Operation Manual
The Steinberg Documentation Team: Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Lillie Harris, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte, Marita Sladek Translation: Ability InterBusiness Solutions (AIBS), Moon Chen, Jérémie Dal Santo, Rosa Freitag, Josep Llodra Grimalt, Vadim Kupriianov, Filippo Manfredi, Roland Münchow, Boris Rogowski, Sergey Tamarovsky This document provides improved access for people who are blind or have low vision.
Table of Contents 7 New Features 8 8 8 8 9 Introduction Platform-Independent Documentation PDF Documents and Online Documentation Conventions Key Commands 10 10 11 18 21 Setting up Your System Studio Setup Dialog Setting up Audio Setting up MIDI Synchronizers 22 22 23 24 25 26 26 Audio Connections Audio Connections Window Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs Adding Input and Output Busses Presets for Input and Output Busses Monitoring Bus Bus Configurations 28 29 29 40 45 50 55 56 59 62 62 63 P
Table of Contents 204 204 211 Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import MIDI File Import 213 213 214 214 215 215 216 Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Functions Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths Quantizing MIDI Event Ends Quantizing Audio Event Starts Quantize Panel 223 223 227 228 231 Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades Creating Clip-Based Fades Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades 234 234 234 235 239 240 Markers Position Markers Cycle Markers Markers Window Mark
Table of Contents 452 453 458 Assigning Commands to Remote Devices Generic Remote Page VST Quick Controls 459 459 459 463 MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Track Parameters MIDI Modifiers Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line 464 464 Using MIDI Devices Program Change Messages and Bank Select Messages Patch Banks MIDI Device Manager 465 465 471 471 472 473 475 475 476 476 476 477 477 478 478 478 479 479 479 480 480 MIDI Functions Transpose Setup Dialog Merging MIDI Events into a New Part Dissolve Part
Table of Contents 672 672 673 Settings That Affect Performance Audio Performance Window ASIO-Guard 675 675 676 681 681 684 686 689 689 690 691 693 694 696 Preferences Preferences Dialog Editing Editors Event Display General MIDI MediaBay Metering Record Transport User Interface VST Video 697 Index 6 Cubase AI 11.0.
New Features The following list informs you about the most important improvements in Cubase and provides links to the corresponding descriptions. New Features in Version 11.0.0 Highlights Pitchbend and Controller Editing Improvements ● You can select whether you want ramps or steps as the default type for new controller events. See Controller Lane Setup Menu. ● You can copy all of your CC edits to another track. See Controller Lane Context Menu.
Introduction This is the Operation Manual for Steinberg’s Cubase. Here you will find detailed information about all the features and functions in the program. The screenshots are taken from Cubase Elements. Platform-Independent Documentation The documentation applies to the operating systems Windows and macOS. Features and settings that are specific to one of these platforms are clearly indicated. In all other cases, the descriptions and procedures in the documentation are valid for Windows and macOS.
Introduction Key Commands Typographical Elements The following typographical elements mark the following purposes. Prerequisite Requires you to complete an action or to fulfill a condition before starting a procedure. Procedure Lists the steps that you must take to achieve a specific result. Important Informs you about issues that might affect the system, the connected hardware, or that might bring a risk of data loss. Note Informs you about issues that you should consider.
Setting up Your System To use Cubase, you must set up your audio, and if required, your MIDI system. Studio Setup Dialog The Studio Setup dialog allows you to set up your connected audio, MIDI, and remote control devices. ● To open the Studio Setup dialog, select Studio > Studio Setup. The following options are available: Add Device Allows you to manually add devices such as a Note Expression Input Device, an additional Time Display device, or specific remote control devices.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Setting up Audio You must set up your audio equipment before you can use it in Cubase. IMPORTANT Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections. Simple Stereo Input and Output Setup If you only use a stereo input and output from Cubase, you can connect your audio hardware, for example, the inputs of your audio card or your audio interface, directly to the input source and the outputs to a power amplifier and speaker.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Word Clock Connections If you are using a digital audio connection, you may also need a word clock connection between the audio hardware and external devices. For details, refer to the documentation that came with the audio hardware. IMPORTANT Set up word clock synchronization correctly, or you may experience clicks and crackles in your recordings. Selecting an Audio Driver By selecting an audio driver, you allow Cubase to communicate with the audio hardware.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio 4. Set up your audio hardware as recommended by the manufacturer. Audio System Page On the Audio System page you can select an ASIO driver for your audio hardware. ● To open the Audio System page, select Studio > Studio Setup and select Audio System in the Devices list. The following options are available: ASIO Driver Allows you to select a driver.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio HW Pull Up/Down Shows the pull up/down status of the audio hardware. In the Advanced Options section, the following options are available: Set to Defaults Allows you to restore the default settings. Processing Precision Allows you to set the audio processing precision to 32 bit float or 64 bit float. Depending on this setting, all channels are processed and mixed in 32-bit floatingpoint or 64-bit floating-point format.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Apply Applies the settings. RELATED LINKS VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 437 ASIO Driver Setup Page This page allows you to set up your ASIO driver. ● To open the page where you can set up the ASIO driver, select Studio > Studio Setup and select the audio driver in the Devices list. The following options are available: Control Panel Opens the control panel for the audio hardware. Input Latency Shows the input latency of the audio driver.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio I/O The port input/output status. Port System Name The system name of the port. Show As Allows you to rename the port. This name is used in the Input Routing and Output Routing pop-up menus. Visible Allows you to activate/deactivate audio ports. State The state of the audio port. In the general section, the following options are available: Reset Resets the selected remote device. Apply Applies the settings.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio 2. In the Devices list, select Audio System. 3. Activate Release Driver when Application is in Background. RESULT The application that has the focus gets access to the audio hardware. Audio Hardware Configuration Most audio cards provide one or more small applications that allow you to customize your hardware. The settings are normally gathered on a control panel that can be opened from within Cubase or separately, when Cubase is not running.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI Once you have set up the internal input and output busses, you can connect your audio source, for example, a microphone, to your audio interface and start recording, playing back, and mixing. RELATED LINKS Audio Connections on page 22 Monitoring In Cubase, monitoring means listening to the input signal while recording. The following ways of monitoring are available: ● Externally by listening to the signal before it reaches Cubase. ● Via Cubase.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI Showing or Hiding MIDI Ports You can show the MIDI ports that you want to use and hide those that you do not use on the MIDI pop-up menus in the program. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select MIDI Port Setup. 3. To hide a MIDI port, deactivate its Visible column. 4. Click OK. Setting up All MIDI Inputs When you record MIDI, you can specify which MIDI input each recording MIDI track should use.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI The following columns are displayed: Device The connected MIDI devices. I/O The port input/output status. Port System Name The system name of the port. Show As Allows you to rename the port. This name is used in the Input Routing and Output Routing pop-up menus. Visible Allows you to activate/deactivate MIDI ports. State The state of the MIDI port. In 'All MIDI Inputs' Allows you to record MIDI data from all MIDI inputs.
Setting up Your System Synchronizers Use System Timestamp for 'DirectMusic' Inputs Activate this option if you have persistent timing problems such as shifted notes. If this is activated, the system timestamp is used as a time reference. In the general section, the following options are available: Reset Resets the selected remote device. Apply Applies the settings. Plug and Play Support for USB MIDI Devices Cubase supports plug and play of USB MIDI devices.
Audio Connections To play back and record in Cubase, you must set up input and output busses in the Audio Connections window. The bus types that you need depend on your audio hardware, on your general audio setup, and on the projects that you use. Audio Connections Window The Audio Connections window allows you to set up input and output busses. ● To open the Audio Connections window, select Studio > Audio Connections.
Audio Connections Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs The Device Port pop-up menu displays how many busses are connected to a given port. The busses are shown in square brackets next to the port name. Up to 3 bus assignments can be displayed in this way. If more connections have been made, this is indicated by a number at the end of the port name. For example, “Adat 1 [Stereo1] [Stereo2] [Stereo3] (+2)” means that the Adat1 port is already assigned to 3 stereo busses plus 2 additional busses.
Audio Connections Adding Input and Output Busses Activating and Deactivating Ports (macOS only) On macOS you can specify which input and output ports are active. This allows you to use the microphone input instead of the line input or to deactivate the audio card input or output. NOTE This function is only available for built-in audio, standard USB audio devices, and a certain number of other audio cards. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2.
Audio Connections Presets for Input and Output Busses RESULT The selected bus is used as default bus. The Main Mix is indicated by a speaker icon next to its name. RELATED LINKS Inputs/Outputs Tab on page 22 Presets for Input and Output Busses For input and output bus configurations, you can use different kinds of presets. ● A number of standard bus configurations. ● Automatically created presets tailored to your specific hardware configuration.
Audio Connections Monitoring Bus Monitoring Bus The default output bus (Main Mix) is used for monitoring. You can adjust the monitoring level in the MixConsole. RELATED LINKS Setting the Default Output Bus (Main Mix) on page 24 MixConsole on page 242 Bus Configurations After you have set up all the required busses for a project you can edit the names and change port assignments. The bus configuration is saved with the project. Removing Busses You can remove busses that you no longer need.
Audio Connections Bus Configurations ● 4. Enter a new name for one of the busses, followed by a space and a capital letter. Press Return . RESULT The busses are renamed automatically using either incrementing numbers or letters. NOTE The renaming starts from the bus where you edit the name until the bottom, and then continues from the top until all selected busses have been renamed. Exclusive Port Assignments For certain channel types, the port assignment is exclusive.
Project Window The Project window provides an overview of the project, and allows you to navigate and perform large scale editing. Each project has one Project window. The Project window is displayed whenever you open or create a new project. ● To open a project, select File > Open. ● To create a new project, select File > New Project.
Project Window Showing/Hiding Zones On the toolbar, you can activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, the overview line, and the Transport Bar. 3 Lower Zone The lower zone shows the Chord Pads, the Editor, and the MixConsole. 4 Right Zone The right zone shows the VSTi rack, and the Media rack.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Track List on page 36 Event Display on page 37 Global Track Controls on page 37 Ruler on page 37 Status Line on page 38 Info Line on page 39 Overview Line on page 40 Transport Bar on page 40 Project Window Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for opening other windows and various project settings and functions.
Project Window Project Zone Open Pool Window Opens/Closes the Pool window. Open MixConsole Opens/Closes the MixConsole. State Buttons Deactivate All Mute States Deactivates all mute states. Deactivate All Solo States Deactivates all solo states. Activate/Deactivate Read for All Tracks Activates/Deactivates read automation for all tracks. Activate/Deactivate Write for All Tracks Activates/Deactivates write automation for all tracks. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback.
Project Window Project Zone Transport Controls Go to Previous Marker/Zero Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline. Go to Next Marker/Project End Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end. Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Activate Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback. Start Starts playback. Transport Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events and parts.
Project Window Project Zone Glue Glues events together. Mute Mutes events. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out. Line Creates a series of contiguous events. Play Allows you to play back events. Color Allows you to colorize events. Color Menu Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events Opens the Colorize pane that allows you to colorize the selected tracks or events. Nudge Palette Trim Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left.
Project Window Project Zone Snap Snap to Zero Crossing Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero. Snap On/Off Restricts horizontal movement and positioning to the positions specified by the Snap Type. Snap Type Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap. Grid Type Grid Type Allows you to specify a grid type for the Snap function. This setting only has effect if Snap Type is set to one of the grid options.
Project Window Project Zone Window Zone Controls Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone of the window. Show/Hide Lower Zone Shows/Hides the lower zone of the window. Show/Hide Right Zone Shows/Hides the right zone of the window. Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout. Set up Toolbar Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible.
Project Window Project Zone Track List The track list shows the tracks that are used in the project. When a track is added and selected, it contains name fields and settings for this track. ● To decide which controls are visible for each track type, right-click the track list and open the Track Controls Settings dialog. RELATED LINKS Track Controls Settings Dialog on page 88 Dividing the Track List You can divide the track list into an upper track list and a lower track list.
Project Window Project Zone Event Display The event display shows the parts and events that are used in the project. They are positioned along the timeline. Global Track Controls The global track controls allow you to manage the tracks in the track list. ● The global track controls are shown above the track list. 1 Add Track Opens the Add Track dialog. 2 Use Track Preset Allows you to add a track using a track preset. Ruler The ruler shows the timeline and the display format of the project.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Project Setup Dialog on page 78 Ruler Display Format Menu You can select a display format for the ruler. ● To show the ruler display formats, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler. The selection that you make affects the time display formats in the following areas: ● Ruler ● Info line ● Tooltip position values The following options are available: Bars+Beats Sets the ruler to display bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks.
Project Window Project Zone Audio Inputs/Audio Outputs These fields are shown if the audio device ports are not connected. Click to open the Audio Connections dialog and connect the ports. Max. Record Time Displays the remaining time for recording, depending on your project settings and the available hard disk space. Click in this field to display the remaining record time in a separate window. Record Format Displays the sample rate and the bit depth used for recording.
Project Window Left Zone Overview Line The overview line allows you to zoom and navigate to other sections in the project. To activate the overview line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Overview. In the overview line, events and parts are displayed as boxes. A rectangle indicates the section of the project that is displayed in the event display. ● To zoom the event display in or out horizontally, resize the rectangle by dragging the edges.
Project Window Left Zone RELATED LINKS Inspector on page 41 Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Inspector The Inspector allows you to show controls and parameters for either the selected track in the track list or the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone. ● To show/hide the Inspector, click Show/Hide Left Zone in the Project window toolbar. 41 Cubase AI 11.0.
Project Window Left Zone The following tabs are available: Track Opens the Track Inspector for the selected track. Editor Opens the Editor Inspector for the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone. RELATED LINKS Opening the Track Inspector on page 42 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 43 Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 48 Opening the Track Inspector The Track Inspector shows controls and parameters for the selected track in the track list. PROCEDURE 1.
Project Window Left Zone RESULT The Track Inspector for the selected track opens. If more than one track is selected in the track list, the controls and parameters for the topmost selected track are shown. NOTE In this documentation we use Inspector to refer to the Track tab of the Inspector. Opening the Editor Inspector The Editor Inspector shows controls and parameters for the event or part that is shown in the editor in the lower zone.
Project Window Left Zone RESULT The Editor Inspector for the event or part opens. NOTE The Editor Inspector only contains information if the lower zone shows an editor. Otherwise, it is empty. RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 48 Inspector Sections The Track tab and the Editor tab of the Inspector are divided into a number of sections that each contain different controls for the track, event or part. Not all Inspector sections are shown by default.
Project Window Lower Zone Marker Track Inspector on page 115 Video Track Inspector on page 117 Key Editor Inspector on page 515 Drum Editor Inspector on page 547 Sample Editor Inspector on page 331 Lower Zone The lower zone of the Project window allows you to display specific windows and editors in an integrated and fixed zone of the Project window. This is useful if you work on single screen systems and notebooks, for example.
Project Window Lower Zone 2. Do one of the following: ● Activate/Deactivate the options in the pop-up menu to show/hide tabs in the lower zone. ● Select Setup to open a dialog where you can activate/deactivate the tabs and change their position. NOTE In the Presets section of this dialog you can also save a preset of your configuration. RESULT The tabs in the lower zone are shown according to your configuration.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT The Chord Pads are opened. RELATED LINKS Chord Pads on page 574 Setting up the Lower Zone on page 45 Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone The MixConsole in the lower zone allows you to perform all basic mixing procedures from within the lower zone of the Project window, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT The MixConsole is opened in the lower zone. RELATED LINKS MixConsole in Lower Zone on page 242 Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone The Editor in the lower zone allows you to perform event editing procedures from within the lower zone of the Project window, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT Depending on your event or part selection, the lower zone shows either the Audio Part Editor, the Sample Editor, or one of the MIDI editors. NOTE To change the default MIDI editor, select MIDI > Set up Editor Preferences, and select an option from the Default MIDI Editor pop-up menu. NOTE If you open the editor and no event or part is selected, the editor in the lower zone is empty.
Project Window Right Zone RESULT The MIDI part is displayed in the selected editor. NOTE This selection is temporary. Next time you open the MIDI part, the default MIDI editor is used. Right Zone The right zone of the Project window allows you to display the VSTi rack and the Media rack. To show/hide the right zone, click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar. The top of the right zone features the following tabs: VSTi and Media. 50 Cubase AI 11.0.
Project Window Right Zone NOTE You can show/hide specific tabs in the right zone by right-clicking a tab and activating/ deactivating the options in the context menu. RELATED LINKS VSTi Rack in the Right Zone on page 51 Media Rack in the Right Zone on page 54 Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Opening the VSTi Rack in the Right Zone You can show the VSTi rack in the right zone of the Project window.
Project Window Right Zone ● Track Shows the associated VST instrument for an instrument track. ● Rack Shows a VST instrument. The following controls are available: Add Track Instrument Opens the Add Track dialog that allows you to select an instrument and add an instrument track that is associated to this instrument. Find Instruments Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument.
Project Window Right Zone Opening the Media Rack in the Right Zone You can show the Media rack in the right zone of the Project window. This allows you to see the context of your tracks and events when you drag audio events, MIDI parts, presets, or instruments into the Project window. PROCEDURE 1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right Zone. 2. At the top of the right zone, click the Media tab.
Project Window Right Zone Media Rack in the Right Zone The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window allows you to drag audio events, MIDI parts, or instrument presets into the event display. It lists Steinberg factory content and any installed Steinberg content sets. The Media rack Home tab shows the following tiles: VST Instruments Shows all included VST instruments. VST Effects Shows all included VST effects.
Project Window Keyboard Focus in the Project Window RELATED LINKS Media Rack in Right Zone on page 378 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 378 Keyboard Focus in the Project Window The different zones in the Project window can be controlled by using key commands. To make sure that a key command has effect on a specific zone, you must make sure that this zone has the keyboard focus.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window ● To activate the next zone, press Tab . This allows you to cycle forward through the zones. ● To activate the previous zone, press Shift - Tab . NOTE The editor in the lower zone automatically gets the keyboard focus if you double-click an event or part in the event display, if you select an event or part and press Return , or if you use key commands to open the zone.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window ● Use the vertical zoom sliders to zoom in and out. If you have made any individual track height adjustments, the relative height differences are maintained. ● Click Shift - H to zoom in vertically. Click Shift - G to zoom out vertically.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window Zoom In Vertically/Zoom Out Vertically Zooms in/out one step vertically. Zoom In Tracks/Zoom Out Tracks Zooms the selected tracks in/out one step vertically. Zoom Selected Tracks Zooms in vertically on the selected tracks and minimizes the height of all other tracks. Undo Zoom/Redo Zoom These options allow you to undo/redo the last zoom operation.
Project Window Snap Function IMPORTANT Zoom presets are global for all projects. They are available in all projects that you open or create. Zooming in on Cycle Markers You can zoom in on the area between cycle markers in the project. PREREQUISITE You have created at least one cycle marker for the project. PROCEDURE ● Click the button to the left of the horizontal zoom control to open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu, and select a cycle marker.
Project Window Snap Function Snap to Zero Crossing When splitting and sizing audio events, sudden amplitude changes can cause pops and clicks. To avoid this, you can activate Snap to Zero Crossing to snap to points where the amplitude is zero. ● To activate Snap to Zero Crossing, activate Snap to Zero Crossing on the toolbar. Snap Types Menu You can select between different snap types to determine the snap point. ● To open the Snap Type pop-up menu, click Snap Type on the toolbar.
Project Window Snap Function Grid + Cursor This is a combination of Grid and Cursor. Events + Cursor This is a combination of Events and Cursor. Events + Grid + Cursor This is a combination of Events, Grid, and Cursor. Grid Type Menu Allows you to specify a grid type that determines the grid and snap resolution in the event display. NOTE This setting only has an effect if Snap Type is set to one of the grid options. ● To open the Grid Type pop-up menu, click Grid Type on the toolbar.
Project Window Cross-Hair Cursor 1000 ms Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1000 ms. RELATED LINKS Snap Types Menu on page 60 Zooming in the Project Window on page 56 Ruler Display Format Menu on page 38 Cross-Hair Cursor The cross-hair cursor is displayed when working in the Project window and in the editors, facilitating navigation and editing, especially when arranging large projects. ● You can set up the cross-hair cursor in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page).
Project Window Color Handling Time Shows the time when this action was performed. State Shows the state of the action. Details Shows further details, and allows you to enter new text. Separator Move the separator upwards to undo your actions. To redo an action again, move the separator down. NOTE ● You can also undo applied audio processes. However, we recommend to modify or delete these using the Direct Offline Processing window.
Project Window Color Handling Colorizing Selected Tracks You can colorize selected tracks. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, deselect all events or parts. 2. Select the tracks that you want to colorize. 3. On the Project window toolbar, select Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events. The Colorize pane opens. NOTE If you want to select colors by names instead, activate the Select Colors by Name option in the Project Colors Setup dialog (Options page). 4. Select a color.
Project Window Color Handling RESULT The track is colorized, and any events or parts on that track get the same color. NOTE If you assign a different color to individual events or parts with the Color tool, they no longer follow color changes of the track. RELATED LINKS Colorizing Events on the Fly on page 66 Options Tab on page 69 Resetting the Track Color You can reset the color of a track to the default color. PROCEDURE 1.
Project Window Color Handling Colorizing Events on the Fly You can colorize events or parts with the Color tool. By default, events or parts follow the color of the corresponding track. However, you can overwrite this setting and, for example, select the same color for events or parts that reside on different tracks. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window toolbar, select the Color tool. 2. Do one of the following to select a tool color: 3. ● Alt/Opt -click an event or part to copy its color.
Project Window Color Handling Project Colors Setup Dialog The Project Colors Setup dialog allows you to set up colors for your project. ● To open the Project Colors Setup dialog, select Project > Project Colors Setup. RELATED LINKS Color Picker on page 70 Color Set Tab on page 68 Presets Tab on page 69 Options Tab on page 69 67 Cubase AI 11.0.
Project Window Color Handling Color Set Tab The Color Set tab allows you to change the color set that is used in the project. The following options are available: Color fields Click a field to open the Color Picker that allows you to specify a new color. Name Shows the name of the color. Double-click to change it. Set up Allows you to add or remove color fields. ● Insert Color Adds a new color field. ● Duplicate Color Duplicates the selected color field.
Project Window Color Handling Presets Tab The Presets tab allows you to expand the color set to 24 or even 32 colors or reduce it to 8 colors. You can add tints, and you can sort colors according to their color tint or their basic color. In the New Color Set Settings section, the following options are available: Number of Basic Colors You can set up 8, 16, 24, or 32 basic colors. Number of Color Tints You can set up 1, 2, or 4 color tints.
Project Window Color Handling In the Color Set Options section, the following options are available: Store Color Set as Default Saves the current set of colors as default. Reset Color Set to Default Applies the default set of colors. Reset Color Set to Factory Settings Returns to the standard color palette. Select Colors by Name Allows you to select the colors by name. Apply Applies your changes and closes the dialog. Color Picker The Color Picker allows you to define new custom colors.
Project Window Color Handling Current Color/New Color Shows the current color and the new color. Hue/Saturation/Value Allow you to edit the colors numerically. Red/Green/Blue Allow you to edit the colors numerically. OK Confirms the color changes. NOTE You must restart the application for some changes to take effect. 71 Cubase AI 11.0.
Project Handling In Cubase, projects are the central documents. You must create and set up a project to work with the program. Creating New Projects You can create empty projects or projects that are based on a template. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > New Project. Depending on your settings, either the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog opens. 2. 3. In the location options section, select where to store the new project. ● To use the default location, select Use default location.
Project Handling Hub News and Tutorials Section The News and Tutorials section displays Steinberg news, tutorial videos as well as links to the user forum, downloads, and the Help Center. NOTE Ensure that you have an active Internet connection to access this material. Projects Section The Projects section lets you create new projects, which can either be empty or based on a template. It lets you specify where to save the projects.
Project Handling Project Assistant Dialog Deactivating the Hub To start Cubase or to create new projects without the Hub, you can deactivate it. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select General. 2. Deactivate Use Hub. RESULT Cubase starts without opening a project and opens the Project Assistant dialog when you create a new project using the File menu. However, you can still open the Hub through the Hub menu.
Project Handling Project Files Open Other This button allows you to open any project file on your system. This is identical to using the Open command from the File menu. Project Files A project file (extension *.cpr) is the central document in Cubase. A project file contains references to media data that can be saved in the project folder. NOTE We recommend to save files only in the project folder, even though you can save them in any other location to which you have access.
Project Handling Template Files The following options are available in the Current Presets section: New Folder Allows you to add and name a folder to the template list. Template list Lists the templates and the folders. The following options are available in the Attribute Inspector section: Value Click this field to enter a description for the Content Summary attribute, or to select a template category for Template Category attribute.
Project Handling Template Files Saving a Project Template File You can save the current project as a template. When you create a new project, you can select this template as a starting point for your new project. PREREQUISITE You have removed all clips from the Pool. This ensures that references to media data from the original project folder are deleted. PROCEDURE 1. Set up a project. 2. Select File > Save as Template. 3.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog Project Setup Dialog The Project Setup dialog allows you to make general settings for your project. ● To open the Project Setup dialog, select Project > Project Setup. ● To open the Project Setup dialog automatically when you create a new project, activate the Run Setup on Create New Project option in the Preferences dialog (General page).
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog Project Time Displays In the Project Time Displays section, the following options are available: Display Format Allows you to specify the global display format that is used for all rulers and position displays in the program, except the ruler tracks. However, you can make independent display format selections for the individual rulers and displays.
Project Handling Project Setup Dialog NOTE ● For wave file recordings larger than 4 GB, the EBU RIFF standard is used. If a FAT 32 disk is used (not recommended), audio files are split automatically. In the Preferences dialog, you can specify what happens if your recorded Wave file is larger than 4 GB. ● You can set up embedded strings in the Preferences dialog.
Project Handling Opening Project Files Opening Project Files You can open one or several saved project files at the same time. IMPORTANT If you open a project saved with a different program version that contains data for functions that are not available in your version, this data may be lost when you save the project with your version. NOTE ● If you open an external project, the last used view that was saved on your computer is used.
Project Handling Saving Project Files Opening Recent Projects You can open recent projects directly from the recent projects list. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● In the category bar of the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog, click Recent, select a project from the projects list, and click Open. ● Select File > Recent Projects and select a recently opened project.
Project Handling Reverting to the Last Saved Version ● To specify how many backup files are created with the Auto Save function, use the Maximum Backup Files option. When the maximum number of backup files is reached, the existing files are overwritten, starting with the oldest file. Saving Project Files As a New Version You can create and activate a new version of an active project file.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects ● Select one of the template projects and click Create to create a project based on a template. RESULT The project is created and saved in the specified location. Self-Contained Projects If you want to share your work or transfer it to another computer, your project must be selfcontained.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects RESULT A copy of the project is saved in the new folder. The original project remains unaffected. NOTE VST Sound content provided by Steinberg is copy-protected and is not included in the backup project. If you want to use a backup copy that uses VST Sound content on a different computer, make sure that the corresponding content is also available on that computer.
Tracks 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. If you select a track in the Project window, the controls, settings, and parameters displayed in the Inspector and the track list allow you to control the track.
Tracks Track Inspector Settings Dialog Hidden Items Displays sections that are hidden in the Inspector. Visible Items Displays sections that are visible in the Inspector. Pin Activate Pin by clicking the column for a section to exclude this section from being closed automatically. Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden sections list to the list of visible sections. Remove Allows you to move an item selected in the visible sections list to the list of hidden sections.
Tracks Track Controls Settings Dialog Equalizers Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQs for each track. Sends Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels. Fader Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel. Notepad Allows you to enter notes about the track. Quick Controls Allows you to configure quick controls to use remote devices, for example.
Tracks Track Controls Settings Dialog Track type Allows you to select the track type to which your settings are applied. Hidden Controls Displays controls that are hidden in the track list. Visible Controls Displays controls that are visible in the track list. Width If you click in this column, you can set the maximum length for the track name. Group Displays the group number. Add Allows you to move an item selected in the hidden controls list to the list of visible controls.
Tracks Track Controls Settings Dialog Reset Allows you to restore all default track controls settings for the selected track type. Controls Area Preview Shows a preview of the customized track controls. Presets Allows you to save track controls settings as presets. To recall a preset, click Switch Presets in the bottom right corner of the track list. The name of the selected preset is shown in the left corner.
Tracks Track Controls Settings Dialog Bypass Inserts Bypasses the inserts for the track. Bypass EQs Bypasses the equalizers for the track. Bypass Sends Bypasses the sends for the track. Freeze Channel Opens a dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds. Channel Configuration Shows the channel configuration of the track.
Tracks Track Controls Settings Dialog Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Instrument Tracks The following controls are specific to instrument tracks: Edit Instrument Allows you to open the instrument panel. Instrument Allows you to select an instrument. MIDI Tracks The following controls are specific to MIDI tracks: Channel Allows you to specify the MIDI channel. Output Allows you to specify the output for the track.
Tracks Add Track Dialog Allows you to move the project cursor to the selected marker position. Cycle Allows you to select a cycle marker. Zoom Allows you to zoom in a cycle marker. Add Track Dialog The Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add tracks. To open the Add Track dialog, click Add Track in the global track controls area of the track list. The More Tracks section shows track types that can only be added once.
Tracks Audio Tracks Audio Tracks You can use audio tracks for recording and playing back audio events and audio parts. Each audio track has a corresponding audio channel in the MixConsole. An audio track can have any number of automation tracks for automating channel parameters, effect settings, etc. You can add audio tracks via the Add Track dialog. RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – Audio on page 94 Add Track Dialog – Audio The Audio page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add audio tracks.
Tracks Audio Tracks The following settings are available: Audio Inputs Opens a window where you can select an input of your connected audio hardware. If you have added an input bus in the Audio Connections window, you can connect to that input bus. The Open Audio Connections button opens the Audio Connections window. Configuration Allows you to set the channel configuration. Audio-related tracks can be configured as mono or stereo tracks. Audio Outputs Allows you to set the output routing.
Tracks Audio Tracks Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Edit Channel Settings Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Auto Fades Settings Opens a dialog where you can make separate fade settings for the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming signals to the selected output.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 87 Instrument Tracks You can use instrument tracks for dedicated VST instruments. Each instrument track has a corresponding instrument channel in the MixConsole. An instrument track can have any number of automation tracks. You can add instrument tracks via the Add Track dialog.
Tracks Instrument Tracks The following settings are available: Instrument Allows you to select an instrument. Audio Outputs Allows you to set the output routing. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Edit Channel Settings Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).
Tracks MIDI Tracks This control is only available if the instrument provides more than one output. It allows you to activate one or more outputs for the instrument. Edit Instrument Allows you to open the instrument panel. Programs Allows you to select a program. Drum Maps Allows you to select a drum map for the track. RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 87 MIDI Tracks You can use MIDI tracks for recording and playing back MIDI parts. Each MIDI track has a corresponding MIDI channel in the MixConsole.
Tracks MIDI Tracks ● Select Project > Add Track > MIDI or right-click in an empty area of the track list, and select Add MIDI Track. This opens only the MIDI page of the Add Track dialog. The following settings are available: Name Allows you to specify a track name. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.
Tracks MIDI Tracks MIDI Track Inspector The Inspector for MIDI tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control your MIDI track. These affect MIDI events in real time, on playback, for example. The top section of the MIDI track Inspector contains the following basic track settings: Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Allows you to adjust the level of the track. MIDI Pan Allows you to adjust the MIDI panning of the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track. Load/Save/Reload Track Preset Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets. Input Routing Allows you to specify the input bus for the track. Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. Channel Allows you to specify the MIDI channel.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks You can add group channel tracks via the Add Track dialog. RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – Group Channel on page 104 Add Track Dialog – Group Channel The Group page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add group channel tracks. To open the Group page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following: ● Click Add Track in the global track controls area of the track list, and click Group. This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Group page.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks Folder Setup Allows you to select whether you want to create the effect inside or outside a dedicated folder. Name Allows you to specify a track name. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Write Automation Allows you to write track automation. Volume Allows you to adjust the level of the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. NOTE When you select the group folder track instead, the Inspector shows the folder and the group channels it contains. You can click one of the group channels shown in the folder to have the Inspector show the settings for that group channel.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks ● Select Project > Add Track > Effect. This opens only the Effect page of the Add Track dialog. The following settings are available: Effect Allows you to select an effect. Configuration Allows you to set the channel configuration. Audio-related tracks can be configured as mono or stereo tracks. Audio Outputs Allows you to set the output routing. Folder Setup Allows you to select whether you want to create the effect inside or outside a dedicated folder.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls. Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog.
Tracks Ruler Track Allows you to write track automation. Volume Allows you to adjust the level of the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Output Routing Allows you to specify the output bus for the track. RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 87 Ruler Track You can use ruler tracks to show several rulers with different display formats for the timeline. This is completely independent from the main ruler, as well as rulers and position displays in other windows.
Tracks Ruler Track ● Select Project > Add Track > Ruler. This opens only the Ruler page of the Add Track dialog. The following settings are available: Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.
Tracks Folder Tracks NOTE Ruler tracks are not affected by the display format setting in the Project Setup dialog. Folder Tracks Folder tracks function as containers for other tracks, making it easier to organize and manage the track structure. They also allow you to edit several tracks at the same time. You can add folder tracks via the Add Track dialog.
Tracks Folder Tracks Name Allows you to specify a track name. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add. Keep Dialog Open Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls. Add Track Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and settings of the active page, and closes the dialog.
Tracks More Tracks RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 87 Folder Track Controls The track list for folder tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit all tracks in the folder. Expand/Collapse Folder Shows/Hides the tracks in the folder. Hidden tracks are played back as usual. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording.
Tracks More Tracks Chord Track Inspector The chord track Inspector contains settings for the chord events. The top section of the chord track Inspector contains the following settings: Track name Click to show/hide the basic track settings section. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Mute Chord Track Mutes the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Acoustic Feedback Allows you to audition the events on the chord track.
Tracks More Tracks Allows you to specify an offset value to make sure that chord events also affect the MIDI notes that have been triggered too early (enter a negative value) or too late (enter a positive value). RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 87 Chord Track Controls The track list for the chord track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the chord track. The track list for the chord track contains the following controls: Name Shows the name of the track.
Tracks More Tracks Track name Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Open Marker Window Opens the Markers window. Marker attributes Shows the markers, their IDs, and their time positions. Click in the leftmost column for a marker to move the project cursor to the marker position.
Tracks More Tracks Video Track Inspector The video track Inspector contains parameters to control the video track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Reveal Video Window Opens the Video Player window. Mute Video Track Mutes the track. RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 87 Video Track Controls The track list for the video track contains parameters to control the video track. Mute Video Track Mutes the track. Name Shows the name of the track.
Track Handling Tracks are the building blocks of your project. In Cubase, events and parts are placed on tracks. Adding Tracks via the Add Track Dialog You can add tracks via the Add Track dialog. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track 2. Do one of the following: 3. . ● Click the track type and set up the options according to your needs. ● To add track types that can only be added once, open the More Tracks section and click the track type.
Track Handling Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 127 Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay You can add tracks by dragging files from the MediaBay. PREREQUISITE One of the following prerequisites must apply: ● The MediaBay is open. To open the MediaBay, press F5 . ● The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window is open. Click Show/Hide Right Zone and click the Media tab to open it. PROCEDURE 1.
Track Handling Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files NOTE If you want to include other Inspector settings than those specified in the Export Options, use Merge MIDI in Loop to convert these settings to real MIDI events. RELATED LINKS Export Options Dialog for MIDI Files on page 120 Merging MIDI Events into a New Part on page 472 Export Options Dialog for MIDI Files The Export Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data is included in the exported MIDI files.
Track Handling Removing Selected Tracks Export includes Delay Includes delay settings you have made in the Inspector in the MIDI file. RELATED LINKS Automation on page 411 Markers on page 234 MIDI Track Parameters on page 459 Merging MIDI Events into a New Part on page 472 Export Options on page 687 Removing Selected Tracks You can remove selected tracks from the track list. PROCEDURE ● Select Project > Remove Selected Tracks. If you delete tracks that are not empty, a warning message is displayed.
Track Handling Automatically Assigning Colors to New Tracks/Channels AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK If the Parts Get Track Names option is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing page), and you move an event from one track to another, the moved event will automatically be named according to its new track. Automatically Assigning Colors to New Tracks/Channels You can automatically assign colors to newly added tracks or channels. PROCEDURE 1. Select Edit > Preferences. 2.
Track Handling Showing Track Pictures Track Pictures Browser The Track Pictures Browser allows you to set up and select pictures that can be shown in the track list and in the MixConsole. Track pictures are useful to recognize tracks and channels easily. You can select pictures from the factory content or add new ones to the user library. ● To open the Track Pictures Browser for a track, double-click in the lower left side of the track list. Factory Shows the factory content in the pictures browser.
Track Handling Setting the Track Height Zoom Allows you to change the size of the track picture. Rotate Allows you to rotate the track picture. Setting the Track Height You can enlarge the track height to show the events on the track in detail, or you can decrease the height of several tracks to get a better overview of your project. ● To change the height of an individual track, click its lower border in the track list and drag up or down.
Track Handling Selecting Tracks Zoom x Tracks Zooms the specified number of tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom N Tracks Allows you to set the number of tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom Tracks Minimal Zooms all track heights to the minimum size. Snap Track Heights Changes the track height in fixed increments when you resize it. Selecting Tracks You can select one or multiple tracks in the track list. ● To select a track, click on it in the track list.
Track Handling Deselecting Tracks Deselecting Tracks You can deselect tracks that are selected in the track list. PROCEDURE ● Shift -click a selected track. RESULT The track is deselected. Duplicating Tracks You can duplicate a track with all contents and channel settings. PROCEDURE ● Select Project > Duplicate Tracks. RESULT The duplicated track appears below the original track. Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks You can organize your tracks in folders by moving tracks into folder tracks.
Track Handling Events Display on Folder Tracks NOTE The available options depend on whether you performed a linear or a cycle recording and the record mode you used. When recording audio in cycle mode, the recorded event is divided in regions, one for each take. ● Click the middle handle on the lower border of a stacked event and select an entry from the pop-up menu.
Track Handling Track Presets Track presets are organized in the MediaBay. When you apply a track preset, all the settings that are saved in the preset are applied. Track presets can only be applied to tracks of their own type. The only exception are instrument tracks: for these, VST presets are also available. NOTE ● Once a track preset is applied, you cannot undo the changes. It is not possible to remove an applied preset from a track and return to the previous state.
Track Handling Track Presets 2. In the track list, right-click one of the selected tracks and select Save Track Preset. 3. In the New Preset section, enter a name for the new preset. NOTE You can also define attributes for the preset. 4. Click OK to save the preset and exit the dialog. RESULT Track presets are saved within the application folder in the track presets folder. They are saved in default subfolders named according to their track type: audio, MIDI, instrument, and multi.
Track Handling Track Presets ● Color settings ● Drum map settings VST Presets VST instrument presets behave like instrument track presets. You can extract sounds from VST presets for use in instrument tracks. The following data is saved in VST instrument presets: ● VST instrument ● VST instrument settings NOTE Modifiers, inserts, and EQ settings are not saved. VST effect plug-ins are available in VST 3 and VST 2 format.
Track Handling Track Presets Loading Multi-Track Presets You can apply multi-track presets to several selected tracks. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select several tracks. NOTE Multi-track presets can only be applied if track type, number, and sequence are identical for the selected tracks and the track preset. 2. In the track list, right-click a track and select Load Track Preset. 3. In the preset browser, select a multi-track preset. 4. Double-click the preset to load it.
Parts and Events Parts and events are the basic building blocks in Cubase. Events In Cubase, most event types can be viewed and edited on their specific tracks in the Project window. Events can be added by importing or recording. RELATED LINKS Audio Regions on page 134 MIDI Events on page 135 Audio Events Audio events are created automatically when you record or import audio in the Project window. You can view and edit audio events in the Project window and in the Sample Editor.
Parts and Events Events RELATED LINKS Basic Recording Methods on page 184 Audio File Import on page 204 Importing Audio CD Tracks on page 207 Importing Audio from Video Files on page 209 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 378 Audio Part Editor on page 352 Sample Editor on page 324 Creating New Files From Events An audio event plays a section of an audio clip, which in turn refers to one or more audio files on the hard disk.
Parts and Events Events This allows you to undo processing at a later stage, and to apply different processing to different audio clips that refer to the same original file. You can view and edit audio clips in the Pool. RELATED LINKS Pool on page 361 Audio Regions on page 134 Replacing Clips in Events on page 134 Replacing Clips in Events You can replace the clips in audio events.
Parts and Events Events RESULT A region is created in the corresponding clip, with the start and end position of the region determined by the start and end position of the event or selection range within the clip. RELATED LINKS Creating Regions on page 336 Creating Events from Regions You can create events from regions. These replace the original event. PROCEDURE 1. Select an audio event whose clip contains regions within the boundaries of the event. 2. Select Audio > Advanced > Events from Regions.
Parts and Events Parts Parts Parts are containers for MIDI or audio events, and for tracks. RELATED LINKS Audio Parts on page 136 MIDI Parts on page 136 Folder Parts on page 136 Audio Parts Audio parts are containers for audio events. If you want to treat several audio events as one unit in the Project window, you can convert them to a part. You can create audio parts in the following ways: ● Select the Draw tool and draw on the audio track.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE If you want to edit the individual tracks within the folder, you can double-click the folder part. This opens the editors for the events and parts that are present on the tracks. RELATED LINKS Event Colors Menu on page 482 Editing Techniques for Parts and Events This section describes techniques for editing in the Project window.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Scrubbing The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in events by playing back, forwards or backwards. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play. 2. Click again to open a pop-up menu. 3. Select Scrub. 4. Click the event and keep the mouse button pressed. 5. Drag to the left or right. RESULT The project cursor moves correspondingly and the event is played back. The speed and the pitch of the playback depend on how fast you move the mouse.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events All Selects all events in the Project window. None Deselects all events in the Project window. Invert Inverts the selection. All selected events are deselected and all events that were not selected are selected instead. In Loop Selects all events that are partly or wholly between the left and right locator. From Start to Cursor Selects all events that end to the left of the project cursor.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Event Movement Options Cubase provides several methods to move events in the Project window. You can move events using any of the following methods: ● Use the Object Selection tool. ● Use the Nudge tool. ● Select Edit > Move to and select one of the options. ● Select the event and edit the start position on the info line.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events The selected events or parts are moved. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Move to Submenu If the Object Selection tool is selected, the Move to submenu features options for moving events to specific positions in the Project window. ● To open the Move to submenu, select Edit > Move to. The following options are available: Cursor Moves the selected event to the project cursor position.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Event Resize Options You can resize events by moving their start or end positions individually. To resize events, you can use the Object Selection, the Scrub tool or the Trim tools on the Nudge palette. Resizing also works, if the Combine Selection Tools mode is active. IMPORTANT When resizing events, automation data is not taken into account.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The event is resized and the content follows. If several events are selected, they are all resized in the same way. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Resizing Events with the Object Selection Tool - Sizing Applies Time Stretch You can move the start or end point of the event and time stretch the content to fit the new event length. PROCEDURE 1. Select Object Selection. 2.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● Click Trim Start Right. ● Click Trim End Left. ● Click Trim End Right. RESULT The start or end position of the selected events are moved by the amount set on the Grid Type pop-up menu. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Resizing Events with the Scrub Tool You can scrub the event when moving the start or end point of the event. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play. 2. Click Play again to open a pop-up menu. 3. Select Scrub. 4.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE If you split a MIDI part so that the split position intersects one or several MIDI notes and Split MIDI Events is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—MIDI page), the intersected notes are split and new notes are created at the beginning of the second part. If it is deactivated, the notes remain in the first part, but stick out after the end of the part.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● Select the events, select the track where you want to paste them, and select Edit > Functions > Paste Relative to Cursor to paste the event while keeping its relative position to the project cursor. RESULT If you paste an audio event, it is inserted on the selected track, positioned so that its snap point is aligned with the cursor position. If the selected track is of the wrong type, the event is inserted on its original track.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● Select the events and select Edit > Functions > Repeat to open the Repeat Events dialog, that allows you to create a number of real or shared copies of the selected events. ● Select the events, hold down Alt/Opt , click the handle in the lower right corner of the last selected event, and drag to the right to create a real copy.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events You can convert a shared copy to a real copy by selecting Edit > Functions > Convert to Real Copy. This creates a new version of the clip that you can edit independently. The new clip is automatically added to the Pool. RELATED LINKS Repeating Events on page 146 Repeat Events Dialog on page 147 Fill Loop You can create a number of copies between the right and left locators.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Muting Events You can mute events in the Project window. Muted events can be edited as usual with the exception of adjusting fades, but are not played back. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select the Mute tool and click the events or drag a selection rectangle around them. ● Select the events and select Edit > Mute. RESULT The events are muted and grayed out. You can unmute events by selecting them and selecting Edit > Unmute.
Range Editing 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. Creating a Selection Range PROCEDURE 1. On the Project window toolbar, select Range Selection. 2. Do one of the following: ● Draw a selection rectangle around the range that you want to select. ● Select Edit > Select, and select one of the menu functions.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Equal Pitch - all Octaves This function requires that a single note is selected. It selects all notes of this part that have the same pitch in any octave as the selected note. Equal Pitch - same Octave This function requires that a single note is selected. It selects all notes of this part that have the same pitch and the same octave as the selected note. Select Controllers in Note Range Selects the controllers within the note range.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges ● By using the trim buttons on the toolbar. The left trim buttons move the start of the selection range and the right buttons move the end. The edges are moved by the amount specified on the Grid pop-up menu. NOTE The trim buttons are located on the Nudge Palette, which is not visible on the toolbar by default. ● By using Move Left and Move Right on the toolbar. These move the whole selection range to the left or the right.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges PROCEDURE ● Click the selection range, hold down Alt/Opt , and drag. RELATED LINKS Creating a Selection Range on page 150 Cut, Copy, and Paste of Selection Ranges You can cut or copy and paste selection ranges, using the functions on the Edit menu. You can also use the Cut Time and Paste Time options. Cut Cuts the data in the selection range and moves it to the clipboard.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Splitting Selection Ranges You can split events or parts at the selection range edges, that is, at the start and end of a selection range. PROCEDURE 1. On the Project window toolbar, activate the Range Selection tool. 2. Do one of the following: ● Select Edit > Range > Split. ● Press Shift - X . RESULT The events or parts are split at the selection range edges. Inserting Silence You can insert empty track space from the start of the selection range.
Playback and Transport Cubase offers multiple methods and functions to control playback and transport. Transport Panel The Transport panel contains the main transport functions as well as many other options related to playback and recording. ● To show the Transport panel, select Transport > Transport Panel or press F2 . Transport Panel Sections The Transport panel has different sections that you can show or hide by activating the corresponding options on the Transport panel context menu.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Activates automatic quantizing during a MIDI recording. Locators Go to Left Locator Position Allows you to go to the left locator position. Left Locator Position Shows the left locator position. Go to Right Locator Position Allows you to go to the right locator position. Right Locator Position Shows the right locator position. Locator Range Duration Locators to Selection Allows you to set the locators to the selection.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Forward Moves forward. Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback. Start Starts playback. Transport Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. Time Display Select Primary Time Format Allows you to select a time format for the primary time display. Primary Time Display Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format. Markers Jump to Marker Allows you to set and locate marker positions. Open Markers Window Opens the Markers window.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Post-roll Amount Allows you to set the post-roll position. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Tempo & Time Signature Activate Tempo Track Allows you to activate/deactivate the tempo track. Tempo Allows you to set the tempo value. Time Signature Allows you to set the first time signature value. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Activate External Sync Activate External Sync Activates external synchronization.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Audio Activity Displays the audio input/output signals. Audio Clipping Displays audio clipping. Level Display Displays the output level. Level Control Allows you to control the output level. Set up Transport Set up Transport Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which elements are visible.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Forward Moves forward. Fast Rewind Moves backward at a faster speed. Fast Forward Moves forward at a faster speed. Nudge Cursor Left Moves the project cursor position to the left. Nudge Cursor Right Moves the project cursor position to the right. Enter Project Cursor Position Allows you to enter the project cursor position manually. Enter Tempo Allows you to enter the tempo manually. Enter Time Signature Allows you to enter the time signature manually.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Punch Points Activate Punch In Activates/Deactivates punch in. Activate Punch Out Activates/Deactivates punch out. Go to Punch In Position (Left Locator) Moves the project cursor position to the punch in position. Go to Punch Out Position (Right Locator) Moves the project cursor position to the punch out position. Set Project Cursor Position Locate Selection Start Moves the project cursor to the beginning of the selection.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Play Selection Range Activates playback from the start of the current selection and stops at the selection end. Pre-roll & Post-roll Use Pre-roll Activates/Deactivates the pre-roll. Use Post-roll Activates/Deactivates the post-roll. Post-roll from Selection Start Starts playback from the beginning of the selected range and stops after the time set in the post-roll field on the Transport panel.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu MIDI Record Mode These options allow you to select what happens when you record over existing parts. New Parts Keeps existing parts and saves the new recording as a new part. Merge Keeps existing events in parts and adds the newly recorded events. Replace Replaces existing events in parts by the new recording. Auto Quantize in Record Activates automatic quantizing during recording. MIDI Cycle Record Mode Mix Adds everything you record to what was previously recorded.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Project Synchronization Setup Opens the Project Synchronization Setup dialog. Activate External Sync Sets Cubase to be synchronized externally.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Common Record Modes Common Record Modes Allow you to determine what happens if you click Record during an audio or MIDI recording, and where the recording should start. Audio Record Modes Audio Record Modes Allow you to select what happens when you record over existing audio events. MIDI Record Modes MIDI Record Modes Allow you to select what happens when you record over existing MIDI parts.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Locator Range Duration Locators to Selection Allows you to set the locators to the selection. Locator Range Duration Shows the duration of the locator range. Punch Points Punch In Activates Punch In. Punch Out Activates Punch Out. Transport Controls Go to Previous Marker/Zero Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline. Go to Next Marker/Project End Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end. Rewind Moves backward.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Retrospective Record Insert Retrospective Recording from All MIDI Inputs on Selected Track Allows you to recover MIDI notes that you played in stop mode or during playback. Time Displays Select Primary Time Format Allows you to select a time format for the primary time display. Primary Time Display Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format. Markers Jump to Marker Allows you to set and locate marker positions.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Time Signature Allows you to set the first time signature value. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Right Divider Right Divider Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Activate External Sync Activate External Sync Activates external synchronization. Open Synchronization Setup Allows you to open the Project Synchronization Setup dialog. Click & Count-in Activate Metronome Click Activates the metronome click.
Playback and Transport Transport Pop-Up Window Level Control Allows you to control the output level. Set up Transport Bar Set up Transport Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which elements are visible. Transport Pop-Up Window The Transport pop-up window allows you to access specific transport commands if the Transport panel, the Transport Bar, and theTransport Controls in the Project window toolbar are closed or hidden.
Playback and Transport Time Display Window Time Display Window The Time Display window allows you to view the current time position in a separate window. You can adjust its size and specify the time format that you want to display. ● To open the Time Display window, select Studio > More Options > Time Display. Right-click the window to access the following options: Bars+Beats Displays the time in bars and beats. Seconds Displays the time in seconds. fps Displays the time in frames per second.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators Left and Right Locators The left and right locators are a pair of markers that you can use as reference positions in the Project window and in the editors. Locators help you, for example, to do the following: ● Positioning the project cursor. ● Defining start and stop positions for recording. ● Defining start positions for importing or exporting events. ● Setting up a cycle range. ● Selecting, copying, creating or splitting events.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators MIDI Parts on page 136 Fill Loop on page 148 Splitting Events on page 144 Transport on page 691 Setting the Left Locator Setting the left locator can be useful if you want to add a reference position in the Project window and in the editors. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Press Ctrl/Cmd and click in the upper part of the ruler to set the left locator to that position. ● Adjust the Left Locator Position value.
Playback and Transport Setting the Project Cursor ● Press Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt and click at a position in the upper part of the ruler to set both locators to the nearest snap position. RESULT The locator range is set up and highlighted in the ruler and the event display. Moving Locator Ranges In the ruler, you can move the locator range. PREREQUISITE You have set up a locator range. PROCEDURE 1. Move the mouse pointer to the upper part of the ruler inside a locator range. A hand symbol is shown. 2.
Playback and Transport Time Formats Page Scroll The project cursor moves from the left side to the right side of the window. When the project cursor reaches the right side of the window, the ruler and the project cursor jump to the left side of the window and start over again. This behavior can be compared to turning a page of a book. Stationary Cursor The project cursor is kept in the middle of the window and the ruler scrolls continuously to the left.
Playback and Transport Pre-Roll and Post-Roll RESULT The time format on the Transport panel and all rulers and position displays is updated. Pre-Roll and Post-Roll You can activate pre-roll and post-roll with the corresponding buttons in the Pre-roll & Post-roll section on the Transport panel or by selecting Transport > Pre-roll & Post-roll > Use Preroll/Use Post-roll.
Playback and Transport Punch In and Punch Out Punch In and Punch Out The punch in and the punch out points are a pair of markers that you can use for punch in and punch out of recordings. The punch in position determines the record start position and the punch out position determines the record stop position. You can activate punch in and punch out by activating the corresponding buttons on the Transport panel.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click RELATED LINKS General Tab on page 178 Click Sounds Tab on page 179 Transport Bar Sections on page 164 177 Cubase AI 11.0.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click General Tab The General tab allows you to make basic metronome settings. In the topmost section, the following options are available: Activate Metronome Click Activates/Deactivates the metronome click. In the Click Destinations section, the following options are available: Use MIDI Click Activates a MIDI click for the metronome. Use Audio Click Activates an audio click for the metronome that is output via the audio hardware.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click Activate this to let the count-in automatically use the time signature and tempo set at the position where recording starts. ● Time Signature at Project Position Activate this to let the count-in use the time signature at the project position. ● Use Custom Time Signature Allows you to set a time signature for the count-in. In this mode, signature changes in the project do not affect the count-in.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click Velocity Allows you to set the velocity of the MIDI click sound. Set the velocity for the first beat in a bar in the top row, and the velocities for the other beats in the rows below. The Audio Click Settings section allows you to set up the audio click that sounds if you activate Use Audio Click in the Click Destinations section on the General tab. Use Steinberg Click Sound Activates the default sounds for the metronome click.
Playback and Transport Chase 6. Set the level of the sounds by clicking the respective rows in the Level column and adjusting the value. 7. Optional: Click Play to audition the custom sounds. RESULT The metronome uses the defined custom sounds for the audio click. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Open the Click Sound Presets pop-up menu and save your custom sounds as a preset.
On-Screen Keyboard 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. When the On-Screen Keyboard is displayed, the usual key commands are blocked because they are reserved for the On-Screen Keyboard.
On-Screen Keyboard On-Screen Keyboard Options 1 Note Velocity Level This slider allows you to adjust the volume of the On-Screen Keyboard. You can also use Up Arrow or Down Arrow for this. 2 Change On-Screen Keyboard Type This button allows you to switch between computer keyboard and piano keyboard display mode. In computer keyboard mode, you can use the two rows of keys that are displayed on the OnScreen Keyboard to enter notes. The piano keyboard has a wider range of keys.
Recording In Cubase, you can record audio and MIDI. Make the following initial preparations: ● Set up, connect, and calibrate your audio hardware. ● Open a project and set up the parameters in the Project Setup dialog according to your specifications. The parameters in the Project Setup dialog determine the record file format, sample rate, project length, etc. that affect the audio recordings that you make during the course of the project.
Recording Basic Recording Methods Record Enabling Tracks on Selection You can set up a preference so that tracks are record-enabled when you select them. PROCEDURE 1. Select Edit > Preferences. 2. Open the Editing—Project & MixConsole page and activate Enable Record on Selected Audio Track or Enable Record on Selected MIDI Track. RESULT The tracks are record-enabled when you select them. Activating Recording Manually You can activate recording manually.
Recording Basic Recording Methods Stopping Recording You can stop recording manually. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Click Stop on the Transport panel. ● Press Num * . RESULT Recording stops while playback continues. Stopping Recording Automatically with Punch Out Activating Punch Out allows you to stop recording automatically at the defined punch out position. PROCEDURE ● Activate Punch Out on the Transport panel.
Recording Basic Recording Methods As soon as the project cursor reaches the right locator, it jumps back to the left locator and continues recording a new lap. RESULT The results of cycle recording depend on the selected record mode. They also differ for audio and MIDI. RELATED LINKS Left and Right Locators on page 171 MIDI Recording on page 196 Audio Recording on page 192 Common Record Modes Menu The Common Record Modes determine what happens if you click Record during an audio or MIDI recording.
Recording Monitoring Monitoring In Cubase, monitoring means listening to the input signal while preparing to record or while recording. The following ways of monitoring are available. ● Via Cubase. ● Externally by listening to the signal before it reaches Cubase. ● By using ASIO Direct Monitoring. This is a combination of both other methods. Monitoring via Cubase If you use monitoring via Cubase, the input signal is mixed with the audio playback.
Recording Monitoring ASIO Direct Monitoring If your audio hardware is ASIO 2.0 compatible, it may support ASIO Direct Monitoring. This feature may also be available for audio hardware with macOS drivers. In ASIO Direct Monitoring mode, the monitoring is done in the audio hardware, and monitoring is controlled from Cubase. The latency value of the audio hardware configuration does not affect the monitor signal when using ASIO Direct Monitoring. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, activate Monitor. 2.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics RESULT Incoming MIDI is echoed back out again. RELATED LINKS MIDI on page 686 Audio Recording Specifics Specific preparations and settings are required for audio recording. Audio Recording Preparations Before you can record audio, you must make some preparations. Selecting a Record File Format You can set up the record file format, that is, the sample rate, bit depth, and record file type for new audio files. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Getting the Track Ready for Recording Before you can record audio, you must add a track and set it up. Adding a Track and Setting the Channel Configuration To record audio, you must add an audio track and set up its channel configuration. The channel configuration of the track determines the channel configuration of the recorded audio file. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track . 2. Click Audio. 3.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Audio Recording You can record audio using any of the basic recording methods. When you finish recording, an audio file is created in the Audio folder within the project folder. In the Pool, an audio clip is created for the audio file, and an audio event that plays the whole clip appears on the recording track. Finally, a waveform image is calculated for the audio event. If the recording was very long, this may take a while.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics When you are recording with effects, consider using 32-bit float or 64-bit float format. This way, the bit depth will not be reduced, which means there is no risk of clipping at this stage. Also, this preserves the signal quality perfectly. If you record in 16-bit or 24-bit format, the available headroom is lower, which means clipping can occur if the signal is too loud. Undoing Recordings You can undo a recording immediately after recording it.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics 6. Select the Object Selection tool and place the cursor on the bottom left edge of the event so that a double arrow appears. Then click and drag to the left. RESULT The event is now extended, and the audio that you played before activating the recording is inserted. This means that if you played along during playback, the captured notes end up exactly where you played them in relation to the project.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics For more information, refer to the manual that came with your instrument. Naming MIDI Ports MIDI inputs and outputs are often displayed with long and complicated names. In Cubase, you can rename your MIDI ports to more descriptive names. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Select Studio > Studio Setup. In the Devices list, select MIDI Port Setup. The available MIDI inputs and outputs are listed. On Windows, the device to choose depends on your system. 3.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Selecting a Sound You can select sounds from within Cubase by instructing the program to send Program Change and Bank Select messages to your MIDI device. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the track to which you want to assign a sound. 2. In the track list or the Inspector, open the Program Selector pop-up menu and select a program. Program Change messages give access to 128 different program locations. 3.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics activate ASIO Latency Compensation on the track list, all recorded events are moved by the current latency setting. The following preferences affect MIDI recording: ● Length Adjustment ● Snap MIDI Parts to Bars ● MIDI Record Catch Range in ms ● ASIO Latency Compensation Active by Default You can find them in the Preferences dialog on the MIDI and on the Record—MIDI page.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Program Change Messages When you switch from one program to another on your synthesizer or on another MIDI keyboard, a number corresponding to that program is sent out via MIDI as a Program Change Message. You can record Program Change Messages together or independently from the notes, that is, afterwards or before. You can record Program Change Messages on their own tracks, separately from the notes to which they belong.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics MIDI Record Mode New Parts Existing parts that are overlapped by a new recording are kept. The new recording is saved as a new part. Merge Existing events in parts that are overlapped by a new recording are kept. The newly recorded events are added to the existing part. Replace Existing events in parts that are overlapped by a new recording are replaced.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics The MIDI data is stored in the retrospective record buffer, and you can insert it as a MIDI part on the selected MIDI track. The buffer captures up to 10000 MIDI events. This can correspond to a MIDI recording of around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. However, if you use a keyboard that produces a large amount of MIDI controller events, such as the ROLI Seaboard, this only corresponds to a recording of around 20 seconds.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Inserting a Retrospective Track Recording You can insert a retrospective track recording, that is, MIDI data that was sent to the track input in Stop mode or during playback, on the selected track. PREREQUISITE You have played some MIDI notes in Stop mode or during playback, and you want to recover them. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI track on which you want to insert the captured MIDI data. 2.
Recording Remaining Record Time PROCEDURE 1. Double-click the MIDI part where you want to insert the captured MIDI data to open it in a MIDI editor. 2. On the MIDI editor toolbar, click Insert MIDI Retrospective Recording in Editor. RESULT The MIDI data that was captured on the track input is inserted into the MIDI part. ● If the data was captured during playback, it is inserted into the MIDI part along the timeline.
Recording Lock Record NOTE An automatic punch out at the right locator position will be ignored in Lock Record mode. 203 Cubase AI 11.0.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files You can add audio and MIDI files to your project by importing them. Audio File Import You can import compressed and uncompressed audio files in a variety of different formats. You can also import audio from audio CDs or extract the audio of video files.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import Import Options dialog for single file import Import Options dialog for multiple file import Copy File to Project Folder/Copy All Files to Project Folder Copies the audio file to the Audio folder of the project, and has the clip refer to the copy. Deactivate this option to have the clip refer to the original file in the original location. In this case, it is marked as “external” in the Pool.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import Copy File to Project Folder/Copy All Files to Project Folder Copies the audio file to the Audio folder of the project, and has the clip refer to the copy. Deactivate this option to have the clip refer to the original file in the original location. In this case, it is marked as “external” in the Pool.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import FLAC file This is an open source format that reduces the size of audio files by 50 % to 60 % compared to regular Wave files. The files have the extension .flac. MPEG 1 Layer 3 file This is a family of standards used for encoding audio-visual information such as movies, video, and music in a digital compressed format. Cubase can read MPEG Layer 2 and MPEG Layer 3. MP3 files are highly compressed files that still provide good audio quality.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import Drive Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to select the correct CD drive. Speed (Windows only) Allows you to select the data transfer speed. NOTE While you normally want to use the fastest possible speed, you may have to select a slower speed for flawless audio extraction. Eject CD Opens the CD drive. Secure Mode (Windows only) Activates error checking and correction when reading the CD.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import Copy Start The start of the section that is imported. On the ruler, drag the Left Marker to the right to adjust this. Copy End The end of the section that is imported. On the ruler, drag the Right Marker to the left to adjust this. The Ruler The ruler has the following functions: 1 Play Tracks Plays back the selected track from the start to the end or from the left marker to the right marker. 2 Stop Playback Stops playback.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import A new audio clip is created and added to the Pool. In the Project window, an event referencing the audio file is inserted on the selected track at the project cursor position. If no track was selected, a new track is created. RELATED LINKS Extracting Audio from Video on page 642 Importing Video Files on page 638 Importing ReCycle Files You can import REX and REX2 audio files created by ReCycle from Propellerhead Software.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files MIDI File Import MIDI File Import Cubase can import standard MIDI files. This allows you to transfer MIDI material to and from virtually any MIDI application on any platform. Import Options for MIDI Files The Import Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data is included in imported MIDI files. Extract First Patch Converts the first Program Change and Bank Select events for each track to Inspector settings for the track.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files MIDI File Import Import Karaoke Lyrics as Text Converts karaoke lyrics in the MIDI file to text that can be displayed in the Score Editor. If this option is deactivated, lyrics are only shown in the List Editor. Importing MIDI Files In Cubase, you can import MIDI files. PROCEDURE 1. Select File > Import > MIDI File. 2. Optional: If a project is open, choose if you want to create a new project. If you select No, the MIDI file is imported into the current project. 3.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio 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. You can quantize audio and MIDI to a grid or to a groove. Audio and MIDI can be quantized at the same time. However, what exactly happens during quantizing differs for audio and MIDI: ● Audio quantizing affects the audio event starts.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Makes the start and end positions of MIDI events permanent. This function is useful in situations where you want to quantize a second time, based on the current quantized positions rather than the original positions. ● Create Groove Quantize Preset Creates a groove quantize map based on hitpoints that you have created in the Sample Editor. Quantize Functions on the Project Window Toolbar Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing MIDI Event Ends PROCEDURE 1. 2. Perform one of the following actions: ● In the Key Editor, select the MIDI events that you want to quantize. ● In the Project window, select a MIDI part. Select Edit > Advanced Quantize > Quantize MIDI Event Lengths. RESULT The ends of the selected MIDI events are cut off so that the events match the length quantize value. The start positions are kept.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel NOTE If you use the Quantize function on an audio part, the starts of the events inside the part are quantized. Quantize Panel The Quantize Panel allows you to define how to quantize audio or MIDI to the grid or to a groove. Depending on what method you choose, different parameters are shown. To open the Quantize Panel, perform one of the following actions: ● Click Open Quantize Panel on the toolbar. ● Select Edit > Quantize Panel. 216 Cubase AI 11.0.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Quantize Presets To the top of the Quantize Panel the quantize presets are shown. Here, you can load and save presets that include all settings for quantizing. Select Preset Allows you to select a preset. Save Preset Allows you to save the current settings as a preset, so that they become available on all Quantize Presets pop-up menus. Remove Preset Allows you to remove the selected preset. Rename Preset Opens a dialog where you can rename the selected preset.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Creating Groove Quantize Presets You can create a groove quantize map based on hitpoints that you have created in the Sample Editor. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, double-click the audio event from which you want to extract the timing. The Sample Editor opens. 2. Open the Hitpoints section. The hitpoints for the audio event are detected and displayed automatically. 3. Click Create Groove. The groove is extracted.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel The following options are available: Grid Allows you to select the basic value for the quantize grid. Swing Offsets every second position in the grid, creating a swing or shuffle feel. NOTE Swing is only available if Grid is set to a straight value and Tuplet is deactivated. Catch Range Allows you to set a value that determines that quantizing affects only audio or MIDI within the set distance from the grid lines. This is reflected in the grid display.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Tuplet Creates rhythmically more complex grids by dividing the grid into smaller steps, and thereby creating n-tuplets. Rough Allows you to set a distance in ticks, so that your audio or MIDI is quantized to random positions within the specified distance from the quantize grid. This allows for slight variations and, at the same time, prevents your audio or MIDI from ending up too far away from the grid.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel The following options become available: Position Determines how much the timing of the groove affects the music. Velocity (MIDI Only) Determines how much the velocity values within the groove affect the music. NOTE Not all grooves contain velocity information. Length (MIDI Only) Allows you to specify how much the lengths of the notes are affected by the groove. NOTE For drums, the Length setting is ignored.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel Max. Move Allows you to select a note value to specify a maximum distance that the audio or MIDI can be moved. Orig. Position Sets the original starting position of the quantized material as starting point of the quantizing. This allows you to synchronize material that does not start from bar 1 of the project.
Fades and Crossfades Fades allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume at the start or end of audio events or audio clips, and to create smooth transitions. You can create the following fades: ● Fade ins/fade outs Fade ins and fade outs allow you to gradually increase or decrease the volume of audio events or audio clips. Fade ins and fade outs can be either event-based or clip-based. Event-based fades are calculated in real time when you play back audio events.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades Creating and Editing Fades with the Handles You can create and edit event-based fade ins and fade outs using the event handles. This gives you a visual feedback and allows you to apply the same fade type to several selected events. PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio events for which you want to create fades and point at one of them with the mouse. Triangular fade handles become visible in the upper left and right corners. 2.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades NOTE To change the event volume and the fades with the mouse wheel, activate Use Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page). When you press Shift while moving the mouse wheel, and position the mouse pointer somewhere in the left half of the event, the fade in end point is moved. When the mouse pointer is in the right half of the event, the fade out start point is moved.
Fades and Crossfades Event-Based Fades NOTE If you select several events, you can adjust the fade curves for all selected events at the same time. This is useful if you want to apply the same type of fade in to more than one event, for example. The following options are available: 1 Presets pop-up menu Allows you to set up presets for fade-in or fade-out curves. 2 ● To apply a saved preset, select it from the pop-up menu. ● To remove a saved preset, select it from the pop-up menu and click Remove.
Fades and Crossfades Creating Clip-Based Fades 7 As Default Saves the current settings as default fade. 8 Apply Applies the current fade settings to the selected events. Creating Clip-Based Fades You can create and edit clip-based fade ins and fade outs using Direct Offline Processing. These fades are applied to the audio clip. Events that refer to the same clip get the same fades. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select one or more audio events or a range for which you want to create a fade.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades Crossfades Crossfades allow you to create smooth transitions for consecutive audio events on the same track. Crossfades are always event-based. You can only create crossfades if the consecutive events or their respective clips overlap. ● If the audio events overlap, a crossfade of the default shape (linear, symmetric) is applied in the overlapping area. NOTE You can edit the default crossfade length and shape in the Crossfade editor.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades RESULT The crossfade length is adjusted to the selected range. Crossfade Editor The Crossfade editor allows you to edit crossfades. It contains fade-in and fade-out curve settings, and common settings. ● To open the Crossfade editor, select one or both crossfaded events, and select Audio > Crossfade, or double-click the crossfade zone.
Fades and Crossfades Crossfades Length Specifies the length of the crossfade area. Cubase tries to center the crossfade, that is, the length change is applied equally to both sides. To be able to resize a crossfade, it must be possible to resize the corresponding event. For example, if the fade-out event already plays its audio clip to the end, its end point cannot be moved any further to the right.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Cubase features an Auto Fade function that can be set both globally and separately for each audio track. Auto fades allow you to create smoother transitions between events by applying fade ins and fade outs with a length between 1 and 500 ms. IMPORTANT As event-based fades are calculated in real time during playback, applying auto fades to a higher number of audio events results in a higher demand on the processor.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades Activates auto fade ins. 2 Auto Fade Out Activates auto fade outs. 3 Auto Crossfades Activates auto crossfades. 4 Use Project Settings This is only available if you opened the Auto Fades dialog for individual tracks. Deactivate this to set up and apply the settings to individual tracks only. If you want a track with individual auto fade settings to use the global settings again, activate Use Project Settings.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades The Auto Fades dialog for the track opens. 2. Deactivate Use Project Settings. Any settings you now make are applied to the track only. 3. Set up the auto fades. 4. Click OK. 233 Cubase AI 11.0.
Markers Markers are used to locate certain positions quickly. There are two types of markers: position markers and cycle markers. If you often find yourself jumping to a specific position within a project, you should insert a marker at this position. You can also use markers to make range selections or for zooming. Markers are located on the marker track. You can add 1 marker track.
Markers Markers Window Setting the Locators Using Cycle Markers Cycle markers represent ranges in your project. You can use them for moving the left and right locators. PROCEDURE ● To set the left locator to the cycle marker start and the right locator to the cycle marker end, perform one of the following actions: ● Double-click on a cycle marker. ● From the Cycle pop-up menu in the track list, select a cycle marker. RESULT The left and right locators are moved to encompass the cycle marker.
Markers Markers Window Functions menu Lists all functions available in the Marker window. Filter Markers Allows you to specify which marker type is shown in the marker list. Auto-Scroll with Project Cursor Allows you to keep track of the locate arrow, even if your project contains a large number of markers. If this option is activated, the Marker window is automatically scrolled to keep the locate arrow visible. Markers list Shows the markers in the order in which they occur in the project.
Markers Markers Window Sorting and Reordering the Marker List You can customize the display of the marker attributes in the marker list by sorting or reordering the columns. ● To sort the marker list by a specific attribute, click on the corresponding column header. ● To reorder the marker attributes, drag and drop the corresponding column headers. ● To adjust the width of a column, place the mouse pointer between two column headers and drag left or right.
Markers Markers Window Description Here you can enter names or descriptions for markers. RELATED LINKS Marker IDs on page 238 Cycle Markers on page 234 Editing Attributes ● To edit a marker attribute, select the corresponding marker, click in the desired attribute column, and make your changes. ● To change the attributes of several markers, select the markers and activate the checkbox for the attribute. All selected markers change their attributes accordingly.
Markers Marker Track RESULT The marker IDs of the selected type are reassigned to match the order of markers on the marker track. Marker Track A marker track is used for adding and editing markers. 1 Add Marker Adds a position marker at the cursor position. 2 Add Cycle Marker Adds a cycle marker at the cursor position. 3 Locate pop-up menu If you select a position or a cycle marker in this pop-up menu, the corresponding marker in the event display or in the Markers window is selected.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Editing Markers on the Marker Track You can edit markers on the marker track. ● To add a position marker, click Add Marker or use the Draw tool. ● To add a cycle marker, click Add Cycle Marker or use the Draw tool. ● To select a marker, use the standard techniques. ● To resize a cycle marker, select it and drag the handles. You can also do this numerically on the info line. ● To move a marker, select it and drag it.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Exporting Markers via MIDI You can export your markers as part of a MIDI file. ● To include any markers in the MIDI file, activate Export Markers in the Export Options dialog. The following settings are exported: ● The start position of position markers and cycle markers NOTE To be able to export markers via MIDI export, your project must contain a marker track. RELATED LINKS Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files on page 119 241 Cubase AI 11.0.
MixConsole 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. You can open the MixConsole in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Allows you to select what page is displayed in the fader section: the channel faders, the insert effects for a channel, or the send effects. The top button allows you to show/hide the toolbar. 2 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 3 Fader section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The MixConsole is divided into the following sections: 1 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. 2 Left Zone Allows you to set up the visibility of channels in the fader section. 3 Fader section The fader section is always visible and shows all channels in the same order as in the track list. 244 Cubase AI 11.0.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Apart from the main sections, you can also access the following sections from within the MixConsole window: 1 Meter bridge Allows you to monitor the levels of your channels. 2 Equalizer curves Allows you to draw an EQ curve. Click in the curve display to open a larger view where you can edit the curve points. 3 Channel racks Allows you to show additional channel controls as needed. 4 Pictures Allows you to add a picture to the selected channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window MixConsole Toolbar on page 247 Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Fader Section on page 255 Channel Racks Selector on page 252 Track Pictures Browser on page 123 Adding Notes to a MixConsole Channel on page 269 Channel Latency Overview on page 270 Channel Strips on page 267 MixConsole Left Zone The left zone of the MixConsole shows a list of the MixConsole channels that allows you to show/hide specific channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window MixConsole Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. NOTE The MixConsole toolbar in the lower zone of the Project window contains a limited set of tools. Left Divider Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Locator Range Duration Locators to Selection Allows you to set the locators to the selection. Locator Range Duration Shows the duration of the locator range. Transport Buttons Go to Previous Marker/Zero Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline. Go to Next Marker/Project End Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end. Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Activate Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Secondary Time Display Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format. Select Secondary Time Format Allows you to select a time format for the secondary time display. Markers Jump to Marker Allows you to set and locate marker positions. Open Markers Window Opens the Markers window. State Buttons Deactivate All Mute States Deactivates all mute states. Deactivate All Solo States Deactivates all solo states.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Link Group Temporary Link Mode Synchronizes all touched parameters of selected channels. Zoom Palette Reduce Channel Width Allows you to reduce the channel width. Set Number of Channels Displays the set number of channels. Increase Channel Width Allows you to increase the channel width. Reduce Rack Height Allows you to reduce the rack height. Increase Rack Height Allows you to increase the rack height.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Set up Toolbar Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. Filtering Channel Types The channel types filter on the MixConsole toolbar allows you to determine which channel types are shown. PROCEDURE 1. Click Set Channel Type Filter. This opens the channel types filter. 2. Click to the left of a channel type to uncheck it and hide all channels of that type.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Move Configuration to Position This function becomes available if 2 or more configurations exist. It allows you to change the position of the active configuration on the menu. This is useful as you can assign key commands to the first 8 configurations in the Channel & Track Visibility category of the Key Commands dialog. Saving Configurations To quickly switch between different channel setups, you can save configurations.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS MixConsole Toolbar on page 247 Rack Settings Menu The Rack Settings pop-up menu allows you to make settings for the racks. ● To open the Rack Settings pop-up menu, click Rack Settings on the MixConsole toolbar. Exclusive Expanded Rack Shows the selected rack exclusively and collapses the other racks. Fixed Number of Slots Shows all available slots for the Inserts, Sends, Cues, and Quick Controls racks.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 3. Change the parameters for one of the selected channels. RESULT The changes are applied to all selected channels until you deactivate Q-Link. Functions Menu The Functions Menu contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MixConsole. ● To open the Functions Menu, click Functions Menu on the MixConsole toolbar.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 2. Select Functions Menu > Save Selected Channels. 3. In the file dialog, specify the file name and location. 4. Click Save. RESULT The settings for the selected channels are saved with the file extension .vmx. The input/output routing is not saved. Loading MixConsole Settings You can load MixConsole settings that have been saved for selected channels. PROCEDURE 1. Select the same number of channels that you selected when you saved your MixConsole settings.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE If a channel is deactivated on the Visibility tab or if its channel type is deactivated, it is not shown in the fader section. The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window does not follow any visibility changes you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa. It is linked to the track visibility of the Project window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● To make fine adjustments, hold down Shift when you move the pan control. ● To select the default center pan position, hold down Ctrl/Cmd , and click the pan control. ● To edit the value numerically, double-click the pan control. RELATED LINKS Creating New Projects on page 72 Stereo Balance Panner The stereo balance panner allows you to control the balance between the left and right channels. It is activated by default.
MixConsole MixConsole Window For audio channels, the volume fader controls the volume of the channel before it is routed to an output bus, directly or via a group channel. For output channels, the volume fader controls the master output level of all audio channels that are routed to an output bus. For MIDI channels, the volume fader controls the volume changes in the MixConsole by sending out MIDI volume messages to the connected instruments that are set to respond to MIDI messages.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 2. 3. Do one of the following to set the level position for a color change: ● Double-click a level position to the right of the meter scale and enter the level (dB) value. To enter dB values smaller than zero, add a minus sign before the entered number. ● Click a level position and drag it to a specific level, and press Shift for more accurate positioning.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Input Levels When recording digital sound, it is important to set the input levels high enough to ensure low noise and high audio quality. At the same time, you must avoid clipping (digital distortion). Setting Input Levels In the MixConsole, you can set the input level. Make sure that the signal is loud enough but does not exceed 0 dB. PROCEDURE 1. Select Functions Menu > Global Meter Settings > Meter Position and activate Input.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Clipping Clipping typically occurs in the audio hardware when an analog signal is too loud and therefore converted to digital in the hardware’s A/D converters. Channel Racks The Channel Racks section contains specific MixConsole functions, such as routing, insert, or send handling. These are organized in racks. NOTE The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window features the Inserts and the Sends rack only.
MixConsole MixConsole Window You can copy rack and channel settings between different types of channels, provided that the target channels have corresponding settings. ● For example, copying from input/output channels leaves the sends settings in the target channel unaffected. Routing The Routing rack allows you to configure input and output routing, that is, setting up input and output busses. NOTE This channel rack is only available in the MixConsole window.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS Routing on page 262 Input Routing Configurations for Stereo Channels For stereo channels, the following input routing configurations are available. ● Mono or stereo input busses. ● Mono or stereo output busses, and mono or stereo group output busses. These should not lead to feedback. RELATED LINKS Routing on page 262 Output Busses For output busses any assignment is possible.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Saving/Loading FX Chain Presets You can save and load all insert rack settings using FX chain presets. FX chain presets have the file name extension .fxchainpreset. PROCEDURE ● In the top right corner of the Inserts rack, open the Presets pop-up menu and perform one of the following actions: ● To save the current settings as a preset, select Save FX Chain Preset and name your preset. ● To load a preset, select Load FX Chain Preset and select a preset.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Equalizer Settings You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands. These have different default frequency values and different Q names. However, they all have the same frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz). You can specify different filter types for each individual module. 1 Bypass EQ Click to bypass all EQ bands. 2 Curve display Click on the display in a channel to show a larger version.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 4 Activate/Deactivate Band Click to activate/deactivate an EQ band. Band Settings 1 Activate/Deactivate Band Activates/Deactivates the equalizer band. 2 Gain Sets the amount of cut or boost. The range is ±24 dB. 3 Frequency Sets the center frequency of the frequency range to be cut or boosted. You can set the frequency either in Hz or as a note value. If you enter a note value, the frequency is automatically displayed in Hz.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Strips The Channel Strip rack is only available for audio-related channels. It allows you to load built-in processing modules for separate channels. You can change the position of specific modules in the signal flow via drag and drop. NOTE The Channel Strip rack is only available in the MixConsole window. Compressor Allows you to create smooth compression effects. Drag the compressor up or down to change its position in the signal flow.
MixConsole MixConsole Window EQ You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands. These have different default frequency values and different Q names. However, they all have the same frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz). You can specify different filter types for each individual module. 1 Activate/Deactivate Band Activates/Deactivates the equalizer band. 2 Select EQ Band Type Opens a pop-up menu where you can select an EQ type for the band.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Adding Send Effects On the Sends rack, you can add send effects. PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Sends to show the rack above the fader section. 2. Click one of the send slots to open the send selector. 3. Click a send effect to select it. The selected send effect is loaded. 4. Click on the left of the slot to activate the send. Bypassing Send Effects You can bypass all send effects.
MixConsole MixConsole Window PROCEDURE 1. Select Edit > Preferences. 2. Open the User Interface page, and select Track & MixConsole Channel Colors. 3. In the Colorize Tracks and MixConsole Channels section, activate MixConsole Channels. 4. Optional: To adjust the brightness of a selected channel, adjust the Selected Channel Brightness slider. NOTE By default, the selected channel is shown in gray. If you want to display the selected channel in color, activate Show Color for Selected Channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Latency (ms) Shows the latency in milliseconds. Latency (Samples) Shows the latency in samples. Total Channel Latency Shows the total latency for that channel in milliseconds and in samples. NOTE If you want any plug-in delay to be compensated during playback, make sure that Constrain Delay Compensation is deactivated.
MixConsole MixConsole Window The Channel Settings window is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar The toolbar shows tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the Channel Settings window. 2 Inserts/Strip The Inserts section features insert effect slots that allow you to load insert effects for a channel. The Strip section allows you to load built-in processing modules for separate channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Settings Toolbar The toolbar in the Channel Settings window contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the Channel Settings window. Channel Navigation Go to Last Edited Channel Shows the channel that you last edited in the Channel Settings window. This is only available if you have edited at least 2 channels. Go to Next Edited Channel Shows the next channel in the Channel Settings window. This is only available if you have edited at least 2 channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Edit Instrument Edit VST Instrument Allows you to open the VST instrument control panel. This is only available for MIDI and instrument channels. Output Chain Show Output Chain Shows the output chain. This allows you to keep track of more complicated output routings. Track Templates Load/Save Track Preset Allows you to load/save track presets. Reload Track Preset Allows you to reload track presets.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypass Inserts Bypasses the insert effects for the channel. Inserts Allows you to add insert effects for the channel. Preset Management Allows you to load or save FX Chain presets. Move Channel Strip to Pre/Post-Inserts Position Allows you to move the channel strip to pre-fader position or to post-fader position in the signal flow. Strip Allows you to activate and set up channel strip modules for the channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Strip Modules The following channel strip modules are shown: ● Compressor ● EQ You can change the position of channel strip modules in the signal chain by dragging. RELATED LINKS Compressor on page 267 EQ on page 268 Channel Settings on page 271 Standard Compressor – Details View The Standard Compressor features a details view with more controls and value readouts for the meters. ● To open the details view, click Edit Module .
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Settings – Equalizer The Channel Strip/Equalizer section is shown in the Channel Settings window. Bypass Equalizers Bypasses the equalizer settings for the channel. NOTE You can reset the equalizers by Alt/Opt -clicking this button. Preset Management Allows you to load or save equalizer presets. Equalizer Settings Opens the Equalizer Settings panel. Equalizer display Allows you to make equalizer settings for the 4 bands in a large EQ curve display with several modes.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Show Equalizer Controls Shows/Hides the equalizer controls. Show FFT Pre EQ Curve Shows/Hides the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) input curve for the reference channel. Hold FFT Post EQ Peak Curve Holds the peak values of the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) output curve for the reference channel. Transparency for Channel Curve Allows you to adjust the transparency of the filled area for the spectral curve.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Channel Settings – Channel Faders The Channel Faders section is shown in the Channel Settings window. The controls are the same as in the MixConsole fader section. RELATED LINKS Fader Section on page 255 Channel Settings on page 271 Keyboard Focus in the MixConsole The left zone, the channel rack section, and the fader section can be controlled with the computer keyboard. For this to work, the section must have the focus.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● To activate or deactivate a switch, press Return . ● To expand or collapse an active rack, to open or close a value field in a slot, or to open the plug-in panel for a loaded plug-in, press Return . ● To access the controls in the left zone, press Ctrl/Cmd - Return . ● To access the controls in the middle zone, press Return . ● To access the controls in the right zone, press Alt/Opt - Return . ● To close a pop-up menu or a plug-in panel, press Esc .
Audio Effects Cubase comes with a number of included effect plug-ins that you can use to process audio, group, instrument, and ReWire channels. The effects and their parameters are described in the separate document Plug-in Reference. Insert Effects and Send Effects You can apply effects to audio channels by using insert effects or send effects. Insert Effects Insert effects are inserted in the signal chain of an audio channel. This way, the whole channel signal passes through the effect.
Audio Effects Insert Effects and Send Effects To edit send effects, you can use the following sends sections: ● The Sends rack in the MixConsole. ● The Destinations section in the Channel Settings window. ● The Sends section in the Inspector. RELATED LINKS Direct Offline Processing on page 303 VST Standard Audio effects can be integrated in Cubase thanks to the VST standard. At the moment, the VST 3 and VST 2 standards are supported.
Audio Effects Insert Effects VST 3 dynamics plug-ins with look-ahead functionality feature a Live button that allows you to disengage the look-ahead. This minimizes latency during real-time recording. For details, see the separate document Plug-in Reference. To avoid latency during real-time recording or real-time playback of VST instruments, you can also use Constrain Delay Compensation.
Audio Effects Insert Effects Adding Insert Effects If you add insert effects to audio channels, the audio is routed through the insert effects. PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio track. 2. In the track list, click Edit Channel Settings. The Channel Settings window for the audio channel opens. 3. In the Inserts section, click the first insert slot on the Inserts tab, and select an effect from the selector. RESULT The selected insert effect is loaded and activated, and the audio is routed through it.
Audio Effects Insert Effects 4. Click Add Track. The group track is added to the track list. 5. In the Inspector for the group track, open the Inserts section. 6. Click the first effect slot and select an effect from the selector. 7. In the Inspector for the audio tracks, open the Output Routing pop-up menus and select the group. RESULT The signal from the audio track is routed through the group channel and passes through the insert effect.
Audio Effects Insert Effects RESULT The insert effect is copied. If the destination slot already contains an insert effect, the previously existing effect is moved down one slot. Rearranging Insert Effects You can change the position of an insert effect in the signal chain of the audio channel by moving it to a different slot of the same channel. You can also move an insert effect to another audio channel. PREREQUISITE You have added at least one insert effect to an audio channel. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Effects Insert Effects still processing in the background. This allows for crackle-free comparison of the original and the processed signal. PREREQUISITE You have added an insert effect to an audio channel. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the audio track with the insert effect that you want to bypass. 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section, and click Bypass Insert. RESULT The effect is bypassed, but still processing in the background. Removing Insert Effects PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Effects VST Effect Selector This adds time at the end of the rendered file. This way, reverb and delay tails can fully fade out. RESULT The output of the track including all pre-fader insert effects is rendered to an audio file. The frozen audio track is saved in the Freeze folder that can be found in the following location: ● Windows: within the Project folder ● macOS: User/Documents In the MixConsole, the frozen audio channel is indicated by a snowflake symbol above the channel name.
Audio Effects Send Effects Send Effects Send effects are outside the signal path of an audio channel. The audio data that is to be processed must be sent to the effect. ● You can select an FX channel track as routing destination for a send. ● You can route different sends to different FX channels. ● You can control the amount of signals sent to the FX channel by adjusting the effect send level. NOTE In the Preferences dialog (VST page), you can set a default send level.
Audio Effects Send Effects Adding FX Channel Tracks PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track . 2. Click Effect. 3. Open the Effect pop-up menu, and select an effect for the FX channel track. 4. Open the Configuration pop-up menu, and select a channel configuration for the FX channel track. 5. Open the Folder Setup pop-up menu, and select if you want to create FX channel tracks inside or outside a dedicated folder. 6. Click Add Track.
Audio Effects Send Effects 5. Open the Folder Setup pop-up menu, and select if you want to create FX channel tracks inside or outside a dedicated folder. 6. Click OK. RESULT The FX channel track is added to the track list. The selected effect is loaded into the first available insert effect slot of the FX channel, and to the first available send effect slot of all channels that you selected.
Audio Effects Send Effects RESULT The audio is routed through the FX channel. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK In the Channel Settings window for the audio channel, you can hold down Alt/Opt and doubleclick to show the send destination. If you have routed the send to an FX channel, the effect control panel is opened. RELATED LINKS Adding FX Channel Tracks on page 290 Setting the Level for the Sends PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel Effect Control Panel The effect control panel allows you to set up the parameters of the selected effect. The contents, design, and layout of the control panel depend on the selected effect. ● To open the control panel for a plug-in, click the effect slot. The following controls are available for all effects: 1 Activate Effect Activates/Deactivates the effect. 2 Bypass Effect Allows you to bypass the effect.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel NOTE For detailed information about the included effects and their parameters, see the separate document Plug-in Reference. RELATED LINKS Hiding/Showing Effect Control Panels on page 295 Effect Control Panel Context Menu The effect control panel context menu and the Functions menu on the effect control panel show functions and settings that are specific for the effect. Do one of the following: ● Right-click an empty area of the effect control panel.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel Fine-Tuning Effect Settings You can take your effect parameter settings as a starting point for further fine-tuning and then compare the new settings with the original settings. PREREQUISITE You have adjusted the parameters for an effect. PROCEDURE 1. On the control panel for the effect, click Switch between A/B Settings. This copies the initial parameter setting A to setting B. 2. Fine-tune the effect parameters. These parameter settings are now saved as setting B.
Audio Effects Effect Presets NOTE This also closes VST instrument control panels. RESULT The control panels are closed. RELATED LINKS Effect Control Panel on page 293 Effect Presets Effect presets store the parameter settings of an effect. The included effects come with a number of presets that you can load, adjust, and save. The following effect preset types are available: ● VST presets for a plug-in. These are plug-in parameter settings for a specific effect.
Audio Effects Effect Presets The Results section of the presets browser lists the available presets for the selected effect. Loading Presets for Effects Most VST effect plug-ins come with a number of useful presets that you can instantly select. PREREQUISITE You have loaded an effect, either as a channel insert or into an FX channel, and the effect control panel is open. PROCEDURE 1. Click the preset browser field at the top of the control panel. 2. In the Results section, select a preset from the list.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 2. Select Save Preset. The Save Preset dialog opens. 3. In the New Preset section, enter a name for the new preset. 4. Optional: Click New Folder to add a subfolder inside the effect preset folder. 5. Optional: Click Show Attribute Inspector in the bottom left corner of the dialog and define attributes for the preset. 6. Click OK. RESULT The effect preset is saved.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 2. Right-click the control panel and select Copy Setting from the context menu. 3. Open another instance of the same effect. 4. Right-click the control panel and select Paste Setting from the context menu. Saving Insert Presets You can save the inserts of the inserts effect rack for a channel as an inserts preset, together with all parameter settings. Insert presets can be applied to audio, instrument, FX channel, or group tracks.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window 5. Double-click to apply the preset and close the pane. RESULT The effects of the insert effect preset are loaded and any plug-ins that were previously loaded for the track are removed. Loading Insert Effect Settings from Track Presets You can extract the effects that are used in a track preset and load them into your inserts rack. PROCEDURE 1. Select the track to which you want to apply the new preset. 2. In the Inspector, open the Inserts section.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window The following columns are available: Active Allows you to activate or deactivate a plug-in. Instances The number of plug-in instances that are used in Cubase. Name The name of the plug-in. Vendor The manufacturer of the plug-in. File The name of the plug-in, including its file name extension. Path The path in which the plug-in file is located. Category The category of each plug-in. Version The version of the plug-in.
Audio Effects System Component Information Window ● The XML file can then be opened in any editor application supporting the XML format. NOTE The export function is not available for program plug-ins. PROCEDURE 1. In the System Component Information window, right-click in the middle of the window and select Export. 2. In the dialog, specify a name and location for the system component information export file. 3. Click Save to export the file. 302 Cubase AI 11.0.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing allows you to instantly add audio processes to the selected audio events, clips, or ranges, without destructing the original audio. Applying offline effects is common practice in dialogue editing and sound design. Offline processing has several advantages over applying real-time mixer effects: ● The workflow is clip-based. This allows you to apply different effects to events on the same track.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Workflow Direct Offline Processing Workflow You can perform offline processing operations in the Direct Offline Processing window. The window always shows the processing of the selected audio. When you add or modify offline processing, the following applies: ● If you add a process, its last used parameter settings are loaded. You can reset it to its default settings by clicking Reset to Default Values. ● All changes are instantly applied to the audio.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window In the Direct Offline Processing window, the following options and settings are available: Toolbar Allows you to add audio processing, to audition the audio with the current edits, and to make global settings for offline processing. Process Shows the last added process and allows you to modify or reset its settings, or to delete it.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window Allows you to audition the selected audio with all processing from the top of the process list up to the selected process in the list. All processes below are ignored during playback. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate the Audition button. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume. Extend Process Range Extend Process Range in ms Allows you to extend the process range over the left and right of the event borders.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window ● To apply audio processes to multiple events at once, select the audio and add, modify, or delete the processing. NOTE In the Direct Offline Processing window, you can also edit the audio processing of multiple clips in the Pool simultaneously.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes RELATED LINKS Direct Offline Processing Window on page 304 Pool Window Columns on page 362 Built-In Audio Processes Cubase provides several built-in audio processes that can be used for Direct Offline Processing. Envelope Envelope allows you to apply a volume envelope to the selected audio. Curve Type buttons Determine whether the corresponding envelope uses Spline Interpolation, Damped Spline Interpolation, or Linear Interpolation.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Fade In/Fade Out Fade In and Fade Out allow you to apply a fade to the selected audio. Curve Type buttons Determine whether the corresponding envelope uses Spline Interpolation, Damped Spline Interpolation, or Linear Interpolation. Fade display Shows the shape of the fade curve. The resulting waveform shape is shown in a dark tone, with the current waveform shape in a light tone. ● To add points, click the curve.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes NOTE In case of clipping, lower the Gain value and use the Normalize audio process instead. This allows you to increase the level of the audio as much as possible without causing clipping. RELATED LINKS Normalize on page 310 Invert Phase Invert Phase allows you to invert the phase of the selected audio. For stereo audio files, a pop-up menu is available.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Resample Resample allows you to change the length, tempo, and pitch of an event. If you resample to a higher sample rate, the event gets longer and the audio plays back at a slower speed with a lower pitch. If you resample to a lower sample rate, the event gets shorter and the audio plays back at a faster speed with a higher pitch. File Sample Rate Shows the original sample rate of the event.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes Time Stretch Time Stretch allows you to change the length and tempo of the selected audio without affecting the pitch. Define Bars You can set the length of the selected audio and the time signature in this section. Bars Allows you to set the length of the selected audio in bars. Beats Allows you to set the length of the selected audio in beats. Signature Allows you to set the time signature.
Direct Offline Processing Key Commands for Direct Offline Processing BPM Shows the resulting tempo in beats per minute. For this to work, the Original Length values must be specified. Range These settings allow you to set a range for the time stretch. Arbitrary Range Start Time Allows you to set a start position for the range. Arbitrary Range End Time Allows you to set an end position for the range. Use Locators Allows you to set the Range values to the left and right locator positions, respectively.
Direct Offline Processing Key Commands for Direct Offline Processing Option Key command Activate/Deactivate Audition (Playback Toggle triggers Local Preview must be activated in the Preferences dialog) Space Undo Ctrl / Cmd - Z To define key commands for further Direct Offline Processing operations, and for directly adding particular audio processes, use the Key Commands dialog.
Time Stretch Algorithms In Cubase, time stretching algorithms are used for operations like the Time Stretch offline process, or in the Sample Editor. RELATED LINKS Time Stretch on page 312 Sample Editor on page 324 Standard on page 315 Limitations on page 316 Standard The Standard algorithm is optimized for CPU-efficient realtime processing. The following presets are available: Standard – Drums For percussive sounds. This mode does not change the timing of your audio.
Time Stretch Algorithms Limitations Overlap This is the percentage of the whole grain that will overlap with other grains. Use higher values for material with a stable sound character. Variance This is a percentage of the whole length of the grains, and sets a variation in positioning, so that the overlapping area sounds smooth. A variance setting of 0 produces a sound akin to time stretching used in early samplers, whereas higher settings produce more rhythmic smearing effects but fewer audio artifacts.
Audio Functions Cubase offers particular functions for analyzing the audio in your project. RELATED LINKS Detect Silence Dialog on page 317 Spectrum Analyzer Window on page 320 Statistics Window on page 322 Detect Silence Dialog The Detect Silence dialog allows you to search for silent sections in events. You can split events and remove the silent parts from the project, or create regions corresponding to the non-silent sections.
Audio Functions Detect Silence Dialog The following options are available: Waveform display Allows you to zoom in on and out of the waveform by using the zoom slider to the right or by clicking in the waveform and moving the mouse up or down. You can scroll the waveform by using the scrollbar, or by using the mouse wheel. You can adjust the Open Threshold and Close Threshold values by moving the squares at the beginning and at the end of the audio file.
Audio Functions Detect Silence Dialog Strip Silence Splits the event at the beginning and end of each non-silent section, and removes the silent sections in between. Process all selected Events Applies the same settings to all selected events. This option is only available if you selected more than one event. Auto Activate this option to analyze the audio event and update the display automatically every time you change the settings.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer Window AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK If you have selected more than one event and did not activate Process all selected Events, the Detect Silence dialog opens again after processing, allowing you to make separate settings for the next event.
Audio Functions Spectrum Analyzer Window Analyzing the Audio Spectrum The Spectrum Analyzer allows you to analyze the audio of a selected event, clip, or selection range. PROCEDURE 1. Select an audio event, clip, or a selection range. 2. Select Audio > Spectrum Analyzer. RESULT The audio spectrum of the selected event, clip, or selection range is displayed as a twodimensional graph in the Spectrum Analyzer window.
Audio Functions Statistics Window RELATED LINKS Spectrum Analyzer Window on page 320 Statistics Window The Statistics function analyzes the selected audio events, clips, or selection ranges. ● To open the Statistics window for a selected audio event, clip, or selection range, select Audio > Statistics. The Statistics window shows the following information: Channel Shows the name of the analyzed channel. Min. Sample Value Shows the lowest sample value in dB. Max.
Audio Functions Statistics Window Max. RMS All Channels Shows the highest RMS value of all channels. RELATED LINKS Remove DC Offset Option on page 310 323 Cubase AI 11.0.
Sample Editor 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, and by processing audio. Editing is non-destructive so that you can undo modifications at any time. You can open the Sample Editor in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window. This is useful if you want to access the Sample Editor functions from within a fixed zone of the Project window.
Sample Editor The Sample Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, manipulating, and playing back audio. 2 Info Line Shows information about the audio. 3 Overview Shows an overview of the whole audio clip and indicates which part of the clip is shown in the waveform display. 4 Sample Editor Inspector Contains audio editing tools and functions. NOTE The Inspector for the lower zone editor is shown in the left zone of the Project window.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 48 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 43 Sample Editor Toolbar on page 326 Info Line on page 330 Overview Line on page 330 Sample Editor Inspector on page 331 Ruler on page 332 Waveform Display on page 332 Regions List on page 336 Sample Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend AutoScroll When Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the selected audio. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate Audition. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume. Tool Buttons Range Selection Selects ranges. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out. Draw Draws a volume curve.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar Musical Information Musical Mode Locks audio clips to the project tempo by using realtime time stretching. Number of Bars Defined in Audio File Displays the estimated bars of your audio file. Remaining Number of Beats Defined in Audio File Displays the remaining number of beats of your audio file. Defined Tempo of Audio File Displays the estimated tempo of your audio file. Defined Time Signature of Audio File Displays the estimated time signature of your audio file.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. RELATED LINKS Auto-Scroll Settings Menu on page 173 Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing on page 174 Locating Positions with the Scrub Tool The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in the audio. PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, activate the Scrub tool. 2. Click in the waveform display and keep the mouse button pressed. The project cursor moves to the position where you clicked.
Sample Editor Info Line 3. Click at the beginning of the section that you want to correct and draw in the new curve. RESULT A range selection covering the edited section is automatically applied. Info Line The info line shows information about the audio clip, such as the audio format and the selection range. ● To show or hide the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate or deactivate Info Line.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Inspector 5 Snap Point Shows the start of the audio event if Show Audio Event is activated on the toolbar. Sample Editor Inspector The Inspector shows controls and parameters that allow you to edit the audio event that is opened in the Sample Editor. ● In the Sample Editor window, you can show or hide the Inspector by clicking Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activating or deactivating Inspector.
Sample Editor Ruler Ruler The ruler shows the timeline and display format of the project, the project tempo grid. The ruler is located above the waveform display. It is always shown. Waveform Display The waveform display shows the waveform image of the edited audio clip. 1 Level Scale menu Allow you to show the level as a percentage or in dB. Here, you can also activate the display of the half level axis. 2 Ruler Shows the project tempo grid.
Sample Editor Waveform Display Zooming Vertically You can zoom in the waveform vertically. This allows you to see a specific detail of the waveform. PROCEDURE ● Drag the vertical zoom slider down to zoom in or up to zoom out. RESULT The vertical scale changes relative to the height of the Sample Editor. Zooming Horizontally You can zoom in the waveform horizontally. This allows you to zoom in or out on the time scale.
Sample Editor Range Editing Zoom to Event Zooms in so that the waveform display shows the section of the clip corresponding to the edited audio event. This is not available if you have opened the Sample Editor from the Pool. Zoom In Vertically Zooms in one step vertically. Zoom Out Vertically Zooms out one step vertically. Undo/Redo Zoom Allows you to undo/redo the last zoom operation. Range Editing In the Sample Editor you can edit selection ranges.
Sample Editor Range Editing Select Menu Select Submenu on the Edit Menu If you select Edit > Select, the following functions are available: All Selects the whole clip. None Deselects everything. In Loop Selects the audio between the left and right locator. From Start to Cursor Selects the audio between the clip start and the project cursor. From Cursor to End Selects the audio between the project cursor and the clip end.
Sample Editor Regions List RESULT A new Sample Editor window opens with the new clip. It refers to the same audio file as the original clip, but it contains the audio corresponding to the selection range only. Regions List Regions are sections within an audio clip that allow you to mark important sections in the audio. You can add and edit regions for the selected audio clip in the regions zone. ● To show or hide the Regions, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate or deactivate Regions.
Sample Editor Regions List PROCEDURE 1. On the Sample Editor toolbar, activate the Range Selection tool and in the waveform display, select the range that you want to convert into a region. 2. Perform one of the following actions: ● Above the regions list, click Add Region. ● Select Audio > Advanced > Event or Range as Region. A region is created, corresponding to the selected range. 3. Optional: Double-click the region name in the list and enter a new name.
Sample Editor Snap Point Removing Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated Regions. You have created regions. PROCEDURE 1. In the regions list, select the region that you want to remove. 2. Above the regions list, click Remove Region. RESULT The region is removed from the regions list. Creating Audio Events from Regions You can create new audio events from regions using drag and drop.
Sample Editor Snap Point The snap point is used when Snap is activated and you insert a clip from the Sample Editor in the event display. It is also used when you move or copy events in the event display. In the Sample Editor, you can edit the following snap points: ● Event Snap Point This is shown in the Sample Editor if you open a clip from within the Project window. ● Clip Snap Point This is shown in the Sample Editor if you open a clip from the Pool.
Sample Editor Snap Point NOTE You can also adjust the snap point by setting the project cursor at the desired position and selecting Audio > Snap Point to Cursor. 340 Cubase AI 11.0.
Hitpoints 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. NOTE All hitpoint operations can be performed in the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor. When you add an audio file to your project by recording or by importing, Cubase automatically detects hitpoints.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints RESULT The calculated hitpoints for the selected event are shown in the Project window. NOTE You can disable automatic hitpoint detection by deactivating Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page). Hitpoint Filters in the Hitpoint Section Cubase automatically detects and filters hitpoints. However, if the result does not meet your expectations you can filter hitpoints manually.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints PROCEDURE 1. In the Hitpoints section in the Sample Editor Inspector, activate the Edit Hitpoints tool. 2. Move the mouse to the waveform display and click between two hitpoints. The mouse pointer changes to a speaker icon and the tooltip Play back Slice is shown. The slice is played back from the beginning to the end. 3. To disable a hitpoint that you do not need, press Shift and click on the line that represents the hitpoint.
Hitpoints Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window The mouse pointer changes to a double arrow and the tooltip Move Hitpoint is shown. Moved hitpoints are locked by default. 7. To make sure that a hitpoint is not accidentally filtered out, lock it by pointing at it and clicking. The tooltip Lock Hitpoint is shown. RESULT The hitpoints are edited according to your settings.
Hitpoints Slices Slicing Audio Slicing audio is useful if you want to change tempo and timing of the audio without affecting its pitch and quality. PREREQUISITE The audio event is opened in the Sample Editor and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. NOTE When slicing audio, all events referring to the edited clip are also replaced. PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● In the Hitpoints section in the Sample Editor Inspector, click Create Slices.
Hitpoints Creating a Groove Quantize Map Closing Gaps If the project tempo is slower than the tempo of the original audio event, there may be audible gaps between the slice events in the part. You can close these gaps so that the audio plays without any breaks. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select Audio > Advanced > Close Gaps (Time Stretch) to apply time stretch to each slice and close the gaps.
Hitpoints Creating Markers AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Open the Quantize Panel and save the groove as a preset. Creating Markers You can create markers at hitpoint positions. This allows you to snap to hitpoint positions. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to create markers is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. PROCEDURE ● In the Hitpoints section in the Sample Editor Inspector, click Create Markers.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes RESULT Events are created between two hitpoint positions. Creating MIDI Notes You can create MIDI notes from hitpoints. This allows you to double, replace, or enrich drum hits by triggering sounds of a VST instrument. PREREQUISITE The audio event from which you want to create MIDI notes is opened in the Sample Editor, and the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. PROCEDURE 1. In the Hitpoints section in the Sample Editor Inspector, click Create MIDI Notes. 2.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes Length Sets a note length for all created MIDI notes. Destination Allows you to select a destination: ● To place the MIDI part on the first selected MIDI or instrument track, select First Selected Track. NOTE Any MIDI parts from previous conversions on this track will be deleted. ● To create a new MIDI track for the MIDI part, select New MIDI Track. ● To copy the MIDI part to the clipboard, select Project Clipboard. 349 Cubase AI 11.0.
Tempo Matching Audio Cubase offers several functions that allow you to match the tempo of audio in your project. In the Sample Editor window and in the lower zone editor, you can perform the following tempo matching operations: ● Stretch to Project Tempo Stretches the selected event to match the project tempo. ● Musical Mode Applies realtime time stretching to audio clips, so that they match the project tempo.
Tempo Matching Audio Musical Mode Musical Mode The Musical Mode allows you to tempo-match audio loops to the project tempo. If you activate Musical Mode for an audio clip, realtime time stretching is applied to the clip so that it matches the project tempo. The audio events adapt to any tempo changes in Cubase, just like MIDI events. In the Sample Editor, you can activate Musical Mode on the toolbar.
Audio Part Editor 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. You can open the Audio Part Editor in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar 1 Toolbar Contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio parts. 2 Info Line Displays information on the audio parts. 3 Ruler Displays the timeline and the display format of the project.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend AutoScroll When Editing. Preview Audition Plays back the selected audio. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate Audition. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects audio parts. Range Selection Selects ranges. Zoom Zooms in.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Play Allows you to play back the clip from the position where you click until you release the mouse button. Scrub Allows you to locate positions. Multiple Part Controls Show Part Borders Shows/Hides part borders for the active audio part, within the left and right locators. Edit Active Part Only Restricts editing operations to the active part. Currently Edited Part Lists all parts that were selected when you opened the editor, and allows you to activate a part.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero. Snap On/Off Restricts horizontal movement and positioning to the specific positions. Snap Type Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap. Grid Type Grid Type Allows you to select a grid type. The options depend on the display format that is selected for the ruler. If you select Seconds as ruler format, time-based grid options are available.
Audio Part Editor Info Line Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the lower zone editor. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window. It opens the editor in the lower zone of the Project window. Show/Hide Info Allows you to activate/deactivate the info line. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible.
Audio Part Editor Lanes Lanes Lanes can make it easier to work with several audio events in a part. Moving some of the events to another lane can make selecting and editing much easier. If Snap is deactivated and you want to move an event to another lane without accidentally moving it horizontally, press Ctrl/Cmd while dragging it up or down. RELATED LINKS Track Handling on page 118 Operations All operations can be performed in the Audio Part Editor window and in the lower zone editor.
Audio Part Editor Operations 2. ● To play back a range, select a range with the Range Selection tool. ● To start playback from the current cursor position, set the project cursor to that position. On the toolbar, click Audition. NOTE If you activate Audition Loop, playback continues until you deactivate Audition. RELATED LINKS Audio Part Editor Toolbar on page 353 Auditioning Using the Play Tool PROCEDURE 1. Select Play on the toolbar. 2.
Audio Part Editor Operations RESULT The loop is indicated in blue in the ruler. NOTE The events are looped as long as the Loop button is activated and the Audio Part Editor is open. RELATED LINKS Setup Options on page 665 Audio Part Editor Toolbar on page 353 Scrub In the Audio Part Editor, the Scrub tool has a separate icon on the toolbar. Apart from that, scrubbing works exactly as in the Project window.
Pool 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. The following rules apply to the Pool: ● All audio and video clips that belong to a project are listed in the Pool. ● Every project has a separate Pool. The way the Pool displays folders and their contents is similar to the way the File Explorer/macOS Finder displays folders and file lists.
Pool Pool Window The content of the Pool is divided into the following folders: Audio folder Contains all audio clips and regions that are in the project. Video folder Contains all video clips that are in the project. Trash folder Contains unused clips that have been moved here for later permanent removal from the hard disk. NOTE You cannot rename or delete these folders, but you can add any number of subfolders. Pool Window Columns The Pool window columns display information about the clips and regions.
Pool Pool Window Media Contains the Audio, Video, and Trash folders. If the folders are opened, the clip or region names are shown and can be edited. Used Displays how many times a clip is used in the project. If there is no entry in this column, the corresponding clip is not used. Status Displays various icons that relate to the current Pool and clip status. The following symbols can be displayed: ● Record folder Indicates the Record folder. ● Process Indicates that a clip has been processed.
Pool Pool Window Origin Time Displays the original start position where a clip was recorded in the project. As this value can be used as a basis for the Insert into Project option in the Media or context menu, you can change it if the Origin Time value is independent (for example, not for regions). Image Displays waveform images of audio clips or regions. Path Displays the path to the location of a clip on the hard disk. Reel Name Audio files may include this attribute, which is then shown in this column.
Pool Working with the Pool Info Line The info line shows information about the event or part that you selected in the Pool. ● To activate the info line, click Show Info at the left of the toolbar. The info line shows the following information: Audio Files The number of audio files in the Pool. Used The number of audio files in use. Total Size The total size of all audio files in the Pool. External Files The number of files in the Pool that do not reside in the project folder (for example, video files).
Pool Working with the Pool 2. Select Media > New Version. RESULT A new version of the clip appears in the same Pool folder. The duplicated clip has the same name as the original but with a version number after it. Regions within a clip are also copied, but keep their name. Inserting Clips into a Project To insert a clip into a project, you can either use the insert commands on the Media menu or use drag and drop. Inserting Clips into a Project via Menu Commands PROCEDURE 1.
Pool Working with the Pool Deleting Clips from the Pool You can delete clips from the Pool with or without deleting the corresponding file from the hard disk. Removing Clips from the Pool You can remove clips from the Pool without deleting the corresponding files from the hard disk. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the clips that you want to remove, and select Edit > Delete You can also press Backspace or Delete . 2.
Pool Working with the Pool Removing Unused Clips from the Pool You can find all clips in the Pool that are not used in the project. This allows you to quickly remove all unused clips. PREREQUISITE The Pool window is open. PROCEDURE 1. Select Media > Remove Unused Media. 2. Do one of the following: ● To move the clips to the Trash folder, select Trash. ● To remove the clips from the Pool, select Remove from Pool.
Pool Working with the Pool Searching for Audio Files The search functions help you locate audio files in the Pool, on your hard disk, or on other media. This works much like the regular file search, but with extra features. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, click Search on the toolbar. A search pane appears at the bottom of the window, displaying the search functions. 2. Specify the files that you search for in the Name field. You can use partial names or wildcards (*).
Pool Working with the Pool The menu also contains the Add Filter and Presets submenus. The search criteria have the following parameters: 3.
Pool Working with the Pool ● If you select Folder, a dialog opens to let you specify the directory in which the missing file can be found. This might be the preferred method if you have renamed or moved the folder containing the missing file, but the file still has the same name. Once you select the correct folder, the program finds the file and you can close the dialog.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE You can adjust the auditioning level with the miniature level fader on the toolbar. This does not affect the regular playback level. If you have activated Audition Loop before you audition, the following happens: ● When you click Audition to audition a clip, the clip is repeated indefinitely until you stop playback by clicking Audition or Audition Loop again.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE You can also use the commands on the Import submenu of the File menu to import audio or video files into the Pool. RELATED LINKS Wave Files on page 612 Importing ReCycle Files on page 210 Supported Compressed Audio File Formats on page 206 Video File Compatibility on page 636 Importing Audio CDs into the Pool You can import tracks or sections of tracks from an audio CD directly into the Pool.
Pool Working with the Pool Copy File to Project Folder/Copy All Files to Project Folder Copies the audio file to the Audio folder of the project, and has the clip refer to the copy. Deactivate this option to have the clip refer to the original file in the original location. In this case, it is marked as “external” in the Pool.
Pool Working with the Pool PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool, select the Audio folder or any audio clip. NOTE You cannot designate the Video folder or any of its subfolders as the Pool Record folder. 2. Select Media > Create Folder. 3. Rename the new folder. 4. Select the new folder and select Media > Set Pool Record Folder, or click in the Status column of the new folder. RESULT The new folder becomes the Pool Record folder. Any audio recorded in the project is saved in this folder.
Pool Working with the Pool Minimizing Files You can minimize the audio files according to the size of the audio clips referenced in the project. The files that are produced using this option only contain the audio file portions that are actually used in the project. This can significantly reduce the size of the project if large portions of the audio files are unused. Therefore, the option is useful for archiving purposes after you have completed a project.
Pool Working with the Pool Sample Rate Allows you to convert to another sample rate. Bit Depth Allows you to convert to 16 bit, 24 bit, 32 bit, 32 bit float, or 64 bit float. Channels Allows you to convert to mono or stereo interleaved. File Format Allows you to convert to Wave, AIFF, Wave 64, or Broadcast Wave Format.
MediaBay and Media Rack You can manage media files on your computer as well as presets from multiple sources from within the MediaBay or the Media rack. The MediaBay window offers advanced functions for working with media files and managing database items. To show the media files on your computer in the MediaBay, you must scan the folders or volumes that contain the files so that these are added to the database.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone The following tiles are available: VST Instruments Shows VST instruments and instrument presets. VST Effects Shows VST effects and effect presets. Loops & Samples Shows audio loops, MIDI loops, or instrument sounds ordered by content set. Presets Shows the track presets, strip presets, FX chain presets, and VST FX presets.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone Loading FX Chain Presets on page 406 Loading Strip Presets on page 407 Adding Favorites Using the Favorites Page on page 387 Adding Favorites Using the File Browser Page on page 387 Favorites Page The Favorites page allows you to add your own favorite folders to the Media rack. 1 Add Favorite Opens a file dialog where you can navigate to the location of a folder and add it as a favorite folder.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Attribute filter Allows you to view and edit some of the standard file attributes found in your media files. 3 Results list Shows all media files that are found in the selected folder and allows you to select a media file. 4 Previewer Allows you to preview the selected media file.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Add Favorite Allows you to add the selected folder as a favorite folder. 3 Back/Forward/Up Up navigates to the parent folder. Back navigates to the previously used folder. Forward navigates to the most recent folder. 4 File browser Allows you to browse selected folders.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone VST Instruments Page The VST Instruments page shows all VST instruments of the selected collection. ● To open the VST Instruments page, go to the Home page of the Media rack, and click VST Instruments. The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Expand All Expands all results. 3 Collapse All Collapses all results.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone VST Effects Page The VST Effects page shows all VST effects of the selected collection. ● To open the VST Effects page, go to the Home page of the Media rack, and click VST Effects. The following options are available: 1 Media Rack navigation controls Allow you to navigate to specific folders and filter the Results list. 2 Expand All Expands all results. 3 Collapse All Collapses all results.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone RELATED LINKS VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 437 Adding Pictures of VST Effects to the Media Rack on page 388 Media Rack Navigation Controls The navigation controls allow you to navigate to files and folders in the Media rack. The following controls allow you to perform a text search, and to show all results on the current page. 1 Search Allows you to search media files by name or by attribute. 2 Reset Search Allows you to reset the search.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone Working with the Media Rack The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window allows you to search for supported media files and included VST instruments, and add them to your project. The controls on the different pages of the Media rack allow you to browse, filter, select, and to preview your media files. The Favorites page and the File Browser page allow you to add folders where your media files are located as Favorites.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone RELATED LINKS Loading Effect Plug-In Presets on page 406 Applying Track Presets You can use the Media rack to add track presets to your project. PROCEDURE 1. In the Media rack, click the Presets tile. 2. Click Track Presets. 3. Click Audio, VST Instruments, MIDI or Multi depending on the track type. 4. Do one of the following: ● Drag a track preset on the Inspector or in the track list for the corresponding track type.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone 3. Do one of the following: ● At the top left of the page, click Add Favorite. ● Right-click the folder, and from the context menu, select Add Favorite. 4. In the Set Name dialog that opens, enter a name for the folder. 5. Click OK. RESULT ● The favorite folder is added to the database. ● In the File Browser, a new folder with the specified name is added to the Favorites folder.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Effect Control Panel on page 293 MediaBay Window To open the MediaBay in a separate window, do one of the following: ● Select Media > MediaBay. ● Press F5 . The MediaBay is divided into the following sections: 1 File Browser Allows you to scan specific folders in your file system, and to add favorites. 2 Toolbar Contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MediaBay, and allows you to switch between the previously defined favorite locations.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Results Section on page 394 Previewer Section on page 399 Setting up the MediaBay on page 392 MediaBay Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for settings and functions in the MediaBay. Navigation Back Navigates to the previously used folder. Forward Navigates to the most recent folder. Up Navigates to the parent folder. Favorites Add Favorite Allows you to add the selected folder as a favorite folder.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Rating Filter Rating Filter Filters files according to their rating. Reset Result Filters Reset Filters Allows you to reset the filters. Results Update Results Updates the results. Shuffle Results Shuffles the Results page. Attribute Counter Attribute Counter Shows the number of attributes that are being updated. Right Divider Right Divider Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Allows you to set up the window layout. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. Setting up the MediaBay You can show and hide the different sections of the MediaBay. This saves screen space and allows you to display only the information that you need. PROCEDURE 1. Click Set up Window Layout. 2. Activate/Deactivate the checkboxes for the sections that you want to show/hide. 3.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RESULT All files that are found in the scanned folder are shown in the Results list. The scan result is saved in a database file. The color of the checkmark helps you to identify which folders and subfolders are scanned: ● White indicates that all subfolders are included in the scan. ● Orange indicates that at least one subfolder is excluded from the scan.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RELATED LINKS Scanning Folders on page 392 Refresh Views If you change already scanned folders by adding or removing files when Cubase is closed, you must rescan the corresponding media folders. This also applies if you modified attributes of your user content using another program. If you have made changes to your content and want the changes to be displayed in the MediaBay, you must refresh the views of the corresponding media folders.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window NOTE RELATED LINKS Setting up the MediaBay on page 392 Managing Media Files in the Results List ● To move or copy a file from the Results list to another location, drag it to another folder in the File Browser section. ● To change the order of the columns in the Results list, click a column header and drag that header to another position. ● To delete a file, right-click it in the list and select Delete. The file is permanently deleted from your computer.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Filtering According to Media Type You can set up the Results list to display only a particular media type or a combination of media types. PROCEDURE 1. In the MediaBay toolbar, open the Show Media Types selector. 2. Activate the media types that you want to be displayed in the Results list. RESULT The files are filtered by the selected media type. Show Media Types Selector You can activate the media types that you want to be displayed in the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Track Presets Shows all track presets for audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks (file name extension .trackpreset). Track presets are a combination of track settings, effects, and MixConsole settings that can be applied to new tracks of various types. Plug-in Presets Shows all VST presets for instrument and effect plug-ins. Furthermore, EQ presets that you save in the MixConsole are listed. These presets contain all parameter settings for a particular plug-in.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window ● To reset the text search, delete the text, or click Reset Filters. Boolean Text Search You can perform advanced searches, using boolean operators or wildcards. You can use the following elements: And [+] [a and b] When entering strings separated by “and” (or a plus sign), all files are found that contain both a and b. [And] is the default setting when no boolean operator is used, for example, you can also enter [a b].
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Previewer Section You can preview individual files in the Previewer section to find out which one to use in your project. The elements visible in this section and their functions depend on the media type. IMPORTANT The Previewer section is not available for video files, project files, and audio track presets.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window MIDI Files Previewer The Previewer for MIDI files allows you to listen to MIDI files before you use them in your project. ● 1 To preview a MIDI file, load a VST instrument, and select it as output device from the Select MIDI Output pop-up menu. Transport controls Start and stop the preview. 2 Preview Level fader Specifies the preview level. 3 Output Allows you to select the output device.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window If this option is activated, and you insert a MIDI loop into the project, Follow Chord Track is automatically activated for the track. RELATED LINKS Using Follow Chord Track on page 569 VST Presets and Track Presets Previewer for MIDI and Instrument Tracks The Previewer for VST presets and track presets allows you to listen to presets before you use them in your project.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RESULT The notes received from the MIDI file are played back with the settings of the track preset applied. NOTE The recently used MIDI files are kept on the menu for quick access. To remove an entry from this list, select it on the menu and then select Remove MIDI File. Previewing Presets Using the Memo Recorder Mode The Memo Recorder mode continually repeats a given sequence of notes as a loop.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Attribute Filter Assigning attribute values to your files facilitates organizing your media files. The Attribute filter allows you to view and edit some of the standard file attributes that are found in your media files. The Filters section displays all values that have been specified for the displayed attribute categories. Selecting one of these values filters the results to display only the files to which this attribute value is assigned.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window ● To reset the filter, click Go Back. Resetting the Filter PROCEDURE ● To reset the filter, click Reset Filter at the top of the Filters section. This also resets the Results list. Working with the MediaBay When you work with many music files, the MediaBay helps you to find and organize your content. After scanning your folders, all found media files of the supported formats are listed in the Results section.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Loading Loops and Samples PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click MIDI Files, Audio Files, or MIDI Loops, and select a media file. ● In the Media rack in the right zone, click the Loops & Samples tile, and click the following tiles until you can select the media files in the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window ● Drag the instrument preset to the track list to create a new instrument track with the loaded instrument preset. ● Drag the instrument preset to the event display to create a new instrument track with the loaded instrument preset. ● Drag the instrument preset to an instrument track to apply the preset to the track. RESULT The instrument is loaded as a track instrument, and the preset is applied to the instrument track.
MediaBay and Media Rack Working with Volume Databases RESULT The FX Chain Preset is applied to the track, and all settings of the preset are loaded. Any inserts that have previously been loaded are overwritten. RELATED LINKS Show Media Types Selector on page 396 Loading Strip Presets PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click Strip Presets, and select a preset.
MediaBay and Media Rack Working with Volume Databases Creating Volume Databases PROCEDURE ● In the File Browser section, right-click the external storage medium, drive, or partition of your computer system for which you want to create a database, and select Create Volume Database. IMPORTANT You must select the topmost directory level for this. You cannot create a database file for a lower-level folder. NOTE If you create a volume database on a network drive, multiple users can access it.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Settings Do one of the following: ● Ask the other user to restart Cubase so that the lock is automatically released. ● If you cannot get hold of the other user, and you do not need to access the database, click Ignore Database. ● If you cannot get hold of the other user, and you want to use the database, click Force unlock to remove the lock.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Settings Maximum Items in Results List Allows you to specify the maximum number of files that are displayed in the Results list. This avoids unmanageably long lists of files. NOTE The MediaBay does not warn you if the maximum number of files has been reached. There might be situations where a certain file cannot be found because the maximum number of files was reached. Show File Extensions in Results List Shows file name extensions in the Results list.
Automation In essence, automation means recording the values for a particular MixConsole or effect parameter. When you create your final mix, Cubase can adjust this particular parameter control. Recording your Actions If the settings in your current project are crucial, you may not want to experiment with automation until you know more about how it all fits together. If so, you can create a new project for the following example.
Automation Static Value Line Static Value Line When you open an automation track for the first time, it does not contain any automation events. This is reflected in the event display as a dotted horizontal line, the static value line. This line represents the current parameter setting.
Automation Writing Automation Data 2. Click W to enable the writing of automation data on this track. 3. Start playback. 4. Adjust the parameters in the MixConsole, in the Channel Settings window, or on the effect control panel. The value settings are recorded and displayed as a curve on the automation tracks.
Automation Editing Automation Events Tools for Drawing Automation Data Apart from the Draw tool, you can use the Object Selection tool and the Line tool to draw automation events. If you click with any of these tools on the automation track, R is activated automatically. ● Object Selection If you click on an automation track with the Object Selection tool, an automation event is added. If you hold down Alt/Opt , you can draw several automation events.
Automation Editing Automation Events ● You can use the tools on the Project window toolbar to edit automation events. ● You can use the automation event editor to edit selected automation events on ramp automation curves. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Automation Event Editor on page 416 Creating Smooth Transitions Between Automation Events (Bézier Automation Curves) Cubase supports bézier automation curves that allow you to create smooth transitions between automation events.
Automation Editing Automation Events Selecting Automation Events ● To select an automation event, click it with the Object Selection tool. ● To select multiple events, drag a selection rectangle with the Object Selection tool or Shift click the events. ● To select multiple events, select a range with the Range Selection tool or Shift -click the events. ● To select all automation events on an automation track, right-click the automation track and select Select All Events from the context menu.
Automation Editing Automation Events If you Alt/Opt -click in the upper left corner of the editor, you can compress or expand the left part of the curve. This allows you to compress or expand the event values at the start of the curve. 3 Scale Vertically If you click in the middle of the upper border of the editor, you can scale the curve vertically. This allows you to raise or lower the event values of the curve in percent.
Automation Editing Automation Events 2. Click and drag up or down with the mouse button pressed. 3. When you are satisfied with the result, release the mouse button. RESULT The curve segment between the two automation events is scaled. Moving Automation Events Moving Single Automation Events ● To move a selected automation event, click it and drag to the left or to the right. ● To restrict the direction of the movement, press Ctrl/Cmd and drag.
Automation Automation Tracks Automation Tracks Most of the tracks in your project have automation tracks, one for each automated parameter. To show automation tracks, you must open them. Showing/Hiding Automation Tracks ● Position the mouse pointer over the lower left corner of the track and click the arrow icon (Show/Hide Automation) that appears. ● Right-click the track in the track list and select Show/Hide Automation from the context menu.
Automation Automation Tracks Muting Automation Tracks By muting an automation track, you turn off automation for a single parameter. ● To mute individual automation tracks, click Mute Automation in the track list. 420 Cubase AI 11.0.
VST Instruments VST instruments are software synthesizers or other sound sources that are contained within Cubase. They are played internally via MIDI. You can add effects or EQ to VST instruments. Cubase allows you to make use of VST instruments in the following ways: ● By adding a VST instrument and assigning one or several MIDI tracks to it. ● By creating an instrument track. This is a combination of a VST instrument, an instrument channel, and a MIDI track.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Control Panel 1 Activate Instrument Activates/Deactivates the instrument. 2 Read Automation/Write Automation Allows you to read/write automation for the instrument parameter settings. 3 Switch between A/B Settings Switches to setting B when setting A is active, and to setting A when setting B is active. 4 Apply current settings to A and B Copies the instrument parameters of instrument setting A to instrument setting B, and vice versa.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Selector VST Instrument Context Menu on page 427 Hiding/Showing VST Instrument Control Panels on page 423 Hiding/Showing VST Instrument Control Panels When you add a VST instrument, the respective plug-in control panel opens automatically. You can hide the control panels from view. This is useful to get a better overview if you added a number of plug-ins to your project whose control panels clutter up the screen. PROCEDURE ● Select Window > Hide Plug-in Windows.
VST Instruments Creating Instrument Tracks 1 Expand Tree/Collapse Tree Expands/Collapses the tree. 2 Search VST Instrument Allows you to search for VST instruments by typing in the name or parts of the name or the category. 3 Plug-in Collections and Options Allows you to select a collection. If you select the Default collection, the options Sort By Category and Sort by Vendor become available. These allow you to sort the default collection.
VST Instruments VST Instruments Window NOTE The VST Instruments in the right zone are just another representation of the VST Instruments window. All features are the same. RELATED LINKS Showing/Hiding Zones on page 29 Project Window Toolbar on page 30 VST Instruments Window The VST Instruments window allows you to add VST instruments for MIDI and instrument tracks. All instruments that are used in your project are shown. You can access up to 8 quick controls for each added instrument.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls Find Instruments Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Previous Instrument Allows you to set the remote-control focus to the previous instrument. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Next Instrument Allows you to set the remote-control focus to the next instrument. Show/Hide all VST Quick Controls Shows/Hides the default quick controls for all loaded instruments.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls This lights up when MIDI data is received by the instrument. Click this button to open a popup menu that allows you to select, mute/unmute, and solo/unsolo for tracks that send MIDI to the instrument (inputs). NOTE If you resize the VST Instruments window, you can access this option by using an Input/ Output Options pop-up menu. 7 Activate Outputs This control is only available if the instrument provides more than one output.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments Switch to Generic Editor Opens the generic editor for the instrument. Allow Window to be Resized Allows the dynamic resizing of third-party plug-in windows in Cubase. This is useful if you activated Enable HiDPI (Windows only) in the Preferences dialog (General page), and your plug-in does not support dpi settings. NOTE Allow Window to be Resized is a plug-in-specific setting. You must activate/deactivate it for every plug-in that requires it.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments Saving VST Presets You can save your settings on VST instruments as VST presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● In the VST Instruments window, click Preset Browser for the instrument, and select Save Preset. ● In the control panel for the VST instrument, click Preset Browser, and select Save Preset. 2. In the Save Preset dialog, enter a name for the preset. 3. Click OK to save the preset and close the dialog.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Presets Presets contain the settings of the entire plug-in. For multitimbral instruments, this includes the settings for all sound slots as well as the global settings. Programs Programs contain only the settings for one program. For multitimbral instruments, this includes only the settings for one sound slot. Saving Track Presets You can save your settings on instrument tracks as track presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Freezing Instruments If you are using a moderately powerful computer or a large number of VST instruments, your computer may not be able to play back all instruments in real time. At this point, you can freeze instruments. PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● Select Studio > VST Instruments. ● Select the instrument track and open the top Inspector section. 2. Click Freeze. 3. In the Freeze Instrument Options dialog, make your changes. 4. Click OK.
VST Instruments Latency Latency The term latency stands for the time it takes for the instrument to produce a sound when you press a key on your MIDI controller. It can be an issue when using VST instruments in real time. Latency depends on your audio hardware and its ASIO driver. In the Studio Setup dialog (Audio System page), the input and output latency values should ideally be a few milliseconds.
VST Instruments Import and Export Options 3. In the Results list, select a MIDI loop and drag it to an empty section in the Project window. RESULT An instrument track is created and the instrument part is inserted at the position where you dragged the file. The Inspector reflects all settings that are saved in the MIDI loop, for example, the VST instrument that was used, applied insert effects, track parameters, etc. NOTE You can also drag MIDI loops onto existing instrument or MIDI tracks.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls Exporting Instrument Tracks as MIDI Files You can export instrument tracks as standard MIDI files. PROCEDURE 1. Select an instrument track. 2. Select File > Export > MIDI File. 3. In the Export MIDI File dialog, select a location and enter a name for the MIDI file. 4. Click Save. 5. In the Export Options dialog, make your changes.
VST Instruments VST Quick Controls Connecting VST Quick Controls with Remote Controllers VST Quick Controls become powerful if you use them together with a remote controller. PREREQUISITE The MIDI output on your remote unit is connected to a MIDI input on your MIDI interface. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select VST Quick Controls. 3. Open the MIDI Input pop-up menu, and select a MIDI input. 4. Optional: Open the MIDI Output pop-up menu, and select a MIDI output.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Cubase supports the VST 2 and VST 3 plug-in standards. You can install effects and instruments that comply with these formats. NOTE Cubase only supports 64-bit plug-ins. A plug-in is a piece of software that adds a specific functionality to Cubase. The audio effects and instruments that are used in Cubase are VST plug-ins. VST effect or VST instrument plug-ins normally have their own installation application.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Plug-ins and Collections VST Plug-in Manager Window You can manage VST effects and VST instruments in the VST Plug-in Manager window. ● To open the VST Plug-in Manager window, select Studio > VST Plug-in Manager. The VST Plug-in Manager is divided into the following sections: VST Effects Lists all VST effects that are loaded in Cubase. To sort the list by a specific attribute, click the corresponding column header.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Plug-ins and Collections RELATED LINKS Plug-ins and Collections on page 436 Audio System Page on page 13 VST Plug-in Manager Toolbar on page 438 VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings on page 439 Hiding Plug-ins on page 440 Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist on page 440 VST Plug-in Manager Toolbar Shows tools and shortcuts for functions in the VST Plug-in Manager. ● To open the VST Plug-in Manager window, select Studio > VST Plug-in Manager.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Adding New Plug-in Collections NOTE This option is only available for the Default collection. ● Sort By Vendor sorts the collection by vendor. NOTE This option is only available for the Default collection. VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings Shows information about the selected VST 2 plug-in path. ● To open the VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings, select Studio > VST Plug-in Manager, and click VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings. VST 2 Plug-in path list Shows all VST 2 plug-in paths.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Hiding Plug-ins You can then move your plug-ins into these folders to organize them by categories, for example. 4. Enter a name for the new folder and click OK. 5. On the VST Effects tab or the VST Instruments tab, select the plug-ins that you want to add to the collection, and drag them in the new collection. If you created folders, you can drag the plug-ins directly into folders. RESULT The new collection is saved.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist NOTE You cannot reactivate 32-bit plug-ins, because they are not supported. 2. Click Reactivate. RESULT Cubase rescans the plug-in and removes it from the blocklist. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK If you want to move the plug-in back to the blocklist, click Rescan All in the VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings, and restart Cubase. RELATED LINKS VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 437 441 Cubase AI 11.0.
Track Quick Controls Cubase allows you to set up 8 different track parameters or settings as Track Quick Controls for quick access. Track Quick Controls are available for the following track types: ● Audio ● MIDI ● Instrument ● FX Channel ● Group Channel For instrument tracks and for MIDI tracks for which you assigned a VST instrument on creation, that is, that you created by loading a rack instrument, Track Quick Controls are automatically assigned to the Quick Controls of the VST instrument.
Track Quick Controls Parameter Assignment Parameter Assignment You can assign track, effect, and instrument parameters to Quick Controls. For the parameter assignment, you can use the Inspector. You can assign parameters manually, use the QC Learn Mode, or load an assignment preset.
Track Quick Controls Parameter Assignment PROCEDURE ● In the effect plug-in panel, right-click the parameter. ● Select Add “x” to Quick Controls (where x is the name of the parameter) to assign the parameter to the next empty slot. ● Select Add “x” to Quick Controls Slot (where x is the name of the parameter), and select the slot from the submenu to assign the parameter to a specific slot. RESULT You can now control the effect parameters via the Quick Controls section in the Inspector.
Track Quick Controls Parameter Assignment NOTE You can also double-click the parameter name, press Delete or Backspace , and confirm with Return . ● To remove the Quick Control assignments for all slots, click Remove All QC Assignments. Saving Track Quick Control Assignments as Presets You can save Quick Control assignments as track presets. PREREQUISITE You have assigned track parameters to Quick Controls. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector for your track, open the Quick Controls section. 2.
Track Quick Controls Controlling Automatable Parameters Controlling Automatable Parameters You can use Quick Controls to control all automatable parameters. This allows you to control parameters on other tracks using Quick Controls. IMPORTANT Use this function with caution, as you might accidentally modify parameters on other tracks. PROCEDURE 1. Create a new, empty audio track and open the Quick Controls section. 2. Hold down Ctrl/Cmd and click the first Quick Control slot.
Track Quick Controls Connecting Track Quick Controls with Remote Controllers NOTE ● If Volume is assigned as a Quick Control parameter, it is always shown as automated, independent of whether it is automated or not. Connecting Track Quick Controls with Remote Controllers Track Quick Controls become powerful if you use them together with a remote controller. PREREQUISITE The MIDI output on your remote unit is connected to a MIDI input on your MIDI interface. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2.
Track Quick Controls Connecting Track Quick Controls with Remote Controllers 2. In the Devices list, select Track Quick Controls or VST Quick Controls. 3. Activate Pick-up Mode. 4. Click OK. 448 Cubase AI 11.0.
Remote Controlling Cubase You can control Cubase via MIDI with a connected MIDI device. The supported devices are described in the separate document Remote Control Devices. You can also use a generic MIDI controller to remote-control Cubase. NOTE Most remote-control devices are able to control both MIDI and audio channels in Cubase, but the parameter setup may be different. Audio-specific controls such as EQ are disregarded when controlling MIDI channels.
Remote Controlling Cubase Setting up Remote Devices RESULT The remote unit input is removed from the All MIDI Inputs group. RELATED LINKS MIDI Port Setup Page on page 19 Setting up Remote Devices PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. Click Add in the top left corner and select a remote device from the pop-up menu to add it to the Devices list. NOTE If your device is not available in the pop-up menu, select Generic Remote. 3. In the Devices list, select the device.
Remote Controlling Cubase Setting up Remote Devices You can open a panel for the added device by selecting Studio > More Options. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Depending on your external MIDI control device, you might need to configure the parameters. Resetting Remote Devices Sometimes you must reset remote devices, because the communication between Cubase and a remote device was interrupted or the handshaking protocol fails to create a connection. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Devices and Automation MIDI Output Allows you to select a MIDI output. User Commands Lists the controls or buttons of your remote device. Smart Switch Delay Allows you to specify a delay for the smart switch function. Functions that support the smart switch behavior are activated for as long as the button is pressed. Enable Auto Select On touch-sensitive remote control devices, this automatically selects a channel when you touch a fader.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page 3. Click in the Category column for the control to which you want to assign a Cubase command, and select the category from the pop-up menu. The categories correspond to the categories in the Key Commands dialog. 4. Click in the Command column, and select the Cubase command from the pop-up menu. The available items on the pop-up menu depend on the selected category. 5. Click Apply.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page The following options are available: MIDI Input Allows you to select the MIDI input port to which your remote device is connected. MIDI Output Allows you to select the MIDI output port to which your remote device is connected. MIDI Remote Control Configuration The upper table shows the MIDI remote-control configuration of your remote device. Cubase Control Assignment The lower table allows you to assign Cubase controls to your remote device.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page The following options are available in the upper table: Control Name Double-click this field to change the name for the control, and enter the one written on the console, for example. This name is automatically reflected in the lower table. MIDI Status Allows you to specify the type of MIDI message sent by the control. MIDI Channel Allows you to select the MIDI channel on which the controller is transmitted.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page Learn Allows you to assign MIDI messages by learning. Cubase Control Assignment Section You can specify the Cubase control assignment section in the lower table of the Generic Remote setup page. Each row in the table is assigned to the controller in the corresponding row in the MIDI remote-control configuration table. ● To open the Generic Remote settings, select Studio > Studio Setup, and from the Devices list, select Generic Remote.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page Rename Allows you to rename the selected bank. Add Adds banks to the pop-up menu. Delete Deletes the selected bank from the pop-up menu. RELATED LINKS Assignable Devices and Functions on page 457 Assignable Devices and Functions The Device column in the Cubase control assignment section lists the Cubase devices that you can control. Command Allows you to assign the Cubase commands to which a key command can be assigned.
Remote Controlling Cubase VST Quick Controls Assigning MIDI Messages in Learn Mode You can assign MIDI messages in Learn mode. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select Generic Remote. 3. Activate Learn. 4. Select the control in the upper table, and move the corresponding control on your MIDI device. RESULT The values for MIDI Status, MIDI Channel, and Address are automatically set to those of the moved control.
MIDI Realtime Parameters 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 actual MIDI events on the track are not affected. Therefore, MIDI realtime changes are not reflected in any MIDI editor.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE For live playing, select and record-enable the track, and activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). MIDI Modifiers Section ● To open the MIDI Modifiers section, select a MIDI track, and in the Inspector, click MIDI Modifiers. NOTE If you want to compare the result of your modifier settings with the unprocessed MIDI, you can use the bypass button in the MIDI modifiers section.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE Combine this setting with the Velocity Shift parameter. Random 1/Random 2 Allows you to introduce random variations to various properties of MIDI notes. Range 1/Range 2 Allows you to specify a pitch or velocity range and either force all notes to fit within this range, or exclude all notes outside this range from playback.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE You can make independent settings for the two Range sections. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK To deactivate the function, open the Range Target pop-up menu and select Off. Range Modes On the Range Target pop-up menu, you can select different range modes. Values are shown as numbers, from 0 to 127, for the velocity modes and as note numbers, from C-2 to G8, for the pitch modes. Vel.
MIDI Realtime Parameters Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line You can edit the transposition and the velocity for selected MIDI parts on the info line. This only affects the notes in playback. ● Use the Transpose field to transpose the selected parts in semitone steps. The value is added to the transposition set for the whole track. ● Use the Velocity field to offset the velocity for the selected parts.
Using MIDI Devices The MIDI Device Manager allows you to work with MIDI devices, that is, representations of external MIDI hardware. You can install preset MIDI devices or define new ones. This is useful for global control and patch selection. Program Change Messages and Bank Select Messages To select a patch, that is, a sound in your MIDI device you must send a program change message to that device. Program Change Messages You can record program change messages, or enter them in a MIDI part.
Using MIDI Devices Patch Banks Patch Banks The Patch Banks list can have two or more main banks, depending on the selected device. This is due to the fact that different types of patches are handled differently in the instruments. Patches, for example, typically are regular programs that you play one at a time. Performances, however, may be combinations of programs, which could be split across the keyboard, layered, or used for multitimbral playback, and so on.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager Installed Devices list Lists the connected MIDI devices and the imported device setups. Install Device Allows you to install a preset device. These presets are simple patch name scripts that do not include any device mapping of parameters and controls and no graphic panels. For more information about patch name scripts, see the separate document MIDI Devices. Remove Device Removes the selected device. Export Setup Exports the MIDI device setup as XML file.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager Commands Allows you to edit the selected device. The patch structure for the selected device is shown to the left. MIDI Messages Shows which MIDI messages are sent out to select the patch that is highlighted in the list to the left. Commands for Patches In the MIDI Device Manager, patches can be structured in banks, folders, and presets. NOTE Activate Enable Edit to use the commands pop-up menu for the selected device.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager Add Multiple Presets Allows you to set up a range of presets and add them to the selected bank or folder. NOTE You can remove banks, folders, and presets by selecting them and pressing Backspace . IMPORTANT For details on which MIDI events are used for selecting patches in the MIDI device, consult its documentation.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager Installing Preset MIDI Devices You can install preset MIDI devices, that is, patch name scripts that do not include device mapping. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > More Options > MIDI Device Manager. 2. Click Install Device. 3. In the Add MIDI Device dialog, do one of the following: ● Select the script of the device in the list.
Using MIDI Devices MIDI Device Manager 4. Select an entry in the list. RESULT The corresponding MIDI message is sent to the device. Renaming Patches in Devices If you have replaced some of the factory presets with your own patches, you can modify the device so that the patch name list matches the actual device. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > More Options > MIDI Device Manager. 2. Select the device in the Installed Devices list. Make sure that the Patch Banks tab is selected. 3. Activate Enable Edit.
MIDI Functions MIDI functions allow you to permanently edit MIDI events or MIDI parts in the Project window or from within a MIDI editor. Which events are affected when you use a MIDI function depends on the function, the active window, and the current selection: ● In the Project window, the MIDI functions apply to all selected parts, affecting all events of the relevant types in them. ● In the MIDI editors, MIDI functions apply to all selected events.
MIDI Functions Merging MIDI Events into a New Part ● Select a root note and a scale type for the new scale in the New Scale pop-up menus. NOTE If the new root note differs from the current root note, this leads to an entirely different key. Keep Notes in Range Limits the transposition of notes to the note values that you specify with the Highest Note and Lowest Note settings.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part Dialog The following options are available: Include Inserts Applies MIDI modifiers. Erase Destination Deletes MIDI data between the left and right locators on the destination track. Include Chase Includes events placed outside the selected part but relating to it in the processing, for example, a program change right before the left locator. Convert VST 3 Converts all VST 3 data within the selected area to MIDI data.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part Dialog Optimized Display Automatically removes silent areas of the resulting parts. NOTE This option is not available when Dissolve to Lanes is activated. Dissolve to Lanes Dissolves the part to lanes. Dissolving Parts into Separate Channels You can dissolve MIDI parts that contain events on different MIDI channels, and distribute the events into new parts on new tracks, one for each MIDI channel found. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Functions Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track Loops 3. Activate Separate Pitches. 4. Click OK. RESULT For each MIDI pitch used in the selected parts, a new MIDI track is created. Each event is copied into the part on the track for the corresponding pitch, and the original parts are muted. Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track Loops You can repeat the MIDI events inside an independent track loop to fill up a MIDI part.
MIDI Functions Fixing MIDI Note Lengths Fixing MIDI Note Lengths You can set the length of selected MIDI notes to the Length Quantize value. PREREQUISITE A MIDI part with some note events is open in the Key Editor. PROCEDURE 1. On the Key Editor toolbar, open the Length Quantize pop-up menu and select the desired note length. 2. Select the note events that you want to fix. 3. Select MIDI > Functions > Fixed Lengths. RESULT The selected note events are set to the specified Length Quantize value.
MIDI Functions Deleting Overlaps 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Pedals to Note Length. RESULT The selected notes are lengthened to match the sustain pedal off position, and the sustain controller on/off events are removed. Deleting Overlaps You can delete overlaps of notes that have the same or different pitches. This is useful if your MIDI instruments cannot handle overlapping events. PROCEDURE 1. Select the note events. 2. Do one of the following: ● Select MIDI > Functions > Delete Overlaps (mono).
MIDI Functions Deleting Double Notes Compress/Expand Uses the Ratio setting (0 to 300 %) to compress or expand the dynamic range of MIDI notes. A factor higher than 1 (over 100 %) expands the differences between velocity values, while using a factor lower than 1 (under 100 %) compresses them. ● To compress the dynamic range, use ratio values below 100 %. After compression, you can add a velocity amount to maintain the average velocity level. ● To expand the dynamic range, use ratio values above 100 %.
MIDI Functions Restricting Polyphonic Voices Restricting Polyphonic Voices You can restrict polyphonic voices in selected MIDI notes or parts. This is useful if you have an instrument with limited polyphony and want to make sure all notes are played. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI notes or parts that contain the voices. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Restrict Polyphony. 3. Specify how many voices you want to use. 4. Click OK.
MIDI Functions Reversing the Playback Order of MIDI Events Reversing the Playback Order of MIDI Events You can invert the order of the selected events or of all events in selected part rhythmically. This causes the MIDI to play backwards. However, this is different from reversing an audio recording. The individual MIDI notes still play as usual, but the playback order changes. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI events or the MIDI part. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Reverse.
MIDI Editors 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 Key Editor presents notes graphically in a piano roll-style grid. The Key Editor also allows for detailed editing of non-note events such as MIDI controllers.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions ● The Zoom tool. ● The Zoom submenu in the Edit menu. When you use the Zoom tool for zooming, you can determine if you want to zoom horizontal only or horizontal and vertical at a time. ● To activate/deactivate the corresponding option, activate/deactivate Zoom Tool Standard Mode: Horizontal Zooming Only in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page).
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Grid Match The note events get different colors depending on their time position. For example, this mode enables you to see if the notes of a chord start at the exact same beat. Voice The note events get different colors depending on their voice (soprano, alto, tenor, etc.). Scale/Chords The note events get different colors depending on whether they match the current chord, scale, or both.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions RELATED LINKS Event Colors Menu on page 482 Color Picker on page 70 Selecting Note Events The selected MIDI editor determines which of the following methods apply. Do one of the following: ● Use the Object Selection tool to drag a selection rectangle around the note events that you want to select. You can also click individual events. ● Select Edit > Select and select one of the options.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Equal Pitch - all Octaves Selects all note events of the highlighted part that have the same pitch (in any octave) as the selected note event. NOTE This function requires that a single note event is selected. Equal Pitch - same Octave Selects all note events of the highlighted part that have the same pitch (same octave) as the selected note event. NOTE This function requires that a single note event is selected.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions The following options are available: Minimum Length Allows you to set a minimum note length in ticks. Notes that are shorter than the set value are deleted. You can use the value field or the graphical length display. If you click the field to the right of the graphical length display the scale for the display changes. You can set it to 1/4 bar, one bar, two bars or four bars. Minimum Velocity Allows you to set a minimum note velocity.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Duplicating and Repeating Note Events You can duplicate and repeat note events in the same way as events in the Project window. ● To duplicate the selected note events, hold down Alt/Opt and drag the note events to a new position. If Snap is activated, it determines to which positions you can copy notes. ● To copy the selected note events and place them directly behind the original, select Edit > Functions > Duplicate.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Handling Several MIDI Parts ● To activate a part for editing, open the Currently Edited Part pop-up menu and select a part. When you select a part from the list, it is automatically active and centered in the note display. ● To zoom in on an active part, select Edit > Zoom > Zoom to Event. ● To display defined borders for the active part, activate Show Part Borders. If this option is activated, all parts, except the active part, are grayed out.
MIDI Editors Controller Display ● On the Key Editor or the Drum Editor toolbar, click Set up Window Layout, and activate Controller Lanes. The following options are available: 1 Note display Contains a grid in which MIDI notes are displayed as boxes. 2 Controller display Shows one or multiple controller lanes. 3 Divider Drag the divider between the note display and the controller display to resize the display areas.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 7 ● Pitchbend ● Aftertouch ● Poly Pressure ● Program Change ● System Exclusive events ● Continuous Controllers Controller Lane Setup Contains setup functions for controller lanes, and allows you to add and organize presets. Controller Lane Setup Menu The Controller Lane Setup pop-up menu allows you to add lanes and select which event type is displayed.
MIDI Editors Controller Display The following options are available: Create Controller Lane Creates a controller lane. Remove This Lane Removes the current controller lane. Select All Events on Lane Selects all controller events on the current lane. Cut Cuts the selected events. Copy Copies the selected events to the clipboard. Paste Pastes the clipboard data at the cursor position. Paste at Origin Pastes the clipboard data back at its original position. Existing events are replaced.
MIDI Editors Controller Display The following options are available: Controller event types Lists the event types that you can display on the controller lanes. If automation data already exists for a controller, this is indicated by a rhombus that is displayed to the left of the controller name. Select All Events on Lane Selects all controller events on the current lane. Remove This Lane Hides the current controller lane from view.
MIDI Editors Controller Display The following options are available: Controller event types Lists the event types that you can display on the controller lanes. If automation data already exists for a controller, this is indicated by a rhombus that is displayed to the left of the controller name. Select an event type to add the corresponding controller lane to the controller display. Show Used Controllers Opens all controller lanes that have controller events.
MIDI Editors Controller Display RELATED LINKS Controller Selection and Functions Menu on page 491 Setting up Available Continuous Controllers In the MIDI Controller Setup dialog, you can specify which continuous controllers are available for selection. PROCEDURE 1. Select Controller Lane Setup > Set up Available Controllers. 2. In the MIDI Controller Setup dialog, do one of the following: 3. ● In Hidden column, select all controllers that you want to show, and click Add.
MIDI Editors Controller Display MIDI Controller Setup Dialog The MIDI Controller Setup dialog allows you to specify which MIDI controllers are visible/ hidden. ● To open the MIDI Controller Setup dialog, click Controller Lane Setup to the left of the controller display, and select Set up Available Controllers. Visible Lists the MIDI controllers that are visible. Hidden Lists the MIDI controllers that are hidden. Add >>> Select an item in the Hidden list, and click Add >>> to make it visible.
MIDI Editors Controller Display To load, remove, or rename presets, open the Controller Lane Setup menu, and select Organize Presets. RELATED LINKS Controller Lane Setup Menu on page 490 Editing Velocity Events Each note event automatically gets a velocity event. You can edit the velocity values of these events. PREREQUISITE You have added a controller lane and set it up to display velocity events. You have added velocity events for several notes. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Adding Velocity Events You can add velocity events by adding note events. PREREQUISITE You have added a controller lane. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Controller Selection and Functions pop-up menu and select Velocity. 2. Select the Draw tool or the Line tool. 3. Click in the note display to add a note event. This adds a note event and a velocity controller event that you can edit. RESULT The velocity values are shown as vertical bars in the controller display.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 1 Value at project cursor Displays the pitchbend value at the project cursor position. What exactly is shown depends on the Show Semitones Grid setting in the Grid Settings pane: 2 ● If Show Semitones Grid is activated, this value shows the semitones value at the project cursor position. The range goes from +96 semitones to -96 semitones. The value is shown in semitones and cents.
MIDI Editors Controller Display NOTE You can show the grid even if Snap Pitchbend Events is deactivated. 6 Controller curve The pitchbend controller curve. 7 Curve Type field Shows the controller curve type. You can set this to Step or to Ramp/Curve. RELATED LINKS Controller Event Editor on page 506 Grid Settings on page 499 Grid Settings The Grid Settings pane allows you to set up a semitones grid for the pitchbend controller lane.
MIDI Editors Controller Display NOTE The actual pitchbend range depends on the settings of the VST or MIDI instrument and the sound or preset that you are using. To make the most of this feature, make sure to adjust the pitchbend range settings of your instrument to the settings of the pitchbend controller lane, or vice versa. RELATED LINKS Pitchbend Controller Lanes on page 497 Adding Pitchbend Events You can add pitchbend events to your note events. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Editors Controller Display RELATED LINKS Grid Settings on page 499 Adding Pitchbend Events on page 500 Pitchbend Controller Lanes on page 497 Adding Poly Pressure Events You can add poly pressure events to your note events. Poly pressure events are events that belong to a specific note number, that is, key. For each poly pressure event, you can edit the note number and the amount of pressure. PROCEDURE 1. Click Create Controller Lane . 2. Select Poly Pressure from the menu.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Adding Continuous Controllers You can add continuous controllers to your note events. PREREQUISITE You have added a controller lane. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Controller Selection and Functions pop-up menu and select a continuous controller. 2. Select the Draw tool or the Line tool. 3. Do one of the following: ● To add a single event, click in the controller display. ● To add a multiple events, click and drag in the controller display.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Creating Smooth Transitions between Continuous Controller Events By default, when recording or drawing MIDI continuous controller events, these are inserted as steps. If this is not what you want, you can create smooth transitions between the events. PREREQUISITE You have recorded MIDI data with continuous controller events. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, double-click the MIDI part. 2.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Continuous Controllers and MIDI Automation You can not only record or enter MIDI controller data for a MIDI part in the controller lane, but also for an automation track in the Project window. To show and edit MIDI controller data on the automation track, you must extract the MIDI automation from the MIDI part. MIDI controller data from the automation track is also displayed on the controller lane. However, you cannot edit this data on the controller lane.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Parabola In this mode you can draw events on a parabola curve. This gives more natural curves and fades. You can use modifier keys to determine the shape of the parabola curve. ● To reverse the parabola curve, press Ctrl/Cmd . ● To change the position of the whole curve, press Alt/Opt . ● To increase or decrease the exponent, press Shift . NOTE If Snap is activated, the Length Quantize value determines the density of created controller curves.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Controller Event Editor The controller event editor allows you to perform additional scaling operations for selection ranges on existing controller curves. ● To open the controller event editor, activate the Object Selection tool and drag a selection rectangle on the controller lane.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Auto Select Controllers Auto Select Controllers automatically selects controller data of the selected MIDI notes. This is useful as selected controllers for notes will be moved when you move the corresponding notes. ● To show Auto Select Controllers, right-click the Key Editor or the Drum Editor toolbar, and select Auto Select Controllers. If you activate Auto Select Controllers, controllers that belong to a note event are automatically selected when you select the note event.
MIDI Editors Key Editor ● In the Key Commands dialog in the Editors category, assign a key command for Open Key Editor. Select a MIDI part in the Project window and use the key command. NOTE If you select MIDI > Set up Editor Preferences, the Preferences dialog opens on the Editors page. Make your changes to specify if you want the editors to open in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Editors Key Editor 1 Toolbar Contains tools and settings. 2 Status line Informs about the mouse time position, the mouse value, and the current chord. 3 Info line Displays note event information about a selected MIDI note. 4 Ruler Displays the timeline. 5 Key Editor Inspector Contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. 6 Note display Contains a grid in which MIDI notes are displayed as boxes. 7 Piano keyboard display Helps you to find the right note number.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Retrospective Record Insert MIDI Retrospective Recording in Editor Allows you to recover MIDI notes that you played in stop mode or during playback. Left Divider Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend AutoScroll When Editing.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Mute Mutes events. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out. Line Creates a series of contiguous events. Auto Select Controllers Auto Select Controllers Automatically selects controller data of the selected MIDI notes. Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop. Insert Velocity Note Insert Velocity Allows you to specify a velocity value for new notes.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Increases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the right. Transpose Palette Move Up Transposes the selected event up by a half note. Move Down Transposes the selected event down by a half note. Move Up More Transposes the selected event up by an octave. Move Down More Transposes the selected event down by an octave. Snap Snap On/Off Activates/Deactivates the Snap function.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Quantize Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize or a groove preset. Soft Quantize On/Off Activates/Deactivates soft quantize. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Length Quantize Length Quantize Allows you to set a value for quantizing event lengths. Multiple Part Controls Show Part Borders Shows/Hides part borders for the active MIDI part within the left and right locators.
MIDI Editors Key Editor NOTE This only works if Step Input is activated. Record Pitch Includes the pitch when you insert notes. Record NoteOn Velocity Includes the NoteOn velocity when you insert notes. Record NoteOff Velocity Includes the NoteOff velocity when you insert notes. Event Colors Event Colors Allows you to select event colors. Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Status Line The status line shows information about the mouse time position, the mouse value, and the current chord. ● To show the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate Status Line. The on/off status of the status line in the Key Editor window and in the Editor tab in the lower zone of the Project window are independent of each other.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Quantize Allows you to access the main quantize parameters. These are identical with the functions on the Quantize panel. Transpose Allows you to access the main parameters for transposing MIDI events. Length Contains length-related options, similar to the Functions submenu of the MIDI menu. ● To change the length of the selected MIDI events or all events of the active part if no events are selected, use the Scale Length/Scale Legato slider.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Note Display The note display is the main zone in the Key Editor. It contains a grid in which note events are shown as boxes. The width of a box corresponds to the note length. The vertical position of a box corresponds to the note number (pitch), with higher note events higher up in the grid. Depending on the zoom factor, the note events show the note names.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Piano Keyboard Display The piano keyboard display is shown to the left of the note display in the Key Editor. The piano keyboard gives you a visual orientation over the pitch positions in the note display, helping you to find specific note pitches. You can click a key to listen to the pitch and the sound of the connected instrument.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Key Editor Operations This section describes the principal editing operations within the Key Editor. Inserting Note Events with the Object Selection Tool You can insert note events with the Object Selection tool. PREREQUISITE You have set up the length for the note events quantize value in the Length Quantize pop-up menu of the toolbar. PROCEDURE ● In the note display, double-click with the Object Selection tool at the position where you want to insert a note.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● To draw a note, click in the note display. The note event has the length that is set on the Length Quantize pop-up menu. ● To draw longer note events, click and drag in the note display. The length of the note event is a multiple of the Length Quantize value. If Length Quantize is set to Quantize Link, the note value is determined by the quantize grid. The Snap function is taken into account.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Line Tool Modes The Line tool allows you to create a series of contiguous note events along different line shapes. You can also edit multiple controller events simultaneously. ● To open the Line tool modes, click Line. The following line modes are available: Line If this option is activated, you can click and drag to insert note events in the note display along a straight line in any angle.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations RELATED LINKS Transpose Setup Dialog on page 471 Resizing Note Events Do one of the following: ● To resize the note event, position the Object Selection tool at the start or the end of a note event and drag the mouse cursor to the left or right. ● To move the start or end positions of the selected notes in steps according to the Length Quantize value on the toolbar, use the Trim Start/End buttons on the Nudge Palette.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations ● To split all notes that are intersected by the project cursor position, select Edit > Functions > Split at Cursor. ● To split all notes that are intersected by the left or right locator at the locator positions, select Edit > Functions > Split Loop. Gluing Note Events You can glue together note events of the same pitch. ● To glue note events, select Glue and click on a note event. The note event is glued together with the next note event of the same pitch.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Step Input Step input, or step recording, allows you to enter note events or chords one at a time without worrying about the exact timing. This is useful, for example, when you know the part that you want to record but are not able to play it exactly as you want it. PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, activate Step Input. 2. Use the note buttons to the right to determine which properties are included when you insert the note events.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Score Editor The basic Score Editor shows MIDI notes as a musical score. This offers basic score editing and printing options. You can open the Score Editor in a separate window or in the lower zone of the Project window. Opening the Score Editor in the lower zone of the Project window is useful if you want to access the Score Editor functions from within a fixed zone of the Project window.
MIDI Editors Score Editor The Score Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar Contains tools and settings. 2 Status line Informs about the mouse time position, the mouse value, and the current chord. 3 Info line Displays note event information about a selected MIDI note. 4 Extended toolbar Contains note value buttons and enharmonic shift buttons. ● To open one or several parts in the Score Editor, select one or several tracks or any number of parts, and select MIDI > Open Score Editor.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Record in Editor Enables the recording of MIDI data in the editor if the editor has the focus. NOTE This only works if MIDI Record Mode is set to Merge or Replace. Retrospective Record Insert MIDI Retrospective Recording in Editor Allows you to recover MIDI notes that you played in stop mode or during playback. Left Divider Left Divider Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown. Auto-Scroll Auto-Scroll Keeps the project cursor visible during playback.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Insert Text Inserts text. Insert Velocity Note Insert Velocity Allows you to specify a velocity value for new notes. Snap Snap Type Allows you to select one of the following snap types: ● Grid snaps events to the grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu. ● Grid Relative keeps the relative positions when snapping events to the grid. Quantize Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize or a groove preset.
MIDI Editors Score Editor MIDI Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI input and note expression MIDI input. Move Insert Mode Moves all note events to the right of the step input position to the right to make room for the inserted event when you insert notes. NOTE This only works if Step Input is activated. Record Pitch Includes the pitch when you insert notes. Record NoteOn Velocity Includes the NoteOn velocity when you insert notes. Record NoteOff Velocity Includes the NoteOff velocity when you insert notes.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Status Line The status line is displayed below the toolbar. It shows important information about the mouse position and the chord display. Select the notes that form (compose) the chord to make the status line appear in the Current Chord Display. ● To show or hide the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate or deactivate Status Line.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Enharmonic Shift Allows you to manually select whether a note is displayed with flat or sharp accidentals. The Off button resets the notes to original display. The other options are double flats, flats, No (no accidentals shown, regardless of pitch), sharps, and double sharps. RELATED LINKS Enharmonic Shift on page 536 Score Display The main area of the Score Editor window shows the notes in the edited parts on one or several staves.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations and make a neater score. To achieve this, the Staff Settings dialog provides settings that determine how the program displays the music. Staff Settings Dialog This dialog allows you to change how Cubase displays the music. IMPORTANT The settings that you make in this dialog are independent for each staff (track), but common for a piano staff that you have created with the Split option.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations For example, if you have notes on odd 16th note positions, set this value to 16. The T values are for triplet note values. This setting is partly overridden by Auto Quantize. Rests This value is used as a recommendation. Cubase does not display rests smaller than this value, except where necessary. In effect, this setting also determines how the length of notes is displayed.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Interpretation Options In this section, you can make additional settings on how the score is displayed. Clean Lengths If this option is activated, notes that are considered to be chords are shown with identical lengths. Longer notes are displayed shorter than they are. Notes with very short overlaps are also cut off. This is similar to the No Overlap option, but with a more subtle effect.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations PROCEDURE 1. 2. Set the note value in one of the following ways: ● Click the note symbols on the extended toolbar. ● Select an option from the Length Quantize pop-up menu on the toolbar. Select the Insert Note tool. If you selected the note value via the extended toolbar buttons, the Insert Note tool is automatically selected. 3. Open the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the toolbar and select a quantize value. 4.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Duplicating Notes PROCEDURE 1. Open the Quantize Presets pop-up menu on the toolbar and select a quantize value. 2. Select the notes that you want to duplicate. 3. Press Alt/Opt and drag the notes to their new position. To restrict moving to one direction, press Ctrl/Cmd while dragging. Changing the Note Length The displayed note length is not necessarily the actual note length.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations 2. Select MIDI > Scores > Flip Stems. Working with Text You can use the Text tool to add comments, articulation, or instrumentation advice and other text strings anywhere in the score display. Adding Text PROCEDURE 1. On the toolbar, select the Text tool. 2. Click anywhere in the score. A blinking cursor indicates that you can enter text. 3. Enter the text and press Return . Editing Text ● To edit existing text, double-click it with the Object Selection tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Font Allows you to specify the font for the text. Which fonts are available on the pop-up menu depends on the fonts that you have installed on your computer. IMPORTANT Do not use the Steinberg fonts. These are special fonts used by the program, for example, for score symbols, and not suited for common text. Size Sets the size of the text. Frame Allows you to enclose the text in a rectangular (box) or oval frame.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor If the MIDI track has a drum map assigned and Editor Content Follows Event Selection and Use Drum Editor when Drum Map is assigned are activated in the Preferences dialog (Editors page), you can do the following to open a MIDI part in the Drum Editor: ● Double-click a MIDI part in the Project window. ● Select a MIDI part in the Project window and press Return or Ctrl/Cmd - E . ● Select a MIDI part in the Project window and select MIDI > Open Drum Editor.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor The Drum Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Toolbar Contains tools and settings. 2 Status line Informs about the mouse time position and the mouse value. 3 Info line Displays information about the selected event. 4 Drum Editor Inspector Contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. 5 Drum sound list Lists all drum sounds. 6 Drum map Lets you select the drum map for the edited track or a list of drum sound names. 7 Ruler Displays the time line.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Drum Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and various settings for the Drum Editor. ● To show or hide the toolbar elements, right-click the toolbar and activate or deactivate the elements. Retrospective Record Insert MIDI Retrospective Recording in Editor Allows you to recover MIDI notes that you played in stop mode or during playback. Left Divider Left Divider Allows you to use the left divider. Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events and parts. Drumstick Draws drum events. Erase Deletes events. Mute Mutes events. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out. Line Creates a series of contiguous events. Auto Select Controllers Auto Select Controllers Automatically selects controller data of the selected MIDI notes. Independent Track Loop Independent Track Loop Activates/Deactivates the independent track loop.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Trim End Left Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the left. Trim End Right Increases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the right. Transpose Palette Move Up Transposes the selected event up by a half note. Move Down Transposes the selected event down by a half note. Move Up More Transposes the selected event up by an octave. Move Down More Transposes the selected event down by an octave.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor ● Events snaps events to the start or end of other events. ● Shuffle changes the order of events if you drag one event to the left or right of other events. ● Cursor snaps events to the cursor position. ● Grid + Cursor snaps events to the quantize grid that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu or to the cursor position. ● Events + Cursor snaps events to the start or end of other events, or to the cursor position.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Event Colors Event Colors Allows you to select event colors. Step/MIDI Input Step Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI step input. MIDI Input/Note Expression MIDI Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI input and note expression MIDI input. Move Insert Mode Moves all note events to the right of the step input position to the right to make room for the inserted event when you insert notes. NOTE This only works if Step Input is activated. Record Pitch Includes the pitch when you insert notes.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone. Show/Hide Controller Lanes Shows/Hides the controller lanes. Set up Window Layout Allows you to set up the window layout. Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. RELATED LINKS Zooming in MIDI Editors on page 481 Status Line The status line is displayed below the toolbar. It displays important mouse information.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Length and position values are displayed in the selected ruler display format. The on/off status of the info line in the Drum Editor window and in the Editor tab in the lower zone of the Project window are independent of each other. RELATED LINKS Editing Note Events on the Info Line on page 486 Drum Editor Inspector The Drum Editor Inspector is located to the left of the note display. It contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Note Display The note display of the Drum Editor contains a grid in which note events are shown. The notes are displayed as diamond symbols. If you activate Show Note Length On/Off on the toolbar, notes are displayed as boxes and show the note length. The vertical position of the notes corresponds to the drum sound list to the left, while the horizontal position corresponds to the note’s position in time.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Pitch Note number of the drum sound. Instrument Name of the drum sound. Snap This is used when entering and editing notes. Mute Allows you to mute drum sounds. I-Note Input note for the drum sound. When you play this note, it is mapped to the corresponding drum sound and automatically transposed according to the Pitch setting for the sound. O-Note The MIDI output note that is sent out every time the drum sound is played back.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations RELATED LINKS Drum Maps on page 552 Drum Editor Operations This section describes the general editing operations within the Drum Editor. Inserting Drum Note Events You can insert note events with the Object Selection tool or the Drumstick tool. PREREQUISITE You have set up the Insert Length on the toolbar to determine the length of the inserted note.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations ● On the toolbar, select the Drumstick tool, click in the event display and drag to the right. RESULT The note events are inserted. RELATED LINKS Drum Editor Toolbar on page 541 Modifying Note Values While Inserting Notes When inserting note events, you can modify specific note values on the fly. ● To edit the note velocity, drag upwards or downwards. ● To edit the note pitch, hold down Alt/Opt and drag upwards or downwards.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps ● Select the Drumstick tool and click the event. RESULT The note event is deleted. Deleting Multiple Drum Note Events You can delete multiple note events of the same pitch with the Object Selection tool or the Drumstick tool. PREREQUISITE To delete multiple note events with the Object Selection tool, Snap must be activated.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps switch devices, it is very likely that your snare drum becomes a ride cymbal or your hi-hat becomes a tom, etc., because the drum sounds are distributed differently in the instruments. To solve this problem and to simplify several aspects of MIDI drum kits, such as using drum sounds from different instruments in the same drum kit, Cubase features drum maps. A drum map is a list of drum sounds with a number of settings for each sound.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps Drum Sound list Lists all drum sounds and their settings. To audition a drum sound, click the leftmost column. NOTE If you audition a sound in the Drum Map Setup dialog and the sound is set to MIDI output Default, the output that is selected on the Output pop-up menu in the lower left corner is used. When auditioning a default output sound in the Drum Editor, the MIDI output selected for the track is used.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps Importing Drum Maps from Virtual Instruments You can import your drum map settings to an instrument track that is routed to Groove Agent SE. PREREQUISITE To import your drum map settings to an instrument track, the track has to be routed to Groove Agent SE or another drum instrument that supports drum maps. PROCEDURE 1. Load a drum kit in Groove Agent SE. 2. In the Inspector for the track, open the Drum Maps pop-up menu and select Create Drum Map from Instrument.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps NOTE Initially, the Map pop-up menu only contains GM Map. I-Notes, O-Notes, and Pitches Going through the following theory helps you make the most out of the drum map concept – especially if you want to create your own drum maps. A drum map is a kind of filter that transforms notes according to the settings in the map.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps Setting Pitches of Notes According to their O-Note Settings You can set the pitch of notes according to their O-note settings. This is useful if you want to convert a track to a regular MIDI track with no drum map and still have the notes play back the correct drum sound. It is a typical use case to export your MIDI recording as a standard MIDI file. If you first perform an O-note conversion, you make sure that your drum tracks play back as intended when they are exported.
Chord Functions The chord functions provide you with many possibilities for working with chords. The chord functions allow you to: ● Build chord progressions by adding chord events to the chord track. ● Convert chord events to MIDI. ● Use the chord track to control MIDI playback. ● Use the chord track voicing to change the pitches of your MIDI. ● Extract chord events from MIDI data to get an overview of the harmonic structure of a MIDI file. ● Record chord events with a MIDI keyboard.
Chord Functions Chord Events Chord Events Chord events are representations of chords that control or transpose playback on MIDI and instrument tracks. Chord events alter the pitches of MIDI notes if their track is set up to follow the chord track. Chord events have a specific start position. Their end, however, is determined by the start of the next chord event. They can have a root note, a type, a tension, and a bass note.
Chord Functions Chord Events Chord definition buttons Activate these buttons to define a root note, a chord type, a tension, and a bass note for your chord event. NOTE If you do not select a separate bass note, the setting is linked to the root note, so that no extra bass note is heard. Keyboard display Shows the notes of the chord event, considering the current voicing settings. Activate MIDI Input Allows you to define a chord by playing a chord on your MIDI keyboard.
Chord Functions Chord Events NOTE If you have activated Solfège in the Note Name pop-up menu in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Chords&Pitches page), you can also enter chords in this format. You must capitalize the first letter and write “Re” instead of “re”, for example. Otherwise, the chord is not recognized. 4. Press Tab to add a new undefined chord and define it. Chord Assistant The Chord Assistant allows you to use a chord as a starting point to get suggestions for the next chord.
Chord Functions Chord Events ● To play a chord and assign it to the selected chord event, click it. The last 3 chords that you clicked are shown in bold. ● To define a new key, right-click the chord in the Chord Assistant and select Use as Origin, or use the Rotate Left/Rotate Right controls. ● To select the parallel minor chord and define it as key, click Major/Minor.
Chord Functions Scale Events Add Track Dialog – Instrument on page 97 Changing How Chord Events Are Displayed You can change how chord events are displayed. This is useful if chord events overlap each other at low zoom levels or if you do not like the font type. PROCEDURE 1. On the chord track, activate Resolve Display Conflicts. 2. In the Preferences dialog, select Event Display > Chords&Pitches, and set up the chord font. Here you can also determine the note name and naming format.
Chord Functions Voicings The keys that correspond to the scale are highlighted. Voicings Voicings determine how chord events are set up. They define the vertical spacing and order of the pitches in a chord, but also the instrumentation and genre of a musical piece. For example, a C chord can be spread over a wide range of pitches, and a pianist will choose different notes than a guitarist. The pianist may also play completely different pitches for different musical genres.
Chord Functions Voicings Adaptive Voicings Activate this to let Cubase set the voicings automatically. This prevents the individual voices from jumping too much. Automatic Scales Activate this to let Cubase set the scales automatically. Shift Chords If you enter a negative number of ticks, the chord events will affect the MIDI notes that have been triggered too early.
Chord Functions Voicings Triads with maj9 and min9 Sets a triad with a major and a minor ninth, but without root note. Chords with more than 3 notes are not changed. 4-Note Chords Sets a 4-note chord without root note. Chords with fewer than 3 notes are not changed. 4-Note Chords (Open Jazz) Sets a 4-note chord without root note and without fifth. Chords with fewer than 3 notes are not changed. 5-Note Chords Sets a 5-note chord with a ninth. Chords with fewer than 4 notes are not changed.
Chord Functions Converting Chord Events to MIDI Converting Chord Events to MIDI You can convert chord events to MIDI for further editing or for printing a lead sheet in the Score Editor. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track 2. Do one of the following: ● Click Instrument to add an instrument track. ● Click MIDI to add a MIDI track. 3. Click Add Track. 4. Do one of the following: .
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Follow Chord Track Select an option to determine how the events on your track are mapped to the chord track. This Track’s Voicings Allows you to select a voicing library or to use the voicings from the chord track. This is only available if you selected Voicings or Single Voice in the Follow Chord Track popup menu. Live Input Allows you to transpose the MIDI input live to a chord progression on the chord track.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Using Follow Chord Track This allows you to match an existing recording to a chord progression on the chord track. PROCEDURE 1. Select the track that you want to match to the chord track. 2. In the Inspector, click Chords. 3. Open the Follow Chord Track pop-up menu and select a mode. NOTE If this is the first time that you open this pop-up menu for the track, the Follow Chord Track dialog opens. 4.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track Scales This transposes MIDI notes to match the current scale. This allows a bigger variety of notes and a more natural performance. Root Notes This transposes MIDI notes to match the root note of the chord event. The effect corresponds to using the transpose track. This option is suitable for bass tracks. Voicings This transposes MIDI notes to match the voices of the selected voicing library.
Chord Functions Assigning Voices to Notes 3. From the Mapping Mode pop-up menu, select a mapping mode. NOTE If you select Voicings and no voices are found, Auto mode is used instead. 4. Click OK. RESULT The chords and scales of each event or part are analyzed and used for mapping. If no chords are found, Cubase assumes that the performance is in “C”. The available mapping modes and voicings correspond to the Follow Chord Track parameters in the Chords section of the Inspector.
Chord Functions Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select a part or one or several MIDI tracks. You can also select the MIDI tracks, parts, or notes that you want to extract in the Key Editor, Score Editor, or In-Place Editor. 2. Select Project > Chord Track > Create Chord Symbols. 3. Make your changes and click OK. RESULT The chord events are added on the chord track.
Chord Functions Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard 2. On the Transport panel, activate Record. 3. Play some chords on your MIDI keyboard. RESULT All recognized chords are recorded as chord events on the chord track. NOTE The chord track uses its own voicing settings. The recorded chord events may therefore sound different. RELATED LINKS Adding Chord Events on page 560 573 Cubase AI 11.0.
Chord Pads 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: ● Perform with chords in real time via a MIDI keyboard. ● Record your performance as MIDI events on a MIDI or instrument track or even on the chord track. NOTE We assume that you have a MIDI keyboard connected and set up.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Zone NOTE If Record-Enable allows MIDI Thru is deactivated in the Preferences dialog (Record—MIDI page), you must activate Monitor to use the chord pads. 2 Current Player Shows the selected player and opens a pop-up menu where you can select another player. 3 Current Mode Shows the selected player mode and opens a pop-up menu where you can select another player mode. 4 Chord Pad Each chord pad can contain a chord symbol.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Zone 1 Open Editor Opens the Chord Editor that allows you to select a chord for the chord pad. 2 Voicing indicators Shows the voicing used for the chord. Voicing indicators can only be displayed if the horizontal zoom level for the chord pads is high enough. 3 Adaptive Voicing Reference/Use X as Origin for Chord Assistant When the active chord pad is set as adaptive voicing reference, its borders are shown in yellow.
Chord Pads Functions Menu Functions Menu ● To open the functions menu, click Functions Menu. Show Voicing Indicators Allows you to activate/deactivate the voicing indicators that can be displayed at the bottom of each chord pad. Assign Pads from Chord Track Assigns the chord events from the chord track to the chord pads in the same order as they appear on the chord track. Chord events that have more than one occurrence are only assigned once.
Chord Pads Chord Assistant You must define an origin chord as follows: ● Right-click the chord pad with the chord you want to use as origin and select Use X as Origin for Chord Assistant. The Chord Assistant window shows suggestions for follow-on chords that you can assign to the chord pads. Chord Assistant – Circle of Fifths Mode The Chord Assistant window shows the chords in an interactive visualization of the circle of fifths.
Chord Pads Chord Assignment ● To play a chord, click it. The last 3 chords that you clicked are shown in bold. ● To assign a chord to the next unassigned chord pad, right-click the suggested chord and select Assign to Pad. You can also drag the suggested chord and drop it on a chord pad. ● To assign a suggestion to the next unassigned chord pad and use this chord as origin, rightclick the chord and select Assign to Pad and Use as Origin.
Chord Pads Chord Assignment The Chord Assistant window opens, and the borders of the chord pad change their color to indicate that the assigned chord is now used as origin. The origin chord is displayed in the center, and the chords that belong to the scale are shown above it. The numerals indicate the scale degree of the chords. These help you to create chord progressions. 2. In the Chord Assistant window, click the chord symbols to trigger the corresponding chords. 3.
Chord Pads Swapping Chord Assignments Assigning Chords from the Chord Track You can assign the chord events from the chord track to the chord pads. PREREQUISITE You have added a chord track with chord events to your project. PROCEDURE ● To the left of the chord pads, click the Functions Menu button, and select Assign Pads from Chord Track. If chords are already assigned to the chord pads, a warning message informs you that all previous assignments will be overwritten.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords Playing Back and Recording Chords You can play back and record chords that are assigned to chord pads using MIDI or instrument tracks.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords 8. Press some keys on your MIDI keyboard to trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords Recording Chords on Instrument Tracks You can record chords that are triggered by chord pads on MIDI or instrument tracks. PREREQUISITE You have connected and set up a MIDI keyboard, you have opened and set up the chord pads, and you have added an instrument or a MIDI track for which a VST instrument is loaded. PROCEDURE 1. On the instrument track, click Record Enable or Monitor.
Chord Pads Player Setup NOTE The recorded chord events may sound different from the chord pad playback. This is because the voicing settings for the chord track differ from the chord pad voicings. RELATED LINKS Chord Track on page 113 Chord Functions on page 558 Voicings on page 564 Player Setup The Player Setup allows you to select a player and a voicing setting that is typical for that kind of player, and determine if the notes of a chord are played as plain chords or as a pattern.
Chord Pads Player Setup Players and Voicings Different types of instruments and styles have different voicing libraries. These determine how the chords are played back, and which pitches are played. These voicings are referred to as players. RELATED LINKS Voicings on page 564 Adaptive Voicing In Cubase, the adaptive voicing setting ensures that pitches in chord progressions do not change abruptly.
Chord Pads Player Setup ● Off filters nothing. ● From MIDI Thru filters unassigned keys, and keys that are assigned as remote keys for voicings, tensions, and transpose. RELATED LINKS Chord Pads Setup Dialog on page 589 Player Modes—Pattern If you select Pattern in the Player Modes pop-up menu, this allows you to play the notes that make up the chord one after another as an arpeggio based on the notes of the pattern.
Chord Pads Player Setup 3. Perform one of the following actions: ● Click Import MIDI Loop to select a MIDI loop that you want to use as a pattern. ● Drag a MIDI part from the event display and drop it on the Pattern field. NOTE The loop or part must have between 3 and 5 voices. In the MediaBay, the number of voices is indicated in the Voices column of the Result list. The loop or part is taken as a reference and defines how the chord is played. 4.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – Instrument on page 97 Chord Pads Setup Dialog The Chord Pads Setup dialog allows you to change the remote key assignments and the layout of the chord pads. ● To open the Chord Pads Setup dialog, click Set up Chord Pads. Pad Remote Control Allows you to specify a range of remote keys that trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog Pad Remote Control Tab The Pad Remote Control tab in the Chord Pads Setup dialog allows you to specify a range of remote keys that trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads. ● To open the Pad Remote Control tab, click Set up Chord Pads, and in the Chord Pads Setup dialog, click Pad Remote Control.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog NOTE If you use the remote keys for voicings, tensions, or transposition after releasing the remote key for the chord pad, the chord pad that you last played is affected. In the Voicing Modifiers section, the following options are available: Next Voicing Plays back the next voicing of the last played chord. Previous Voicing Plays back the previous voicing of the last played chord.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog ● No Modifier ● Aftertouch ● Pitchbend ● Controller If you select Controller, you can set the controller number in the Controller Number field. MIDI Learn Activates/Deactivates the MIDI Learn function to assign MIDI input to the parameters for changing transpose. Changing the Pads Remote Range You can widen the pads remote range to access more chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Presets Number of Octaves/Number of Rows In Keyboard mode, you can select the number of octaves that you want to display. In Grid mode, you can select the number of rows that you want to display. Start Note In Keyboard mode, you can select the start note for the first chord pad. Number of Columns In Grid mode, you can select the number of columns that you want to display.
Chord Pads Creating Chord Events from Chord Pads Creating Chord Events from Chord Pads You can use the chords assigned to the chord pads to create chord events in the Project window. PROCEDURE ● Click a chord pad, and drag it on the chord track. RESULT A chord event is created. RELATED LINKS Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard on page 572 Creating MIDI Parts from Chord Pads You can use the chords assigned to the chord pads to create MIDI parts in the Project window.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature 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. Project Tempo Modes For every project you can set a tempo mode, depending on whether your music has a fixed tempo or if it changes throughout the project.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Tempo Track Editor The Tempo Track Editor is divided into several sections: 1 Tempo scale 2 Toolbar Shows the tempo scale in BPM. Contains tools for selecting, adding, and changing tempo and time signature events. 3 Info line Shows information about the selected tempo or time signature event. 4 Ruler Shows the timeline and the display format of the project. 5 Time signature display Shows the time signature events in the project.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Tempo Track Editor Keeps the project cursor visible during playback. Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend AutoScroll When Editing. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events. Draw Draws events. Erase Deletes events. Zoom Zoom in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out. New Tempo Type Type of New Tempo Points Allows you to select the type of new tempo points.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Tempo Changes for Projects Show Info Line Show/Hide Info Opens/Closes the info line. Set up Toolbar Set up Toolbar Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible. Tempo Changes for Projects If the tempo track is activated, you can set up tempo changes for your project. NOTE If you work in tempo track mode, make sure that the display format in the Project window ruler is set to Bars+Beats. Otherwise, you may get confusing results.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo 2. On the tempo track, open the Type of New Tempo Points pop-up menu and select an option. 3. Do one of the following: ● On the toolbar, select the Object Selection tool and click the tempo curve. ● On the toolbar, select the Draw tool, and click and draw in the tempo curve display. NOTE If Snap is activated, this determines at which time positions you can insert tempo curve points. RESULT The tempo event is added to the tempo curve.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo ● Set Project Tempo from Loop RELATED LINKS Setting the Project Tempo from a Recording on page 600 Setting the Project Tempo from an Audio Loop on page 601 Setting the Project Tempo from a Recording You can calculate the tempo of freely recorded audio or MIDI material with the Beat Calculator and set it as the project tempo. PREREQUISITE The Tempo Track is deactivated, that is, the tempo mode is set to Fixed. PROCEDURE 1.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Beat Calculator 6. Click one of the buttons in the Insert Tempo into Tempo Track section to insert the calculated tempo into the tempo track. RESULT The project tempo is set to the tapped tempo. RELATED LINKS Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo on page 599 Setting the Project Tempo from an Audio Loop You can set the project tempo from the tempo of an audio loop. PREREQUISITE Your project contains an audio loop that is not in Musical Mode. PROCEDURE 1.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Set Definition from Tempo Dialog Tap Tempo Opens a window where you can specify a tempo by tapping. At Tempo Track Start If your project is in tempo track mode, the calculated tempo is set as the first tempo curve point. If your project is in fixed tempo mode, the calculated tempo is set for the entire project. At Selection Start If your project is in tempo track mode, the calculated tempo is set as a new tempo event at the start of the selection.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Time Signature Events Time Signature Events You can set up one or more time signatures for a project. You can set up the first time signature event of your project on the Transport panel. You can add further time signature events in the Tempo Track Editor. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 30 Transport Bar on page 40 Adding Time Signature Events in the Tempo Track Editor on page 603 Adding Time Signature Events in the Tempo Track Editor PROCEDURE 1.
Export Audio Mixdown 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. ● To open the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, select File > Export > Audio Mixdown. Export Audio Mixdown Dialog The Export Audio Mixdown dialog allows you to set up how audio is mixed down and exported. ● To open the Export Audio Mixdown dialog, select File > Export > Audio Mixdown.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog Export Channel In the Export Channel pop-up menu, you can select an output channel for export. File Location In the File Location section, the following options are available: Name Allows you to specify the name of the mixdown file. Click File Name Options to open a pop-up menu with naming options: ● Set to Project Name inserts the project name into the Name field.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog The Mixdown folder is automatically created in your project folder. It is used by default if no export path information is available, that is, if you create a new empty project, or if you load or create a project from a template. ● Recent Paths allows you to select recently selected file locations. The Mixdown folder is not added to the list of Recent Paths. ● Clear Recent Paths allows you to delete all recently selected file locations.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk (Wave, AIFF) Activates the embedding of additional file information in Broadcast Wave format. NOTE By activating this option, you create a Broadcast Wave file. Some applications may not be able to handle these files. If you get problems using the file in another application, deactivate Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk and export the file again.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog The tracks will have the corresponding mixdown file as audio event. The track names will be identical with the export channel names. The new project will be the active project. Activating this option disables the Insert to Pool and Create Audio Track options. ● Create Audio Track Creates an audio event that plays the clip on a new audio track, starting at the left locator. Activating this option also activates the Pool option.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog Scheme Allows you to save and delete naming schemes. Attributes Holds the following naming scheme attributes: ● Name Adds the name to the resulting file name. ● Free Text Allows you to enter free text. ● Channel Number Adds the channel number to the resulting file name. ● Channel Type Adds the channel type to the resulting file name. ● Channel Name Adds the channel name to the resulting file name.
Export Audio Mixdown Export Audio Mixdown Dialog Defining Naming Schemes You can define a naming scheme by combining attributes that determine the structure of the file names for the exported audio files. PROCEDURE 1. In the Naming Scheme dialog, drag up to 5 attributes into the Result section. You can also double-click an attribute to add it to the Result section. 2. Optional: In the Settings section, double-click the Separator text field to change the separator.
Export Audio Mixdown Mixing Down to Audio Files Mixing Down to Audio Files You can mix selected channels down to audio files. PREREQUISITE ● You have set up the left and right locators so that they encompass the range that you want to mix down. ● You have set up your tracks so that they play back the way you want. This includes muting unwanted tracks or parts, making manual MixConsole settings, and/or activating the R (Read) automation buttons for MixConsole channels.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Ogg Vorbis file This is an open source, patent-free audio encoding and streaming technology. The Ogg Vorbis encoder uses variable bit rate encoding. It offers compressed audio files of small size, but with comparatively high audio quality. The files have the extension .ogg.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Insert iXML Chunk Includes additional project-related metadata, such as project name, author, and project frame rate. Insert Tempo Definition This option is only available if Insert iXML Chunk is activated. It allows you to include tempo information from the tempo track in the iXML chunk of the exported files. Don’t Use Wave Extensible Format Deactivates the Wave Extensible format that contains additional metadata, such as the speaker configuration.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Insert iXML Chunk Includes additional project-related metadata, such as project name, author, and project frame rate. Insert Tempo Definition This option is only available if Insert iXML Chunk is activated. It allows you to include tempo information from the tempo track in the iXML chunk of the exported files. MP3 (MPEG 1 Layer 3) Files MP3 files are highly compressed files that still provide good audio quality. They have the extension .mp3.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats sample rate, the file size increases without increasing the audio quality. For CD burning, select 44.100 kHz, because this is the sample rate used on audio CDs. Bit Depth Allows you to select a bit depth for the mixdown file. You can select 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit, 32-bit (float), or 64-bit (float). If you plan to re-import the mixdown file into Cubase, select 32-bit (float). This is the resolution used for audio processing in Cubase.
Synchronization 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. If you know the position and speed for the master device, you can resolve the speed and position of the slave device to it, so that the 2 devices play in perfect sync with one another.
Synchronization Timecode Formats Timecode Formats The position of any device is most often described using timecode. Timecode represents time using hours, minutes, seconds, and frames to provide a location for each device. Each frame represents a visual film or video frame. The following timecode formats are supported: ● LTC Longitudinal timecode or LTC is an analog signal that can be recorded on tape. It should be used for positional information primarily.
Synchronization Clock Sources Cubase supports the following frame rates: 24 fps This is the true speed of standard film cameras. 25 fps This is the frame rate of PAL video. 29.97 fps/29.97 dfps This is the frame rate of NTSC video. The count can be either non-drop or drop-frame. 30 fps/30 dfps This frame rate is not a video standard anymore but has been commonly used in music recording. Many years ago, it was the black and white NTSC broadcast standard.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog ADAT Lightpipe ADAT Lightpipe, the 8-channel digital audio protocol developed by Alesis, also contains audio clock and can be used as a speed reference. It is transmitted via optical cables between devices. NOTE Do not confuse the audio clock embedded in the Lightpipe protocol with ADAT Sync, which has timecode and machine control running over a proprietary DIN plug connection.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog RELATED LINKS Sources Page on page 621 Destinations Page on page 623 620 Cubase AI 11.0.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog Sources Page The Sources page allows you to set up the synchronization inputs, and to determine which external signals enter the application. In the topmost section, the following options are available: Activate External Sync Activates/Deactivates the external synchronization. Timecode Source The Timecode Source section allows you to determine whether Cubase is acting as timecode master or slave.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog VST System Link Sets VST System Link as timecode source. This allows for all aspects of sampleaccurate synchronization between different computers that are connected via VST System Link. NOTE Discrepancies between the Project Frame Rate and the incoming timecode can cause problems during postproduction, even if Cubase is able to lock to that timecode.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog Destinations Page The Destinations page allows you to set up the synchronization outputs, and to determine which external signals leave the application. MIDI Clock Destinations In the MIDI Clock Destinations section, you can select any MIDI ports that you want to output MIDI clock. Some MIDI devices, such as drum machines, can match their tempo and location to incoming MIDI clock.
Synchronization External Synchronization MIDI Timecode Preferences In the MIDI Timecode Preferences section, the following options are available: MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time Ensures that the MTC output always follows the time position of Cubase. External Synchronization To activate external synchronization, do one of the following: ● Select Transport > Activate External Sync. ● Select Transport > Project Synchronization Setup, and on the Sources page, activate Activate External Sync.
VST System Link VST System Link is a digital audio network system that allows you to link several computers using digital audio hardware and cables. Linking up 2 or more computers allows you to split different tasks and different tracks between different computers. You can run CPU-intensive processes, such as send effect plug-ins or VST instruments on one computer, and record audio tracks on another one.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link Active Activates VST System Link. Online Puts the computer online. ASIO Input Allows you to define the networking input channel. ASIO Output Allows you to define the networking output channel. Use Selected ASIO Ports for Data only Activate this if you want to devote more bandwidth to MIDI, and send VST System Link information on the entire channel. This channel is then no longer available for audio transfer.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link Self test Allows you to test the network. Receiving Lights up if the computer is active. Sending Lights up if the computer is active. List Shows the name of each computer. Setting up a Network You can set up a network by connecting computers. PROCEDURE 1. Use a digital audio cable to connect the digital output of computer 1 to the digital input of computer 2. If you have more than 2 computers, add the others one by one. 2.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link mode and make sure that each of them is listening for the signal coming from the synchronizer. This signal is usually passed through your ADAT cables or word clock connectors in a daisy chain fashion. RESULT Typically, the ASIO control panel for an audio card contains some indication of whether or not the card receives a proper sync signal, including the sample rate of that signal.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link Otherwise signal loops might occur and VST System Link cannot work. Setting up Sample Rates All projects on all computer must be set up to the same sample rate. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2. In the Project Time Displays section, open the Sample Rate pop-up menu and select a sample rate. Setting up Digital Audio Connections PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Audio Connections. 2. Click the Inputs tab, and click Add Bus. 3.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link Activating VST System Link You must activate VST System Link on all network computers to be able to work with VST System Link. PROCEDURE 1. Select Transport > Project Synchronization Setup, and on the Sources tab, activate VST System Link as the timecode source. 2. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 3. In the Devices list, select VST System Link. 4.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link NOTE If you do not see the name of each computer, go through the procedure above again and make sure that all ASIO cards are listening to the digital clock signals correctly, and that each computer has the correct inputs and outputs assigned to the VST System Link network.
VST System Link Application Examples RESULT In the top section of the MIDI track Inspector, the Input Routing and Output Routing pop-up menu now show the specified VST System Link ports. This allows you to route MIDI tracks to VST instruments running on another computer. Application Examples VST System Link allows you to split different tasks between 2 or more computers. The following application examples should give you an idea of what is possible.
VST System Link Application Examples RESULT If you now start playback, the audio from computer 2 will be sent live to the new tracks on computer 1, allowing you to hear them together with any tracks you play back on computer 1.
VST System Link Application Examples RESULT Even with a slow computer you should be able to stack a whole bunch of extra VST instruments this way, expanding your sound palette considerably. Do not forget that VST System Link MIDI is also sample-accurate, and thus has much tighter timing than any hardware MIDI interface ever invented! Routing Audio Sends to Other Computers The effect sends for an audio channel in Cubase can either be routed to an FX channel track or to any activated group or output bus.
VST System Link Application Examples Playing Back Video on Other Computers You can play back video on another computer to free up resources for audio and MIDI processing on your main CPU. This is useful as playback of high-resolution video can be quite demanding on the CPU. PROCEDURE ● Move video tracks to another computer. RESULT Since all transport commands respond on the VST System Link computers, scrubbing video is possible even when it is coming from another computer.
Video Cubase allows you to work with video content. You can play back video files in various formats and via different output devices from within Cubase, extract the audio material from a video file, and edit your music to the video. IMPORTANT Videos are exported with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 px (Full HD). Video files with a lower or higher resolution than Full HD are upscaled or downscaled on export.
Video Frame Rates Codecs Codecs are methods of data compression used to make video and audio files smaller and more manageable for computers. For further details, refer to the support area at steinberg.net. Frame Rates Cubase supports different video and film frame rates. Frame rate (speed) Regardless of the frame counting system, the actual speed at which frames of video go by in real time is the true frame rate.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects ● Video output via FireWire is not supported. RELATED LINKS Video Player Page on page 640 Preparations for Creating Video Projects Before you can start working with video in Cubase, some basic preparations must be made. In Cubase, you may work with multiple video files of different formats on the same video track. NOTE For proper synchronization of audio and video events, make sure that the project frame rate matches the frame rate of the video file.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2. In the Project Setup dialog, click Get Frame Rate from Video. 3. Click OK. RESULT ● If Cubase supports the frame rate of the video, the project frame rate is adopted to it. If needed, the project start time is automatically adjusted to reflect the change in frame rate. For example, if the project frame rate is switched from 30 fps to 29.
Video Preparations for Video Playback Preparations for Video Playback You can play back imported video files from within Cubase by using the transport controls. For this to work, you must activate and set up a video output device. IMPORTANT Your graphics card must support OpenGL 2.0 or higher. Video Player Page The Video Player setup page in the Studio Setup dialog allows you to set up your video player, and to check if your video equipment allows for video playback from within Cubase.
Video Preparations for Video Playback Activating a Video Output Device PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, activate Video Player. The available video output devices are listed in the Device column. 3. In the Active column, activate the checkbox for the device that you want to use for playing back video. NOTE If you have no external device connected, you can use the Onscreen Window device that allows you to play back the video file on your computer monitor.
Video Editing Video Actual Size Sets the window to the size of the video. Double Size Enlarges the window to twice the actual size. Aspect Ratio You can also drag the borders of the Video Player window to resize it. However, this might lead to a distorted image. To prevent this, you can set an option from the Aspect Ratio pop-up menu. ● If you select None, the aspect ratio of the video is not kept when you resize the window. The image is enlarged/reduced to occupy the whole Video Player window.
Video Extracting Audio from Video 2. In the dialog, select the video file, and click Open. 3. In the Import Options dialog, select the desired import options. RESULT The extracted audio stream is added to the project on a new audio track and can be edited like all other audio material. RELATED LINKS Pool on page 361 On Import Audio Files Settings on page 205 Importing Video Files on page 638 643 Cubase AI 11.0.
ReWire ReWire is a special protocol for streaming audio between two computer applications. Developed by Propellerhead Software and Steinberg, ReWire provides the following possibilities and features: ● Realtime streaming of up to 48 separate audio channels, at full bandwidth, from the synthesizer application into the mixer application. In this case, the mixer application is of course Cubase. An example of a synthesizer application is Propellerhead Software’s Reason.
ReWire Launching and quitting AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can activate ReWire channels in the ReWire panel of the application. RELATED LINKS Activating ReWire channels on page 646 Launching and quitting When using ReWire, the order in which you launch and quit the two programs is very important. Launching for normal use with ReWire When you use Cubase with ReWire, the order in which you launch the two programs is very important. PROCEDURE 1. First launch Cubase. 2.
ReWire Activating ReWire channels Activating ReWire channels ReWire supports streaming of up to 48 separate audio channels. The exact number of available ReWire channels depends on the synthesizer application. The ReWire device panels in Cubase, allow you to activate the channels that you want to use. PREREQUISITE You have enabled the ReWire application that you want to use in the ReWire Setup dialog. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > ReWire, and select the ReWire application that you want to use.
ReWire How the ReWire channels are handled Basic transport controls When you run ReWire, the transports in the two programs are completely linked. It does not matter in which program you play, stop, fast forward or rewind. However, recording (if applicable) is still completely separate in the two applications. Loop settings If there is a loop or cycle facility in the synthesizer application, that loop will be completely linked to the cycle in Cubase.
ReWire Considerations and limitations ● The number and configuration of MIDI outputs depends on the synthesizer application. Considerations and limitations Sample rates Synthesizer applications may be limited to audio playback in certain sample rates. If Cubase is set to a sample rate other than those, the synthesizer application will play back at the wrong pitch. Consult the documentation of the synthesizer application for details. ASIO drivers ReWire works well with ASIO drivers.
Key Commands Key commands are assigned to most main menus and functions in Cubase. They are stored as Preferences that are used for all your projects. You can view and add key commands in the Key Commands dialog. Key command assignments are also shown in the tooltips. Tooltips that show an exclamation mark at the end have no key command assigned yet. You can save key commands settings as a key commands file, which is stored separately and can be imported into any project.
Key Commands Key Commands Dialog - All Reduces all folders. Search Allows you to search for Cubase functions. This is useful if you want to know which key command is assigned to a specific function. Reset Current Key Command Allows you to reset the selected key command back to the default setting. Commands list Shows the Cubase functions for that you can assign key commands arranged in category folders.
Key Commands Assigning Key Commands Assigning Key Commands You can add key commands in the Key Commands dialog. PROCEDURE 1. Select Edit > Key Commands. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the Commands list, click the plus sign to open a category folder, and select the function to which you want to assign a key command. ● In the search field, enter the name of the function to which you want to assign a key command.
Key Commands Removing Key Commands Removing Key Commands PROCEDURE 1. Select Edit > Key Commands. 2. In the Commands list, click the plus sign to open a category folder, and select the function for which you want to remove a key command. 3. Select the key command in the Keys list and click Delete selected key command. 4. Click Remove to remove the selected key command. 5. Click OK. Saving Key Commands Presets You can save key commands settings as presets.
Key Commands Default Key Commands RESULT The key commands are reset. IMPORTANT Any changes made to the default key commands are lost. If you want to be able to revert to these settings again, make sure to save them first. Default Key Commands The default key commands are arranged in categories. NOTE When the On-Screen Keyboard is displayed, the usual key commands are blocked because they are reserved for the On-Screen Keyboard.
Key Commands Default Key Commands Chords Category Option Key command Show/Hide Chord Pads Ctrl/Cmd - Shift - C Devices (Studio) Category Option Key command Audio Connections F4 Audio Performance F12 MixConsole F3 MixConsole in Project Window Alt/Opt - F3 On-Screen Keyboard Alt/Opt - K Video Player Alt/Opt - F3 VST Instruments Alt/Opt - K Direct Offline Processing Category Option Key command Direct Offline Processing F7 Edit Category Option Key command Activate/Deactivate Focused O
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Delete Delete or Backspace Delete Time Shift - Backspace Duplicate Ctrl/Cmd - D Expand/Reduce Alt/Opt - E Insert Silence Ctrl/Cmd - Shift - E Invert Alt/Opt - F Invert Selection Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - I Left Selection Side to Cursor E Move to Cursor Ctrl/Cmd - L Move to Front (Uncover) U Mute M Mute Events Shift - M Mute/Unmute Objects Alt/Opt - M Open Ctrl/Cmd - E Paste Ctrl/Cmd - V Paste at Origin Alt/Opt - V Paste Relat
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Secondary Parameter: Decrease Ctrl/Cmd - Shift - Left Arrow Secondary Parameter: Increase Ctrl/Cmd - Shift - Right Arrow Select All Ctrl/Cmd - A Select None Ctrl/Cmd - Shift - A Snap On/Off J Solo S Split At Cursor Alt/Opt - X Split Range Shift - X Stationary Cursor Alt/Opt - C Undo Ctrl/Cmd - Z Unmute Events Shift - U Write W Editors Category Option Key command Open Score Editor Ctrl/Cmd - R Open/Close Editor Return File
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Save As Ctrl/Cmd - Shift - S Save New Version Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - S Media Category Option Key command Open MediaBay F5 Open/Close Favorites Ctrl - Alt/Opt - Num 8 Open/Close File Browser Ctrl - Alt/Opt - Num 4 Open/Close Filters Ctrl - Alt/Opt - Num 5 Open/Close Previewer Ctrl - Alt/Opt - Num 2 Preview Cycle On/Off Shift - Num / Preview Start Shift - Enter Preview Stop Shift - Num 0 Search MediaBay Shift - F5 MIDI Category Opti
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Add Left: Shift - Left Arrow Expand/Undo selection in the Project window/Key Editor to the left Add Right: Shift - Right Arrow Expand/Undo selection in the Project window/Key Editor to the right Shift - Up Arrow Add Up: Expand/Undo selection in the Project window to the top/Move selected event in the Key Editor up one octave Bottom: End Select bottom track in the track list Down Arrow Down: Select next in the Project window/Move selected event
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command End Right Alt/Opt - Shift - Right Arrow Left Ctrl/Cmd - Left Arrow Right Ctrl/Cmd - Right Arrow Start Left Alt/Opt - Left Arrow Start Right Alt/Opt - Right Arrow Project Category Option Key command Colors Alt/Opt - Shift - S Open Markers Ctrl/Cmd - M Open Pool Ctrl/Cmd - P Open Tempo Track Ctrl/Cmd - T Remove Selected Tracks Shift - Delete Set Track/Event Color Alt/Opt - Shift - C Setup Shift - S Quantize Category Option Key
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command 1/8 Alt/Opt - 4 1/16 Alt/Opt - 5 1/32 Alt/Opt - 6 1/64 Alt/Opt - 7 1/128 Alt/Opt - 8 Toggle Dotted Alt/Opt - . Toggle Triplet Alt/Opt - , Tool Category Option Key command Draw Tool 8 Drumstick Tool 0 Erase Tool 5 Glue Tool 4 Mute Tool 7 Next Tool F10 Object Selection Tool 1 Play Tool 9 Previous Tool F9 Range Selection Tool 2 Split Tool 3 Zoom Tool 6 660 Cubase AI 11.0.
Key Commands Default Key Commands Transport Category Option Key command Activate External Sync Alt/Opt - Shift - T Activate Metronome C Activate Punch In I Activate Punch Out O Cycle Num / Enter Left Locator Shift - L Enter Locator Range Duration Shift - D Enter Project Cursor Position Shift - P Enter Right Locator Shift - R Enter Tempo Shift - T Enter Time Signature Shift - C Exchange Time Formats .
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Locate Previous Hitpoint Alt/Opt -B Locate Previous Marker Shift - B Locate Selection Start L Locators to Selection P Loop Selection Alt/Opt - P MIDI Retrospective Record: Insert from All MIDI Inputs Shift - Num - -* Nudge Cursor Left Ctrl/Cmd - Num - Nudge Cursor Right Ctrl/Cmd - Num + Panel (Transport panel) F2 Play Selection Range Alt/Opt - Space Recall Cycle Marker 1 to 9 Shift - Num 1 to Num 9 Record Num * Rewind Num - Se
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command To Marker 3 to 9 Num 3 to Num 9 or Shift - 3 to 9 Window Zones Category Option Key command Show/Hide Left Zone Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - L ; Alt/Opt - I Show/Hide Right Zone Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - R Show/Hide Upper Zone Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - U Show/Hide Lower Zone Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - E or Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt B Show/Hide Transport Bar Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - T Show Previous Tab Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - Left Arrow Show Next Tab Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - Rig
Key Commands Setting up Tool Modifier Keys Option Key command Zoom Out Of Waveform Vertically Alt/Opt - G Zoom Out Tracks Ctrl/Cmd - Up Arrow Zoom Out Vertically Shift - G Zoom to Event Shift - E Zoom to Selection Alt/Opt - S Zoom Tracks Exclusive Z Setting up Tool Modifier Keys You can set up tool modifier keys that allow you to get an alternative function when using a tool. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select Editing > Tool Modifiers. 2.
Customizing In Cubase you can set up the appearance of specific elements. RELATED LINKS Setup Options on page 665 Setup Options You can customize the appearance of the following elements: ● Transport panel ● Status line ● Info line ● Toolbars ● Inspector Setup Context Menus Setup context menus are available for the Transport panel, the toolbars, the info lines, or the Inspector. ● To open the setup context menus, right-click the corresponding element.
Customizing Setup Options The info line setup context menu Setup Dialog The setup dialog allows you to specify which elements are visible/hidden and in what order they are shown. You can save and recall setup presets. ● To open a setup dialog, right-click the element that you want to set up, and select Setup. Hidden Items Lists the elements that are hidden. Visible Items Lists the elements that are visible. Add Select an item in the list of Hidden Items, and click Add to make it visible.
Customizing Windows Dialog Move Up Select an item in the list of Visible Items, and click Move Up to reorder the items. Move Down Select an item in the list of Visible Items, and click Move Down to reorder the items. Store Allows you to name the current configuration and save it as a preset. Delete Remove a selected preset. Reset All Reverts to the default configuration. Windows Dialog The Windows dialog allows you to manage open windows in Cubase. ● To open the Windows dialog, select Window > Windows.
Customizing Where are the Settings Stored? Restore Restores the selected or all windows. Close Windows Closes the selected or all windows. Reset Layout Resets the layout of the selected window. Where are the Settings Stored? There is a large number of ways in which you can customize Cubase. While some of the settings you make are stored with each project, others are stored in separate preference files.
Customizing Safe Mode Dialog The following options are available in the Plug-Ins section: Deactivate all third-party plug-ins Temporarily disables all third-party plug-ins. After startup, only Steinberg plug-ins are available. The following options are available in the Preferences section: Use current program preferences Opens the program with the current preference settings. Disable program preferences Disables the current preferences and opens the program with the factory default settings instead.
Customizing Safe Mode Dialog ● Delete program preferences Deletes the preferences and opens the program with the factory default settings instead. This process cannot be undone. Note that this affects all versions of Cubase installed on your computer. 4. Click OK. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK If the program works fine with disabled preferences, consider deleting and re-initializing the preferences.
Optimizing Audio Performance To get the most out of your Cubase system, performance-wise, you can optimize specific settings. NOTE For details and current information on system requirements and hardware properties refer to the Steinberg web site. Performance Aspects Tracks and Effects The faster your computer, the more tracks, effects, and EQs you are able to play. Exactly what constitutes a fast computer is almost a science in itself, but some hints are given below.
Optimizing Audio Performance Settings That Affect Performance However, there are additional features only available with ASIO drivers, such as the ASIO Positioning Protocol. Settings That Affect Performance Audio Buffer Settings Audio buffers affect how audio is sent to and from the audio hardware. The size of the audio buffers affects both the latency and the audio performance. Generally, the smaller the buffer size, the lower the latency.
Optimizing Audio Performance ASIO-Guard Real-time peak Shows the processing load in the real time path of the audio engine. The higher this value, the higher the risk that dropouts occur. Overload indicator The overload indicator to the right of the real-time peak indicator and the average load indicator displays overloads of the average or real-time indicator. If it lights up, decrease the number of EQ modules, active effects, and audio channels that play back simultaneously.
Optimizing Audio Performance ASIO-Guard RELATED LINKS VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings on page 439 Activating the ASIO-Guard PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select Audio System. 3. Activate the Activate ASIO-Guard option. NOTE This option is only available if you activate Activate Multi Processing. 4. Select an ASIO-Guard Level. The higher the level, the higher the processing stability and audio processing performance.
Preferences The Preferences dialog provides options and settings that control the global behavior of the program. Preferences Dialog The Preferences dialog is divided into a navigation list and a settings page. Clicking one of the entries in the navigation list opens a settings page. ● To open the Preferences dialog, select Edit > Preferences. In addition to the settings, the dialog provides the following options: Preference Presets Allows you to select a saved preference preset.
Preferences Editing Defaults Resets the options on the active page to their default settings. Apply Applies any changes that you have made without closing the dialog. OK Applies any changes that you have made and closes the dialog. Cancel Closes the dialog without saving any changes. Saving Preference Presets You can save complete or partial preference settings as presets. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, make your changes. 2. Click Store in the lower left section of the dialog. 3.
Preferences Editing Display Warning before Deleting Non-Empty Tracks Shows a warning if you delete tracks that are not empty. Select Track on Background Click Allows you to select a track by clicking in the event display background. Auto Select Events under Cursor Automatically selects all events in the Project window or in an editor that are under the project cursor.
Preferences Editing ● Moving the mouse wheel moves the event volume curve up or down. ● Holding down Shift while moving the mouse wheel moves the fade curves. ● Positioning the mouse in the left half of the event moves the end point of the fade in. ● Positioning the mouse in the right half of the event moves the start point of the fade out. On Import Audio Files Determines what happens when you import an audio file.
Preferences Editing Clicking opens a value box for editing. ● Increment/Decrement on Left/Right-Click Clicking decreases the value, right-clicking increases the value. Double-clicking allows you to enter values manually. ● Increment/Decrement on Left-Click and Drag Clicking and dragging up or down adjusts the value. Double-clicking allows you to enter values manually. Knob Mode Allows you to select your preferred way of controlling knobs.
Preferences Editing Split MIDI Events Splits MIDI events when you split a MIDI part in the Project window, and the split position intersects the MIDI events. This also creates new notes at the beginning of the second part. Split MIDI Controllers Splits MIDI controllers when you split a MIDI part in the Project window, and the part contains a controller.
Preferences Editors Editing - Tools Show Toolbox on Right Click Opens a toolbox when you right-click in the event display and editors. To open the context menu instead of the toolbox, press any modifier key when right-clicking. Cross-Hair Cursor Allows you to set up the colors for the line and the mask of the cross-hair cursor, as well as its width. Zoom Tool Standard Mode: Horizontal Zooming Only Zooms the window horizontally without changing the track height when you zoom with the Zoom tool.
Preferences Event Display Grid Overlay Intensity Sets the overlay intensity of the displayed grid lines. Event Handling Opacity Sets the opacity of overlying events when you move them. Event Opacity Sets the opacity of the event background. NOTE ● If you reduce the event opacity, it might be helpful to increase the Waveform Brightness for audio events or the Note Brightness for MIDI events. ● Reducing the opacity may result in a less responsive user interface.
Preferences Event Display ● Naming Format Allows you to determine how MIDI note names are displayed in editors, etc. ● Display ‘Bb’ as ‘B’ Displays ‘B’ as a pitch name. This is only available if you selected English in the Note Name pop-up menu. ● Display ‘B’ as ‘H’ Displays ‘H’ as a pitch name. This is only available if you selected English in the Note Name pop-up menu.
Preferences General Event Display - Folders Show Event Details Displays event details instead of data blocks. This setting depends on the Show Data on Folder Tracks setting. Show Data on Folder Tracks Determines in which case data blocks or event details are displayed on folder tracks. ● Always Show Data Displays data blocks or event details always. ● Never Show Data Displays nothing. ● Hide Data When Expanded Hides the display of events when you open folder tracks.
Preferences General NOTE On macOS, you can disable HiDPI support in the Cubase application folder by invoking Get Info and checking Open in Low Resolution. Usage Logger Options If you activate this option, Cubase gathers usage information and writes it in a log file that you can find in the following location: ● On Windows: “\Users\\AppData\Local\Steinberg \usagelogger” On macOS: “/Users//Library/Logs/Steinberg/usagelogger” Activating this option to write such a file, and then sendin
Preferences MIDI Default Company Name Allows you to specify a company name that is used by default for new projects. This is included as metadata when exporting audio files with an iXML chunk. MIDI This page contains settings that affect MIDI recording and playback. MIDI Thru Active Sets all MIDI tracks that are record-enabled or have monitoring activated to echo incoming MIDI data, sending it back out on their respective MIDI outputs and channels.
Preferences MIDI Low lowers the latency and increases the responsiveness of the MIDI playback engine. However, this setting might also decrease your computer performance if your project contains lots of MIDI data. Normal is the default mode and the recommended setting for most workflows. High increases the latency and the playback buffer. Use this if you work with complex VST instrument libraries or with projects that have a very high performance level. MIDI Max.
Preferences MIDI Import Options The Import Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data is included in imported MIDI files. Extract First Patch Converts the first Program Change and Bank Select events for each track to Inspector settings for the track. Extract First Volume/Pan Converts the first MIDI Volume and Pan events for each track to Inspector settings for the track.
Preferences MediaBay MIDI - MIDI Filter This page allows you to prevent certain MIDI messages from being recorded and/or echoed by the MIDI thru function (thruput). The page is divided into 4 sections: Record Prevents the corresponding type of MIDI message from being recorded. It will, however, be thruput, and if already recorded, play back normally. Thru Prevents the corresponding type of MIDI message from being thruput. It will, however, be recorded and played back normally.
Preferences Record Meters’ Fallback Allows you to specify how quickly the meters in the MixConsole return to lower values after signal peaks. Metering - Appearance This page allows you to assign colors to level meter values to quickly identify what levels are reached. Add Adds a color handle to the top of the meter. Remove Removes the selected color handle. RELATED LINKS Setting up Meter Colors on page 258 Record This page contains settings related to audio and MIDI recording.
Preferences Transport default strings in the Broadcast Wave Chunk dialog when you export files to certain formats. Not only Broadcast Wave files can contain embedded information, but also Wave, and AIFF files. Record - MIDI Record-Enable allows MIDI Thru Prevents record-enabled MIDI or instrument tracks from echoing incoming MIDI data. This way record-enabled tracks to which a VST instrument is assigned do not play doubled notes.
Preferences Transport When the Sample Editor is not open or when there is no audio file selected in the Pool, Space still toggles the global project playback. Show Timecode Subframes Shows subframes for all frame-based display formats. Return to Start Position on Stop Automatically sets the project cursor to the position where recording or playback last started when you stop playback. Stop Playback while Winding Stops playback when you click Rewind or Fast Forward on the Transport panel.
Preferences User Interface Use Inserts While Scrubbing Allows you to activate insert effects for scrubbing with the shuttle speed control. By default, insert effects are bypassed. User Interface This page contains options that allow you to adjust the default user interface colors. Color Schemes Allows you to adjust the color scheme for the application and the desktop cover. ● Click one of the colors in the Choose Color Scheme section to apply a pre-defined color.
Preferences VST Use Last Applied Color New tracks get the color that you last applied to an event/part. Use Random Track Color New tracks get random track colors. Colorize Tracks and MixConsole Channels Applies the track/channel color to track/channel controls. Tracks Enables the application of the track color to the track controls. Folder Tracks Enables the application of the folder track color to the track controls.
Preferences VST Delay Compensation Threshold (for Recording) Minimizes the latency effects of the delay compensation while maintaining the sound of the mix as far as possible. Only plug-ins with a delay higher than this threshold setting are affected by the Constrain Delay Compensation function. By default, this is set to 0.0 ms, which means that all plug-ins will be affected. If you feel that a little latency is acceptable, you can raise this threshold value.
Preferences Video ● Do not No MIDI track is created. ● Always ask to You are asked whether a corresponding MIDI track should be created. Synchronize Plug-in Program Selection to Track Selection Synchronizes track and plug-in program selection if you route multiple MIDI tracks to multitimbral instruments. Suspend VST 3 plug-in processing when no audio signals are received Suspends VST plug-in processing in passages where no audio is passing through the plug-in.
Index A Audio Connections 22 Editing 26 Presets 25 Audio events 132 Auditioning 137 Audio Events Inverting phase 148 Audio files Previewing in MediaBay 399 Audio Files Inverting phase 148 Audio Functions 317 Detect Silence 317 Spectrum Analyzer 320 Statistics 322 Audio hardware Connections 11 Externally clocked 16 Audio Part Editor Lower zone 48 Audio parts Auditioning 137 Creating 136 Audio performance Optimizing 671 Audio Pre-Record Seconds 690 Audio processing Pool 375 Audio Processing Direct Offline Pr
Index Auto Monitoring Manual 694 Tapemachine Style 694 Auto Save 83, 684 Auto Save Internal 684 Auto Select Controllers 507 Auto Select Events under Cursor 676 Auto Track/Channel Color Mode 693 Auto-Scroll 173, 174 Crossfades 229 Suspend 174 Automatable parameters Controlling with Quick Controls 446 Automatic Hitpoint Detection Enabling 677 Automatic scales 563 Automatic voicings 564 Automatically generating new audio clips Pool 377 Automation 411 Bézier curves 415 Data 504 Quick scaling 417 Ramp curves 41
Index Chord events (continued) Converting to MIDI 567 Editing 560 Extracting from MIDI 571 Resolving Display Conflicts 563 Tension 559 Voicings 564 Chord Font 682 Chord Pad Controls 575 Chord Pads 574–577 Adaptive voicing 586 Assigning chords 579–581 Context menu 576 Controls 577 Copying Assignments 581 Creating chord events 594 Creating MIDI parts 594 Functions menu 577 Multiple tracks 588 Pad Remote Control 590 Pads remote range 592 Pattern player 587 Player Modes 585–587 Player Setup 585 Players 586 Pla
Index Direct Offline Processing (continued) Normalize 310 Pool 375 Remove DC Offset 310 Resample 311 Resetting 307 Reverse 311 Silence 311 Stereo Flip 311 Time Stretch 312 Toolbar 305 Window 304 Workflow 304 Disable Acoustic Feedback during Playback 678 Display format Ruler 38 Divider Project window toolbar 35 Drag Delay 676 Draw tool Drawing note events 519 Drum Editor 538 Info line 546 Lower zone 48 Note display 548 Status line 546 Toolbar 541 Drum Map Track Control 90 Drum maps 552, 555 Key Editor 523 S
Index Effects (continued) Direct Offline Processing 303 Functions menu 294 Insert effects 281, 283 Plug-in delay compensation 282 Presets 296 Presets browser 296 Routing 291 Saving presets 297 Selecting presets 297 Send effects 281, 289 System component information 300, 301 Tempo sync 283 Track presets 300 VST 3 282 Enable Record on Selected Audio Track 680 Enable Record on Selected MIDI Track 680 Enable Solo on Selected Track 680 Enharmonic shift 536 Enlarge Selected Track 124, 680 Envelope Direct Offline
Index Folder tracks 111 Add Track dialog 111 Displaying events 127 Inspector 112 Modifying event display 127 Track controls 113 Follow Chord Track 569 Auto 569 Chords 569 Directly 570 Scale events 570 Single Voice 569 Synchronizing Track Data 570 Using 569 Frame count 617 Frame rates Mismatch 638 Synchronization 617 Video 638 Freeze VST instruments 431 Freeze Channel Track Control 90 Freeze MIDI Modifiers 462 FX chain presets 264 FX Chain Presets Loading in MediaBay 406 FX channel tracks 106 Add Track dial
Index Instrument Track Control 90 Instrument Freeze 431 Instrument parameters Track Quick Controls 444 Instrument presets Applying 129 Instrument Presets Loading in MediaBay 405 Results 429 Instrument tracks 97 Add Track dialog 97 Inspector 98 Instruments use Automation Read All and Write All 694 Interpolate Audio Waveforms 682 Invert Phase Direct Offline Processing 310 Info line 148 Legato Overlap 679 Length Adjustment 686 Level meters (MixConsole) 259 Line tool 521 Drawing note events 520 Editing contro
Index Media rack Adding Favorites 387 Adding VST plug-in pictures 388 Favorites 380, 386 File Browser 381, 386 Home 378 Results 380 Right zone 53, 54 Right Zone 378, 380 Track Presets 387 VST Effects 384, 386 VST Instruments 383, 386 MediaBay 378 Adding Favorites 393 Attribute Filter 403 Attributes 402 File Browser 392 Filters 402, 403 Finding file locations 395 Hiding sections 392 Instrument Presets 429 Media Type Filter 396 Media Types 396 Previewer 399 Rating filter 397 Refresh Views 394 Reset Filter 40
Index Monitoring (continued) MIDI 189 Via Cubase 188 Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades 677 Move Vertically Automation Event Editor 416 Moving Events 140 Moving tracks 121 MP3 files 614 Importing 206 MPEG files Importing 206 Multi processing 672 Musical Mode 351 Mute MixConsole 257 Track Control 90 Mute Automation Track Control 90 Mute Pre-Send when Mute 694 Muting events 149 MIDI Recording (continued) Naming MIDI ports 195 Notes 197 Preparations 194 Program Change Messages 198 Record mode 198 Recover
Index Performance Aspects 671 Audio performance 672 Optimizing 671 Piano keyboard display Key Editor 518 Piano voicings 564 Pick-up Mode 447 Pitch Notation 682 Pitchbend Controller lanes 497 Plain Chords Chord Pads 585 Playback Disable Acoustic Feedback 678 Excluding note events 485 Playback Toggle triggers Local Preview 313, 691 Player Modes Pattern 587 Plain Chords 586 Plug-in delay compensation 282 Plug-in Editors Always on Top 695 Plug-in latency MixConsole 270 Plug-in processing Suspending 282 Poly Pr
Index Projects (continued) Project files 75 Revert 83 Saving 82 Saving templates 77 Setting up 78 Template files 75 Templates 75 Punch In 176 On Stop 690 Punch In/Out Common Record Modes 187 Punch Out 176, 186 Stop after automatic 690 Punch Points 176 Presets (continued) Previewing using the Memo Recorder 402 Previewing via MIDI Input 401 Previewing via the Computer Keyboard 402 Presets browser Effects 296 Primary Time Format Selecting 174 Programs Track Control 90 Project Assistant 74 Project Colors Setu
Index Recording 184 Common Record Modes 187 Cycle 186 Levels 11 Lock Record 202 Remaining Record Time 202 Stopping 186 Stopping automatically 186 With Effects 192 Recovering recordings Audio 193 MIDI 199 ReCycle files 210 Reducing the project size Pool 376 Reference file Pool 361 Refresh Views MediaBay 394 Regions Creating with Detect Silence 319 Event or Range as Region 134 Events from Regions 135 Renaming 365 Remote control 449 Assigning commands 452 Automation 452 Connections 449 Control Assignment 456
Index Silence (continued) Inserting 154 Removing 319 Simple Crossfade Editor 229 Single Voice Follow Chord Track 569 Slices 341 Close gaps 346 Delete overlaps 346 Slider Mode 678 Smallest Track Height To Show Data 681 Smallest Track Height To Show Name 681 Snap 59 Sample Editor 338 Snap MIDI Parts to Bars 691 Snap to zero crossing 60 Snap type Project window 60 Solo MixConsole 257 Track Control 90 Solo Defeat MixConsole 257 Solo Record in MIDI Editors 691 Spectrum Analyzer 321 Audio Functions 320 Comparing
Index Tips Swing Quantizing 218 Synchronization 616 Audio clock 618 External Sync 624 MIDI clock 618 Setup dialog 619 Speed references 618 Timecode 617 Synchronize Plug-in Program Selection to Track Selection 695 Synchronizing Track Data Follow Chord Track 570 System component information 300 Exporting 301 Showing 684 Tool modifier keys 664, 680 Toolbar Pool 364 Project window 30 Score Editor 526 Toolbar Divider Project window 35 Toolbox Project window 35 Toolbox on Right-Click 681 Track automation data
Index Tracks (continued) Color 122 Colorizing 64 Customizing track controls 88 Deselecting 126 Duplicating 126 Folder 111 FX channel 106 Group Channel 103 Inspector 87 Instrument 97 Marker 115 MIDI 100 Moving 121 Removing 121 Renaming 121 Ruler 109 Selecting 125 Using Track Presets 118 Video 116 Zooming 124 Transport Overview 164 Sections 164 Transport Bar 164 Transport menu Functions 159 Transport panel 155 Display format 174 Overview 155 Post-roll 175 Pre-roll 175 Sections 155 Transport pop-up window 169
Index Z VST Plug-in control panels Closing 295, 423 Hiding 295, 423 Showing 295, 423 VST Plug-in Manager 436 Collections 437 Window 437 VST plug-in pictures Adding 388 VST Plug-ins Adding collections 439 Blocklist 440 Hiding 440 Installing 436 Managing 436 Reactivating 440 Showing 440 VST Presets Loading 131 Previewing in MediaBay 401 VST Quick Controls Connecting with Remote Controllers 435 VST System Link 625 Activating 630 Connections 627 Latency 628 Putting computers online 631 Setting up sync 627 VST
