Cubase

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Digital audio workstation

title: "Cubase" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["atari-st-software", "macos-audio-editors", "digital-audio-workstation-software", "music-production-software", "music-software", "electronic-music-software"] description: "Digital audio workstation" topic_path: "technology/operating-systems" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubase" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Digital audio workstation ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox software"]

Field	Value
title	Cubase
name	Cubase
logo	Cubase_logo.svg
logo_size	200px
screenshot	Cubase 6 feature collage.png
caption	Cubase 6
author	Steinberg
developer	Steinberg
released
latest release version	15.0.06
latest release date
programming language	C, C++
operating system	Windows, macOS
language
genre	Digital audio workstation
license	Proprietary
website
::

Cubase is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg for music and MIDI recording, arranging and editing. The first version, which was originally only a MIDI sequencer and ran on the Atari ST computer, was released in 1989. Cut-down versions of Cubase are included with almost all Yamaha audio and MIDI hardware, as well as hardware from other manufacturers.

Operation

Cubase can be used to edit and sequence audio signals coming from an external sound source and MIDI, and can host VST instruments and effects. It has a number of features designed to aid in composition, such as:

Chord Tracks: Helps the user keep track of chord changes, and can optionally be used to harmonize audio and MIDI tracks automatically, as well as trigger arpeggios and chords with basic voicings or voicings for piano and guitar. Chords can be either entered manually or detected automatically.
Expression Maps: Adds a lane to the Key Editor (Cubase's piano roll) that allows the user to define changes to the instrument's articulations and dynamics.
Note Expression: Allows MIDI controllers such as pitch bend, volume, pan, and filters to be applied only to the selected notes. This overcomes one of the limitations of MIDI, where such controllers normally affect the entire channel (For example, all notes of a chord are equally affected by a pitch bend message).
Key Editor Inspector: Provides precise control over chord drawing, chord inversions, quantization, transpositions, scale correction, note lengths, and legato. Changes can be applied either to only the selected notes or the entire MIDI part being edited.
Audio Warp Quantize: Create warp markers straight from hitpoints, both single audio loops as well as the entire arrangement can be non-destructively quantized.

MIDI parts can be edited using a piano roll, a dedicated drum editor, a score editor, or as a filterable complete list of MIDI events.

The user can also mix the various tracks down into a stereo .wav file ready to be burned to a compact disc (CD) in Red Book format, or .mp3 burned to CD or DVD as files, or to be published on the Web.

VST instruments

Cubase VST 3.7 in 1999 introduced a virtual instrument interface for software synthesizers known as VSTi. This made it possible for third-party software programmers to create and sell virtual instruments for Cubase. This technology has become a de facto standard for other DAW software, when integrating software based instruments on the Macintosh and Windows platforms. A new version of VST, VST3, was introduced with Steinberg's Cubase 4 which introduced improved handling of automation and audio output, native sidechaining, and many other features. Cubase 6 included VSTs such as HALion Sonic SE, Groove Agent ONE, LoopMash 2 and VST Amp Rack.

Editions

When Cubase 6 was released in 2011, Steinberg introduced 5 different editions for different levels of use. From highest to lowest they are: Cubase (now known as Cubase Pro), Cubase Artist, Cubase Elements, Cubase AI and Cubase LE. They have all been updated as new versions come out. While they all run on the same audio engine, the lower tiers have limits on the number of certain types of tracks. The number of audio tracks allowed in Cubase Pro is unlimited, Artist: 64, Elements: 48, AI: 32, LE: 16.

History

Cubase has existed in three main incarnations. Initially Cubase, which featured only MIDI, and which was available on the Atari ST, Macintosh and Windows. The first version of Cubase was for Atari ST, and the Macintosh and Windows versions followed later. Cubase was visualized by Wolfgang Kundrus, and implemented by a team including Werner Kracht, Stefan Scheffler, Michael Michaelis and Karl Steinberg who mainly contributed the run-time system M-ROS.{{cite web |last = Xavier |first = Par |date = 2023-10-25 |title = Soundtracker origins, part 3: Facing a stone mountain |url = https://xavier.borderie.net/blog/2023/10/25/soundtracker-origins-part-3-facing-a-stone-mountain/ |website = Je m’appelle Xavier Borderie |location = |publisher = |access-date = 2025-01-03

After a brief period with audio integration, the next version, Cubase VST, featured fully integrated audio recording and mixing along with effects. It added Virtual Studio Technology (VST) support, a standard for audio plug-ins, which led to a plethora of third-party effects, both freeware and commercial. Cubase VST was only for Macintosh and Windows; Atari support had been effectively dropped by this time, despite such hardware still being a mainstay in many studios. Cubase VST was offering a tremendous amount of power to the home user, but computer hardware took some time to catch up. By the time it did, VST's audio editing ability was found to be lacking, when compared with competitors such as Pro Tools DAE and Digital Performer MAS.

To address this, a new version of the program, Cubase SX (based on Steinberg's flagship post-production software Nuendo) was introduced, which dramatically altered the way the program ran. This version required much relearning for users of older Cubase versions. However, once the new methods of working were learned, the improvements in handling of audio and automation made for a more professional sequencer and audio editor.

A notable improvement with the introduction of Cubase SX was the advanced audio editing, especially the ability to 'undo' audio edits. Early versions of Cubase VST did not have this ability. Cubase SX also featured real-time time-stretching and adjustment of audio tempo, much like Sonic Foundry's ground-breaking ACID.

In January 2003, Steinberg was acquired by Pinnacle Systems, within which it operated as an independent company before being sold to Yamaha Corporation in December, 2004.

In September 2006 Steinberg announced Cubase 4 - the successor to Cubase SX3. Notable new features include 'control room', a feature designed to help create monitor mixes, and a new set of VST3 plug-ins and instruments.

There are also lighter economic alternatives by Steinberg, originally named Cubasis, later becoming Cubase SE and then Cubase Essential at version 4. For its sixth generation, the program was renamed Cubase Elements 6. The name change was done presumably, because its rival Cakewalk had taken the Essential branding for its own entry-level DAW software, Sonar X1 Essential.

While the full version of Cubase features unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, lesser versions have limits. For instance, Cubase Elements 6 has a maximum of 48 audio track and 64 MIDI tracks and Cubase Artist 6 offer 64 audio and 128 MIDI tracks.

In 2013, Steinberg introduced Cubasis for iPad, a Cubase for iOS. This version was a full rewrite and supports MIDI and audio tracks, audiobus and virtual MIDI to work with external music apps from the first versions. In 2016, Cubasis 2 was released as a free update with new features such as real-time time-stretching, pitch-shifting for changing the key, a "channel strip" effects suite, and new plug-ins and sounds. In 2017, Steinberg received the MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award) for Cubasis 2 in the Mobile Music App category at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt.

In late 2019, Cubasis 3 followed as a new app and included group tracks, a "Master Strip" effects suite, a revamped MediaBay, more effects and many more features in addition to iPhone support. In mid-2020, Cubasis 3 was released for Android tablets and smartphones.

Notable users

Some notable users include:

Versions

::data[format=table]

Version	Released	Information
Cubase 1.0 Atari	April 1989	Originally called Cubeat, later on Cubit, but changed to Cubase due to trademark issues, this was the successor to Pro-24. Cubase for Atari was MIDI only and ran on the Atari 520ST and Atari 1040ST computers, provided they had 1 MB of RAM (the 520 with 1 MB of RAM is effectively a 1040 anyway). It required use of an Atari SM-124 monochrome monitor, which gave a then impressive resolution of 640x400, at a rock-solid 71.25 Hz.
Cubase 1.0 Macintosh	1990	Cubase 1.0 is released for Apple Macintosh computers.
Cubase 2.0 Atari	April 1990	Only supports format 0 MIDI files.
Cubase Audio	1991	Macintosh, this version relied on the TDM system from Digidesign for the audio portion.
Cubase Audio	1993	Release on Atari Falcon 030. This version brings digital signal processor (DSP) built-in effects with 8-track audio recording and playback using only native hardware. It was an incredible solution for the price at this time. Later versions enable 16-track mode using audio compression.
Cubase 3.0 Atari	1992
Cubase for Windows 3.0	1992
Cubase Score for Windows 3.11	1993	Cubase Score is released for Windows offering key, list, logical, drum, and score editing, printing, and a GM/GS editor.
Cubase 2.8 for Windows	1996	The Arrange Window was redesigned. Features included the Interactive Phrase Synthesizer, CueTrax and StyleTrax: the "virtual Band".
Cubase Audio 1.6 for Windows	1996	Cubase Audio 1.6 supported the hard disk recording functions of Session8 and Yamaha's CBX D3/D5 Cubase Audio supported Digidesign's new AudioMedia III PCI card. Used in conjunction with AudioMedia III Cubase Audio gave 8 audio tracks, EQ and automation.
Cubase Audio 3.0 TDM for Macintosh	1996	Cubase Audio 3.0 TDM had up to 16 Audio Tracks with TDM Support for up to 48 Physical Audio Tracks. Cubase Audio 3.0 TDM contained all the new features of Cubase Score 2.0. It also had OMS II Support and MovieManager Support.
Cubase Audio XT 3.0	1996	This release provides extended hardware support not featured in other versions of cubase. Hardware options included the Digidesign Session 8 & AudioMedia III PCI, Yamaha CBXD3 & CBXD5, Akai DR8 & DR16, & the Creamware Master port. Recording multiple tracks at once was possible. One of the last versions of Cubase that is still compatible with Windows 3.11.
Cubase Score 3.0	1996	At the time of this release, the Cubase lineup consisted of the following programs (in hierarchical order) Cubasis(midi), Cubasis Audio, Cubase (standard, included audio), Cubase Score (Audio+Notation), Cubase Audio XT (Flagship product). This version was upgradeable to Cubase Audio XT. One of the last versions of Cubase still compatible with Windows 3.11.
Cubase VST 3.0 Macintosh	1996	In 1996, Steinberg increased its share of MIDI + audio sequencers with the Virtual Studio Technology (VST) versions of Cubase. VST also included standards for plug-ins and virtual instruments, which were then also incorporated into third-party products. Up to 32 tracks of digital audio. Up to 128 realtime EQs. Professional effects rack with 4 multi-effect processors. Plug in interface for external plug-ins, allowing external audio technology to be integrated into the Cubase environment. Professional score printing, up to 60 staves per page, 8-voice polyphony. Had a bug limiting memory in the host system to 64 MB on the PowerMac. Was eventually resolved with a patch.
Cubase VST 3.5 Macintosh	Aug 1997	Separate access to all audio inputs + outputs in conjunction with multi i/o audio hardware (amIII, 1212) via a flexible audio routing system; new channel plugins: chorus2, electrofuzz, wunderverb3; new master plugin scorpion; backup option via dat stream.
Cubase VST 3.5 for Windows 95	Oct 1997	Windows Cubase VST provided up to 32 tracks of digital audio, 128 equalizers in real time, a fully equipped effects rack with four multi-effect processors, a master section and an open plug-in interface for additional real time effects and mastering tools. VST for Windows also supported Active Movie compatible plug-ins. Cubase Audio VST 3.5 + Wavelab 1.6 + Waves AudioTrack was bundled in the first "Producer Pac". This version is native Windows 95 code + is the first version of Cubase for Windows that is incompatible with Windows 3.11.
Cubase VST 3.5.5 for Windows 95	1998	Other new features include updated implementation of DirectX plug-ins, allowing the user to organize the list of installed plug-ins according to personal preferences. Support for Recycle export files (.REX files). This allows the use of 'recycled' sample loops right in VST audio tracks without using a dedicated hardware sampler. VST Audio Engine can now be disabled while VST is running (from within the Audio System Menu) or by launching the program while holding the Shift key.
Cubase VST 24 3.6	1998	96 tracks, submixers, ReWire, 8 FX sends and eight aux. VST/24 3.6 supports the entire functionality of Yamaha's DSP Factory card.
Cubase VST 24 3.7 for Windows	Jul 1999	This version introduced VST 2.0, which allowed VST plugins to receive MIDI data from Cubase. It also introduced the concept of VST instruments - earlier implementations of VST had been biased towards effects plugins - and included Neon, a free VST instrument. VST24 3.7 was the first sequencer ever to support VST instruments, as Steinberg had invented the "VSTi" specification.
Cubase VST 24 4.0 Macintosh	1998	Macintosh only. Cubase VST24 4.0 now offers 96 tracks of 24 bit, 96 kHz digital audio with Digidesign Pro Tools 24 digital audio hardware systems.
Cubase VST 24 4.1 Macintosh	Jul 1999	Macintosh only. Downloadable as a free upgrade to owners of VST24 4.0. Introduced VST 2.0 (and thus, first to provide VST instrument ability on the mac), ASIO 2.0, DSP Factory support, TDM support and more. Also, the Cubase VST/24 Mixer/EQ section included an extension with five new real-time processing modules — Compressor, Limiter, Auto Gate, Auto Limit and Soft Clip. Several VST elements could also now be controlled remotely by external devices such as the Yamaha 01-V.
Cubase VST 32 5.0	Sep 2000	Large update to the Windows product bringing it in sync with the Macintosh product which had included more features such as: 15,360 ppqn internal resolution, Folder Tracks, Marker Tracks, Long Track Names, Transport Bar display options, User-definable Toolbar and key commands, Extended Inspector, Improved drag and drop, Enhanced Toolbox (including Range Selection tool), New Controller Editor, Grooves and Logical presets, Window Sets, Dedicated MIDI Track Mixer. The last version still compatible with Windows 95. Applying the update to 5.1 is said to require Windows 98.
Cubase VST 32 5.1	2001	Was available individually and as part of a Producer's Pack featuring Recycle loop editor and Rebirth virtual instrument (non-VST format), programs developed by Propellerheads but distributed by Steinberg. The Propellerheads products came on Mac and PC compatible CDs, but the disc and serial hasp for Cubase were PC-only. Primarily was introduced to run on the new Windows XP operating system.
Cubase SX 1.0/ Cubase SL1.0	2002	Cubase SX1.0 was released as the next generation after Cubase VST. It used the engine of a contemporary sister program as a base, Nuendo V1.0, and was a total rewrite over the prior versions of Cubase. Although bringing vast improvements in stability and feature quality, some features from Cubase VST initially didn't make it into the new version.
Cubase SX 2.0/Cubase SL2.0	2003	Cubase SX2.0 was hailed by many as a huge leap in functionality. One of the most innovative features was called Timewarp. This allowed users to record music either as MIDI and/or Audio in freetime, without click or metronome, and then move the bars and beats grid to the music, automatically creating a tempo track. The Timewarp tool allowed users to move gridlines.
Cubase SX 3.0	2004	One of the major features to arrive with Cubase SX3.0 was Audiowarp. It allowed Audio to remain in sync with the project even after changing its tempo. It also allowed users to apply 'tempo anchors' to an imported audio file so it would sync to the tempo of the project regardless of the original tempo.
Cubase SX 3.1	August 31, 2005
Cubase SX 3.1.1	October 20, 2005
Cubase 4.0	2006	Cubase 4.0 marked the end of the SX, SL and SE designations, with SX becoming Cubase 4, SL becoming Cubase Studio 4 and SE becoming Cubase Essentials 4. It introduced the new VST 3 plug-in standard, and also removed support for the increasingly irrelevant DirectX plugin standard.
Cubase 4.1	October 23, 2007	Apart from many bug fixes, V4.1 added some new features, including Sidechaining, Free Group Routing, Project Logical Editor, and Recording from Sum Objects. Existing Features were also improved including the Play Order Track and the Audiowarp, which is now integrated into the Audio Sample editor.
Cubase 4.5	September 3, 2008
Cubase 4.5.2	September 11, 2008
Cubase 5.0	January 27, 2009
Cubase 5.0.1	April 8, 2009
Cubase 5.1	August 24, 2009
Cubase 5.1.1	December 12, 2009
Cubase 5.5.1	June 21, 2010
Cubase 5.5.2	November 9, 2010
Cubase 5.5.3	March 29, 2011
Cubase 6.0	January 17, 2011	Cubase 6.0 was designed to run on 64-bit Windows 7. Cubase 6 features the new VST 3.5 standard, that introduces new features such as Note Expression. With Note Expression, the limits of MIDI controller events are circumvented, enabling articulation information for individual notes, even in polyphonic arrangement (e.g. chords).
Cubase 6.5	February 29, 2012	Introduction of PADSHOP and RETROLOGUE plugins.
Cubase 7.0	December 5, 2012	url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118223925/http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/whats_new.html
Cubase 7.5	December 4, 2013	url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222162307/http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/whats_new/whats_new_in_cubase_75.html
Cubase 8.0	December 3, 2014	Performance boost for more instruments, more tracks and shorter loading/saving times. VCA faders for complex mixing and automation workflows. Render in-place: Bounce MIDI and audio parts easily. Chord pads: A great way to playfully and creatively compose with chords. Improved windows handling on PC, dockable rack and MediaBay plus a redesigned Track List. Groove Agent SE 4 Acoustic Agent enabling acoustic drum programming. Plug-in manager: Arrange, sort and group your effects and instruments. New Virtual Bass Amp, Quadrafuzz v2, Multiband Expander, Multiband Envelope Shaper effects. Mixing updates: Virgin territories automation mode, direct routing and Wave Meters. Allen Morgan Pop-Rock Toolbox: 30 construction kits, each with 25 to 30 audio and MIDI loops.
Cubase 8.5	December 2, 2015	Various MIDI and Drum Editor enhancements, enabled saving and sharing arrangements in clouds via "VST Transit", upgrade of analogue synthesizer "Retrologue" (implementation of third oscillator, 12 new filter types, a third bipolar envelope curve, an own effects rack and four-track step sequencer), enabled option to import tracks from other projects and improved Drag and drop.
Cubase 9.0	December 7, 2016	Improvements to cloud collaboration clouds via "VST Transit", docked windows with the new "Lower Zone" gives access to MIDI editors, sample editor, mix window and new Sampler Track without leaving project window and comes with "Caleidoscope" with hundreds of samples. Undo history separated in the Mix Window. 10 marker tracks (similar to Nuendo 7 which has 32), Autopan Plug-in, Maximizer, new Sentinel scans plug-ins to check stability. New EQ with M/S support and auto listen to EQ bands with included keyboard for easier frequency to pitch recognition. 400 new drum loops via "Production Gooves". The top 5 feature requests for Cubase 9 were
Cubase 9.5	November 15, 2017	Graphics performance improvements, Zoning 2.0, automation curves, advanced metronome options, 64-bit mixing engine, more inserts with flexible pre/post fader, new look for Vintage Compressor, Tube Compressor and Magneto III, direct offline processing, HALion Sonic SE 3 featuring FLUX wavetable synth, automation range tool, Adapt to Zoom, new video engine (no longer QuickTime dependent), Softube Console 1 support, Sampler Track enhancements, production presets.
Cubase 10.0	November 15, 2018	Interface Improvements, High DPI display support (only on Mac), VariAudio 3, Audio Alignment, Channel Strip Revision, Groove Agent SE 5, Mix Console Snapshots, Multi-Dimensional Controller Support, VR Production Suite, Side Chaining Improvements, AAF Import & Export, new Distroyer Processor effect, Latency Monitor, ARA Support, MPE support.
Cubase 10.5	November 13, 2019	Spectral comparison EQ mode, Video renderer, Multi-tap delay, Padshop 2 plugin, Colorizer mixer channels, Import tracks from other project, Retrospective MIDI recording, Combined selection tools, Score editor fixes, Easier macro recording, LUFS normalization, Start in Safe Mode, Various workflow improvements.
Cubase 11.0	November 11, 2020	Advanced Audio Export, Sampler Track 2, Scale Assistant, Advanced Key Editor, Global Tracks, Frequency 2, Squasher, Score Editor, New Samples, SuperVision, Imager, MultiTap Delay Surround Support, Windows 10 Variable DPI, Multiple Side-Chain, Cubase Artists/Elements Upgrades, VST Connect SE 5, Workflow and UI Improvements, Apple Metal Acceleration, SpectraLayers One.
Cubase 12.0	March 2, 2022	No more dongle, MIDI Remote integration, VariAudio with Scale Assistant, Audio to MIDI chords, FX Modulator, AudioWarp improvements, Editing workflow improvements, Raiser and more.
Cubase 13.0	November 2, 2023	MixConsole overhaul, improvements include Range tool, Step and MIDI input, key editor, track versioning, and channel tab. New VocalChain, equalizer and vocal compressor plug-ins. New Iconica Sketch orchestral VST instrument. Discontinuation of Project Browser and VST Transit.
Cubase 14.0	November 6, 2024	Release Notes.
Cubase 15.0	November 5, 2025	https://www.steinberg.net/cubase/release-notes/15/
::

References

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[http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/whats_new.html Official Steinberg site - New features in Cubase 7] {{webarchive. link. (2013-01-18)
[http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/whats_new/whats_new_in_cubase_75.html Official Steinberg site - New features in Cubase 7.5] {{webarchive. link. (2014-02-22)

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