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| Steinberg |
I always have been a big fan of Steinberg software. This software provides an unlimited amount of possibilities to compose, play, mix, edit, and master music. For other software that I use, see [here].
From Steinberg, I use the following software (latest versions):
- Cubase Pro 14
- WaveLab Pro 12
- Spectralayers Pro 11
- Dorico Pro 5
- Halion 7 / Halion Sonic 7 / Halion Symphonic Orchestra
Useful links
- Steinberg user forum is found [here].
- Steinberg online manuals are found [here].
- Dom Sigalas Store, YouTube.
- Steinberg GitHub repositories
- Steinberg SDK Plugin development
- Analyze crash/freezing of application.
- Steinberg history
| Cubase Pro 14 |
Cubase is a so-called digital audio workstation (DAW), which is application software used for recording, editing, and producing audio and midi files. Modern DAWs like Cubase have a central interface that allows the user to alter and mix multiple recordings and tracks into a final produced piece. See my Reaper tutorial [here]. See also my Cubase [Configuration] post.
I use the SSL UC1, AVID S1, Console 1 Fader, Steinberg CC121, StreamDeck XL, MP Midi controller, and nOb for controlling Cubase.
I have been using Cubase since the very first version was released in April 1989 for the Atari computer. Cubase for Atari was MIDI only and ran on the Atari 520ST and Atari 1040ST computers, provided they had 1 MB of RAM. It required use of an Atari SM-124 monochrome monitor, which gave a then impressive resolution of 640×400. The main innovation of Cubase was the graphic arrange page, which allowed for the graphic representation of the composition using a vertical list of tracks and a horizontal timeline.
Image: Cubase 1.0 on an Atari computer in 1989. At that time I had access to this software in the studio of the music school in Tilburg where a spend quite a few hours. The computer was connected to the Yamaha DX7 which allowed to record different tracks (e.g., bass, chords, etc) into Cubase via MIDI.
Image: User interface of Cubase Pro. The images show the Project Window, the Mix Console, the Control Room, and various plugins.
Cubase, but also other DAWs, can be extended with plugins (e.g., effects, processors, metering) and virtual instruments (like Halion7; see below). It can also be interfaced with instruments through midi or directly recording the audio through a soundcard (for which I use the X32). In addition, I have interfaced it to external hardware (effects, processors, headphone amplifier, different sets of speakers).
Useful links
- CubaseINDEX.com is a huge Search INDEX for Steinberg’s Cubase DAW to search in all videos Q&A Hangout.
- Cubase communities can also be found on Discord (e.g., Cubase Nation, Cubase).
- Art Conductor (Expression maps; Collection of over 10000 articulation switching presets; Babylon Waves)
- Cubase shortcuts [here].
- Cubase Configuration
- New features in Cubase 13
- Cubase tips
| WaveLab Pro 12 |
Mastering is one of the most important parts of the music production process, which comes after a song has been mixed. It is a unique art and WaveLab has been the number one choice for mastering professionals. WaveLab is a complete mastering solution, with every tool that you will ever need to cover your workflow from start to finish.
Useful links
- Wavelabhelp.com (Justin Perkins, Mystery Room Mastering)
- The Benefits of a Mastering DAW (Justin Perkins, Mystery Room Mastering)
- Wavelab masterclass
WaveLab Pro 11 Routing in Montage of master and reference tracks (obsolete). Left image is general routing scheme. The right image shows my configuration. I have only SoundID (headphone/monitor correction) on the playback processing, which requires me to switch its profile for the Kali-IN8 or one of my headphones. WaveLab speaker configuration 1 (SPC#1) is routed to my main speakers (Kali-IN8) and my headphones. SPC#2 is routed to my main speakers and my HS8S subwoofer. The extra bus for the Reference Track is routed to channel B on my Big Knob monitor controller and bypasses SoundID. This allows me to quickly switch between the Kali-IN8 and my Avantones withou having to switch profiles in SoundID.
WaveLab Pro 12 Routing in Montage of master and reference tracks. Left image is general routing scheme. The right image shows my configuration. For each speaker configuration we can now have a different set of plugins in the Playback Processing Section. This allows to have SoundID (headphone/monitor correction) for Speaker Configuration 1, which is routed to Output 1/2 on the X32, which is routed to my Nero monitor controller, which is connected to my Kali-IN8 monitor speakers and Avantones. Speaker Configuration 3 includes the Slate VSX plugin and is routed to Output 3/4, which is routed to my Art Headamp 6 Pro headphone amplifier.
| SpectraLayers Pro 11 |
SpectraLayers shows sounds as visual objects to assist in spectral editing (frequency and time domain). For example, audio can be repaired and restored but also audio design is facilitated. Typical applications are de-bleeding and de-reverbing, EQ-matching, or de-mixing songs in separate layers (e.g., vocal, guitar, bass, drum). Spectralayers makes use of artificial intelligence-driven audio extraction and repair processes.
| Dorico Pro 5 |
Dorico is music notation and composition software.
Useful links
- Reference cards
- Dorico resources
- Notation Expression XL to control Dorico from my StreamDeck.
- Good tutorial:
- First Steps (and accompanying YouTube video Part 1 and Part 2)
- Entering a symphony.
- Page layout.
- Understanding Dorico
- Synchronizing Dorico and Cubase
- Note lengths in Expression Maps ([Forum] and table below)
- Dorico/Cubase Export/Import Workflow (Music Chef)
- Notenlektorat (e.g., ConsoleTools):
| Halion 7 / Halion Sonic 7 / Halion Symphonic Orchestra |
HALion is the most comprehensive virtual sampling and sound design system available today and excels the present creative process for producers and sound designers in all areas. It covers the complete creative workflow from recording, sample editing to programming advanced synthesis and creating professional sound libraries which you can actually share or sell.
See also my post FM Lab and Tales with Halion 7 and the SoundOnSound review.
