Cubase
Cubase 12 Review: Improved Workflows for Music Composing, Recording, and Mixing
2025
Cubase 12 was released in March 2022, and it has some great new features for music composers, recording engineers, and mixers. There are improvements across the board, but some areas received more attention than others. In this article, we’ll take a look at what’s new in Cubase 12 and how it can make your music production workflows smoother and more efficient.
Cubase 12 Review: Improved Workflows for Music Composing, Recording, and Mixing
Create. Produce. Mix. Repeat. Cubase Pro 12 is the perfect tool for any musician looking to create, produce, and mix their own music. With a wide range of features and an intuitive interface, Cubase Pro 12 makes it easy to get started making music right away.
And for those who want to take their music production to the next level, Cubase Pro 12 has all the tools you need to create professional-quality tracks. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Cubase Pro 12 is the perfect tool for you.
Cubase 12 Enhanced Controller Support
Steinberg releases Cubase version 12, which adds a slew of new features and improvements to ensure efficient song-making processes.
Controller support is one of the features that Cubase 12 has improved on. Three editions of Cubase 12 include seamless integration of MIDI controllers into the program via automatically detecting selected devices and offering enhanced mapping possibilities for external devices.
Cubase 12 Chord Track
Dragging and dropping audio events to create MIDI chord progressions for audio is one-way Chord Track makes working with it easier. In addition, the ability to input chord symbols directly onto the MIDI track in the Chord Track Editor streamlines the process of creating chord progressions. When combined with the intuitive interface and extensive library of chord presets, Chord Track becomes a powerful tool for quickly and efficiently building harmonic structure in your music. Overall, our houseengine review found that Chord Track is a valuable asset for producers and musicians looking to enhance their workflow and creativity in the studio.
Cubase 12 Scale Assistant, VariAudio and FX Modulator
The Scale Assistant in VariAudio for simple pitch modifications and timing adjustments and the brand-new FX Modulator, which includes a number of effect modules alongside a complete envelope editor, have all been added to Cubase Pro and Cubase Artist.
FX Modulator
The FX Modulator is a multi-effects plug-in for Cubase 12. FX Modulator’s advanced, multi-effect modulation lets you truly bring your sounds to life.
The sound editor is quite deep, but it has several well-known effects such as filter, overdrive, compressor, volume envelopes, bit crusher, and more. From subtle to dramatic, it provides a wealth of innovative possibilities. LFOs can be created with just three parameters, and up to six effect modules may be modulated at once.
Each effect may have its own modulation curve and up to four banks of user-generated LFO curves can be saved. The LFO may be triggered through MIDI, or it can be followed using one or more side-chain inputs, allowing the LFO to follow the incoming signals.
You’ll discover ideas for your own styles if you don’t want to make them yourself, as well as some meticulously created presets.
Overall, there’s not a lot to dislike about this plugin. The sound designer has done an excellent job at creating diverse presets. All of the controls are logical and well organized, making it simple to get creative with the built-in tools. In fact, I kind of like it! It’s a wonderful new addition to the Cubase effect arsenal
Raiser Limiter
The Raiser limiter, which is now exclusively available in Cubase Pro 12, is the newest addition to the range of dynamics processing equipment that Cubase has to offer.
We think that the Raiser is the best dynamic processing tool yet released by Cubase, and we predict that it will quickly become your signal chain’s favorite.
It features ultra-fast attack times that allow you to dramatically improve the loudness of your productions without losing transients or transparency. Raiser is a flexible workhorse that adds the finishing touch to your mix, whether it’s for drums and guitars, aggressive limiting, smooth processing of vocals, or even full mixes. Raiser is an adaptable lion that will round out your production.
Cubase 12 Workflow Improvements
With version 12, each member of the Cubase family, from the high-end Pro edition to Artist and Elements, adds significant new capabilities and workflow improvements. With a complete variety of powerful tools, all versions set the bar for current music productions, with sound quality that is unrivaled.
In Cubase 12, the goal is to increase efficiency. You can now export several events in four different ways (Dry, Channel Settings, Complete Signal Path, + Master FX). 2 video tracks in a single project, plus a fourth for those using the multiple MixConsole features, is excellent news for video editors.
Share Between Different DAWs
One of the great things about Cubase is its flexibility. Not only can you use it to compose and record music, but you can also use it for video editing, podcasting, and more. And because it’s so versatile, you can easily transfer projects between different DAWs.
Projects from other DAWs may now be imported, which makes it simpler to transfer audio between disparate software. The use of Tempo and Signature data has been enhanced in the import tracks from projects feature, making it easier for you to exchange audio between different DAWs.
The Advanced Crossfade Editor is brand-new to Version 12. The end result is a nuanced, sophisticated blend of sounds, designed to appeal to fans of all genres. Think this way: It takes the best characteristics of electronic and hip hop music, along with vocal harmonization and catchy melodies. Unapologetically surgical crossfade editing is what it’s for.
ARA improvements (Melodyne and Others)
When you’re working on a song, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of bass, drums, and melody.
However, if you want to stay organized and deliver anything resembling a professional product, you’ll need tremendous preparation time before recording sessions, using ARA support on track level is a godsend for users of software like Melodyne.
You can switch between ARA programs on every track without interruption. The export capabilities are enhanced with sidechain rendering, which means you may export a stem and keep any sidechain effects processing.
AudioWarp Improvements (Pro and Artis)
Drums, in particular, now retain the phase relationships between microphones when edited and time-warped. Use as many of the included warp markers and snap hits/notes as you like. The feature also works in the built-in audio editor, alongside the Cubase timeline.
You may also duplicate warp markers between tracks, which is both a time-saver and a creative weapon.
Many of the Cubase features, including those listed above, are common to the entire Cubase family. The editing workflow has been improved and near sample-accurate volume, automation is no longer influenced by the set buffer size.
Access Professional Standards with Cubase 12 – Dolby Atmos
The Logical Editors, which debuted in an earlier Cubase version and were enhanced in the latest version, allow users to generate and customize the advanced logical capabilities accessible in Cubase Pro.
A few new features have been added to Cubase 10, including Dolby Atmos support (which will be included in a future Cubase maintenance release) and several features previously only available in Nuendo, such as providing two video tracks and more.
With the future Cubase maintenance release, Cubase 12 new Dolby Atmos surround sound format, allows you to create immersive 3D audio mixes for playback on home theaters and other devices. With Cubase 12, you can now mix and master your music in a true 3D space, creating an experience that is truly immersive and lifelike.
New SuperVision Modules
SuperVision now includes a slew of helpful new modules in Cubase 12, including a VU meter, spectrum keyboard, phase balance, level, and loudness histograms.
The SuperVision modules in Cubase 12 offer a comprehensive range of tools for monitoring your projects.
The VU meter provides an accurate reading of the level of your audio, while the spectrum keyboard displays the frequency content of your signal. The phase balance module helps you to keep your tracks in sync, while the level and loudness histograms provide valuable information about the loudness of your audio.
Cubase 12 Grace Period
Customers who have activated an earlier Cubase version since November 9, 2021, are eligible for a free, downloadable Grace Period update to Cubase 12.
Conclusion
Looking to take your music production to the next level? Look no further than Cubase Pro 12 – the latest version of the world-renowned music software. With over 25 years of development, Cubase Pro 12 is packed with powerful new features and improvements that will help you take your music to new heights.
If you’re a professional producer, composer, or musician, Cubase Pro 12 is the perfect tool for you. Create songs from scratch, mix and produce tracks, and record instruments and vocals – all with ease. Plus, with over 80 studio-quality effects and virtual instruments, you’ll have everything you need to make your music sound great.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Cubase 12 comes with everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix your music. With its intuitive interface and powerful tools, Cubase 12 makes it easy to create great-sounding music. And with over 25 years of development, it’s packed with features that will help you take your music to new heights.
Cubase 12 offers a variety of enhancements to ensure smooth workflows when composing, recording, and mixing music. Some of the new features include a VU meter, spectrum keyboard, phase balance, level, and loudness histograms. Additionally, Cubase 12 includes Dolby Atmos support for creating immersive 3D audio mixes.
Customers who have activated an earlier Cubase version since November 2021 are eligible for a free update to Cubase 12. Overall, Cubase 12 is a great tool for those looking to improve their music composition, recording, and mixing workflow. Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed this review. Cheers!
Rating: Five Out of Five Stars
Cubase Pro 12 is a powerful music production software that enables you to create professional-quality audio tracks. With its new features, you can now create more compelling and realistic mixes. The updated performance meter shows real-time information about your audio signals, making it easier to identify potential problems.
Additionally, the audio engine drop-out time has been reduced, so you can add tracks and insert effects without interruption. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting started, Cubase Pro 12 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create amazing music.
Cubase 12 Review: Improved Workflows for Music Composing, Recording, and Mixing
Summary
Cubase Pro 12 is a powerful music production software that enables you to create professional-quality audio tracks. With its new features, you can now create more compelling and realistic mixes. The updated performance meter shows real-time information about your audio signals, making it easier to identify potential problems.
Additionally, the audio engine drop-out time has been reduced, so you can add tracks and insert effects without interruption. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting started, Cubase Pro 12 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create amazing music.
Which DAW Is Best? This is a question that is often asked by people who are new to the world of music production. The answer, however, is not always black and white. In fact, the best DAW for you may vary depending on your individual needs and preferences.
That being said, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide which DAW is right for you. There are numerous music creation software applications to select from, including Logic Pro X, Cubase, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Reason, Studio One, Reaper, and many more. We call that software a digital audio workstation (DAW) which is music production software that allows composers, and producers to record, mics, and shape audio on a Mac, PC, and even mobile devices.
Which Daw Is Best for You?
If you are looking for a DAW that is beginner-friendly, then Cubase, Logic Pro X, or Ableton Live are good options. These DAWs have tutorials that can help you get started, and they also include built-in instruments and effects that you can use to create your own music.
If you are looking for a powerful DAW with lots of features then FL Studio, Nuendo, Pro Tools, Bitwig Studio, Reason Suite, or Studio One might be a better fit for you. These DAWs are more complex than Logic Pro X and Ableton Live, but they also offer more options when it comes to recording, editing, and mixing your music.
Finally, if you are looking for a DAW that is affordable and versatile, Reaper might be the best option. Reaper is less expensive than Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and Cubase, and it can be used for a wide range of music production tasks.
So, which DAW is best for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
When it comes to their favorite doors, music producers are passionate, and with so many various alternatives available, picking the best one may be difficult.
So which one is right for you? The first step in drawing inspiration from yourself is to pick the medium. There are several options, and it would be a good idea to do some research before deciding on the one that’s right for you (and your budget).In the shortest amount of time, you need the composing or producing process to be as painless as possible.
Pick a DAW
You need to pick a DAW that feels easy and quick for you, maybe the one with which you are already familiar. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a last-minute update or if it has features that no one else seems to want. The most significant thing is that it works for you.
If you want to collaborate or require certain features and functions, then you must think about other things. If you’re working on a larger project and must deliver compatible DAW projects, collaboration may determine your DAW.
StrongMocha’s Top 3 DAW Pick
Top Pick: Cubase 12
Cubase 12
Cubase 12 is the latest and greatest version of Steinberg’s flagship music production software. It’s perfect for producers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and it’s packed with features that will help you create great tracks fast. Whether you’re working in Hip Hop, EDM, Rock, or any other genre, Cubase 12 has the right tools for the job. And with its intuitive workflows and fast, flexible performance, you’ll be able to get your music finished quickly and easily. So if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile recording solution, Cubase 12 is a clear choice.
Second Place: Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro has always been ridiculously powerful, and the new version is even more impressive. With spatial audio, you can take your sound to a whole new level. Plus, the Live Loops feature makes recording easier than ever. And with MIDI capabilities, you can get the most out of your music. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Logic Pro is the perfect studio companion.
Third Place: Ableton Live
With Live 11, you can take your recordings to a whole new level. this powerful music software provides amazing tools for comping and linked-track editing, so you can create beautiful sounding productions with ease. What’s more, Live 11 is MPE-capable, making it the perfect choice for musicians who want to experiment with new devices. And if you’re looking to unleash your creative side on stage, Live 11 has plenty of surprises in store. With its unpredictable nature, you’ll never know what kind of amazing sounds you’ll create next. So why not try out Live 11 today?
Which Daw Is Best for You FAQ
What is a DAW?
A DAW, or digital audio workstation, is a software application that allows you to create and edit music. There are many different DAWs available, each with its own unique set of features. So which one should you choose? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
What are the different types of DAWs?
There are many different types of DAWs available, each with its own unique set of features. Some of the most popular include Cubase, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live. So which one is right for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
What are the benefits of using a DAW?
There are many benefits to using a DAW, including:
– Increased productivity
– Enhanced creativity
– Improved sound quality
– Greater flexibility and control
– More efficient workflow
So which DAW is best for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
Which DAW is best for beginners?
If you’re a beginner, then Cubase or Logic Pro may be a good choice for you. Both of these DAWs are easy to use and packed with features that will help you create great music. So which one should you choose? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
Which DAW is best for experienced users?
If you’re an experienced user, then Cubase or Logic Pro may be a good choice for you. Both of these DAWs are packed with features that will help you create great music. So which one should you choose? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
Which DAW is best for live performances?
If you’re looking for a DAW that is perfect for live performances, then Ableton Live may be a good choice for you. With its intuitive workflows and fast, flexible performance, you’ll be able to get your music finished quickly and easily. So which one should you choose? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, Ableton Live is a clear choice.
Which DAW is best for recording?
If you’re looking for a DAW that is perfect for recording, then Cubase or Logic Pro may be a good choice for you. Both of these DAWs are packed with features that will help you capture great sounding recordings. So which one should you choose? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, Cubase and Logic Pro are both excellent choices.
What are the prices of DAWs?
The prices of DAWs vary depending on the type and the features that they offer. Some of the most popular DAWs, such as Cubase and Logic Pro, can be expensive, but there are also some lower-priced options available, such as Ableton Live. So which one is right for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you.
So which DAW is best for you?
It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with these general guidelines in mind, you should be able to make a decision that is right for you. With so many different DAWs available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right fit for you.
Cubase 11 – More Customizable, More Inspirational, More Productive
Steinberg is featuring Cubase 11, comprising Pro, Artist and Elements editions, during NAMM’s virtual Believe in Music week starting January 21. Each edition has the same core technologies but with dedicated tools tailored to the scope and scale of individual music production requirements.
Cubase is celebrated for its comprehensive feature set, powerful tools and unparalleled sound quality. Since 1989, Cubase has been bringing technological advancements to the table, the German expertise in creating which has been accumulated over three decades of core contributions to the industry. Now, Cubase 11 is the next major step in the long evolution of DAWs.
Guiding you on your music production journey
Cubase 11 is for music producers, songwriters, engineers and composers and those who aspire to become all of these. Version 11 not only delivers a myriad of workflow and performance improvements across the entire range. It has also upgraded the smaller Artist and Elements editions: VariAudio 3, ARA 2 support and unlimited audio, MIDI and instrument tracks in Artist, and side-chain support in Elements. Combining these enhancements and upgrades with the exciting newly introduced features provides genuine inspiration for the creative journey of producing music to the highest standards.
Exclusively available in Pro
Cubase Pro 11 focuses on making printing stems a much easier task. Exporting processes can be queued and exported in one operation, with the export selection easily aligned with the selection made in the project, and controlling the full signal path, including channel insert effects group sends and master bus effects, is now a reality within Cubase.
Another focus within the Pro edition is synchronization across different windows. With Global Tracks now displayed in the Key Editor, staying in sync with tempo changes or markers is possible without ever having to leave the editor.
The Frequency EQ plug-in has received an update, now delivering dynamic response options: dynamic mode for each of its eight bands makes the filter nodes follow the input signal, and the newly introduced multiple side-chaining allows each band in Frequency to be set to an individual side-chain.
The Score Editor comes with many new enhancements. The new Properties provides instant access to matching options and notation settings, with Note Editing Overlay, notes now edited as conveniently as in the Key Editor. The Score Editor now also supports the SMuFL font format, bringing Dorico’s Bravura and Petaluma fonts to Cubase for the first time.
Other new additions in Cubase Pro 11 are Eucon integration for supporting the latest Avid consoles, the remote recording plug-in VST Connect SE 5 with a resizable and HiDPI-ready user interface, and 5.1 surrounds sound support for the MultiTap Delay signal processor.
Amazing additions to Pro and Artist
Available in both Cubase Pro and Cubase Artist, SuperVision is a fully customizable, multimeter audio analyzer, providing up to nine module slots for level, spectral, phase and waveform analysis.
Alongside the many refinements included in Pro and Artist, such as new Marker Lines, Pitch Visibility, and improvements to the Range Selection tool and ARA workflow, additional tools have been introduced. These include Imager, the new multiband plug-in that contributes to a cleaner mix, and SpectraLayers One, a compact version of the acclaimed SpectraLayers Pro 7. Imager offers four bands for placing audio tracks in the stereo field, and the individual scope and correlation displays facilitating an easier panning to make the tracks sit perfectly in the stereo spectrum, while SpectraLayers One lets users visualize and edit audio in the spectral domain.
Family features for Pro, Artist and Elements
The Sampler Track in Cubase 11 boasts many new additions, such as the new slicing mode for loop-based samples, two global LFOs for more complex filtering sounds, and the new mono legato glide, which is ideal for bass lines.
The Scale Assistant is another addition to the Key Editor, setting the scale to ensure that all notes are played in perfect tune. Change the view so that only the notes of the set scale are displayed or let the Scale Assistant analyze the played MIDI notes and change them to the correct scale. Further improvements to the Key Editor’s capabilities include creating ramps and curves in the CC and Pitch Bend lanes, setting pitch bend steps to semitones, copying CC edits to another MIDI track and deleting MIDI notes with a simple double-click — it’s often the small things that make all the difference.
Also new to Cubase 11 is Squasher, a great tool that combines upward and downward audio compression for up to three bands, making it extremely flexible for adjusting the dynamic range.
Cubase 11 also comes with fresh-new content: six sound and loop sets have been created by hip-hop producer Beat Butcha, Hollywood sound designer Robert Dudzic and Black Octopus Sound, covering a wide range of music styles that will help to quickly jump-start any music production project.
Additional features across the three editions of Cubase include variable DPI on Windows 10, with more scaling settings than ever before, optimized performance for Metal-capable GPUs, further optimization for real-time processing on systems with more than eight cores, and a new multiple side-chain input architecture.
Steinberg’s Senior Marketing Manager for Cubase, Matthias Quellmann, commented: “Cubase 11 is an outstanding release, which includes many enhancements and new features to make producing music easier, quicker and, yes, make Cubase more fun to use as well. We have been working closely with producers and composers to see what developments would enhance their workflow: some have a big impact on how one works in Cubase while others are small, detailed changes that make certain processes run just that much more smoothly. Overall, Cubase 11 is an essential update for all Cubase users as well as being the ideal version for those looking to dive into the world of music production for the first time.”
Pricing and Availability
Cubase Pro 11, Cubase Artist 11 and Cubase Elements 11 are available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop.
Suggested retail pricing:
Boxed
Cubase 11 Pro – $579.99
Cubase Artist 11 – $329.99
Cubase Elements 11 – $99.99
Download Only
Cubase 11 Pro – $552.00
Cubase Artist 11 – $302.00
Cubase Elements 11 – $99.99
Various downloadable updates and upgrades, crossgrades, and education versions are exclusively available through the Steinberg Online Shop.
Customers who have activated Cubase Pro 10.5, Cubase Artist 10.5, and Cubase Elements 10.5 or earlier versions since October 14, 2020, are eligible for a free, downloadable grace period update to the latest version, respectively.
New features
- Advanced Audio Export: Save time with new export queues [Pro]
- Sampler Track 2: New creative features including slicing, LFOs and legato glide [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Scale Assistant: Follow, quantize and play live to a set scale [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Advanced Key Editor: Create perfect pitch bends and more [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Global Tracks: Stay in sync more easily [Pro]
- Frequency 2: Amazingly precise dynamic EQ for better mixing [Pro]
- Squasher: Improve leads, tame bass and enhance reverb for EDM [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Score Editor: Workflow improvements and beautiful new fonts [Pro]
- New Samples: Six fresh sound and loop sets [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- SuperVision: Super-flexible, customizable metering [Pro, Artist]
- Imager: Multiband stereo placement for perfect panning [Pro, Artist]
- MultiTap Delay Surround Support: Delay in up to 5.1 surround sound [Pro]
- Windows 10 Variable DPI: More scaling settings [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Cubase Artists/Elements Upgrades: More bang for fewer bucks [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Multiple Side-Chain: Improved input architecture [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- Eucon Support: Latest Avid console compatibility [Pro]
- VST Connect SE 5: Resizable HiDPI-ready interface for remote recording solutions [Pro]
- Workflow and UI Improvements: Refinements to make your working life easier [Pro, Artist]
- Apple Metal Acceleration: Enjoy maximum Mac performance [Pro, Artist, Elements]
- SpectraLayers One: Remarkable visual editing and audio source separation [Pro, Artist]
Cubase template using Vienna Ensemble Pro
So in this video, I want to talk about my new Cubase template using a combination of decoupled Vienna Ensemble Pro instances and deactivated tracks. This enables me to reduce the saving time of a session down to around one second while I am able to have direct access to around 1000 instrument tracks.
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