Cubase
Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Cubase is a powerful and versatile digital audio workstation (DAW) for macOS used for music and MIDI recording, arranging, editing, mixing, and mastering. It caters to various musical genres, offering professional-grade tools for songwriters, bands, producers, and engineers, from initial song ideas to final production.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Comprehensive features for all stages of music production
- Professional, studio-grade audio quality
- Versatile tools for various music genres
- Stable and reliable performance on Mac
- Excellent audio and MIDI editing capabilities
Top Dislikes
- High price for Pro version
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Can be resource-intensive
- User interface can be cluttered for some users
- Dongle required for some versions (might be outdated info)
Popular Comments
MusicRadar
2011-05-24
Acknowledging the power of the Mac for music making, all Cubase development switched to the more advanced platform at this point [1990]. 1992 saw the arrival of Cubase Audio, the first version to offer audio support in addition to MIDI sequencing capabilities.
Reddit User - Rumdrum (Steinberg Forums)
2015-11-10
Converted from PC to MAC 5 years ago... After converting to MAC life has been easy. Not problem free as you mention, but it is heaven compared to the PC days... I find the Mac virtually worry-free, unlike windows when I was constantly struggling with settings and other crap.
GetApp User - Michael P.
2022-09-28
Overall, i would never buy any software but Cubase. It integrates with all of the major 3rd party plugins and gives a wide variety of options to best record and produce your music. Cubase is rich with features... You can get recording within a few minutes though with some basic settings tweaks. It is great for intermediate to experts but does not leave the beginning high and dry either.
Capterra User - Cristhian Josue J.
Unknown
Cubase has provided me with functionalities that I didn't find in other daws, it is easy to use even though it is created to compose more elaborate works, it has a good quality/price ratio and in my opinion, it is the most complete daw on the market.
Reddit User - Longtime Cubase user
2020-10-14
Longtime Cubase user here... Cubase excels at classical audio engineering and recording tasks... But for typical 'technical' audio engineering tasks, Cubase offers everything one can possibly think of.
Slashdot User
2025
Nuendo has been an integral tool in the creation of the soundtrack for many high-profile products, installations, and productions since its release. Nuendo is constantly updated with new features, workflow improvements, and additional functions that users request. This means that Nuendo exceeds all expectations for an audio workstation that's dedicated to audio post. It has high-end capabilities that are often unmatched and continues to be a revolution in audio and media production software.
Detailed Review
Cubase is a leading digital audio workstation (DAW) for macOS, developed by Steinberg Media Technologies, a German company with a long history in music software development. Initially released for Atari ST in 1989 as a MIDI sequencer, Cubase evolved into a comprehensive DAW with audio recording and editing capabilities, especially after its Mac version release in 1990. It's designed for musicians, producers, composers, and sound engineers across various genres, offering tools from songwriting to mastering. Cubase is available in different versions like Elements, Artist, and Pro, catering to different needs and budgets.
Standout Features
- Comprehensive DAW: Cubase offers a complete suite of tools for music production, including recording, MIDI sequencing, arranging, editing, mixing, and mastering.
- VST Compatibility: It supports Virtual Studio Technology (VST) instruments and effects, an industry-standard format pioneered by Steinberg, allowing for a vast ecosystem of plugins.
- Advanced MIDI and Audio Editing: Cubase provides sophisticated MIDI editing tools and a powerful audio engine, making it suitable for detailed and professional music production.
- Workflow and Customization: Offers a customizable workspace and workflow to adapt to different production styles, with features like Chord Tracks for harmonic assistance and VariAudio for vocal editing.
- Cross-Genre Versatility: Cubase is used across genres, from orchestral arrangements to electronic music, indie pop, and metal, offering dedicated tools for each.
- Professional Mixing and Mastering: Equipped with a studio-grade mixer and mastering tools to achieve high-quality final mixes.
Conclusion
Cubase is a top-tier DAW for Mac users seeking a professional and versatile music production environment. It's praised for its stability, comprehensive feature set, and excellent audio quality. While the Pro version comes at a higher price point and might have a steeper learning curve for beginners, the different versions like Elements and Artist offer more accessible entry points with upgrade paths. Cubase is particularly well-suited for users who require in-depth audio and MIDI editing, a wide range of features, and a stable platform for complex music projects. However, users looking for simpler or more loop-based workflows might explore alternatives like Ableton Live or GarageBand, depending on their specific needs and budget.
