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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Steinberg Cubase". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the full potential of your musical creativity with Steinberg Cubase, a highly versatile DAW software that caters to musicians and producers at every level. Whether you're crafting cinematic scores, electronic beats, or intricate compositions, Cubase offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to elevate your production game.
With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Cubase provides a seamless workflow that empowers you to compose, record, edit, and mix with precision. The pattern sequencer and drum machine allow you to build dynamic rhythms and beats from scratch, while the Dorico-derived Score Editor offers unparalleled control over your musical arrangements. Dive into a vast library of VST instruments and effects, including over 20GB of samples and loops, to enrich your sonic palette with diverse textures and sounds.
Engage with cutting-edge technologies like advanced spectral editing and 8K video support, ensuring your projects meet the highest standards of audio and visual production. Cubase's compatibility across multiple DAWs and platforms simplifies collaboration, making it easier than ever to exchange project data with other musicians and producers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, Cubase is your gateway to endless musical possibilities.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive suite for composing, recording, editing, and mixing
- Pattern sequencer and drum machine for dynamic rhythm creation
- Dorico-derived Score Editor for detailed musical arrangements
- Over 20GB of samples and loops with a diverse VST instrument library
- Advanced spectral editing and 8K video support
- Multi-DAW support for seamless project data exchange
- MIDI 2.0 compatibility and enhanced MIDI tools
- Integrated MixConsole for professional-grade mixing
- Real-time performance feedback and augmented auto-save features
Product specs
| Software Type | Audio/MIDI DAW |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | VST3 |
| Authorization Type | Steinberg Licensing (online sign-in activation) |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core i5 or higher (Apple Silicon support), 8GB RAM or more recommended |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen or higher, 8GB RAM or more recommended, 70GB Drive Space |
| Hard Drive Requirements | 70GB Drive Space |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 13.7 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 v22H2 or later |
FAQs
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Is Steinberg Cubase suitable for beginners in music production?
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Yes, Steinberg Cubase is suitable for beginners, though it has a learning curve. It offers comprehensive tutorials and a user-friendly interface that can help new users get started with music production.
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What are the minimum system requirements for running Steinberg Cubase on a PC?
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Steinberg Cubase requires an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen processor, 8GB of RAM, 70GB of drive space, and Windows 10 version 22H2 or later.
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Can I use Steinberg Cubase on a Mac with an Apple Silicon processor?
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Yes, Steinberg Cubase supports Apple Silicon processors, ensuring compatibility with the latest Mac hardware.
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Does Steinberg Cubase support VST3 plugins?
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Yes, Steinberg Cubase supports VST3 plugins, allowing users to integrate a wide range of virtual instruments and effects into their projects.
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What type of projects is Steinberg Cubase best suited for?
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Steinberg Cubase is ideal for audio and MIDI production, offering advanced features for composing, recording, editing, and mixing music across various genres.
Videos
Steinberg
Multi-Award-Winning Film Score Composer Hans Zimmer on Cubase | Steinberg Spotlights
Multi-Award-Winning Film Score Composer Hans Zimmer on Cubase | Steinberg Spotlights
Steinberg
Advanced Music Production System | Cubase Pro 8 Promo Video
Steinberg
Learn Cubase in Just 14 Minutes | Quick Walkthrough
Cubase
What is New in Cubase 13 | Promo Video
Cubase
Start Creating Music | What Cubase Can Do For You
Cubase
Основы Cubase за 20 минут. Быстрый старт | Пишем аранжировку на ходу
АУДИОГИДРА
Cubase 13 für Anfänger: Schneller Einstieg in Steinberg Cubase
Paul Marx - MeinHomestudio - Musikproduktion
Steinberg Cubase 12 – First impressions and highlights
White Noise Studio
Reviews
PROS
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GUI improvements make it more Retina display-friendly and cohesive
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New channel tab enhances workflow with inspector tab
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Simplified MixConsole integrates pre-channel controls into EQ
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ASIO Guard increases plugin load capacity
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Built-in software control room for separate cue mixes
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Enhanced sidechain architecture with flawless implementation
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ARA2 protocol integration for seamless audio alignment
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Excellent MIDI piano roll editing and organizational tools
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Handles and organizes VSTs efficiently
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Wide range of stock plugins, especially in synths
CONS
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Complex for beginners; steep learning curve
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Requires audio interface for optimal latency
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Inconsistent UI/UX; frustrating for some users
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Lacks gapless audio engine, unlike competitors
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Doesn't handle loops or controller mapping as well as competitors
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Dreary stock look and interface aesthetic
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Installation issues with some third-party plugins
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Limited sidechain capabilities in lower versions
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No basic sampler in lower versions
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Retains outdated features, causing bloat
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Steinberg Cubase.
Features and functionality
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Cubase's MediaBay is highly praised for its robust sample organization, offering over 15,000 categorized samples, making it ideal for beat makers and extensive asset management.
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Elements version offers 64 tracks, which is often sufficient even for complex projects, making it a great starting point for many users.
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The Artist version lacks iPad remote control, which some users miss when playing drums, suggesting using a laptop as an alternative control setup.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Cubase LE is noted as beginner-friendly, with users recommending starting here before considering upgrades, due to its simpler interface.
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The new licensing system allows Elements to run without a USB dongle, unlike the older eLicenser system, offering more flexibility for laptop users.
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Crossgrade options are available for users of other DAWs like Logic, Ableton, and Pro Tools, offering substantial discounts on Cubase Pro pricing.
Source
User experience
Use cases and applications
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Cubase is highlighted for its advanced capabilities in film scoring, appealing to users interested in project management and editing for visual media.
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Elements includes many features of the Pro version, with the main differences being fewer FX plugins and VST synths, which many users supplement with third-party options.
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The stepwise upgrade approach from AI or Elements to Pro allows users to gradually discover necessary features like audiowarp, tempo track, and track lanes.
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Value and pricing
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Purchasing Cubase Elements during a sale can significantly reduce costs, and future upgrades are discounted based on the difference between versions.
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Buying a Steinberg audio interface like the UR22C can provide Cubase 14 AI at no extra charge, alongside additional software from the Steinberg Plus package.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 99 Reviews and 551 Ratings
165
Great for audio and more acoustic music
I usually use Logic for my production, as I'm more into electronic music. However, when I make more kind of acoustic music, I use cubase as I find working with audio is a lot easy and generally better in cubase than it is in Logic
Version: Steinberg Cubase 6
94
Cubase Elements 8
Cubase is a confusing-looking DAW, but it's easy to use once you become comfortable with the layout. Many things seem hidden, but there are many tutorials online that are very helpful! I typically use Vocaloid and Alter/Ego in Cubase as well as vst vocals, and I love having everything in one place.
815
Many years ago...
before I bought a Mac and switched to Logic I used a very early version of Cubase. I wouldn't recognize it now but it was a competent enough program if I remember correctly and I did cut my teeth in computer music on it.
179
Love it!
This is my main DAW of choice. I typically rewire Reason into it if I need some extra drum machine options or synth choices. But Cubase holds the key to everything else. 8.5 brings bug fixes, a bunch of useful features to quicken my workflow, new bass amp vst, retrologue overhaul, etc
Version: Steinberg Cubase 8.5
154
My choice of DAW
I found myself cheating with other DAW's in the past (e.g. Ableton Live, Apple Logic) but i kept running back to Cubase every single time. This sequencer has everything my heart desires. No more cheating!!
Version: Steinberg Cubase 8
It really chucked me into the deep end of music production
This is the DAW I actually started on which is kind of weird, but I'm glad I did as it really chucked me into the deep end of music production and audio engineering. I don't really use it that often anymore apart from for vocal tracking and vocal production.
Version: Steinberg Cubase 6
The most complete DAW ever. Period.
With millions of musicians, producers and sound engineers around the world using Cubase every day, Cubase is one of the most popular digital audio workstations of our time. Due to its pristine sound quality, intuitive handling and unrivaled range of advanced tools, Cubase is not only considered by many users as the most complete DAW on the market today, but also sets the benchmark for contemporary music production software.
190
What I use
This is what I use now in 2019. Simply a must have for me.
Version: Steinberg Cubase 10Artist usage
Add artist
Throughout the video, Cubase is open on deadmau5's monitor. Further evidence of him being a Cubase user can be seen throughout the years on his Instagram (e.g. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtIIitix1Ha where he's sharing himself working on an ATMOS version of "Sometimes Things Get Complicated" & https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_XjbGFYHj where he's sharing himself working on the mix for the Netflix film "Polar"). Finally, he confirmed on Facebook that he's been a Cubase user since at least 2012 (https://www.facebook.com/deadmau5/photos/a.100357766805/10150610865636806)
In the video burn #residency - Masterclass: Avicii, at 3:11 Avicii can be seen opening up a track in Cubase, running on his MacBook Pro.
Hardwell said that he started producing with Cubase on Windows and then he switched to Apple and changed to Logic.
At 0:12, it can be seen that Zedd is using Cubase 6.
He also mentions version 7 in this Tweet:
@steve_duda dudaaaa. LFO tool is crashing with the new cubase 7 and I'm crying over here :'(
In this screenshot from Snapchat, Zedd can be seen using Cubase Pro.
Cubase can also be seen on his computer screen in this video, In the Studio Pt. 2 ft Zedd | One Strange Rock.
Paul McCartney uses Steinberg Cubase, as mentioned in the Hog Hill Mill Blog under "Recorders & Accessories."
Tiesto can be found on Steinberg's artist roster.
This transcription of an article from the June 1996 issue of Sound on Sound magazine discusses the making of Wild Mood Swings. "[The album] also saw the band making greater use of computers than previously. Having been away for five years, Roger O'Donnell was particularly well-placed to notice this change: 'When I left the group in 1990, there wasn't a computer in sight. I came back, and there's computers everywhere. We've really started using sequencing - all the keyboard parts have gone though it [Cubase Score for Macintosh]. The use of a string quartet and brass section is a strange contrast!'"
"Strange, perhaps, but Cubase Score proved a considerable help when it came to communicating with the classical players. Smith: 'It's been good using the Core package, because anything I play in can actually come out as musical score. Audrey would then hand-write it for the players, but it's really excellent, because you can instantaneously change pieces. Before, it was like trying to put your ideas over in another language.'"
Knife Party produce their tracks using the Cubase 7 DAW. Rob Swire Tweets about it, saying:
@niknoisia you guys on Cubase 7 / N6 yet? I'm blown away, esp by the linking system
He also Tweets in 2014 making references to Cubase 5:
Shout out to everyone who feels terror when they see this
And also in this Tweet:
A 13 year old @Pendulum project in Cubase SX 2.0, playing on a 10 year old virtual machine in 2015 #justnerdthings
There is an artist spotlight of Hans Zimmer on the Steinberg website and a video interview. The link to the page: https://new.steinberg.net/stories/hans-zimmer/
"Installing cubase... My music better get 10x better now"
Willem of W&W states "we switched to Cubase for a while".
Album Usage
The Steinberg Cubase has been featured on the following albums:
The Celtic Collection V
Adrian von Ziegler (2025)
Angry Birds Remixed Vol. 1
Ari Pulkkinen (2024)
ULTRA C
Reol (2024)
Of the Old World
Adrian von Ziegler (2024)
SCARING THE HOES: DLC PACK
Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA (2023)
SCARING THE HOES
Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA (2023)
Odyssey II
Adrian von Ziegler (2022)
Equinox
Adrian von Ziegler (2022)
High On Acid
Blastoyz (2022)
In Stasis
Monuments (2022)
Mass Effect: Trilogy Collection Bonus Tracks (Original Soundtrack)
Sascha Dikiciyan (2022)
.Wav
Flux Pavilion (2021)
The Silence of Grace
Deborah Martin (2021)
For the Pack
Adrian von Ziegler (2021)
Uebok (YMIR Remix)
Apashe & YMIR (2021)
The Celtic Collection IV
Adrian von Ziegler (2021)
Darkness Eternal
Adrian von Ziegler (2020)
Moondance
Adrian von Ziegler (2020)
Veiled
Adrian von Ziegler (2020)
Traveler
Adrian von Ziegler (2020)
Risk of Rain 2
Chris Christodoulou (2020)
Polar (Music from the Netflix Film)
Deadmau5 (2019)
The Celtic Collection III
Adrian von Ziegler (2019)
The Life Code
IAMONE (2018)
Small Moon
Chris Carter (2018)
So Long / Obsydian
Sunny Lax (2018)
Synthwaves
Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)
Holiday '17
Parralox (2017)
Sailing to the Edge
Eloy Fritsch (2017)
Unity
TheFatRat (2015)
Pillager / Egg Plant Mans
Heist (2015)
Theme O
Madison Mars (2015)
Edge EP
Neonlight (2015)
Musik ist keine Lösung
Alligatoah (2015)
Spiritual Energy
Eloy Fritsch (2014)
Stashboxxx
DJ Harrison (2014)
Ein Tag Am Strand
Eelke Kleijn (2013)
Where Were U In '92 ?
Zomby (2012)
Le Fantome
Claude VonStroke (2012)
Check It Out
Ferry Corsten (2011)
In the Mood for Life (Extended with Instrumentals)
Wax Tailor (2009)
Растаман
White Hot Ice (2007)
So Electric
lifelike (2007)
CHASM
Ryuichi Sakamoto (2005)
Sandstorm
Darude (1999)
Wild Mood Swings
The Cure (1996)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Steinberg Cubase, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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Studio One is in a lot of ways similar to Cubase, fully featured, just a little easier to learn.
The similarities have to do with the fact that Studio One was first written by Wolfgang Kundrus (an early developer for Cubase & the primary author/developer of Nuendo) & Matthias Juwan (the guy who wrote the VST3 spec) as part of KristalLabs Software Ltd (the "K" logo for Studio One is a tribute to them). PreSonus later bought them out & started releasing their product as Studio One.
Thus, Studio One & Cubase have a lot in common (e.g. shortcuts, UI/UX elements, etc)
Logic is probably the closest rival DAW that has similar pro level feature sets and is used by as many top level users.
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