A SOFTWARE PRODUCT REVIEW

BY MICHELLE C. MESCH

WHAT IS CUBASE?

• A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) run by Steinberg Media Technologies

• Intended for recording, mixing, and editing music

• Creative and Productive

• Similar to other recording products, but Windows compatible

• Versatile software intended for use by musicians

• Easy to use

SPECIFICATIONS• The DAW comes fully equipped with:

• Powerful MIDI Editors

• VST Expression 2

• Intelligent Compositional Tools

• Audio Engine

• Drum Recordings and Loops

• Multi-track Editing

• Mix Console

COMPATIBILITY/REQUIREMENTS• Compatible with Mac OS X Version 10.9/10.10* or Windows 7***/Windows 8.x*

• Intel Core or AMD dual core CPU

• 8 GB RAM (minimum: 4 GB)

• 15 GB free HD space

• 1920 x 1080 display resolution (minimum: 1366 x 768)

• Graphics card with DirectX 10 and WDDM 1.1 support (Windows only)

• USB port for USB-eLicenser (license management)

• OS compatible audio hardware**

• DVD-ROM dual-layer drive

• Internet connection required for activation, account setup and personal / product registration. Additional downloads may be required for the installation.

• Flexibility in usage of instrumentation

CONTENT NAVIGATION• Very similar navigation to programs

such as Logic and Protools

• Much of the content can be customized to suit the users needs

• Uses programs exclusive to Cubase that enhance the user experience

• Has a remote control app available called Cubase iC Pro

• All content can be accessed from typical select-and-click methods, keyboard commands, or systematic commands from recording equipment

COST AND AVAILABILITY• Available in box or download form

• Prices range from $99.99 all the way up to $549.99 for their highest quality product

• Educational pricing is available

• Available at: http://www.steinberg.net/en/home.html

LICENSING,PERIPHERAL, & SUPPORT OPTIONS• Licenses are available and renewable when new versions of the product are available

• Using MIDEX-3, a multi-port interface, with USB connections to your computer, 127 peripheral devices are available

• Extensive support outlets on website including forums, contact numbers, manuals, knowledge bases, downloads, and support request forms

VERSION AND DEVELOPMENT HISTORY• The first version of Cubase was

released in April 1989 for Atari

• Between Atari, Windows, and Mac, there have been 45 different versions of Cubase created

• The first release was MIDI only

• In 1993, the release on Atari Falcon 030 allowed 8-track audio recording and playback

• Later versions allow for multi-track recording, realtime EQs, professional effects, and external plug-ins

• In 2009 it was simplified for less intricate recording

MARKET SHARE AND POSITION• Competitors include: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Reaper, Reason, Ableton Live, and Sonar

X3 just to name a few

• In comparison to the others, overall reviews put Cubase at number 3 on this list, following closely behind Pro Tools and Logic Pro X which take the number 1 and 2 slots

FUTURE TRENDS• Steady improvements over the years show that Cubase will continue to evolve and may

become even more accessible for those looking for an easy to use yet comparable recording platform

• While the use of tangible audio sources once recording is completed are essentially superfluous at this point in time, the need for recording material will always be there regardless of its technological advancements