Cubase 6?

flyswatter

I have been looking at the the new reviews for Cubase and it looks fantastic.

I have PT8 and FL Studio 10.

What annoys me about Pro Tools is that it is too needy. I had to wait to buy PT until the Windows 7 8.04 update was released. I also had to buy an external HD cos' it said it needed one. I was rushed into buying one the next day as a result, didn't do my research as I always do when buying gear and I bought a Seagate HD which was way too big and bulky and required ac power as well as a usb port. That was a waste of money. Also the track restriction is annoying. Something like 48. Cubase has unlimited doesn't it?

I want to still use FL as I love it, for composing mainly. The new version is top notch and I believe the VST instruments included are actually better than most DAW's, even Cubase. Sytrus for example and even the basic 3xOsc is incredible if you know how to use it properly. Also the piano roll is brilliant, I've seen my mates Cubase 5 and the piano roll just isn't as good. FL's is just so slick and usable.

Is Cubase the best PC DAW, I've done a good bit of research and everyone says it is.

Most importantly will it be easy to use? I want it mainly for recording and mixing, not songwriting. I will use FL and Maschine for that.

GTE

I have used Cubase 2, 3 and now 5 through college and it has gotten so much better in version 5. I have not used 4 but I believe it was a flop similar to Vista. Well intentioned but did not work out.

I used to like Cubase when I used V2 and 3. It was Cubase 2 SL and SX back in those days.
When I got my hands on Cubase 5 I felt so invigorated by it all. To have such an improvement in workflow is great. I think the visuals have a lot to do with it. It does look nicer and its a nicer place to work. This is maintained in Cubase 6.

I find Cubase very easy to use. The basics are all there for you to learn by just pressing buttons and seeing what they do. There are some nice features that are less obvious since you dont really come across them in day to day recording or mixing. That said they are intermediate to advanced features so I dont see anything difficult about getting it completely new and getting recording and mixing done well on it .

I have not used Sonar, I am not a fan of Pro Tools or Pro Tools on Windows and my mind has gone blank on other PC based DAW's but anyway. For me Cubase 5 is the outright winner, I cant wait for V6.

As has been mentioned in other threads, since Windows 7 has been such a great leap forward (only in the 64bit version mind you) I think Cubase 6 on a well speced PC (with some Waves CLA's =D) would be a fantastic investment.

Though if you have a 32 bit machine with a strong processor and 4gb of ram like I do I can say Cubase 5 on Windows XP and 7 has worked flawlessly through many important projects but I have a feeling these days the extra performance you can get out of 64 bit is essential. Even if you spec with 4gb of ram at least you can upgrade the shag out of it.

The April Sound on Sound has an in depth review of Cubase 6 if you are interested.

One drawback about Cubase 5 is that their multiband compressor sounds horrible. I hate it with a vengeance. Nothing sounds good through it. Compared to the SX3 Multiband which I loved to pieces. I hope the C6 multiband is better.

With regards to your hard drive, Cubase will throw up those same messages too if your computer is not up to the job. It could be less of a DAW issue and more of an issue with your hard drives and their RPM speeds.

EDIT:
This post is very disjointed. Not usually my way. I think I am tired =D

Adyx

I just can't seem to get into Cubase. I got Cubase 5 LE with my interface and I've tried to use it, but I keep going back to Reaper. I suppose it's just a question of what you're used to. That review in SOS was very positive, so 6 is probably worth checking out. Don't think it's for me though. I probably wouldn't like PT either.

The Fridge

And Steinberg have released it's first official maintenence update yesterday for C6, version 6.0.2 now.:)

emeraz

The Fridge wrote: »

And Steinberg have released it's first official maintenence update yesterday for C6, version 6.0.2 now.:)

Didn't spot that! Thanks


OP
IMHO cubase 6 has just raise the game for everyone else. It's solid as a rock (and I am a cubase abuser ) and it's editing tools and midi tools are second to none. I mean, quantising a multi tracked drum recording in 5 mins! It's seriously easy.

I prefer it over Pro Tools but probably for no other reason than I started with Cubase. The workflow is logical and it is really easy to pick up if you watch the tutorials.

There is a 30 day trial so why not try it and see if it is for you.
http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/trial_version.html

Denalihighway

would you have an idea of how big the jump would be to Cubase 6 if you had a reasonable knowledge of the latest Cubase LE?

I'm considering buying it and hoping it won't be like starting from scratch - I'd be surprised if it was. I don't need it right now, but I'll need to scale up in the near future and now is as good a time as any I suppose while I'm lucky enough to have a few quid.

emeraz

Denalihighway wrote: »

would you have an idea of how big the jump would be to Cubase 6 if you had a reasonable knowledge of the latest Cubase LE?

I'm considering buying it and hoping it won't be like starting from scratch - I'd be surprised if it was. I don't need it right now, but I'll need to scale up in the near future and now is as good a time as any I suppose while I'm lucky enough to have a few quid.

I am pretty sure that all your LE projects will open in Cubase 6. Maybe it worth sending an email to support before you leap

Denalihighway

i wouldn't be overly worried about that even - at this stage i'm still learning the ropes so anything i've done i'm not going to be distraught at leaving it behind if i had to

more worried about the functionality side of things. i say 'worried'...it doesn't keep me up at night or anything, just interested to know what the jump is like for the user

GTE

Denalihighway wrote: »

i wouldn't be overly worried about that even - at this stage i'm still learning the ropes so anything i've done i'm not going to be distraught at leaving it behind if i had to

more worried about the functionality side of things. i say 'worried'...it doesn't keep me up at night or anything, just interested to know what the jump is like for the user

I have been able to open Cubase 5 projects in Cubase SX 3 and also SL 2 at one stage as well as the other way round.

Steinberg to their credit do seem to give some thought about forward and backwards compatibility.

In terms of using the program you shouldn't have a problem moving from Cubase 4/5 LE to one of the Cubase 6 versions.
When I moved from 3 to 5 it was seamless. If anything it was slightly easier as some bugs or long ways of doing things were gotten rid of.

The only problem was that I had no idea about the more advanced features for so long. That is just me not reading the manual like you should. I wouldnt worry about it. The basic program is still there so the ropes you have been learning on are basically identical.

emeraz

bbk wrote: »

I have been able to open Cubase 5 projects in Cubase SX 3 and also SL 2 at one stage as well as the other way round.

Seriously?? That I never knew. Impressive!

flyswatter

Steinberg are really strict aren't they? Suppose it's a German thing!

They make you pay for a dongle to be shipped to you, just so you can use the Cubase demo.

Bbk, Sonar is apparently really good too now that they've improved the interface and workflow with X1.

Does anyone know anything about the Educational prices for Cubase 6?

You can get it for 300 euro instead of the usual price.

I somehow managed to get PT8 M Powered Educational version for 150 euro from Ebay. Didn't have to prove I was a student.

It's the same as the normal version only cheaper.

dasdog

flyswatter wrote: »

Steinberg are really strict aren't they? Suppose it's a German thing!

They make you pay for a dongle to be shipped to you, just so you can use the Cubase demo.

Bbk, Sonar is apparently really good too now that they've improved the interface and workflow with X1.

Does anyone know anything about the Educational prices for Cubase 6?

You can get it for 300 euro instead of the usual price.

I somehow managed to get PT8 M Powered Educational version for 150 euro from Ebay. Didn't have to prove I was a student.

It's the same as the normal version only cheaper.

Downloading the demo now which should work with the existing e-Licence dongle. I'd like to see how it runs performance wise before upgrading from Studio 5.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/shop/education/educational_products.html

Looks like a 50% discount for (legit) educational licences:

GTE

flyswatter wrote: »

Steinberg are really strict aren't they? Suppose it's a German thing!

They make you pay for a dongle to be shipped to you, just so you can use the Cubase demo.

Bbk, Sonar is apparently really good too now that they've improved the interface and workflow with X1.

Does anyone know anything about the Educational prices for Cubase 6?

You can get it for 300 euro instead of the usual price.

I somehow managed to get PT8 M Powered Educational version for 150 euro from Ebay. Didn't have to prove I was a student.

It's the same as the normal version only cheaper.

I was surprised at the dongle thing for the free version. At least you can get that cost discounted off the price of you buy it.

I have no experience with Sonar but from looking at Sound on Sound at the very least its looking good.

Thomann has the Educational Cubase at 260ish euro I think. That is if you have no previous version to upgrade from. Ill have to check out upgrades but I am seriously considering it despite my, well, brokeness

emeraz, yeah. I was shocked myself. I had a project done in 5 and I either didnt have my laptop with me or something stupid and as a last ditch effort I opened it with 2SL and it worked! I could do basic mixing etc but no plugins like Reverence.

I also had bug with a particular installation of Windows that would cause everything to crash. I could open my 5 projects in 3SX no bother to recover files.

=D CUBASE!!!!!

flyswatter

260 for the full Cubase 6? Not Studio? That is great value. I'll have to get a college lecturer to prove I'm a student.

GTE

flyswatter wrote: »

260 for the full Cubase 6? Not Studio? That is great value. I'll have to get a college lecturer to prove I'm a student.

From not having any previous version of Cubase that seems to be the case alright. It is very good.

I think student ID will do. Formal identification from the third level place you are in will do.

I get the impression you send good ID then they follow it up with the institution.

flyswatter

I've learnt from friends that Cubase educational licences can only be bought by lecturers and teachers and they cannot be sold to students.

Also, the Sonar X1 requirements are really high. I have a very good laptop for production but I don't want it to be pushed that close.

Cubase 5 runs well on my friends basic Dual Core laptop.

GTE

Maybe Steinberg have loosened up a bit for version 6.

Many Steinberg products are available as educational versions at a discounted price. Eligible for educational rebates are teachers, educators, currently enrolled full-time students of universities. Also currently enrolled full-time students and teachers at public and private (music) schools and the SAE Institutes are eligible.

How to obtain an educational product:

If you belong to one of the above-mentioned groups, please e-mail your scanned or photographed proof to eduproof(sb)steinberg.net. If you act as a teacher or for an institution you may also use this PDF form.

Please make sure that

the proof of eligibility is legible
proofs the fact that you are a currently enrolled full-time student (if applicable)
contains the date of issue
contains the date of expiry (if applicable)
contains a valid stamp of your facility

It’s also important that you provide a valid e-mail address so that we can send you a personalized link for the Steinberg Online Shop.

Please send your proof of eligibility to: eduproof(sb)steinberg.net

Please understand that we cannot answer general or product-related support requests via this email address.

Once we have received your proof of eligibility, we will send a personalized link for the Steinberg Online Shop to the e-mail address you have provided. With this link you can buy Steinberg's educational products in the Steinberg Online Shop with discounts up to 50 %.

The Fridge

Flyswatter hi,

I don't think thats strickly true
'Cubase educational licences can only be bought by lecturers and teachers and they cannot be sold to students'
I'd ask Darren in Studiosolutions for the correct details, as he's the steinberg dealer here in Ireland. As far as I know there's a form you get to fill in and get stamped by your school for proof. Don't know what level of proofing they go through once they receive the form.

drumdrum

I have Cubase 5 LE. Got it free with a Zoom recorder I bought.

I don't really every use it TBH, as I have Logic 9. However, I've read online about lots of people raving about Cubase 6. I've never used Cubase 6 myself but when I googled differences and looked at some youtube videos, the only difference to me that I could see was a slightly enhanced GUI and better drum editing stuff....pretty much Steinbergs answer to Logic 9s FlexTime.

Are there other differences between 5 & 6 that I haven't seen? I've read the Steinberg site on it and I just can't see what all the craze is about....

GTE

drumdrum wrote: »

I have Cubase 5 LE. Got it free with a Zoom recorder I bought.

I don't really every use it TBH, as I have Logic 9. However, I've read online about lots of people raving about Cubase 6. I've never used Cubase 6 myself but when I googled differences and looked at some youtube videos, the only difference to me that I could see was a slightly enhanced GUI and better drum editing stuff....pretty much Steinbergs answer to Logic 9s FlexTime.

Are there other differences between 5 & 6 that I haven't seen? I've read the Steinberg site on it and I just can't see what all the craze is about....

This is the Pros and Cons section from Sound on Sound.

Steinberg Cubase 6 £508



Cubase’s piano‑roll‑based Key editor is arguably the best of its kind.

Note Expression is one of the most exciting sequencing tools to appear in recent years.

Certain audio editing tasks are now significantly easier than before.

Many, many refinements make the program pleasing to both look at and use.

Cons

Without wishing to detract from Halion Sonic SE, the absence of a more functional and generic sample‑based instrument from Cubase’s bundled instrument arsenal is becoming increasingly conspicuous.

The potential of Note Expression is dependent on third parties supporting VST 3.5.

Summary

Cubase 6 offers sophisticated new functionality for editing both musical data and multitrack audio. It’s the most polished and developed version of their flagship music‑creation software Steinberg have ever produced.

Having read that, and having been so happy with the difference in Cubase 5 from 3 that last line of the summary is very very interesting for me and is getting me very interested in it.

flyswatter

bbk wrote: »

This is the Pros and Cons section from Sound on Sound.



Having read that, and having been so happy with the difference in Cubase 5 from 3 that last line of the summary is very very interesting for me and is getting me very interested in it.

Yeah I'm definitely getting it too!

But I'm not ditching FL, not a chance. FL10 is extremely good, the best yet. Love it and whats the point in ditching it when I know it very well?

GTE

flyswatter wrote: »

Yeah I'm definitely getting it too!

But I'm not ditching FL, not a chance. FL10 is extremely good, the best yet. Love it and whats the point in ditching it when I know it very well?

Exactly. This is a great debate I have had in the past.

In my experience Pro Tools is seen as the industry standard, just as the SM57. What is different is that it is so easy to realise that there are a lot of alternatives to the 57 when you do a bit of practical work. Over that time you begin to appreciate what can do what the best and for what application.

Software is different. It is one of those things that generally was aimed to be the the best in so many areas. In reality this is hard to achieve but maybe because it is so expensive relative to a 57 I get the impression from people that they think its the bees knees if it does one thing very well. They seem to assume all the other aspects are as good when actually it could be dire compared to another DAW.

That is the wrong way to approach DAW's for me. Some may have their faults but its only at an individual level can we say what is the best.

Personally I despise Pro Tools up to version 8. I have not used 9. Having said that I am sure its a capable program and if someone loves it that is great. I am glad to see people so comfortable with the stuff they use.

I would never say "Oh, look at you using Reaper! I use Cubase! *smug face*"
I have encountered this in the past when I say I use Cubase and someone else is a Pro Tools guy, mainly its about PC vs Mac. Especially when I say I still rock out with XP, which I did up until a month or two ago.

At the end of the day it should be down to what you are comfortable with.
Stick me on front of Logic or Sonar and I would be lost and not confident in myself to play around with it for weeks. Give me Cubase and I am at home.

Another aspect is that I am not too familiar with FL at all but if you have that and another DAW then you are probably in a better situation as like with the SM57 and its alternatives you then have a choice so if one program does at least one thing better for you then that is justified.

Rewiring Reason into a DAW is a good example of someone having the sense to give his or herself the choice and the options during engineering.

Personally I do go on about Cubase a lot but I try not to be a one program guy so I do my best with Pro Tools and Logic when I can. Though at the end of the day I am mainly a one program guy but I absolutely do not want to be one of those elitist f**kers you get and who I have come across.


This forum does something to me and rants. . . Maybe its passing the 2000 post mark, I can almost get away with it haha :rolleyes: