VCA Faders can also streamline the MixConsole by reducing the number of visible channels. The process is similar to using the Link feature in previous versions of Cubase, with the advantage of being able to adjust individual MixConsole channels without unlinking them first. Mixing UpdatesĬubase (Pro only) now has VCA Faders, which allow you to link the volumes and other selectable controls to a single fader. Other updates include the Workspaces, Preference file handing, and a new Plug-in Manager with separate windows for VST Instruments and VST Effects. Note the new Folder track display on the right of Figure 1, because now you can see the audio and MIDI events contained within.

The result is a dramatic improvement in both average and real-time CPU performance.įigure 1: CPU performance on Cubase 7.5 (left) and Cubase 8 (right) using identical projects, playback locations, and buffer settings.

Steinberg has rewritten that part of the audio engine to allow more CPU-intensive processes (like virtual instruments and plug-ins) to take full advantage of ASIO Guard, thereby allowing Cubase to harness more power from the computer you already own. The first feature you'll appreciate right away is the newly-updated ASIO Guard. However, upgrading from Artist to Pro is as easy as purchasing an upgrade license at. For example, Pro has a full scoring editor, surround sound, VariAudio (pitch correction), and a host of other power features that Artist doesn't have. Whereas Cubase Pro has all the features of Artist, plus a lot of features producers will appreciate. Artist is the more affordable version and appeals to musicians, composers, and songwriters on a slightly slimmer budget. While both the Artist and Pro versions of Cubase have been infused with new features, the vast majority of them are bestowed upon Cubase Pro. But now that I've had some time to work with it, I feel like I simply didn't understand the potential of those features, for there are some truly innovative tools for musicians and producers alike.

When I first learned about the most prominent of new features, I have to admit that I was a little underwhelmed.

The folks at Steinberg have been hard at work developing Cubase Pro 8 and Cubase Artist 8, the latest and greatest versions of Cubase. AskVideo's Cubase 8 101 course by Matt Hepworth goes into immense detail and depth.

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