Until my review copy of Cubase VST/32 5.0 arrived, I happily used Cubase VST/24 3.7. I was aware that version 4.1 had been released, but it was Mac only, and those of us running Windows were stuck waiting for the next upgrade. Cubase VST/32 5.0 for Windows changes that; in fact, it temporarily moves the PC version ahead of the Mac version. Fortunately for Mac users, version 5.0 for their favorite computer will even things up, and it should be available by the time you read this. Among the new features in Cubase VST/32 5.0 are a redesigned user interface, built-in access to the Rocket Network, Apogee’s UV-22 dithering algorithm, new plug-in effects and VST Instruments, and high-resolution MIDI timing, accurate to within 300 ms when using Steinberg’s MIDEX 8 USB MIDI interface. Cubase VST/32 5.0 also includes all the enhancements found in recent Mac versions, only some of which made it into PC version 3.7. These include the ability to change individual Track sizes in the Arrange window and several new track parameters that you can adjust during playback. There are two new track types: Marker Track, which lets you create and edit Markers just like other Parts; and Folder Track, which lets you group tracks together while retaining their separate identities.

In addition, a variety of new tools allows you to change volume and pan directly on Parts, time stretch or compress MIDI or audio data, and make selections regardless of Parts boundaries. Cubase VST/32 also provides a Controller Editor, a Groove Box, and a MIDI Track Mixer windows, as well as outrageously high 15,360 PPQN internal audio and 1,920 PPQN internal MIDI resolutions.

Cubase VST/32 5.0

FIG. 1: Cubase VST/32 5.0 offers a redesigned user interface with many new features, including adjustable track sizes and new VST Instruments. You build compositions by combining individual clips of audio and MIDI data (called Parts) into Tracks to create Arrangements. (click image for larger view).
EM published numerous Cubase reviews in the past (see the table “Cubase Past and Present”), including an extensive review of Cubase VST/24 4.0 in the April 1999 issue. So I’ll give only a quick overview of the program before discussing the features that are new since the last PC review. This review will focus on the features found in the top-of-the-line Cubase VST/32. Steinberg has also released Cubase Standard 5.0 and Cubase Score 5.0, which contain most of the same features.
A Bit of Background
As one of the most popular sequencers on the market for a long time, Cubase has established itself as a major player in the professional music world. With its extensive tools for recording and editing MIDI and audio, the program transforms your PC into a complete music-production system. By combining Parts into Tracks to create an Arrangement, you form the structure for a Song (see Fig. 1). The program’s wide range of music-construction tools lets you edit MIDI and audio data in just about any way imaginable. When it’s time to mix your creation, Cubase provides a complete set of mixing, processing, and effects options that let you produce the type of quality project you would expect from a professional recording environment. Its audio-processing and -routing features are among the most powerful available. By modeling its interface after hardware components, complete with easy-to-manipulate controls, Cubase makes you feel right at home. The program even incorporates full-blown professional score editing, layout, and printing features.


Reprinted with permission from Magazine, December, 2000
© 2000, Intertec Publishing, A Primedia Company All Rights Reserved


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