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Description

Step into a world of limitless creativity with the Steinberg Cubase SX—a powerhouse DAW software that transforms your computer into a fully-equipped music production studio. Designed for musicians by musicians, Cubase SX merges comprehensive audio and MIDI recording with an intuitive user interface, making it a perfect choice whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out.

One of its standout features is the Audio Warp Realtime Timestretching, allowing you to effortlessly manipulate audio tracks to fit your project’s tempo without compromising quality. Cubase SX also offers seamless integration with a wide array of external audio and MIDI hardware, letting you expand your creative toolkit beyond the digital realm. The new Inplace Editor provides a streamlined approach to MIDI event editing, enabling quick adjustments without disrupting your workflow.

Cubase SX's Play Order Track introduces a new dimension of creativity, allowing you to experiment with arrangements by dividing songs into sections and re-ordering them at will. The software also supports user-definable Workspaces, giving you the flexibility to tailor your production environment for different stages of your project.

With capabilities like External FX Plugins and Studio Connections "Total Recall" support, Cubase SX bridges the gap between software and hardware, making it an indispensable tool for any modern studio setup.

Key Features:

  • Audio Warp: Realtime Time Stretching and Pitch Shifting
  • Intuitive Play Order Track for pattern-based arranging
  • Inplace Editor for direct MIDI event editing
  • User-definable Workspaces for optimized workflow
  • Seamless integration with external audio and MIDI hardware
  • Studio Connections "Total Recall" for extensive software/hardware integration
  • External FX Plugins for direct hardware effects processor integration
  • Extended Freeze function for virtual instruments and audio tracks
  • Part-based Volume Envelopes for dynamic control
  • User-definable Color Coding for enhanced project clarity
dancetech

dancetech

Cubase SX Tutorials - 1 (2/4)

Video thumbnail for Cubase SX Tutorials - 1 (2/4) by dancetech

Cubase SX Tutorials - 1 (2/4)

dancetech

dancetech

Video thumbnail for Cubase SX Tutorials - 1 (3/4) by dancetech

Cubase SX Tutorials - 1 (3/4)

dancetech

dancetech

Video thumbnail for Getting started with Cubase SX-audio editing. by Fon Woolridge - Official channel!

Getting started with Cubase SX-audio editing.

Fon Woolridge - Official channel!

Fon Woolridge - Official channel!

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Steinberg Cubase SX.

Software and compatibility

  • Cubase SX3 is essential for converting .all files to .cpr or .mid, as it can directly open and export these legacy formats.

    Source
  • Steinberg's FTP archive contains older plugins and software like SX3, useful for maintaining access to legacy tools no longer included in modern Cubase versions.

    Source
  • SX projects can be opened and run in later Cubase versions, like Cubase 13, with tools like jbridge, though it may require troubleshooting.

    Source
  • Kontakt was historically used for MIDI interfacing with Cubase SX 2.2, but finding older versions like Kontakt 2 can be challenging.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For successful conversion, access to original VST instruments and effects is crucial, as .all files rely on these external resources for full functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Anniversary remix projects often require accessing old formats like .all files, making tools like Cubase SX3 indispensable for projects spanning decades.

    Source
  • For MIDI, saving as a MIDI file is possible, but virtual instruments and effects need to be frozen to create audio files.

    Source
  • Some users prefer using older setups like Cubase SX 2.2 for a distraction-free and nostalgic composition experience, despite modern alternatives being available.

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Features and functionality

  • Cubase SX requires soloing each track individually to export stems, as batch exporting isn't supported.

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  • The EAX Control Panel can unlock extensive effects control on Audigy cards, enabling MIDI synth effects like reverb through specific settings adjustments.

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  • EAX Control Panel allows customization of CC effects per channel, providing a tailored sound experience with the Audigy card's MIDI synth.

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User experience

  • Despite the lack of audio interface compatibility, zero dB bounces may still generate stem files from the project.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Steinberg Cubase SX 3

soundonsound.com

Steinberg's Cubase SX 3 revitalizes the DAW landscape with its powerful audio warping and the innovative Play Order Track for flexible arrangement experimentation. The seamless integration of MIDI Device Panels enhances workflow, allowing external gear to feel like internal VST instruments. While the application addresses many prior shortcomings, some synchronization features still need refinement, and handling large projects can be sluggish at times. Nevertheless, SX 3 marks a significant evolution, making it a compelling choice for composers looking to create intricate music, particularly in film and media settings. This DAW isn't just a tool—it's a creative playground, with a few loose ends still in need of tying up.

positive

Steinberg Cubase SX 2

soundonsound.com

Cubase SX 2 steps up with a powerful VST 2.3 audio engine, innovative tools like Time Warp and Stacked Cycle Recording, and a more mature interface, making it a compelling choice for music producers. However, it still lacks some advanced features for tempo manipulation and exhibits minor stability issues on Mac. While it's a significant upgrade for existing users, those switching from other DAWs might find some limitations that need addressing. Overall, SX 2 delivers a solid performance but leaves room for improvement.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Roberto Burgos uses Steinberg Cubase SX

Roberto Burgos

Singer, Guitarist

Sweet Trip

...
Verified via Twitter

Roberto used Cubase SX 2.0 to put Sweet Trip's second album, "Velocity : Design : Comfort" together.

See how Fabiana Palladino uses Steinberg Cubase SX

Fabiana Palladino

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

It is assumed that Fabiana Palladino, used Steinberg Cubase SX. This information is supported by a quote from Palladino herself in an Instagram post, where she reflects on her early experiences with the software: "16 year old me messing around on Cubase could not have foreseen this." Given that Cubase SX 1.0 was released in 2002, and considering Palladino's age around that time, it is deduced that Steinberg Cubase SX was the version she referred to. This insight was gathered from a post made by Palladino, where she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to feature as a cover girl for MusicTech magazine and discussed her music production journey, including the completion of her debut album at the XL Recordings studio.

Album Usage

The Steinberg Cubase SX has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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