Steinberg recently upgraded their flagship workstation Cubase to version 6.5. Since the release of the first version in 1989, Cubase has been an iconic digital music production workstation (DAW). With a strong emphasis on production, recording, editing and mixing, the software boasts an array of powerful tools for any studio setting. Now to make it even better Steinberg has introduced Cubase 6.5 – a significant upgrade that incorporates latest technologies to assist musicians, producers and engineers achieve their creative visions seamlessly.

VST

The upgrade introduces new synths, effects and formats, and a highlight for synth addicts is Retrologue – a powerful virtual studio technology (VST) that catapults Cubase’s already impressive library of instruments. At the heart of this analogue synth are two oscillators, each with up to eight flexible voices alongside a remarkable sub and noise oscillator. Packed into a user-friendly interface with note expression support, Retrologue brings back the sound of analogue circuitries and vintage warmth. More interestingly, the synth nestles an extensive library with over 300 presets of classic and modern synthesizer sounds, from heavy weight monophonic basses to polyphonic stabs and razor-sharp leads.

Another priceless addition to Cubase’s VST section is Padshop – a quality synth that is tailored specifically for sound designers. The VST features two independent layers that are based on an individual oscillator source and generate up to eight different grain streams. Its “edit section’ also gives users access to a plethora of cool parameters, including an integrated distortion unit and filter bank.

Cubase 6.5 is a significant upgrade that incorporates latest technologies to assist musicians, producers and engineers achieve their creative visions seamlessly.

Performance and effects

Cubase’s performance has always been remarkable. Unique to DAWs like Ableton and FL Studio, the software rarely succumbs to CPU intensive jobs and it is impressive that the Cubase team also took some time to advance the engine’s performance, giving it 64-bit ReWire support. Another noteworthy feature is a FLAC audio compression codec, which enables users to import and export FLAC files effortlessly and save up to 60% disk space when recording audio tracks in real time.

This package has intercommunication features to allow producers to export their Cubase projects directly into Soundcloud. But knowing how pedantic producers are, this feature may not enjoy widespread use. The idea sounds great but it does not dramatically speed up workflow and there are few producers who would choose to bounce a track straight onto the web without carefully listening to it first. But guitarists will be happy to know that Cubase’s VST Amp Rack has been expanded with new classic and signature presets crafted by top guitarists from bands like Meshuggah, Emperor and Accept.

VST Amp Rack now houses two new stomp box effects, the Maximiser and Limiter which give engineers more creative room when compressing guitar recordings. Cubase 6.5 also introduces the DJ-EQ and MorphFilter effects for live EQing and filtering.

Overall

Cubase 6.5’s strength lies mostly in the Retrologue, which (I’m sure) has already struck a chord with any producers around the globe. I would have loved to see more effects but I am quite impressed with the initiative.

Tech box

  • Two new synths: The brand-new Padshop granular synth and the Retrologue virtual analogue synth provide more than 700 presets.
  • Supersonic sidekicks: The DJ-EQ and MorphFilter effects and VST Amp Rack 1.5 with new stomp boxes and signature presets made by top guitarists.
  • One step closer to perfection: New comping and audio quantizing tools.
  • Intercommunication 2.0: Export your mixes directly to SoundCloud.
  • Save space: Save up to 60% disk space while recording with the new FLAC support.
  • 64-bit ReWire: unify Cubase with other top DAWs in a complete 64-bit environment.