Steinberg Cubase Essential 5

This software is specialized in recording live instruments, which is not a very common focal point in today’s music production software. Steinberg does also offer a much more expensive Cubase that might not be for amateurs so this is where the new Essential steps in it includes the core features of Cubase.

This is a great option for consumers that don’t want to deal with tons of different gadgets it offers a mature and dependable recording environment. It has features like the snap-to-grid which lets you crossfade between audio objects and it has support for tempos. Mix automation is also included in the program and it works something like video editing but for sound and it allows you to vary your mixer settings over time. You can also record from many simultaneous sources at the same time, which is made possible by the 32-bit audio signal path.

The down side of the program is that it is not that easy to master, configuration does take a while and your music jargon must be up to par. Advanced mixing options won’t come easy to new consumers.

The Cubase Essential is limited to 64 audio tracks, it has 16 plug-ins for instruments, and its eight global effects will only affect most ambitious producers. It integrates external hardware, multiple mixer views, and surround sound support. It’s easier to combine a single because it lets you record multiple takes of a single track. VariAudio vocal editor is missing in this program. It may not be as highly advanced as the Cubase 5 but the Cubase Essential is great for beginners.