Operation Manual
Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte, Marita Sladek This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the complexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images. The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Table of Contents 7 7 7 8 9 10 Introduction Platform-Independent Documentation About the Documentation Conventions Key Commands Getting Into the Details 11 11 19 21 22 Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Setting Up MIDI Connecting a Synchronizer Setting Up Video 23 23 24 25 26 27 27 VST Connections VST Connections Window Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs Adding Input and Output Busses Presets for Input and Output Busses About Monitoring Editing the Bus Configurations 29 30 30 40 46 51 56 5
Table of Contents 167 168 170 Punch In and Punch Out Metronome Chase 171 171 172 Virtual Keyboard Recording MIDI With the Virtual Keyboard Virtual Keyboard Options 173 173 176 179 183 189 189 Recording Basic Recording Methods Monitoring Audio Recording Specifics MIDI Recording Specifics Remaining Record Time Lock Record 190 190 191 192 192 193 193 Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Functions Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths Quantizing MIDI Event Ends Quantizing Audio Event
Table of Contents 396 398 400 401 Working with MediaBay-Related Windows Working With Volume Databases MediaBay Settings MediaBay Key Commands 402 402 402 403 403 404 404 406 409 Automation Recording your Actions Automation Curves Static Value Line Write/Read Automation MIDI Part Data vs.
Table of Contents 619 619 622 625 628 628 629 Video Before You Start Preparing a Video Project Playing Back Video Editing Video Extracting Audio From a Video File Replacing the Audio in a Video File 630 630 630 631 632 632 633 633 ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Introduction 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 634 634 635 638 639 Key Commands Introduction Setting up
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 Mac OS. Features and settings that are specific to one of these platforms are clearly indicated.
Introduction Conventions Plug-in Reference Describes the features and parameters of the included VST plug-ins and VST instruments. HALion Sonic SE Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument HALion Sonic SE. Groove Agent SE Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument Groove Agent SE. Conventions In our documentation, we use typographical and markup elements to structure information.
Introduction Key Commands Markup Bold text indicates the name of a menu, option, function, dialog, window, etc. EXAMPLE To open the Functions menu, click Functions Menu in the top right corner of the MixConsole. If bold text is separated by a greater-than symbol, this indicates a sequence of different menus to open. EXAMPLE Select Project > Add Track.
Getting Into the Details
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 hardware that is available to you. Therefore, the following sections can only serve as examples. How to connect your equipment, that is, whether to use digital or analog connections also depends on your setup. About Recording Levels and Inputs When you connect your equipment, make sure that the impedance and levels of the audio sources and inputs are matched. Using the correct type of input is important to avoid distortion or noisy recordings.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Setting Up Audio Hardware PREREQUISITE You have selected a driver for your audio hardware. PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > Devices Setup. 2. In the Devices list to the left, select the driver to open the driver settings for your audio hardware. 3. Do one of the following to open the control panel for your audio hardware: • On Windows, click Control Panel. • On Mac OS, click Open Config App. This button is available only for some hardware products.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio The following options are available: ASIO Driver Allows you to select a driver. Release Driver when Application is in Background Releases the driver and allows other applications to play back via your audio hardware even though Cubase is running. Input Latency Shows the input latency of the audio hardware. Output Latency Shows the output latency of the audio hardware. ASIO-Guard Latency Shows the ASIO-Guard latency.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Disk Preload Allows you to specify how many seconds of audio are preloaded into RAM prior to starting playback. This allows for smooth playback. Adjust for Record Latency If this is activated, the plug-in latencies are taken to account during recording. Record Shift Allows you to shift the recordings by the specified value. ASIO Driver Setup This section allows you to set up your ASIO driver.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Externally Clocked Activate this option, if you use an external clock source. Direct Monitoring Activate this option to monitor via your audio hardware and to control it from Cubase. 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.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Using Several Audio Applications Simultaneously You can allow other applications to play back via your audio hardware even though Cubase is running. PREREQUISITE Other audio applications accessing the audio hardware are set to release the audio driver. PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > Devices Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select the VST Audio System page. 3. Activate Release Driver when Application is in Background.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Audio Setting Up Input and Output Ports Once you have selected the driver for your audio hardware and have set it up, you must specify which inputs and outputs to use. PREREQUISITE You have selected a driver for your audio hardware. PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > Devices Setup. 2. In the Devices list to the left, select the driver to open the driver settings for your audio hardware. 3. Make your settings. 4. Click OK.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up MIDI Setting Up MIDI IMPORTANT Turn off all equipment before making any connections. PROCEDURE 1. Connect your MIDI equipment (keyboard, MIDI interface, etc.) to your computer. 2. Install the drivers for your MIDI equipment. RESULT You can use your MIDI equipment in Cubase. MIDI Connections To play back and record MIDI data from your MIDI device, for example, a MIDI keyboard, you need to connect the MIDI ports.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up MIDI NOTE If you have a MIDI remote control unit connected, make sure to deactivate the In ‘All MIDI Inputs’ option for that MIDI input. This avoids accidental recording of data from the remote control when All MIDI Inputs is selected as input for a MIDI track. 4. Click OK. RESULT When you select All MIDI Inputs on the Input Routing menu of a MIDI track in the Inspector, the MIDI track uses all MIDI inputs that you specified in the MIDI Port Setup.
Setting Up Your System Connecting a Synchronizer 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. NOTE Deactivate this option, if you use remote control devices. The following options are available: Use System Timestamp for 'Windows MIDI' Inputs Activate this option if you have persistent timing problems such as shifted notes.
Setting Up Your System Setting Up Video Setting Up Video Cubase plays back video files in a number of formats, such as AVI, QuickTime, or MPEG. QuickTime is used as the playback engine. Which formats can be played back depends on the video codecs that are installed on your system. There are several ways to play back video, for example, without any special hardware, using a FireWire port, or using dedicated video cards.
VST Connections To play back and record in Cubase, you must set up input and output busses in the VST 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. VST Connections Window The VST Connections window allows you to set up input and output busses. • To open the VST Connections window, select Devices > VST Connections.
VST Connections Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs Speakers Indicates the speaker configuration (mono, stereo) of each bus. Audio Device Shows the selected ASIO driver. 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.
VST Connections Adding Input and Output Busses RELATED LINKS Re-Routing Missing Ports on page 74 Hiding Ports You can hide ports that you are not using. Hidden ports are not displayed in the VST Connections window. PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > Device Setup. 2. In the devices list, select your audio card. 3. In the Visible column, deactivate the ports that you want to hide. 4. Click OK.
VST Connections Presets for Input and Output Busses Setting the Default Output Bus (Main Mix) The Main Mix is the default output bus to which each new audio, group, or FX channel is automatically routed. If only one bus is available, this bus is automatically used as the default output bus. PREREQUISITE Add an output bus. PROCEDURE 1. In the VST Connections dialog, right-click the output bus that you want to use as default output bus. 2. Select Set as Main Mix.
VST Connections About Monitoring RESULT The preset is available in the Presets menu. Deleting a Bus Configuration Preset PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > VST Connections. 2. From the Presets menu, select the preset that you want to delete. 3. Click Delete . RESULT The preset is deleted. About Monitoring The default output bus (Main Mix) is used for monitoring. You can adjust the monitoring level in the MixConsole.
VST Connections Editing the Bus Configurations Renaming Multiple Busses You can rename all the selected busses at once using incrementing numbers or letters. • To use incrementing numbers, select the busses that you want to rename and enter a new name for one of the busses, followed by a number. For example, if you have 8 inputs that you want to be named “In 1, In 2, …, In 8”, you select all the busses and enter the name In 1 for the first bus. All other busses are then renamed automatically.
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. The Project window is divided into several zones: 1.
Project Window Showing/Hiding Zones On the toolbar, you can activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, the overview line, and the transport. 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 (not in Cubase LE) and the MediaBay rack.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Track List on page 34 Event Display on page 35 Ruler on page 36 Status Line on page 37 Info Line on page 37 Overview Line on page 38 Transport on page 38 Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for opening other windows and various project settings and functions. • To show/hide tools, open the toolbar context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the toolbar and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All.
Project Window Project Zone Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Media & MixConsole Windows These buttons allow you to open or close the MediaBay, the Pool, and the MixConsole. State Buttons These buttons show the mute, solo, listen, and automation states. Auto-Scroll Allows you to keep the project cursor visible during playback. Transport Buttons Shows the main transport controls.
Project Window Project Zone If this option is activated, it finds zero crossings when you split and size audio events. Snap On/Off Allows you to activate/deactivate snap to restrict horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. Snap Type Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap. Grid Type Allows you to specify a grid type for the snap function. This setting only has effect if Snap Type is set to one of the grid options.
Project Window Project Zone Left/Right Toolbar Divider The left and right toolbar dividers allow you to lock the position of specific tools at the left or at the right side of the toolbar, so that they are always shown. All other items are shown in the center of the toolbar. When you reduce the width of the Project window, these toolbar items are hidden successively. When you increase the width, they are shown again.
Project Window Project Zone Dividing the Track List You can divide the track list into an upper track list and a lower track list. These track lists can have independent zoom and scroll controls. Dividing the track list is useful if you are working with a video track and multi-track audio, for example. It allows you to place the video track in the upper track list and to scroll the audio tracks separately in the lower track list, so that they can be arranged with the video.
Project Window Project Zone 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 Samples Samples. Time Linear Sets the ruler linear to time. Bars+Beats Linear Sets the ruler linear to bars and beats. Status Line The status line shows the most important project settings. To activate the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Status Line. The following information is shown on the status line: Audio Inputs/Audio Outputs These fields are shown, if the audio device ports are not connected.
Project Window Project Zone Editing on the Info Line You can edit almost all event or part data on the info line using regular value editing. If you select several events or parts, the info line is shown in another color and only the information about the first item in the selection is displayed. The following rules apply: • Value changes are applied to all selected elements, relatively to the current values. For example, you have selected two audio events.
Project Window Project Zone • To show/hide tools, open the Transport context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the Transport and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All. The following options are available: Constrain Delay Compensation Allows you to minimize the latency effects of the delay compensation. Common Record Modes Allow you to determine what happens if you click Record during an audio or MIDI recording.
Project Window Left Zone Tempo & Time Signature Allows you to activate/deactivate the tempo track, and to set the tempo value and the first time signature value numerically. Click & Pre-Count & External Sync Allows you to activate/deactivate the metronome click, the metronome click in precount, and the external synchronization. Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown.
Project Window Left Zone RELATED LINKS Inspector on page 41 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 RELATED LINKS Opening the Track Inspector on page 42 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 43 Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 50 Opening the Track Inspector The Track Inspector shows controls and parameters for the selected track in the track list. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Left Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Left Zone. 2. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Track tab.
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 50 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 • To open a section without closing the other sections, Ctrl/Cmd-click the section name.
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 The lower zone features the following tabs: Chord Pads, MixConsole, Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only), and Editor. To close the lower zone, click Close Lower Zone to the left of the tabs.
Project Window Lower Zone • Activate/Deactivate the options in the pop-up menu to show/hide tabs from the lower zone. • Select Setup to open a dialog where you can activate/deactivate the tabs and change their position. NOTE In the Presets section of this dialog you can also save a preset of your tab configuration. RESULT The tabs in the lower zone are shown according to your configuration. Opening Chord Pads Chord Pads allow you to play with chords, and to change their voicings and tensions.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT The MixConsole is opened in the lower zone. RELATED LINKS MixConsole in Lower Zone on page 231 Opening Sampler Control (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control allows you display and edit the waveform of an audio sample on a sampler track. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone zone. on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower 2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the Sampler Control tab. RESULT Sampler Control is opened.
Project Window Lower Zone Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone The Editor in the lower zone allows you to perform event editing procedures from within the lower zone of the Project window, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events. NOTE By default, double-clicking an audio event/part or a MIDI part in the event display or selecting it and pressing Return opens the corresponding editor in the lower zone of the Project window. Using a menu command opens a separate editor window.
Project Window Right Zone Selecting a different MIDI Editor You can display the MIDI part that is opened in the editor in the lower zone in a different MIDI editor. To do this, you do not necessarily need to change the default MIDI editor. PROCEDURE 1. On the Editor tab in the editor in the lower zone, click Select MIDI Editor. 2. Select an editor from the pop-up menu. RESULT The MIDI part is displayed in the selected editor. NOTE This selection is temporary.
Project Window Right Zone RELATED LINKS VST Instruments in the Right Zone on page 52 MediaBay in the Right Zone on page 55 Opening the VST Instruments in the Right Zone (not in Cubase LE) You can show VST Instruments in the right zone of the Project window. This allows you to add and edit VST instruments, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone Zone. on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right 2.
Project Window Right Zone • Track Shows the associated VST Instrument for an instrument track. • Rack Shows a VST instrument. The following controls are available: 1. Add Track Instrument Opens the Add Instrument Track dialog that allows you to select an instrument and add an instrument track that is associated to this instrument. 2. Find Instruments Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument. 3.
Project Window Right Zone Opening the MediaBay in the Right Zone You can show the MediaBay in the right zone of the Project window. This allows you to see the context of your tracks and events when you drag audio events, MIDI parts, or instrument presets into the event display. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone Zone. on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right 2. At the top of the right zone, click the MediaBay tab. RESULT The MediaBay is opened in the right zone of the Project window.
Project Window Right Zone MediaBay in the Right Zone The MediaBay in the right zone of the Project window allows you to drag audio events, MIDI parts or instrument presets from into the event display. It lists Steinberg factory content and any installed Steinberg content sets. The MediaBay is divided into several sections: 1. Search Allows you to search media files by name or by attribute. 2. Home Allows you to go back to the initial tiles view. 3.
Project Window Keyboard Focus in the Project Window 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. RELATED LINKS Appearance–Colors on page 662 Zooming in the Project Window You can zoom in the Project window according to the standard zoom techniques.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window Zoom Submenu The Zoom submenu contains options for zooming in the Project window. • To open the Zoom submenu, select Edit > Zoom. The following options are available: Zoom In/Out Zooms in/out one step, centering on the project cursor. Zoom Full Zooms out so that the whole project is visible. The whole project means the timeline from the project start to the length set in the Project Setup dialog.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window 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. • To select and apply a preset, select it from the Zoom Presets pop-up menu. • To zoom out so that the whole project is visible, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Zoom Full.
Project Window Snap Function The middle part of the Zoom Presets pop-up menu lists any cycle markers that you have added to the project. NOTE Only the cycle markers that you create in the current project are available on the menu. If you select a cycle marker, the event display is zoomed in to encompass the marker area. You cannot edit the cycle markers in the Zoom Presets pop-up menu. RELATED LINKS Markers Window on page 224 Zoom History You can undo and redo zoom operations.
Project Window Snap Function NOTE You can also set the snap point in the Sample Editor. RELATED LINKS Adjusting the Snap Point on page 322 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.
Project Window Snap Function For example, if an event starts at the position 3.04.01, snap is set to Grid Relative and the Grid Type pop-up menu is set to Bar, you can move the event in steps of one bar to the positions 4.04.01, 5.04.01, and so on. NOTE This only applies when dragging existing events or parts. When you create new events or parts this snap type works like Grid. Events If this option is activated, the start and end positions of other events and parts become magnetic.
Project Window Cross-Hair Cursor 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. • To set up the cross-hair cursor, open the Preferences dialog and select Editing > Tools. You can set up the colors for the line and the mask of the cross-hair cursor, and define its width.
Project Window Edit History Dialog • To redo an action that was undone previously, move the line down the list again. NOTE You can also undo audio processes or applied plug-in effects. Setting the Number of Maximum Undo Steps You can limit the number of maximum undo steps. This is useful if you run out of memory, for example. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Preferences dialog and select General. 2. Set the number in the Maximum Undo Steps field.
Project Handling In Cubase, projects are the central documents. You must create and set up a project to work with the program. Creating New Projects You can create empty projects or projects that are based on a template. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > New Project. Depending on your settings, either the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog opens. 2. 3. In the location options section, select where to store the new project. • To use the default location, select Use default location.
Project Handling Hub Hub When you start Cubase or create new projects using the File menu, the Hub opens. The Hub keeps you up to date with the latest information and assists you with organizing your projects. It consists of the News and Tutorials section and the Projects section. News and Tutorials section The News and Tutorials section displays Steinberg news, tutorial videos as well as links to the user forum, downloads, and Knowledge Base.
Project Handling Project Assistant Template list When you click on one of the category items, the list below the category bar shows the available templates for this category. Any new templates that you create are added at the top of the corresponding list. Location options This section allows you to specify where the project is stored. Open other This button allows you to open any project file on your system. This is identical to using the Open command on the File menu.
Project Handling About Project Files Open other This button allows you to open any project file on your system. This is identical to using the Open command from the File menu. About Project Files A project file (extension *.cpr) is the central document in Cubase. A project file contains references to media data that can be saved in the project folder. NOTE We recommend to save files only in the project folder, even though you can save them in any other location to which you have access.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog PROCEDURE 1. Set up a project. 2. Select File > Save as Template. 3. In the New Preset section of the Save as Template dialog, enter a name for the new project template. 4. In the Attribute Inspector section, double-click the Value field of the Content Summary attribute to enter a description for the template. 5. Click the Value field of the Template Category attribute and select a template category from the pop-up menu.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog IMPORTANT While most Project Setup settings can be changed at any time, you must set the sample rate directly after creating a new project. If you change the sample rate at a later stage, you must convert all audio files in the project to the new sample rate to make them play back properly.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog Get From Video Allows you to set the project frame rate to the frame rate of an imported video file. Display Format Allows you to specify the global display format that is used for all rulers and position displays in the program, except the ruler tracks. However, you can make independent display format selections for the individual rulers and displays.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog Record File Type Allows you to specify the file type of the audio files that you record in Cubase. The following file types are available: • Wave files are a common file format on the PC platform. For recordings larger than 4 GB, the EBU RIFF standard is used. If a FAT 32 disk is used (not recommended), audio files are split automatically. • Wave 64 is a proprietary format developed by Sonic Foundry Inc.
Project Handling Opening Project Files Opening Project Files You can open one or several saved project files at the same time. IMPORTANT If you open a project saved with a different program version that contains data for functions that are not available in your version, this data may be lost when you save the project with your version. NOTE • If you open an external project, the last used view that was saved on your computer is used.
Project Handling Saving Project Files Re-Routing Missing Ports If you open a Cubase project that was created on a different system with other audio hardware, Cubase tries to find matching audio inputs and outputs for the input/output busses. If Cubase cannot resolve all audio/MIDI inputs and outputs that are used in the project, the Missing Ports dialog opens. This allows you to manually re-route any ports specified in the project to ports that are available in your system.
Project Handling Reverting to the Last Saved Version Saving Project Files As a New Version You can create and activate a new version of an active project file. This is useful if you are experimenting with edits and arrangements and want to be able to go back to a previous version at any time. To save a new version of the active project, do one of the following: • Select File > Save New Version. • Press Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-S.
Project Handling Creating Self-Contained Projects PROCEDURE 1. Close all projects. 2. Select File > Cleanup. 3. Click Start. Cubase scans the hard disks for project folders and lists all audio and image files that are not used by any project. NOTE You can also click Search Folder to select a specific folder for the Cleanup function. This is only recommended if you are sure that the folder contains no audio files that are used in other projects. 4.
Project Handling Creating Self-Contained Projects Backing Up Projects You can create a backup copy of your project. Backups only contain the necessary work data. All media files except the files from VST Sound archives are included as a copy. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Back up Project. 2. Select an empty folder or create a new one. 3. Make your settings in the Back up Project Options dialog and click OK. RESULT A copy of the project is saved in the new folder. The original project remains unaffected.
Tracks Tracks are the building blocks of your project. They allow you to import, add, record, and edit data (parts and events). Tracks are listed from top to bottom in the Track list and extend horizontally across the Project window. Each track is assigned to a particular channel strip in the MixConsole. If you select a track in the Project window, the controls, settings, and parameters displayed in the Inspector and the track list allow you to control the track.
Tracks Track Inspector Settings Hidden Items Displays sections that are hidden in the Inspector. Visible Items Displays sections that are visible in the Inspector. Pin If you activate Pin by clicking the column for a section the open/close status of the selected Inspector section is pinned. Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden sections list to the list of visible sections. Remove Allows you to move an item selected in the visible sections list to the list of hidden sections.
Tracks Track Control Settings Track Control Settings For each track type you can configure which track controls are shown in the track list. You can also specify the order of controls and group controls so that they are always shown adjacent to each other. • To open the Track Controls Settings dialog, right-click a track in the track list and select Track Controls Settings from the context menu, or click Open Track Controls Settings Dialog in the bottom right corner of the track list.
Tracks Track Control Settings Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden controls list to the list of visible controls. Remove Allows you to move an item selected in the visible controls list to the list of hidden controls. All controls can be removed except Mute and Solo. Move Up/Move Down Allows you to change the order of an item in the list of visible controls. Group Allows you to group two or more controls selected in the visible controls list that are adjacent to each other.
Tracks Audio Tracks Audio Tracks You can use audio tracks for recording and playing back audio events and audio parts. Each audio track has a corresponding audio channel in the MixConsole. An audio track can have any number of automation tracks for automating channel parameters, effect settings, etc. • To add an audio track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Audio.
Tracks Audio Tracks Auto Fades Settings Opens a dialog where you can make separate audio fade settings for the track. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output. Freeze Audio Channel Allows you to freeze the audio channel. Volume Allows you to adjust the level for the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.
Tracks Audio Tracks Inserts Section Allows you to add insert effects to the track. Strip Section Allows you to set up the channel strip modules. Equalizers Section Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQ for each track.
Tracks Audio Tracks Sends Section Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Section Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Section Allows you to enter notes about the track. Audio Track Controls The Track List for audio tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your audio track. Track name Double-click to rename the track.
Tracks Audio Tracks 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 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.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Instrument Tracks You can use instrument tracks for dedicated VST instruments. Each instrument track has a corresponding instrument channel in the MixConsole. An instrument track can have any number of automation tracks. • To add an instrument track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Instrument. Instrument Track Inspector The Inspector for instrument tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control your instrument track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, open the Preferences dialog, select MIDI, and activate MIDI Thru Active. Freeze Instrument Channel Allows you to freeze the instrument. 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.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Allows you to select a drum map for the track. Instrument Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, instrument tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections. Chords Section Allows you to specify how the track follows the chord track. MIDI Modifiers Section Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in realtime during playback.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Notepad Section 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. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Allows you to route incoming MIDI signals to the selected MIDI output.
Tracks MIDI Tracks 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. Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track. Instrument Allows you to select an instrument. Channel Configuration Shows the channel configuration of the track.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Track Inspector The Inspector for MIDI tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control your MIDI track. These affect MIDI events in realtime, on playback, for example. The top section of the MIDI track Inspector contains the following basic track settings: Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track.
Tracks MIDI Tracks Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, open the Preferences dialog, select MIDI, and activate MIDI Thru Active. MIDI Volume Allows you to adjust the MIDI volume for the track. MIDI Pan Allows you to adjust the MIDI pan for the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track. 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.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, MIDI tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections. Chords Section Allows you to specify how the track follows the chord track. MIDI Modifiers Section Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in realtime during playback.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Fader Section Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Section Allows you to enter notes about the track. MIDI Track Controls The Track List for MIDI tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your MIDI track. The track list for MIDI tracks contains the following controls: Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Record enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Allows you to route incoming MIDI signals to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, open the Preferences dialog, select MIDI, and activate MIDI Thru Active. Channel Allows you to specify the MIDI channel. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Output Allows you to specify the output for the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) RELATED LINKS Creating Sampler Tracks on page 344 Sampler Track Inspector The Inspector for sampler tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your sampler track. The top section of the sampler track Inspector contains the following basic track settings: Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, open the Preferences dialog, select MIDI, and activate MIDI Thru Active. Freeze Instrument Channel Allows you to freeze the sampler track. 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.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) MIDI Modifiers Section Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in realtime during playback. Instrument Section Shows the audio-related controls for the sampler track. Notepad Section 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.
Tracks Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) 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, open the Preferences dialog, select MIDI, and activate MIDI Thru Active. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Open/Close Sampler Opens/Closes the Sample Control in the lower zone. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation.
Tracks Arranger Track Opens the Freeze Channel Options dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds. 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, select Project > Add Track > Arranger. Arranger Track Inspector The arranger track Inspector displays the lists of available arranger chains and arranger events.
Tracks Chord Track Stop Allows you to stop the live mode. Jump mode Allows you to define how long the active arranger event is played before jumping to the next one. Arranger Track Controls The track list for the arranger track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the arranger track. Select Active Arranger Chain Allows you to select the active arranger chain. Current Item/Current Repeat Displays which arranger event and which repeat is active.
Tracks Chord Track Chord Track Inspector The chord track Inspector contains a number of settings for the chord events. The top section of the chord track Inspector contains the following settings: Track name Click to show/hide the basic track settings section. Mute Mutes the track. Record enable Activates the track for recording. Acoustic Feedback Allows you to audition the events on the chord track. For this to work, you need to select a track for auditioning in the track list.
Tracks Chord Track If this option is activated the program creates scale events automatically. Mapping Offset Allows you to specify an offset value to make sure that chord events also affect the MIDI notes that have been triggered too early (enter a negative value) or too late (enter a positive value). Chord Track Inspector Sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, the chord track provides other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks 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 a FX channel folder. Each FX channel has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks 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 provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections. Inserts Section Allows you to add insert effects to the track.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Equalizers Section Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQ for each track. Sends Section Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Section Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Notepad Section Allows you to enter notes about the track. FX Channel Track Controls The Track List for FX channel tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the settings for the effect. Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation.
Tracks Folder Tracks 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. Folder Tracks Folder tracks function as containers for other tracks, making it easier to organize and manage the track structure. They also allow you to edit several tracks at the same time. • To add a folder track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Folder.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks 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 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. Record enable Activates the track for recording.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Group Channel Track Inspector The Inspector for group channel tracks shows the settings for the group channel. Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Automation Deactivates the automation read function for the selected parameter. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks 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. Group Channel Track Inspector sections Apart from the basic track settings that are always shown, group channel tracks provide other Inspector sections. These are described in the following sections.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Equalizers Section Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQ for each track. Sends Section Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Section Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Notepad Section Allows you to enter notes about the track. Group Channel Track Controls The Track List for group channel tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the settings for the group. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Edit Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation.
Tracks Marker Track 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. Marker Track You can use the marker track to add and edit markers that help you to locate certain positions quickly. • To add the marker track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Marker. Marker Track Inspector The marker track Inspector displays the marker list.
Tracks Ruler Track Track name Double-click to rename the track. Locate Allows you to move the project cursor to the selected marker position. Cycle Allows you to select a cycle marker. Zoom Allows you to zoom in a cycle marker. Add Marker Allows you to add a position marker at the project cursor position. Add Cycle Marker Allows you to add a cycle marker at the project cursor position. Ruler Track You can use ruler tracks to show several rulers with different display formats for the timeline.
Tracks Video Track Seconds Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. Timecode Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. The number of frames per second (fps) is set in the Project Setup dialog with the Frame Rate pop-up menu. To display subframes, open the Preferences dialog, select Transport, and activate Show Timecode Subframes. Samples Activates a display format of samples.
Tracks Video Track Video Track Controls The track list for the video track contains a number of parameters to control the video track. Mute Video Track Mutes the track.
Track Handling Adding Tracks You can add tracks via the Project menu, the context menu, or by dragging files from the MediaBay. Tracks can be added with or without track presets. Add Track Dialog The Add Track dialog opens when you add audio, MIDI, group/FX channels, or instrument tracks. The available options depend on the track type. Browse Expands the dialog and allows you to select a track preset for the track. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.
Track Handling Adding Tracks 4. Click Add Track. RESULT The new tracks are added to the project below the selected track. RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog on page 119 Adding Tracks based on Track Presets You can add tracks based on track presets. Track presets contain sound and channel settings. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track. 2. Select Using Track Preset. You can also right-click the track list and select Add Track Using Track Preset. 3.
Track Handling Removing Tracks RESULT The new tracks are added at the position that was highlighted by the indicator in the track list. The audio files are inserted at the cursor position. RELATED LINKS MediaBay on page 377 MediaBay in Right Zone on page 377 Import Options Dialog on page 121 Import Options Dialog The Import Options dialog allows you to edit the import options.
Track Handling Moving Tracks in the Track List NOTE If you delete tracks that are not empty, a warning message is displayed. You can deactivate this message. To reactivate the message, open the Preferences dialog, select Editing, and activate Display Warning before Deleting Non-Empty Tracks. • To remove empty tracks, select Project > Remove Empty Tracks. Moving Tracks in the Track List You can move tracks up or down in the track list. PROCEDURE • Select a track and drag it up or down in the track list.
Track Handling Showing Track Pictures • You can also use the Track Color Selector. In the Inspector, click the arrow to the right of the track name and select a color. In the track list, Ctrl/Cmd-click in the left area and select a color. • To control which colors are used for new tracks, open the Preferences dialog, select Event Display > Tracks, and edit the Auto Track Color Mode settings.
Track Handling Showing Track Pictures Track Pictures Browser The Track Pictures Browser allows you to set up and select pictures that can be shown in the track list and in the MixConsole. Track pictures are useful to recognize tracks and channels easily. You can select pictures from the factory content or add new ones to the user library. • To open the Track Pictures Browser for a track, double-click in the lower left side of the track list. Factory Shows the factory content in the pictures browser.
Track Handling Setting the Track Height Track Color Opens the Track Color Selector. Click the rectangle to change the track color. Intensity Allows you to apply the track color to the track picture and set the color intensity. Zoom Allows you to change the size of the track picture. Rotate Allows you to rotate the track picture.
Track Handling Selecting Tracks Zoom Tracks x Rows Zooms all track heights to show the specified number of rows. Zoom Tracks Full Zooms all tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom x Tracks Zooms the specified number of tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom N Tracks Allows you to set the number of tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom Tracks Minimal Zooms all track heights to the minimum size. Snap Track Heights Changes the track height in fixed increments when you resize it.
Track Handling Duplicating Tracks • If this option is activated, the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key are only used to change the track selection – the current event/part selection in the Project window will not be altered. Duplicating Tracks You can duplicate a track with all contents and channel settings. PROCEDURE • Select Project > Duplicate Tracks. RESULT The duplicated track appears below the original track.
Track Handling Handling Overlapping Audio NOTE Hidden tracks are played back as usual. Handling Overlapping Audio The basic rule for audio tracks is that each track can only play back a single audio event at a time. If two or more events overlap, you will only hear one of them: the one that is actually visible (e. g. the last lap of a cycle recording).
Track Handling Track Presets NOTE To change these settings, open the Preferences dialog and select Event Display > Folders. Track Presets Track presets are templates that can be applied to newly created or existing tracks of the same type. You can create them from virtually all track types (audio, MIDI, instrument, sampler, group, FX, VST instument return, input, and output channels).
Track Handling Track Presets • MIDI track parameters • The VST instrument used for the track • Staff settings • Color settings • Drum map settings MIDI Track Presets You can use MIDI track presets for multi-timbral VST instruments (not in Cubase LE). When creating MIDI track presets you can either include the channel or the patch. The following data is saved in MIDI track presets: • MIDI modifiers (Transpose, etc.
Track Handling Track Presets VST Presets VST instrument presets behave like instrument track presets. You can extract sounds from VST presets for use in instrument tracks. The following data is saved in VST instrument 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.
Track Handling Track Presets RESULT The new sampler track preset is saved. It is displayed in the Preset Name field on the info line. Sampler track presets are saved within the application folder in the sampler track presets folder. RELATED LINKS Creating a Track Preset on page 131 Applying Track Presets When you apply a track preset, all the settings that are saved in the preset are applied. Track presets can be applied to tracks of their own type only.
Track Handling Track Presets Loading Multi-Track Presets PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select several tracks. NOTE Multi-track presets can only be applied if track type, number, and sequence are identical for the selected tracks and the track preset. 2. In the track list, right-click the track and select Load Track Preset. 3. In the preset browser, select a multi-track preset. 4. Double-click the preset to load it. RESULT The preset is applied.
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 134 MIDI Events on page 137 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 • Drag an audio file from the MediaBay, the Audio Part Editor, the Sample Editor or the Find Media window, and drop it in the event display. • Copy an event from a different Cubase project and paste it in the event display.
Parts and Events Events Audio Files and Audio Clips In Cubase, audio editing and processing are non-destructive. When you edit or process audio in the Project window, the audio file on the hard disk remains untouched. Instead, your changes are saved to an audio clip that is automatically created on import or during recording, and that refers to the audio file. This allows you to undo changes or revert to the original version.
Parts and Events Events them into separate audio files. This is necessary since different events that refer to the same clip access the same clip information. RELATED LINKS Pool on page 358 Audio Regions on page 136 Regions List on page 319 Region Operations Regions are sections within a clip. Regions are best created and edited in the Sample Editor. However, to access the following options, select Audio > Advanced.
Parts and Events Parts • Copy an event from a different Cubase project and paste it in the event display. RELATED LINKS Basic Recording Methods on page 173 Importing MIDI files on page 658 MIDI Editors on page 469 MediaBay on page 377 Parts Parts are containers for MIDI or audio events, and for tracks. RELATED LINKS Audio Parts on page 138 MIDI Parts on page 138 Folder Parts on page 139 Audio Parts Audio parts are containers for audio events.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Folder Parts A folder part is a graphic representation of events and parts on the tracks in the folder. Folder parts indicate the time position as well as the vertical track position. If part colors are used, these are also shown in the folder part. Any editing that you perform to a folder part affects all the events and parts it contains. Tracks inside a folder can be edited as one entity.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The track on which you click is played back, starting at the click position. Playback is stopped when you release the mouse button. NOTE When auditioning, the Main Mix bus is used. Scrubbing The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in events by playing back, forwards or backwards. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play 2. Click Play again to open a pop-up menu. 3. Select Scrub 4. Click the event and keep the mouse button pressed. 5.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Select Submenu If the Object Selection tool is selected, the Select submenu features specific options for selecting events in the Project window. • To open the Select submenu, select Edit > Select. All Selects all events in the Project window. None Deselects all events. Invert Inverts the selection. All selected events are deselected and all events that were not selected are selected instead.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Range Editing on page 315 Removing Events PROCEDURE • To remove an event from the Project window, do one of the following: • Select Erase • Select the events and select Edit > Delete. • Select the events and press Backspace. and click the event. Moving Events You can move events using any of the following methods: • Use the Object Selection tool. • Use Nudge tool. • Select Edit > Move to and select one of the options.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Moving with the Nudge Buttons PROCEDURE 1. Right-click the Project window toolbar and activate Nudge Palette. The nudge buttons become available on the toolbar. 2. Select the events that you want to move, and click Move Left or Move Right . The selected events or parts are moved. Move to Submenu If the Object Selection tool is selected, the Move to submenu features options for moving events to specific positions in the Project window.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events • Change the track name, hold down a modifier key, and press Return to rename all events after the track. Resizing Events You can resize events by moving their start or end positions individually. To resize events, you can use the Object Selection, the Trim, or the Scrub tools. IMPORTANT When resizing events, automation data is not taken into account.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events 2. Click the Object Selection tool again, and select Sizing Moves Contents from the popup menu. 3. Click and drag the lower left or right corner of the event. RESULT The event is resized and the content follows. If several events are selected, they are all resized in the same way.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events • Click Trim Start Right • Click Trim End Left • Click Trim End Right . . . RESULT The start or end position of the selected events are moved by the amount set on the Grid Type pop-up menu. Resizing Events with the Scrub Tool You can scrub the event when moving the start or end point of the event. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play 2. Click Play again to open a pop-up menu. 3. Select Scrub 4.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE If you split a MIDI part so that the split position intersects one or several MIDI notes and Split MIDI Events is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing-MIDI page), the intersected notes are split and new notes are created at the beginning of the second part. If it is deactivated, the notes remain in the first part, but stick out after the end of the part.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Duplicating Events In the Project window, you can duplicate selected events. PROCEDURE • Select the event and do one of the following: • Select Edit > Functions > Duplicate. • Hold down Alt and drag the event to a new position. 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.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Repeat Events Dialog The Repeat Events dialog allows you to create a number of real or shared copies of the selected events. • To open the Repeat Events dialog, select Edit > Functions > Repeat. • Count Allows you to specify how many times you want the event to be repeated. • Shared Copies Activate this to create a shared copy.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE You cannot slide an audio event past the start or end of the actual audio clip. If the event plays the whole clip, you cannot slide the audio at all. Muting Events You can mute events in the Project window. Muted events can be edited as usual (with the exception of adjusting fades), but are not played back. PROCEDURE • Do one of the following: • Select Mute • Select the events and select Edit > Mute.
Range Editing Editing in the Project window is not restricted to handling whole events and parts. You can also work with selection ranges, which are independent from the event/part and track boundaries. Creating a Selection Range • To make a selection range, drag with the Range Selection tool. When the Range Selection tool is selected, you can select selection ranges options via Edit > Select.
Range Editing Creating a Selection Range In Loop Makes a selection between the left and right locator on all tracks. 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.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Editing Selection Ranges Adjusting the Size of Selection Ranges You can adjust the size of a selection range in the following ways: • By dragging its edges. 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 will be moved to the position at which you clicked. • By adjusting the selection range start or end position on the info line.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges RELATED LINKS Duplicating Events on page 148 Cutting, Copying, and Pasting 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. The selection range is replaced by empty track space in the Project window, meaning that events to the right of the range keep their positions.
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 This chapter describes the methods for controlling playback and transport functions. RELATED LINKS Transport on page 698 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 Locators Allows you to go to the left or right locator position, and to set the left and right locator position numerically. Punch Points Allows you to activate/deactivate Punch In and Punch Out. Main Transport Shows the basic transport controls as well as the time display options. Arranger (Cubase Elements only) Shows the arranger functions.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Allows you to monitor the audio input and output signals. Audio Level Control Shows clipping indicators and allows you to control the output level. RELATED LINKS Transport on page 698 Transport - Scrub on page 700 Transport Menu The Transport menu contains several transport functions as well as many other options related to playback and recording. Transport Panel Transport Panel Opens the Transport panel. Transport Start Starts playback. Stop Stops playback.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Nudge Cursor Left Moves the project cursor position to the left. Nudge Cursor Right Moves the project cursor position to the right. Enter Project Cursor Position Allows you to enter the project cursor position manually. Enter Tempo Allows you to enter the tempo manually. Enter Time Signature Allows you to enter the time signature manually. Go to Project Start Moves the project cursor position to the start of the project.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Loop Selection Range Activates playback from the start of the current selection and keeps starting over again when reaching the selection end. Punch Points Activate Punch In Activates/Deactivates punch in. Activate Punch Out Activates/Deactivates punch out. Go to Punch In Position Moves the project cursor position to the punch in position. Go to Punch Out Position Moves the project cursor position to the punch out position.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Locate Next Event Moves the project cursor to the next event on the selected track. Locate Previous Event Moves the project cursor to the previous event on the selected track. Play Project Range Play from Selection Start Activates playback from the start of the current selection. Play from Selection End Activates playback from the end of the current selection.
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 Auto Quantize in Record Activates automatic quantizing during record. Retrospective MIDI Record Retrospective MIDI Record Allows you to capture MIDI notes that you play in stop mode or during playback. For this to work, you need to enable the Retrospective Record option in the Preferences dialog (Record > MIDI). Metronome Setup Metronome Setup Opens the Metronome Setup dialog. Use Metronome Use Metronome Activates/Deactivates the metronome click.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators • To display all transport elements, right-click in an empty area of the transport and select Show All. • To show all controls of a section, click the points to the right of the section and drag all the way to the right. To hide the controls again, drag to the left.
Playback and Transport Setting the Project Cursor Position To move the locator range, do the following: • Click, keep the mouse button pressed, and then drag left or right in the upper part of the ruler. To create a new locator range in a range, do the following: • Press Ctrl/Cmd-Alt and drag left or right in the upper part of the ruler. To set both locators to the nearest snap position, do the following: • Press Ctrl/Cmd-Alt and click at a position in the upper part of the ruler.
Playback and Transport Auto-Scroll RELATED LINKS Transport Panel Sections on page 156 Ruler on page 36 Transport Menu on page 158 Transport on page 698 Left and Right Locators on page 164 Markers on page 223 Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) on page 213 Key Commands on page 634 Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll allows you to keep the project cursor visible in the window during playback.
Playback and Transport Time Formats Time Formats You can set up different time formats. Selecting the Primary Time Format On the Transport panel, you can select the primary time format. This is the global display format that is used for all rulers and position displays in the program, except the ruler tracks. PROCEDURE 1. In the main transport section on the Transport panel, click Select Primary Time Format. 2. Select a time format from the pop-up menu.
Playback and Transport Metronome RELATED LINKS Activating Recording Automatically on page 174 Stopping Recording on page 174 Metronome You can use the metronome click as a timing reference. The two parameters that govern the timing of the metronome are tempo and time signature. • To activate the metronome click, activate Metronome/Click on the Transport panel. You can also select Transport > Use Metronome or use the corresponding key command.
Playback and Transport Metronome Precount Bars Allows you to set the number of bars that the metronome counts in before recording starts. Use Project Count Base Activate this to let the metronome play one click per beat according to the project count base. Use Count Base Activate this to set the rhythm of the metronome. For example, setting this to 1/8, gives you eighth notes (two clicks per beat). Use Time Sign. at Rec.
Playback and Transport Chase Sounds Allows you to load audio files for the Hi and Lo metronome sounds in the Sound fields below. The sliders set the level of the click. Chase Chase is a function that makes sure your MIDI instruments sound as they should when you locate to a new position and start playback.
Virtual Keyboard The Virtual 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 Virtual Keyboard is displayed, the usual key commands are blocked because they are reserved for the Virtual Keyboard.
Virtual Keyboard Virtual Keyboard Options Virtual Keyboard Options 1. Note Velocity Level This slider allows you to adjust the volume of the virtual keyboard. You can also use the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key for this. 2. Change Virtual Keyboard Display Type This button allows you to switch between computer keyboard and piano keyboard display mode. The computer keyboard mode, you can use the two rows of keys that are displayed on the Virtual Keyboard to enter notes.
Recording In Cubase, you can record audio and MIDI. Make the following initial preparations: • Set up, connect, and calibrate your audio hardware. • Open a project and set up the project setup parameters according to your specifications. Project setup parameters determine the record format, sample rate, project length, etc. that affect the audio recordings that you make during the course of the project. • If you plan to record MIDI, set up and connect your MIDI equipment.
Recording Basic Recording Methods Activating Recording You can activate recording manually or automatically. Activating Recording Manually • To activate recording, click Record on the Transport panel or on the toolbar. You can also use the corresponding key command, by default Num-*. Recording starts from the current cursor position.
Recording Basic Recording Methods Cycle Recording You can record in a cycle, that is, you can record a selected section repeatedly and seamlessly. PREREQUISITE A cycle is set up with the left and right locators. PROCEDURE 1. Click the Cycle on the Transport panel to activate cycle mode. 2. Activate recording from the left locator, before or within the cycle. As soon as the project cursor reaches the right locator, it jumps back to the left locator and continues recording a new lap.
Recording Monitoring Re-Recording PROCEDURE 1. Activate Transport > Common Record Modes > Re-Record. 2. Activate recording. 3. Hit Record again to restart recording. RESULT The project cursor jumps back to the record start position and recording is reinitiated. NOTE The previous recordings are removed from the project and cannot be retrieved using Undo. However, they remain in the Pool. Monitoring In Cubase, monitoring means listening to the input signal while preparing to record or while recording.
Recording Monitoring RESULT The monitored signal will be delayed according to the latency value which depends on your audio hardware and drivers. You can check the latency of your hardware in the Device Setup dialog (Device > Device Setup > VST Audio System). RELATED LINKS VST on page 700 External Monitoring External monitoring means listening to the input signal before it is sent into Cubase. It requires an external mixer for mixing the audio playback with the input signal.
Recording Monitoring AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can monitor the input levels of audio tracks, that is, you can map the input bus metering to monitor-enabled audio tracks and watch the input levels of your audio tracks when working in the Project window. • Select File > Preferences > Metering and activate Map Input Bus Metering to Audio Track (in Direct Monitoring). As the tracks are mirroring the input bus signal you will see the same signal in both places.
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 resolution, and record file type for new audio files. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2. Set up the settings for Sample Rate, Bit Resolution, and Record File Type. IMPORTANT The bit resolution 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 on page 119 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 Recovering Audio Recordings Cubase allows you to recover audio recordings in two situations: if you specified an audio pre-record time when you hit Record too late and after a system failure 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. This is possible because Cubase can capture audio input in buffer memory, even when not recording. PROCEDURE 1.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics • 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. MIDI Recording Specifics Preparations The preparations described in the following sections mainly focus on external MIDI devices.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics The available inputs on the menu depend on the type of MIDI interface that you are using. If you hold down Shift-Alt, the selected MIDI input is used for all selected MIDI tracks. 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.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Recording in MIDI Editors You can record MIDI data into the MIDI part that is opened in a MIDI editor. PREREQUISITE You have selected Merge or Replace as a MIDI Record Mode. 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.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Recording Different Types of MIDI Messages You can record different types of MIDI messages. • To specify which event types are recorded, select File > Preferences > MIDI > MIDI Filter and deactivate the options for the type of MIDI message that you want to record.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Reset Function The Reset function sends out note-off messages and resets controllers on all MIDI channels. This is sometimes necessary if you experience hanging notes, constant vibrato, etc. when punching in and out on MIDI recordings with pitchbend or controller data. • To perform a MIDI reset manually, select MIDI > Reset. • If you want Cubase to perform a MIDI reset on stop, select File > Preferences > MIDI and activate Reset on Stop.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Mix For each completed lap, everything you record is added to what was previously recorded. This is useful for building up rhythm patterns. Record a hi-hat part on the first lap, the bass drum part on the second lap, etc. Overwrite As soon as you play a MIDI note or send any MIDI message, all MIDI that you have recorded on previous laps is overwritten from that point. Make sure that you stop playing before the next lap begins. Otherwise, you will overwrite the entire take.
Recording Remaining Record Time 3. In the MIDI track list, activate Record Enable. 4. Play some MIDI material either in Stop mode or during playback. 5. Select Transport > Retrospective MIDI Record. RESULT The content of the MIDI buffer is turned into a MIDI part on the record-enabled track, and the captured notes end up exactly where you played them in relation to the project.
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 Advanced Quantize From this submenu you can select the following functions: • Quantize MIDI Event Lengths Cuts off the ends of selected MIDI events so that the events match the length quantize value. The start positions are kept. • Quantize MIDI Event Ends Moves the ends of MIDI events to the nearest grid positions. • Freeze MIDI Quantize Makes the start and end positions of MIDI events permanent.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths RESULT The starts of the selected MIDI events or all events of the selected MIDI part are quantized. Events that do not match exact note positions are moved to the closest grid position. The note lengths are maintained. Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths PREREQUISITE You have set up a length quantize value on the Length Quantize pop-up menu on the Key Editor toolbar. PROCEDURE 1. 2.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing Audio Event Starts Quantizing Audio Event Starts PREREQUISITE You have set up a quantize grid on the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the Project window toolbar. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select an audio event, a sliced loop, or an audio part. 2. Select Edit > Quantize. RESULT The event snap point, or, if not available, the start of the audio event, is quantized. Event starts that do not match exact note positions are moved to the closest grid positions.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Quantize Presets To the top of the Quantize Panel the quantize presets are shown. Here, you can load and save presets that include all settings for quantizing. 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.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel The Sample Editor opens. 2. Open the Hitpoints section. The hitpoints for the audio event are detected and displayed automatically. 3. Click Create Groove. The groove is extracted. RESULT The groove is extracted from the audio event and made available in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the Project window toolbar. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Open the Quantize Panel and save the groove as a preset.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel 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. Non-Quantize Creates a safe zone before and after the quantize positions.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel IMPORTANT This function has no effect on an event that was moved manually. Auto Applies any changes immediately to the selected parts or events. A way of using this feature is to set up a playback loop and adjust the settings until you are satisfied with the result. Quantize Applies your settings. Options for Quantizing to a Groove You can generate a timing grid from a MIDI part or an audio loop, and use this groove to quantize your recorded music.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel NOTE For drums, the Length setting is ignored. Non-Q Allows you to create a safe zone before and after the quantize positions. If you specify a distance in ticks (120 ticks = one 16th note), events that lie within this zone are not quantized. This way, slight variations are kept. Grid Display Shows the quantize grid. Quantized audio or MIDI is moved to the positions indicated by the vertical grid lines.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel MIDI CC Moves controllers related to MIDI notes (pitchbend, etc.) automatically with the notes when these are quantized. Reset Quantize Resets your audio or MIDI to its original, unquantized state. IMPORTANT This function has no effect on an event that was moved manually. Auto Applies any changes immediately to the selected parts or events. A way of using this feature is to set up a playback loop and adjust the settings until you are satisfied with the result.
Fades and Crossfades Fades allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume at the start or end of audio events or audio clips, and to create smooth transitions. You can create the following fades: • Fade ins/fade outs Fade ins and fade outs allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume of audio events or audio clips. Fade ins and fade outs can be either event-based or clip-based. Event-based fades are calculated in realtime when you play back audio events.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades RELATED LINKS Creating and Editing Fades with the Handles on page 201 Creating and Editing Fades with the Range Selection Tool on page 202 Fade Dialog for Event-Based Fades on page 203 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 In the upper left and right corners you find triangular fade handles that allow you to change the fade in or fade out length. In the top middle you find a square handle that allows you to change the volume. • To change the fade in length, drag the fade handle in the upper left to the right or to the left. • To change the fade out length, drag the fade handle in the upper right to the left or to the right.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades Removing Event-Based Fades You can remove event-based fades for a whole event or for a range. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Perform one of the following actions: • To remove the fades for an event, select the event with the Object Selection tool. • To remove the fades for a range, select the fade area with the Range Selection tool. Select Audio > Remove Fades.
Fades and Crossfades Creating Clip-Based Fades 5. Restore Click this button to cancel any changes you have made since opening the dialog. 6. Fade Length field Use this field to enter fade lengths numerically. The format of values displayed here is determined by the time display in the Transport panel. 7. • If you activate Apply Length, the value entered in the Fade Length value field is used when clicking Apply or OK.
Fades and Crossfades Creating Clip-Based Fades On Processing Shared Clips If several events refer to the same audio clip, this clip is a shared clip. If you edit one of the events that refer to a shared clip, you can decide if you want to apply the processing to all events referring to this clip. Continue Click Continue to apply the processing to all events that refer to the audio clip. New Version Click New Version to create a separate, new version of the audio clip for the selected event.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades Shows the shape of the fade curve. The resulting waveform shape is shown darker, the current waveform shape is shown lighter. 5. • To add points, click the curve. • To change the curve shape, click and drag existing points. • To remove a point from the curve, drag it outside the display. Presets Allows you to set up presets for fade in or fade out curves. 6. • To apply a stored preset, select it from the pop-up menu.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades 2. • To create a crossfade between two events, select the Object Selection tool, and select two consecutive audio events. • To create a crossfade to a selected range between two events, select the Range Selection tool, and select a range covering the area where you want to apply a crossfade. Select Audio > Crossfade or use the key command X. RESULT The crossfade is applied. Changing the Crossfade Length PROCEDURE 1. Select the Range Selection tool. 2.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades The curve shape buttons give you quick access to some common curve shapes. Equal Gain Adjusts the fade curves so that the summed fade in and fade out amplitudes are the same all along the crossfade region. This is often suitable for short crossfades. Equal Power Adjusts the fade curves so that the energy (power) of the crossfade is constant all along the crossfade region. Equal Power curves have only one editable curve point.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Default buttons Click As Default to store the current settings as default. Default settings are used whenever you create new crossfades. Click Recall Default to apply the curves and settings of the default crossfade to the Crossfade editor. RELATED LINKS Key Commands on page 634 Event Handles on page 201 Auto-Scroll on page 166 Removing Crossfades PROCEDURE 1. 2.
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. 5.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Making Auto Fade Settings for Individual Tracks As auto fades use computing power, you might consider to turn auto fades off globally and activate them only for individual tracks. 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.
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) Adding Arranger Events on the Arranger Track Adding Arranger Events on the Arranger Track On the arranger track, you can add arranger events that define specific sections of the project. PREREQUISITE Snap is activated, and Snap Type is set to Events. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track > Arranger. The arranger track is added. 2. Select the Draw tool and draw an arranger event on the arranger track. An arranger event is added. 3.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor 1. Arranger Controls Shows the transport buttons, the arranger transport buttons and the arranger tools. 2. Current Arranger Chain NOTE Initially the arranger chain is empty. To fill it up, you must add events from the Arranger Events list. Shows the order in which the events are played back, from top to bottom, and how many times they are repeated. 3. Arranger Events Lists the available arranger events in the order they appear on the timeline.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor 5. Last Repeat of Current Chain Step Navigates to the last repeat of the current entry in the current arranger chain list. 6. Activate Arranger Mode Activates playback in arranger mode. 7. Select Active Chain Allows you to select and activate an arranger chain. 8. Rename Current Chain Allows you to rename the current arranger chain. 9. Create New Chain Creates a new, empty arranger chain. 10.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranger Editor In the Source section, you can specify which arranger chains are flattened. 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.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events Open New Projects Creates a new project for every flattened arranger chain. If you activate Cascade New Projects, the opened projects are cascaded. RELATED LINKS Flattening the Arranger Chain on page 219 Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events In the Arranger Editor you can set up arranger chains and add events to them. PROCEDURE 1. Click e to open the Arranger Editor. 2. Activate Activate Arranger Mode. 3.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events Editing Arranger Events in the Arranger Chain In the Current Arranger Chain list, you can edit your arranger events. You can perform the following actions: • To select multiple events, Ctrl/Cmd-click or Shift-click them. • To move events in the list, drag them up or down. • To copy events, select them, hold Alt and drag. • To repeat events, click in the Repeats column and enter the number of repeats.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Jump Mode NOTE If you realize that you want to do further adjustments, click Go Back. The activated flatten options are kept. 4. Click Flatten. RESULT The events and parts in the project are reordered, repeated, resized, moved and/or deleted, so that they correspond exactly to the arranger chain. Jump Mode If you have set up an arranger track and play it back, you have live access to the playback order.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Jump Mode AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK • To stop Jump Mode, click Stop. • To continue playback from a specific arranger event, click the arranger event in the Current Arranger Chain list. RELATED LINKS Jump Mode Options on page 221 Jump Mode Options The Jump Mode pop-up menu allows you to define how long the active arranger event is played before jumping to the next one. The following options are available: None Jumps to the next section immediately.
Arranger Track (Cubase Elements only) Arranging Music to Video 1 bar Jumps to the next section at the next bar line. 1 beat Jumps to the next section at the next beat. End Plays the current section to the end, then jumps to the next section. Arranging Music to Video When you compose music for video, you can use arranger events to fill a specific video section with music. Here comes an example on how you could do that.
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 RESULT The left and right locators are moved to encompass the cycle marker. 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.
Markers Markers Window 1. Locate arrow Indicates which marker is at the project cursor position. 2. Functions menu Lists all functions available in the Marker window. 3. Marker type Allows you to specify which marker type is shown in the marker list. 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 Markers Window • To reorder the marker attributes, drag and drop the corresponding column headers. • To adjust the width of a column, place the mouse pointer between two column headers and drag left or right. NOTE No matter by which attribute you sort, the second sort criterion will always be the position attribute. Marker Settings You can access the marker settings by clicking the corresponding button in the bottom left corner of the Markers window.
Markers Markers Window Description Here you can enter names or descriptions for markers. RELATED LINKS Marker IDs on page 227 Cycle Markers on page 223 Editing Attributes • To edit a marker attribute, select the corresponding marker, click in the desired attribute column, and make your settings. • To change the attributes of several markers, select the markers and click the checkbox for the desired attribute. All selected markers will change their attributes accordingly.
Markers Marker Track 2. Open the Functions pop-up menu and select either Reassign Position Marker IDs or Reassign Cycle Marker IDs. RESULT The marker IDs of the selected type are reassigned to match the order of markers on the marker track. Marker Track A marker track is used for adding and editing markers. 1. Add Marker Adds a position marker at the cursor position. 2. Add Cycle Marker Adds a cycle marker at the cursor position. 3.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Editing Markers on the Marker Track • To add a position marker, click Add Marker or use the Draw tool. • To add a cycle marker, click Add Cycle Marker • To select a marker, use the standard techniques. • To resize a cycle marker, select it and drag the handles. You can also do this numerically on the info line. • To move a marker, select it and drag it. You can also edit marker positions on the info line.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Exporting Markers via MIDI You can export your markers as part of a MIDI file. • To include any markers in the MIDI file, activate Export Markers in the Export Options dialog. The following settings are exported: • The start position of position markers and cycle markers. NOTE To be able to export markers via MIDI export, your project must contain a marker track.
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. Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 2. Fader Section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list. 3. Page Selector Allows you to select what page is displayed in the fader section: the channel faders, the insert effects for a channel, or the send effects. The top button allows you to show/ hide the toolbar.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The main MixConsole sections are: 1. Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 2. Channel Selector Allows you to set up the visibility of channels in the fader section. 3. Channel Racks (Upper Zone) Allows you to show additional channel controls as needed. 4. Fader Section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Apart from the main sections, you can also access the following sections from within the MixConsole window: 1. Meter Bridge Allows you to monitor the levels of your channels. 2. Equalizer Curve Allows you to draw an EQ curve. Click in the curve display to open a larger view where you can edit the curve points. 3. Pictures Opens the Pictures section that allows you to add a picture to the selected channel. Pictures can help you identify your MixConsole channels quickly. 4.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Visibility Tab The Visibility tab allows you to determine which channels are shown in the MixConsole. This is particularly helpful if you organize your tracks in folder or group tracks. • To show/hide channels, activate/deactivate the dots. • To collapse/expand groups and folders, click the group or folder name. NOTE The lower zone MixConsole does not follow any visibility changes you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Select Racks Opens the rack selector that allows you to show/hide specific racks. Rack Settings Opens a pop-up menu with settings for the racks. Go to Left/Right Locator Position Allows you to go to the left/right locator positions. Left/Right Locator Position Shows the left/right locator positions. Transport Buttons Shows the transport controls. Time Display Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Shows the meters for ASIO time usage and hard disk transfer load. Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Mixer Functions Menu Opens the Functions Menu that allows you to make settings in the MixConsole. Window Zone Controls Allows you to show or hide the left zone, the upper zone and the right zone of the MixConsole.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Add Configuration Opens the Add Configuration dialog that allows you to save the configuration and enter a name for it. Update Configuration If you change the active configuration, this is indicated by an asterisk after the configuration name. Use this function to save changes to the active configuration. Rename Configuration Opens the Rename Configuration dialog that allows you to rename the active configuration.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Hardware Allows you to control your audio hardware effects. This rack is only available if supported by your hardware. Routing Allows you to set up the input and output routing. For MIDI, you can also select the MIDI channel. Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) (Cubase Elements only) Contains input filter controls along with Phase and Gain controls for audiorelated channels. Inserts Allows you to select insert effects for your channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Show Inserts as Select Plug-in Names if you want to show the plug-in names only. Select Plug-in & Preset Names if you want to show the plug-in and the preset names. Show All Channel Strip Controls Shows all available controls on the Channel Strip rack. Show One Channel Strip Type Shows only one channel strip type at a time.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Scroll to Selected Channel If this option is activated and you select a channel in the Visibility tab, the selected channel is automatically displayed in the Fader section. Copy First Selected Channel’s Settings Copies the settings of the first selected channel. Paste Settings to Selected Channels Pastes the settings to the selected channels. Zoom Opens a submenu where you can increase or reduce the channel width and the rack height.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RESULT The settings for the selected channels are saved with the file extension .vmx. The input/ output routing is not saved. Loading MixConsole Settings You can load MixConsole settings that have been saved for selected channels. PROCEDURE 1. Select the same number of channels that you selected when you saved your MixConsole settings. The loaded MixConsole settings are applied in the same order as originally saved.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE If a channel is deactivated in the channel selector or if its channel type is deactivated, it is not shown in the fader section. The lower zone MixConsole does not follow any visibility changes you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa. It is linked to the track visibility of the Project window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Setting Pan For each audio-related channel with at least a stereo output configuration, you can find a pan control at the top of the fader section. For MIDI channels, the pan control sends out MIDI pan messages. The result depends on how your MIDI instrument is set to respond to pan. The pan control allows you to position a channel in the stereo spectrum. • To make fine adjustments, hold down Shift when you move the pan control.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Using Channel Settings You can open each MixConsole channel in a separate Channel Settings window. This allows for better overview and editing of the channel settings. • To open the channel settings for a specific channel, click E in the fader section. The Channel Settings window for audio-related channels is divided into several sections: • Channel Inserts • Channel Faders • Channel Sends The Channel Strip and Equalizer are always available.
MixConsole MixConsole Window • Showing the output chain If you click Show Output Chain on the toolbar, the output chain is shown in the Channel Faders section. This allows you to keep track of more complicated output routings. • Browsing through channels RELATED LINKS Equalizer Settings on page 255 Browsing through Channels Every channel has its own Channel Settings window, but you can view any channel’s settings from a single window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window For audio channels, the volume fader controls the volume of the channel before it is routed to an output bus, directly or via a group channel. For output channels the volume fader controls the master output level of all audio channels that are routed to an output bus. For MIDI channels the volume fader controls the volume changes in the MixConsole by sending out MIDI volume messages to the connected instruments that are set to respond to MIDI messages.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 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 > 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. Working with Channel Racks The Channel Racks section contains specific MixConsole functions, such as routing, insert, or send handling. These are organized in racks. NOTE The lower zone MixConsole 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 Input Routing Configurations for Mono Channels • Mono input busses. • Mono output busses, or mono group output busses. These should not lead to feedback. RELATED LINKS Routing on page 250 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 250 Output Busses For output busses any assignment is possible.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS Equalizer Settings on page 255 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 Making Phase Settings Each audio-related channel and input/output channel has a Phase button that allows you to correct the phase for balanced lines and microphones that are wired backwards or that are out of phase due to their positioning. PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) to show the Pre rack above the fader section. 2. Activate Phase to invert the phase polarity for the signal.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Saving/Loading FX Chain Presets You can save and load all insert rack settings using FX chain presets. FX chain presets have the file name extension .fxchainpreset. PROCEDURE • In the top right corner of the Inserts rack, open the Presets pop-up menu and perform one of the following actions: • To save the current settings as a preset, select Save FX Chain Preset and name your preset. • To load a preset, select Load FX Chain Preset and select a preset.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Equalizer Settings You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands. These have different default frequency values and different Q names. However, they all have the same frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz). You can specify different filter types for each individual module. 1. Bypass EQ Click to bypass all EQ bands. 2. Curve Display Click on the display in a channel to show a larger version.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Band Settings 1. Activate Band Activates the equalizer band. 2. Gain Set the amount of cut or boost. The range is ±24 dB. 3. Frequency Sets the center frequency of the frequency range to be cut or boosted. You can set the frequency either in Hz or as a note value. If you enter a note value, the frequency is automatically displayed in Hz. For example, a note value of A3 sets the frequency to 440 Hz. When you enter a note value, you can also enter a cent offset.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Strips The Channel Strip rack is only available for audio-related channels. It allows you to load built-in processing modules for separate channels. NOTE This channel rack is only available in the MixConsole window. Channel Strip Modules The channel strips allow you to apply modules directly to specific channels. You can change the position of specific modules in the signal flow via drag and drop.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Attack (0.1 to 1000 ms) Sets the time after which the gate opens when it is triggered. Range Adjusts the attenuation of the gate when it is shut. If Range is set to , the gate is completely shut. The higher the value, the higher the level of the signal that passes through the shut gate. Activate Filter Activates/Deactivates the internal side-chain and allows you to set up a filter to modify the signal detection.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 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. If Auto is activated, the compressor automatically finds the best release setting for the audio material. Make-up (0 to 24 dB or Auto mode) Compensates for output gain loss that is caused by compression. If Auto is activated, the knob becomes dark and the output is automatically adjusted for gain loss.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Output (-48 to 24 dB) Sets the output gain. Gain Reduction LED Indicates the amount of compression of the signal. Attack (0.1 to 100 ms) Determines how fast the compressor responds. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal passes through unprocessed. Punch (On/Off) If this option is activated, the early attack phase of the signal is preserved, retaining the original punch in the audio material, even with short Attack settings.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Tools (Cubase Elements only) 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. Be careful with levels when boosting the gain and if needed reduce the output level to avoid clipping. Attack (-20 to 20 dB) Changes the gain of the attack phase of the signal. Release (-20 to 20 dB) Changes the gain of the release phase of the signal.
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 Hi Cut filter. Use the frequency fader to reduce harshness.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Gain Reduction LED Displays the amount of gain reduction. Mix (0 to 100) Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. 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. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Sends The Sends rack for audio-related channels features send effect slots that allow you to load send effects and value sliders that allow you to determine the send level for a channel. For MIDI channels the Sends rack features send effect slots that allow you to load send effects. Adding Send Effects PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Sends to show the rack above the fader section. 2. Click one of the send slots to open the send selector. 3.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Keyboard Focus in the MixConsole The channel selector section, 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. Press Tab to activate the next section.
Audio Effects Cubase comes with a number of effect plug-ins included 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 plugins. The effects and their parameters are described in the separate PDF 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 Send Effects Send effects can be added to FX channel tracks, and the audio data to be processed can be routed to the effect. This way, the send effects remain outside the audio channel’s signal path. Each audio channel has 8 sends in Cubase Elements and 4 sends in Cubase AI and Cubase LE, each of which can be freely routed to an effect (or to a chain of effects).
Audio Effects Insert Effects NOTE Check the processor for the passage with the largest number of events playing simultaneously to make sure that your system offers the required performance at every time position. Plug-In Delay Compensation Some audio effects, especially dynamics processors that feature a look-ahead functionality, may take a brief time to process the audio fed into it. As a result, the output audio will be slightly delayed. To compensate for this, Cubase provides plug-in delay compensation.
Audio Effects Insert Effects In Cubase Elements, slots 7 and 8 are post-EQ and post-fader. NOTE To show the post-fader slots 7 and 8 in the MixConsole, open the Rack Settings and activate Fixed Number of Slots. Use post-fader slots for insert effects where you do not want the level to be changed after the effect. Dithering and maximizers are typically used as post-fader insert effects for output busses, for example.
Audio Effects Insert Effects RESULT The selected insert effect is loaded and activated, and the audio is routed through it. The effect control panel is opened. RELATED LINKS Effect Control Panel on page 278 Adding Insert Effects to Busses If you add insert effects to input busses, the effects become a permanent part of the recorded audio file. If you add insert effects to output busses, all audio routed to that bus is affected.
Audio Effects Insert Effects RESULT The signal from the audio track is routed through the group channel and passes through the insert effect. Copying Insert Effects You can add insert effects to audio channels by copying them from other audio channels or from other slots of the same audio channel. PREREQUISITE You have added at least one insert effect to an audio channel. PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > MixConsole. 2. In the Inserts rack, locate the insert effect that you want to copy. 3.
Audio Effects Insert Effects PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the audio track with the insert effect that you want to deactivate. 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section, and Alt-click Bypass Insert. RESULT The effect is deactivated and all processing is terminated, but the effect is still loaded.
Audio Effects Insert Effects 3. In the effect selector, select No Effect. RESULT The insert effect is removed from the audio channel. Freezing Insert Effects Freezing an audio track and its insert effects allows you to reduce processor power. However, frozen tracks are locked for editing. You cannot edit, remove or add insert effects for the frozen track. PREREQUISITE You have made all settings for the track and you are sure that you do not need to edit it anymore. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Effects Send Effects Send Effects Send effects are outside the signal path of an audio channel. The Audio data that is to be processed must be sent to the effect. • You can select an FX channel track as routing destination for a send. • You can route different sends to different FX channels. • You can control the amount of signal sent to the FX channel by adjusting the effect send level. To do this, you must create FX channel tracks.
Audio Effects Send Effects 2. Open the Configuration pop-up menu to select a channel configuration for the FX channel track. 3. Open the Effect pop-up menu and select an effect from the selector. 4. Open the FX Channels Folder pop-up menu and select, if you want to create fx channel tracks inside or outside a dedicated folder. 5. Click Add Track. RESULT An FX channel track is added to the track list and the selected effect is loaded into the first insert effect slot of the FX channel.
Audio Effects Send Effects 4. On the send slot, click Activate/Deactivate Send. RESULT The audio is routed through the FX channel. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK In the Channel Settings window for the audio channel you can hold down Alt and doubleclick to show the send destination. If you have routed the send to an FX channel, the effect control panel is opened.
Audio Effects Dither Effects (Cubase Elements only) • To move a send to pre-fader position, open the Channel Settings window for the audio channel, right-click a send and select Move to Pre-Fader. The Pre/Post Fader button indicates that the send is in pre-fader position. • 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.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel NOTE As Cubase internally uses 32-bit float resolution, all integer resolutions are lower. However, the negative effects are most noticeable when mixing down to 16-bit format or lower. Applying Dither Effects PROCEDURE 1. Select Devices > MixConsole. 2. Open the Rack Settings and activate Fixed Number of Slots. 3. Click Edit Channel Settings for the output channel. 4.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 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. Functions menu Opens a menu with specific functions and settings. NOTE For detailed information about the included effects and their parameters, see the separate PDF document Plug-in Reference.
Audio Effects Effect Presets • • Windows: \Users\\My Documents\VST 3 Presets\ \ Mac OS: /Users//Library/Audio/Presets// RELATED LINKS Loading Effect Presets on page 281 Loading Insert Presets on page 283 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.
Audio Effects Effect Presets Loading Effect Presets Most VST effect plug-ins come with a number of useful presets that you can instantly select. PREREQUISITE You have loaded an effect, either as a channel insert or into an FX channel, and the effect control panel is open. PROCEDURE 1. Perform one of the following actions: • Click the preset browser field at the top of the control panel.
Audio Effects Effect Presets Saving Effect Presets You can save your effect settings as presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Preset Management pop-up menu. 2. Select Save Preset 3. The Save Preset pane opens. In the New Preset section, enter a name for the new preset. 4. Optional: Click New Folder to add a subfolder inside the effect preset folder. 5. Optional: Click Show Attribute Inspector in the bottom left corner of the pane and define attributes for the preset. 6.
Audio Effects Effect Presets Copying and Pasting Presets Between Effects You can copy and paste effect presets between different instances of the same plug-in. PROCEDURE 1. Open the control panel for the effect that you want to copy. 2. Right-click the control panel, and select Copy Setting from the context menu. 3. Open another instance of the same effect. 4. Right-click the control panel, and select Paste Setting from the context menu.
Audio Effects Plug-In Information Window 3. On the Inserts tab, click Preset Management and select Load FX Chain Preset. 4. Select an insert preset. 5. Double-click to apply the preset and close the pane. RESULT The effects of the insert effect preset are loaded and any plug-ins that were previously loaded for the track are removed. 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.
Audio Effects Plug-In Information Window Update Re-scans the designated plug-in folders for updated plug-in information. The following columns are available: Active Allows you to activate or deactivate a plug-in. Instances The number of plug-in instances that are used in Cubase. Name The name of the plug-in. Vendor The manufacturer of the plug-in. File The name of the plug-in, including its file name extension. Path The path in which the plug-in file is located. Category The category of each plug-in.
Audio Effects Plug-In Information Window NOTE A plug-in may be in use even if it is not activated in the left column. The left column only determines whether or not the plug-in is visible on the effect selectors. Exporting Plug-In Information Files You can save plug-in information as an XML file, for example, for archiving purposes or troubleshooting. • The plug-in information file contains information on the installed/available plug-ins, their version, vendor, etc.
Audio Processing and Functions If you process audio in Cubase, you can always undo changes or revert to the original version. This is possible because processing does not affect the actual audio files. If you process an event or a selection range, the following happens: • A new audio file is created in the Edits folder, within your project folder. This file contains the processed audio, and the processed section of the audio clip refers to it. • The original file remains unaffected.
Audio Processing and Functions Envelope Preview button Allows you to listen to the result of the processing with the current settings until you click the button again, or until you press Space. You can make adjustments during Preview playback. Process button Allows you to perform the processing and close the dialog. NOTE You can also press Enter or Return. Cancel button Allows you to close the dialog without processing.
Audio Processing and Functions Fade In and Fade Out Envelope display Shows the shape of the envelope. The resulting waveform shape is shown in a dark tone, with the current waveform shape in a light tone. Click the curve to add points, and click and drag existing points to change the shape. To remove a point from the curve, drag it outside the display. Presets Allow you to set up presets that you want to apply to other events or clips. • To save a preset, click Store, type in a name and click OK.
Audio Processing and Functions Gain 6. • To apply a preset, select it from the pop-up menu. • To rename the selected preset, double-click the name and type in a new one. • To remove a preset, select it from the pop-up menu and click Remove. Shape buttons These buttons give you quick access to some common curve shapes. 7. Process Applies the set fade curve to the clip, and closes the dialog. 8. Preview Plays back the fade area.
Audio Processing and Functions Merge Clipboard Merge Clipboard This function allows you to mix audio from the clipboard into the audio that you selected for processing. IMPORTANT This function is only available if you cut or copy a range of audio in the Sample Editor. The available options are: Sources mix Allows you to specify a mix ratio between the original audio that you have selected for processing, and the copied audio from the clipboard.
Audio Processing and Functions Normalize Min. Opening Time Allows you to set the minimum opening time of the gate. If the gate opens and closes too often when processing material that varies rapidly in level, try raising this value. Release Time Allows you to set the time it takes for the gate to close fully after the audio level has dropped below the threshold level. Dry/Wet mix Allows you to specify a mix ratio between dry and wet sound.
Audio Processing and Functions Remove DC Offset Remove DC Offset Allows you to remove any DC offset in the audio selection. This function is recommended for zero crossing detection and certain processing. If your audio signal contains a too large component of direct current, you may notice that it is not centered around the zero level axis. This is called DC offset. • To see if your audio contains DC offsets, select the audio and select Audio > Statistics.
Audio Processing and Functions Reverse Reverse Allows you to reverse the audio selection so that it sounds as if you play back a tape backwards. There are no parameters for this function. Silence Allows you to replace the selection with silence. There are no parameters for this function. Stereo Flip This function allows you to manipulate the left and right channels of stereo audio selections. In the Mode pop-up menu, the available options are: Flip Left-Right Swaps the left and right channel.
Audio Processing and Functions Time Stretch Define Bars section If you use the tempo setting, you can set the length of the selected audio and the time signature in this section. • Bars Specifies the length of the selected audio, in bars. • Beats Specifies the length of the selected audio, in beats. • Sign. Specifies the time signature. Original Length section This section contains information and settings regarding the audio that is selected for processing.
Audio Processing and Functions Freeze Edits Time Stretch Ratio section Determines the amount of time stretch as a percentage of the original length. If you use the settings in the Resulting Length section to specify the amount of time stretch, this value changes automatically. Algorithm section Allows you to select a time stretch algorithm. RELATED LINKS Time Stretch Algorithms on page 303 Freeze Edits Allows you to apply all processing and effects permanently.
Audio Processing and Functions Detect Silence Detect Silence The Detect Silence function allows you to search for silent sections in an event, and to split the event, removing the silent parts from the project, or to create regions corresponding to the non-silent sections. • To open the Detect Silence dialog, select one or several audio events in the Project window or the Audio Part Editor and select Audio > Advanced > Detect Silence.
Audio Processing and Functions Detect Silence Linked Activate this, to set the same values for Open Threshold and Close Threshold. Min. Time open Determines the minimum time that the function remains open after the audio level has exceeded the Open Threshold value. NOTE If your audio contains repeated short sounds, and this results in too many short open sections, try raising this value. Min.
Audio Processing and Functions Spectrum Analyzer Removing Silent Sections The Detect Silence dialog allows you to detect and delete silent sections of your audio. PROCEDURE 1. Select one or several audio events with silent sections in the Project window. 2. Select Audio > Advanced > Detect Silence. 3. Make your settings in the Detection section of the Detect Silence dialog. 4. Click Compute to analyze the audio.
Audio Processing and Functions Spectrum Analyzer Size in Samples Determines a size for the analysis blocks of the audio. The higher this value, the higher the frequency resolution of the resulting spectrum. Size of Overlap Determines overlap between each analysis block. Window used Selects which window type is used for the fast Fourier transform, the mathematical method used for computing the spectrum.
Audio Processing and Functions Spectrum Analyzer NOTE For stereo audio the display in the upper right corner shows the values for the left channel. To see the right channel values, hold down Shift. dB Activate this option to show dB values on the vertical axis. Deactivate this option, to show values between 0 and 1. Freq. log Activate this option to display the frequencies on the horizontal axis on a logarithmic scale. Deactivate this option, to show a linear frequency axis.
Audio Processing and Functions Statistics Statistics The Statistics function analyzes the selected audio events, clips, or range selections and displays a window with 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.
Audio Processing and Functions Time Stretch Algorithms Max. RMS Shows the highest RMS value. Max. RMS All Channels Shows the highest RMS value of all channels. RELATED LINKS Remove DC Offset on page 293 Time Stretch Algorithms In Cubase, time stretching algorithms are used for operations like for the Time Stretch offline process, or in the Sample Editor. Standard The Standard algorithm is optimized for CPU efficient realtime processing.
Audio Processing and Functions Time Stretch Algorithms Custom Warp Settings If you select the Standard – Custom mode, a dialog opens where you can manually adjust the parameters that govern the sound quality of the time stretching: Grain size Allows you to determine the size of the grains in which the standard timestretching algorithm splits the audio. Low grain size values lead to good results for material that has many transients.
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 Sample Editor in Lower Zone The Sample Editor is divided into several sections: 1. Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, manipulating, and playing back audio. 2. Info Line Shows information about the audio. 3. Overview Line Shows an overview of the whole audio clip and indicates which part of the clip is shown in the waveform display. 4. Inspector Contains audio editing tools and functions.
Sample Editor Toolbar NOTE The info line, the overview line, and the regions can be activated/deactivated by clicking Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activating/deactivating the corresponding options.
Sample Editor Toolbar Show Regions Opens a section where you can view and edit regions. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. The Switch Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the edited audio. Audition Loop loops the playback until you deactivate the Audition icon. The Audition Volume slider allows you to adjust the volume.
Sample Editor Toolbar Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero. Snap Restricts horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. Musical Information Musical Mode Locks audio clips to the project tempo by using realtime time stretching. Musical Information Displays the estimated length of your audio file, the estimated tempo, the time signature, and the warp algorithm. These values are important for using Musical Mode.
Sample Editor Toolbar Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing on page 166 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. The project cursor moves to the position where you clicked. 3. Drag to the left or right. RESULT The audio is played back, and you can hear at which position the cursor is located.
Sample Editor Info Line 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 the Info Line option. The on/off status of the info line in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor are independent of each other. NOTE Initially, length and position values are displayed in the format specified in the Project Setup dialog.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Inspector 4. Waveform display Shows the section of the audio that is displayed in the waveform display. 5. • You can specify which section of the audio is shown by clicking in the lower half of this display and dragging to the left or right. • You can zoom in or out horizontally by dragging the left or right edge of this display. • You can show a different section of the audio by clicking in the upper half of this display and dragging a rectangle.
Sample Editor Ruler 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 percentage or in dB.
Sample Editor Waveform Display 3. Ruler Shows the project tempo grid. 4. Audio waveform Shows the waveform image of the selected audio. 5. Half Level Axis To show the half level axis, open the audio waveform context menu and select Show Half Level Axis. NOTE To set up a wave image style open the Preferences dialog and select Event Display > Audio. Zooming in the Waveform You can zoom in the waveform according to the standard zoom techniques.
Sample Editor Range Editing Zoom to Selection Zooms in horizontally and vertically so that the current selection fills 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. Zoom In Vertically Zooms in one step vertically.
Sample Editor Range Editing RESULT The selected range is highlighted in the waveform display. NOTE You can also use the functions in the Select menu to select ranges. RELATED LINKS Select Menu on page 316 Select Menu Select Menu in the Range Section On the Select menu in the Range section in the Sample Editor Inspector, the following functions are available: Select All Selects the whole clip. Select None Deselects everything. Select in Loop Selects the audio between the left and the right locator.
Sample Editor Range Editing In Loop Sets the audio between the left and the right locators. From Start to Cursor Selects the audio between the clips start and the project cursor. From Cursor to End Selects the audio between the project cursor and the end of the clip. This option is available if the project cursor is positioned between the clip boundaries. Left Selection Side to Cursor Moves the left side of the selection range to the project cursor position.
Sample Editor Range Editing Creating Sampler Tracks from Selection Ranges You can create a sampler track that contains only the selected range. PROCEDURE 1. Select a range. If you select no range, the event Start/End is used. 2. Open the Range inspector tab. 3. Click Create Sampler Track . RESULT A new Sampler Track is created and added to the track list. The new sampler track contains your range selection. Edit Functions for Ranges You can edit selection ranges.
Sample Editor Regions List RELATED LINKS Shared Copies on page 149 Processes and Plug-Ins for Ranges You can apply processes and plug-ins to selection ranges. • To apply a process or a plug-in to a selection range, open the Process section in the Sample Editor, and select one of the functions in the Select Process menu or in the Select Plug-in menu. NOTE If you apply processes or plug-ins to ranges of events that are shared copies, you are asked whether you want to create a new version of the clip.
Sample Editor Regions List 5. Play Region Plays back the selected region. 6. Regions list Allows you to select and display regions in the audio waveform. Creating Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated the Regions option. PROCEDURE 1. On the Sample Editor toolbar, activate the Range Selection tool and in the waveform display, select the range that you want to convert into a region. 2.
Sample Editor Regions List Adjusting Start and End Positions of Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated the Regions option. You have created regions. PROCEDURE • Perform one of the following actions: • Drag the Region Start or Region End handle in the waveform display. • Double-click the Start or End field in the regions list and enter a new value.
Sample Editor Snap Point Snap Point The snap point is a marker within an audio event that can be used as a reference position. • To show the snap point, activate Show Audio Event on the toolbar. The snap point is set at the audio event start. But you can move it to another relevant position in the audio. The snap point is used when Snap is activated on the Project window toolbar and you insert a clip from the Sample Editor in the event display.
Sample Editor Snap Point The mouse pointer becomes a hand symbol and a tooltip indicates that you can set the snap point. RESULT The event snap point is adjusted to the position where you dragged it. 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 2. Select the audio event in the Project window and make sure the zoom factor is high enough. RESULT The calculated hitpoints for the selected event are shown in the Project window. NOTE You can disable automatic hitpoint detection by selecting File > Preferences > Editing > Audio and by deactivating Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection. Hitpoint Filters Cubase automatically detects and filters hitpoints.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints 2. Move the mouse on 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 Hitpoint is shown.
Hitpoints Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window 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 on page 325 Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window You can navigate through the hitpoints of an audio event in the Project window. PREREQUISITE Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection is activated (File > Preferences > Editing > Audio). PROCEDURE 1.
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, click Create Slices. • Select Audio > Hitpoints > Create Audio Slices from Hitpoints.
Hitpoints Creating a Groove Quantize Map This applies crossfades to the slices and closes the gaps. NOTE If you decide to change the tempo again, undo your actions and use the original, unstretched file. Project Tempo Is Higher Than the Original Audio If the project tempo is higher than the tempo of the original audio event, the slice events in the part may overlap. If this is the case, right-click the track in the track list and from the context menu, select Auto Fades Settings to smooth out the sound.
Hitpoints Creating Regions RESULT If your project has no marker track, a marker track is added and activated automatically, and a marker is created at every hitpoint position. RELATED LINKS Markers on page 223 Creating Regions You can create regions at hitpoint positions. This allows you to isolate recorded sounds. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to create regions is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes PROCEDURE 1. In the Hitpoints section, click Create MIDI Notes. 2. In the Convert Hitpoints to MIDI Notes dialog, set up the parameters. 3. Click OK. RESULT A MIDI track is added to your project, and MIDI notes are created at every hitpoint position. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Assign a VST instrument to the MIDI track, and select a sound to enrich the audio.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes • 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.
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 Toolbar Audio Part Editor in Lower Zone 1. Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio parts. 2. Info Line Displays information on the audio parts. 3. Ruler Displays the timeline and the display format of the project.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar Left Divider Left Divider Allows you to use the 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. The Switch Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the edited audio. Audition Loop loops the playback until you deactivate the Audition icon.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar Allows you to mute/unmute audio parts. Comp Allows you to assemble takes. Draw Allows you to edit audio. Play Allows you to play back the clip from the position where you click until you release the mouse button. Scrub Allows you to locate positions. 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 Toolbar Moves the selected element to the left. Move Right Moves the selected element to the right. Trim End Left Decreases the length of the selected element by moving its end to the left. Trim End Right Increases the length of the selected element by moving its end to the right. Snap/Quantize Snap to Zero Crossings Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero. Snap On/Off Activates/Deactivates the snap function.
Audio Part Editor Toolbar Iterative Quantize On/Off Activates/Deactivates iterative quantize. Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize or a groove preset. Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Event Colors Color Menu Allows you to define audio part colors. Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop for the edited part. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider.
Audio Part Editor Info Line This button is available in the editor window. It opens the editor in the lower zone of the Project window. Show/Hide Info Allows you to activate/deactivate the info line. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. RELATED LINKS Auto-Scroll on page 166 Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing on page 166 Info Line The info line shows information about the audio part, such as the start, end, length, or the time stretch algorithm.
Audio Part Editor About Lanes About 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. If Snap is deactivated and you want to move an event to another lane without accidentally moving it horizontally, press Ctrl/Cmd while dragging it up or down. RELATED LINKS Track Handling on page 119 Operations All operations can be performed in the Audio Part Editor window and in the lower zone editor.
Audio Part Editor Operations • If you have made a range selection, only this section will be played back. • If there is no selection, the whole part will be played back. If the project cursor is within the part, playback starts from the current cursor position. If the cursor is outside the part, playback starts from the beginning of the part. • If Audition Loop is activated, playback will continue until you deactivate Audition. Otherwise, the section will be played back once.
Audio Part Editor Operations NOTE The events are looped as long as the Loop button is activated and the Audio Part Editor is open. RELATED LINKS Using the Setup options on page 660 Scrubbing In the Audio Part Editor, the Scrub tool has a separate icon on the toolbar. Apart from that, scrubbing works exactly as in the Project window.
Audio Part Editor Operations • It is possible to cycle between parts, making them active using key commands. In the Key Commands dialog – Edit category, there are two functions: Activate Next Part and Activate Previous Part. If you assign key commands to these, you can use them to cycle between parts.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) The sampler track features allow you to chromatically play back any audio from your audio sample library via MIDI. You can create and edit new sounds based on specific samples, and integrate them into an existing project. The sampler track features include: • A sampler track that allows you to control the playback of the audio sample that is loaded in Sampler Control. • Sampler Control that allows you load and edit audio samples.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control NOTE • Audio samples that you load into Sampler Control are not copied to the project audio folder. If you want to archive or share your project including all audio samples that you have loaded into Sampler Control, you must create a self-contained project. • In the Pool, all audio samples that you have loaded into Sampler Control are listed in a dedicated sampler track subfolder in the main audio folder.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Sound Parameter Section on page 349 Keyboard Section on page 354 Sampler Control Toolbar The Sampler Control toolbar contains various settings and functions. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Event Received Indicator This LED indicates incoming MIDI messages via the selected MIDI input.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Tempo Shows the tempo of the sample. Root Key Shows the root key that determines the pitch of the sample. You can change the root key by entering a new value in the value field or by dragging the root key handle on the Sampler Control keyboard. Loop Mode Allows you to select a loop mode for playback via MIDI. • If this is set to No Loop, the sample is played once.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Monophonic Mode Activates monophonic playback. For solo instruments, this usually results in a more naturally sounding performance. If monophonic playback is activated, a note that was stolen by another note is retriggered if you still hold the stolen note when you release the new one. This way, you can play trills by holding one note and quickly and repeatedly pressing and releasing another note, for example.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Sustain Loop End Defines where the sustain loop ends. When this marker is reached, playback jumps back to the sustain loop start. Fade-In Length Defines the fade-in length. Fade-Out Length Defines the fade-out length. Sustain Loop Crossfade Length Loop crossfades allow for smoother loops. This marker defines the length for the loop crossfade. Ruler The ruler shows the timeline in the specified display format.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control This mode is suitable for complex material like drum loops and samples of mixed music. It uses considerably more CPU time than Solo mode. NOTE The more the sample is stretched, the higher the CPU load. AudioWarp Sync Mode Allows you to match the playback speed of the sample to the project tempo. • If Off is selected, the playback speed is specified manually, in percent.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control Pitch In the Pitch section, you can adjust the tuning and pitch of your audio sample. The pitch envelope allows you to modulate the pitch over time. Coarse Sets the pitch of the audio sample in semitone steps. Fine Fine-tunes the pitch of the audio sample in cents (hundredths of a semitone). Glide Specifies the time that is needed to bend the pitch of the audio sample from one note to the following note.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control RELATED LINKS Envelope Editors on page 352 Amp In the Amp section, you can set volume and 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. Show/Hide Amp Envelope Shows the amplifier envelope editor.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control 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. The sustain level is held for as long as you play the note. When you release the note, the envelope continues with the stages following the sustain.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sampler Control RELATED LINKS Keyboard Focus in the Project Window on page 56 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).
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sample Editing and Playback Functions Setting the Key Range on page 356 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.
Controlling Sample Playback with Sampler Tracks (Cubase Elements only) Sample Editing and Playback Functions RELATED LINKS Keyboard Section on page 354 Setting the Key Range on page 356 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 • Adjust the key range by dragging the range handles above the virtual keyboard. RESULT Only keys within the determined key range play a sound when triggered.
Controlling Sample Playback with 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/ Mac OS Finder display folders and file lists.
Pool Pool Window The content of the Pool is divided into the following folders: Audio Folder Contains all audio clips and regions that are in the project. Cubase Elements only: If the projects contains one or more sampler tracks, a dedicated sampler track subfolder is created in the audio folder. This subfolder contains all clips of samples that you have loaded into Sampler Control. Video Folder Contains all video clips that are in the project.
Pool Pool Window Lets you import media files to the Pool. 8. Search Lets you search the Pool and connected disks for media files. 9. Project Folder Displays the path to the folder of the active project. 10. Pool Record Folder Displays the path to the record folder of the active project. By default, this is the Audio folder. However, you can create a new Audio subfolder and designate this as your Pool record folder.
Pool 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 Working with the Pool Info Line The info line displays additional information regarding the files in the pool. • To activate the info line, click Show Info at the left of the toolbar. The info line shows the following information: Audio Files The number of audio files in the Pool. Used The number of audio files in use. Total Size The total size of all audio files in the Pool. External Files The number of files in the Pool that do not reside in the project folder (for example, video files).
Pool Working with the Pool Duplicating Clips in the Pool You can create duplicates of clips and apply different processing methods to them. NOTE Duplicating a clip does not create a new file on disk, but a new edit version of the clip that refers to the same audio file. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the clip that you want to duplicate. 2. Select Media > New Version. RESULT A new version of the clip appears in the same Pool folder.
Pool Working with the Pool If you drag the clip into the Project window, the cross-hair cursor and a tooltip are shown. The tooltip indicates the timeline position where the snap point of the clip is aligned. If you position the clip in an empty area of the track list, that is, where no track exists, a new track is created for the inserted event. NOTE If you press and hold Shift while dragging the clip from the Pool on an event, the clip in this event is replaced.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE You can retrieve a clip or region from the Trash folder by dragging it back into an Audio or Video folder. 2. Depending on whether the clips are used by an event, you have the following options: • If the clips are used by an event, click Remove and then click Trash. • If the clips are not used by an event, click Trash. 3. Select Media > Empty Trash. 4. Click Erase. RESULT The files are deleted from the hard disk.
Pool Working with the Pool RESULT All events that refer to the selected clips are now selected in the Project window. Locating Clips via Events in the Project Window You can find out which clip belongs to a particular event in the Project window. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select one or more events. 2. Select Audio > Find Selected in Pool. RESULT The corresponding clips are located and highlighted in the Pool.
Pool Working with the Pool 5. • To audition a file, select it in the list and use the playback controls to the left (Play, Stop, Pause, and Loop). If Auto Play is activated, selected files are automatically played back. • To import a file into the Pool, double-click the file in the list or select it and click Import. To close the search pane, click Search on the toolbar again. Using the Extended Search Functionality Apart from the search criterion Name, additional search filters are available.
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 Media 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 process audio and stored in the Edits folder within the project folder), it may be possible for the program to reconstruct it by recreating the editing to the original audio file. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, locate the clips for which files are missing. 2. Check the Status column. If the status of the files is “Reconstructible”, the files can be reconstructed by Cubase. 3. Select the reconstructable clips and select Media > Reconstruct.
Pool Working with the Pool • When you click in the waveform image to audition, the section from the selected point to the end of the clip is repeated indefinitely until you stop playback. 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.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE You can also use the commands on the Import submenu of the File menu to import audio or video files into the Pool. RELATED LINKS Wave Files on page 590 Importing ReCycle files on page 654 Importing compressed audio files on page 655 Video File Compatibility on page 619 Importing Audio CDs in the Pool You can import tracks or sections of tracks from an audio CD directly into the Pool.
Pool Working with the Pool Please, don’t ask again If this option is activated, files will always be imported according to the settings that you have made, without this dialog appearing. This can be reset in the Preferences dialog (Editing > Audio). NOTE You can also convert files later with the Convert Files or Conform Files options.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE You cannot designate the Video folder or any of its subfolders as the Pool Record folder. 2. Select Media > Create Folder. 3. Rename the new folder. 4. Select the new folder and select Media > Set Pool Record Folder, or click in the Status column of the new folder. RESULT The new folder becomes the Pool Record folder. Any audio recorded in the project will be saved in this folder.
Pool Working with the Pool Minimizing Files You can minimize the audio files according to the size of the audio clips referenced in the project. The files that are produced using this option only contain the audio file portions that are actually used in the project. This can significantly reduce the size of the project if large portions of the audio files are unused. Therefore, the option is useful for archiving purposes after you have completed a project.
Pool Working with the Pool 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. Sample Rate Allows you to convert to another sample rate. Sample Width Allows you to convert to 16 Bit, 24 Bit, or 32 Bit Float. Channels Allows you to convert to Mono or Stereo Interleaved. File Format Allows you to convert to Wave, AIFF, Wave 64, or Broadcast Wave format.
Pool Working with the Pool 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. • If any Keep option is selected, original files remain in the Audio folder of the project and new files are created. RESULT The files are conformed. Clip or event references in the Pool are redirected to the conformed files.
MediaBay The MediaBay allows you to manage all your media files and presets from multiple sources. MediaBay in Right Zone You can open the MediaBay in the right zone of the Project window. This is useful, if you want to access the MediaBay functions from within a fixed zone of the Project window. To open the MediaBay in the right zone, do the following: • Click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar, and at the top of the right zone, click the MediaBay tab.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Filters Section on page 391 Loading Loops and Samples on page 393 Loading Track Presets on page 393 Loading Instrument Presets on page 394 Loading Effect Plug-In Presets on page 394 Loading FX Chain Presets on page 395 Loading Strip Presets on page 395 MediaBay Window To open the MediaBay in a separater window, do one of the following: • Select Media > MediaBay. • Press F5. MediaBay The MediaBay is divided into the following sections: 1.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Allows you to filter the results list using a logical or an attribute filter. 4. Results Displays all found media files. You can filter the list and perform text searches. 5. Previewer Allows you to preview the files shown in the results list.
MediaBay MediaBay Window VST Sound Node The VST Sound node is a shortcut to your user content and the factory content files, including the preset folders. The folders below the VST Sound node represent the directories in which content files and track presets, VST presets, etc. are stored by default. Scanning Your Content You can specify which folders or directories you want to include in the scan. • To include a folder in the scan, activate its checkbox.
MediaBay MediaBay Window 1. Previous/Next Browse Location Selects the previous/next browse location. 2. Browse Containing Folder Opens the parent location of the selected folder. 3. Select Defined Browse Location The following location presets are available by default: All Media, Local Harddisks, VST Sound, Factory Content, User Content, Cubase Projects, Documents, Desktop, Music. 4.
MediaBay MediaBay Window 5. Repeat these steps to add as many locations as you want. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Once you have set up your locations, you can hide the Define Locations section from view, to save screen space. Results Section The Results list shows all media files that are found in the selected location. NOTE You can set the maximum number of files that are displayed in the Results list in the MediaBay Settings.
MediaBay MediaBay Window • To move or copy a file from the Results list to another location, drag it to another folder in the Define Locations section. • To change the order of the columns in the Results list, click on a column header, and drag that header to another position. • To delete a file, right-click it in the list and select Delete. The file is permanently deleted from your computer.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Show Media Types Selector You can activate the media types that you want to be displayed in the Results list. The following media types are available: Audio Files If this option is activated, the list shows all audio files. The supported formats are .wav, .w64, .aiff, .aifc, .rex, .rx2, .mp3, .mp2, .ogg, .sd2 (Mac OS only), .wma (Windows only). MIDI Files If this option is activated, the list shows all MIDI files (file name extension .mid).
MediaBay MediaBay Window Video Files If this option is activated, the list shows all video files. Projects If this option is activated, the list shows all project files (.cpr). RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 129 Saving/Loading Strip Presets on page 263 Saving/Loading EQ Presets on page 256 Saving/Loading FX Chain Presets on page 254 Video File Compatibility on page 619 Filtering According to Rating With the Rating Filter, you can filter files according to their rating.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Boolean Text Search You can perform advanced searches, using boolean operators or wildcards. The following elements can be used: And [+] [a and b] When entering strings separated by “and” (or a plus sign), all files are found that contain both a and b. [And] is the default setting when no boolean operator is used, for example, you can also enter [a b]. Or [,] [a or b] When entering strings separated by “or” (or a comma), files are found that contain either a or b, or both.
MediaBay MediaBay Window 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. IMPORTANT The Previewer section is not available for video files, project files, and audio track presets. You can preview track presets in the preset browser. NOTE Some MediaBay preferences affect the playback of media files.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Previewing MIDI Files IMPORTANT To preview a MIDI file, you must select an output device from the Output pop-up menu. 1. Transport Controls Allows you to start and stop the preview. 2. Preview Level Fader Allows you to specify the preview level. 3. Output Allows you to select the output device. 4. Auto Play New Results Selection If this option is activated, the selected file is automatically played back. 5.
MediaBay MediaBay Window If this option is activated, the events of the MIDI loop are transposed 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. Previewing VST Presets and Track Presets for MIDI and Instrument Tracks To preview track presets for MIDI or instrument tracks and VST presets you need some MIDI notes.
MediaBay MediaBay Window 3. Click Play to the left of the pop-up menu. RESULT The notes received from the MIDI file are played back with the settings of the track preset applied. NOTE The recently used MIDI files are kept on the menu, for quick access. To remove an entry from this list, select it on the menu and then select Remove MIDI File. Previewing Presets Using the Memo Recorder Mode The Memo Recorder mode continually repeats a given sequence of notes as a loop.
MediaBay MediaBay Window Filters Section With the MediaBay, you can perform very refined file searches. About Attributes for Media Files Attributes for media files are sets of meta data providing additional information on the file. The different types of media files have different attributes. For example, .wav audio files have attributes like name, length, size, sample rate, content set, etc., while .mp3 files have additional attributes such as artist or genre.
MediaBay Working With the MediaBay • To change the displayed attribute values of a column, click on the attribute column and select another attribute. 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. Setting Up the MediaBay You can show and hide the different sections of the MediaBay.
MediaBay Working With the MediaBay have folders reserved for audio content, folders for special effects, folders for combinations of sounds making up the ambience noise that you need for a certain film take, etc. These can all be set as different Locations in the MediaBay, allowing you to limit the files available in the Results list according to context. Whenever you expand your computer system, you should save the new volumes as Locations or add them to your existing Locations.
MediaBay Working With the MediaBay • 2. In the MediaBay in the right zone (not in Cubase LE), click the Presets > Track Presets tile and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list. Do one of the following: • Double-click the track preset to create a new track with the preset loaded. • Drag the track preset and drop it on a track to apply the preset to the track. RESULT The preset is applied to the track and all settings of the preset are loaded.
MediaBay Working With the MediaBay 3. Drag the plug-in preset from the MediaBay and drop it on the open Inserts section of the Inspector. RESULT The effect plug-in preset is applied to the audio track and the settings are loaded. RELATED LINKS Show Media Types Selector on page 384 Loading FX Chain Presets PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following • In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click FX Chain Presets and select a preset.
MediaBay Working with MediaBay-Related Windows Saving/Loading Strip Presets on page 263 Working with MediaBay-Related Windows The MediaBay concept can be found throughout the program, for example, when adding new tracks or when choosing presets for VST instruments or effects. The workflow in all MediaBay-related windows is the same as in the MediaBay. Adding Tracks If you add a track by selecting Project > Add Track, the following dialog opens: Click Browse to expand the dialog to show the Results list.
MediaBay Working with MediaBay-Related Windows Applying Track Presets You can choose from a variety of track presets. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector, click the Preset Management icon on the right of the Inserts section. 2. Select From Track Preset. 3. In the Results browser, double-click a track preset to apply it. RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 129 Applying Instrument Presets When working with VST instruments, you can choose from a variety of presets via the Results browser. PROCEDURE 1.
MediaBay Working With Volume Databases Presets Presets contain the settings of the entire plug-in. For multi-timbral instruments, this means the settings for all sound slots as well as the global settings. Programs Programs contain only the settings for one program. For multi-timbral instruments, this means only the settings for one sound slot.
MediaBay 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 a while. Volume databases are automatically mounted when Cubase is launched.
MediaBay 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.
MediaBay MediaBay Key Commands MediaBay Key Commands You can display the available MediaBay key commands from within the MediaBay window. This is useful if you want to get a quick overview over the assigned and the available MediaBay key commands. • To open the key commands pane, click Key Commands in the lower left corner of the MediaBay. • To close the key commands pane, click anywhere outside of the pane. • To assign or modify a key command, click the corresponding key command.
Automation In essence, automation means recording the values for a particular MixConsole or effect parameter. When you create your final mix, Cubase can adjust this particular parameter control. Recording your Actions If the settings in your current project are crucial, you may not want to experiment with automation until you know more about how it all fits together. If so, you can create a new project for the following example.
Automation Static Value Line 1. Ramp curves Ramp curves are created for any parameter that generates continuous multiple values, such as fader or encoder movements. 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 straight horizontal line, the static value line. This line represents the current parameter setting.
Automation MIDI Part Data vs. Track Automation MIDI Part Data vs. Track Automation You can enter or record MIDI controller data as automation data on an automation track or as part data in the MIDI part. • If Read Automation for a track is enabled, controller data is written as automation data on an automation track in the Project window. • If Read Automation is disabled, the controller data is written in the MIDI part and can be viewed and edited for example in the Key Editor.
Automation Writing Automation Data 7. Start playback. RESULT All actions that you recorded are reproduced exactly. When you drag a plug-in to a different insert slot on the same channel, any existing automation data moves with the plug-in. When you drag it to an insert slot on a different channel, any existing automation data is not transferred to the new channel. Manual Writing of Automation Data You can add automation events manually by drawing automation curves on an automation track. PROCEDURE 1.
Automation Editing Automation Events NOTE Events that are introduced between existing events that do not deviate from the existing curve are removed as soon as you release the mouse button. To activate the Line tool in any other available mode, click the Line tool and click again to open a pop-up menu where you can select the Line tool mode.
Automation Editing Automation Events RELATED LINKS Toolbar on page 31 Automation Event Editor on page 407 Selecting Automation Events • To select an automation event, click it with the Object Selection tool. • To select multiple events, drag a selection rectangle with the Object Selection tool or Shift-click the events. • To select all automation events on an automation track, right-click the automation track and select Select All Events from the context menu.
Automation Editing Automation Events If you click on the upper border of the editor, you can move the entire curve vertically. This allows you to raise or lower the values of the event values of the curve. 5. Compress Right 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.
Automation Automation Tracks • To copy a continuous selection of automation events, click inside the selection rectangle, hold down Alt, and drag to the left or to the right. NOTE If you press Esc while dragging the selection rectangle, the selection jumps back to its original position. RELATED LINKS Selecting Automation Events on page 407 Removing Automation Events • To remove an automation event, click on it with the Erase tool.
Automation Automation Tracks • To remove all automation tracks from a track that do not contain automation events, select Remove Unused Parameters from any of its automation parameter name popup menus. Assigning a Parameter to an Automation Track Parameters are already assigned to automation tracks when you open them, according to their order in the parameter list. PROCEDURE 1. Open an automation track and click on the automation parameter name. A parameter list is shown.
VST Instruments VST instruments are software synthesizers or other sound sources that are contained within Cubase. They are played internally via MIDI. You can add effects or EQ to VST instruments. Cubase allows you to make use of VST instruments in the following ways: • By adding a VST Instrument and assigning one or several MIDI tracks to it (not in Cubase LE). • By creating an instrument track. This is a combination of a VST instrument, an instrument channel, and a MIDI track.
VST Instruments Creating Instrument Tracks • A folder with the name of the instrument that is added within a VST Instruments folder. The instrument folder contains two automation tracks: one for the plug-in parameters and one for the synth channel in the MixConsole. Creating Instrument Tracks You can create instrument tracks that hold dedicated VST instruments. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track > Instrument. 2. Open the Instrument pop-up menu and select a VST instrument for the instrument track.
VST Instruments VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) RELATED LINKS Showing/Hiding Zones on page 30 VST Instruments Window (not in Cubase LE) The VST Instruments window allows you to add VST instruments for MIDI and instrument tracks. All instruments that are used in your project are shown. You can access to up to 8 quick controls for each added instrument. To open the VST Instruments window, select Devices > VST Instruments.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls (not in Cubase LE) • Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls follows track selection ensures that the VST Quick Control remote-control focus follows the track selection. VST Instrument Controls (not in Cubase LE) The VST instrument controls allow you to make settings for a loaded VST instrument. The following controls are available on each instrument: 1. Activate Instrument Activates/Deactivates the instrument. 2. Edit Instrument Opens the instrument panel.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments RELATED LINKS Freezing Instruments on page 418 VST Instrument Context Menu The following functions are available in the instruments context menu: Copy/Paste instrument Setting Allows you to copy the instrument settings and paste them to another instrument. Load/Save Preset Allows you to load/save an instrument preset. Default Preset Allows you to define and save a default preset. Switch to A/B Setting Activates the setting A or B.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments 2. • Select the track that contains the VST instrument and in the Inspector, click the Programs field. • In the VST Instruments window, click Preset Browser for the instrument, and select Load Preset. • In the control panel for the VST instrument, click Preset Browser, and select Load Preset. In the preset browser, select a preset from the list and double-click it to load it. RESULT The preset is applied.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Saving Track Presets You can save your settings on instrument tracks as track presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: • Select the instrument track and in the Inspector, click Save Track Preset. • Right-click the instrument track and from the context menu, select Save Track Preset. 2. In the Save Track Preset dialog, enter a name for the preset. 3. Optional: Click Show Attribute Inspector and define attributes for the preset. 4.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Freezing Instruments If you are using a moderately powerful computer or a large number of VST instruments, your computer may not be able to play back all instruments in realtime. At this point, you can freeze instruments. PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: • Select Devices > VST Instruments. • Select the instrument track and open the top Inspector section. 2. Click Freeze. 3. In the Freeze Instrument Options dialog, make your settings. 4. Click OK.
VST Instruments About Latency Unload Instrument when Frozen Activate to unload the instrument after freezing. This makes the RAM available again. About Latency The term latency stands for the time it takes for the instrument to produce a sound when you press a key on your MIDI controller. It can be an issue when using VST instruments in realtime. Latency depends on your audio hardware and its ASIO driver.
VST Instruments Import and Export Options track presets. This way, you can reuse instrument patterns in other projects or applications, for example. PROCEDURE 1. Select Media > MediaBay. 2. Optional: In the Results section, open the Select Media Types menu, and activate MIDI Loops and Plug-in Presets. 3. In the results list, select a MIDI loop and drag it to an empty section in the Project window.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) 4. Optional: To save attributes for the MIDI loop, click the button below the New MIDI Loop section at the bottom left. The Attribute Inspector section opens, allowing you to define attributes for your MIDI loop. 5. Click OK to close the dialog and save the MIDI loop. RESULT MIDI Loop files are saved in the following folder: Windows: \Users\\AppData\Roaming\Steinberg\MIDI Loops Mac OS: /Users//Library/Application Support/Steinbe
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) NOTE The number of VST Quick Controls that are shown depends on the size of the VST Instruments window. 3. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls Allows you to activate the VST Quick Controls to remote-control the instrument. RELATED LINKS Remote controlling Cubase on page 428 Connecting Quick Controls with Remote Controllers Quick Controls become powerful when used in combination with a remote controller.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls (not in Cubase LE) RELATED LINKS The Generic Remote device on page 431 Activating Pick-up Mode for Hardware Controls Pick-up Mode allows you to change configured Quick Control parameters without accidentally modifying their previous values. Often, the parameter settings of your Quick Controls are initially different from the settings of your hardware controls, for example, when the hardware controls control, different Quick Controls on different tracks.
Installing and Managing Plugins Installing VST plug-ins Cubase supports the VST 2 and VST 3 plug-in standards. You can install effects and instruments that comply with these formats. A plug-in is a piece of software that adds a specific functionality to Cubase. The audio effects and instruments that are used in Cubase are VST plug-ins. Effect or instrument plug-in normally have their own installation application. Read the documentation or readme files before installing new plug-ins.
Installing and Managing Plug-ins Plug-in Manager Plug-in Manager Window You can manage your effects and VST instruments in the Plug-in Manager window. • To open the Plug-in Manager window, select Devices > Plug-in Manager. The Plug-in Manager window shows the following: VST Effects This tab lists all VST effects that are loaded in Cubase. You can sort the list by name, vendor, category, etc. by clicking the corresponding column heading.
Installing and Managing Plug-ins Plug-in Manager Collection list By default, the window section to the right shows the Default collection, which contains all effects or VST instruments loaded by the program. The Default collection cannot be changed. You can compile your own collections of effects or VST instruments by clicking New Collection and dragging and dropping items from the list of all effects or VST instruments to the collection list.
Installing and Managing Plug-ins Compiling a New Effects Collection the plug-in that you have selected first is shown. In this section, you can also deactivate selected plug-ins. Deactivated plug-ins are no longer available in collections. This is useful if you have plug-ins installed that you do not want to use in Cubase. Plug-in Manager Settings Opens a section at the bottom of the window in which all current paths to VST 2 plug-ins are listed.
Remote controlling Cubase It is possible to control Cubase via MIDI. A large number of MIDI control devices is supported. This chapter describes how to set up Cubase for remote control. The supported devices are described in the separate PDF document Remote Control Devices. There is also a Generic Remote Device option, allowing you to use any MIDI controller to remote control Cubase.
Remote controlling Cubase Setting Up Selecting a remote device PROCEDURE 1. Open the Device Setup dialog from the Devices menu. 2. If you cannot find the remote device you are looking for, click on the plus sign in the top left corner and select the device from the pop-up menu. The selected device is added to the Devices list. NOTE Note that it is possible to select more than one remote device of the same type.
Remote controlling Cubase Operations IMPORTANT Sometimes communication between Cubase and a remote device is interrupted or the handshaking protocol fails to create a connection. To re-establish communication with any device in the Devices list, select it and click the Reset button in the lower part of the Device Setup dialog. The “Send Reset Message to all Devices” button at the top left of the dialog next to the “+” and “-” buttons will reset every device in the Devices list.
Remote controlling Cubase The Generic Remote device Therefore, when you are using a device without touch-sensitive controls and want to replace existing automation data, pay attention to the following: • If you activate Write mode and move a control on the remote control device, all data for the corresponding parameter is replaced from the position where you moved the control, up to the position where playback is stopped.
Remote controlling Cubase The Generic Remote device When the Generic Remote device is added in the Device Setup dialog, you can open the corresponding window by selecting “Generic Remote” from the Devices menu. 3. Select the Generic Remote device in the Devices list to the left. The settings for the Generic Remote device are displayed, allowing you to specify which control on your device should control which parameter in Cubase. 4.
Remote controlling Cubase The Generic Remote device Column Description MIDI Status Clicking in this column opens a pop-up menu, allowing you to specify the type of MIDI message sent by the control (e. g. Controller, Prog. Change Trigger). The NRPN and RPN controllers are part of the MIDI specification and present a way to extend the available control messages.
Remote controlling Cubase The Generic Remote device • If you are uncertain of which MIDI message a certain controller sends, you can use the Learn function. Select the control in the upper table (by clicking in the Control Name column), move the corresponding control on your MIDI device and click the Learn button to the right of the table. The MIDI Status, MIDI Channel, and Address values are automatically set to those of the moved control.
Remote controlling Cubase The Generic Remote device Column 8. Description • Push Button – If this flag is activated, the parameter is only changed if the received MIDI message shows a value unequal to 0. • Toggle – If this flag is activated, the parameter value is switched between minimum and maximum value each time a MIDI message is received. The combination of Push Button and Toggle is useful for remote controls which do not latch the state of a button.
Remote controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) NOTE The last imported or exported remote setup will automatically be loaded when the program starts or the Generic Remote control is added in the Device Setup dialog. The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Often, the automatic mapping of plug-in parameters to remote control devices appears rather random, and not very intuitive.
Remote controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) You can perform the following editing operations: • Change the parameter assignments • Change the name in the text label • Set up the cells • Arrange the order of cells and pages When you open the editor for the first time, the Standard Layout is shown. Inspector Section The Inspector contains the settings and the parameter assignment for the selected cell. The upper section contains settings for the text label.
Remote controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Setting up the Standard Layout Click the “Set up Cell Layout” button to open the Cell Layout Configuration panel. Here, you can make the following settings: • Use the pop-up menu to specify the number of cells per page. • In the lower section, select the switch layout that you want to use for the pages. You can specify the number of switches for a cell by activating/deactivating them.
Remote controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Toggle Switch This is best used for parameters with 2 states, like On/Off buttons. LED Ring An LED ring is shown around the knob. The setting increases clockwise. LED Ring (counter-clockwise) An LED ring is shown around the knob. The setting increases counter-clockwise from right to left. Center Width The LED ring starts at the top center position and when the settings increase, an LED is shown growing in both directions.
Remote controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Decreasing Stepwise (cycle) Pressing the switch steps through the available settings in reverse order, starting over with the maximum value when the minimum is reached. Smart Switch This changes between 2 states every time you press the switch, like an On/ Off button. Furthermore, if you keep the switch pressed, you enter Momentary mode, that is, the corresponding function stays active for as long as the button is pressed.
Remote controlling Cubase The Remote Control Editor (Cubase Elements only) Editing the Layout In the Layout section, you can perform a number of editing operations and arrange the pages to your liking. Making Name Settings for the Cells The top 3 text fields in the Inspector can be used to specify the names for a cell. This is useful if you are working with hardware devices that have value fields that only display a limited number of characters, for example.
Remote controlling Cubase Apple Remote (Macintosh only) NOTE A layout always contains at least one page. Adding/Removing a New Hardware Layout • To add a hardware layout for a particular hardware type, click the “+” button to the right of the tabs. • To remove a hardware layout, click the “x” icon of a tab. Changing the Settings in a Layout • To modify an existing layout, save the new settings by clicking the Apply button in the top right corner of the editor.
Remote controlling Cubase Apple Remote (Macintosh only) By default, the Apple Remote always controls the application that has the focus on your Macintosh computer (provided that this application supports the Apple Remote). NOTE When the “Disable when application is not in front” option is not selected, the Apple Remote will control Cubase even if it does not have the focus.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI realtime means that you can change or transform MIDI events on MIDI or instrument tracks before they are sent to the MIDI outputs. This allows you to change the way MIDI data is played back. The actual MIDI events on the track are not affected. Therefore, MIDI realtime changes are not reflected in any MIDI editor.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers • To modify already existing MIDI events on MIDI or instrument tracks. • To modify MIDI events that you play live. NOTE For live playing, select and record-enable the track, and activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog, MIDI page. MIDI Modifiers Section NOTE If you want to compare the result of your modifier settings with the unprocessed MIDI, you can use the bypass button in the MIDI modifiers section.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE Combine this setting with the Velocity Shift parameter. 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 Setting up Ranges You can filter out pitches or velocities that do not match a specified range, or force them to fit a specified range. PROCEDURE 1. Select a MIDI or instrument track. 2. In the Inspector, open the MIDI Modifiers section. 3. Open the Range pop-up menu, and select a mode. 4. Set the minimum and maximum values with the two fields to the right. NOTE You can make independent settings for the two Range functions.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers 3. Activate HMT: Follow. 4. Activate HMT: Use for Analysis to use the notes you play to calculate retuning. NOTE If you use tracks with acoustic piano, activate HMT: Use for Analysis and deactivate HMT: Follow. This excludes the piano from being tuned which would sound unnatural. 5. Select Project > Project Setup to open the Project Setup dialog. 6. Open the HMT Type pop-up menu and select one of the options. 7. Play some notes.
MIDI Realtime Parameters Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line Pop Jazz (3/5/7) Tunes pure thirds and fifths, and natural sevenths. This tuning type should not be applied to polyphonic music. Try this with pop or jazz. Baroque (3/5 adaptive) Tunes pure thirds and fifths. The degree of purity changes according to the sequence of harmonies. This tuning type is suitable for church organ and polyphonic music.
Using MIDI devices The MIDI Device Manager allows you to specify and set up your MIDI devices, making global control and patch selection easy. MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling On the following pages, we will describe how to install and set up preset MIDI devices, and how to select patches by name from within Cubase. About Program Change and Bank Select To instruct a MIDI instrument to select a certain patch (sound), you send a MIDI Program Change message to the instrument.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling Opening the MIDI Device Manager Select MIDI Device Manager from the Devices menu to bring up the following window: Installed Devices List of connected MIDI devices. The first time you open the MIDI Device Manager, this list will be empty. Install Device/Remove Device Use these buttons to install/remove devices. Export Setup/Import Setup Use these buttons to import/export XML Device setups.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling Note that there is an important difference between installing a preset MIDI device (“Install Device”) and importing a MIDI device setup (“Import Setup”): • The presets do not include any device mapping of parameters and controls and no graphic panels. They are simply patch name scripts. When you install a preset MIDI device, it is added to the Installed Devices list.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling RESULT The Patch Banks list in the left half of the window shows the patch structure of the device. This could simply be a list of patches, but it is usually one or several layers of banks or groups containing the patches (much like a folder structure on a hard disk for example).
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling Selecting a patch for an installed device If you return to the Project window at this point, you will find that the installed device has been added to the MIDI Output menus (in the track list and the Inspector). Now you can select patches by name, in the following way: PROCEDURE 1. Open the Output menu (in the track list or Inspector) for the track you want to associate the installed device with, and select the device.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling 6. Rename the desired patches in this way, and finish by deactivating Enable Edit again (to avoid modifying the device by accident). NOTE You can also make more radical changes to the patch structure in a device (adding or deleting patches, groups or banks), see below. For example, this is useful if you expand your MIDI device by adding extra storage media such as RAM cards.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling • To replace an event, click on it and select another event from the pop-up menu. For example, a MIDI device may require that a Bank Select message is sent first, followed by a Program Change message, in which case you would need to replace the default Program Change message with a Bank Select message and add a new Program Change after that. • To remove an event, select it and press Delete or Backspace.
Using MIDI devices MIDI devices – general settings and patch handling Other editing functions • You can move presets between banks and folders by dragging them to the Patch Banks list. • You can remove a bank, folder or preset by selecting it in the Patch Banks list and pressing Backspace. • If you specify more than one bank, a Bank Assignment tab is added next to the Patch Banks tab.
MIDI Processing This chapter describes the various MIDI processing functions available on the MIDI menu. They offer various ways to edit MIDI notes and other events, either in the Project window or from within a MIDI editor. MIDI functions vs. MIDI modifiers In some cases, the result of a MIDI function can also be obtained by using MIDI modifiers. For example, the operations “Transpose” and “Quantize” are available both as MIDI modifiers and as MIDI functions.
MIDI Processing Transpose • In the MIDI editors, the MIDI functions apply to all selected events. If no events are selected, all events in the edited part(s) will be affected. Transpose The “Transpose Setup…” option on the MIDI menu opens a dialog with settings for transposing the selected notes. Semitones This is where you set the amount of transposition. Scale Correction Scale Correction transposes the selected notes by forcing them to the closest note of the selected scale type.
MIDI Processing Making your settings permanent Making your settings permanent The settings described in the chapter “MIDI realtime parameters” do not change the MIDI events themselves, but work like a “filter”, affecting the music on playback. Therefore, you may want to make them permanent, i. e. convert them to “real” MIDI events, for example to transpose a track and then edit the transposed notes in a MIDI editor.
MIDI Processing Making your settings permanent NOTE If you only want to include events from a single track in the merge operation, you may want to solo the track. RELATED LINKS MIDI Merge Options Dialog on page 461 MIDI Merge Options Dialog The following options are available: Include Inserts If this option is activated, any MIDI modifiers activated for the tracks will be applied.
MIDI Processing Dissolve Part Dissolve Part The Dissolve Part function on the MIDI menu allows you to separate MIDI events according to channels or pitches: • When you work with MIDI parts (on MIDI channel “Any”) containing events on different MIDI channels, activate the “Separate Channels” option. • To separate MIDI events according to pitch, activate the “Separate Pitches” option. Typical examples are drum and percussion tracks, where different pitches usually correspond to separate drum sounds.
MIDI Processing Repeat Loop This part contains events on MIDI channels 1, 2, and 3. Selecting “Dissolve Part” creates new parts on new tracks, set to channels 1, 2, and 3. Each new part contains only the events on the respective MIDI channel. The original MIDI part is muted. Dissolving parts into separate pitches The Dissolve Part function can also scan MIDI parts for events of different pitches, and distribute the events into new parts on new tracks, one for each pitch.
MIDI Processing Other MIDI functions Other MIDI functions The following items can be found on the Functions submenu of the MIDI menu: Legato Extends each selected note so that it reaches the next note. You can specify a gap or overlap for this function with the “Legato Overlap” setting in the Preferences dialog (Editing–MIDI page). When using Legato with this setting, each note will be extended to end 5 ticks before the next note.
MIDI Processing Other MIDI functions MIDI instruments (a new Note On is transmitted before the Note Off is transmitted). This command can then be used to automatically solve the problem. Delete Overlaps (poly) This function shortens notes when required, so that no note begins before another ends. This happens regardless of which pitch the notes have. Velocity This function opens a dialog that allows you to manipulate the velocity of notes in various ways.
MIDI Processing Other MIDI functions Fixed Velocity This function sets the velocity of all selected notes to the Insert Velocity value on the toolbar in the MIDI editors. Delete Doubles This function removes double notes, i. e. notes of the same pitch on the exact same position from the selected MIDI parts. Double notes can occur when recording in Cycle mode, after Quantizing, etc. Delete Notes Allows you to delete very short or weak notes.
MIDI Processing Other MIDI functions OK and Cancel Clicking OK performs the automatic delete according to the rules set up. Clicking Cancel closes the dialog without deleting notes. Delete Controllers This function removes all MIDI controllers from the selected MIDI parts. Delete Continuous Controllers This function removes all “continuous” MIDI controller events from the selected MIDI parts. Therefore, “on/off” events such as sustain pedal events are not removed.
MIDI Processing Other MIDI functions NOTE MIDI controller automation is also affected by the Automation Merge Mode. Reverse This function inverts the order of the selected events (or of all events in the selected parts) rhythmically, causing the MIDI music to play backwards. Note that the effect is different from reversing an audio recording. With MIDI, the individual notes will still play as usual in the MIDI instrument – it is only the order of playback that is changed.
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 • Zoom tool • Select Edit > Zoom. 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, select File > Preferences > Editing > Tools and activate/deactivate Zoom Tool Standard Mode: Horizontal Zooming Only.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Velocity The note events get different colors depending on their velocity values. Pitch The note events get different colors depending on their pitch. 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 when you are working with 2 or more tracks in an editor, to see which note events belong to which track.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Selecting Note Events using the Select Submenu The Select submenu offers you several options to select note events. To open the Select submenu, select Edit > Select. All Selects all note events in the edited part. None Deselects all note events. Invert Inverts the selection. All selected note events are deselected and all notes that were not selected are selected instead.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Muting Note Events You can mute individual note events in a MIDI editor. Muting individual notes allows you to exclude note events from playback. Do one of the following: • Click on a note event with the Mute tool. • Drag a rectangle with the Mute tool, enclosing all note events that you want to mute. • Select the note events and select Edit > Mute. • To unmute a note event, click it or enclose it with the Mute tool.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Duplicating and Repeating Note Events You can duplicate and repeat note events in the same way as events in the Project window. • To duplicate the selected note events, hold down Alt and drag the note events to a new position. If Snap is activated, it determines to which positions you can copy notes. • To copy the selected note events and place them directly behind the original, select Edit > Functions > Duplicate.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions • Double-click the Insert Velocity field on the toolbar and enter a velocity value. • Assign key commands to Insert Velocity 1-5 and use them. This allows you to quickly switch between different velocity values when you enter note events. Handling Several MIDI Parts • To activate a part for editing, open the Currently Edited Part menu and select a part. When you select a part from the list, it is automatically active and centered in the note display.
MIDI Editors Key Editor If you have set up a loop range in the Project window, it is hidden from the ruler in the MIDI editor. 2. Ctrl/Cmd-click in the ruler to specify the start of the independent track loop. 3. Alt-click in the ruler to specify the end of the independent track loop. RESULT The independent loop range is indicated in a different color. The start and end of the loop range are displayed on the status line.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Key Editor Window Key Editor in Lower Zone 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 time line. 5. Inspector Contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. 6.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Contains a grid in which MIDI notes are displayed as boxes. 7. Controller display The area below the note display consists of one or multiple controller lanes. NOTE You can activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, and the controller lanes by clicking Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activating/deactivating the corresponding options. Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and settings for the Key Editor.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Tool Buttons Object Selection Allows you to select events. Draw Allows you to draw events. Erase Allows you to delete events. Trim Allows you to trim events. Split Allows you to split events. Mute Allows you to mute events. Glue Allows you to glue together events of the same pitch. Zoom Allows you to zoom in/out. Hold Alt and click to zoom out. Line Allows you to create a series of contiguous events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Auto Select Controllers Auto Select Controllers Automatically selects controller data of the selected MIDI notes. Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop. Show Note Expression Data Show Note Expression Data Shows note expression data. Multiple Part Controllers Show Part Borders Shows/Hides part borders for the active MIDI part, within the left and right locators.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Nudge Palette Trim Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left. Trim Start Right 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Snap Snap On/Off Activates/Deactivates the snap function. Snap Type Allows you to select one of the following snap types: • Grid snaps events to the grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu. • Grid Relative grid. • Events • Shuffle changes the order of events if you drag one event to the left or right of other events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Length Quantize Length Quantize Allows you to set a value for quantizing event lengths. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Opens the VST Instrument that the track is routed to. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the lower zone editor. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window. It opens the editor in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Current Chord Display When the project cursor is positioned over notes that form a chord, the chord is displayed here. RELATED LINKS Looping MIDI Parts on page 475 Info Line The info line shows values and properties of the selected events. If several notes are selected, the values for the first note are displayed in color. To show or hide the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate or deactivate Info Line.
MIDI Editors Key Editor • To make the new length settings permanent, click Freeze MIDI Lengths to the right of the Scale Length/Scale Legato slider. • To fine-tune the distance between consecutive notes, use the Overlap slider. At 0 Ticks, the Scale Length/Scale Legato slider extends each note so that it reaches the next note exactly. Positive values cause the notes to overlap and negative values allow you to define a small gap between the notes.
MIDI Editors Key Editor The on/off status of the controller lanes in the Key Editor window and in the lower zone editor are independent of each other.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Key Editor Operations This section describes the principal editing operations within the Key Editor. Inserting Note Events with the Object Selection Tool You can insert note events with the Object Selection tool. PREREQUISITE You have set up the length for the note events quantize value in the Length Quantize pop-up menu of the toolbar. PROCEDURE • In the note display, double-click with the Object Selection tool at the position where you want to insert a note.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Modifying Note Values while Inserting Notes When inserting note events, you can modify specific note values on the fly. • To edit the note velocity, drag upwards or downwards. • To edit the note pitch, hold down Alt and drag upwards or downwards. • To edit the note length, drag to the left or to the right. • To edit the time position, hold down Shift and drag to the left or to the right. NOTE You can activate/deactivate Snap temporarily by holding down Ctrl/Cmd.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Paint This mode allows you to insert note events by painting in the note display. Moving and Transposing Note Events There are several options to move and transpose note events. • To move note events in the editor, select the Object Selection tool and drag them to a new position. All selected note events are moved, maintaining their relative positions. Snap is taken into account. • To allow only horizontal or only vertical movement, hold down Ctrl/Cmd while dragging.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations The resulting note event length is a multiple of the Length Quantize value on the toolbar. • Select Trim and cut off the end or the beginning of note events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Gluing Note Events You can glue together note events of same pitch. • To glue note events, select Glue and click on a note event. The note event is glued together with the next note event of the same pitch. The result is a long note event that spans from the start of the first note to the end of the second note and with the properties (velocity, pitch, etc.) of the first note event.
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 Inverts the lowest note of a chord. The corresponding notes are transposed by as many octaves as needed. Drop Notes - Move the second highest note an octave lower Moves the second highest note of a chord down by one octave. Drop Notes - Move the third highest note an octave lower Moves the third highest note of a chord down by one octave.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations RESULT The first chord event of the chord track is applied to the selected notes. Only the basic chord type is applied. Tensions are not taken into account. Drum Map Handling When a drum map is assigned to a MIDI or instrument track, the Key Editor displays the drum sound names as defined by the drum map. This allows you to use the Key Editor for drum editing, for example, when editing drum note lengths or when editing several parts to identify drum events.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Step Input Step input, or step recording, allows you to enter note events or chords one at a time without worrying about the exact timing. This is useful, for example, when you know the part that you want to record but are not able to play it exactly as you want it. PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, activate Step Input 2. Use the note buttons to the right to determine which properties are included when you insert the note events. .
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 7. When you are done, click Step Input again to deactivate step input. Using the Controller Display The Controller Display displays the controller events. By default, the controller display has a single lane that shows one event type at a time. However, you can add as many lanes as you need. The use of several controller lanes allows you to view and edit different controllers at the same time.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Setting up Available Continuous Controllers In the MIDI Controller Setup dialog, you can specify which continuous controllers are available for selection. NOTE The MIDI Controller Setup dialog can be opened from different areas in the program. The settings are global, that is, the setup you choose here affects all areas of the program where MIDI controllers can be selected. PROCEDURE 1. Select Controller Selection and Functions > Setup. 2.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 3. In the Type In Preset Name dialog, enter a name for the preset. 4. Click OK. RESULT Your controller lane setup is now available as a controller lane preset. NOTE To apply a saved preset, open the Controller Lane Setup pop-up menu and select the preset. NOTE To remove or rename a preset, open the Controller Lane Setup pop-up menu and select Organize Presets. A dialog opens, where you can remove and rename presets.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations When you move the pointer inside a controller lane, the event type value changes corresponding to the pointer movement. The event type value is displayed below the event type name, left of the controller display. • If there is more than one note at the same position, their velocity bars overlap on the controller lane. If none of the notes are selected, all notes at the same position are set to the same velocity value when you draw.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations You can use modifier keys to determine the shape of the parabola curve. • To reverse the parabola curve, press Ctrl/Cmd. • To change the position of the whole curve, press Alt. • To increase or decrease the exponent, press Shift. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Editing Events using the Draw Tool You can draw and edit events in the controller display with the Draw tool. The Draw tool has the same functionality as the Line tool in Paint mode. • To change the velocity of a single note, click on its velocity bar and drag the bar up or down. NOTE When you move the pointer inside a controller lane, the event type value changes corresponding to the pointer movement.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 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 Key Editor Operations 4. Move Vertically If you click on the upper border of the editor, you can move the entire curve vertically. This allows you to raise or lower the values of the event values of the curve. 5. Compress Right 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.
MIDI Editors Score Editor You can also click and drag to create a selection rectangle that encompasses the events that you want to move. 2. Click on a curve point inside the selection and drag the events. RESULT The events inside the selection are moved to the new position. Snap is taken into account. NOTE If Auto Select Controllers is activated on the Key Editor toolbar, selecting notes also selects the corresponding controller events.
MIDI Editors Score Editor • Select a MIDI part in the Project window and select MIDI > Scores > Open Score Editor. • Select a MIDI part in the Project window and press Ctrl/Cmd-R. 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 editors to open in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Editors Score Editor 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. • To open one or several parts in the Score Editor, select one or several tracks or any number of parts, and select MIDI > Open Score Editor. If you have selected parts on several tracks, you get one staff for each track.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Allows you to delete events. Insert Note Allows you to insert notes. Split Allows you to split events. Glue Allows you to glue together events of the same pitch. Insert Text Allows you to insert text. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Insert Velocity Insert Velocity Allows you to specify a velocity value for new notes.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize or a groove preset. Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Length Quantize Length Quantize Allows you to set a value for quantizing event lengths. 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 Score Editor Includes the NoteOff velocity when you insert notes. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the lower zone editor. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window. It opens the editor in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Mouse Note Position Displays the exact pitch of the mouse pointer position. This facilitates finding the right pitch when entering or transposing notes. Current Chord Display When the project cursor is positioned over notes that form a chord, this chord is displayed here. Info Line The info line shows values and properties of the selected MIDI notes. If several notes are selected, the values for the first note are displayed in color.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Score Display The main area of the Score Editor window shows the notes in the edited parts on one or several staves. Parts on different tracks are shown on different staves. • If you are editing one or several parts on the same track, as much of them as possible is shown on several staves, comparable with a score on paper. • If you are editing parts on several tracks, they are put on a grand staff.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations To open the Staff Settings dialog, double-click in the area to the left of the staff, or select a staff and select MIDI > Scores > Staff Settings. NOTE The time signature follows the time signatures that are set in the Tempo Track editor. These settings are common to all tracks/staves in the score. Staff Mode The Staff Mode determines how the staff is shown. • In Single mode, all notes in the part are shown in the same staff.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations 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. This setting is partly overridden by Auto Quantize. Rests This value is used as a recommendation.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Auto Clef If this option is activated, Cubase attempts to guess the correct clef, judging from the pitch of the music. Display Transpose In this section, you can specify a separate display transpose setting for each staff (track). This transposes the notes in the score without affecting how the notes are played back. This allows you to record and play back a multi staff arrangement and still score each instrument according to its own transposition.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Shuffle If this option is activated and you have played a shuffle beat, the beat is displayed as straight notes, not as triplets. This is very common in jazz notation. Quantize Value When you move the mouse pointer over the score, the Mouse Time Position field on the status line tracks your movement and shows the current position in bars, beats, 16th notes, and ticks. The quantize value controls the positioning on screen.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations NOTE If the notes that you enter appear to have the wrong note value you may have to adjust the Display Quantize settings. For example, you enter a 1/32 note that is displayed as a 1/16 note. RELATED LINKS Setting Velocity Values on page 474 Display Quantize on page 513 Moving and Transposing Notes PROCEDURE 1. Open the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the toolbar and select a quantize value. 2.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Splitting and Gluing Note Events • To split 2 notes that are strung together by a tie, click on the tied note head with the Cut tool. • The note is divided into 2, with the respective length of the main and the tied note. • To glue a note to the next note with the same pitch, click on a note with the Glue tool. Enharmonic Shift You can perform an enharmonic shift on notes that are not displayed with the accidentals you wish. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations This opens the text for editing. Use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Left Arrow, Right Arrow keys to move the cursor, delete characters with the Delete or Backspace keys, press Return when your are finished. • To delete text blocks, select them with the Object Selection tool and press Backspace or Delete. • To move text blocks, drag them to a new position. • To duplicate text blocks, press Alt and drag them to a new position.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Frame Allows you to enclose the text in a rectangular (box) or oval frame. Font Options Determine whether the text is formatted bold, italic, and/or underlined. Printing the Score PROCEDURE 1. Open the parts that you want to print in the Score Editor. 2. Select File > Page Setup and make sure that all your printer settings are correct. IMPORTANT If you change your setting for paper size, scale, and margins now, the score may change its look. 3. Click OK. 4.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Drum Editor Window Drum Editor in Lower Zone 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor 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. 8. Note display Contains a grid in which notes are displayed. 9. Controller display The area below the note display consists of one or multiple controller lanes.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Left Divider Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Drum Sound Visibility Drum Visibility Agents Allows you to determine which drum sounds are displayed in the drum sound list. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. The Switch Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Line Allows you to create a series of contiguous events. Acoustic Feedback Acoustic Feedback Automatically plays back events when you move or transpose them, or when you create them by drawing. 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 Drum Editor Notes Length Insert Length Allows you to determine a length for newly created notes. Show Note Length On/Off Shows drum notes as boxes that display the note length. Nudge Palette Trim Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left. Trim Start Right 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Move Up More Transposes the selected event up by an octave. Move Down More Transposes the selected event down by an octave. Snap Snap On/Off Activates/Deactivates the snap function. Snap Type Allows you to select one of the following snap types: • Grid snaps events to the grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu. • Grid Relative grid. • Events • Shuffle changes the order of events if you drag one event to the left or right of other events.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Use Global Quantize Applies the global quantize setting to drum notes. 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Allows you to select event colors. Edit VST Instrument Edit VST Instrument Opens the VST Instrument that the track is routed to. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the lower zone editor. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Mouse Time Position Displays the exact time position of the mouse pointer, depending on the selected ruler display format. This lets you edit or insert notes at exact positions. Mouse Note Position Displays the exact pitch of the mouse pointer position. This facilitates finding the right pitch when entering or transposing notes. Track Loop Start/Track Loop End If Independent Track Loop is activated on the toolbar and you set up a loop, the start/end position are displayed.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor • To make the new length settings permanent, click Freeze MIDI Lengths to the right of the Scale Length/Scale Legato slider. • To fine-tune the distance between consecutive notes, use the Overlap slider. At 0 Ticks, the Scale Length/Scale Legato slider extends each note so that it reaches the next note exactly. Positive values cause the notes to overlap and negative values allow you to define a small gap between the notes.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor The vertical position of the notes corresponds to the drum sound list to the left, while the horizontal position corresponds to the note’s position in time. RELATED LINKS Toolbar on page 522 Controller Display The area at the bottom of the Drum Editor window is the controller display.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor 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. Drum Sound List The drum sound list lists all drum sounds by name and lets you adjust and manipulate the drum sound setup in various ways. NOTE The number of columns in the list depends on whether a drum map is selected for the track or not. Pitch Note number of the drum sound. Instrument Name of the drum sound.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Output MIDI output on which the drum sound is played back. RELATED LINKS Muting Notes and Drum Sounds on page 537 Drum Maps on page 537 Drum Sound Visibility The Drum Visibility Agents on the drum editor toolbar allow you to determine which drum sounds are shown in the drum sound list. • To open the visibility agents, click Drum Visibility Agents on the toolbar. Show All Drum Sounds Shows all drum sounds as defined in the selected drum map.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations 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. PREREQUISITE You have set up the Insert Length on the toolbar to determine the length of the inserted note. If Insert Length is set to Drum-Map Link, the note gets the length of the quantize value for the drum sound.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations • 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. RELATED LINKS Toolbar on page 522 Modifying Note Values while Inserting Notes When inserting note events, you can modify specific note values on the fly. • To edit the note velocity, drag upwards or downwards.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations 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 • To move a note event via the info line, select a note event and edit the Position or Pitch on the info line. • To transpose note events, select the note events and use the Up Arrow/Down Arrow keys. • To transpose note events via the Transpose Setup dialog, select the note events and select MIDI > Transpose Setup. • To transpose note events in steps of one octave, press Shift and use the Up Arrow/Down Arrow keys.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps To solve this problem and to simplify several aspects of MIDI drum kits, such as using drum sounds from different instruments in the same drum kit, Cubase features drum maps. A drum map is a list of drum sounds, with a number of settings for each sound. When you play back a MIDI track for which you have selected a drum map, the MIDI notes are filtered through the drum map before they are sent to the MIDI instrument.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps Drum Sound List Lists all drum sounds and their settings. To audition a drum sound, click the leftmost column. NOTE If you audition a sound in the Drum Map Setup dialog and the sound is set to MIDI output Default, the output that is selected on the Output pop-up menu in the lower left corner is used. When auditioning a default output sound in the Drum Editor, the MIDI output selected for the track is used.
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 532 Drum Map Setup Dialog on page 538 Importing Drum Maps from Virtual Instruments You can import your drum map settings to the VSTi/MIDI track that is routed to Groove Agent SE.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps • If you make specific MIDI channel and output settings for all sounds in a drum map, you can switch between drum maps to send your drum tracks to another MIDI instrument. 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps O-Notes (Output Notes) The next step is the output. This is what happens when you play back the recorded note, or when the note you play is sent back out to a MIDI instrument in realtime (MIDI Thru): The program checks the drum map and finds the drum sound with the pitch of the note. In our case, this is a C1 note and the drum sound is the bass drum.
Chord Functions The chord functions provide you with many possibilities for working with chords. The chord functions allow you to: • Build chord progressions by adding chord events to the chord track. • Convert chord events to MIDI. • Use the chord track to control MIDI playback. • Use the chord track voicing to change the pitches of your MIDI. • Extract chord events from MIDI data to get an overview of the harmonic structure of a MIDI file. • Record chord events with a MIDI keyboard.
Chord Functions Chord Events Chord Events Chord events are representations of chords that control or transpose playback on MIDI and instrument tracks. Chord events alter the pitches of MIDI notes if their track is set up to follow the chord track. Chord events have a specific start position. Their end, however, is determined by the start of the next chord event. They can have a root note, a type, a tension, and a bass note: 1. Root note 2. Type 3. Tension 4.
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. 5.
Chord Functions Chord Events • Define a root note, for example, C, D, E. • Define accidentals, for example, # or b. • Define the chord type, for example maj, min, dim, sus, or aug. • Define a chord extension, for example 7, 9, or 13. NOTE If you have activated Solfège in the Note Name pop-up menu (File > Preferences > Event Display > Chords), you can also enter chords in this format. You must capitalize the first letter and write “Re” instead of “re”, for example.
Chord Functions Chord Events • To play a chord and assign it to the selected chord event, click it. The last 3 chords that you clicked are shown with a highlighted border. • To define a new key, right-click the chord in the Chord Assistant and select Use as Origin, or use the Rotate Left/Rotate Right controls. • To select the parallel minor chord and define it as key, click Major/Minor.
Chord Functions Scale Events Changing How Chord Events Are Displayed You can change how chord events are displayed. This is useful if chord events overlap each other at low zoom levels, or if you do not like the font type. PROCEDURE 1. On the chord track, activate Resolve Display Conflicts. 2. Select File > Preferences > Event Display > Chords and set up the chord font. Here you can also determine the note name and naming format.
Chord Functions Voicings • Double-click the scale event, and in the keyboard that appears, select a Root Key and Type of the scale. 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.
Chord Functions Voicings Allows you to configure your own voicing parameters for a specific voicing scheme. 4. Adaptive Voicings Activate this to let Cubase set the voicings automatically. This prevents the individual voices from jumping too much. 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.
Chord Functions Converting Chord Events to MIDI Duplicate Root Duplicates the root note. Fatten up Duplicates the tenor. In the Voicing Range section for Piano voicings, you can set up the following parameters: Lowest Root Note Sets the limit for the lowest root note. Lowest Note Sets the limit for the lowest note, except the root note. Highest Note Sets the limit for the highest note, except the root note.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback using the Chord Track RESULT A new MIDI part is created, containing the chords as MIDI events. Assigning Chord Events to HALion Sonic SE Pads PREREQUISITE Create a chord progression on the chord track and add an instrument track with HALion Sonic SE as VST instrument to your project. PROCEDURE 1. On the chord track, select the chord events and drag them to the HALion Sonic SE pads.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback using the Chord Track NOTE If this is the first time that you open this pop-up menu for the track, the Follow Chord Track dialog opens. 4. In the Follow Chord Track dialog, make your settings. 5. Click OK. RESULT The events on your track now match the chord progression on the chord track. NOTE If you matched your MIDI track to the chord track, some of the original MIDI notes may be muted.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback using the Chord Track Root Notes This transposes MIDI notes to match the root note of the chord event. The effect corresponds to using the transpose track. This option is suitable for bass tracks. Voicings This transposes MIDI notes to match the voices of the selected voicing library. Single Voice Maps MIDI notes to the notes of a single voice (soprano, tenor, bass, etc.) of the voicing. Use the pop-up menu below to select the desired voice.
Chord Functions Assigning Voices to Notes Using Map to Chord Track This allows you to match individual parts or events to a chord progression on the chord track. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select the events or parts that you want to map to the chord track. 2. Select Project > Chord Track > Map to Chord Track. 3. From the Mapping Mode pop-up menu, select a mapping mode. NOTE If you select Voicings and no voices are found, Auto mode is used instead. 4. Click OK.
Chord Functions Extracting Chord Events from MIDI Extracting Chord Events from MIDI You can extract chords from MIDI notes, parts, or tracks. This is useful if you have a MIDI file and want to show its harmonic structure, and use this file as starting point for further experimenting. PREREQUISITE Add the chord track and create MIDI notes that can be interpreted as chords. Drums, monophonic bass, or lead tracks are not suitable. PROCEDURE 1.
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 Functions Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard NOTE The chord track uses its own voicing settings. The recorded chord events may therefore sound different.
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 realtime via a MIDI keyboard. • Record your performance as MIDI events on a MIDI or instrument track or even on the chord track. NOTE We assume that you have a MIDI keyboard connected and set up.
Chord Pads Chord Pads 1. Current Player Shows the current player and opens a menu where you can select another player. 2. Current Mode Shows the current player mode and opens a menu where you can select another player mode. 3. Chord Pad Each chord pad can contain a chord symbol. To change it, click the Open Editor control on the left edge of the chord pad. 4. Keyboard Shows which keys are played when you trigger a chord pad. To zoom the keyboard, click a key and drag up or down.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Shows/Hides the chord settings, where you can configure different players, the pad layout, and the remote assignment. RELATED LINKS Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control on page 569 Players and Voicings on page 573 Opening Chord Pads on page 48 Chord Pad Controls The chord pad controls allow you to edit the chord pads. • To show the chord pad controls, move the mouse over a chord pad. 1. Open Editor Opens the chord editor that allows you to select a chord for the chord pad. 2.
Chord Pads Functions Menu • 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 Sets the current pad as adaptive voicing reference. If set, the automatic voicings for the following pads will be set in a way that they do not get too far away from the reference voicing. Only one pad can be set as adaptive voicing reference.
Chord Pads Preparations Preparations Before you can start working with the chord pads, you must add a MIDI or an instrument track with an instrument loaded, and open the chord pads. PREREQUISITE You have installed and set up a MIDI keyboard. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track > Instrument. 2. In the Add Instrument Track dialog, select an instrument, and click Add Track. 3. On the instrument track, click Record Enable. 4. Select Project > Chord Pads to open the Chord Pads.
Chord Pads Assigning Chords to Chord Pads The Chord Assistant window shows suggestions for follow-on chords that you can assign to the chord pads. Chord Assistant – Circle of Fifths Mode The Chord Assistant window shows the chords in an interactive visualization of the circle of fifths. The origin chord that defines the current key is shown in the center of the Chord Assistant window. The tonic (I) of that key is displayed above the center.
Chord Pads Assigning Chords to Chord Pads • The chord events from the chord track Unassigning Chord Pads You can clear all chord pads to start from scratch. PROCEDURE • To the left of the chord pads, open the Functions Menu and select Unassign All Pads. Assigning Chords with the Chord Editor If you know exactly which chord you want to assign to a specific chord pad, you can use the chord editor. PROCEDURE 1. Move the mouse pointer to the left edge of the chord pad, and click Open Editor. 2.
Chord Pads Assigning Chords to Chord Pads 2. In the Chord Assistant window, click the chord symbols to trigger the corresponding chords. 3. To assign a chord, drag it from the Chord Assistant window and drop it on the chord pad. NOTE If one of the next chord pads is free, you can also right-click the chord in the Chord Assistant window and select Assign to Pad. This assigns the chord to the next free pad.
Chord Pads Moving and Copying Chord Pads NOTE Chord events that have more than one occurrence on the chord track are only assigned once. Moving and Copying Chord Pads You can swap the chord assignments between 2 pads or copy a specific chord and its settings from one pad to another. • To swap the chord pad assignment between 2 pads, click a chord pad and drag it to another chord pad. While you drag, the border of the destination chord pad changes its color.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords Recording Chords on MIDI or Instrument Tracks You can record the chords that are triggered through the chord pads on MIDI or instrument tracks. This way, you can play back and edit your performance at any time. PREREQUISITE You have connected and set up a MIDI keyboard, you have opened and set up the chord pads, and you have added an instrument or a MIDI track for which a VST instrument is loaded to your project. PROCEDURE 1.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control RESULT The chord events are recorded on the chord track. NOTE The recorded chord events may sound different from the chord pad playback. This is because the voicing settings for the chord track differ from the chord pad voicings. RELATED LINKS Chord Functions on page 543 Voicings on page 549 Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control On the Remote Control tab in the chord pad Settings, you can change the remote key assignments.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control 1. Pads Remote Range Allows you to set the start and end note for the remote range. By default, Range Start is set to C1 and Range End to B1. This is indicated by the corresponding keys on the keyboard in the chord pads being highlighted in blue. You can trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads by hitting the keys that correspond to this note range on your MIDI keyboard. 2.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Remote Control Action Description Remote Note Voicings for all chord pads The wheel position determines the voicings for the next played chords of all chord pads. CC 1 Modulation wheel Tensions: Less Plays back the last played chord with less tensions. D2 Tensions: More Plays back the last played chord with more tensions. D#2 Tensions for all chord pads Allows you to determine the tension level for the next played chord of all chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Players • Click MIDI Learn so that the button lights up, and on your MIDI keyboard, press the 2 keys that you want to assign as range start and range end. • Enter a new value in the Range Start and Range End fields. RESULT On the keyboard, the indication for pads remote range is changed. Chord Pad Settings – Players On the Players tab in the chord pad Settings, you can change the voicing that is used for the chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Players 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 549 Adaptive Voicing In Cubase, the adaptive voicing setting ensures that pitches in chord progressions do not change abruptly.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Players NOTE The loop or part must have between 3 and 5 voices. In the MediaBay, the number of voices is indicated in the Voices column of the result list. The loop or part is taken as a reference and defines how the chord is played. The Drop MIDI Part field displays the name of the selected loop or part. 3. In the Velocity from: field, select a velocity source for the notes.
Chord Pads Chord Pad Settings – Pad Layout RESULT You can now play the chord pads and use the remote control parameters for tensions and transpose to change all chord symbols for each player simultaneously. However, if you change the Voicing, only the selected player is affected. Chord Pad Settings – Pad Layout The Pad Layout tab in the chord pad Settings allows you to change the layout that is used for the chord pads.
Chord Pads Creating Events from Chord Pads In the same way, you can also load only the player configurations of a chord pads preset. This is useful if you have saved very complex player settings and want to reuse them on other chord pads without changing the assigned chords. • To load only the player settings of a chord pads preset, select Chord Pads Presets > Load Players from Preset. Saving Chord Pads Presets If you have set up the chord pads, you can save them as chord pads presets. PROCEDURE 1.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Project Tempo Modes For every project you can set a tempo mode, depending on whether your music has a fixed tempo or if it changes throughout the project. On the Transport panel you can set the following tempo modes: • Fixed Tempo Mode If you want to work with one fixed tempo that does not change throughout the project, deactivate Activate Tempo Track on the Transport panel. You can change the tempo value to set a fixed rehearsal tempo.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Tempo Track Editor The Tempo Track Editor is divided into several sections: 1. Tempo scale Shows the tempo scale in BPM. 2. Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, adding, and changing tempo and time signature events. 3. Info Line Shows information about the selected tempo or time signature event. 4. Ruler Shows the timeline and the display format of the project. 5. Time signature display Shows the time signature events in the project. 6.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up Tempo Changes for Projects Contains tools to select, erase, zoom, and draw. Auto-Scroll Allows the tempo event display to scroll during playback, keeping the project cursor visible in the editor. Snap Allows you to restrict horizontal movement and positioning of tempo events to certain positions. Time signature events always snap to the beginning of bars. Type of New Tempo Points Allows you to select the type of new tempo points.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up Tempo Changes for Projects • Select Project > Tempo Track and activate Activate Tempo Track. RESULT The project tempo is now set up to follow the tempo track. RELATED LINKS Tempo Track Editor on page 577 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.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo If your music does not contain tempo changes, and the tempo track is deactivated, you can set up a fixed tempo for your project. When the tempo track is deactivated, the tempo track curve is grayed out. The fixed tempo is displayed as a horizontal line in the tempo curve display.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo Setting the Project Tempo by Tapping You can set the tempo of freely recorded audio or MIDI material by tapping. PREREQUISITE The tempo mode is set to Fixed. PROCEDURE 1. Activate playback. 2. Select Project > Beat Calculator. 3. Click Tap Tempo. The Tap Tempo window opens. 4. Use Space to tap the tempo of the recording that is played back. In the BPM field, the calculated tempo is updated each time you tap. 5.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Beat Calculator • Click No to adjust the project tempo only in the section of the audio event. RESULT The project tempo is set to the tempo calculated for the audio loop. Beat Calculator The Beat Calculator is a tool for calculating the tempo of freely recorded audio or MIDI material. It also allows you to set the tempo by tapping. • To open the Beat Calculator for an audio or MIDI recording, select Project > Beat Calculator. 1.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Set Definition From Tempo Set Definition From Tempo The Set Definition From Tempo dialog allows you to set up freely recorded audio material to follow a specific tempo. • To open the Set Definition From Tempo dialog for an audio recording, select Audio > Advanced > Set Definition From Tempo. Save Definition in Project Only Allows you to save the tempo information in the project file only.
Export Audio Mixdown The Export Audio Mixdown function allows you to mix down and export all audio that is contained between the left and right locators of a project. To open the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, select File > Export > Audio Mixdown. The Export Audio Mixdown dialog is divided into several sections: 1. Channel Selection Allows you to select the channel that is mixed down from a list of all output channels that are available in the project. 2.
Export Audio Mixdown Mixing Down to Audio Files Allows you to select a file format and make additional settings for the file to be created. This includes codec settings, meta data, sample rate, bit depth, etc. The available options depend on the selected file format. 4. Audio Engine Output Allows you to specify a sample rate, a bit depth, and the number of audio channels for the audio output. 5. Import Into Project Allows you to automatically import the resulting audio file back into your project. 6.
Export Audio Mixdown Available Channels for Export Available Channels for Export The Channel Selection section of the Export Audio Mixdown dialog contains a list of channels that you can export as an audio mixdown. NOTE MIDI tracks are not available for export. To include MIDI in a mixdown, you must record MIDI to audio tracks. RELATED LINKS VST Connections on page 23 Channel Selection The Channel Selection section allows you to select the channels that are mixed down. 1.
Export Audio Mixdown File Location Opens a pop-up menu with the following options: 5. • Choose opens a dialog that allows you to browse for a file location. • Use Project Audio Folder sets the path to the Audio folder of your project. • Recent Paths allows you to select recently selected file locations. • Clear Recent Paths allows you to delete all recently selected file locations. Naming Scheme Opens a dialog where you can specify a naming scheme for the mixdown file name. 6.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format Defining Naming Schemes You can define a naming scheme by combining attributes that determine the structure of the file names for the exported audio files. PROCEDURE 1. Drag and drop up to 5 attributes into the Result section. You can also double-click an attribute to add it to the Result section. 2. In the Settings section, double-click the Separator text field and type in a separator. The Preview section displays the file name scheme according to your settings. 3.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format • • • • • • AIFF File AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format, a standard defined by Apple Inc. AIFF files have the extension .aif and are used on most computer platforms. MPEG1 Layer 3 File MP3 files are highly compressed files that still provide good audio quality. The files have the extension .mp3. Windows Media Audio File (Windows only) This is a format developed by Microsoft Inc.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format 3. Don’t Use Wave Extensible Format Deactivates the Wave Extensible format that contains additional metadata, such as the speaker configuration. 4. Insert iXML Chunk Includes additional project-related metadata, such as project name, author, and project frame rate. 5. Insert Tempo Definition This option is only available if Insert iXML Chunk is activated.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format AIFF Files AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format, a standard defined by Apple Inc. AIFF files have the extension .aif and are used on most computer platforms. 1. Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk Activates the embedding of additional file information. NOTE By activating this option, you create a Broadcast Wave file. Some applications may not be able to handle these files.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format Sets the encoder to a different resampling mode. This may give better results depending on your settings. However, it does not allow you to select the Sample Rate. 4. Insert ID3 Tag Includes ID3 Tag information in the exported file. 5. Edit ID3 Tag Opens the ID3 Tag dialog that allows you to enter information about the file. This information is embedded in the file and can be displayed by most MP3 playback applications.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format Allows you to set the sample rate to 44.100, 48000, or 96000 kHz. Set this to match the sample rate of the source material or use the closest available value that is higher than the actual value. 2. Bit Depth Allows you to set the bit depth to 16 bit or 24 bit. Set this parameter to match the sample rate of the source material or use the closest available value that is higher than the actual value. NOTE Always keep in mind the intended use of the file.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format 2. Peak Allows you to set a peak value between 0 and -90 dB. 3. Average Allows you to set a peak value between 0 and -90 dB. However, this affects the overall volume level and can have a negative effect on the audio quality. Windows Media Audio File Settings - Media The Media tab in the Windows Media Audio File Settings dialog allows you to enter information about the file.
Export Audio Mixdown File Format Sets the quality for the variable bit rate encoding. This setting determines between which limits the bit rate will vary. The higher the value, the higher the sound quality but also the larger the files become. Wave 64 Files Wave 64 is a proprietary format developed by Sonic Foundry Inc. Wave 64 files have the extension .w64.
Export Audio Mixdown Audio Engine Output Audio Engine Output The Audio Engine Output section contains all the settings related to the output of the Cubase audio engine. 1. Sample Rate NOTE This parameter is only available for uncompressed audio file formats and FLAC files. Allows you to select the frequency range of the exported audio. If you set the value lower than the project sample rate, the audio quality degrades and the high frequency content is reduced.
Export Audio Mixdown Import Into Project RELATED LINKS Dither Effects (Cubase Elements only) on page 277 Import Into Project This section offers several options for importing the resulting mixdown files back into the existing or into a new project. NOTE When you play back the reimported file in the same project, mute the original tracks so that you only hear the mixdown. 1. Pool Imports the resulting audio file automatically back into the Pool as a clip.
Export Audio Mixdown Post Process Activate this option if MIDI inputs that are performed on external devices should be ignored during the export process. 2. Close Window after Export Closes the dialog automatically after export. 3. Update Display Activate this option if you want the meters to be updated during the export process. This allows you to check for clipping, for example. 4. Post Process If WaveLab 7.0.
Synchronization Background What is synchronization? Synchronization is the process of getting 2 or more devices to play back together at the same exact speed and position. These devices can range from audio and video tape machines to digital audio workstations, MIDI sequencers, synchronization controllers, and digital video devices. Synchronization basics There are 3 basic components of audio/visual synchronization: position, speed, and phase.
Synchronization Timecode (positional references) Timecode (positional references) 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. Timecode can be communicated in several ways: • LTC (Longitudinal Timecode) is an analog signal that can be recorded on tape. It should be used for positional information primarily.
Synchronization Clock sources (speed references) Frame rate (speed) Regardless of the frame counting system, the actual speed at which frames of video go by in realtime is the true frame rate. In Cubase the following frame rates are available: 24 fps This is the true speed of standard film cameras. 25 fps This is the frame rate of PAL video. 29.97 fps This is the frame rate of NTSC video. The count can be either non-drop or dropframe.
Synchronization The Project Synchronization Setup dialog Word clock Word clock is a dedicated signal running at the current sample rate that is fed over BNC coaxial cables between devices. It is the most reliable form of audio clock and is relatively easy to connect and use. 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.
Synchronization The Project Synchronization Setup dialog Timecode Source The Timecode Source setting determines whether Cubase is acting as timecode master or slave. When set to “Internal Timecode”, Cubase is the timecode master, generating all position references for any other device in the system. The other options are for external timecode sources. Selecting any of these, makes Cubase a timecode slave if “Use External Synchronization” is activated in the Transport menu.
Synchronization The Project Synchronization Setup dialog Lock Frames This setting determines how many full frames of timecode it takes for Cubase to try and establish sync or “lock”. If you have an external tape transport with a very short start-up time, try lowering this number to make lock-up even faster. This option can only be set to multiples of 2. Drop Out Frames This setting determines the amount of missed timecode frames it takes for Cubase to stop.
Synchronization Synchronized operation MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time Activate this option to ensure that the MTC output follows Cubase’s time position at all times including looping, locating, or jumping while playing. If not, MTC will continue on without changing locations at a loop or jump point until playback stops. MIDI Clock Destinations Some MIDI devices like drum machines can match their tempo and location to incoming MIDI clock. Select any MIDI ports that you want to output MIDI clock.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link Working with VST System Link VST System Link is a network system for digital audio that allows you to have several computers working together in one large system. Unlike conventional networks it does not require Ethernet cards, hubs, or CAT-5 cables; instead it uses the kind of digital audio hardware and cables you probably already possess in your studio.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link Making connections Below, we assume that you are connecting 2 computers. Should you have more than 2 computers, it is still best to start with 2 and add the others one by one once the system is working – this makes troubleshooting easier if you run into problems. For 2 computers, you will need 2 digital audio cables, one in each direction: PROCEDURE 1.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link cards default to the AutoSync setting. In this case you must set one of the cards (and only one) to “Master” in the Clock Mode section of the control panel. RESULT Typically, the ASIO control panel for an audio card contains some indication of whether or not the card receives a proper sync signal, including the sample rate of that signal. This is a good indication that you have connected the cards and set up clock sync properly.
Synchronization Working with VST System Link Setting up your software Now it is time to set up your programs. The procedures below describe how to set things up in Cubase. If you are using another program on the other computer, please refer to its documentation. Setting the sample rate The projects in both programs must be set to use the same sample rate. Select “Project Setup…” from the Project menu and make sure that the sample rate is the same in both systems.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link For example, if you are using an S/PDIF connection for VST System Link, make sure that “Professional format”, Emphasis, and Dithering are turned off. • If your audio hardware has a mixer application allowing you to adjust the levels of digital inputs and outputs, make sure that this mixer is disabled or that the levels for the VST System Link channels are set to ±0 dB. • Similarly, make sure no other forms of DSP (pan, effects, etc.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link 3. Use the ASIO Input and ASIO Output pop-up menus to define which channel is the networking channel. 4. Activate the Active checkbox at the top left of the panel. 5. Repeat the steps above for every computer in the network. RESULT As the computers are made active, you should see the Sending and Receiving indicators flashing on each active computer, and the name of each computer should appear in the list at the bottom of the pane.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link NOTE Note that any computer can control any and all of the others – VST System Link is a peer-topeer network and there is no absolute “master” computer. To put all computers online, proceed as follows: PROCEDURE 1. For all computers, activate the Online checkbox on the VST System Link page. 2.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Using MIDI As well as supplying transport and sync control, VST System Link also supplies up to 16 MIDI ports, with 16 channels each. PROCEDURE 1. Use the MIDI Inputs and MIDI Outputs value fields to specify the number of MIDI ports you need. The default value is 0 MIDI In and 0 MIDI Out ports. 2. In the Project window, create a MIDI track and open the Inspector (top section). 3.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Hearing the network audio If you are using an external mixing desk, hearing your audio really is not an issue – just plug the outputs of each computer into the desired channels on the external mixing desk, start playback on one of the computers, and you are good to go. However, many people prefer to mix internally inside the computer and just use a desk for monitoring (or maybe not use any external mixer at all).
Synchronization Activating VST System Link Internal mixing and latency One problem with mixing inside the computer is the latency issue we mentioned earlier. The VST engine always compensates for record latencies, but if you are monitoring through computer 1 you will hear a processing delay while you listen to signals coming from your other computers (not on your recording!). If your audio card in computer 1 supports ASIO Direct Monitoring you should definitely turn this on.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link 4. Route the VST instrument channel to the desired output bus. If you are using computer 1 as your main mixing computer, this would be one of the VST System Link output busses, connected to computer 1. 5. Create a new MIDI track in the Project window of computer 2 and assign the MIDI output of the track to the VST instrument you created. 6. Assign the MIDI input of the track to be VST System Link port 1.
Synchronization Activating VST System Link 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. You can repeat the steps above to add more effects to the “virtual effect rack”.
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, edit your music to the video, extract the audio material from a video file, and replace the audio later with different audio material. Before You Start When working on a project involving a video file, you first need to set up your system according to your equipment and your demands.
Video Before You Start Format Description MOV This is a QuickTime movie. QT This is also a QuickTime movie, but it is only used on Windows systems. MPEG-1 This is the first standard of the Moving Picture Experts Group for video and audio compression, used for making video CDs. Files of this container format can have the extensions “.mpg” or “.mpeg”.
Video Before You Start Frame Rates Cubase is capable of working with different types of video and film frame rates. RELATED LINKS Frame rate (speed) on page 602 Video Output Devices Cubase supports several ways to play back video files. Viewing video files onscreen in the Video Player window may work just fine for many applications, but often it is necessary to display video in a large format for viewing small details and so others involved in the session can also see the video.
Video Preparing a Video Project FireWire DV Output You have the option to use FireWire ports on the computer to output DV video streams to external converters such as various camcorders and standalone FireWire to DV conversion units. These units can be connected to a television or projector for large format viewing. The FireWire protocol is capable of transporting data at high speed and is the most common standard for communicating with video-related peripheral equipment.
Video Preparing a Video Project IMPORTANT In Cubase, you may work with multiple video files of differing frame rates and formats on the same video track. Assuming you have the proper codecs installed, all video files can be played back in one project, but note that proper synchronization of audio and video events is ensured only if the frame rate of the video file matches the project frame rate.
Video Preparing a Video Project • If you have more than one video file in a project, it is advisable that all video files have the same frame rate consistent with the project frame rate. Nevertheless, you can work with multiple video files of differing frame rates, but in this case you should always change the project frame rate to the frame rate of the video file that you are editing at the moment.
Video Playing Back Video A thumbnail cache file is created, or, in case there already existed a thumbnail cache file for the video file, it is “refreshed”. • In the Project window, open the context menu for the video event, and select “Generate Thumbnail Cache” from the Media submenu. • Open the Media Menu and select “Generate Thumbnail Cache”. NOTE • “Refreshing” an already existing thumbnail cache file can be done only from within the Pool.
Video Playing Back Video All devices in your system that are capable of playing back video are listed. The Onscreen Window device serves for playing back the video file on your computer monitor. 3. From the pop-up menu in the Format column, select an output format. For the Onscreen Window output, only a “fixed” format is available. For the other output devices, you can select different output formats for playback depending on the device. 4. Adjust the Offset setting to compensate for processing delays.
Video Playing Back Video Video Player The Video Player window is used for playing back video on your computer screen. • To open the Video Player window, open the Devices menu and select the “Video Player” option. Setting the Window Size and Video Quality To resize the Video Player window and/or change the playback quality of the video, select the appropriate option on the context menu of the Video Player window. Fullscreen Mode The window is enlarged to occupy the whole (computer) screen.
Video Editing Video Internal The Video Player window can be resized at will, but the aspect ratio of the video is kept and borders are displayed around the video image to fill the window. External The resizing of the Video Player window is limited according to the aspect ratio of the video image, i. e. the video image always fills the full window and its aspect ratio is kept. NOTE When the video is played back in full screen mode, the aspect ratio of the video is always kept.
Video Replacing the Audio in a Video File This will insert an audio event starting at the project cursor position on the selected audio track. If no audio track is selected, a new one will be created. • By activating the “Extract Audio on Import Video File” option in the Preferences dialog (Video page). This will automatically extract the audio stream from any video file during import. • By using the “Extract Audio from Video File” option on the Media menu.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Introduction ReWire is a special protocol for streaming audio between two computer applications. Developed by Propellerhead Software and Steinberg, ReWire provides the following possibilities and features: • Realtime streaming of up to 48 separate audio channels, at full bandwidth, from the synthesizer application into the mixer application. In this case, the mixer application is of course Cubase. An example of a synthesizer application is Propellerhead Software’s Reason.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Activating ReWire channels 2. Enable one or several ReWire channels in the ReWire Device dialog for the other application. 3. Launch the other application. It may take slightly longer for the application to start when you are using ReWire. RELATED LINKS Activating ReWire channels on page 631 Quitting a ReWire session When you are finished, you also need to quit the applications in a special order. PROCEDURE 1. First quit the synthesizer application. 2. Then quit Cubase.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Using the transport and tempo controls These labels will be used in the Cubase MixConsole to identify the ReWire channels. Using the transport and tempo controls IMPORTANT This is only relevant if the synthesizer application has some sort of built-in sequencer or similar. 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.
ReWire (not in Cubase LE) Routing MIDI via ReWire When you write automation, channel automation tracks will automatically appear in the Project window. This allows you to view and edit the automation graphically, just as with VST instrument channels, etc. • You can mix down the audio from ReWire channels to a file on your hard disk with the Export Audio Mixdown function.
Key Commands Introduction Most of the main menus in Cubase have keyboard shortcuts for certain items on the menus. In addition, there are numerous other Cubase functions that can be performed via key commands. These are all default settings. You can customize existing key commands to your liking, and also add commands for many menu items and functions that have no key command assigned.
Key Commands Setting up key commands Setting up key commands Adding or modifying a key command In the Key Commands dialog you will find all main menu items and a large number of other functions, arranged in a hierarchical way similar to the File Explorer and Mac OS Finder. The function categories are represented by a number of folders, each containing various menu items and functions.
Key Commands Setting up key commands For a description of how to use the search function, see below. 6. When you have found and selected the desired item, click in the “Type in Key” field and enter a new key command. You can choose any single key or a combination of one or several modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl/Cmd, Shift) plus any key. Just press the keys you want to use. 7. If the key command you enter is already assigned to another item or function, this is displayed below the “Type in Key” field.
Key Commands Setting up key commands Removing a key command PROCEDURE 1. Use the list of categories and commands to select the item or function for which you want to remove a key command. The key command is shown in the Keys column and the Keys list. 2. Select the key command in the Keys list and click the Delete button (the trash icon). You are asked whether you really want to remove the key command. 3. Click Remove to remove the selected key command. 4. Click OK to close the dialog.
Key Commands Setting up tool modifier keys 3. In the file dialog, use the “Files of type” pop-up menu to specify if you want to import a key commands file (“.key”) or a macro commands file (extension “.mac”). When you have imported an older file, you might want to save it as a preset (see above) to be able to access it from the Presets pop-up menu in the future. 4. Navigate to the file you want to import and click “Open”. The file is imported. 5.
Key Commands The default key commands 2. Select an option in the Categories list, and locate the action for which you want to edit the modifier key. For example, the “Copy” action mentioned above resides in the category “Drag & Drop”. 3. Select the action in the Action list. 4. Hold down the desired modifier key(s) and click the Assign button. The current modifier keys for the action are replaced.
Key Commands The default key commands Devices category Option Key command MixConsole Lower Zone Alt-F3 Mixer F3 Video F8 Virtual Keyboard Alt-K VST Connections F4 VST Instruments (not in Cubase LE) F11 VST Performance F12 Edit category Option Key command Activate/Deactivate Focused Object Alt-A Auto-Scroll On/Off F Copy Ctrl/Cmd-C Cut Ctrl/Cmd-X Cut Time Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-X Delete Delete or Backspace Delete Time Shift-Backspace Duplicate Ctrl/Cmd-D Expand/Reduce Alt-E Inser
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command 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 Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Z Repeat Ctrl/Cmd-K Right Selection Side to Cursor D Secondary Parameter: Decrease C
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command 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 MediaBay F5 Preview Cycle On/Off Shift-Num / Pr
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command Preview Stop Shift-Num 0 Search MediaBay Shift-F5 Toggle Filters Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Num 5 Toggle Location Tree Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Num 4 Toggle Locations Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Num 8 Toggle Previewer Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Num 2 MIDI category Option Key command Show/Hide Controller Lanes Alt-L Navigate category Option Key command Add Down: Shift-Down Arrow Expand/Undo selection in the Project window to the bottom/ Move selected event in the Key Editor down 1 oc
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command Down: Down Arrow Select next in the Project window/Move selected event in the Key Editor one semitone down Left Arrow Left: Select next in the Project window/Key Editor Right Arrow Right: Select next in the Project window/Key Editor Toggle Selection Ctrl/Cmd-Space Top: Home Select top track in the track list Up Arrow Up: Select next in the Project window/ Move selected event in the Key Editor one semitone up Nudge category Option Key co
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command Open Pool Ctrl/Cmd-P Open Tempo Track Ctrl/Cmd-T Remove Selected Tracks Shift-Delete 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 The default key commands Option Key command 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 Punch In I Activate Punch Out O Cycle Num / Enter Left Locator Shift-L Enter Project Cursor Position Shift-P Enter Right Locator Shift-R Enter Tempo Shift-T Enter Time Signature Shift-C Exchange Time Formats .
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command Fast Rewind Shift-Num - Forward Num + Go to Left Locator Num 1 Go to Project Start Num .
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command Set Left Locator to Project Cursor Position Ctrl/Cmd-Num 1 Set Locators to Selection Range P Set Marker 1 Ctrl/Cmd-1 Set Marker 2 Ctrl/Cmd-2 Set Marker 3 to 9 Ctrl/Cmd-Num 3 to 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 9 or Shift-3 to 9 Use External Synchronization Alt-Shift-T Us
Key Commands The default key commands Option Key command Show Previous Page Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Shift-Left Arrow; Ctrl/ Cmd-Alt-Shift-Up Arrow Show Next Page Ctrl/Cmd-Alt-Shift-Right Arrow; Ctrl/ Cmd-Alt-Shift-Down Arrow Show/Hide Info Line Ctrl/Cmd--I 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 Shif
File handling Importing audio In Cubase audio can be imported in a variety of different formats. For example, you can import tracks from audio CDs, or import audio files saved in different formats (compressed and uncompressed).
File handling Importing audio Use Settings No Options dialog will appear when you import. Instead, you can select standard actions from the list below the pop-up menu that are performed automatically each time you import audio files: Copy Files to Working Directory If files are not already in the project’s audio folder, they are copied there before being imported. Convert and Copy to Project If Needed If files are not already in the project’s audio folder, they are copied there before being imported.
File handling Importing audio 1. Play 2. Stop 3. Play from Left Marker 4. Play to Right Marker 5. Start of selection handle 6. End of selection handle To import one or more tracks, proceed as follows: PROCEDURE 1. If you have more than one CD drive, select the correct one from the Drive pop-up menu at the top left. On opening the CD, the program tries to retrieve the track names from CDDB (a CD database).
File handling Importing audio Column Description CD Track When you import an audio CD track, the file is named according to this column. The names are pulled automatically from CDDB, if possible. You can rename a track by clicking in the CD Track column and typing a new name. You can also apply a generic name to all audio CD tracks if no name was available in CDDB. Length The length of the audio CD track in minutes and seconds. Size The file size of the audio CD track in MB.
File handling Importing audio Importing Audio from video files While you can automatically extract the audio when importing a video file, it is also possible to import the audio from a video file without importing the video itself: PROCEDURE 1. Open the File menu, open the Import submenu and select “Audio from Video File…”. 2. In the file dialog that opens, locate and select the video file and click Open.
File handling Exporting and importing standard MIDI files Importing compressed audio files Cubase can import several common audio compression formats. The procedure is the same as when importing any non-compressed audio file, with one important thing to note: For most compressed file formats, Cubase creates a copy of the file and converts this to Wave format (Windows) or AIFF format (Mac OS) before importing it. The original compressed file will not be used in the project.
File handling Exporting and importing standard MIDI files export MIDI files, you can also specify whether certain settings associated with the tracks are included in the files (automation tracks, volume and pan settings, etc.). Exporting MIDI files To export your MIDI tracks as a standard MIDI file, open the File menu and select “MIDI File…” from the Export submenu. A regular file dialog opens, allowing you to specify a location and name for the file.
File handling Exporting and importing standard MIDI files Option Description Note that if a continuous controller (e. g. CC7) has been recorded but the Read button is deactivated for the automation track (i. e. the automation is effectively switched off for this parameter), only the part data for this controller will be exported. If this option is deactivated and the Automation Read button is activated, no Continuous Controllers are exported.
File handling Exporting and importing standard MIDI files Option Description Export includes Delay If this option is activated, the delay of the MIDI track will be included in the MIDI file. Song name for Type 0 You can use this text field to change the name of the MIDI file as displayed when loading this file in a keyboard. NOTE The MIDI file will include the tempo information of the project (i. e.
File handling Exporting and importing MIDI loops Support for the Yamaha XF data format Cubase supports the Yamaha XF format. XF is an extension of the standard MIDI file format that allows you to save song-specific data with a MIDI file of type 0. When importing a MIDI file containing XF data, this data is placed in parts on separate tracks called “XF Data”, “Chord Data”, or “SysEx Data”. You can edit such a part in the List Editor (e. g. to add or change lyrics).
Customizing Using the Setup options You can customize the appearance of the following elements: • Transport panel • Info line • Toolbars • Inspector The setup context menus If you right-click the Transport panel, the toolbars, the info lines, or the Inspector, the respective setup context menu opens. The following general options are available on the setup context menus: • “Show All” makes all items visible. • “Default” resets the interface to the default setting.
Customizing Appearance The Setup dialogs If you select “Setup…” from the setup context menus, the Setup dialog opens. This allows you to specify which elements are visible/hidden and to set the order of the elements. You can also save and recall setup presets in this dialog. The dialog is divided into two sections. The left section displays the visible items and the right section displays the hidden items.
Customizing Appearance Allows you to adjust the colors in the Project window. • Editors Allows you to adjust the colors in the editors. • Rulers Allows you to adjust the colors in the ruler. Appearance–Colors The Appearance–Colors page features several subpages that allow you to change the color of the Cubase desktop, the track types, the Project, and Editor elements. To change a color, proceed as follows: PROCEDURE 1.
Customizing Appearance • To edit the colors numerically, open the context menu in the color selector pane, and select “Show Color Values”. • To select any color in Cubase as new color, open the color selector pane, hold down Alt, and click anywhere in the application. The selected color is displayed in the “New Color” field. Metering–Appearance Cubase allows for precise color assignment of level meter values.
Customizing Applying colors in the Project window • To specify the level for a color change, double-click a handle to the right of the meter scale and enter the level (dB) value. Note that for dB values less than zero, you must add a minus sign before the entered number. You can also click a handle and drag it to a specific level. Press Shift for more accurate positioning. Alternatively, you can nudge with the Up Arrow/Down Arrow keys. Press Shift for faster positioning.
Customizing Applying colors in the Project window 6. On the Project window toolbar, select the Color Tool and click again to select a color. RESULT Only the folder track controls are colorized. Applying track colors automatically In the Preferences dialog (Event Display–Tracks page), you can find the “Auto Track Color Mode” option. This offers you several options for automatically assigning colors to tracks that are added to the project.
Customizing Applying colors in the Project window 2. On the toolbar, select the Color tool, click again, and select a color from the pop-up menu. RESULT The color is applied to the selected item. If you change the color of a track, the new color is used for all events on the track and for the corresponding channel in the MixConsole. NOTE If you assign a different color to individual parts or events, they no longer follow color changes of the track.
Customizing Applying colors in the Project window Color fields Click a field to open a color selector pane that allows you to specify a new color. Click Options for the following options. 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. Reset Selected Color Resets the selected color to the factory settings.
Customizing Applying colors in the Project window Reset Current Set to Factory Settings Returns to the standard color palette. Adding and editing individual colors You can use the Options menu in the Project Colors dialog to fully customize the color palette. The following options are available: Append New Color This adds a new color button at the bottom of the colors list. To define a color, click the color button, and in the color selector pane that opens, define a color.
Customizing Where are the settings stored? Reset Current Set to Factory Settings This returns to Cubase’s standard color palette. Where are the settings stored? As you have seen, there are a large number of ways in which you can customize Cubase. While some of the settings you make are stored with each project, others are stored in separate preference files. If you need to transfer your projects to another computer (e. g.
Customizing Where are the settings stored? 2. Launch Cubase, and when the splash screen appears, hold down Shift-Ctrl/Cmd-Alt. 3. Select one of the following options in the dialog that appears: • Use current program preferences Opens the program with the current preference settings. • Disable program preferences Disables the current preferences, and opens the program with the factory default settings instead.
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 Cubase web site. Performance Aspects Tracks and Effects The faster your computer, the more tracks, effects, and EQ you are able to play. Exactly what constitutes a fast computer is almost a science in itself, but some hints are given below.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance NOTE We recommend that you use audio hardware for which there is a specific ASIO driver. 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 Mac OS, audio hardware with properly written Mac OS (Core Audio) drivers can be very efficient and produce very low latency times.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance Average load Shows how much of the available CPU power is used for audio processing. Real-time peak Shows the processing load in the realtime path of the audio engine. The higher this value, the higher the risk that dropouts occur. Overload indicator The overload indicator to the right of the real-time peak indicator and the average load indicator displays overloads of the average or real-time indicator.
Optimizing Optimizing Audio Performance • Realtime-dependent signals • External effects and instruments NOTE If you select Devices > Plug-in Manager and click Show Plug-in Information, you can deactivate the ASIO-Guard option for selected plug-ins. If you activate the monitoring for an input channel, a MIDI or a VST instrument channel, the audio channel and all dependent channels are automatically switched from ASIO-Guard to realtime processing and vice versa.
Preferences The Preferences dialog provides options and settings that control the global behavior of the program. Preferences Dialog The Preferences dialog is divided into a navigation list and a settings page. Clicking one of the entries in the navigation list opens a settings page. • To open the Preferences dialog, select File > Preferences. In addition to the settings, the dialog provides the following options: Preference Presets Allows you to select a saved preference preset.
Preferences Preferences Dialog Rename Allows you to rename a preset. Delete Allows you to delete a preset. Store marked preferences only Allows you to select which pages are included in the preset. Help Opens the dialog help. Defaults Resets the options on the active page to their default settings. Apply Applies any changes that you have made without closing the dialog. OK Applies any changes that you have made and closes the dialog. Cancel Closes the dialog without saving any changes.
Preferences Appearance In the preferences list a Store column is shown. 4. Click in the Store column of the preference pages that you want to save. 5. Click Store in the lower left section of the dialog. 6. Enter a preset name and click OK. RESULT Your settings are now available from the Preferences Presets pop-up menu. Appearance Colors This page features subpages that allow you to change the default color settings.
Preferences Editing Select Track on Background Click This allows you to select a track by clicking in the event display background. Auto Select Events under Cursor If this option is activated, all events in the Project window or in an editor that are touched by the project cursor are automatically selected. This can be helpful when you rearrange your project, because it allows you to select whole sections (on all tracks) simply by moving the project cursor.
Preferences Editing Automation Reduction Level This slider allows you to remove all superfluous automation events. A reduction level value of 0% removes repeated automation points only. A reduction level value between 1 to 100 % smoothens the automation curve. The default value of 50 % should reduce the automation data amount significantly without touching the sound result of the existing automation.
Preferences Editing On Import Audio Files This setting determines what happens when importing an audio file into a project: • Open Options Dialog An Import Options dialog opens when you import, allowing you to select whether you want to copy the file to the audio folder and/or convert it to the project settings. • Use Settings Allows you to set the following standard actions: Copy Files to Working Directory copies the files to the project’s audio folder before import.
Preferences Editing Disable ‘Acoustic Feedback’ during Playback If you activate this option, Acoustic Feedback is automatically disabled on playback. This ensures that chord events are not triggered twice. Hide muted Notes in Editors If you set up a MIDI track to follow the chord track by activating one of the Follow Chord Track options, some of the original MIDI notes may be muted. Activate this option to hide these notes in the editors.
Preferences Editing • Jump In this mode, clicking anywhere on a slider will make the slider handle instantly move to that position. • Touch In this mode, you have to click on the actual slider handle to adjust the parameter. This reduces the risk of accidentally moving sliders. • Ramp In this mode, clicking anywhere on a slider (but not on the actual handle) and keeping the mouse button pressed causes the handle to move smoothly to the new position.
Preferences Editing Split MIDI Controllers If you split a MIDI part containing controllers, the result depends on this setting: • If Split MIDI Controllers is activated and the part contains a controller with a value other than zero at the split position, a new controller event (of the same type and value) will be inserted at the split position (at the start of the second part). • If Split MIDI Controllers is deactivated, no new controller events will be inserted.
Preferences Editing Editing - Tool Modifiers On this page you can specify which modifier keys are used for additional functionality when using tools. PROCEDURE 1. Select an option in the Categories list. 2. Select the action for which you want to edit the modifier key in the Action list. 3. On your computer keyboard, hold down the modifier keys and click Assign. RESULT The current modifier key(s) for the action is replaced.
Preferences Editors Editors Default MIDI Editor Determines which editor is opened when you double-click a MIDI part or when you select it and press Ctrl/Cmd-E. Note that this setting is overwritten for tracks with drum maps if the Use Drum Editor when Drum Map is assigned option is activated. Use Drum Editor when Drum Map is assigned If this option is activated, parts on MIDI tracks to which drum maps are assigned are shown with drum note symbols.
Preferences Event Display Smallest Track Height To Show Data Specifies from which track height the track contents are displayed. Smallest Track Height To Show Name Specifies from which track height the track names are displayed. Event Display - Audio Interpolate Audio Waveforms If you have zoomed in to one sample per pixel or less, the appearance of the samples depends on this setting. If this option is deactivated, single sample values are drawn as steps.
Preferences Event Display • The options Display ‘Bb’ as ‘B’ and Display ‘B’ as ‘H’ allow you to change the corresponding pitch names. • If you activate Enharmonics from Chord Track, and your project contains a chord track with chord events, these chord events determine if the 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.
Preferences Event Display Event Display - Folders Show Event Details If this option is activated, event details are displayed. If this option is deactivated, data blocks are displayed. This setting depends on the Show Data on Folder Tracks setting. Show Data on Folder Tracks Determines in which case data blocks or event details are displayed on folder tracks. • Always Show Data If this option is activated, data blocks or event details are always displayed.
Preferences General Default Track Name Width Allows you to determine the default name width for all track types. Auto Track Color Mode This offers you several options for automatically assigning colors to tracks that are added to the project: • Use Default Track Color New tracks get the default event color. • Use Previous Track Color New tracks get the same color as the track above them in the track list.
Preferences MIDI Use Edge Hints If this option is activated, you can position the mouse pointer at one of the Project window edges to show a pane with options to open or close the sections. Maximum Undo Steps Allows you to specify the number of undo levels. Run Setup on Create New Project If this option is activated, Cubase automatically displays the Project Setup dialog every time you create a new project. This allows you to specify the basic project configuration.
Preferences MIDI Length Adjustment This allows you to enter a length adjustment value in ticks by which the notes that have the same pitch and MIDI channel are adjusted. This ensures that there is always a short time between the end of one note and the start of another. By default, there are 120 ticks per 1/16 note, but you can adjust this with the MIDI Display Resolution setting. Chase Events Event types for which an option is activated are chased when you locate to a new position and start playback.
Preferences MIDI MIDI - MIDI File Export Options These options allow you to specify what data is included in exported MIDI files. Export Inspector Patch If this option is activated, the MIDI patch settings in the Inspector - Bank Select and Program Select (used for selecting sounds in the connected MIDI instrument) are included as MIDI Bank Select and Program Change events in the MIDI file.
Preferences MIDI be chosen depending on the application or sequencer with which the MIDI file will be used though, because certain applications and sequencers may not be able to handle certain resolutions. Export Locator Range If this option is activated, only the range between the left and right locator will be exported. Export includes Delay If this option is activated, any delay settings you have made in the Inspector will be included in the MIDI file.
Preferences MIDI Ignore Master Track Events on Merge If this option is activated and you import a MIDI file into the current project, tempo track data in the MIDI file is ignored. The imported MIDI file will play according to the current Tempo track in the project. If this option is deactivated, the Tempo Track Editor will be adjusted according to the tempo information in the MIDI file.
Preferences MediaBay Thru Activate any of these options to prevent the corresponding type of MIDI message from being thruput. It will, however, be recorded and played back normally. Channels If you activate a Channel button, no MIDI messages on that MIDI Channel will be recorded or thruput. Already recorded messages will however be played back normally. Controller Allows you to prevent certain MIDI controller types from being recorded or thruput.
Preferences Record • If this option is activated, audio tracks show the metering signal from the input bus to which they are routed as soon as the track is monitorenabled. 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. • If this option is not activated, metering works as usual.
Preferences Record activated on the Transport panel). If the Post-roll value on the Transport panel is set to a value other than zero, playback will continue for the set time before stopping. Record - Audio Audio Pre-Record Seconds This allows you to specify for how many seconds any incoming audio you play is captured in buffer memory during playback or in stop mode. When Recording Wave Files larger than 4GB This allows you to specify what happens if you record Wave files that are larger than 4 GB.
Preferences Transport MIDI Record Catch Range in ms When you record starting at the left locator, this setting helps you make sure that the very start of the recording is included. If you raise the Record Catch Range, Cubase will catch the events played just before the recording start point, eliminating this problem. Retrospective Record If this option is activated, the program captures MIDI input in buffer memory, even when not recording.
Preferences Transport Cursor Width Adjusts the width of the Project Cursor line. Zoom while Locating in Time Scale If this option is activated, you can zoom in or out by clicking in the Ruler and dragging down or up. Return to Start Position on Stop If this option is activated and you stop playback, the project cursor automatically returns to the position where recording or playback last started.
Preferences VST Locate When Clicked in Empty Space If this option is activated, you can move the Project Cursor by clicking anywhere in an “empty” area of the Project window. Transport - Scrub Scrub Volume This lets you set the playback volume for the Scrub function in the Project window and audio editors. Use High Quality Scrub Mode When you activate this option, effects are enabled for scrubbing and the resampling quality is higher. However, scrubbing will be more demanding on the processor.
Preferences VST remember their mute status and will be unmuted when the group channel is unmuted. NOTE Group Channels: Mute Sources as well does not affect how mute automation is written. Writing mute automation on a group channel only affects the group channel and not channels routed to it. When writing the automation you will see the other channels being muted when this option is checked. However, upon playback, only the group channel will respond to the automation.
Preferences VST NOTE The automatic monitoring options apply when you are monitoring through Cubase, or when you are using ASIO Direct Monitoring. If you are monitoring externally (listening to the input signal from an external mixer, for example), select the “Manual” mode and keep all audio monitor buttons turned off in Cubase. Warn on Processing Overloads When you activate this option, a warning message is displayed as soon as the CPU overload indicator (on the Transport panel) lights up during recording.
Preferences Video NOTE Note however that this might lead to situations where you loaded more plugins in Stop mode than the system will be able to play back simultaneously. As a safety measure, try playing back the part of your project which contains the largest number of audio events to make sure that your computer system can handle the current number of VST plug-ins.
Index A Audio parts Auditioning 139 Creating 138 Audio performance Optimizing 671 Audio Pre-Record Seconds 697 Audio processing Pool 373 Audio Recording 180 Pre-Record Time 182 Preparations 179 RAM Requirements 180 Record File Format 179 Record Folder 179 Record Modes 181 Recovering 182 Recovering recordings 182 Undo 181 With Effects 181 Audio regions About 136 Audio tracks 82 Audition chords 547 Auditioning Audio events 139 Audio parts 139 Using key commands 369 Auto fades Global settings 211 Track setti
Index Write 402, 403 Automation data Editing 406 Removing 409 Selecting 407 Automation Follows Events 677 Automation Reduction Level 677 Automation tracks About 409 Assigning parameters 410 Hiding 409 Muting 410 Removing 409 Showing 409 Chord Assistant 546, 563 Assigning chords 565 Circle of Fifths 563, 564 Proximity 563 Chord Editor 544 Assigning chords 565 MIDI Input 546 Chord events 544 Adding 545 Adding chords 545 Auditioning 547 Chord type 544 Converting to MIDI 551 Editing 545 Extracting from MIDI 5
Index Coloring Note events 470 Tracks 122 Colorize Track Controls 688 Colors Customizing 662 Preferences 677 Compressor Strip module 257 Connect Sends automatically for each newly created Channel 700 Connecting Audio 11 MIDI 19 Constrain Delay Compensation 419 Continuous controllers Controller display 498 Controller lane 502 Control link 240 Controller Brightness 688 Controller curves Smart controls for scaling 503 Controller display 497 Adding events 499 Continuous controllers 498 Deleting events 505 Drum
Index Drum Visibility Agents 522, 533 Duplicating Events 148 Tracks 127 Event display About 35 Folder tracks 128 Modifying on folder tracks 128 Event Handling Opacity 685 Event lengths Changing with Trim tool 491 Event name Showing 685 Event Volume Curves Showing 686 Events About 134 Copying and Pasting 147 Creating new files from events 135 Displaying on folder tracks 128 Duplicating 148 Editing 139 Gluing 147 Move to 143 Moving 142 Moving via Info Line 143 Moving with Nudge 143 Moving with Object Select
Index Extract Audio on Import Video File 703 Extracting Audio from video 628, 654 MIDI Automation 467 Extracting chord events from MIDI 556 Gluing Events 147 Grid Overlay Intensity 685 Groove quantizing 194 Group channel tracks 110 Group channels Adding insert effects 270 Routing 251 Group Channels - Mute Sources as well 700 F Fade Handle Brightness 686 Fader section (MixConsole) 242 Fades Auto fades 209 Editing in dialog 203 Presets 203 With Range Selection tool 202 File Extensions Showing in results li
Index Inserting and finding media Pool 368 Inserts FX chain presets 254 MixConsole 253 Using while scrubbing 700 Inspector About 41 Editor Inspector 43 Settings Dialog 45 Track Inspector 42 Inspector Sections Showing/Hiding 44 Instrument Freeze 418 Instrument Presets Loading 394 Instrument tracks 87 Instruments use Automation Read All and Write All 700 Interpolate Audio Waveforms 686 Limiter Strip module 257 Line tool 489 Drawing note events 489 Editing controller display events 500 Link groups 240 Q-Link
Index Hiding sections 392 Key commands 401 Loading Effect Plug-in Presets 394 Loading FX Chain Presets 395 Loading Instrument Presets 394 Loading Loops and Samples 393 Loading Strip Presets 395 Loading Track Presets 393 Preferences 400 Previewing 387 Right zone 54, 55 Right Zone 377 Scanning operations 379 Selecting locations 381 Showing sections 392 Using Media Files 393 Viewing results 382 Volume databases 398 VST Sound node 380 Window 378 Merge Clipboard (function) 291 Merge MIDI in Loop 460 Metadata Au
Index Fader section 242 FX chain presets 254 Level meters 247 Lower zone 48 Mute 244 Notepad 264 Opening 231 Panning 244 Pre rack 251 Racks 249 Sections 231 Setting volume 246 Solo 244 Solo Defeat 244 Strip presets 263 Visibility tab 234 Zoom tools 235 Modifier keys 638 Monitoring 176 About 18 ASIO Direct Monitoring 177 External 177 MIDI 178 Via Cubase 176 Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades 679 Moving Events 142 Moving tracks 122 MP3 files Exporting 592 Importing 655, 655 MPEG files 655, 655 Multi proc
Index Performance Aspects 671 Optimizing 671 VST performance 672 Phase MixConsole 253 Phase Reverse 292 Piano voicings 549 Pick-up Mode 423 Pitch Changing for chords 492 Pitch Notation 686 Pitch Shift Algorithm 303 Limitations 304 Plain Chords Chord Pads 572 Playback Excluding note events 473 Playback Toggle triggers Local Preview 698 Plug-in delay compensation 268 Plug-in Editors Always on Top 702 Plug-in information 284 Exporting 286 Managing plug-ins 285 Plug-in Manager 424 Collections 425 Window 425 Pl
Index Punch Out 167 Stop after automatic 696 Punch Points 167 ReCycle files 654 Reducing the project size Pool 374 Reference file Pool 358 Regions About 137 Creating with Detect Silence 299 Event or Range as Region 137 Events from Regions 137 Remote control Key commands 431 Setting up 428 Writing automation 430 Remote Controllers Connecting with Quick Controls 422 Remove Empty Tracks 121 Remove Regions/Hitpoints on all Offline Processes 679 Remove Selected Tracks 121 Removing Events 142 Renaming Events 14
Index S Sections Chord Pads 572 Select Channel/Track on Edit Settings 683 Select Channel/Track on Solo 683 Select Controllers in Note Range - Use Extended Note Context 682 Select Tool - Show Extra Info 684 Select Track for Auditioning 547 Select Track on Background Click 677 Selecting Tracks 126 Selection Ranges Creating 151 Editing 153 Editing in controller lane editor 504 Send effects 266 About 274 Adding FX channel tracks 274 Send Level 700 Sends MixConsole 264 Shared Copies Convert to Real Copy 149 Cr
Index Static value line Automation 403 Stationary Cursors 698 Statistics 302 Status line Project window 37 Score Editor 510 Step recording 496 Stereo Flip 294 Stop playback while winding 698 Strip presets 263 Strip Presets Loading 395 Strip Silence 299 Suspend VST 3 plug-in processing when no audio signals are received 702 Swing Quantizing 195 Synchronization About 600 Operation (Sync mode) 606 Setting up 603 Speed references 602 Timecode 601 Timecode preferences 604 Timecode source 604 Synchronize Plug-in
Index Transport menu Functions 158 Transport panel 156 Display format 167 Overview 156 Sections 156 Transpose MIDI function 459 Treat Muted Audio Events like Deleted 679 Trim tool Changing event lengths 491 Tuplets Quantizing 195 Type of New Tempo Points 578 Configuring parameters 549 Library 549 Library subset 549 Octave offset 549 Piano 549 Range 549 Volume MixConsole 246 VST Input ports 18 Output ports 18 VST 2 267 VST 3 267 VST 3 Suspend plug-in processing 417 VST Audio System 12 VST Connections 23 Ab
Index Working with MIDI data Tools and functions for 529 Writing automation 403 Automatically 404, 404 Manually 404, 405 Tools 405 Z Zones Keyboard focus 56 Left zone 40 Lower zone 46 Project zone 30 Right zone 51 Zoom Project window 57 Zoom history Project window 60 Zoom presets Project window 58 Zoom Tool Standard Mode - Horizontal Zooming Only 684 Zoom while Locating in Time Scale 698 Zooming To cycle markers 224 Zooming tracks 125 717
