How To
Cubase 10: A Guide For Beginners
Craig Brown
3.6.2020
Craig Brown
3.6.2020
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For several decades, Cubase has been one of the most well-known DAWs in the entertainment industry. But it is sometimes considered a bit more complicated, including CPU and DSP intensive for a lot of users. Therefore, several users have since parted ways and moved on to other programs such as Reaper and Logic Pro. In this article, we will take a look at Cubase 10 – what it includes, specs, and how to utilise some of its great features.
In 1989, German musical software and hardware company Steinberg released Cubase for Atari, including versions for Mac and Windows computers. It became a very popular MIDI sequencer, used in many studios worldwide.
There has been a more recent resurgence of the German based Cubase. This is due to the company updating and improving some of the issues that caused quite a few users to switch over to the competition. With their recent edition, Steinberg Cubase 10 and 10.5 combines almost three decades of their software development into a more intuitive DAW. Including abundant horsepower, Cubase 10.5 offers users over 90 FX plugins, including 8 outstanding virtual instruments that utilise more than 3,000 sounds, and a host of other updates and major improvements, therefore competing and standing out from its predecessors and competition. By adding extra features and functionality, it has created a DAW in a class of its own. This is now considered to be the most versatile Cubase yet.
Cubase is a powerful DAW that is versatile for any music genre. But like any other DAW, it has its own unique quirks and workflow to navigate. But with some guidance and comprehension about this DAW, the set up and learning curve can be quite a bit easier. The basic controls are easy to understand and use, which makes Cubase easier and more convenient for beginners.
To set up your audio interface with Cubase, open the Studio menu and choose Studio Setup.
Then select the VST Audio System options under Devices. Choose your audio interface from the ASIO Driver drop-down menu. Once the ASIO driver for your audio interface has been selected, close the Device Setup by clicking OK.
Click on File > New Project. The next step is to click on Empty.
After you Choose the folder of your liking (this is the folder that you will save your current project), then click OK.
The next step is to click on File > Save and save the project in the same folder that you created.
EQ is arguably the most important process in mixing music. Sometimes a well EQ’d track can sound as if it was mastered, and will need less effects after the EQ process. Cubase 10.5 offers a Spectral Comparison EQ. With this, you can take advantage of this outstanding visual EQ in Cubase and mix with your eyes. The Spectral Comparison EQ gives outstanding visual feedback that helps you identify and eliminate frequency resonances and collisions issues.
Another unique and convenient feature in Cubase is Combine Select Tools Mode. This allows you to apply multiple parameters at once, so that no tool switching is required. With this tool, you can easily combine selection tools for objects and ranges in a single powerful feature.
It is a scientific fact that we are drawn to certain colours. Cubase workflow has multiple color palettes to choose from, therefore making your workflow much easier. In the newest version of Cubase, you are able to assign a color to your mixer channels. This feature swiftly and painlessly organizes your workflow. This added feature of Colourised Mixer Channels will definitely make it easier to locate tracks you are looking for.
The newly updated Cubase easily allows you to import audio and other data from your saved projects on your PC. This enables easier template creation and transfer of information. This new feature in Cubase Pro 10.5 makes exchanging data between projects easier, so that you can focus on what matters the most.
Cubase 10.5 also lets you render your videos as MP4 files in 16-bit stereo audio. This new and major upgrade feature therefore eliminates the inconvenience of having to use a separate software program to export your video projects. You can completely mix, master and export all your projects in one place.
Chord Pads make it easy to compose music. Writing chord progressions with Cubase is so much easier as a result of this easy to use feature. You can play chords and patterns in real-time, including the ability to use multiple parameters to change chords on the fly. You can also play Chord Pads with your MIDI keyboard. The real-time parameters make it easy to improvise chord patterns and performances. The Chord Pad feature also allows you to change voicings, tensions, and more as your creative ideas flow.
The Audio Warp Quantize feature allows you to transform your audio. Cubase 10.5 Audio Warp Quantize allows you the easy convenience of quantizing via the Quantize panel. You can non-destructively quantize single audio loops, including your entire project. In addition, the audio events are warped rather than sliced. Therefore, they automatically sync to your project’s tempo or pitch changes, making your project remain uncluttered for easy arrangement.
You can turbocharge your mixing workflow with Mix Console. This is not only an outstanding component, but it also looks beautiful and functions superbly. This cool feature in Cubase 10.5 also captures the sonic qualities of any high-end analog mixing console. It is also adjustable to a full-screen mode. Mix Console functions easily without a mouse, therefore allowing you to use your computer keyboard to access its channel components.
Mix Console is also optimized to better enable navigation for the visually impaired. The ability to view various Sets and Channel regions ensures tons of flexibility in the mixing process. Other features such as 1-click direct routing, a track notepad, customisable track icons, drag-and-drop support, plug-in/channel search functions and other cool features gives you the feel of a state-of-the-art mixing console in your computer.
There are various prices, including lite or full versions. The links are below to download:
Pro 10.5: Full version: $587.98
Artist 10.5: Full version: $337.98
Elements 10.5: Full version: $99.99
Elements 10.5: Full version Education: $66.99
Pro 10.5: Update from Cubase Pro 10: $59.99
Simply head to Cubase’s website to download either Cubase Pro, Cubase Artist or Cubase Elements… and away you go!
Cubase 10.5 is perfect for composers, producers, songwriters and professional audio engineers. It is a next generation 64 bit floating point audio engine that gives users awesome power to produce and compose with ease. With Video Export Render, you can export projects as MP4 files as 16 bit audio. It has Safe Start Mode that lets you start Cubase without a third-party plugin. It also includes colourful mixer channels, which makes your workflow easier. Intelligent compositional tools like Chord Track, Chord Assistant and Chord Pads and many other cool features make Cubase 10.5 the most outstanding Cubase version yet. It is definitely worth the investment and I would highly recommend it as a top DAW!
So, now you know how to use Cubase to perfect your music-making process. Allow us to help you amplify your music, collaborate with others, and get your music in TV, film and more. Why not try Music Gateway for free?
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18.9.2020
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