Steinberg has today announced the immediate availability of Cubase 13, with significant user interface redesigns, new features and enhancements which make the award-winning music production software more streamlined and inspiring than ever.
From the most advanced version, Cubase Pro, through to Cubase Elements for those taking their first steps in music production, the comprehensive feature set in Cubase 13 provides all the tools needed to create music for every genre, from complex compositions for film and TV to studio-grade pop productions — and all of course with the exceptional sound quality of the Steinberg audio engine.
Mix on the go
The MixConsole has been given an overhaul with a slick, streamlined user interface design to aid better focus on mixing. The Project window features a new channel tab which gives
direct access to the most important mixing parameters of each channel, without leaving the song’s arrangement. The new design lets users intuitively adjust their mix in the production process, in a compact, per channel view.
Vocal production made easy
The VocalChain plug-in combines all processing steps of the vocal mixing workflow in one ultra-flexible plug-in, helping to make vocal recordings sound professional — quickly and easily. Available as a highlight in the VocalChain plug-in as well as a separate plug-in, the new VoxComp in Cubase Pro and Cubase Artist is a compressor specifically designed for vocals, gently taming recordings without compromising clarity, transients, or expression.
Enhanced MIDI composition experience
The MIDI editors in Cubase have been enhanced with several new features which streamline the composition workflows in many ways. The powerful Range Selection tool is now available in the MIDI editors. Cubase Pro users can view and edit multiple parts directly from within the MIDI editors. Also the Step and MIDI input functions have been enhanced and MIDI CC recording can now be simplified for further editing.
Progressive progressions
The Chord Pads have also been completely redesigned and enhanced with new functionalities. The integrated Chord Assistant and the circle of fifths make it easy to find creative chord progressions, with presets that provide excellent starting points.
New compact orchestral library
With 140 articulations for 34 instruments in a compact 5 GB library, Iconica Sketch is a straightforward scoring utility which allows everyone from beginners to professional composers to create full orchestral scores of the highest quality.
The return of a legend and new effects with character
Cubase 13 sees the return of the legendary Steinberg Vocoder. Users can create classic robotic vocals or add analog flavor to instruments with up to 24 filter bands, sidechain input, and in-depth control. There are two new equalizers, the EQ-P1A and the EQ-M5, for adding an extra touch of class to any production, while Black Valve is a classic tube compressor with lots of warmth, character, and sonic detail, making this tribute to one of the most iconic studio processors really stand out.
And there’s much more to discover:
• New Spectral Warp modes in the Sampler Track for extreme manipulation and powerful envelope creation.
• Five exclusive new sample packs by Grammy-winning producer Beat Butcha, creative mastermind Sharooz, and acclaimed sample boutiques 91Vocals and Touch Loops.
• New Track Versions for the Video Track to make working with new video edits more convenient.
• Much more flexible configuration of where playback starts.
• A new Tap Tempo feature on the Transport Bar.
• One-click change of mono to stereo and vice versa channel type.
• New options for more flexibility and control when importing tracks, events, and time ranges.
• Many new key commands
• Readiness for widespread adoption of MIDI 2.0
• Windows-compliant multi-window handling and an improved Windows video engine, including GPU hardware decoding for H264 and better overall performance.
“Cubase 13 is the result of many conversations and interactions we had with our user base in the last years. Our primary goal was to help our users to stay in the flow when they are creative and we are very happy about the balance of workflow improvements and new creative features in Cubase 13,” says Matthias Quellmann, senior product marketing manager for Cubase.
Availability and pricing
Cubase Pro 13, Cubase Artist 13 and Cubase Elements 13 are available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop. The suggested retail price for Cubase Pro 13 is 579 euros or 579.99 US dollars. The suggested retail price for Cubase Artist 13 is 329 euros or 329.99 US dollars. The suggested retail price for Cubase Elements 13 is 99.99 euros or 99.99 US dollars. Prices may vary according to region.
A range of downloadable updates and upgrades, crossgrades, and education versions are exclusively available through the Steinberg Online Shop.
Customers who have activated Cubase Pro 12, Cubase Artist 12 and Cubase Elements 12 or earlier versions from August 23, 2023, are eligible for a free, downloadable grace period update to the latest version, respectively.
Iconica Sketch is also available as standalone instrument for 119 euros or 119.99 US dollars.
Key features
• New channel tab in Project window [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• Overhauled MixConsole [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• VocalChain plug-in for more professional vocals [Pro・Artist]
• Enhanced Range tool [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• Edit multiple parts from within the Key Editor and Drum Editor [Pro]
• New chord pads to easily find creative chord progressions [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• Iconica Sketch for easily creating full orchestra scores [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• The return of Steinberg Vocoder and VoxComp compressor [Pro・Artist]
• Black Valve compressor and the new EQ-P1A and EQ-M5 equalizers [Pro]
• New Spectral Warp modes in the Sampler Track [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• 5 exclusive new sample packs [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• More flexible options for playback start [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• Tap Tempo feature in transport bar [Pro・Artist・Elements]
• A range of other tool and performance improvements [Pro・Artist・Elements]