoom 131 Tracks 79 Add Track dialog 124 Adding 124, 125 Audio 82 Chord 119 Coloring 128 Colorizing 63 Customizing track controls 80 Deselecting 132 Disabling audio tracks 132 Duplicating 132 Folder 115 FX channel 104 Group Channel 109 Instrument 88 Marker 121 MIDI 98 Moving 128 Other tracks 124 Removing 128
Index VST (continued) VST 2 297 VST 3 297 VST 3 Suspend plug-in processing 458 VST Audio System 11 VST effect selector 303 VST instrument selector 451 VST instruments Freezing 458 Presets 455 Saving presets 456 Setting up 449 VST Plug-in collection Adding 467 VST Plug-in control panels Closing 310, 451 Hiding 310, 451 Showing 310, 451 VST Plug-in Manager 464 Collections 465 Window 465 VST plug-in pictures Adding 417, 418 VST Plug-ins Adding collections 467 Blacklist 468 Hiding 468 Installing 464 Managing 4
