This is the Operation Manual for Steinberg’s Cubase. Here you will find detailed information about all the features and functions in the program.
Operation Manual
In our documentation, we use typographical and markup elements to structure information.
The following list informs you about the most important improvements in Cubase and provides links to the corresponding descriptions.
The documentation applies to the operating systems Windows and macOS.
In our documentation, we divide information into three different types of topics, according to their content.
The following typographical elements mark the following purposes.
Bold text indicates the name of a menu, option, function, dialog, window, etc.
Many of the default key commands, also known as keyboard shortcuts, use modifier keys, some of which are different depending on the operating system.
To use Cubase, you must set up your audio, and if required, your MIDI system.
To play back and record in Cubase, you must set up input and output busses in the Audio Connections window.
The Project window provides an overview of the project, and allows you to navigate and perform large scale editing.
In Cubase, projects are the central documents. You must create and set up a project to work with the program.
Tracks are the building blocks of your project. They allow you to import, add, record, and edit parts and events. Tracks are listed from top to bottom in the track list and extend horizontally across the Project window. Each track is assigned to a particular channel strip in the MixConsole.
Tracks are the building blocks of your project. In Cubase, events and parts are placed on tracks.
Parts and events are the basic building blocks in Cubase.
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.
Cubase offers multiple methods and functions to control playback and transport.
The On-Screen Keyboard allows you to play and record MIDI notes by using your computer keyboard or mouse. This is useful if you have no external MIDI instrument at hand and you do not want to draw in notes with the Draw tool.
In Cubase, you can record audio and MIDI.
You can add audio and MIDI files to your project by importing them.
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.
Fades allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume at the start or at the end of audio events or audio clips, and to create smooth transitions.
Markers are used to locate certain positions quickly. There are two types of markers: position markers and cycle markers.
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.
Cubase comes with a number of included effect plug-ins that you can use to process audio, group, and instrument channels.
Direct Offline Processing allows you to instantly add audio processes to the selected audio events, clips, or ranges, without destroying the original audio.
In Cubase, time stretching algorithms are used for operations like the Time Stretch offline process, or in the Sample Editor.
Cubase offers particular functions for analyzing the audio in your project.
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, as well as by processing audio. Editing is non-destructive so that you can undo modifications at any time.
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.
Cubase offers several functions that allow you to match the tempo of the audio in your project.
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.
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.
You can manage media files on your computer as well as presets from multiple sources from within the MediaBay or the Media rack.
In essence, automation refers to recording values for a particular MixConsole or effect parameter. When you create your final mix, Cubase can adjust this particular parameter control.
VST instruments are software synthesizers or other sound sources that are included with Cubase. They are played internally via MIDI. You can add effects or EQ to VST instruments.
Cubase supports the VST 2 and VST 3 plug-in standards. You can install effects and instruments that comply with these formats.
Cubase allows you to set up 8 different track parameters or settings as Track Quick Controls for quick access.
MIDI Remote allows you to integrate and use third party MIDI controllers in Cubase.
You can control Cubase with a connected MIDI device via MIDI.
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 MIDI Device Manager allows you to work with MIDI devices, that is, representations of external MIDI hardware.
MIDI functions allow you to permanently edit MIDI events or MIDI parts in the Project window or from within a MIDI editor.
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 chord functions provide you with many possibilities for working with chords.
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 set up a tempo and time signature for your project. By default, the tempo is set to 120 bpm, and the time signature to 4/4.
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.
Synchronization is the process of getting 2 or more devices to play back together at the same speed, position, and phase. These devices can range from audio and video tape machines to digital audio workstations, MIDI sequencers, synchronization controllers, and digital video devices.
VST System Link is a digital audio network system that allows you to link several computers using digital audio hardware and cables.
Cubase allows you to work with video content.
Key commands are assigned to most main menus and functions in Cubase. They are stored as Preferences that are used for all your projects.
In Cubase you can set up the appearance of specific elements.
To get the most out of your Cubase system, performance-wise, you can optimize specific settings.
The Preferences dialog provides options and settings that control the global behavior of the program.
