Steinberg unveil Cubase 16

Instrument Stacks, editing improvements, new stock plug-ins & more

Steinberg have just launched the latest version of their award-winning music-focused DAW, kitting it out with a vast set of new recording, editing, sequencing, composing and mixing tools.

Cubase 16 introduces a whole host of new features, many of which have been informed by the user community. One of the key additions is Instrument Stacks, which allow users to combine multiple VST instruments, Sampler Tracks and Drum Tracks into a single playable instrument, while the Key Editor has been treated to a selection of new tools designed to make MIDI editing more intuitive. A new Strum function makes quick work of adding some natural timing variations to programmed chords, and a Stretch Selection tool allows users to strech or compress MIDI passages. Audio time-stretching has been improved, too, with new Spectral AudioWarp algorithms delivering high-quality results even with extreme settings.

New stock instruments and effects include Omnivocal Basic, which brings realistic virtual singing voices to Cubase, courtesy of Yamaha's NX vocal-synthesis engine; DrumChain, a new multi-effects processor designed specifically for drums; and VocalTouch, a dedicated vocal-polishing plug-in. A new Module FM library delivers over 200 new lead, key and bass sounds aimed at contemporary music production, and five new sample packs (Afro House, Beats & Breaks, K-Pop, Latin Vibes and Organic Sessions) extend the DAW's collection of production-ready sounds and loops.

A redesigned Settings dialog combines preferences, key commands, project setup, audio connections, and other configuration options together in one searchable interface - it's also now possible to make changes while working on a project. Stem Separation can now split recordings into six stems (vocals, drums, bass, piano, guitars and other) and Tempo Detection has been upgraded with a more advanced detection algorithm. Other quality-of-life improvements include assignable names for MIDI CCs, a redesigned Audio Pool and a new Quick Help system.

As always, Cubase 16 is available in three versions: Elements, Artist and Pro, offering a comprehensive music-production environment for everyone from aspiring musicians to experienced producers and professional composers.

Whats New? Here's a quick overview of the headline features introduced in Cubase 16:

Instrument Stacks for layering multiple instruments inside one playable stack with per-layer filtering and unified control. [Pro / Artist]

Improved Stem Separation adds enhanced quality, plus piano and guitar extraction. [Pro]

Tempo Detection introduces a redesigned workflow for faster, more reliable tempo matching. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Key Editor Strum adds more natural timing and feel to programmed chords [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Key Editor Stretch Selection allows melodies, basslines and chord progressions to be stretched to the desired length [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Module FM library brings more than 200 new HALion Sonic presets for modern, FM-based production sounds. [Pro / Artist]

DrumChain combines essential drum processing tools in an intuitive multi-effects plug-in, making it easy to shape and enhance drum sounds. [Pro / Artist]

VocalTouch assists with faster, more intuitive vocal shaping. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Custom MIDI CC Names allow generic MIDI controller message names to be replaced with labels which match the instruments and hardware being used. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Redesigned Settings dialog brings a searchable, consolidated setup and extra customisation in one non-modal window. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Quick Help adds context-aware in-app guidance to the Left Zone or a floating window. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Spectral AudioWarp allows extreme time-stretching and pitch-shifting with outstanding sound quality. [Pro]

Waves Illugen integration provides convenient access to custom sample generation directly from Cubase. Includes two months of complimentary access to Waves Illugen. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Five new sample packs to spark new ideas. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Pitch Detection and Phase Inversion in the Sampler Track and Drum Machine for faster sample tuning and tighter drum layering. [Pro / Artist]

Omnivocal Basic to help with quickly developing vocal ideas. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Workflow refinements add faster insert handling and more flexible drag-and-drop. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Multiple video outputs allow video to be sent to more than one display destination. [Pro]

Windows MIDI support, built on the latest Windows MIDI platform for next-generation MIDI technologies in Windows 11. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Expanded MIDI 2.0 support for more expressive performances and orchestral articulation. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Redesigned Audio Pool with cleaner media management. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

External Connections creates one streamlined workflow for setting up external instruments and effects with audio, MIDI and synchronisation. [Pro]

Key Editor Lyrics for adding and editing lyrics directly alongside MIDI notes, including fast step entry and pronunciation controls. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

AAC and M4A Import added for extended audio file support. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

16 Audio Sends and eight Cue Sends provide more routing options for bigger mix setups. [Pro]

Ableton Link adds easier sync with other compatible music apps. [Pro / Artist / Elements]

Video of What Is New in Cubase 16 | Promo Video

Compatibility Cubase 16 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or later, and Macs running macOS 15 and above.

Pricing & Availability Cubase 16 is available now, priced as follows:

Cubase Elements 16: $99.99£83 / 99

Cubase Artist 16: $299.99£250 / 299

Cubase Pro 16: $599.99£500 / 599

GBP prices include VAT.

www.steinberg.net/cu

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