PRODUCT
TESTS
Steinberg Cubase Pro 11 DAW
By Eric Price
Where do you begin when you want to update what I consider the most powerful DAW in the game ? It ’ s not like Steinberg ’ s Cubase doesn ’ t already have enough features to keep a user fulfilled for a very long time , or that it can easily switch from doing sound design to orchestral work to traditional singer-songwriter multi-tracking with ease . One would think Steinberg would be starting to run out of ideas ! Once again , dear readers , that is not the case .
Though I ’ m not able to cover all the new features and upgrades in this quick overview , I am going to focus mainly on the big changes that I feel make this upgrade worthwhile . With that in mind , you will want to visit Steinberg ’ s website for more in-depth coverage of this newest version . Final note , my review only covers the Pro version of Cubase 11 , not Artist or Elements , which have their own updates that differ from the Pro version .
Let us begin with my personal favourite addition , the SuperVision analyzer . SuperVision is a suite of visual metering tools that allow you to “ view ” your sound . Included in this collection are tools for analyzing phase , levels , waveforms , loudness , and spectral analysis . In all , there are 18 types of meters to work with , nine of which can be used at once , in any combination .
Next up , SpectraLayers One , which is a “ lite ” version of Steinberg ’ s SpectraLayers . This is another tool for visualizing your audio that can help easily “ see ” frequency issues . You can even use it to separate audio information from inside complex mixes . For example , taking vocals out of finished tracks for creating your own mix tracks .
Advanced Audio Export has greatly improved upon Cubase ’ s export functions . There is a whole new section dedicated to printing stems and being able to save the export settings for future use – very helpful . You can also create presets for different waveform options , making for some serious time savings . You can even create a whole cue list and let Cubase run the cues while you do other things – brilliant !
The overhauled Sampler Track got updated to version two , the coolest update to it being the new slicing mode . Though slicing was possible in Cubase before , it is now much simpler , especially using the drag-and-drop functions . Once sliced , a track can then be synced to the clock . Another interesting couple of additions include adding two LFOs for interesting sound manipulation , as well as the new mono legato glide function for making smooth bass lines or that famous 808 glide kick sound .
Also , the often-overlooked Key Editor got some serious love . One key addition to it is Scale Assistant , where you can tell the editor to apply all notes to a specific scale and key while you see the scale tones in the editor . There are many scale choices to work with , plus you can even create your own scales . This feature is super handy for laying down parts and not having to worry about playing them in key as the editor will move the notes automatically to the next closest note in the scale . In the Continuous Controller and pitch bend lanes , you
can now add curves or ramps for creating more realistic pitch bends with smoother transitions . Lastly , you can display Global tracks in Key Editor so you can more easily see what is going on with your data , when and where in the track , making it easier to sync up your efforts . Yet another nice touch .
Steinberg has added three other remarkable sound editing tools as well : Squasher , a sophisticated multiband limiter / compressor with up to three bands of upwards or downwards compression ; Frequency 2 , the updated Frequency tool now having eight-band precision EQ with side-chains available for each band along with dynamic modes ; and finally , Imager , an imaging tool for collapsing or expanding stereo images with multiband capability for help in placing sounds precisely throughout a stereo field .
While not so glamorous but still very welcome , we have improvements to the scoring section of the program , including new fonts and a Note Editing Overlay for easier note editing .
Windows 10 DPI scaling has been worked on so you can now use high-resolution monitors and finally increase the size of third-party plug-ins for improved readability . That ’ s something that has been on mine and many other users ’ wish lists for a while now .
Finally , we have the remote recording program , VST Connect SE5 ; an upgraded remote recording tool along with the Multi-tap Delay now supporting 5.1 surround sound . As if that isn ’ t enough , there are also six new sample sets for you to use in creating your own tunes .
Frankly , there are so many different options , additions , and improvements that , in my opinion , it makes upgrading a no-brainer . It never ceases to amaze me how Steinberg keeps managing to raise the bar every year . With this new version you could even work in Cubase without needing any third-party plug-ins .
Eric Price is an accomplished musician and IT expert . He is using this quality quarantine time to grow a beard , learn the bagpipes , and finish 300 puzzles . He can be reached at eric @ gepconsulting . ca Please take care and stay safe !
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