Operation Manual
The Steinberg Documentation Team: Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Lillie Harris, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte 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 9 9 9 10 10 11 Introduction Platform-Independent Documentation PDF Documents and Online Documentation Documentation Structure Conventions Key Commands 12 12 13 22 27 Setting up Your System Studio Setup Dialog Setting up Audio Setting up MIDI Synchronizers 28 28 29 30 31 32 32 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 34 35 35
Table of Contents 210 210 214 216 221 229 230 Recording Basic Recording Methods Monitoring Audio Recording Specifics MIDI Recording Specifics Remaining Record Time Lock Record 231 231 238 Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import MIDI File Import 240 240 241 242 242 242 243 Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Functions Quantizing MIDI Event Starts Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths Quantizing MIDI Event Ends Quantizing Audio Event Starts Quantize Panel 250 250 254 255 258 Fades and Crossfades Event
Table of Contents 513 513 514 516 518 519 520 522 VST Instruments Window VST Instruments Window Toolbar VST Instrument Controls Presets for Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Latency Import and Export Options Side-Chaining for VST Instruments 524 524 527 528 529 Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Plug-ins and Collections Adding New Plug-in Collections Hiding Plug-ins Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist 530 531 534 Track Quick Controls Parameter Assignment Controlling Automatable Parameter
Table of Contents 779 Application Examples 783 783 784 784 785 787 790 790 793 Video Video File Compatibility Frame Rates Video Output Devices Preparations for Creating Video Projects Preparations for Video Playback Editing Video Export Video Extracting Audio from Video 794 794 796 796 797 797 797 797 798 809 Key Commands Key Commands Dialog Assigning Key Commands Searching for Key Commands Removing Key Commands Saving Key Commands Presets Loading Key Command Presets Resetting Key Commands Default Key
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 12 Highlights Sample Accurate Volume Automation ● The new Volume Automation Precision function allows for a volume automation that is 100% sample accurate and completely independent from the buffer size. You can set the number of samples after which a new volume automation event is processed.
New Features New Performance Meter ● The Audio Performance window now offers realtime, ASIO-Guard, and peak indicators. See Audio Performance Window. More New Features Lin One Dither Plug-in ● Lin One Dither is a dithering plug-in that uses advanced algorithms and offers additional noise shaping to increase the apparent signal-to-noise ratio by altering the spectrum of the low-level audio signal. The plug-in is described in the separate document Plug-in Reference. See Lin One Dither.
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. 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 Documentation Structure Documentation Structure In our documentation, we divide information into three different types of topics, according to their content. Descriptions of the User Interface Topics that describe the functionality of user interface items and list the options and settings of dialogs, panels, or other items. Descriptions of Basic Concepts Topics that describe concepts and explain the functionality of a specific software feature.
Introduction Key Commands Example Provides you with an example. Result Shows the result of the procedure. After Completing This Task Informs you about actions or tasks that you can perform after completing the procedure. Related Links Lists related topics that you can find in this documentation. Markup Bold text indicates the name of a menu, option, function, dialog, window, etc. EXAMPLE To open the Functions menu, click Functions Menu in the top right corner of the MixConsole.
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.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Reset All Devices Resets all devices in the devices list. Devices list Select a device in the Devices list to show its settings in the right section. The following options are available at the bottom of the page for each device: Reset Sends a reset signal to the active ASIO device and restarts the audio processing. This can solve problems with audio playback. NOTE This leads to a short interruption of the playback. Apply Applies your settings on the this page.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio 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 NOTE The control panel is provided by the manufacturer of your audio hardware and is different for each audio interface brand and model. However, control panels for the Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver (Windows only) are provided by Steinberg. 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.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Input Latency Shows the input latency of the audio hardware. Output Latency Shows the output latency of the audio hardware. ASIO-Guard Latency Shows the ASIO-Guard latency. HW Sample Rate Shows the sample rate of your audio hardware. HW Pull Up/Down Shows the pull up/down status of the audio hardware. In the Advanced Options section, the following options are available: Reset Allows you to reset the options in this section to their defaults.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Disk Preload Allows you to specify how many seconds of audio are preloaded into RAM prior to starting playback. This allows for smooth playback. Adjust for Record Latency If this option is activated, the plug-in latencies are taken into account during recording. Record Shift Allows you to shift the recordings by the specified value. Volume Automation Precision Allows you to set the number of samples after which a new volume automation event is processed.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio 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. Output Latency Shows the output latency of the audio driver. Clock Source Allows you to select a clock source. Externally Clocked Activate this option if you use an external clock source. Direct Monitoring Activate this option to monitor via your audio hardware and to control it from Cubase.
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. At the bottom of the page, the following options are available: Reset Sends a reset signal to the active ASIO device and restarts the audio processing.
Setting up Your System Setting up Audio Using Several Audio Applications Simultaneously You can allow other applications to play back via your audio hardware even though Cubase is running. PREREQUISITE Other audio applications accessing the audio hardware are set to release the audio driver. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select Audio System. 3. Activate Release Driver when Application is in Background.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI Audio Bus Setup Cubase uses a system of input and output busses to transfer audio between the program and the audio hardware. ● Input busses let you route audio from the inputs of your audio hardware into Cubase. This means that audio is always recorded through one or several input busses. ● Output busses let you route audio from Cubase to the outputs of your audio hardware. This means that audio is always played back through one or several output busses.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI MIDI Connections To play back and record MIDI data from your MIDI device, for example, a MIDI keyboard, you need to connect the MIDI ports. Connect the MIDI output port of your MIDI device to the MIDI input port of your audio hardware. This way, the MIDI device sends MIDI data to be played back or recorded inside your computer. Connect the MIDI input port of your MIDI device to the MIDI output port of your audio hardware.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI MIDI Port Setup Page The MIDI Port Setup page in the Studio Setup dialog displays the connected MIDI devices and allows you to set up their ports. ● To open the MIDI Port Setup page, select Studio > Studio Setup and activate MIDI Port Setup in the Devices list. 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.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI Use System Timestamp for 'Windows MIDI' 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. Use Device 'DirectMusic' If you do not use a device with a DirectMusic device driver, you can leave this option deactivated. This enhances the system performance.
Setting up Your System Setting up MIDI The following columns are displayed: Vendor Shows information about the vendor of the connected MIDI controller. Device The connected MIDI controller. Created By Shows information about the script creator for the connected MIDI controller. Input Shows the input port of your MIDI controller. Output Shows the output port of your MIDI controller. Open MIDI Remote in Lower Zone Opens the MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window.
Setting up Your System Synchronizers Synchronizers When using Cubase with external tape transports, you most likely must add a synchronizer to your system. IMPORTANT Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections. For information on how to connect and set up your synchronizer, refer to the documentation of your synchronizer.
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 28 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 RESULT The preset is deleted. 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 30 MixConsole on page 279 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.
Audio Connections Bus Configurations Renaming Multiple Busses You can rename all the selected busses at once using incrementing numbers or letters. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Audio Connections. 2. Select the busses that you want to rename. 3. Do one of the following: 4. ● Enter a new name for one of the busses, followed by a number. ● Enter a new name for one of the busses, followed by a space and a capital letter. Press Return .
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 3 Lower Zone The lower zone shows the Chord Pads, the Editor, the Sampler Control, the MixConsole, and MIDI Remote. 4 Right Zone The right zone shows the VSTi rack, and the Media rack. RELATED LINKS Project Zone on page 35 Left Zone on page 47 Lower Zone on page 52 Right Zone on page 58 Project Window Toolbar on page 36 Showing/Hiding Zones You can show/hide the zones in the Project window according to your needs.
Project Window Project Zone RELATED LINKS Track List on page 42 Event Display on page 43 Global Track Controls on page 43 Ruler on page 44 Status Line on page 46 Info Line on page 46 Overview Line on page 47 Transport Bar on page 47 Project Window Toolbar The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for opening other windows and various project settings and functions.
Project Window Project Zone Opens/Closes the MediaBay. 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.
Project Window Project Zone Shows the right locator position. 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.
Project Window Project Zone Split Splits events. 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 Nudge Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left.
Project Window Project Zone Nudge End Left Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the left. Nudge End Right Increases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the right. 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.
Project Window Project Zone The upper bar displays either the current realtime peak or the ASIO-Guard load, depending on which of the two has the higher value. The lower bar shows the hard disk transfer load of the disk engine. For a more detailed display of realtime and ASIO-Guard load, click to open the Audio Performance window. MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant Open MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant Opens the MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant.
Project Window Project Zone Left/Right Toolbar Divider The left and right toolbar dividers allow you to lock the position of specific tools at the left or at the right side of the toolbar, so that they are always shown. All other items are shown in the center of the toolbar. When you reduce the width of the Project window, these toolbar items are hidden successively. When you increase the width, they are shown again.
Project Window Project Zone RESULT The track list is divided and video, marker, or arranger tracks are automatically moved to the upper track list. All other track types are moved to the lower track list. NOTE The area of the project zone that has the focus, is indicated by a highlighted and solid focus frame,whereas the non-active area is shown with a dashed frame.
Project Window Project Zone 1 Add Track Opens the Add Track dialog. 2 Use Track Preset Allows you to add a track using a track preset. Ruler By default, the ruler shows the timeline and the display format of the project. Initially, the Project window ruler uses the display format that is specified in the Project Setup dialog. However, you can select an independent display format for the ruler.
Project Window Project Zone 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. By default, there are 120 ticks per sixteenth note. To change this, adjust the MIDI Display Resolution setting in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). Seconds Sets the ruler to display hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds.
Project Window Project Zone Selecting the Primary Time Format on page 200 Status Line The status line shows the most important project settings. ● To activate the status line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Status Line. The following information is shown on the status line: 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.
Project Window Left Zone For example, you have selected two audio events. The first event has a length of 1 bar, the second of 2 bars. If you change the info line value to 3, the first event is resized to 3 bars and the second event to 4 bars. ● Value changes are applied absolutely to the current values if you press Ctrl/Cmd while modifying the value on the info line. In the example above, both events are resized to 3 bars.
Project Window Left Zone ● Inspector RELATED LINKS Inspector on page 48 Project Window Toolbar on page 36 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.
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 49 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 50 Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 55 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 55 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 134 Video Track Inspector on page 134 Key Editor Inspector on page 645 Drum Editor Inspector on page 686 Sample Editor Inspector on page 387 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 RELATED LINKS Chord Pads on page 719 Setting up the Lower Zone on page 52 Project Window Toolbar on page 36 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. 2.
Project Window Lower Zone RESULT Sampler Control is opened. RELATED LINKS Sampler Tracks on page 421 Project Window Toolbar on page 36 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 Lower 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. Opening MIDI Remote in the Lower Zone The MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window allows you to load scripts for MIDI remote controllers. It shows a visual representation of the actual physical controller and its control mappings to Cubase parameters. PROCEDURE 1.
Project Window Right Zone NOTE The MIDI Remote tab is not a clickable user interface. All operations are meant to be performed on the connected MIDI controller. RELATED LINKS MIDI Remote on page 536 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.
Project Window Right Zone Opening the VSTi Rack in the Right Zone You can show the VSTi rack in the right zone of the Project window. This allows you to add and edit VST instruments, and at the same time to see the context of your tracks and events. 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 VSTi tab. RESULT The VSTi rack is opened in the right zone of the Project window.
Project Window Right Zone 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. Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Previous Instrument Allows you to set the remote-control focus to the previous instrument.
Project Window Right Zone RESULT The Media rack is opened in the right zone of the Project window.
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 464 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 464 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 NOTE For this to work, you must deactivate the Zoom Tool Standard Mode: Horizontal Zooming Only option in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page). ● 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 to Selection (Horiz.) Zooms in horizontally so that the current selection fills the screen. Zoom to Event Zooms in to show the currently selected event. This option is available in the Sample Editor and in some MIDI editors. 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.
Project Window Zooming in the Project Window This displays the project from the Project Start Time to the Project Length that is set in the Project Setup dialog. ● To delete a preset, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Organize. In the dialog that opens, select the preset in the list and click Delete. ● To rename a preset, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Organize. In the dialog that opens, select a preset in the list and click Rename.
Project Window Snap Function Snap Function The Snap function helps you to find exact positions when editing in the Project window. It does this by restricting horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. Operations affected by Snap include moving, copying, drawing, sizing, splitting, range selection, etc. ● To activate/deactivate Snap, activate/deactivate Snap on the toolbar. Setting the Snap Point You can set the snap point at any position of the audio event. PROCEDURE 1. Select an event.
Project Window Snap Function For example, if an event starts at the position 3.04.01, Snap is set to Grid Relative, and Grid Type is set to Bar, you can move the event in steps of one bar to the positions 4.04.01, 5.04.01, and so on. NOTE This only applies when dragging existing events or parts. When you create new events or parts, this Snap Type works like Grid. Events If this option is activated, the start and end positions of other events and parts become magnetic.
Project Window Snap Function Bar Sets the grid and snap resolution to bars. Beat Sets the grid and snap resolution to beats. Use Quantize Sets the grid and snap resolution to the value that is activated in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu. Adapt to Zoom Sets the grid and snap resolution to the horizontal zoom level. The more you zoom in on the event display, the finer the resolution. High zoom levels allow you to snap to 64th notes, low zoom levels allow you to snap to bars.
Project Window Snap Grid NOTE If you activate this as a display format, and Show Timecode Subframes is activated in the Preferences dialog (Transport page), the frames will also display subframes. There are 80 subframes per frame. If you select Samples as display format, the following grid types are available: 1 sample Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 sample. 10 samples Sets the grid and snap resolution to 10 samples. 100 samples Sets the grid and snap resolution to 100 samples.
Project Window Cross-Hair Cursor ● You can select Seconds, Timecode, or Samples as a primary time format to have your events snap to time positions. Besides the snap grid in the Project window, you can set up a different grid in the following editors: ● Key Editor ● Drum Editor ● Audio Part Editor ● Sample Editor NOTE In the Project window and in the editors, the grid is represented by vertical grid lines in the event display.
Project Window Edit History Dialog Edit History Dialog The Edit History dialog contains a list of all your edits. This allows you to undo all actions in the Project window as well as in the editors. ● To open the Edit History dialog, select Edit > History. Action Shows the name of the action. 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.
Project Window Color Handling Color Handling You can colorize events and tracks in Cubase. This allows for an easier overview in the Project window.
Project Window Color Handling Colorizing Single Tracks You can colorize single tracks via the Inspector or the track list. This is useful if you want to ensure that no other tracks, events, or parts are colorized accidentally. PROCEDURE 1. Do one of the following: ● Select the track that you want to colorize, and in the Inspector, click Colorize Selected Track. ● Ctrl/Cmd -click the left area of the track list. The Colorize pane opens.
Project Window Color Handling Colorizing Selected Events or Parts You can colorize selected events or parts with Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events. 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, select all events or parts that you want to colorize. 2.
Project Window Color Handling NOTE You can also Ctrl/Cmd -click an event or part with the Color tool to open the Colorize pane or to select colors by names. RELATED LINKS Colorizing Selected Events or Parts on page 76 Options Tab on page 80 Event Colors Menu on page 608 Setting Event Colors to Track Colors You can set the color of events or parts to the track color. This is useful if you colorized events or parts with the Color tool and you want them to follow the track color again. PROCEDURE 1.
Project Window Color Handling RELATED LINKS Color Picker on page 80 Color Set Tab on page 78 Presets Tab on page 79 Options Tab on page 80 Color Set Tab The Color Set tab allows you to change the color set that is used in the project.
Project Window Color Handling 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. ● Remove Color Removes the selected color field. ● Reset Color Resets the selected color field to the factory settings. Apply Applies your changes and closes the dialog.
Project Window Color Handling Sort Colors by Allows you to sort the colors of the color set by their basic color or by their color tint. The New Color Set section displays the current colors of the new color set. The Missing Current Project Colors section shows which missing colors will be replaced. Move the mouse pointer over the color field of a color that is missing to highlight the color that is used to replace it in the New Color Set section. Apply Applies your changes and closes the dialog.
Project Window Color Handling Color selectors Allow you to select a color shade and the nuance of the shade. Context menu Allows you to copy, paste, or reset colors. 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.
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 Project Assistant Dialog NOTE Make sure 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. It also allows you to access recently opened projects or projects that are stored in other locations. This section offers the same functionality as the Project Assistant dialog.
Project Handling Project Files Category bar In this section, the available factory templates are sorted into the predefined categories Recording, Production, Scoring, and Mastering. The Recent category contains a list of the recently opened projects. The More category contains the default project template and all templates that are not assigned to any of the other categories.
Project Handling Template Files The project folder contains the project file and the following folders that Cubase automatically creates when necessary: ● Audio ● Edits ● Images ● Track Pictures Template Files Templates can be a good starting point for new projects. Templates are projects where you can save all settings that you regularly use, such as bus configurations, sample rates, record formats, basic track layouts, VSTi setups, drum map setups, etc.
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 Record File Type Allows you to specify the file type of the audio files that you record in Cubase. 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 Project Location information Displays the project location. Show in Explorer/Reveal in Finder Opens a file dialog that shows the location of the project file. RELATED LINKS Audio System Page on page 16 Record - Audio on page 837 Opening Project Files You can open one or several saved project files at the same time.
Project Handling Saving Project Files NOTE If you close the active project, you must activate another open project manually as Cubase can not automatically activate one of the other open projects. 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.
Project Handling Reverting to the Last Saved Version Cubase can automatically save backup copies of all open projects with unsaved changes. To set this up, activate the Auto Save option in the Preferences dialog (General page). The backup copies are named “-xx.bak” where xx is an incremental number. Unsaved projects are backed up in a similar way as “UntitledX-xx.bak”, with X being the incremental number for unsaved projects. All backup files are saved in the project folder.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects 2. ● Click in the path field to change the default project location, and specify the new default location in the file dialog that opens. ● Activate Prompt for project location to open a file dialog where you can specify the project folder location. Do one of the following: ● Click Create Empty to create a new empty project. ● Select one of the template projects and click Create to create a project based on a template.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You must copy audio files that reside within the project folder to the Audio folder or save them separately. You must also move your video clips manually, as videos are only referenced and not saved in the project folder. Backing up Projects You can create a backup copy of your project. Backups only contain the necessary work data. All media files except the files from VST Sound archives are included as a copy. PROCEDURE 1.
Project Handling Self-Contained Projects Make Direct Offline Processing Permanent Allows you to flatten all edits and make all processing and applied effects permanent to each clip in the Pool. Remove Unused Files Allows you to remove unused files and to back up only the files that are actually used. Do Not Back up Video Allows you to exclude video clips on the video track or in the Pool of the current project.
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 Ungroup Allows you to ungroup grouped controls in the visible controls list. To remove an entire group, select the first (topmost) element belonging to this group and click Ungroup. 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.
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 Read Automation Allows you to read track automation. 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. Sampler Tracks The following controls are specific to sampler tracks: Open/Close Sampler Opens/Closes the Sampler Control in the lower zone.
Tracks Add Track Dialog Add Marker Allows you to add a position marker at the project cursor position. This track control is always shown. Add Cycle Marker Allows you to add a cycle marker at the project cursor position. This track control is always shown. Locate 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.
Tracks Audio Tracks Add Track Dialog – Ruler on page 124 Add Track Dialog – Folder on page 126 Arranger Track on page 129 Chord Track on page 131 Video Tracks on page 133 Marker Track on page 134 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.
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 Audio Track Inspector The Inspector for audio tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your audio track. The top section of the audio 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. Edit Channel Settings Opens the Channel Settings window for the track. Mute Mutes the track.
Tracks Instrument Tracks Routes incoming signals to the selected output. Freeze Audio Channel Allows you to freeze the audio channel. Volume Allows you to adjust the level of the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the 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.
Tracks Instrument Tracks ● Select Project > Add Track > Instrument or right-click in an empty area of the track list, and select Add Instrument Track. This opens only the Instrument page of the Add Track dialog. The following settings are available: Instrument Allows you to select an instrument. Audio Outputs Allows you to set the output routing. Name Allows you to specify a track name. Count Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.
Tracks Instrument 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. Instrument Track Inspector The Inspector for instrument tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control your instrument track. It shows some of the sections from VST instrument channels and MIDI tracks.
Tracks Instrument Tracks 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). Freeze Instrument Channel Allows you to freeze the instrument. Volume Allows you to adjust the level of the track. Pan Allows you to adjust the panning of the track. Delay Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.
Tracks Sampler Tracks RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 98 Freezing Instruments on page 518 Sampler Tracks You can use sampler tracks for controlling the playback of audio samples via MIDI. Each sampler track has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole. A sampler track can have any number of automation tracks. You can add sampler tracks via the Add Track dialog.
Tracks Sampler Tracks 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. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.
Tracks Sampler Tracks 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). Freeze Sampler Channel Allows you to freeze the sampler track.
Tracks MIDI Tracks RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 98 Freezing Sampler Tracks on page 442 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. A MIDI track can have any number of automation tracks. You can add MIDI tracks via the Add Track dialog. RELATED LINKS Add Track Dialog – MIDI on page 115 Add Track Dialog – MIDI The MIDI page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add MIDI tracks.
Tracks MIDI Tracks 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. NOTE This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.
Tracks MIDI Tracks 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 Group Channel Tracks Edit Instrument Allows you to open the instrument panel. Bank Selector Allows you to set a bank select message that is sent to your MIDI device. Programs Allows you to select a program. Program Selector Allows you to set a program change message that is sent to your MIDI device. Drum Maps Allows you to select a drum map for the track.
Tracks Group Channel Tracks ● Select Project > Add Track > Group. This opens only the Group page of the Add Track dialog. The following settings are available: 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. Name Allows you to specify a track name.
Tracks Group Channel 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. Group Channel Track Inspector The Inspector for group channel tracks shows the settings for the group channel. Track name Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the track.
Tracks FX Channel Tracks 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. RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 98 FX Channel Tracks You can use FX channel tracks for adding send effects.
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 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 Ruler Track Allows you to read track automation. 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. RELATED LINKS Inspector Sections on page 98 Ruler Track You can use ruler tracks to show several rulers with different display formats for the timeline.
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 The following display formats are available: Bars+Beats Activates a display format of bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks. By default there are 120 ticks per sixteenth note. To adjust this, change the MIDI Display Resolution in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page). Seconds Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. Timecode Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and frames.
Tracks Folder Tracks ● Select Project > Add Track > Folder. This opens only the Folder 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 Folder Tracks Folder Track Inspector The Inspector for folder tracks shows the folder and its underlying track, much like a folder structure in the File Explorer/macOS Finder. When you select one of the tracks shown under the folder, the Inspector shows the settings for that track. Track name Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording.
Tracks Arranger Track Double-click to rename the track. Mute Mutes the track. Solo Solos the track. Record Enable Activates the track for recording. Monitor For audio-related tracks, this routes incoming signals to the selected output. For MIDI and instrument-related tracks, this allows you to route incoming MIDI signals to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).
Tracks Arranger Track Arranger Track Inspector The arranger track Inspector displays the lists of available arranger chains and arranger events. The arranger track Inspector contains the following settings: Track name Double-click to rename the track. Colorize Selected Track Allows you to colorize the selected track. Open Arranger Editor Opens the Arranger Editor.
Tracks Chord Track Arranger Events Lists all arranger events in your project. Click the arrow of an arranger event to play it back and start the live mode. Stop Allows you to stop the live mode. Jump Mode Allows you to define how long the active arranger event is played before jumping to the next one. Arranger Track Controls The track list for the arranger track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the arranger track.
Tracks Chord Track 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 Video Tracks Shift Chords 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 98 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 Marker Track 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 98 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.
Tracks Marker Track 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.
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 other track types, open the More Tracks section and click the track type. Click Add Track.
Track Handling Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay RESULT The new tracks are added to the project below the selected track. RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 146 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.
Track Handling Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files RESULT The MIDI file is exported. It includes the tempo and time signature events of the Tempo Track Editor or, if the tempo track is deactivated on the Transport panel, the current tempo and time signature. 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.
Track Handling Removing Selected Tracks the resolution, the higher the precision. The resolution should be chosen depending on the application or sequencer with which the MIDI file will be used, because certain applications and sequencers may not be able to handle certain resolutions. Export Locator Range Exports only the range between the left and right locator. Export includes Delay Includes delay settings you have made in the Inspector in the MIDI file.
Track Handling Renaming Tracks Renaming Tracks You can rename tracks. PROCEDURE 1. Double-click the track name and type in a new name for the track. 2. Press Return . If you want all events on the track to get the same name, hold down any modifier key and press Return .
Track Handling Showing Track Pictures 4. In the Track Pictures Browser, select a picture. 5. Click OK. RESULT The picture is shown in the track list and in the MixConsole pictures section. RELATED LINKS Track Pictures Browser on page 141 Adding Track Pictures to MixConsole Channels on page 313 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 Handling Setting the Track Height Show Preview/Hide Preview Opens/Closes a section with further color and zoom settings. Track Picture Preview Shows the current track picture. When you zoom in the picture, you can drag it with the mouse to change its visible part. Track Color Opens the Color Picker that allows you to select a track color. Intensity Allows you to apply the track color to the track picture and set the color intensity. Zoom Allows you to change the size of the track picture.
Track Handling Selecting Tracks The following options are available: Zoom Tracks x Rows Zooms all track heights to show the specified number of rows. Zoom Tracks Full Zooms all tracks to fit in the active Project window. Zoom Tracks N Rows Allows you to set the number of rows to fit in the active Project window. 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.
Track Handling Deselecting Tracks Selecting Tracks with Arrow Keys You can select tracks and events with the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key on the computer keyboard. However, you can make the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key exclusively available for selecting tracks. ● To make the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key exclusively available for selecting tracks, activate Use Up/Down Navigation Commands for Selecting Tracks Only in the Preferences dialog (Editing page).
Track Handling Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks RESULT The track color changes and the corresponding channel in the MixConsole is hidden. To enable the disabled tracks and restore all channel settings, right-click in the track list and select Enable Selected Tracks. Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks You can organize your tracks in folders by moving tracks into folder tracks. This allows you to perform editing on several tracks as one entity.
Track Handling Events Display on Folder Tracks Events Display on Folder Tracks Closed folder tracks can display data of the contained audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks as data blocks or as events. When you close folder tracks, the contents of the contained tracks are displayed as data blocks or events. Depending on the folder track height, the display of the events can be more or less detailed. Modifying Event Display on Folder Tracks You can modify the event display on folder tracks. PROCEDURE 1.
Track Handling Track Presets 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. If you are not satisfied with the track settings, you have to either edit the settings manually or apply another preset. ● Applying VST presets to instrument tracks leads to removal of modifiers, inserts, or EQs. These settings are not stored in VST presets.
Track Handling Track Presets 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. Loading Presets for Tracks You can choose from a variety of track presets. PROCEDURE 1.
Track Handling Track Presets ● Staff settings ● 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.
Track Handling Track Presets RELATED LINKS Creating a Track Preset on page 147 Loading Track or VST Presets You can apply track or VST presets to selected tracks. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select a track. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the Inspector, click Load Track Preset. ● In the track list, right-click the track and select Load Track Preset. ● In the Sampler Control toolbar, click the Preset Management button next to the Preset Name field and select Load Track Preset. 3.
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 154 MIDI Events on page 155 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 210 Audio File Import on page 231 Importing Audio CD Tracks on page 234 Importing Audio from Video Files on page 236 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 464 Audio Part Editor on page 411 Sample Editor on page 380 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 correct positions. You will hear this as a single recording, with processing applied to one section only. 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 444 Audio Regions on page 154 Replacing Clips in Events on page 154 Replacing Clips in Events You can replace the clips in audio events.
Parts and Events Events Creating Regions You can create regions from several selected audio events or from selection ranges. PROCEDURE 1. Select several audio events or selection ranges. 2. Select Audio > Advanced > Event or Range as Region. 3. In the Create Regions dialog, enter a name for the regions, and click OK.
Parts and Events Parts ● Copy an event from a different Cubase project and paste it in the event display. RELATED LINKS Basic Recording Methods on page 210 Importing MIDI Files on page 239 MIDI Editors on page 607 MediaBay and Media Rack on page 464 Parts Parts are containers for MIDI or audio events, and for tracks. RELATED LINKS Audio Parts on page 156 MIDI Parts on page 156 Folder Parts on page 157 Audio Parts Audio parts are containers for audio events.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Folder Parts A folder part is a graphic representation of events and parts on the tracks in the folder. Folder parts indicate the time position as well as the vertical track position. If part colors are used, these are also shown in the folder part. Any editing that you perform to a folder part affects all the events and parts it contains. Tracks inside a folder can be edited as one entity.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The track on which you click is played back, starting at the click position. Playback is stopped when you release the mouse button. NOTE When auditioning, the Main Mix bus is always used for monitoring. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 36 Previewer Section on page 485 Scrubbing The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in events by playing back, forwards or backwards. PROCEDURE 1. Click Play. 2.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE You can also use the Up Arrow , Down Arrow , Left Arrow or Right Arrow keys on the computer keyboard to select the event on the upper or lower track or the previous or next event on the same track. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 36 Event Display on page 827 Select Submenu If the Object Selection tool is selected, the Select submenu features specific options for selecting events in the Project window.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE ● When the Range Selection tool is selected, the Select submenu features different functions. RELATED LINKS Select Menu for Selection Ranges on page 174 Range Editing on page 391 Event Display on page 827 Removing Events You can remove events from the Project window. PROCEDURE ● To remove an event from the Project window, do one of the following: ● On the Project window toolbar, activate Erase and click the event.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE You can only drag events to tracks of the same type. If you hold down Ctrl/Cmd while dragging, you can restrict the movement either horizontally or vertically. RESULT The events are moved. If you moved several events, their relative positions are kept. NOTE To avoid accidentally moving events when you click them in the Project window, the response when you move an event by dragging is slightly delayed.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Setting up a Snap Grid for Nudge Operations You can set up an independent snap grid just for nudge operations. This way, you can perform all editing with the mouse using a musical (tempo-related) grid that is set to Bars+Beats while all nudge operations and corresponding key commands are based on a linear (time-related) grid. PREREQUISITE The primary time format on the Transport panel is set to Bars+Beats.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● To nudge the events to the left, click Move Left or use the corresponding key command Ctrl/Cmd - Left Arrow . ● To nudge the events to the right, click Move Right or use the corresponding key command Ctrl/Cmd - Right Arrow . RESULT The selected events or parts that you nudged are moved. They snap to the linear grid that you set in the Nudge Settings pop-up menu.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Moving Events via the Info Line You can move a selected event by changing its start value on the info line. PROCEDURE 1. Select the event that you want to move. 2. On the info line, double-click the Start field and enter a new value for the event start. RESULT The event is moved by the set value. Renaming Events PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select the events and type in a new name in the File field on the info line.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events NOTE If your event contains fades and you want to adapt their length while sizing the event, hold down Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt . RESULT The event is resized and according to where you dragged, more or less of the content is revealed. If several events are selected, they are all resized in the same way.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RESULT The part is stretched or compressed to fit the new length. ● If you resize MIDI parts, the note events are stretched (moved and resized). Controller data are stretched, too. ● If you resize audio parts, the events are moved, and the referenced audio files are time stretched to fit the new length. If several events are selected, they are all resized in the same way.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Ruler Display Format Menu on page 44 Grid Type Menu on page 69 Resizing Events Using the Nudge Settings You can move the start or end position of events by the amount set on the Nudge Settings pop-up menu. PREREQUISITE The Object Selection tool is set to Normal Sizing or Sizing Moves Contents. PROCEDURE 1. Right-click the Project window toolbar and activate Nudge. The Nudge Settings become available on the toolbar. 2.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events 3. Select Scrub. 4. Click and drag the lower left or right corner of the event. RESULT The event is resized and you get an acoustic feedback while dragging. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 36 Splitting Events PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Select Split and click the event that you want to split. ● Select Object Selection, hold down Alt/Opt and click the event.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events Splitting Events Repeatedly You can split events repeatedly into multiple events of equal size. PROCEDURE ● Select Split split. , hold down Alt/Opt and click the event where you want to make the first RESULT The event is automatically split into as many equal events as the length of the original event allows. Gluing Events In the Project window, you can glue two or more events on the same track.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events If the selected track is of the wrong type, the event is inserted on its original track. Pasting Events to Matching Track Names You can copy events in one project and paste them at the first track that matches the exact track name in another project. PROCEDURE 1. Copy the events in one project. 2. Activate the project where you want to paste the events. 3. Select Edit > Functions > Paste to Matching Track Name.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events ● Move the mouse pointer over the middle of the right event border so that it becomes a pointing hand symbol, click and drag to the right to create a real copy. ● Select the events, hold down Alt/Opt - Shift , and drag to the right to create a shared copy. NOTE This applies to MIDI events only.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RELATED LINKS Repeating Events on page 170 Repeat Events Dialog on page 171 Fill Loop You can create a number of copies between the right and left locators. ● Select Edit > Functions > Fill Loop to create a number of copies starting at the left locator and ending at the right locator. The last copy is automatically shortened to end at the right locator position.
Parts and Events Editing Techniques for Parts and Events RELATED LINKS Info Line on page 46 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.
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 From Cursor to End Makes a selection on all tracks, from the project cursor to the end of the project. 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.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges CHOICES ● Drag the edges of the selection range vertically or horizontally. ● Hold down Shift and click at the position to which you want to extend/reduce the size of the selection range. The closest selection range edge is moved to the position at which you clicked. ● On the info line, adjust the values for Range Start, Range End, Range Length, Top Track or Bottom Track.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Nudging Selection Ranges You can nudge selection ranges to a new position without moving their contents. PREREQUISITE ● You have created a selection range. ● You have activated the Nudge section by right-clicking the Project window toolbar, and activating Nudge. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Grid Type pop-up menu and select a value to set the nudge amount. 2.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Paste Pastes the clipboard data to the start position and track of the current selection. Existing events on the tracks remain at their original position. Paste at Origin Pastes the clipboard data back at its original position. Existing events on the tracks remain at their original position. This option is available in Edit > Functions. Cut Time Cuts the selection range and moves it to the clipboard.
Range Editing Editing Selection Ranges Cropping Selection Ranges You can crop events or parts that are partially within the selection range. PREREQUISITE You have created a selection range. PROCEDURE ● Select Edit > Range > Crop. RESULT Events that are fully inside or outside the selection range are not affected. Inserting Silence You can insert empty track space from the start of the selection range. The length of the silence equals the length 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 MIDI Auto Quantize Automatic MIDI Record Quantize 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.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Rewind Moves backward. 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.
Playback and Transport Transport Panel Activate Post-roll Activates post-roll. 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.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu MIDI Out Activity Displays the MIDI output signals. 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 Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. Rewind Moves backward. 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.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Enter Locator Range Duration Allows you to enter the duration of the locator range manually. Set Locators to Selection Range Sets the locators to encompass the selection. Exchange Left & Right Locator Positions Switches the positions of the left and right locator. Loop Selection Range Activates playback from the start of the current selection and keeps starting over again when reaching the selection end. Punch Points Activate Punch In Activates/Deactivates punch in.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Play from Selection End Activates playback from the end of the current selection. Play until Selection Start Activates playback two seconds before the start of the current selection and stops at the selection start. Play until Selection End Activates playback two seconds before the end of the current selection and stops at the selection end. Play until Next Marker Activates playback from the project cursor and stops at the next marker.
Playback and Transport Transport Menu Audio Record Mode These options allow you to select what happens when you record over existing events. Keep History Keeps existing events or portions of events. Cycle History + Replace Replaces existing events or portions of events by the new recording. In cycle mode, all takes from the current cycle recording are kept. Replace Replaces existing events or portions of events by the last take.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Insert from Track Input as Cycle Recording Inserts MIDI data that was sent to the track input as stacked MIDI parts on the selected track. Empty All Buffers Empties the retrospective record buffer for the selected track. Metronome Setup Opens the Metronome Setup dialog. Activate Metronome Activates/Deactivates the metronome click. Project Synchronization Setup Opens the Project Synchronization Setup dialog.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Transport Bar Sections The Transport Bar has different sections that you can show or hide by activating the corresponding options on the context menu. ● To activate the Transport Bar, click Set up Window Layout on the Project window toolbar and activate Transport Bar. ● To show/hide tools, open the Transport Bar context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the Transport Bar and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar The upper bar displays either the current realtime peak or the ASIO-Guard load, depending on which of the two has the higher value. The lower bar shows the hard disk transfer load of the disk engine. For a more detailed display of realtime and ASIO-Guard load, click to open the Audio Performance window. Locators Go to Left Locator Position Allows you to go to the left locator position. Left Locator Position Shows the left locator position.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Rewind Moves backward. Forward Moves forward. Cycle Activates/Deactivates cycle mode. Stop Stops playback. Start Starts playback. Transport Record Activates/Deactivates record mode. 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.
Playback and Transport Transport Bar Activates pre-roll. Pre-roll Amount Allows you to set the pre-roll position. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Activate Post-roll Activates post-roll. 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.
Playback and Transport Transport Pop-Up Window Open Metronome Setup Opens the Metronome Setup dialog. To show/hide this, click the points on the divider. Input/Output Activity MIDI In Activity Displays the MIDI input signals. MIDI Out Activity Displays the MIDI output signals. 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.
Playback and Transport Time Display Window Enter Tempo Shift - T Enter Time Signature Shift - C Enter Punch In Position Shift - I Enter Punch Out Position Shift - O Go to Left Locator Num 1 Go to Right Locator Num 2 Using a specific key command opens the corresponding section of the Transport pop-up window: Transport pop-up window for entering the left Locator position. NOTE To close the Transport pop-up window, press Esc .
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators Bars+Beats Displays the time in bars and beats. Seconds Displays the time in seconds. fps Displays the time in frames per second. Samples Displays the time in samples. Show Beat Count Only Shows the beat counts only. This is useful if you want to use the Time Display window as a visual metronome. Increase Window Size Increases the size of the window and the displayed values. Decrease Window Size Decreases the size of the window and the displayed values.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators ● To activate/deactivate cycle mode, click the locator range in the upper part of the ruler, or activate Activate Cycle in the transport controls. ● NOTE If you activate cycle mode, and the right locator is positioned before the left locator, the locator range is skipped during playback.
Playback and Transport Left and Right Locators Setting the Right Locator Setting the right 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 Alt/Opt and click in the upper part of the ruler to set the right locator to that position. ● Adjust the Right Locator Position value.
Playback and Transport Setting the Project Cursor Setting the Project Cursor You can set the project cursor to the position where you click, or to markers or other predefined positions. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● Hold down Shift - Alt/Opt and click in the Project window event display. ● Click Go to Previous Marker/Zero or Go to Next Marker/Project End.
Playback and Transport Time Formats The project cursor is kept in the middle of the window and the ruler scrolls continuously to the left. RELATED LINKS Project Window Toolbar on page 36 Suspend Auto-Scroll When Editing If you do not want the Project window display to change when editing during playback, activate Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing. Suspend Auto-Scroll when Editing is available as an option in the Select Auto-Scroll Settings pop-up menu to the right of the Auto-Scroll button.
Playback and Transport Pre-Roll and Post-Roll ● In the ruler of the Project window or any editor, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler. ● Select Project > Add Track > Ruler to add a ruler track, and right-click the ruler. ● In the Main Transport section of the Transport panel, click Select Secondary Time Format.
Playback and Transport Punch In and Punch Out RESULT The project cursor rolls back by the specified pre-roll value and playback starts. When the cursor reaches the left locator, recording is automatically activated. When the cursor reaches the right locator, recording is deactivated, but playback continues for the specified post-roll value before stopping. 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.
Playback and Transport Metronome Click RELATED LINKS General Tab on page 204 Click Sounds Tab on page 205 Transport Bar Sections on page 190 203 Cubase Elements 12
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 ● Time Signature at Record Start Position 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 4. Click Open. 5. Click the other rows to select audio files for the other beats. 6. Set the level of the sounds by clicking the respective rows in the Level column and adjusting the value. 7. Optional: Click Start 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 On-Screen Keyboard Options The On-Screen Keyboard offers different display modes as well as other options. ● To open the On-Screen Keyboard, select Studio > On-Screen Keyboard. 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.
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 duration, etc. that affect the audio recordings that you make during the course of the project.
Recording Basic Recording Methods VST on page 841 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 196 MIDI Recording on page 223 Audio Recording on page 218 Common Record Modes Menu The Common Record Modes determine what happens if you click Record during an audio or MIDI recording.
Recording Monitoring NOTE The previous recordings are removed from the project and cannot be retrieved using Undo. However, they remain in the Pool. 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.
Recording Monitoring PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select VST. 2. Open the Auto Monitoring pop-up menu and select Manual. 3. Deactivate Monitor in Cubase. 4. On your mixing desk or mixer application for your audio hardware, activate the Thru or Direct Thru mode to send the input audio back out again. 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.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Monitoring MIDI Tracks You can monitor everything you play and record through the MIDI output and channel that are selected for the MIDI track. PREREQUISITE Local Off is activated on your MIDI instrument. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select MIDI. 2. Make sure MIDI Thru Active is activated. 3. In the track list, activate Monitor. RESULT Incoming MIDI is echoed back out again.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Setting the Audio Record Folder Each Cubase project has a project folder containing an Audio folder. By default, this is where recorded audio files are stored. However, you can select record folders independently for each audio track if needed. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select all tracks to which you want to assign the same record folder. 2. Right-click one of the tracks to open the context menu. 3. Select Set Record Folder. 4.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Selecting an Input Bus for the Track Before you can record on your track, you must add and set up the required input busses and specify from which input bus the track will record. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector for the audio track, open the Input Routing pop-up menu. 2. Select an input bus.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics Keep History Existing events or portions of events that are overlapped by a new recording are kept. Cycle History + Replace Existing events or portions of events that are overlapped by a new recording are replaced by the new recording. However, if you record in cycle mode, all takes from the current cycle recording are kept. Replace Existing events or portions of events that are overlapped by a new recording are replaced by the last recorded take.
Recording Audio Recording Specifics ● You hit Record too late. For this to work, you must specify an audio pre-record time. ● The system failed during recording. Specifying an Audio Pre-Record Time You can capture up to 1 minute of any incoming audio that you play in stop mode or during playback. This is possible because Cubase can capture audio input in buffer memory, even when not recording. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select Record > Audio. 2.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics ● Do not try to actively bring about this kind of situation to test this feature. Although the internal program processes have been improved to cope with such situations, Steinberg cannot guarantee that other parts of the computer are not damaged as a consequence. MIDI Recording Specifics Specific preparations and settings are required for MIDI recordings.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics Setting the MIDI Input In the Inspector, you set the MIDI input for the track. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, select the track to which you want to assign a MIDI input. 2. In the topmost Inspector section, open the Input Routing pop-up menu and select an input. The available inputs depend on the type of MIDI interface that you are using. If you hold down Shift - Alt/Opt , the selected MIDI input is used for all selected MIDI tracks.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics NOTE Bank Select messages are recognized differently by different MIDI instruments. The structure and numbering of banks and programs may also vary. Refer to the documentation of your MIDI instruments for details. RELATED LINKS MIDI Track Inspector on page 116 Recording in MIDI Editors You can record MIDI data into the MIDI part that is opened in a MIDI editor. PREREQUISITE You have selected Merge or Replace as MIDI Record Mode. PROCEDURE 1.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics You can find them in the Preferences dialog on the MIDI and on the Record—MIDI page. RELATED LINKS Basic Recording Methods on page 210 MIDI on page 832 Record - MIDI on page 837 Types of MIDI Messages You can record different types of MIDI messages. ● To specify which event types are recorded, deactivate the options for the type of MIDI message that you want to record in the Preferences dialog (MIDI—MIDI Filter page).
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics You can record Program Change Messages on their own tracks, separately from the notes to which they belong. As long as you set the two tracks to the same output and MIDI channel, it will appear to the MIDI instrument as if you made the two recordings at the same time. System Exclusive Messages SysEx (System Exclusive) messages are special types of MIDI messages that are used to send data that only makes sense to a unit of a certain make and type.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics 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. MIDI Cycle Record Mode When you record MIDI in cycle mode, the result not only depends on the MIDI record mode, but also on the cycle record mode that is selected in the Cycled MIDI Recording Only section.
Recording MIDI Recording Specifics 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. NOTE In the Preferences dialog (Record—MIDI page), you can specify a Retrospective Record Buffer Size.
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 Inserting a Retrospective Track Recording into an Editor You can insert a retrospective track recording, that is, MIDI data that was sent to the track input in Stop mode or during playback, into the MIDI part that is opened in a MIDI editor. PREREQUISITE You have played some MIDI notes in Stop mode or during playback, and you want to recover them. PROCEDURE 1. Double-click the MIDI part where you want to insert the captured MIDI data to open it in a MIDI editor. 2.
Recording Lock Record Lock Record The Lock Record function prevents you from accidentally deactivating record mode. ● Select Edit > Key Commands and in the Transport category, assign key commands to the Lock Record and Unlock Record commands. If Lock Record is activated and you want to enter stop mode, a dialog opens in which you need to confirm that you want to stop recording. You can also use the Unlock Record key command first and then enter stop mode as usual.
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 Size The file size of the audio CD track in MB. 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.
Importing Audio and MIDI Files Audio File Import RESULT The audio of the selected video file is extracted and converted to a wave file that is saved in the Audio folder. 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.
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 ● HALion Sonic SE multi-timbral creates several MIDI tracks, each routed to a separate instance of HALion Sonic SE in the VST Instruments window, and loads the appropriate presets. 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.
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 ● Freeze MIDI Quantize 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 preset based on hitpoints that you have created in the Sample Editor.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths You can quantize the MIDI event lengths. PREREQUISITE You have set up a length quantize value on the Length Quantize pop-up menu on the Key Editor toolbar. 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.
Quantizing MIDI and Audio Quantize Panel PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select an audio event, a sliced loop, or an audio part. 2. Select Edit > Quantize. RESULT The event snap point, or, if not available, the start of the audio event, is quantized. Event starts that do not match exact note positions are moved to the closest grid positions. NOTE If you use the Quantize function on an audio part, the starts of the events inside the part are quantized.
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 preset 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. Open the Create section, and click 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 Fade and volume changes are reflected in the event waveform and on the info line. 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.
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 If you set the current fade as the default fade, the length value is included as part of the default settings. 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.
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 > Fades > 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 NOTE You can also remove a crossfade by clicking and dragging it outside the event. 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.
Fades and Crossfades Auto Fades and Crossfades 1 Auto Fade In 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 Provides the settings for auto crossfades. Equal Gain allows you to adjust the fade curves so that the summed fade-in and fade-out amplitudes are the same all along the crossfade region. Equal Power allows you to adjust the fade curves so that the energy (power) of the crossfade is constant all along the crossfade region. Making Global Auto Fade Settings You can set up auto fades and crossfades for the whole project. PROCEDURE 1.
Arranger Track The arranger functions in Cubase allow you to work in a non-linear fashion. Using an arranger track allows you to specify how and when specific sections are played back, even in live performances. This way, you do not need to move, copy, and paste events in the Project window. NOTE There can be only one arranger track in a project. To use the arranger functions, you must add an arranger track and define arranger events. Arranger events can be of any length.
Arranger Track Arranger Editor RELATED LINKS Arranger Track on page 129 Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events on page 265 Snap Function on page 68 Snap Types Menu on page 68 Renaming Arranger Events When you add arranger events, they are automatically named in alphabetical order. You can change the names so that they reflect the structure of your project, such as Intro, Chorus, Bridge, for example. PROCEDURE 1. Select the arranger event that you want to rename. 2.
Arranger Track Arranger Editor Arranger Editor Toolbar The Arranger Editor contains tools and shortcuts for setting the flatten options. ● To open the Arranger Editor, select an arranger track, and click Open Arranger Editor the track list. Activate Arranger Mode Activates playback in arranger mode. Previous Chain Step Navigates to the previous entry in the current arranger chain list. Next Chain Step Navigates to the next entry in the current arranger chain list.
Arranger Track Arranger Editor Arranger Chain Repeat Modes The Arranger Editor features a function that allows you to repeat and loop your arranger events. This way, you can create a sketch of a song structure. ● To open the Arranger Editor, select an arranger track, and click Open Arranger Editor in the track list. To select one of the repeat modes, click the Mode column in the Current Arranger Chain list. 1 Normal Plays back the arranger chain exactly the way you set it up.
Arranger Track Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events Current Project This is only available if Source is set to Current Chain. Activate this option if you want to save the flattened chain in the current project. New Project Allows you to flatten one or more chains in a new project with the following naming options: ● Append Chain Name Appends the chain names to the project name. ● Use Chain Name Names the new projects after the current arranger chains.
Arranger Track Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding Events ● 4. Drag an arranger event from the Project window and drop it in the Current Arranger Chain list. Click Play. RESULT The arranger events are played back in the order that you specified in the arranger chain. RELATED LINKS Arranger Chain Repeat Modes on page 264 Adding a New Arranger Chain You can create several arranger chains in order to set up alternative versions for playback. PREREQUISITE Arranger Mode is activated. PROCEDURE 1.
Arranger Track Jump Mode Flattening the Arranger Chain When you have set up an arranger chain that you like, and you are sure that you do not want to edit it any more, you can convert it to a linear project. PREREQUISITE You have saved a copy of the project before flattening the arranger chain. NOTE Flattening the arranger chain may remove events and parts from the project. Only use Flatten when you know you do not want to edit the arranger track/chain any more.
Arranger Track Jump Mode 3. In the Arranger Events list of the Inspector, click the arrow to the left of the arranger event that you want to trigger. RESULT The arranger event is looped according to your settings, until you click another arranger event. NOTE You can assign key commands to trigger arranger events in the Arranger category of the Key Commands dialog. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK ● To stop Jump Mode, click Stop.
Arranger Track Arranging Music to Video 1 Bar Jumps to the next section at the next barline. 1 Beat Jumps to the next section at the next beat. End Plays the current section to the end, then jumps to the next section. Arranging Music to Video When you compose music for video, you can use arranger events to fill a specific video section with music. The following is an example on how you could do that. PREREQUISITE You have connected and set up an external sync master device to your computer.
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 Settings section Show Marker IDs on Marker Track If this option is activated, the marker IDs are shown on marker track events. Cycle Follows When Locating to Markers This sets the left and right locators automatically to a position or cycle marker, when locating to this marker. This is useful if you need to set the locators on the fly during recording for Punch In/Punch Out, for example.
Markers Markers Window 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 Markers window is automatically scrolled to keep the locate arrow visible. List of markers Lists the markers of the selected track. Editing in the Markers Window In the Markers window, you can select, edit, add, move, and remove markers. ● To select or edit a marker, click on it.
Markers Markers Window Marker Attributes Marker attributes are shown in the marker list of the Markers window. ● To open the Markers window, select Project > Markers. The following attribute columns are available: Locate An arrow indicates which marker is at the project cursor position (or closest to the project cursor). If you click in this column, the project cursor is moved to the corresponding marker position. This column cannot be hidden. ID Shows the marker ID numbers.
Markers Marker Track NOTE No matter by which attribute you sort, the second sort criterion will always be the position attribute. ● 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. Marker IDs Each position or cycle marker on a marker track has its own marker ID.
Markers Marker Track 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. 4 Cycle pop-up menu If you select a cycle marker in this pop-up menu, the left and right locators are set to the corresponding cycle marker. 5 Zoom pop-up menu If you select a cycle marker in this pop-up menu, the view zooms to the corresponding cycle marker.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers Using Markers to Select Ranges Markers can be used in conjunction with the Range Selection tool to make range selections in the Project window. This is useful if you quickly want to make a selection that spans all tracks in the project. PROCEDURE 1. Set markers at the start and end of the section that you want to move or copy. 2. Select the Range Selection tool and double-click on the marker track between the markers.
Markers Importing and Exporting Markers RELATED LINKS Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files on page 137 278 Cubase Elements 12
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.
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 track picture to the selected channel.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS MixConsole Left Zone on page 283 MixConsole Toolbar on page 284 Project Window Toolbar on page 36 Fader Section on page 293 Channel Racks Selector on page 289 Adding Track Pictures to MixConsole Channels on page 313 Adding Notes to a MixConsole Channel on page 313 Channel Latency Overview on page 314 Channel Strips on page 306 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 NOTE The MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window does not follow any visibility changes that you perform in the MixConsole window and vice versa. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Right Locator Position Shows the right locator position. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Select Primary Time Format Allows you to select a time format for the primary time display. 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.
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 Shows/Hides the left 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. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Update Configuration If you change the active configuration, this is indicated by an asterisk after the configuration name. Use this function to save changes to the active configuration. Rename Configuration Opens the Rename Configuration dialog that allows you to rename the active configuration. Delete Configuration Allows you to delete the active configuration. Move Configuration to Position This function becomes available if 2 or more configurations exist.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) Contains input filter controls along with Phase and Gain controls for audio-related channels. Inserts Allows you to select insert effects for your channel. Equalizers (audio-related channels only) Allows you to set the channel EQ. Channel Strip (audio-related channels only) Allows you to integrate channel strip modules, such as Gate, Compressor, EQ, Transformer, Saturator, and Limiter that allow you to enhance your sound.
MixConsole MixConsole Window RELATED LINKS MixConsole Toolbar on page 284 Linking Channels You can link selected channels in the MixConsole temporarily. Any change that is applied to one channel is mirrored by all linked channels. Using Quick Link You can activate the Temporary Link Mode to synchronize all touched parameters of selected channels. PROCEDURE 1. Select the channels that you want to link. 2. On the MixConsole toolbar, activate Q-Link.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Save Selected Channels Saves the settings for the selected channels. Load Selected Channels Loads the settings for the selected channels. Global Meter Settings Opens a submenu where you can set up the global meter settings. Reset MixConsole Channels Allows you to reset EQ, insert, and send effect settings for all or selected channels. Solo and mute buttons are deactivated, the volume fader is set to 0 dB, and pan is set to the center position.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE When you apply loaded MixConsole settings to fewer channels, some of the saved settings are not applied. Since the saved settings are applied from left to right as shown in the MixConsole, the settings for the channels furthest to the right are not applied to any channels. Fader Section The fader section is the heart of the MixConsole. It shows input and output channels together with audio, instrument, MIDI, group, and FX channels.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE All fader section functions and settings are also available in the MixConsole in the lower zone of the Project window. RELATED LINKS Channel Settings on page 315 Write/Read Automation on page 499 Pan Control For each audio-related channel with at least a stereo output configuration, you can find a pan control at the top of the fader section. For MIDI channels, the pan control sends out MIDI pan messages.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● To activate exclusive solo mode, hold down Ctrl/Cmd and click Solo for the channel. The Solo buttons of all other channels are deactivated. ● To activate solo defeat for a channel, Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt -click Solo. You can also click and hold Solo to activate solo defeat. In this mode, the channel is not muted when you solo another channel. Click again to deactivate solo defeat. Volume Each channel in the fader section of the MixConsole has a volume fader.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Setting up Meter Colors Setting up meter colors can help you to keep an overview of what levels are being reached. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select Metering > Appearance. 2. Do one of the following to set the level position for a color change: 3. ● 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Level Meters The channel meters show the level when you play back audio or MIDI. The Meter Peak Level indicator shows the highest registered level. ● To reset the peak level, Alt/Opt -click the Meter Peak Level value. NOTE Input and output channels have clipping indicators. When they light up, lower the gain or the levels until the indicator is no longer lit.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 7. If necessary, use the input channel fader to adjust the signal level. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window ● To copy the channel settings from one channel to another, including the output routing settings, press Alt/Opt , drag the channel, and drop it on the channel to which you want to copy the settings. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Input Busses The input routing selector only lists busses that correspond to the channel configuration. Input Routing Configurations for Mono Channels For mono channels, the following input routing configurations are available: ● Mono input busses. ● Mono output busses, or mono group output busses. These should not lead to feedback.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Making Filter Settings Each audio-related channel has separate high-cut and low-cut filters that allow you to attenuate signals with frequencies that are higher or lower than the cutoff frequency. PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) to show the Pre rack above the fader section. 2. Click to the left of the high-cut filter to activate the high-cut filter.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Inserts The Inserts rack for audio-related channels features insert effect slots that allow you to load insert effects for a channel. For MIDI channels you can load MIDI inserts. For further information, see the separate document Plug-in Reference. RELATED LINKS Audio Effects on page 329 Adding Insert Effects You can add insert effects to MixConsole channels. PROCEDURE 1.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE You can also apply inserts together with EQ and channel strip settings from track presets. You can load, tag, and save FX chain presets in the MediaBay. Equalizers (EQ) The Equalizers (EQ) rack is only available for audio-related channels. It features a built-in parametric equalizer with up to 4 bands for each audio channel. NOTE This channel rack is only available in the MixConsole window.
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 Opens a pop-up menu where you can load/save a preset. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window NOTE You can also apply EQ together with insert and channel strip settings from track presets. You can load, tag, and save EQ presets in the MediaBay. 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Activate Filter Activates/Deactivates the internal side-chain and allows you to set up a filter to modify the signal detection. Auto Release Automatically finds the best Release setting for the audio material. Filter Frequency If the internal side-chain is activated, this parameter sets the filter frequency for the signal detection. Q-Factor If the internal side-chain is activated, this parameter sets the resonance of the filter for the signal detection.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Gain Reduction LED Indicates the amount of compression of the signal. RELATED LINKS Standard Compressor – Details View on page 320 Tube Compressor The Tube Compressor with integrated tube-simulation allows you to achieve smooth and warm compression effects. The VU meter shows the amount of gain reduction. This compressor features an internal side-chain section that lets you filter the trigger signal. Input Gain Determines the compression amount.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Attack Mode (Punch) If this option is activated, the early attack phase of the signal is preserved, retaining the original punch in the audio material, even with short Attack settings. Auto Release Automatically finds the best Release setting for the audio material. Gain Reduction LED Indicates the amount of compression of the signal. RELATED LINKS VintageCompressor - Details View on page 322 EQ You can make equalizer settings for the 4 bands.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Attack Length Determines the length of the attack phase. Output Gain Sets the output level. Sat Allows you to add warmth to the sound. Open the pop-up menu to select between Tape Saturation, and Tube Saturation. Tape Saturation This channel strip module simulates the saturation and compression of recording on analog tape machines. Drive Controls the amount of tape saturation. Low-Frequency This is a low shelving filter with fixed frequency.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Limit Allows you to avoid clipping even at high levels. Open the pop-up menu to select between Brickwall Limiter, Maximizer, and Standard Limiter. Brickwall Limiter Brickwall Limiter ensures that the output level never exceeds a set limit. Due to its fast attack time, Brickwall Limiter can reduce even short audio level peaks without creating audible artifacts. However, this channel strip module creates a latency of 1 ms.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Saving/Loading Strip Presets You can save and load strip presets. Strip presets have the file name extension .strippreset. PROCEDURE ● In the top right corner of the Channel Strip rack, open the Presets pop-up menu and perform one of the following actions: ● To save the current settings as a preset, select Save Strip Preset and name your preset. ● To load a preset, select Load Strip Preset and select a preset.
MixConsole MixConsole Window 2. Select Add FX Channel to . 3. In the Add FX Channel Track window, select the effect and configuration. 4. Click OK. RESULT The FX channel track is added in the Project window, and the send is automatically routed to it. Adding Track Pictures to MixConsole Channels You can add track pictures to one or multiple channels in the MixConsole. PROCEDURE 1. On the MixConsole toolbar, click Set up Window Layout, and activate Pictures.
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 Type Indicates if the latency is caused by an insert effect, a channel strip module, or a panner. Latency (ms) Shows the latency in milliseconds. NOTE ● If the latency value is marked with (*), the corresponding plug-in features a Live button or a low latency mode. If you activate Constrain Delay Compensation, this mode is automatically activated. ● If the latency value is marked with (**), the corresponding plug-in does not feature a Live button or a low latency mode.
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 Shows the name of the output channel. 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 Channel Settings – Channel Inserts The Channel Inserts section is shown in the Channel Settings 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.
MixConsole MixConsole Window Bypass Channel Strip Bypasses the channel strip modules for the channel. NOTE You can reset the channel strip modules for the channel by Alt/Opt -clicking this button. Channel Strip Allows you to activate and set up channel strip modules for the channel. Preset Management Allows you to load or save strip presets.
MixConsole MixConsole Window In the details view, the following additional parameters are available: ● Soft Knee/High Ratio ● Hold ● Analysis ● Dry Mix ● Input Gain meter ● Output Gain meter ● Gain Reduction meter You can close the details view by clicking Close Module . RELATED LINKS Standard Compressor on page 307 Tube Compressor – Details View The Tube Compressor features a details view with more controls and value readouts for the meters.
MixConsole MixConsole Window In the details view, the following additional parameters are available: ● Character ● Low/High switch for Ratio ● Side-chain section with Frequency, Filter Type, Q-Factor, and Monitor ● Input Gain meter ● Output Gain meter You can close the details view by clicking Close Module . RELATED LINKS Tube Compressor on page 308 VintageCompressor - Details View The VintageCompressor features a details view with more controls and value readouts for the meters.
MixConsole MixConsole Window In the details view, the following additional parameters are available: ● Mix ● Ratio buttons ● Input Gain meter ● Output Gain meter ● Gain Reduction meter You can close the details view by clicking Close Module . RELATED LINKS VintageCompressor on page 308 Maximizer – Details View The Maximizer features a details view with more controls and value readouts for the meters. ● To open the details view, click Edit Module 323 Cubase Elements 12 .
MixConsole MixConsole Window In the details view, the following additional parameters are available: ● Classic This mode is suited for all styles of music. ● Modern This mode is particularly suited for contemporary styles of music. Release allows you to set the overall release time, Recover allows for a faster signal recovering at the beginning of the release phase.
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 293 Channel Settings on page 315 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 Navigating in a Section Once you have activated the focus for a section, you can control it with the computer keyboard. In the channel racks section and in the fader section, controls that are selected for keyboard control are indicated by a red border. CHOICES ● To navigate through the controls, use the Up Arrow , Down Arrow , Left Arrow , or Right Arrow keys. ● To activate or deactivate a switch, press Return .
Audio Effects Cubase comes with a number of included effect plug-ins that you can use to process audio, group, and instrument 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 358 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 Plug-In Delay Compensation Some audio effects, especially dynamics processors that feature a look-ahead functionality, may take a brief time to process the audio fed into them. As a result, the output audio is slightly delayed. To compensate for this, Cubase provides plug-in delay compensation. Plug-in delay compensation is featured throughout the entire audio path maintaining the sync and timing of all audio channels.
Audio Effects Insert Effects NOTE If you want to use an effect with identical settings on several channels, set up a group channel and apply your effect as a single insert for this group. RELATED LINKS Dither Effects on page 346 Adding Insert Effects to Group Channels on page 333 Rack Settings Menu on page 290 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.
Audio Effects Insert Effects RESULT The selected insert effect is added to the bus and activated. The effect control panel is opened. Adding Insert Effects to Group Channels If you add insert effects to group channels, you can process several audio tracks through the same effect. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track . 2. Click Group. 3. Open the Audio Outputs pop-up menu, and select the desired output bus. 4. Click Add Track.
Audio Effects Insert Effects Copying Insert Effects You can add insert effects to audio channels by copying them from other audio channels or from other slots of the same audio channel. PREREQUISITE You have added at least one insert effect to an audio channel. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > MixConsole. 2. In the Inserts rack, locate the insert effect that you want to copy. 3. Hold down Alt/Opt , and drag the insert effect on an insert slot. RESULT The insert effect is copied.
Audio Effects Insert Effects RESULT The effect is deactivated and all processing is terminated, but the effect is still loaded. Bypassing Insert Effects If you want to listen to the track without having it processed by a particular effect, but do not want to remove this effect completely from the insert slot, you can bypass it. A bypassed effect is still processing in the background. This allows for crackle-free comparison of the original and the processed signal.
Audio Effects VST Effect Selector Freezing Insert Effects Freezing an audio track and its insert effects allows you to reduce processor power. However, frozen tracks are locked for editing. You cannot edit, remove, or add insert effects for the frozen track. PREREQUISITE You have made all settings for the track and you are sure that you do not need to edit it anymore. PROCEDURE 1. In the Inspector for the audio track that you want to freeze, click Freeze Audio Channel. 2.
Audio Effects Send Effects 1 Expand Tree/Collapse Tree Expands/Collapses the tree. 2 Search VST Effect Allows you to search for VST effects 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. Send Effects Send effects are outside the signal path of an audio channel.
Audio Effects Send Effects ● You can rename FX channel tracks as any other tracks. ● You can add automation tracks to FX channel tracks. This allows for automating various effect parameters. ● You can route the effect return to any output bus. ● You can adjust the FX channel in the MixConsole. This includes adjusting the effect return level, the balance, and the EQ. When you add an FX channel track, you can select if FX channel tracks are created inside or outside a dedicated folder.
Audio Effects Send Effects 2. In the Inspector, open the Sends section. 3. Right-click the send slot to which you want to add the FX channel, and select Add FX Channel to Send. 4. Open the Effect pop-up menu, and select an effect for the FX channel track. 5. Open the Configuration pop-up menu, and select a channel configuration for the FX channel track. 6. Open the Folder Setup pop-up menu, and select if you want to create FX channel tracks inside or outside a dedicated folder. 7.
Audio Effects Send Effects The Channel Settings window for the FX channel track opens. 2. In the Inserts section, click an insert slot on the Inserts tab, and select an effect from the selector. RESULT The selected effect is added as an insert effect to the FX channel track. Routing Audio Channels to FX Channels If you route an audio channel send to an FX channel, the audio is routed through the insert effects that you have set up for the FX channel. PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio track. 2.
Audio Effects Send Effects Pre/Post Fader Sends You can send the signal from the audio channel to the FX channel before or after the audio channel volume fader. ● Pre-fader sends The audio channel signal is sent to the FX channel before the audio channel volume fader. ● Post-fader sends The audio channel signal is sent to the FX channel after the audio channel volume fader.
Audio Effects Side-Chaining This determines how much of the signal from the audio channel is routed to the FX channel. RESULT The effect level is adjusted according to your settings. NOTE To determine how much of the signal from the FX channel is sent to the output bus, open the Channel Settings window for the FX channel track and adjust the effect return level. Side-Chaining Many VST 3 effects support side-chaining.
Audio Effects Side-Chaining RELATED LINKS Side-Chain Routing on page 344 Triggering a Delay Effect with Side-Chain Signals on page 343 Triggering a Compressor with Side-Chain Signals on page 344 Creating Side-Chain Connections From Multiple Inputs on page 346 Triggering a Delay Effect with Side-Chain Signals You can use side-chain signals to create a ducking delay effect. This is useful if you want to apply a delay effect that is audible only when no signal is present on a track. PROCEDURE 1.
Audio Effects Side-Chaining NOTE To ensure that audio signals of low or medium volume also silence the delay effect, you can adjust the volume of the duplicated track. RELATED LINKS Side-Chaining on page 342 Side-Chain Routing on page 344 Triggering a Compressor with Side-Chain Signals Compression, expansion, or gating can be triggered by side-chain signals exceeding a specified threshold. This allows you to lower the volume of one audio signal every time another audio signal sets in.
Audio Effects Side-Chaining Select the Plug-in Side-Chain Input This pop-up menu is only available if your plug-in supports several side-chain inputs. From the pop-up menu, select the input for which you want to add a side-chain source. Side-chain plug-in inputs that are routed to side-chain sources are indicated by a rhombus next to the input name. The number of available side-chain inputs depends on the plug-in. Activate/Deactivate Side-Chaining Activates/Deactivates the side-chain functionality.
Audio Effects Dither Effects Creating Side-Chain Connections From Multiple Inputs For plug-ins that support multiple side-chain inputs, you can create side-chain connections coming from multiple side-chain inputs of that plug-in. PREREQUISITE Your effect plug-in supports several side-chain inputs. You can use the Squasher plug-in, for example, that supports up to 3 side-chain inputs. PROCEDURE 1. In the Project window, select an audio track. 2. In the track list, click Edit Channel Settings.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel 3. Click Edit Channel Settings for the output channel. 4. In the Inserts section, click a post-fader effect slot, and select Mastering > UV22HR. 5. On the plug-in panel, select a bit depth for the mixdown file you want to create. RELATED LINKS Export Audio Mixdown on page 750 Rack Settings Menu on page 290 Effect Control Panel The effect control panel allows you to set up the parameters of the selected effect.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel 8 Preset browser Opens the preset browser where you can select another preset. 9 Load previous Program/Load next Program Loads the previous/next program in the preset browser. 10 Preset Management Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to save or load a preset. 11 Add VST Plug-in Picture to Media Rack Adds a picture of the VST plug-in to the Media rack. This is only available for plug-ins of other vendors.
Audio Effects Effect Control Panel Activate Outputs Allows you to activate one or more outputs for the effect. Activate/Deactivate Side-Chaining Activates/Deactivates side-chaining for the effect. NOTE This option is only available for VST 3 effect that support side-chaining. Remote Control Editor Opens the Remote Control Editor. Switch to Generic Editor Opens the generic editor for the effect. Allow Window to be Resized Allows the dynamic resizing of third-party plug-in windows in Cubase.
Audio Effects Effect Presets Hiding/Showing Effect Control Panels When you add an audio effect, 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. NOTE This also hides VST instrument control panels.
Audio Effects Effect Presets ● Windows: \Users\\My Documents\VST 3 Presets\\ ● macOS: /Users//Library/Audio/Presets// RELATED LINKS Loading Presets for Effects on page 351 Loading Insert Presets on page 354 Preset Browser The preset browser allows you to select a VST preset for the loaded effect. ● To open the preset browser, click the preset browser field in the effect control panel.
Audio Effects Effect Presets 2. In the Results section, select a preset from the list. 3. Double-click to load the preset that you want to apply. RESULT The preset is loaded. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK You can return to the preset that was selected when you opened the preset browser by clicking Revert to Last Setting. Saving Effect Presets You can save your effect settings as presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. Open the Preset Management pop-up menu.
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 Exporting System Component Information Files You can save system component information as an XML file, for example, for archiving purposes or troubleshooting. ● The system component information file contains information on the installed/available plugins, their version, vendor, etc. ● 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.
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 panel 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 Audition Audition 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. Process Range Extend Process Range in ms Allows you to extend the process range beyond the left and right event borders.
Direct Offline Processing Direct Offline Processing Window Applying Processing to Multiple Events Direct Offline Processing allows you to add the built-in audio processes to multiple events at once. You can also modify or delete processing on multiple events simultaneously. ● To apply audio processes to multiple events at once, select the audio and add, modify, or delete the processing.
Direct Offline Processing Built-In Audio Processes 2. Select Audio > Direct Offline Processing. 3. Do one of the following: ● Activate Audition and modify the settings of the process. ● Reset the process to its default settings by clicking Reset to Default Values. ● Delete the process by clicking Delete on the process panel.
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 365 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 367 Sample Editor on page 380 Standard on page 370 Limitations on page 371 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 Grain Size Allows you to determine the size of the grains in which the standard time-stretching algorithm splits the audio. Low grain size values lead to good results for material that has many transients. 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.
Audio Functions Cubase offers particular functions for analyzing the audio in your project. RELATED LINKS Detect Silence Dialog on page 372 Spectrum Analyzer Window on page 376 Statistics Window on page 378 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 Shows the waveform of the selected audio and allows you to preview the analyzed audio before it is processed. When you move the mouse over the waveform the mouse pointer changes to a speaker icon. Click the waveform and hold to play back the audio from this position. The Preview slider allows you to set the preview level. Mute Gaps mutes sections that are detected as silence when previewing.
Audio Functions Detect Silence Dialog NOTE This setting is only available if Peak Level Mode is activated. Close Threshold When the audio level drops below this value, the function closes and detects sounds below this level as silence. This value cannot be higher than the Open Threshold value. NOTE This setting is only available if Peak Level Mode is activated. Linked Activate this option to set the same values for Open Threshold and Close Threshold.
Audio Functions Detect Silence Dialog Apply Fades Applies fade ins and fade outs with the set length to the resulting events. Analyze Analyzes the audio event and redraws the waveform display to indicate which sections are considered silent. Auto Activate this option to analyze the audio event and update the display automatically every time you change the settings. NOTE If you are working with very long files, consider deactivating the Auto option as this may slow down the process.
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 376 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 Average RMS (AES17) Shows the average loudness in accordance with the AES17 standard. Max. RMS Shows the highest RMS value. Max. RMS All Channels Shows the highest RMS value of all channels.
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 Sample Editor 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. 5 Ruler Shows the timeline and the display format of the project.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar 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. Select Auto-Scroll Settings Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend Auto-Scroll 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.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar 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 specific positions. Grid Options Show/Hide Grid Shows/Hides the grid in the waveform display. 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.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar 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. Warping Algorithm for Audio Clip Allows you to select a warp algorithm. View Options Zoom Mode Allows you to select a zoom mode for the waveform display.
Sample Editor Sample Editor Toolbar The independent track loop start time. Loop Start Time The independent track loop end time. Right Divider Right Divider Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. 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.
Sample Editor Info Line RESULT The audio is played back, and you can hear at which position the cursor is located. NOTE You can determine the speed and pitch of the playback by dragging faster or slower. Editing Audio Samples with the Draw Tool You can edit the audio clip at sample level with the Draw tool. This way, you can remove audio clicks manually, for example. PROCEDURE 1. On the audio waveform, locate the sample position that you want to edit and zoom in to the highest zoom level. 2.
Sample Editor Overview Line NOTE Initially, length and position values are displayed in the format specified in the Project Setup dialog. Overview Line The overview line displays the whole clip, and indicates which part of the clip is shown in the waveform display. ● To show or hide the overview line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate or deactivate the Overview option.
Sample Editor Ruler RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor Inspector on page 50 Hitpoints Section The Hitpoints section allows you to edit hitpoints to slice your audio. Here you can create groove quantize presets, markers, regions, and events based on hitpoints. ● To open the Hitpoints section, click its tab in the Sample Editor Inspector. RELATED LINKS Hitpoints on page 398 Ruler The ruler shows the timeline and display format of the project, the project tempo grid.
Sample Editor Waveform Display 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. 3 Half Level Axis To show the half level axis, open the level scale menu and select Show Half Level Axis. 4 Audio waveform Shows the waveform image of the selected audio.
Sample Editor Waveform Display 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. PROCEDURE ● Drag the horizontal zoom slider to the right to zoom in or to the left to zoom out. RESULT The horizontal zoom setting is shown on the info line as samples per pixel. You can zoom in horizontally to a scale of less than one sample per pixel.
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. Zoom In On Waveform Vertically Zooms in on the waveform vertically. Zoom Out Of Waveform Vertically Zooms out of the waveform vertically.
Sample Editor Range Editing NOTE You can also use the functions in the Select pop-up menu to select ranges. RELATED LINKS Select Menu on page 392 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.
Sample Editor Regions List Creating Clips from Selection Ranges You can create a new clip that contains only the selected range. PROCEDURE 1. Select a range. 2. Click the selected range and select Audio > Bounce Selection. 3. Perform one of the following actions: ● Click Replace if you want to replace the original. ● Click No if you want to keep the original. RESULT A new Sample Editor window opens with the new clip.
Sample Editor Regions List If you select a region in the list and click this button above, the corresponding section of the audio clip is selected (as if you had selected it with the Range Selection tool) and zoomed. This is useful if you want to apply processing to the region only. 6 Play Region Plays back the selected region. 7 Regions list Allows you to select and display regions in the audio waveform.
Sample Editor Regions List Adjusting Start and End Positions of Regions PREREQUISITE You have clicked Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activated Regions. You have created regions. PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● Drag the Region Start or Region End handle to a different position in the waveform display. ● Double-click the Start or End field in the regions list and enter a new value.
Sample Editor Snap Point Snap Point The snap point is a marker within an audio event that can be used as a reference position. ● To show the snap point, select Show Clips and Events or Show Event as Editor Display Mode on the toolbar. The event snap point is set as follows: ● If you record an audio event, the snap point is set to the next grid position. ● If you bounce a selection, the snap point is set to the start of the new event or to the first snap point that you set manually.
Sample Editor Snap Point RELATED LINKS Sample Editor Toolbar on page 381 Adjusting the Snap Point on page 397 Adjusting the Snap Point PREREQUISITE The audio event is opened in the Sample Editor. Show Clips and Events or Show Event is selected as Editor Display Mode on the toolbar. PROCEDURE 1. Optional: On the Sample Editor toolbar, select the Scrub tool. This allows you to audition the audio while setting the snap point. 2.
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 if Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page).
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints ● You can move a hitpoint by moving the mouse pointer on the vertical line that represents the hitpoint and drag to the left or to the right. RELATED LINKS Calculating Hitpoints on page 399 Editing Hitpoints Manually on page 401 Calculating Hitpoints When you add an audio file to your project by recording or by importing, Cubase can automatically detect hitpoints. PREREQUISITE Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page).
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints Main Section Edit Hitpoints Allows you to edit hitpoints manually in the event display. Threshold Filters hitpoints by their peaks. Drag the slider to the right to discard hitpoints of quieter crosstalk signals, for example. Intensity Filters hitpoints by their intensity. Drag the slider to the right to discard less intense hitpoints. Minimum Length Filters hitpoints by their distance between two hitpoints. This option allows you to avoid creating slices that are too short.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints Events Creates events at hitpoint positions. MIDI Notes Creates MIDI notes at hitpoint positions. RELATED LINKS Editing Hitpoints Manually on page 401 Editing Hitpoints Manually It is crucial for any further editing that the hitpoints are set at the correct positions. Therefore, if the automatic hitpoint detection does not meet your expectations, you can edit hitpoints manually.
Hitpoints Calculating Hitpoints 3. To disable a hitpoint that you do not need, press Shift and click on the line that represents the hitpoint. The mouse pointer changes to a cross icon and the tooltip Disable Hitpoints is shown. Disabled hitpoints are not taken into account for further operations. 4. Press Tab to navigate to the next slice. The slice is played back automatically. 5. To insert a hitpoint, press Alt/Opt and click at the position where you want to insert the hitpoint.
Hitpoints Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window RELATED LINKS Hitpoint Filters in the Hitpoint Section on page 399 Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window You can navigate through the hitpoints of an audio event in the Project window. PREREQUISITE Enable Automatic Hitpoint Detection is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page). PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio track that contains the audio event for which you want to locate hitpoints. 2.
Hitpoints Slices PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● In the Hitpoints section in the Sample Editor Inspector, open the Create section, and click Slices. ● Select Audio > Hitpoints > Create Audio Slices from Hitpoints. RESULT The areas between the hitpoints are sliced and become separate events. The original audio event is replaced by an audio part containing the slices. On playback, the audio plays back seamlessly at the project tempo.
Hitpoints Creating a Groove Quantize Preset AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK NOTE If you decide to change the tempo again, undo your actions and use the original, unstretched file. Deleting Overlaps If the project tempo is higher than the tempo of the original audio event, the slice events in the part may overlap. You can delete these overlaps. PROCEDURE 1. Right-click the track in the track list and from the context menu, select Auto Fades Settings. 2. In the Auto Fades dialog, activate Auto Crossfades. 3.
Hitpoints Creating Regions PROCEDURE ● In the Hitpoints section in the Sample Editor Inspector, open the Create section, and click Markers. RESULT If your project has no marker track, a marker track is added and activated automatically, and a marker is created at every hitpoint position. RELATED LINKS Markers on page 270 Creating Regions You can create regions at hitpoint positions. This allows you to isolate recorded sounds.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes 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, open the Create section, and click MIDI Notes. 2.
Hitpoints Creating MIDI Notes Pitch Sets a note pitch for all created 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.
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 RESULT The audio loop is stretched to match the project tempo. 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 Displays the timeline and the display format of the project. RELATED LINKS Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 55 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 50 Ruler on page 44 Info Line on page 46 Audio Part Editor Toolbar on page 412 Audio Part Editor Toolbar The toolbar contains tools for selecting, editing, and playing back audio parts. ● To show or hide the toolbar elements, right-click the toolbar and activate or deactivate the elements.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects audio parts. Range Selection Selects ranges. Zoom Zooms in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out. Erase Deletes audio parts. Split Splits audio parts. Mute Mutes audio parts. Draw Draws a volume curve. 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.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar Active Part for Editing Lists all parts that were selected when you opened the editor, and allows you to activate a part. Nudge Nudge Start Left Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left. Nudge Start Right Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the right. Move Left Moves the selected event to the left. Move Right Moves the selected event to the right.
Audio Part Editor Audio Part Editor Toolbar are available. If you select Bars+Beats as ruler format, musical grid options are available. Quantize Soft Quantize On/Off Activates/Deactivates soft quantize. Quantize Presets Allows you to select a quantize preset. Apply Quantize Applies the quantize settings. Open Quantize Panel Opens the Quantize Panel. Event Colors Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events Allows you to define audio part colors.
Audio Part Editor Info Line 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 136 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 the section between the first and last selected event, select the events with the Object Selection tool. ● 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.
Audio Part Editor Operations NOTE You can also edit the loop start and end positions numerically in the fields next to the Loop button. 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 810 Audio Part Editor Toolbar on page 412 Scrub In the Audio Part Editor, the Scrub tool has a separate icon on the toolbar.
Audio Part Editor Operations ● It is possible to cycle between parts, making them active using key commands. In the Key Commands dialog, there are two functions in the Edit category: Activate Next Part and Activate Previous Part. If you assign key commands to these, you can use them to cycle between parts.
Sampler Tracks The sampler track feature allows you to chromatically play back any audio from your audio sample library via MIDI. You can create and edit new sounds based on specific samples, and integrate them into an existing project. The sampler track feature includes: ● The Sampler Control section in the lower zone of the Project window. Here you can load and edit audio samples, choose between different playback modes, or transfer samples to Steinberg VST instruments.
Sampler Tracks Loading MIDI Parts into Sampler Control Loading MIDI Parts into Sampler Control You can load MIDI parts from instrument tracks or MIDI tracks into Sampler Control by dragging. NOTE For this to work, the instrument track or the MIDI track must be routed to a VST instrument. ● To load a MIDI part, drag it from the MediaBay, the Project window event display, or the File Explorer/macOS Finder and drop it in Sampler Control. IMPORTANT If Sampler Control already contains MIDI, it is overwritten.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control Sampler Control If the sampler track is selected, Sampler Control is available in the lower zone of the Project window. Sampler Control allows you to view, edit, and play back samples or specific sections of the samples. 1 Toolbar Contains tools that allow you to select and edit the audio sample, to organize track presets, and to transfer the sample with its settings to an instrument.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control Switch between A/B Settings Allows you to switch between different parameter settings. Event Received Indicator This LED indicates incoming MIDI messages via the selected MIDI input. The LED lights up on receiving note-on and controller messages. This way, you can check if Cubase and your MIDI keyboard are connected to the same MIDI device input. Snap to Zero Crossing Restricts sample editing to zero crossings, that is, to positions where the amplitude is zero.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control If a sample is triggered by a MIDI note other than the one defined by the Root Key setting, the sample is pitched accordingly. If Fixed Pitch is activated, the relation between played note and root key is disregarded and all keys play the sample just as it was recorded. NOTE This setting is only available in Normal and AudioWarp playback mode. Loop Mode Allows you to select a loop mode for playback via MIDI. ● If this is set to No Loop, the sample is played once.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control One Shot The sample is played back once from beginning to end, regardless of any loop settings. Normalize Sample Normalizes the sample by detecting the highest peak level in the sample and adjusting the gain to reach the set Normalization Level value. Sample Gain allows you to modify the gain value manually afterwards. Trim Sample Trims the sample to a selected range. If no range is selected, the sample is trimmed to the range that is set with the sample start/end markers.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control This is useful, for example, if you want to stop playback of a long audio sample in One Shot mode. Transfer to New Instrument Allows you to transfer the audio sample with all its Sampler Control settings to an instrument that is loaded to a new instrument track. Open in Separate Window Opens Sampler Control in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone Opens Sampler Control in the lower zone.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control Set Fade In Length Defines the fade-in length. Set Fade Out Length Defines the fade-out length. Set Sustain Loop Crossfade Length Loop crossfades allow for smoother loops. This marker defines the length for the loop crossfade. Ruler The ruler shows the timeline in the specified display format. ● To select the format, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler and select an option from the pop-up menu. You can display bars and beats, seconds, or samples.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control artifacts, particularly with higher frequencies. Better quality settings, however, also lead to higher processor load. For samples with little high-frequency content, we recommend to use Standard quality. ● Vintage allows for a deliberate reduction of playback quality by lowering the bit rate and the sample rate to emulate the artifacts of early samplers.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control NOTE If you set the AudioWarp mode to Music, the lower limit of the playback speed adjustment is 12.5 %. Values below this limit have no effect. Legato If this option is deactivated, each note that is played via MIDI starts playback from the Sampler Control position cursor. If this option is activated, the first note starts playback from the position cursor, and any following notes start from the current playback position for as long as the first note is held.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control Threshold Determines the minimum level that a hitpoint needs to be detected as the start of a new slice. Minimal Length Sets the minimal length of a slice. Grid Catch In Transient + Grid slice detection mode, this parameter specifies how close to the grid a hitpoint must be. Fade In Sets the fade-in time for all slices of the loop. Fade Out Sets the fade-out time for all slices of the loop.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control Filter Section In the Filter section, you can adjust the tone color of the sample sound. The filter envelope allows you to control the cutoff frequency to shape the harmonic content over time. Filter On/Off Activates/Deactivates the filtering effect. Show/Hide Filter Modulators Shows/Hides the filter envelope and the LFO editor in the waveform window. Type Sets the filter type. Shape Sets the filter shape. Cutoff Controls the cutoff frequency of the filter.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control Volume LFO Allows you to select the volume LFO and to set the volume LFO modulation depth. Pan Sets the position of the sample in the stereo panorama. Pan LFO Allows you to select the pan LFO and to set the pan LFO modulation depth. RELATED LINKS Envelope Editors on page 433 Envelope Editors You can adjust the Pitch, Filter, and Amp envelope curves. Each of these envelopes can contain up to 128 nodes.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control NOTE This parameter is only available for Pitch and Filter. Envelope display Shows the pitch, filter, or amp envelope curve. You can adjust it by adding, moving, and deleting nodes. The nodes for attack (A), sustain (S), and release (R) are always shown and cannot be deleted. Next to the release node, the release time of the envelope is shown. Mode Determines how the corresponding envelope is played back when it is triggered.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control The Time field at the top of the graphical envelope editor shows the parameters of the selected node. ● To add a node to a selection, Shift -click the node. ● To select multiple nodes, draw a rectangle around them with the mouse. If multiple nodes are selected, the Time field shows the parameters of the node that is indicated by a white border. ● To select all envelope nodes, press Ctrl/Cmd - A .
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control LFO Editor Sampler Control provides two monophonic LFOs. These LFOs are only calculated once and feed all voices at the same time. LFO Allows you to select LFO 1 or 2 for editing. Sync Defines how the speed of the corresponding LFO is set. ● Off allows you to set the LFO speed in Hz. ● Tempo + Retrig allows you to set the LFO speed in note values. The resulting rate depends on the tempo of your project. ● Tempo + Beat allows you to set the LFO speed in note values.
Sampler Tracks Sampler Control ● Log produces a logarithmic modulation. Shape continuously changes the logarithmic curvature from negative to positive. ● S & H 1 produces randomly stepped modulation, where each step is different. Shape puts ramps between the steps and changes the sample and hold signal into a smooth random signal when fully turned right. ● S & H 2 is similar to S & H 1. The steps alternate between random high and low values.
Sampler Tracks Sample Editing and Playback Functions Sample Editing and Playback Functions All sample editing in Sampler Control is non-destructive. Setting Sample Start and End By setting the sample start and end, you can define what range of the sample is played back when you press a key on your MIDI keyboard. PREREQUISITE You have loaded a sample into Sampler Control. PROCEDURE 1. In the waveform display, drag the Set Sample Start handle to the right to adjust the sample start point. 2.
Sampler Tracks Sample Editing and Playback Functions NOTE You cannot drag the loop start and end points outside the defined sample range. RESULT When you trigger the sample in a loop mode, the defined loop range is used. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK ● You can move both loop start and end markers simultaneously by dragging the area between the loop markers. RELATED LINKS Setting Sample Start and End on page 438 Setting the Root Key Manually The Root Key shows the original pitch of the sample.
Sampler Tracks Sample Editing and Playback Functions RESULT Only keys within the determined key range play a sound when triggered. RELATED LINKS Keyboard Section on page 437 Playing Back Samples After you have loaded an audio sample into Sampler Control, you can play back the sample using an external MIDI keyboard or the On-Screen Keyboard. PREREQUISITE You have loaded a sample into Sampler Control and made all sample editing and settings. You have installed and set up your MIDI keyboard. PROCEDURE 1.
Sampler Tracks Sample Editing and Playback Functions NOTE ● The Time field of an envelope node displays times in fractions of a whole note. The fraction is always reduced to the smallest possible value, for example, 2/16 is displayed as 1/8. ● You can also enter note values manually in the Time field. Envelope nodes that do not exactly match a note value display the closest note value. Normalizing Samples You can normalize samples to a target value.
Sampler Tracks Sample Editing and Playback Functions RELATED LINKS Playback Section on page 428 Setting the Root Key Manually on page 439 Setting the Key Range on page 439 Freezing Sampler Tracks You can freeze sampler tracks to reduce the real-time processing load. PROCEDURE 1. Select the sampler track and open the top Inspector section. 2. Click Freeze Sampler Channel. 3. In the Freeze Channel Options dialog, make your changes. 4. Click OK.
Sampler Tracks Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to VST Instruments Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to VST Instruments You can transfer audio samples with all settings that you have made in Sampler Control to specific Steinberg VST instruments. Transferring audio samples from Sampler Control to a VST instrument creates a new instrument track in the track list. This new track is added below the sampler track. The audio sample and all its settings are loaded in the VST instrument.
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. If the project contains one or more sampler tracks, a dedicated Sampler Track subfolder is created in the Audio folder. This subfolder contains all clips of samples that you have loaded into Sampler Control. Video folder Contains all video clips that are in the project.
Pool Pool Window Pool Window Columns The Pool window columns display information about the clips and regions. The following columns are available: 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.
Pool Pool Window Tempo Displays the tempo of audio files if available. If no tempo has been specified, the column displays “???”. Sign. Displays the time signature, for example, “4/4”. Key Displays the root key if one has been specified for the file. Algorithm Displays the algorithm preset that is used if the audio file is processed. ● To change the default preset, click the preset name and select another preset from the pop-up menu.
Pool Pool Window Shows/Hides the info line. Audition Plays back the selected audio. Audition Loop Loops the playback until you deactivate Audition. Audition Volume Allows you to adjust the volume. View/Attributes Allows you to activate/deactivate the attributes that are displayed in the Pool window. +/- All Opens/Closes all folders. Import Allows you to import media files to the Pool. Search Allows you to search the Pool and connected disks for media files.
Pool Working with the Pool Search Section The search section allows you to search the Pool and connected disks for media files. ● To open the search section, activate Search on the Pool window toolbar. The following elements are available: Filter Allows you to set a filter.
Pool Working with the Pool Renaming Clips or Regions in the Pool IMPORTANT Renaming clips or regions in the Pool also renames the referenced files on disk. It is recommended to rename clips or regions in the Pool. Otherwise, the reference from the clip to the file may get lost. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select a clip or region, and click the existing name. 2. Enter a new name and press Return .
Pool Working with the Pool open the Sample Editor. Here, you can adjust the snap position and then perform the insert options. RESULT The clip is inserted on the selected track or on a new audio track. If several tracks are selected, the clip will be inserted on the first selected track. RELATED LINKS Adjusting the Snap Point on page 397 Inserting Clips into a Project via Drag and Drop You can drag a clip from the Pool into the Project window. Snap is taken into account if Snap is activated.
Pool Working with the Pool Deleting Files from the Hard Disk You can delete clips from the Pool by deleting the corresponding file from the hard disk. To delete a file permanently from the hard disk, you must first move the corresponding clips to the Trash folder in the Pool. IMPORTANT Make sure that the audio files that you want to delete are not used in other projects. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the clips that you want to delete from the hard disk, and select Edit > Delete.
Pool Working with the Pool IMPORTANT You are not warned if the region is still in use. Locating Events and Clips You can quickly display to which clips the selected events belong and to which events the selected clips belong. Locating Events via Clips in the Pool You can find out which events in the project refer to a particular clip in the Pool. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select one or more clips. 2. Select Media > Select in Project.
Pool Working with the Pool NOTE Only audio files of the supported formats will be found. 3. Use the Location pop-up menu to specify where to search. The pop-up menu lists all your local drives and removable media. ● To limit the search to certain folders, select Select Search Path, and in the dialog that opens, select the folder in which you want to search. The search includes the selected folder and all subfolders.
Pool Working with the Pool Saved presets are added to the Presets submenu. 6. Optional: To remove a search filter settings preset, open the extended search pop-up menu, select the preset, and then select Remove Preset. RELATED LINKS Search Section on page 449 Missing Files When you open a project and one or more files are missing, the Resolve Missing Files dialog opens. If you click Close, the project opens without the missing files. In the Pool, you can check which files are considered missing.
Pool Working with the Pool 2. Check the Status column. If the status of the files is “Reconstructible”, the files can be reconstructed by Cubase. 3. Select the reconstructible clips and select Media > Reconstruct. RESULT The editing is performed and the edit files are recreated. Removing Missing Files from the Pool If the Pool contains audio files that cannot be found or reconstructed, you may want to remove these. PROCEDURE ● In the Pool window, select Media > Remove Missing Files.
Pool Working with the Pool Opening Clips in the Sample Editor The Sample Editor allows you to perform detailed editing on the clip. ● To open a clip in the Sample Editor, double-click a clip waveform icon in the Media column. ● To open a certain region of a clip in the Sample Editor, double-click a region icon in the Media column. You can use this to set a snap point for a clip, for example.
Pool Working with the Pool Video File Compatibility on page 783 Importing Audio CDs into the Pool You can import tracks or sections of tracks from an audio CD directly into the Pool. This opens a dialog in which you can specify which tracks are copied from the CD, converted to audio files, and added to the Pool. ● To import an audio CD to the Pool, select Media > Import Audio CD.
Pool Working with the Pool Do not ask again Always imports files according to the settings without opening the dialog again. You can reset this option in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page). RELATED LINKS Pool Window Columns on page 446 Converting Files on page 461 Exporting Regions as Audio Files If you have created regions within an audio clip, these can be exported as separate audio files.
Pool Working with the Pool 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. Organizing Clips and Folders If you accumulate a large number of clips in the Pool, it can be difficult to quickly find specific items. Organizing clips in new subfolders with names that reflect the content can be a solution.
Pool Working with the Pool IMPORTANT This operation permanently changes the selected audio files in the Pool. This cannot be undone. If you only want to create the minimized audio files as a copy, leaving the original project untouched, you can use the Back up Project option. NOTE Minimizing files clears the entire edit history. PROCEDURE 1. In the Pool window, select the files that you want to minimize. 2. Select Media > Minimize File. 3. Click Minimize.
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.
Pool Working with the Pool RESULT The audio is extracted from the video file. The audio file gets the same file format and sample rate/width as in the current project, and the same name as the video file.
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 Effect Plug-In Presets on page 493 Loading FX Chain Presets on page 493 Loading Strip Presets on page 493 Adding Favorites Using the Favorites Page on page 473 Adding Favorites Using the File Browser Page on page 474 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/Collapse All Expands/Collapses all results.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone RELATED LINKS VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 525 Adding Pictures of VST Instruments to the Media Rack on page 474 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.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone ● 6 Plug-in Manager opens the Plug-in Manager that allows you to create new plug-in collections. These will be listed in the Plug-in Collections and Options menu below the Default collection. Plug-in list Shows the plug-ins of the selected collection.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone Allows you to specify which attribute columns are displayed on the Results page. 5 Show/Hide Attribute Filters Shows/Hides the Attribute Filters section. RELATED LINKS Home Page on page 464 Results Page on page 466 Media File Attributes on page 489 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.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone 2. Do one of the following: ● Drag an effect on the track list to create an FX channel track. ● To add the effect to an audio-related track, drag the effect from the Media rack, and drop it in the Inserts or Sends section of the track Inspector.
MediaBay and Media Rack Media Rack in Right Zone RELATED LINKS Favorites Page on page 466 Adding Favorites Using the File Browser Page You can add favorite folders using the File Browser page. This allows you to directly access media files in specific folders. PROCEDURE 1. In the Media rack, click the File Browser tile. 2. In the File Browser, navigate to the folder that you want to add as a favorite and select it. 3. Do one of the following: ● At the top left of the page, click Add Favorite.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Adding Pictures of VST Effects to the Media Rack Pictures of VST effects from other vendors are not loaded by default. However, you can add them to the Media rack manually. PREREQUISITE You have added a VST effect from another vendor. PROCEDURE 1. Open the control panel of the VST effect. 2. On the control panel, click Add VST Plug-in Picture to Media Rack. RESULT The picture of the VST effect is shown in the Media rack.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 4 Results Displays all supported media files. You can filter the list and perform text searches. 5 Previewer Allows you to preview the files shown in the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Text Search Search Allows you to search media files by name or by attribute. Media Types Filter Select Media Types Allows you to select the media types that are displayed on the Results page. 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.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 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 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.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RELATED LINKS Scanning Folders on page 479 Adding Favorites on page 479 Scanning Folders To include specific folders in the MediaBay search, you must scan them. PROCEDURE 1. In the File Browser section of the MediaBay, navigate to the folder that you want to include in the scan. 2. Activate the checkbox for the folder to activate the scan. RESULT All files that are found in the scanned folder are shown in the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RESULT ● In the File Browser section, a new folder with the specified name is added to the Favorites folder. ● In the Favorites section, the added favorite is available in the Select Defined Favorite pop-up menu. ● In the Media rack in the right zone of the Project window, a new tile with the specified name is added on the Favorites page. NOTE Favorites in the MediaBay window are not automatically scanned.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window NOTE You can set the maximum number of files that are displayed in the Results list in the MediaBay Settings. Setting up the Results List Columns For each media type, or for combinations of media types, you can specify the attribute columns that are displayed in the Results list. PROCEDURE 1. In the Results section, select the media types for which you want to make settings. 2.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window IMPORTANT If you delete a file using the File Explorer/macOS Finder, it is still displayed in the Results list, although it is no longer available to the program. To remedy this, rescan the corresponding folder. Shuffling the Results List You can display the Results list entries in a random order. ● To shuffle the Results list, click Shuffle Results in the MediaBay toolbar.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Show Media Types Selector You can activate the media types that you want to be displayed in the Results list. The following media types are available: Audio Files Shows all audio files. The supported formats are .wav, .w64, .aiff, .aifc, .rex, .rx2, .mp3, .mp2, .ogg, .wma (Windows only). MIDI Files Shows all MIDI files (file name extension .mid). MIDI Loops Shows all MIDI loops (file name extension .midiloop).
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Saving/Loading FX Chain Presets on page 302 Video File Compatibility on page 783 Filtering According to Rating With the Rating Filter, you can filter files according to their rating. NOTE The Rating Filter is not available in the Media rack in the right zone. PROCEDURE ● In the Rating Filter section of the MediaBay toolbar, select a value from the Rating Filter pop-up menu. Performing a Text Search You can perform a text search of the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window When entering text preceded by “not” (or a minus sign), all files not containing b are found. Parentheses [()] [(a or b) + c] Using parentheses, you can group text strings. In this example, files are found that contain c and either a or b. Quotation marks [“”] [“your search text”] With quotation marks, you can define sequences of several words. Files are found if they contain the sequence of words that you entered.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 1 Transport controls Start, stop, pause, and cycle the preview. 2 Preview Level fader Specifies the preview level. 3 Auto Play New Results Selection Automatically plays back the selected file. 4 Align Beats to Project Plays back the selected file in sync with the project, starting at the project cursor position. Note that this can apply real-time time stretching to your audio file.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RELATED LINKS VST Instruments on page 508 MIDI Loops Previewer The Previewer for MIDI loops allows you to listen to MIDI loops before you use them in your project. NOTE MIDI loops are always played back in sync with the project. 1 Transport controls Start and stop the preview. 2 Preview Level fader Specifies the preview level. 3 Auto Play New Results Selection Automatically plays back the selected file.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 3 MIDI Activity Allows you to monitor incoming MIDI messages. 4 Preview Level fader Specifies the preview level. 5 Keyboard You can display the Keyboard in keyboard display mode or in piano display mode. 6 Computer Keyboard Input Allows you to use your computer keyboard to preview the presets. RELATED LINKS Previewing Presets Using the Memo Recorder Mode on page 488 On-Screen Keyboard on page 208 Previewing Presets Via MIDI Input MIDI input is always active.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window RESULT The notes are played back with the instrument preset that is selected in the Results section. When you stop playing notes and wait for 2 seconds, the note sequence that you played until this moment is played back in a continuous loop. To use another sequence, start entering notes again. Previewing Presets Via the Computer Keyboard NOTE If you activate Computer Keyboard Input, the computer keyboard is used exclusively for the Previewer section.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 2 Attribute values Displays the attribute values and how often a certain attribute value is available among your media files. NOTE ● Some attributes are directly linked to each other. For example, for each category value, there are certain sub-category values available. Changing the value in one of these attribute columns displays different values in the other column. ● Each attribute column displays only the attribute values that are found.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window 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 RESULT The media file is inserted on the new track or at the insert position. RELATED LINKS Show Media Types Selector on page 483 Loading Track Presets PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click Track Presets, and select a preset. ● In the Media rack in the right zone, click Presets > Track Presets, and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Window Loading Effect Plug-In Presets PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● In the MediaBay, open the media types selector, click Plug-in Presets, and select a preset. ● In the Media rack in the right zone, click Presets > VST FX Presets, and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list. Do one of the following: ● Drag the plug-in preset to an audio track or its Inserts section in the Inspector.
MediaBay and Media Rack Working with Volume Databases ● In the Media rack in the right zone, click Presets > Strip Presets, and click the following tiles until you can select the preset in the Results list. 2. In the Project window, select an audio track. 3. Drag the preset from the MediaBay or Media rack and drop it on the open Strip section of the Inspector. RESULT The strip preset is applied to the track, and all settings of the preset are loaded.
MediaBay and Media Rack Working with Volume Databases 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. However, this can lead to write conflicts as only one user can write to the database at a time. RESULT The file information for this drive is written into a new database file.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Settings ● If you cannot get hold of the other user, and you want to use the database, click Force unlock to remove the lock. Removing Volume Databases If you have worked on another computer using an external hard disk and return to your own computer and connect the external device again as part of your system setup, you no longer need a separate volume database for it.
MediaBay and Media Rack MediaBay Settings 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. Scan Unknown File Types When scanning for media files, the MediaBay ignores files with an unknown file extension.
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 Automatic Writing of Automation Data Every action that you perform is automatically recorded on automation tracks which you can later open for viewing and editing. PROCEDURE 1. In the track list, click Show/Hide Automation for a track to open its automation track. 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.
Automation Writing Automation Data RESULT The automated parameter changes with the automation curve, and the corresponding fader in the MixConsole moves accordingly. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK Repeat the procedure if you are not happy with the result. If you draw over existing events, a new curve is created. 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.
Automation Editing Automation Events Editing Automation Events Automation events can be edited much like other events. NOTE If you move an event or part on a track and you want the automation events to follow automatically, select Edit > Automation Follows Events. Any automation events at the new position are overwritten. ● 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.
Automation Editing Automation Events AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK For even more precise editing, add new automation events to your bézier curve segment. This creates new segments that you can smoothen. 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.
Automation Editing Automation Events 1 Tilt Left If you click in the upper left corner of the editor, you can tilt the left part of the curve. This allows you to tilt the event values at the start of the curve upwards or downwards. 2 Compress Left 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.
Automation Editing Automation Events NOTE If you select automation events using the Range Selection tool, additional automation events are automatically created at the start and the end of the selection. This ensures that the entire selection is edited. RELATED LINKS Automation Curves on page 498 Quick Vertical Scaling of Automation Events You can scale the curve segment between two automation events vertically without any need to select the events first. PROCEDURE 1.
Automation Automation Tracks NOTE If you press Esc while dragging the selection rectangle, the selection jumps back to its original position. RELATED LINKS Selecting Automation Events on page 503 Removing Automation Events ● To remove an automation event, click on it with the Erase tool. ● To remove multiple automation events, select them and press Backspace or Delete or select Edit > Delete.
Automation Automation Tracks Assigning a Parameter to an Automation Track Parameters are already assigned to automation tracks when you open them, according to their order in the parameter list. PROCEDURE 1. Open an automation track and click on the automation parameter name. A parameter list is shown. The content depends on the track type. 2.
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 VST Instrument Control Panel The VST instrument control panel allows you to set up the parameters of the selected instrument. The contents, design, and layout of the control panel depend on the selected instrument. The following controls are available: 1 Activate Instrument Activates/Deactivates the instrument. 2 Read Automation/Write Automation Allows you to read/write automation for the instrument parameter settings.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Control Panel Loads the previous/next program in the preset browser. 10 Preset Management Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to save, rename, or remove a preset. 11 Add VST Plug-in Picture to Media Rack Adds a picture of the VST plug-in to the Media rack. This is only available for plug-ins of other vendors. 12 VST Instrument context menu Opens a context menu with specific functions and settings. 13 Show/Hide VST Quick Controls Shows/hides the quick controls.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Selector Closing All Control Panels When you add a VST instrument, the respective plug-in control panel opens automatically. You can close all control panels at once. PROCEDURE ● Select Window > Close All Plug-in Windows. NOTE This also closes VST effect control panels. RESULT The control panels are closed.
VST Instruments Creating Instrument Tracks Creating Instrument Tracks You can create instrument tracks that hold dedicated VST instruments. PROCEDURE 1. In the global track controls area of the track list, click Add Track 2. Click Instrument. 3. Open the Instrument pop-up menu and select a VST instrument. 4. Click Add Track. . RESULT The selected VST instrument is loaded for the instrument track. In the MixConsole, an instrument channel is added.
VST Instruments VST Instruments Window 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. To open the VST Instruments window, select Studio > VST Instruments.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls ● MIDI Channel follows track selection ensures that the Channel selector follows the MIDI track selection in the Project window. Use this mode if you work with multitimbral instruments. ● Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls follows track selection ensures that the VST Quick Controls remote-control focus follows the track selection. VST Instrument Controls The VST instrument controls allow you to make settings for a loaded VST instrument.
VST Instruments VST Instrument Controls Allows you to select a program. RELATED LINKS Freezing Instruments on page 518 VST Instrument Context Menu The VST instrument control panel context menu and the Functions menu on the VST instrument control panel show functions and settings that are specific for the instrument. Do one of the following: ● Right-click an empty area of the VST instrument control panel. ● Open the Functions pop-up menu on the VST instrument control panel.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments RELATED LINKS General on page 831 Side-Chaining for VST Instruments on page 522 Presets for Instruments You can load and save presets for instruments. These contain all the settings that are required for the sound that you want. The following presets for instruments are available: ● VST Presets VST presets include the parameter settings of a VST instrument.
VST Instruments Presets for Instruments 2. In the Save Preset dialog, enter a name for the preset. 3. Click OK to save the preset and close the dialog. Loading Track Presets You can load track presets for instrument tracks from the Inspector. PROCEDURE 1. 2. Do one of the following: ● Select the instrument track, and in the Inspector, click the Load Track Preset field. ● Right-click the instrument track, and from the context menu, select Load Track Preset.
VST Instruments Playing Back VST Instruments Saving Track Presets You can save your settings on instrument tracks as track presets for further use. PROCEDURE 1. Right-click the instrument track, and from the context menu, select Save Track Preset. 2. In the Save Track Preset dialog, enter a name for the preset. 3. Click OK to save the preset and close the dialog.
VST Instruments Latency 2. Click Freeze Instrument Channel. 3. In the Freeze Channel Options dialog, make your changes. 4. Click OK. RESULT ● The instrument is rendered to an audio file, and on playback you hear the same sound as before freezing. ● Less CPU load is used. ● The Freeze Channel Options button lights up. ● The MIDI/instrument track controls are grayed out. ● The MIDI parts are locked.
VST Instruments Import and Export Options RELATED LINKS Selecting an Audio Driver on page 15 Delay Compensation During playback, Cubase automatically compensates any delay inherent in the VST plug-ins you use. You can specify a Delay Compensation Threshold in the Preferences dialog (VST page), so that only plug-ins with a delay higher than this threshold setting are affected.
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 Side-Chaining for VST Instruments The default folder cannot be changed. However, you can create subfolders within this folder to organize your MIDI loops. To create a subfolder, click New Folder in the Save MIDI Loop dialog. 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.
VST Instruments Side-Chaining for VST Instruments Using Instruments as Effects on Audio Tracks You can use instruments that support side-chaining to modify the audio on audio tracks. The following example shows you how to apply the parameters in Retrologue to a drum loop. PREREQUISITE You have a drum loop on an audio track. You have created an instrument track with Retrologue loaded. PROCEDURE 1. On the Retrologue control panel, click Activate/Deactivate Side-Chaining. 2.
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 524 Audio System Page on page 16 VST Plug-in Manager Toolbar on page 526 VST 2 Plug-in Path Settings on page 527 Hiding Plug-ins on page 528 Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist on page 529 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 ● Sort By Category sorts the collection by category. 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.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Hiding Plug-ins 2. In the New Collection dialog, enter a name for the new collection and click OK. 3. Optional: Click New Folder. 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.
Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist You can reactivate 64-bit plug-ins that are on the blocklist. PROCEDURE 1. On the Blocklist tab, select the plug-ins that you want to reactivate. 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.
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 Parameter Assignment RELATED LINKS Track Presets on page 146 Automation on page 498 Channel Racks Selector on page 289 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 Assigning Effect Parameters to Quick Controls You can assign effect parameters to Quick Control slots directly from within plug-in panels. NOTE This is only available for VST 3 plug-ins that support this function. 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.
Track Quick Controls Parameter Assignment Removing Parameter Assignments You can remove parameter assignments for individual Quick Controls or for all Quick Controls at once. PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● To remove a parameter from a slot, click in the corresponding slot and select No parameter from the pop-up menu. NOTE You can also double-click the parameter name, press Delete or Backspace , and confirm with Return .
Track Quick Controls Controlling Automatable Parameters 2. In the Quick Controls section, click Preset Management 3. Select one of the presets in the upper list of the menu. . RESULT The preset is loaded and allows you to access the channel 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.
Track Quick Controls Controlling Automatable Parameters 3. In the Quick Controls section, click Preset Management 4. Select Show Automated QC Assignments. . RESULT The automation tracks of the automated Quick Control parameters open for the selected track. NOTE ● If Volume is assigned as a Quick Control parameter, it is always shown as automated, independent of whether it is automated or not.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote allows you to integrate and use third party MIDI controllers in Cubase. The MIDI Remote concept is based on dedicated scripts for specific MIDI controllers. These scripts establish a connection between a specific MIDI controller and Cubase, and include factory mappings to parameters. The layout and functions of MIDI controllers with a script can be shown on the MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Tab The MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window The following elements are available: 1 Info line The MIDI Remote info line. 2 MIDI controller surface Shows which Cubase functions are mapped to which knobs on your MIDI controller. You can use multiple MIDI controllers simultaneously. All available supported MIDI controllers are shown in the overview.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Tab MIDI Controller Go to Previous Controller If you have more than one MIDI controller connected, this allows you to go to the previous MIDI controller. MIDI Controller Shows the name of the MIDI controller that is currently shown on the MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window. Incoming MIDI Data from Other Controller If you have more than one MIDI controller connected, this shows the activity of the controller that is currently not selected.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Tab Activates the next mapping page for the current controller. Open Mapping Assistant Opens the MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant. Quick Control Focus Quick Control Focus Shows the name of the item that has the quick control focus, that is, either the track name or the plug-in name. Focus Quick Controls Lock State: Locked/Unlocked Allows you to lock the focus of the quick controls. Focus Quick Controls Indicator Shows which quick controls have the focus.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Tab Last Hovered Control Last Hovered Control Shows the control that you last hovered with the mouse on the controller surface, the host parameter that the control is assigned to, and its last value. Scripting Tools Reload Scripts Allows you to reload the scripts. Open MIDI Remote Script Console Opens the MIDI Remote Script Console with script messages. Open Script Folder Opens the location of the scripts folder.
MIDI Remote Using Supported MIDI Controllers with MIDI Remote Using Supported MIDI Controllers with MIDI Remote The layout and functions of supported MIDI controllers, that is, controllers with a script, are shown on the MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window.
MIDI Remote Other MIDI Controllers and MIDI Remote Mapping Controls on MIDI Controllers to Cubase Functions on page 543 MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant on page 550 MIDI Remote API on page 564 Adding MIDI Controller Surfaces If you want to use a MIDI controller that is not yet supported and therefore has no script, you must first add a new MIDI controller surface for it.
MIDI Remote Other MIDI Controllers and MIDI Remote Editing MIDI Controller Surfaces You can edit MIDI controller surfaces in the MIDI Controller Surface Editor in the lower zone of the Project window. PREREQUISITE You have added a new surface using the Add MIDI Controller Surface dialog, and clicked Add MIDI Controller Surface and open Editor to open the MIDI Controller Surface Editor. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Remote Other MIDI Controllers and MIDI Remote NOTE If the Functions Browser is not shown in the MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant, activate Show/Hide Functions Browser. ● Right-click a function in Cubase, and select Pick for MIDI Remote Mapping. The name of the function is shown in the Mapping Assistant. 4. Click Apply Mapping. 5. Repeat the steps above to map more Cubase functions to hardware controls. RESULT The Cubase functions are now mapped to the hardware controls.
MIDI Remote Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog 2. On the info line, click Edit MIDI Controller Surface. RESULT In the lower zone of the Project window, the MIDI Controller Surface Editor opens where you can make changes to your controller surface. RELATED LINKS MIDI Controller Surface Editor on page 546 Editing MIDI Controller Surfaces on page 543 Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog The Add MIDI Controller Surface dialog allows you to add a surface that corresponds to the layout of your MIDI controller.
MIDI Remote Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog Model Allows you to enter information about the model of the connected MIDI controller. Script Creator Allows you to enter information about the script creator of the connected MIDI controller. NOTE Specific characters are not allowed. Input Port Allows you to select the MIDI input port of your MIDI controller. NOTE Make sure that you select the MIDI port of your MIDI controller, otherwise, your surface script will not work as expected.
MIDI Remote Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog Info line Contains buttons for Undo, Redo, and Open Mapping Assistant. It also shows the information that you entered when you added the MIDI controller surface. Message board Shows if you are in Learn Mode or in Edit Mode, and gives information about the steps that you can perform. Control types Allows you to select the type of control that you want to add. You can add knobs, faders, and buttons.
MIDI Remote Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog Item Properties on page 548 Item Properties The Item Properties are only available in Edit Mode. They show the properties for the control that you select in the MIDI Controller Surface Editor. ● To show the Item Properties, open the MIDI Controller Surface Editor, use the Learn Mode to create surface controls that are assigned to your MIDI controller, and select a surface control in the surface display to activate Edit Mode.
MIDI Remote Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog RELATED LINKS MIDI Controller Surface Editor on page 546 Edit Mode on page 550 Learn Mode and Edit Mode The different steps that you must perform when creating a new surface for your MIDI controller in the MIDI Controller Surface Editor are divided into two modes: Learn Mode and Edit Mode. Learn Mode Learn Mode allows you to add controls to the surface display by sending MIDI messages, that is, moving controls on your MIDI controller.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant Edit Mode Edit Mode allows you to edit the selected control. In Edit Mode, the selected control is shown in blue. ● Drag the control handles to change the dimensions of the control. ● Click and drag or use Up Arrow , Down Arrow , Left Arrow , or Right Arrow to move a control. ● Hold down Shift and select another control to select multiple controls. ● Click the trash icon to remove a control.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant The following sections are available: Mapping Assistant Show/Hide Functions Browser Opens/closes the Functions Browser in the right zone.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant The Mapping Assistant guides you through the mapping process. It allows you to select a control on your MIDI controller and a Cubase function for mapping. Bypass MIDI Controller Learn Mode ● If this is deactivated, you can touch a control on your MIDI controller or click a control in the controller surface to select it for mapping. ● If this is activated, you must click a control in the controller surface to select it for mapping.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant Mappings Mapping Page Shows the active mapping page. Mapping Page Settings Opens a menu that allows you to delete, rename, and duplicate the selected mapping page. Add Mapping Page Opens a dialog that allows you to add a new, empty mapping page. Mapping List To sort the list by a specific attribute, click the corresponding column header. ● Mapping Page Type Indicates whether the mapping is saved as a Factory mapping or as a User mapping.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant ● Jump Sends a new value to the Cubase function as soon as you move the control on your MIDI controller. This can result in abrupt value changes. ● Pickup Picks up on the value of the Cubase function as soon as the control that you move on your MIDI controller reaches that value. This results in smooth value changes, but requires you to estimate the pickup value.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant Reset Filter Allows you to reset the search filter. Expand All Expands all entries. Collapse All Collapses all entries. RELATED LINKS Mapping Pages and Mapping Scopes on page 555 Mapping Controls on MIDI Controllers to Cubase Functions on page 543 Adding MIDI Controller Surfaces on page 542 Mapping Pages and Mapping Scopes Mapping Pages All mappings of Cubase functions and controls on your MIDI controller are saved on mapping pages.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant Focus Quick Controls Focus Quick Controls are focus-dependent quick controls. This means that the active window focus determines which parameters respond to your MIDI controller. Focus Quick Controls are the most versatile form of quick controls. You can set them up in the Functions Browser of the MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant. To set up the focus behavior for the focus quick controls, activate one of the options in the Quick Control Focus Setup.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant 3. Activate Show/Hide Functions Browser, and in the Focus Quick Controls category in the Functions Browser, select a quick control. 4. Click Apply Mapping. 5. Repeat the steps above to map more Focus Quick Controls to your MIDI controller. RESULT The Focus Quick Controls are now mapped to your MIDI controller.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Manager Window 2. ● To lock the focus to a specific plug-in window, open the corresponding window. ● To lock the focus to a specific track, select the track in the track list, and make sure that the Quick Control Focus section is shown on the MIDI Remote info line. Activate the lock by clicking Focus Quick Controls Lock State: Unlocked . RESULT The Quick Control Focus section of the MIDI Remote info line shows the name of the track or the plug-in window that has the focus.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Manager Window Scripts The Scripts tab lists all scripts that are installed by the names of the corresponding controllers. To sort the list by a specific attribute, click the corresponding column header. Select a controller name in the list to display information about the script in the bottom part of the window. Add Surface Opens the Add MIDI Controller Surface dialog that allows you to add a new MIDI controller surface for a MIDI controller that has no script.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Manager Window Model The model of the selected MIDI controller. Vendor The vendor of the selected MIDI controller. Status The status of the selected MIDI controller. Input Port Shows the MIDI input port of your MIDI controller. Output Port Shows the MIDI output port of your MIDI controller. Show Script Info Opens the Scripts tab for the selected MIDI controller.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Manager Window Model The model of the selected MIDI controller. Vendor The vendor of the selected MIDI controller. Script Creator The script creator of the selected MIDI controller. Instances The number of instances of the selected MIDI controller. Surface Editor Script If the selected MIDI controller script was created with the MIDI Controller Surface Editor, this is indicated by a checkmark. Click Edit MIDI Controller Surface to open the MIDI Controller Surface Editor.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Script Console RESULT The script is deleted and the controller surface is removed from the MIDI controllers overview. RELATED LINKS Adding MIDI Controller Surfaces on page 542 MIDI Remote Manager Window on page 558 Disabling Controller Scripts You can disable controller scripts. This is useful if you want to use a custom script for a MIDI controller that already has a public controller script assigned, for example. PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote Script Console Reload Scripts Allows you to reload the scripts that are displayed in the MIDI Remote Script Console. Clear All Messages Clears all messages from the message display. All Messages Shows all messages in the message display. Error Messages Shows error messages in the message display. Log Messages Shows log messages in the message display. MIDI Controller Scripts Shows information about the available MIDI controller scripts.
MIDI Remote MIDI Remote API MIDI Remote API The application programming interface MIDI Remote API allows you to develop a script, that is, a device driver for dedicated MIDI controllers. Scripts describe the layout and order of controls of a specific MIDI controller. They include factory mappings to Cubase parameters. Cubase comes with scripts for the a number of MIDI controllers. If you connect one of these controllers, it is automatically detected and displayed on the MIDI Remote tab.
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 4. Click OK. RESULT The remote unit input is removed from the All MIDI Inputs group. RELATED LINKS MIDI Port Setup Page on page 24 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 Global Options for Remote Controllers On the page for your remote device, global functions may be available. MIDI Input Allows you to select a MIDI input. 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.
Remote Controlling Cubase Assigning Commands to Remote Devices This way, all data for the corresponding parameter is replaced from the position where you moved the control, up to the position where you stop playback. Assigning Commands to Remote Devices You can assign any Cubase command to which a key command can be assigned to remote devices. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select your remote device.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor Remote Control Editor The Remote Control Editor allows you to define your own mapping of VST plug-in parameters to the controls of the supported hardware controllers. This is useful if you think that the automatic mapping of plug-in parameters to remote control devices is not too intuitive. ● To open the Remote Control Editor, right-click the plug-in panel of the plug-in that you want to remote-control, and select Remote Control Editor.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor Shows tools for setting up the layout. 7 Status Bar Shows information on an element when you position the mouse pointer over it in the editor window. RELATED LINKS Remote Control Editor Toolbar on page 571 Remote Control Editor Toolbar Shows tools for setting up the layout. Remove All Assignments Removes all parameter assignments.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor Control Type Settings for Knobs The following control types are available for knobs: Standard A standard knob with undefined LED style. Toggle Switch A knob with 2 states. LED Ring An LED ring around the knob. The setting increases clockwise. LED Ring (counter-clockwise) An LED ring around the knob. The setting increases counter-clockwise.
Remote Controlling Cubase Remote Control Editor Decreasing Stepwise Steps through the available settings in reverse order until the minimum is reached. Increasing Stepwise (cycle) Steps through the available settings, starting over with the minimum value when the maximum is reached. Decreasing Stepwise (cycle) Steps through the available settings in reverse order, starting over with the maximum value when the minimum is reached. Smart Switch Switches between 2 states every time you press the switch.
Remote Controlling Cubase Track Quick Controls ● To step through the controls within the cells in Learn mode, press Shift and use the cursor keys. ● To step through the different layouts, use Tab and Shift - Tab . ● To copy the settings of one cell to another, select a cell, press Alt and drag it to another cell. ● To move a cell, drag it to an empty cell. ● To swap the contents of 2 cells, press Ctrl/Cmd and drag one cell to the other. NOTE Drag and drop also works between different pages.
Remote Controlling Cubase Track Quick Controls PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select Track 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. 5. Click Apply. 6. Activate Learn. 7. In the Control Name column, select QuickControl 1. 8. On your MIDI device, move the control that you want to connect with the first quick control. 9.
Remote Controlling Cubase VST Quick Controls VST Quick Controls If you have an external remote control device, you can control up to 8 parameters of a VST instrument, using the VST Quick Controls feature in Cubase.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page (Legacy) 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 (Legacy) 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 (Legacy) Delete Deletes the selected control from the table. 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.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page (Legacy) Bank pop-up menu Allows you to switch banks. This is necessary if your MIDI control device has 16 volume faders, and you are using 32 MixConsole channels in Cubase, for example. 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.
Remote Controlling Cubase Generic Remote Page (Legacy) 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. HMT: Apply Tuning Activate this option to apply Hermode tuning to the notes played on this track.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers Setting up Ranges You can filter out pitches or velocities that do not match a specified range, or force them to fit a specified range. PROCEDURE 1. Select a MIDI or instrument track. 2. In the Inspector, open the MIDI Modifiers section. 3. Open one of the Range sections, and in the Range Target pop-up menu and select a mode. 4. Set the minimum and maximum values with the two fields to the right.
MIDI Realtime Parameters MIDI Modifiers NOTE If you use tracks with acoustic piano, activate Use for Analysis and deactivate Apply Tuning. This excludes the piano from being tuned which would sound unnatural. 5. Select Project > Project Setup to open the Project Setup dialog. 6. Open the HMT Type pop-up menu and select one of the options. 7. Play some notes. It may take a moment until all notes are recalculated and you hear the results of the retuning.
MIDI Realtime Parameters Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line Baroque (3/5 adaptive) Tunes pure thirds and fifths. The degree of purity changes according to the sequence of harmonies. This tuning type is suitable for church organ and polyphonic music. Freezing MIDI Modifiers You can apply all filter settings permanently to the selected track. The settings are applied to the events on the track, and all modifiers are set to zero. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI track. 2.
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 current scale in the Current Scale pop-up menus. ● 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 RELATED LINKS MIDI Merge Options Dialog on page 597 Freezing MIDI Modifiers on page 587 MIDI Merge Options Dialog ● To open the MIDI Merge Options dialog, select a MIDI part, and select MIDI > Merge MIDI in Loop. 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.
MIDI Functions Dissolve Part Dialog The following settings are available: Separate Channels Separates MIDI events according to their channel. This is useful for MIDI parts on MIDI channel Any that contain events on different MIDI channels. Separate Pitches Separates MIDI events according to their pitch. This is useful for drum and percussion tracks, where different pitches usually correspond to separate drum sounds. Dissolve to Lanes Dissolves the part to lanes.
MIDI Functions Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track Loops You may for example have a MIDI keyboard with several keyboard zones, where each zone sends MIDI on a separate channel. Setting the channel to Any allows you to play back the recording with different sounds for each zone (since the different MIDI notes play back on separate MIDI channels). ● When you have imported a MIDI file of Type 0. MIDI files of Type 0 contain only one track, with notes on up to 16 different MIDI channels.
MIDI Functions Extending MIDI Notes Extending MIDI Notes You can extend MIDI notes so that they reach the next notes. PREREQUISITE A MIDI part with some note events is open in the Key Editor. PROCEDURE 1. Select the note events that you want to extend to the next notes. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Legato. RESULT The selected note events are extended to the start of the next notes.
MIDI Functions Rendering Sustain Pedal Data to Note Lengths PROCEDURE 1. On the Key Editor toolbar, open the Set up Insert Velocities pop-up menu and select a velocity value. 2. Select the note events that you want to fix. 3. Select MIDI > Functions > Fixed Velocity. RESULT The selected note events are set to the specified Note Insert Velocity value.
MIDI Functions Deleting Overlaps PROCEDURE 1. Select the note events. 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.
MIDI Functions Deleting Double Notes Add/Subtract Adds the specified value to the velocity value. You can enter positive or negative values. Compress/Expand Compresses or expands the dynamic range of MIDI notes by the specified value. You can enter values from 0 to 300 %). 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 %.
MIDI Functions Deleting Controller Data 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Delete Doubles. RESULT The double notes are automatically deleted. Deleting Controller Data You can delete controller data from selected MIDI parts. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI parts that contain the controller data. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Delete Controllers. RESULT The controller data is automatically deleted. Deleting Continuous Controller Data You can delete continuous controller data from selected MIDI parts.
MIDI Functions Thinning Out Controller Data Thinning Out Controller Data You can thin out controller data in selected MIDI parts. Use this to ease the load on your external MIDI devices if you have recorded very dense controller curves. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI parts that contain the controllers that you want to thin out. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Thin Out Data. RESULT The controller data is thinned out.
MIDI Functions Inverting the Order of Selected MIDI Events Inverting the Order of Selected MIDI Events This function inverts the order of the selected events, or of all events in the selected parts, graphically. Technically, this function turns a note-on message into a note-off message and vice versa, which can lead to rhythmic inaccuracies if the note-off position of a note has not been quantized. PROCEDURE 1. Select the MIDI events or the MIDI part. 2. Select MIDI > Functions > Mirror.
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 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. For all of the options except Part and Sound Slot, the pop-up menu also contains a Setup option. This option opens a dialog in which you can specify the colors that are associated with velocities, pitches, or channels.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions Pitch Colors Setup You can set up Cubase to color events depending on their pitch. The color scheme is defined in the Pitch Colors Setup dialog. ● To open the event Pitch Colors Setup dialog, open the Event Colors pop-up menu in the Key Editor toolbar, activate Scale/Chords and then select Setup. The following options are available: Color fields Click a field to open the Color Picker that allows you to specify a new color.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions The following options are available: Color fields Click a field to open the Color Picker that allows you to specify a new color. Description Shows further information about the usage of the color. OK Applies your changes and closes the dialog. RELATED LINKS Event Colors Menu on page 608 Color Picker on page 80 Selecting Note Events The selected MIDI editor determines which of the following methods apply.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions NOTE If you select the notes in the event display, the note event is shown in black and only its outline is shown in color. On the keyboard display, the keys that correspond to the note pitches of the selected notes are also shown in color. RELATED LINKS Event Colors Menu on page 608 Select Submenu for Note Events on page 612 Editing on page 821 Select Submenu for Note Events The Select submenu offers you several options to select note events.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions RELATED LINKS Deleting Note Events on page 613 Muting Note Events You can mute individual note events in a MIDI editor. Muting individual notes allows you to exclude note events from playback. Do one of the following: ● Click on a note event with the Mute tool. ● Drag a rectangle with the Mute tool, enclosing all note events that you want to mute. ● Select the note events and select Edit > Mute.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions 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. Notes with a lower velocity than the set value are deleted. Remove when under This option is only available if Minimum Velocity and Minimum Length are both activated.
MIDI Editors Common MIDI Editor Functions You can also press Alt/Opt and drag the right edge of the note events to the right to create copies of the note events. Finding Exact Positions with Snap The Snap function restricts horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. This helps you find exact positions in the note display when editing note events in a MIDI editor. Affected operations include moving, duplicating, drawing, sizing, etc. ● To activate/deactivate snap, click Snap.
MIDI Editors Controller Display ● To restrict editing operations to the active part, activate Edit Active Part in the Part Editing Mode pop-up menu. ● To change the size of the part, drag the part borders. The part borders display the name of the active part. NOTE If the part that you open for editing is a shared copy, any editing that you perform affects all shared copies of this part. In the Project window, shared copies are indicated by an equal sign in the top right corner of the part.
MIDI Editors Controller Display The following options are available: 1 Note display Contains a grid in which MIDI notes are displayed as boxes. 2 Controller Selection and Functions menu Allows you to select which controller type is displayed, and contains editing functions for controller lanes and events. 3 Divider Drag the divider between the note display and the controller display to resize the display areas. 4 Controller display Shows one or multiple controller lanes.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 7 ● Velocity ● Pitchbend ● Aftertouch ● Poly Pressure ● Program Change ● SysEx (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 Controller Lane Context Menu ● To open the controller lane context menu, right-click in the left area of the 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.
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 Setting up Available Continuous Controllers on page 622 Displaying a Different Controller Event Type You can select which event type to display on a controller lane. Each controller lane shows one event type at a time. PROCEDURE ● Open the Controller Selection and Functions pop-up menu and select a different event type.
MIDI Editors Controller Display RESULT The corresponding continuous controllers are now available for selection. NOTE The MIDI Controller Setup dialog is available in different areas of the program. The settings are global, that is, the setup you choose here affects all areas of the program where MIDI controllers can be selected.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Saving Controller Lane Presets You can save a controller lane setup as a controller lane preset. This way, you can have a preset with one velocity lane and another preset with a combination of several controller lanes, such as velocity, pitchbend, or modulation. PREREQUISITE You have added at least one controller lane and selected a controller event type for display. PROCEDURE 1. Click Controller Lane Setup. 2. Select Add Preset. 3.
MIDI Editors Controller Display NOTE If there is more than one note at the same position, their velocity bars overlap. To edit the velocity of only one of these notes, select the note in the note display. If no note is selected, all velocity events get the same velocity value. RESULT The velocity values change according to your edits.
MIDI Editors Controller Display RELATED LINKS Adding Controller Lanes on page 621 Line Tool Modes on page 633 Controller Selection and Functions Menu on page 619 Pitchbend Controller Lanes Pitchbend controller lanes allow you to add and edit pitchbend controller events. ● To add a pitchbend controller lane, open the Controller Selection and Functions menu, and select Pitchbend. 1 Curve Type field Shows the controller curve type. You can set this to Step or to Ramp/Curve.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 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: 3 ● 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. ● If Show Semitones Grid is deactivated, this value shows the pitchbend MIDI value at the project cursor position.
MIDI Editors Controller Display Show Semitones Grid The semitones grid shows the semitone values that the events snap to. The amount of grid lines and their width depends on the settings for Pitchbend Range: Down and Pitchbend Range: Up. NOTE The grid is a visual help that allows you to find exact semitone positions for pitchbends easier. Changing the grid does not change the values of pitchbend events. Pitchbend Range: Up Allows you to specify a value between 1 and 96 semitones for the upper grid.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 3. Optional: Activate Snap Pitchbend Events to snap the pitchbend controller events to the set grid. 4. Select the Draw tool and click in the controller display to enter as many pitchbend events as you need. RESULT The pitchbend controller events are added.
MIDI Editors Controller Display A Poly Pressure controller lane is added. It shows a note number value field to the left of the controller display. 3. Do one of the following: ● Select a note event in the note display to set the note number for the corresponding pitch. This only works for the topmost of several poly pressure controller lanes.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 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. ● To add a Modulation (CC 1) event, copy note events from the Key Editor note display and paste them on a controller lane in the controller display.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 2. In the Key Editor, open the Create Controller Lane menu, and select Show Used Controllers. The controller lanes for all controller events that you have recorded are shown in the controller display. 3. Locate the controller lane of the continuous controller that you want to edit, and select a controller event. The info line of the Key Editor displays information about the selected controller event, such as Type, Start position, Value, Channel, and Curve Type. 4.
MIDI Editors Controller Display MIDI controller data from the automation track is also displayed on the controller lane. However, you cannot edit this data on the controller lane. On the controller lane, you can also see the controller curve that is applied before the part starts. This tells you which controller value is being used at the starting point of the part so that you can choose the start value accordingly. RELATED LINKS Extracting MIDI Automation on page 605 MIDI Part Data vs.
MIDI Editors Controller Display 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. For very smooth curves, use a small Length Quantize value or deactivate Snap.
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 If you Alt/Opt -click in the middle right border of the editor, you can scale the curve relative to its center. This allows you to raise or lower the event values horizontally around the center of the 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor To open a MIDI part in the Key Editor, do one of the following: ● 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 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor 7 Note display Contains a grid in which MIDI notes are displayed as boxes. 8 Controller display The area below the note display consists of one or multiple controller lanes. NOTE You can activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, and the controller lanes by clicking Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activating/deactivating the corresponding options.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Pitch Visibility Pitch Visibility On/Off Deactivate this to show all pitches in the note display. Activate this to reduce the pitches in the note display according to the selected pitch visibility option. Select Pitch Visibility Options Allows you to determine which pitches are displayed in the note display: ● Show Pitches with Events shows only the pitches for which events are available in the note display.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Splits events. Glue Glues together events of the same pitch. 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 Nudge End Left Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the left. Nudge 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 Key Editor Grid Type Allows you to select one of the following grid types: ● Use Quantize activates a grid where events snap to the value that is selected in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu. ● Adapt to Zoom activates a grid where events snap to the zoom level. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor 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 Key Editor 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 607 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Changing the Ruler Display Format on page 607 Key Editor Inspector In a MIDI editor, the Inspector is located left of the note display. The Key Editor Inspector contains tools and functions for working with MIDI data. Chord Editing Allows you to enter chords instead of single notes. 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor RELATED LINKS Quantize Panel on page 243 Opening the Editor Inspector on page 50 Scale Assistant in the Key Editor on page 646 Scale Assistant in the Key Editor The Scale Assistant section of the Key Editor Inspector helps you to match note events to a musical scale. Scale Assistant Status Indicator Shows the on/off status of the Scale Assistant. Use Editor Scale Allows you to select a scale for the notes in the Key Editor note display. ● Editor Scale Allows you to select a scale.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Snap Live Input Automatically corrects the pitches of incoming notes according to the selected scale. NOTE This only works if Record in Editor is activated. Quantize Pitches Quantizes the pitches of the selected notes to the nearest pitch of the selected scale.
MIDI Editors Key Editor NOTE You can change the naming format and the note names of the pitches in the Pitch Notation section of the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Chords&Pitches page). You can activate Pitch Visibility On/Off on the Key Editor toolbar to show only the pitches with events or the pitches suggested by the Scale Assistant. This hides the keyboard keys whose pitches are not used and shows note names on the remaining keys.
MIDI Editors Key Editor NOTE You can change the naming format and the note names of the pitches in the Pitch Notation section of the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Chords&Pitches page). If you select note events in the event display, the corresponding keys on the piano keyboard display are shown in the same color as the note event. NOTE You can use the Event Colors menu in the Key Editor toolbar to select a color scheme.
MIDI Editors Key Editor RELATED LINKS Pitch Visibility Options on page 650 Key Editor Toolbar on page 638 Note Display on page 647 Key Editor Piano Keyboard Display on page 648 Pitch Visibility Options The pitch visibility options allow you to show or hide specific pitches from the Key Editor event display and the piano keyboard display. Pitch visibility options are saved with the program. If a setting leads to a situation where no pitches would be shown, all pitches are shown instead.
MIDI Editors Key Editor an exclamation mark. If you activate the Scale/Chords option in the Event Colors pop-up menu on the Key Editor toolbar, the non-matching note events are shown in a different color. ● Use Chord Track Shows only notes that match the chord track. The Chord Track Mode that you selected for the Scale Assistant determines if the pitches of the scale, the chord, or both are visible.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Key Editor Operations This section describes the principal editing operations within the Key Editor. Matching Note Events to a Musical Scale You can select a musical scale that is based on all or selected note events in the Key Editor and match note events to it. PROCEDURE 1. Open a MIDI part in the Key Editor. 2. Open the Scale Assistant section of the Inspector, and activate Use Editor Scale. 3. Do one of the following: 4.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Mapping Incoming MIDI Note Pitches to Musical Scales on page 654 Quantizing MIDI Note Pitches to Musical Scales on page 654 Using the Chord Track to Match Note Events to a Musical Scale You can select a musical scale that is defined by chords or scales on the chord track and match note events to it. PREREQUISITE You have added a chord track with chord events to your project. PROCEDURE 1. Open a MIDI part in the Key Editor. 2.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations RELATED LINKS Event Colors Menu on page 608 Matching Note Events to a Musical Scale on page 652 Scale Assistant in the Key Editor on page 646 Showing Specific Pitches in the Key Editor on page 649 Chord Track on page 698 Quantizing MIDI Note Pitches to Musical Scales You can quantize MIDI note pitches to the nearest pitch of the selected scale. PREREQUISITE In the Key Editor, you have selected a scale for your MIDI notes or you have selected a Chord Track Mode.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 6. Play or record some notes on your MIDI keyboard. RESULT The pitches of the played or recorded notes are automatically mapped to the selected scale.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 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 RELATED LINKS Line Tool Modes on page 658 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 ● You can also adjust the position of note events by quantizing. RELATED LINKS Transpose Setup Dialog on page 595 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.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Splitting Note Events ● To split the note at the position that you point, select Split, and click on a note. If several notes are selected, they are all split at the same position. The snap setting is taken into account. ● To split all notes that are intersected by the project cursor position, select Edit > Functions > Split at Cursor.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Chord Editing Section The Chord Editing section in the Key Editor Inspector allows you to insert and edit chords, and change voicings. Chord type of selected notes Shows the chord type of the selected chords. Add to Chord Track Adds the chord indicated in the Chord type of selected notes field to the chord track. The chord event is inserted at the position on the chord track that corresponds to the position of the MIDI notes.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations 4-Note Chords Allows you to insert 4-note chords to the note display. You can also click one of the 4-Note Chords buttons to transpose the selected notes so that they fit to the selected chord type. Inversions - Move Up Inverts the lowest note of a chord. The corresponding notes are transposed by as many octaves as needed. Inversions - Move Down Inverts the highest note of a chord. The corresponding notes are transposed by as many octaves as needed.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations Applying Chord Events to Note Events You can apply chord events from the chord track to notes in the MIDI editor. PREREQUISITE Create a chord track and add chord events. PROCEDURE 1. Open the MIDI editor. 2. In the Key Editor Inspector, open the Chord Editing section. 3. Select Match with Chord Track. RESULT The first chord event of the chord track is applied to the selected notes. Only the basic chord type is applied. Tensions are not taken into account.
MIDI Editors Key Editor Operations AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK To try another setting, select the note again and play a note on your MIDI instrument. 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.
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 ● 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. If you have selected parts on several tracks, you get one staff for each track. The staves are tied together by barlines and placed in the order of the tracks in the Project window. ● To rearrange the staves, close the editor and in the Project window, rearrange the tracks. Then reopen the Score Editor.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Automatically plays back events when you move or transpose them, or when you create them by drawing. Tool Buttons Object Selection Selects events and parts. Insert Note Inserts notes. Erase Deletes events. Split Splits events. Glue Glues together events of the same pitch. Insert Text Inserts text. Insert Velocity Note Insert Velocity Allows you to specify a velocity value for new notes.
MIDI Editors Score Editor 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. Step/MIDI Input Computer Keyboard Input Activates/Deactivates computer keyboard input. Step Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI step input. MIDI Input Activates/Deactivates MIDI input and note expression MIDI input.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the Editor tab in the lower zone. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window. It opens the Editor tab in the lower zone of the Project window. Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone. 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.
MIDI Editors Score Editor The on/off status of the info line in the Score Editor window and in the Editor tab in the lower zone of the Project window are independent of each other. RELATED LINKS Changing the Ruler Display Format on page 607 Score Editor Extended Toolbar The extended toolbar contains note value buttons and enharmonic shift buttons. ● To show the extended toolbar, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar, and activate Tools. Note Value Buttons Allows you to select a note value for input.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations All MIDI input is directed to one of the tracks, which is called the active staff. The active staff is indicated by a rectangle to the left of the clef symbol. ● To change the active staff, click on the staff that you want to activate. Score Editor Operations This section describes the principal editing operations within the Score Editor.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Staff Mode The Staff Mode determines how the staff is shown. ● In Single mode, all notes in the part are shown in the same staff. ● In Split mode, the part is split on the screen into a bass and treble clef, as in a piano score. The Split Point value determines where you want the split to occur. Notes above and including the split note appear on the upper staff, and notes below the split note appear on the lower staff.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Clef/Key In this section, you can set the correct clef and key. Clef/Key display Allows you to select the clef or key via the scrollbar. Lower Staff Sets the clef and key to the lower staff. Auto Clef If this option is activated, Cubase attempts to guess the correct clef, judging from the pitch of the music. Display Transpose In this section, you can specify a separate display transpose setting for each staff (track).
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations Shuffle If this option is activated and you have played a shuffle beat, the beat is displayed as straight notes, not as triplets. This is very common in jazz notation. Quantize Value When you move the mouse pointer over the score, the Mouse Time Position field on the status line tracks your movement and shows the current position in bars, beats, 16th notes, and ticks. The quantize value controls the positioning on screen.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations RESULT The note appears in the score. The notes get the insert velocity value that is set in the Note Insert Velocity field on the toolbar. NOTE If the notes that you enter appear to have the wrong note value, you may have to adjust the Display Quantize settings. For example, if you entered a 1/32 note that is displayed as a 1/16 note. RELATED LINKS Setting Velocity Values on page 615 Display Quantize on page 672 Moving and Transposing Notes PROCEDURE 1.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations RELATED LINKS Improving the Score Display on page 671 Editing Note Events on the Info Line on page 614 Splitting and Gluing Note Events ● To split 2 notes that are strung together by a tie, click on the tied note head with the Split tool. ● The note is split into 2, with the respective length of the main and the tied note. ● To glue a note to the next note with the same pitch, click on a note with the Glue tool.
MIDI Editors Score Editor Operations This opens the text for editing. Use the Up Arrow , Down Arrow , Left Arrow , and Right Arrow keys to move the cursor, delete characters with the Delete or Backspace keys, press Return when you are finished. ● To delete text blocks, select them with the Object Selection tool and press Backspace or Delete . ● To move text blocks, drag them to a new position. ● To duplicate text blocks, press Alt/Opt and drag them to a new position.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Font options Determine whether the text is formatted bold, italic, and/or underlined. Printing the Score PROCEDURE 1. Open the parts that you want to print in the Score Editor. 2. Select File > Page Setup and make sure that all your printer settings are correct. IMPORTANT If you change your setting for paper size, scale, and margins now, the score may change its look. 3. Click OK. 4. Select File > Print. 5. In the Print dialog, make your changes. 6. Click Print.
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 Ruler Displays the time line. 7 Note display Contains a grid in which notes are displayed.
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 Automatically plays back events when you move or transpose them, or when you create them by drawing. 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Moves the selected event to the left. Move Right Moves the selected event to the right. Nudge End Left Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the left. Nudge 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor 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. ● 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Part Editing Mode Sets the editing mode for parts. ● Edit All Parts allows you to edit all parts that are opened in the Editor at the same time. ● Edit Active Parts restricts editing operations to the part that is selected in the Activate Part for Editing pop-up menu. Active Part for Editing Lists all parts that were selected when you opened the editor, and allows you to activate a part. Event Colors Event Colors Allows you to select event colors.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Right Divider Right Divider Allows you to use the right divider. Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. Window Zone Controls Open in Separate Window This button is available in the Editor tab in the lower zone. It opens the editor in a separate window. Open in Lower Zone This button is available in the editor window. It opens the Editor tab in the lower zone of the Project window. Show/Hide Left Zone Shows/Hides the left zone.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor If you move the mouse in the controller display, the controller event value at the mouse cursor position is displayed. Track Loop Start/Track Loop End If Independent Track Loop is activated on the toolbar and you set up a loop, the start/end position is displayed. RELATED LINKS Drum Editor Toolbar on page 680 Info Line The info line shows values and properties of the selected events. If several notes are selected, the values for the first note are displayed in color.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor ● To use the Legato function or slider to extend a note until the next selected note, activate Extend to Next Selected. This is identical with activating the Legato Mode: Between Selected Notes Only option in the Preferences dialog. Setup Allows you to open a dialog to edit the Drum Editor Inspector settings. Click Setup Inspector, and from the pop-up menu, select Setup.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Drum Sound List The drum sound list lists all drum sounds by name and allows you to adjust and manipulate the drum sound setup in various ways. NOTE The number of columns in the list depends on whether a drum map is selected for the track or not. 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.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations RELATED LINKS Muting Notes and Drum Sounds on page 692 Drum Maps on page 692 Select Pitch Visibility Options Menu The Select Pitch Visibility Options pop-up menu on the drum editor toolbar allows you to determine which drum sounds are shown in the drum sound list. ● Activate Pitch Visibility On/Off, and click Select Pitch Visibility Options on the toolbar.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations PROCEDURE ● Perform one of the following actions: ● Select the Object Selection tool and double-click in the event display. ● Select the Drumstick tool and click in the event display. NOTE To temporarily switch from the Object Selection tool to the Drumstick tool, hold down Alt/Opt . RESULT A note event is inserted. Inserting Multiple Drum Note Events You can insert multiple note events of the same pitch with the Object Selection tool or the Drumstick tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Editor Operations NOTE If you want to edit the note length in the Drum Editor, you must deactivate Snap and activate Show Note Length On/Off. Otherwise, the note is repeated. ● To edit the time position, hold down Shift and drag to the left or to the right. NOTE You can activate/deactivate Snap temporarily by holding down Ctrl/Cmd . Changing the Note Length You can change the note length in the drum editor with the Object Selection tool or with the Drumstick tool.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps PROCEDURE ● Do one of the following: ● On the toolbar, select the Object Selection tool, double-click the first event you want to delete, and drag to the right. ● On the toolbar, select the Drumstick tool, click the first event you want to delete, and drag to the right. RESULT The note events are deleted. Muting Notes and Drum Sounds IMPORTANT The mute state for drum sounds is part of the drum map. All other tracks using this map are affected.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps If you want to have the same drum maps included in your projects, you can load these into the template. NOTE Drum maps are saved with the project files. If you have created or modified a drum map, use the Save function to save it as a separate XML file to make it available for loading into other projects. RELATED LINKS Saving a Project Template File on page 87 Drum Map Setup Dialog This dialog allows you to load, create, modify, and save drum maps.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps New Map Adds a new drum map to the project. The drum sounds are named “Sound 1, Sound 2, etc.” and have all parameters set to default values. The map is named “Empty Map”. To rename the drum map, click the name in the list and type in a new name. New Copy Adds a copy of the selected drum map to create a new drum map. You can then change the drum sound settings of the copy and rename the drum map in the list. Remove Removes the selected drum map from the project.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps 2. In the Inspector for the track, open the Drum Maps pop-up menu and select Create Drum Map from Instrument. The drum map is created for the kit that is assigned to the MIDI port and channel selected in the Inspector. 3. Open the Drum Maps pop-up menu again and select Drum Map Setup. 4. In the list on the left, select the kit that you have loaded in the instrument. RESULT The sounds and settings of the instrument are displayed in the Drum Map Setup.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps on your MIDI controller, and once when a note is sent from the program to the MIDI sound device. The following example shows a modified drum map with a bass drum sound that has different pitch, I-note, and O-note values. I-Notes (Input Notes) When you play a note on your MIDI instrument, the program looks for this note number among the I-notes in the drum map. If you play the note A1, the program finds that this is the I-note of the bass drum sound.
MIDI Editors Drum Maps RELATED LINKS Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files on page 137 697 Cubase Elements 12
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. ● Extract chord events from audio events.
Chord Functions Chord Events RELATED LINKS Chord Track on page 131 Chord Events Chord events are representations of chords that allow you to 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 4. Optional: Select a chord type, tension, and bass note. 5. Optional: Click Add Chord or press Tab to add a new undefined chord event on the chord track, and define it. 6. To close the Editor, click anywhere outside the Editor. RELATED LINKS Adding the Chord Track on page 698 Chord Editor The Chord Editor allows you to define or change chord events, and to add new chord events. ● To open the Chord Editor, double-click a chord event.
Chord Functions Chord Events Define Chord by Text Input Allows you to define a chord using the computer keyboard. Defining Chords by Text Input In the chord Editor, you can use the text input field to define a chord with the computer keyboard. PROCEDURE 1. Double-click a chord event to open the chord Editor. 2. Click in the text input field at the bottom of the Editor. 3. Enter a chord by performing the following actions: ● Define a root note, for example, C, D, E.
Chord Functions Chord Events ● To open the Detected tab, double-click a chord event that was extracted from an audio event, and click Detected. NOTE Chord events that were extracted from audio events are indicated by a symbol in the upper right corner of the event. RELATED LINKS Chord Assistant – Circle of Fifths on page 702 Chord Assistant – Detected on page 703 Chord Assistant – Circle of Fifths The Circle of Fifths shows the chords in an interactive visualization of the circle of fifths.
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 Assistant – Detected The Detected tab of the Chord Assistant is only available if you created chord events from audio events.
Chord Functions Chord Events Add Chord Adds a new undefined chord event on the chord track. NOTE This works only if the last chord event on the chord track is selected. Audio Event The name of the audio event from which the chord events were detected. Chord list Shows the detected chord for the selected chord event on top, and alternative results further down the list. Click a chord to audition it and assign it to the selected chord event.
Chord Functions Scale Events 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 Scale Events The keys that correspond to the scale are highlighted. RELATED LINKS Scale Assistant in the Key Editor on page 646 Musical Scale Setup Dialog The Musical Scale Setup dialog allows you to set up and manage musical scales. ● To open the Musical Scale Setup dialog, select Project > Chord Track > Set up Musical Scales. Add Scale Adds a new scale to the list. Use the keyboard display to define the scale pitches. All scales start with C as a root note.
Chord Functions Voicings NOTE Activated musical scales are used in the chord track, in the Scale Assistant section of the Key Editor Inspector, in the Transpose Setup window, and in the MIDI Modifiers section of the Inspector. Name The name of the scale. Double-click to change it. Scales Shows a keyboard that allows you to define the scale pitches. Click a key to activate/ deactivate a pitch for a scale. All scales start with C as a root note. Preview Scale Plays back the scale.
Chord Functions Voicings NOTE If Adaptive Voicings is activated in the chord track Inspector, you can only change the voicings for the first chord event on the info line. Inspector Settings for Voicings To set up voicings for the entire chord track, you can use the chord track Inspector. Voicing library Allows you to select Guitar, Piano, or Basic as a voicing library. Voicing library subset NOTE This is only available if Guitar or Piano is set as voicing library.
Chord Functions Voicings Custom Voicing Panel If you click Set up Voicing in the Chords section of the Inspector, you can configure your own voicing parameters for a specific voicing scheme. ● To open the Custom Voicing panel, click Set up Voicing in the Chords section of the Inspector. In the Style section for Piano voicings, you can set up the following parameters: Triads Sets a triad. Chords with more than 3 notes are not changed.
Chord Functions Converting Chord Events to MIDI Add Root Note Adds a root note. Duplicate Root Duplicates the root note. Fatten up Duplicates the tenor. In the Voicing Range section for Piano voicings, you can set up the following parameters: Lowest Root Note Sets the limit for the lowest root note. Lowest Note Sets the limit for the lowest note, except the root note. Highest Note Sets the limit for the highest note, except the root note.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track ● To convert all chord events to MIDI, select Project > Chord Track > Chords to MIDI. ● To convert only selected chords to MIDI, select the chord events and drag them to the MIDI or instrument track. RESULT A new MIDI part is created, containing the chords as MIDI events.
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using 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 pop-up 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 5. Click OK. RESULT The events on your track now match the chord progression on the chord track. NOTE If you matched your MIDI track to the chord track, some of the original MIDI notes may be muted. To hide these notes in the editors, activate Hide Muted Notes in Editors in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Chords page).
Chord Functions Controlling MIDI Playback Using the Chord Track NOTE If you apply this mode to a selection of tracks that contain separate voices, you can set up one track as master and the others as voicing slaves. This way, you can change the voicing of the master, and the slaves will follow automatically.
Chord Functions Assigning Voices to Notes 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. RELATED LINKS Follow Chord Track Modes on page 713 Assigning Voices to Notes You can transpose MIDI notes to match the voices of a selected voicing library.
Chord Functions Creating Chord Events from MIDI 3. ● Drag the MIDI part and drop it on the chord track. ● Right-click a MIDI part, and select Create Chord Events from the context menu. ● Select Project > Chord Track > Create Chord Events. In the Create Chord Symbols dialog, make your changes and click OK. RESULT The chord events are added to the chord track.
Chord Functions Creating Chord Events from Audio Events Creating Chord Events from Audio Events You can extract chords from audio events. This is useful if you have an audio file and want to show its harmonic structure, and use this file as starting point for further experimenting. PREREQUISITE ● You have added a chord track. ● On an audio track, you have added an audio event with audio material that can be interpreted as chords, that is, with three or four different note pitches playing simultaneously.
Chord Functions Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard PROCEDURE 1. Double-click the detected chord event that you want to edit. 2. Open the Detected tab. A list of the detected chords ranked from top to bottom is shown. 3. Click one of the chords in the list to audition the chord and assign it to the chord event. RESULT The chord is assigned to the chord event on the chord track.
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 Unassign Pad Removes the chord assignment from the current pad. 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 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 The Circle of Fifths shows the chords in an interactive visualization of the circle of fifths.
Chord Pads Chord Assignment 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, right-click the chord and select Assign to Pad and Use as Origin. NOTE The Circle of Fifths is also available in the Chord Assistant window for the chord track.
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 RELATED LINKS Adaptive Voicing on page 731 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.
Chord Pads Playing Back and Recording Chords RESULT When you drop the pad on another, the first pad’s assignment is copied to the destination chord pad together with its settings, except for the Adaptive Voicing Reference. 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 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. 6. Select Project > Chord Pads > Show/Hide Chord Pads to open the Chord Pads. 7. Activate Chord Pad Output Mode. 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 NOTE On the Chord Pads page of the Studio Setup dialog, you can select your connected MIDI keyboard from the MIDI Input pop-up menu. This is useful if you want to use a specific MIDI keyboard exclusively for triggering the chord pads. Recording Chords on Instrument Tracks You can record chords that are triggered by chord pads on MIDI or instrument tracks.
Chord Pads Player Setup The chord track is added to the track list. 3. In the Inspector for the chord track, click Record Enable. 4. On the Transport panel, activate Record. 5. On your MIDI keyboard, press the keys that trigger the chord pads. RESULT The chord events are recorded on the chord track. 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.
Chord Pads Player Setup Player Modes ● Plain Chords triggers all notes of a chord simultaneously. ● Pattern plays an arpeggio that is based on the notes of the pattern. RELATED LINKS Players and Voicings on page 731 Voicings on page 707 Player Setup on page 730 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.
Chord Pads Player Setup Overlaps Allows you to select what happens with the notes of the first chord when you play a chord without releasing the previous chord. ● Hold First holds the notes of the first chord. No note-off message is sent. If the chords have common notes, these are not triggered again. ● Legato releases the notes of the first chord, except for the common notes. These are held and not triggered again. ● Stop First releases the notes of the first chord including the common notes.
Chord Pads Player Setup Using the Pattern Player You can play back the pattern of a MIDI loop or a MIDI part with chord pads. This plays back the pattern with the notes that make up the chord. PROCEDURE 1. To the left of the chord pads, activate Show/Hide Player Setup. 2. In the Selected Player Settings section, open the Player Modes pop-up menu, and select Pattern. 3. Perform one of the following actions: ● Click Import MIDI Loop to select a MIDI loop that you want to use as a pattern.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog For example, select a piano sound and activate Piano Player. NOTE When setting up the player for a track, make sure that Record Enable or Monitor is only active for this particular track. 10. Select the second instrument track, select a sound for the VST instrument, and set up another player. For example, select a guitar sound and activate Guitar Player. 11. Select the next instrument track, and proceed as for the other 2 tracks.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog Pad Remote Control Allows you to specify a range of remote keys that trigger the chords that are assigned to the chord pads. Here, you can also set up chord modifiers that allow you to specify how the chords are played back. Pad Layout Allows you to change the layout that is used for the chord pads.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog In the Chord Pad Triggers section, the following options are available: Latch Chords Activate this if you want the chord pad to play back until it is triggered again. Pads Remote Range Start Allows you to set the start note for the remote range. By default, this is set to C1. Pads Remote Range End Allows you to set the end note for the remote range. By default, this is set to B1.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog Next Voicing Plays back the next voicing of the last played chord. Previous Voicing Plays back the previous voicing of the last played chord. Modify All Pad Voicings Allows you to set the voicings for all chord pads using one of the following modifiers: ● No Modifier ● Aftertouch ● Pitchbend ● Controller If you select Controller, you can set the controller number in the Controller Number field.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Setup Dialog 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. If you want to use a wider key range on your MIDI keyboard for regular playing, you can narrow the pads remote range. PROCEDURE 1. Click Set up Chord Pads. 2.
Chord Pads Chord Pads Presets 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 Presets Chord Pads Presets are templates that can be applied to newly created or to existing chord pads.
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 718 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 Shows the tempo scale in BPM. 2 Toolbar 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 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 Auto-Scroll 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 Right Divider Right Divider Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown. 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.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo Setting up a Tempo Track by Adding Tempo Changes PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Add Track > Tempo. The tempo track is added to the track list. 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.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo If you know the tempo of your music, you can adjust the tempo value in the following areas: ● Tempo field on the Transport panel ● Current Tempo field on the Tempo Track Editor toolbar If you do not know the tempo of your music, use one of the following tools to calculate and set it: ● Beat Calculator ● Set Project Tempo from Loop RELATED LINKS Setting the Project Tempo from a Recording on page 746 Setting the Project Tempo from an Au
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Beat Calculator 4. Use Space to tap the tempo of the recording that is played back. In the BPM field, the calculated tempo is updated each time you tap. 5. Click OK to close the window. The tapped tempo is shown in the BPM field of the 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.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Set Definition from Tempo Dialog Beats Allows you to enter the number of beats for the selected section of your recording. BPM Shows the tempo calculated for the selection. 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.
Editing Tempo and Time Signature Time Signature Events Adjusting the Audio Tempo to the Project Tempo You can adjust the tempo of freely recorded audio material to the project tempo. PROCEDURE 1. Select the audio events that you want to adjust to the project tempo. 2. Select Audio > Advanced > Set Definition from Tempo. 3. Optional: Adjust the settings. 4. Click OK. RESULT The tempo information is copied to the audio and the tracks are set to musical time base.
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 Allows you to downmix the 2 channels of a stereo bus to a single mono file. 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 Creates a new project that contains an audio track for each of the exported channels, as well as the signature and tempo track of the original project. 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.
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 6. Click OK. RESULT The text that you entered is added to the file name scheme and will be applied on export. 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.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats 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. The files have the extension .mp3. 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.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Allows you to export the 2 channels of a stereo bus as separate mono files. ● Mono Downmix Allows you to downmix the 2 channels of a stereo bus to a single mono file. Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk 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.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Export as Allows you to select a channel mode for the mixdown file: ● Interleaved Allows you to export to an interleaved file. ● Split Channels Allows you to export the 2 channels of a stereo bus as separate mono files. ● Mono Downmix Allows you to downmix the 2 channels of a stereo bus to a single mono file. Insert Broadcast Wave Chunk Activates the embedding of additional file information in Broadcast Wave format.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats High-Quality Mode Sets the encoder to a different resampling mode. This may give better results depending on your settings. However, it does not allow you to select the Sample Rate. Insert ID3 Tag Includes ID3 Tag information in the exported file. Edit ID3 Tag Opens the Setup ID3 Tag dialog that allows you to enter information about the file. This information is embedded in the file and can be displayed by most MP3 playback applications.
Export Audio Mixdown File Formats Ogg Vorbis Files Ogg Vorbis is an open source, patent-free audio encoding and streaming technology, offering compressed audio files of small size, but with comparatively high audio quality. Ogg Vorbis files have the extension .ogg. ● To open the settings for Ogg Vorbis files, select OggVorbis in the File Type pop-up menu. Quality Sets the quality for the variable bit rate encoding. This setting determines between which limits the bit rate will vary.
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 Any device receiving the timecode and synchronizing or locking to it. 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.
Synchronization Clock Sources 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. 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.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog AES/SPDIF Digital Audio An audio clock source is embedded within AES and SPDIF digital audio signals. This clock source can be used as a speed reference. Preferably, the signal itself does not contain any actual audio (digital black), but any digital audio source can be used if necessary. 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.
Synchronization Project Synchronization Setup Dialog RELATED LINKS Sources Page on page 768 Destinations Page on page 770 767 Cubase Elements 12
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 NOTE Some MIDI interfaces send MTC over all ports by default. If this is the case, only select one port of the interface for the MTC. MIDI Timecode Preferences In the MIDI Timecode Preferences section, the following options are available: MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time Ensures that the MIDI output always follows the time position of Cubase.
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 However, if you use an external clock from a digital mixing desk or a special word clock synchronizer, for example, you must leave all your ASIO cards in clock slave or AutoSync 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.
VST System Link Setting up VST System Link ● Digital signal processing, such as pan or effects, must be turned off for the VST System Link signal. ● For RME Audio Hammerfall DSP audio hardware, select the default or plain preset for the Totalmix function. 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.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link The audio that is played back should now appear in the application running on computer 2, and the input bus level meters should move. RESULT You have now verified that the digital connection works as it should. You can reverse this procedure so that computer 2 plays back and computer 1 listens. 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.
VST System Link Activating VST System Link 5. Activate Active at the top left of the VST System Link setup. 6. Repeat the steps for each computer in the network. RESULT The sending and receiving indicators on each active computer flash, and the name of each computer appears in the list in the Self test section of the dialog. Each computer is assigned a random number. The name will be shown in the VST System Link window of every computer on the network.
VST System Link Application Examples Activating MIDI Ports for VST System Link You can activate MIDI input and output ports for VST System Link. This allows you to route MIDI tracks to VST instruments running on another computer. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Studio Setup. 2. In the Devices list, select VST System Link. 3. Specify the number of MIDI ports you need using the MIDI Inputs and MIDI Outputs value fields. 4. Create a MIDI track.
VST System Link Application Examples 2. On computer 2, route each of the 2 audio tracks to a separate output bus connected to the digital outputs, bus 1 and 2, for example. 3. Route the FX channel track to another VST System Link bus, bus 3, for example. 4. Route the VST instrument channel to yet another bus, bus 4, for example. 5. On computer 1, check the corresponding 4 VST System Link input busses. If you start playback on computer 2, the audio should appear on the input busses on computer 1.
VST System Link Application Examples 3. On computer 2, open the VST Instruments window and assign an instrument to the first slot in the rack. 4. Route the VST instrument channel to the desired output bus. If you are using computer 1 as your main mixing computer, this would be one of the VST System Link output busses, connected to computer 1. 5. Create a new MIDI track in the Project window of computer 2 and assign the MIDI output of the track to the VST instrument you created. 6.
VST System Link Application Examples Recording Tracks on Other Computers You can record tracks on another computer. This is useful if the hard drive on one computer is not fast enough to run as many audio tracks as you need. PROCEDURE ● Add tracks on another computer and record on them. RESULT This creates a virtual RAID system, with several disks all operating together. All tracks will remain locked together just as tightly as if they were all running on the same machine.
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. The video export function allows you to share your videos with clients or other users. 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 MPEG-4 This format can contain various metadata for streaming, editing, local playback, and interchange of content. Its file extension is .mp4. AVI This is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft. 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.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects Dedicated Video Cards You can use a dedicated video card. Video is sent directly to the output of this video device. The following video cards are supported: ● Blackmagic Design video output devices IMPORTANT ● You must install the appropriate driver for the video device and set the video card output to the video file resolution used in your project. ● Video output via FireWire is not supported.
Video Preparations for Creating Video Projects RELATED LINKS Pool on page 444 Extracting Audio from Video on page 793 Adopting the Project Frame Rate To ensure that the time display of Cubase corresponds to the actual frames in the video, you must set the project frame rate to the frame rate of the imported video file. PREREQUISITE The frame rate of the imported video file differs from the project frame rate. PROCEDURE 1. Select Project > Project Setup. 2.
Video Preparations for Video Playback ● In the Project window, select the video event and select Media > Generate Thumbnail Cache. NOTE You can only refresh already existing thumbnail cache files from within the Pool. RESULT The thumbnail cache file is generated in the background so that you can continue working with Cubase. Preparations for Video Playback You can play back imported video files from within Cubase by using the transport controls.
Video Preparations for Video Playback NOTE The Onscreen Window device only supports a fixed format. Offset If the video image does not match the audio, you can enter an offset value in milliseconds to specify how much earlier the video should be delivered. This compensates for the display delay. The offset is only used during playback. It is saved globally for each output device and is independent of the project. Active Allows you to activate the device that you want to use for playing back video.
Video Preparations for Video Playback Fullscreen Mode Sets the window to full screen mode. To exit full screen mode, open the context menu and select Exit Fullscreen Mode or press Esc . Quarter Size Reduces the window to a quarter of the actual size. Half Size Reduces the window to half the actual size. 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.
Video Editing Video Scrubbing Video You can scrub video events, that is, play them back forwards or backwards. PROCEDURE 1. Select Studio > Video Player. 2. Do one of the following: ● Click in the Video Player window and move the mouse to the left or to the right. ● Use a jog wheel on a remote controller. Editing Video Video events are created automatically when you import a video file.
Video Export Video RELATED LINKS Export Video Dialog on page 791 Exporting Video Files on page 792 Export Video Dialog The Export Video dialog provides settings for exporting a video file from your project. ● To open the Export Video dialog, select File > Export > Video. The Export Video dialog is divided into several sections. File Location File Name Allows you to specify the name of the exported video file. File Path Allows you to specify the file path of the exported video file.
Video Export Video Audio Settings Channel Selection Allows you to select a stereo output channel for export. MixConsole settings and insert effects are taken into account. Realtime Export Allows you to export the audio mixdown in real time. Realtime export takes at least the same time as regular playback. Activate this if you use external effects or instruments, or if you use VST plug-ins that require time to update correctly during the mixdown.
Video Extracting Audio from Video NOTE You can only add a stereo output channel to the exported video file. We recommend that you route all mono, stereo, or multi-channel channels that you want to export to a stereo output channel via send. 3. Select File > Export > Video. 4. In the Export Video dialog, select the stereo output channel that you want to export. NOTE Make sure that the selected output channel contains all audio that you want to use for the exported file.
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 The following options are available: + All Expands all folders. - 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 F8 VST Instruments F11 Direct Offline Processing Category Option Key command Direct Offline Processing F7 Edit Category Option Key command Activate/Deactivate Focused Object Alt/Opt - A
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 Event Starts to Cursor Ctrl/Cmd - L Move Events to Front 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 P
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 Add Up: Shift - Up Arrow 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: Down Arrow Select next in the Project window/Move selected even
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Right Ctrl/Cmd - Right Arrow Nudge Bottom Down Alt/Opt - Down Arrow Nudge Bottom Up Alt/Opt - Shift - Up Arrow Nudge End Left Alt/Opt - Shift - Left Arrow Nudge End Right Alt/Opt - Right Arrow Nudge Start Left Alt/Opt - Left Arrow Nudge Start Right Alt/Opt - Shift - Right Arrow Nudge Top Down Alt/Opt - Shift - Down Arrow Nudge Top Up Alt/Opt - Up Arrow Project Category Option Key command Colors Alt/Opt - Shift - S Open Markers Ct
Key Commands Default Key Commands Set Insert Length Category Option Key command 1/1 Alt/Opt - 1 1/2 Alt/Opt - 2 1/4 Alt/Opt - 3 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 - .
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Split Tool 3 Zoom Tool 6 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 Next Event N Locate Next Hitpoint Alt/Opt - N Locate Next Marker Shift - N Locate Previous Event B 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 Se
Key Commands Default Key Commands Option Key command Start/Stop Space Stop Num 0 To Marker 1 Shift - 1 To Marker 2 Shift - 2 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 Previo
Key Commands Setting up Tool Modifier Keys Option Key command Zoom In On Waveform Vertically Alt/Opt - H Zoom In Tracks Ctrl/Cmd - Down Arrow Zoom In Vertically Shift - H Zoom Out G 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 usin
Customizing In Cubase you can set up the appearance of specific elements. RELATED LINKS Setup Options on page 810 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 Disables the current preferences, and opens the program with the factory default settings instead. ● 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 ● Under macOS, audio hardware with properly written macOS (Core Audio) drivers can be very efficient and produce very low latency times. 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.
Optimizing Audio Performance ASIO-Guard Realtime Shows the average load of all audio realtime processes. ASIO-Guard Shows the average load of processes that can be preprocessed. NOTE Preprocessing only takes place if you activate Activate ASIO-Guard on the Audio System page of the Studio Setup dialog. 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.
Optimizing Audio Performance ASIO-Guard ASIO-Guard Latency High ASIO-Guard levels lead to an increased ASIO-Guard latency. When you adjust a volume fader, for example, you will hear the parameter changes with a slight delay. The ASIO-Guard latency, in contrast to the latency of the audio hardware, is independent from live input.
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 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. Enter a preset name and click OK. RESULT Your settings are now available on the Preference Presets pop-up menu.
Preferences Editing Auto Select Events under Cursor Automatically selects all events in the Project window or in an editor that are under the project cursor. Cycle Follows Range Selection Sets the left locator to the range start position and the right locator to the range end position of a range selection. Delete Overlaps Deletes overlapped, that is, hidden, sections of overlapping events. Hold Shift while moving events to override this setting.
Preferences Editing ● 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. ● Open Options Dialog Opens a dialog where you can select whether you want to copy the file to the audio folder and/or convert it to the project settings. ● Use Settings Uses the default settings for importing audio.
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 Editing Categories Action Modifiers Drag & Drop Constraint Direction Ctrl/Cmd Copy Alt/Opt Shared Copy Alt/Opt - Shift Erase Tool Delete later events Alt/Opt Glue Tool Glue All Following Events Alt/Opt Info Line All Events Same Value Ctrl/Cmd Range Tool Exclude Row Ctrl/Cmd Select Full Vertical Ctrl/Cmd - Shift Edit Velocity Ctrl/Cmd - Shift Set Position Alt/Opt - Shift Slip Event Content Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt Split Event Alt/Opt Common Position no default assignme
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 Show Overlaps Determines how overlapping events are displayed. 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.
Preferences Event Display Event Display - Chords & Pitches Pitch Notation ● Note Name Allows you to select how chord symbols are displayed. You can choose English, German, or Solfège. ● 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.
Preferences Event Display ● The Remove Custom Chord button allows you to remove the custom chord symbol that is selected in the list. EXAMPLE To change the appearance of all minor chords from Xmin to X-, click New Custom Chord, activate 5 and min3/#9 to define the chord type, and change the symbol in the Type column from min to -. Event Display - Folders Show Event Details Displays event details instead of data blocks. This setting depends on the Show Data on Folder Tracks setting.
Preferences General General The General page contains general settings that affect the program user interface. Set these according to your preferred work methods. Enable HiDPI (Windows only) Enables the appropriate resolution to render Cubase user interface sharp and precise on high resolution displays with supported scaling factors of 100 %, 125 %, 150 %, 175 %, and 200 %. NOTE Other scaling factors, such as 133 %, are not supported.
Preferences MIDI Run Setup on Create New Project Opens the Project Setup dialog every time you create a new project. Use Hub Opens the Hub when you start Cubase or create a new project using the File menu. RELATED LINKS VST Instrument Context Menu on page 515 General - Personalization Default Author Name Allows you to specify an author name that is used by default for new projects. This is included as metadata when exporting audio files with an iXML chunk.
Preferences MIDI as well as on all the parts to the left of it. Deactivate this for very large projects, as it slows down processes such as positioning and soloing. MIDI Display Resolution Allows you to set the display resolution for viewing and editing MIDI data. Extend Playback Range of Notes that start before the Part Extends the playback range of MIDI notes that start before the part in ticks. This is useful if MIDI events start shortly before the start of the MIDI part.
Preferences MIDI Export as Type 0 Exports a type 0 MIDI file with all data on a single track, but on different MIDI channels. If you deactivate this option, a type 1 MIDI file with data on separate tracks is exported. Export Resolution Allows you to set a MIDI resolution between 24 and 960 for the MIDI file. The resolution is the number of pulses, or ticks, per quarter note (PPQ) and determines the precision with which you will be able to view and edit the MIDI data.
Preferences MediaBay Auto Dissolve Format 0 Automatically dissolves imported MIDI files of type 0. Each embedded MIDI channel in the file is placed on a separate track in the Project window. Destination Allows you to specify what happens when you drag a MIDI file into the project. ● MIDI Tracks creates MIDI tracks for the imported file. ● Instrument Tracks creates instrument tracks for each MIDI channel in the MIDI file and lets the program automatically load appropriate presets.
Preferences Metering NOTE During playback or recording no folder scans are performed. Scan Unknown File Types Scans all file types. Metering Map Input Bus Metering to Audio Track (in Direct Monitoring) Maps the input bus metering to monitor-enabled audio tracks, giving you the opportunity to watch the input levels of your audio tracks when working in the Project window. For this to work, activate Direct Monitoring in the Studio Setup dialog.
Preferences Record Record - Audio Audio Pre-Record Seconds Sets for how many seconds any incoming audio you play is captured in buffer memory during playback or in stop mode. When Recording Wave Files Larger than 4 GB Determines what happens if you record wave files that are larger than 4 GB. ● To split the wave file, select Split Files. Use this if you work on a FAT32 file system that supports only file sizes up to 4 GB. ● To save the wave file as an RF64 file, select Use RF64 Format.
Preferences Transport early. By activating this option, all recorded events are moved by the current latency, and playback sounds like during the recording situation. Add Latency to MIDI-Thru Processing If you set the audio buffer size to a high value, and you play an arpeggiator in real time, for example, the MIDI notes are output with an increased latency. If you consequently adapt your playing to the output latency, the notes are recorded even later.
Preferences User Interface If you press Shift while fast forwarding or rewinding, the wind speed will increase. The increase in speed is a multiple of the Speed Factor. Meaning that if you set the Fast Wind Factor to 2, the wind speed will be twice as fast. If you set it to 4, the wind speed will be 4 times as fast, etc. You can set a value between 2 and 50. Cursor Width Adjusts the width of the project cursor line.
Preferences User Interface Customizing the User Interface Colors You can change the color of the Cubase desktop, the track types, the Project window, and the editor elements. PROCEDURE 1. In the Preferences dialog, select User Interface > Color Schemes. 2. Do one of the following: ● Activate a default color scheme by clicking on it. ● Click Custom Color Scheme and in the Color Picker, select a new color. RESULT The color scheme is instantly applied.
Preferences VST Selected Channel Brightness Allows you to adjust the brightness of the selected MixConsole channel. Show Color for Selected Channel Colorizes the selected channel and gives it more color strength instead of displaying it in gray. VST This page contains settings for the VST audio engine. Warn if realtime mixdown is required in order to include external plug-in Shows a warning if a realtime mixdown is required.
Preferences VST Auto Monitoring Determines how Cubase handles monitoring. The following options are available: ● Manual Turns input monitoring on or off when you click Monitor. ● While Record-Enabled Connects the audio source to the channel input when you click Record Enable. ● While Record Running Switches to input monitoring only during recording. ● Tapemachine Style Activates input monitoring in stop mode and during recording, but not during playback.
Preferences Video NOTE We recommend to leave this option deactivated. Plug-in Editors “Always on Top” Always shows the control panels for effect plug-ins and VST instruments on top of other windows. Video Extract Audio on Import Video File Extracts and saves the audio data of imported video files as a separate audio clip. Thumbnail Memory Cache Size Allows you to set the size of the thumbnail cache.
Index A Attributes MediaBay 489 Audio Handling 153 Zooming 65 Audio clock Synchronization 765 Audio Connections 28 Editing 32 Presets 31 Audio events 152 Auditioning 157 Audio Events Inverting phase 172 Audio files Previewing in MediaBay 485 Audio Files Inverting phase 172 Audio Functions 372 Detect Silence 372 Spectrum Analyzer 376 Statistics 378 Audio hardware Connections 14 Externally clocked 20 Audio Part Editor Lower zone 55 Toolbar 412 Audio parts Auditioning 157 Creating 156 Audio performance Optimi
Index B Auditioning Audio events 157 Audio parts 157 Using key commands 456 Auto fades Global settings 260 Track settings 260 Auto Monitoring Manual 841 Tapemachine Style 841 Auto Save 93, 831 Auto Save Internal 831 Auto Select Controllers 636 Auto Select Events under Cursor 821 Auto Track/Channel Color Mode 840 Auto-Scroll 199, 200 Crossfades 256 Suspend 200 Automatable parameters Controlling with Quick Controls 534 Automatic Hitpoint Detection Enabling 822 Automatic scales 705 Automatic voicings 708 Aut
Index Chords Changing pitch 660 Changing voicing 660 Editing 661 Inserting 662 Circle of Fifths 702 Click Sounds Custom Sounds 206 Clip editing Pool 457 Clips Renaming 450 Color Auto Track/Channel Color Mode 140 Color Picker 80 Color Set 78 Colorize Track Controls 840 Colorizing Events 76 Note events 608 Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events 74, 76 Single Tracks 75 Tracks 74 Colors MixConsole Channels 313 Preferences 839 Tracks 75, 77 User Interface 840 Colors Setup Dialog Events 609 Project 77 Compre
Index Controller lane Adding 621 Continuous controllers 631 Presets 624 Removing 621 Selecting event types 622 Setting up as preset 624 Controller lanes 619 Setup 618 Controller Selection and Functions 619 Controllers Selecting 636 Showing 830 Convert to Real Copy 171 Converting chord events to MIDI 710 Create Audio Images during Record 837 Create Chord Events 715, 717 Create MIDI track when loading VSTi 842 Creating chord events from Audio Events 717 Creating chord events from MIDI 715 Cross-hair cursor 7
Index Equal Gain Crossfades 256 Equal Power Crossfades 256 Equalizer settings 325 Event Details Showing 830 Event display 43 Folder tracks 146 Modifying on folder tracks 146 Event Handling Opacity 827 Event lengths Changing with Trim tool 659 Event name Showing 827 Event Opacity 827 Event Volume Curves Showing 828 Events 152 Copying and Pasting 169 Creating new files from events 153 Displaying on folder tracks 146 Duplicating 170 Editing 157 Gluing 169 Move 163 Moving 160 Moving the contents 172 Moving via
Index Freeze Sampler tracks 442 VST instruments 518 Freeze Channel Track Control 101 Freeze Channel Options Sampler tracks 442 VST instruments 519 Freeze MIDI Modifiers 587 FX chain presets 302 FX Chain Presets Loading in MediaBay 493 FX channel tracks 121 Add Track dialog 121 Adding 338, 339 Inspector 123 FX Plug-in Presets Loading in MediaBay 493 Extracting Audio from video 236, 793 MIDI Automation 605 F Fade Handle Brightness 828 Fade In Direct Offline Processing 364 Fade In dialog 252 Fade Out Direct
Index Instrument presets Applying 148 Instrument Presets Loading in MediaBay 492 Results 517 Instrument tracks 108 Add Track dialog 108 Inspector 110 Instruments use Automation Read All and Write All 841 Interpolate Audio Waveforms 828 Invert Phase Direct Offline Processing 365 Info line 172 MixConsole 301 Hub 82 Deactivating 83 Using 831 I I-notes (Input notes) 695 Importing Audio files 233 Audio from video files 236 Compressed audio files 233 FLAC files 233 MIDI files 137, 238 MP3 files 233 MPEG files
Index Legato Overlap 824 Length Adjustment 832 Level meters (MixConsole) 297 Limiter Strip module 306 Line tool 658 Drawing note events 657 Editing controller display events 633 Link groups 291 Q-Link 291 Link to Grid Nudge Settings 162 Link to Primary Time Format Nudge Settings 162 Live input Chord track 712 Loading Multi-Track Presets 150 Locate Track Control 101 Locate When Clicked in Empty Space 838 Locator Range Duration 198 Locators 196 Setting ranges 198 Lock Record 230 Looping Audio Part Editor 418
Index MediaBay results (continued) Setting up 481 Shuffling 482 Merge MIDI in Loop 596, 597 Metadata Author Name 832 Company Name 832 Meter Colors 296 Meter peak options 295 Hold forever 295 Hold peaks 295 Meter position options 295 Input 295 Post-Fader 295 Post-Panner 295 Meters Settings 295 Meters’ Fallback 836 Meters’ Peak Hold Time 836 Metronome 202, 204, 205 Setup window 202 Metronome Setup 202 Click Sounds 205 General 204 MIDI Delete notes 613 MIDI channels Separating for drum map sounds 695 MIDI clo
Index MIDI Remote Script Console 562 MIDI Retrospective Recording 226 MIDI Thru Active 832 Monitoring 216 MIDI track delay MIDI track parameters 582 MIDI track parameters 582 MIDI tracks 115 Add Track dialog 115 Freezing MIDI Modifiers 587 Inspector 116 MIDI Velocity Editing 602 MIDI volume MIDI track parameters 582 Mirror MIDI 606 Missing ports Re-routing 92 MixConsole 279 Channel linking 291 Channel racks 289 Channel types 288 EQ presets 305 Fader section 293 FX chain presets 302 Left zone 283 Left Zone
Index Notepad MixConsole 313 Nudge Move Left 161 Move Right 161 Nudge Settings 161, 162, 167 Resizing Events 166, 167 Resizing Selection Ranges 175 Snap Grid 162 Pattern Chord Pads 730 Pedals To note length 601 Performance Aspects 816 Audio performance 817 Optimizing 816 Phase MixConsole 301 Piano keyboard display Key Editor 648 Piano voicings 708 Pick-up Mode 575 Pictures 141 MixConsole 313 Track list 140 Pitch Changing for chords 660 Pitch Notation 829 Pitch Visibility Key Editor 649 Options 650 Pitchbe
Index Post-roll Transport panel 201 Pre fader sends 341 Pre-Record time Audio recording 220 Pre-roll Transport panel 201 Preferences Colors 839 Dialog 820 Disabling 814, 815 Saving presets 821 Store marked preferences only 821 Presets Previewing in MediaBay 488, 489 Previewing using a MIDI file 488 Previewing using the Memo Recorder 488 Previewing via MIDI Input 488 Previewing via the Computer Keyboard 489 Presets browser Effects 351 Primary Time Format Selecting 200 Programs Track Control 101 Project Assi
Index Ramp/Step Continuous controllers 631 Range Editing 174 Range Selection tool 174 Creating fades 252 Re-Record Activating 213 Common Record Modes 213 Read automation 499 Read Automation Track Control 101 Recent projects 92 Record Enable Track Control 101 Record File Format Audio 216 Record Folder Audio 217 Record-Enable allows MIDI Thru 837 Recording 210 Common Record Modes 213 Cycle 212 Levels 14 Lock Record 230 Remaining Record Time 229 Stopping 212 Stopping automatically 212 With Effects 219 Recover
Index Scale events 705 Adding 705 Auditioning 705 Automatic scales 705 Changing 705 Follow Chord Track 714 Showing 705 Scale Vertically Automation Event Editor 503 Scaling of the application 831 Scan Folders only when MediaBay is open 835 Scan unknown File Types 835 Scanning MediaBay 479 Score display 671 Score Editor 665 Display 670 Info line 669 Lower zone 55 Staff settings 671 Status line 669 Toolbar 666 Score font Setting 677 Score text Adding 676 Editing 676 Scores Printing 678 Scripts MIDI Remote Man
Index Shared Copies Convert to Real Copy 171 Creating 171 Show Scales 705 Track Control 101 Side-chain 342, 344 Ducking delay 343 Effect inputs 330 Inserts rack 302 Trigger signals 344 Side-chain inputs 330 Silence Detecting 372 Direct Offline Processing 366 Inserting 179 Removing 375 Simple Crossfade Editor 256 Single Voice Follow Chord Track 713 Size with Fade 164 Slices 398 Close gaps 404 Delete overlaps 405 Slider Mode 823 Slip Event Content 172 Smallest Track Height To Show Data 827 Smallest Track Hei
Index Track Quick Controls 530, 574, 576 Assigning effect parameters 532 Assigning instrument parameters 532 Assigning parameters 531 Automatable Parameters 534 Connecting with Remote Controllers 574 Inspector 531 Loading presets 533 Parameter assignment 531 QC Learn Mode 532 Removing assignments 533 Saving assignments as presets 533 Showing automated assignments 534 Track Selection follows Event Selection 821 Track Versions Inspector Section 98 Tracks 97 Add Track dialog 136 Adding 136, 137 Audio 105 Chor
Index Voicings (continued) Piano 708 Range 708 Volume MixConsole 295 Volume databases Creating in the MediaBay 494 Mounting in the MediaBay 496 Removing from the MediaBay 496 Unmounting in the MediaBay 496 VST Input ports 21 Output ports 21 VST 2 330 VST 3 330 VST 3 Suspend plug-in processing 518 VST effect selector 336 VST instrument selector 511 VST instruments Context menu 515 Control panel 509 Freeze Channel Options Dialog 519 Freezing 518 Functions menu 515 Presets 516 Saving presets 516 Setting up 50
Index Warping Algorithm 822 Wave files 758 Waveform Brightness 828 Waveform display 389 Sample Editor 389 Waveform Outline Intensity 828 Waveforms Showing 828 When Recording Wave Files larger than 4 GB 837 Wind Speed Options 838 Windows Dialog 812 Windows Media Audio files Importing 233 Word clock Synchronization 765 Working with MIDI data Tools and functions for 686 Write Automation Track Control 101 Writing automation 499 Automatically 499, 500 Manually 499, 500 Tools 501 Z Zones Keyboard focus 63 Lower
