New Features in Cubase 4.1
Sidechain Input for VST3 Plug-ins
Sidechain inputs are now available on most VST3 plug-ins included with Cubase 4.1. Thanks to the new “free routing” architecture (see below) virtually any signal in the VST mixer can be used as a Sidechain input signal. Sidechain is a crucial function for audio-controlled effects such as ducking (compression controlled by an audio source). Sidechain control functions are pre-defined for each supported plug-in: Sidechain signals on dynamics plug-ins like compressors control the signal gain, modulation effects have LFO control. The amount of the effect can be precisely controlled.
Free Routing + Recording from Summing Objects
Version 4.1 gives you complete freedom when routing audio in your project. The new routing capabilities allow totally unlimited routing between group channels regardless of their order, and supports sending from groups to FX returns as well as from FX returns into group channels. For even more flexibility, audio tracks can not only send signals into groups and FX returns with help of the pre fader sends, but now also patch signals post fader from the output tab to group channels and FX returns. Another highlight of the new routing system is the ability to re-route signals of all summing objects such as buses, FX returns and groups directly into audio tracks allows the user to instantly re-record signals from summing objects onto audio tracks in real-time. This allows extremely easy creation of stems (sub-mixes of instrument groups or sections such as drums and backing vocals).
Redesigned Sample Editor
Thanks to the new Inspector-style section, the Sample Editor in Cubase 4.1 is now more ergonomic and quicker to use. The Inspector consolidates all audio editing functions, especially those used for musical tempo operations including Musical Mode, AudioWarp and Hitpoints. Related functions are grouped together in the same place for easier access, including tools for finding out loop tempo, timing adjustment and altering the pitch of a sample.
Track Quick Controls
A new section has been added to the Track Inspector: Quick Controls. This set of eight user-definable realtime controllers gives ultra-fast access to any parameter available on the current track. Significantly speeding up workflow, Quick Controls are available for Audio, MIDI and Instrument Tracks, and can control any mixer parameter for audio and instrument tracks, insert plug-in parameters, VSTi parameters and MIDI controllers for MIDI and instrument tracks. Track Quick Control assignments are setup for each track and saved with both the project and in the Track Presets so they’re always available in any project once setup and saved. These new quick controls develop their full potential when used in combination with a remote controller. Setup is easy thanks to a MIDI learn function. Once assigned, remote control knobs or fader functions will follow the track selection.
Advanced MediaBay Options
The powerful Cubase MediaBay system has seen some major improvements in version 4.1:
- The Browser section now offers definition of which folders or media drives are to be managed by MediaBay, speeding up scanning and searching and improving overall performance
- MediaBay now also supports the new MIDI Loop file type for support of Sequel loops, with a dedicated tab added to the Viewer Filter section
- An activity indicator has been added to show any MediaBay search or index activity Many of the smaller MediaBay windows and dialogs have been graphically adapted for consistency
Global Transpose Track
Cubase 4.1 adds a new track type: Global Transpose. This new feature makes it so easy to create new musical arrangements based on loops, or experiment with chord progressions without having to edit each part on each track individually. The new track type controls all Audio, MIDI and Instrument Tracks, and includes a special new “Bound” feature that keeps transposition within the range of one octave. The new Root Key function affects the entire project including the Transpose Track, allowing for extraordinarily quick transposition of an entire song in just a few clicks.
Advanced Arranger (Play Order Track)
The advanced Arranger Track has ereplaced and improved on the Play order Track concept, and introduces new pattern-based features to enhance creative experimentation with song arrangement as well as offer new ways of using Cubase for live performance:
- Arranger parts can now be triggered live by clicking in the part list
- Special playback modes allow for new live performance applications: Normal, Repeat Forever and Pause After Repeats
- New Flatten options have been added to the Arranger Track edit window: One, multiple or all Chains can be flattened with a single command and the Arranger Track can now be kept after flattening, so all Arranger Track presets are preserved for further editing.
Project Logical Editor
The powerful Logical Editor is now available on the project level, opening up countless new possibilities for task automation and project-wide “power editing”. With the Project Logical Editor, you can manipulate tracks and parts/events, including folder tracks in ways that can radically enhance workflow. This new editor applies user-defined actions to any, all or multiple selected parts/tracks in one single step. But that’s not all. The Project Logical Editor comes with a large selection of Logical Editor Presets, which are available directly from the Edit menu. But you can create your own presets which are automatically added to the Preset menu. To top things off, all Project Logical Editor Presets are also available as targets for user definable key commands.
Here are just a few examples for possible Logical Editor operations: ·
- Select all MIDI parts named ‘drum’”
- Trim selected automation by 10%”
- Delete all muted tracks”
- Mute track if name contains ‘Vocal’” ·
- Add a date to selected MIDI and Audio Tracks
The Project Logical Editor is an extremely powerful tool that can make a huge difference to production and editing workflows.
Sequel Project Import and Content Compatibility
Sequel is Steinberg’s entry-level Music Creation and Performance software. Cubase 4.1 now supports import, playback and editing of Sequel projects. Sequel projects can be opened just like regular Cubase projects, with no conversion needed. All sounds and effects are available, as well as Transpose Track and Arranger information. Of course, all sounds and effects can now be fully edited within Cubase, and the project saved in the native Cubase 4 format. In addition to project import, Cubase 4.1 also provides full access to the extensive loop library included with Sequel, provided that Sequel is installed on the same system. This means access to up to 5000 exciting audio and MIDI loops covering a huge variety of today’s music styles that automatically follow the Project Tempo and Transpose Tracks. Browsing and searching for loops from this library is just as simple as in Sequel – thanks to the powerful MediaBay.
MusicXML Import & Export
MusicXML is a data format for interchange of musical scores supported by an increasing number of companies to facilitate the exchange of musical scores between applications. Cubase 4.1 now supports both MusicXML import and export, becoming the center of a multi-platform and multi-application music score workflow. In comparison to MIDI files, MusicXML includes not just note information, but also layout information. Cubase 4.1 can read scanned scores from applications such as SmartScore, Capella-Scan, PhotoScore Professional and others. MusicXML Export allows for transfer of scores to specialized score layout/publishing software such as Finale, Sibelius, or capella Media Producer. More than 60 software applications currently support MusicXML; a current overview and more information about MusicXML can be found here: 
http://www.recordare.com/xml/software.html#NowBoth
Windows Vista Support
Cubase 4.1 now fully supports Windows Vista32. A Preview Version for Vista64 is also available, which runs natively as a 64-bit application and supports up to 128GB RAM.
Neue VST3 PlugIns
The following new or updated plug-ins have been added to Cubase 4.1:
- Distortion
Great-sounding but simple to use distortion effect with Drive, Feedback, and Tone controls - DualFilter
This unique effect combines low-pass and high-pass filters with single Cutoff and Resonance controls – great for DJ-style filter effects. - Chorus
This single-stage Chorus is identical to the Studio Chorus, but with a single modulation stage only - Roomworks/Roomworks SE
Both are now available as VST3 plug-ins, offering the same great features as the entire VST 3 plug-in set including Silence support, which ensures that the plug-in only draws CPU performance when audio signals are passing through the plug-in - UV22 HR
The Apogee UV22HR dithering plug-in is back as a VST3 plug-in, now available on all system platforms (including Intel Mac and Vista64)
VST Plug-in Bridge
The new VST Plug-in Bridge in Cubase 4.1 ensures maximum compatibility of plug-ins. 32-bit Windows versions of plug-ins and instruments can be used in Cubase running on Vista 64. Mac PPC-only versions of plug-ins can be used in Cubase on Macs with Intel processors. While fully compatible, the plug-ins running through VST Bridge should be replaced with native versions whenever available.
Improved QuickTime 7 Support
QuickTime compatibility has been enhanced, with Cubase 4.1 now compatible with the latest and most popular video formats and offering more flexibility and enhanced image quality:
- MPEG1, MPEG4, .H264 formats are now supported
- “Replace Audio in Video File” now works with every audio file format supported by QuickTime
- “HQ” flag support (high-resolution video playback)
- Half/Double Size support
Drum Editing Enhancements
Several enhancements have been added for improved drum editing:
- Velocity data can now be edited for multiple pitches simultaneously
- Instrument names are shown in the key editor when selecting/moving events if a drum map has been assigned
- Instrument names are also shown in the Drum Editor info line, as well as the context display when selecting/moving events.
Load Projects inactive
Support for multiple projects open at the same time is one major advantage of Cubase. 4.1 sees further enhancements to this feature, with a new option to open a project in an inactive state. This new function significantly reduces load times and saves system resources, as multiple projects can now be opened and parts or entire sections can easily be copied from one project to another without projects using additional CPU and RAM resources.
Remote Control Extensions
Hardware remote controllers now have access to Instrument Tracks and the Studio Sends (Control Room), as well as the new Track Quick Controls in Cubase 4.1. For instrument tracks, instrument parameters can now be accessed from a remote control device. The list of controllers using these new functions includes Mackie Control, Mackie HUI, Steinberg Houston, SAC-2K, Yamaha 01X and Yamaha DM2000.
Apple Remote Support
Mac users with an Apple Remote will be pleased to find their little infrared remote control available as a remote device in Cubase 4.1., with “Apple Remote Control” now available from the device setup window. Apple Remote is provided as a preset but is fully customizable for hundreds of available functions. (OSX-only)
MIDI File Playback using HALionOne
Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4 owners have access to hundreds of great-sounding instruments using HALionOne, which is delivered with sample-content taken from Yamaha’s award-winning Motif synthesizers. This sound library also includes a complete General-MIDI Sound-Set. With Cubase 4.1, Standard MIDI Files can be imported and played directly using the HALionOne GM Sound-Set. With the new “Import To Instrument Tracks” preference enabled, dragging a MIDI File into Cubase will automatically set up instrument tracks with HALionOne and select the correct GM sound.
New file type: MIDI Loop
Cubase 4.1 supports a new file type “MIDI Loop”. A MIDI Loop is a combination of a MIDI file and an associated track preset. Any MIDI part on an instrument track – for example a great bass line, synth pattern or drum groove – can be exported as a MIDI Loop. Tagged with MediaBay attributes, MIDI Loops are now available in MediaBay and can be imported into other projects. Cubase 4.1 offers full access to more than 2000 MIDI Lopps shipped with Sequel. Dragging a MIDI Loop into a new project creates a new Instrument Track with the associated sound and imports the MIDI data onto that track, for fast, efficient copying of parts along with the right sound.
Bonus Feature: over 400 new presets for Embracer, Prologue, Spector, and Mystic
Cubase 4.1 includes four inspiring new preset sound banks – one each for the built-in synths Embracer, Prologue, Spector, and Mystic. These are:
- Embracer “Filmscapes” 96 sounds
- Prologue “Studio Essentials” 102 sounds
- Spector “Studio Essentials” 104 sounds
- Mystic “Studio Essentials” 100 sounds
New Features in Cubase 4
Control Room
The mixer in Cubase 4 has been expanded with a powerful Control Room section. You’re now able to connect multiple sets of control room monitors and external sources (CD, DVD, Tape etc.) directly to your audio hardware and switch between them from a convenient Control Room panel. The Control Room section also offers a talkback channel, a headphone bus, and the ability to create up to four studio mixes (monitor mixes), so each mixer channel now offers a separate studio send section for controlling those mixes.
Find out more
New Plug-in Set - VST3
Cubase 4 not only includes a completely new set of superlative audio effect plug-ins, it also marks the next step in VST plug-in technology. VST3 offers major new features both for plug-in developers and users. VST3 plug-ins can adjust their number of audio busses to the channel they're inserted to (mono, stereo, 5.1, etc.). A silence detection function makes sure that a plug-in only processes audio when there's actually a signal present. This helps to reduce overall CPU load. VST3 plug-ins natively support Intel-based Macintosh computers. For developers there are many more features under the hood.
In Cubase 4, there are 30 all-new first-class audio and MIDI plug-ins. In addition, some of the previous plug-ins have been reworked and updated for this version, pushing the total number of audio plug-ins to 50.
One of the many highlights of this new plug-in set is a powerful new Equalizer, which is also available within the new channel EQ. Other highlights include a Vintage Compressor, Studio Chorus, a new Multiband Compressor, a voice-doubler called Cloner, and a great-sounding modeling guitar amplifier with speaker cabinet simulation.
A feature not related to VST3 but to the Cubase mixer: effects can now be re-arranged using drag & drop. This works both within a single channel, as well as between channels.
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New Virtual Instruments
Cubase 4 adds four new outstanding virtual instruments: HALion One, Prologue, Spector and Mystic. HALion One is a special version of Steinberg’s award-winning HALion virtual sampler and puts hundreds of quality instruments at your direct disposal. The HALion One content is based on the same renowned Yamaha sample content used in its famed Motif series of synthesizers.
Prologue is a polyphonic analog-modeling synthesizer with exceptional-sounding filters and powerful modulation capabilities – ideal as a general purpose sound armory covering everything from smooth, rich pads to bright, acerbic leads. With its flexible spectrum filter synthesis, Spector adds an additional range of synthesis tools for exquisitely detailed sounds and textures, while the aptly-named Mystic uses a stunningly powerful combination of physical modeling and spectrum filters to create a vast range of unusual textures ranging through darkly emotive, startlingly original or just plain strange. Prologue, Spector and Mystic are powered by VirSyn technology and also come with hundreds of fantastic presets to get you going.
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SoundFrame™ - Universal Sound Manager
SoundFrame™ is a set of features which incorporate a powerful Universal Media Library within Cubase 4. SoundFrame™ combines the new Instrument Tracks, Track Templates, and VST3 categorization functions with a powerful database system known as MediaBay.
What is SoundFrame™?
- SoundFrame™ allows you to manage ANY sound from ANY software or hardware synthesizer under a single, unified user interface (MediaBay)
- SoundFrame™ can help you find any sound, not only by instrument but also by category, type, style, character or other attributes
- SoundFrame™ even comes with more than 1000 ready-toplay sounds, which are also conveniently organized by instrument category, type, and character. These can even be instantly previewed before loading.
- SoundFrame™ can even manage your VST effects plug-in presets as well. These can also be organized and categorized to form one big effects library.
MediaBay – media file management system
To keep up with the ever-growing number of sounds, samples, loops and presets, Cubase 4 is equipped with an immensely powerful media file management system known as MediaBay. MediaBay is the central place for browsing, searching, managing and categorizing any type of media file. This includes audio and MIDI files, instrument and plug-in presets, track presets, video data and even project files.
Powerful search tools and an extremely easy-to-navigate user interface give almost instant access to any sound file anywhere on your system. MediaBay also includes a tag editor to apply your own attributes, while the Scope section gives full preview of your audio, MIDI or Presets - even down to the auditioning of loops in your song tempo.
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Track Presets
One of the most powerful new features in Cubase 4 is the Track Presets system – especially when combined with the new MediaBay feature. Track Presets store every aspect of track/channel settings for audio, MIDI, and Instrument tracks. Combinations of tracks can also be saved as Multi-Track Presets. Almost all track and mixer setting are stored including volume and Pan information and all insert effect settings as well as the channel EQ. For instrument tracks, all Instrument/Preset information is stpre with a Track Preset, while for MIDI tracks, the Track Preset includes MIDI Port, Channel and Patch information.
Track Presets can be saved with attributes like Category/Style/Character and so on, opening up a whole new dimension in sound management on your DAW,
Instrument Tracks
Cubase 4 introduces a new track type: the Instrument Track. An Instrument Track provides a fast and convenient way to use virtual instruments. As a quick alternative to the VSTi Rack, Instrument Tracks provide a single MIDI Input and a single stereo Output within a single channel/track. Setting up a VST Instrument and getting ready to play is now just one step away!
Major Score Editor Enhancements
The Score Editor in Cubase 4 has seen a major redesign, including many usability and workflow improvements as well as new features. Composers don’t despair! None of the existing functions have been lost. All functions from previous versions are still available, albeit in different places.
Here’s just a brief overview:
- The Score menu is now slimmer and better organized. Some functions are now available via dedicated context menus and therefore easier to use
- The symbol palettes have their own freely configurable “inspector” which is organized in tabs – similar to the track inspector
- All preferences have been combined into a single “main” score settings dialog
- The Drum settings are now part of the main Drum Map Setup
- Cubase 4 now offers two additional high-quality score fonts: “Jazz” and “Classical”. The original Cubase font is now available as “Legacy” font.
User Interface Redesign
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, Cubase 4 features an extensively redesigned and anhanced user interface. The overall visibility of active items versus inactive items has been drastically enhanced, so although there are now more screen elements in Cubase 4 providing better access to even more features, overall visibility and orientation is now better than ever. Critical areas such as the Mixer and Inspector have received particular attention, with clearer highlighting and better readability of textual information.
The new user interface also introduces a number of new features, inculding a fully customizable Track Inspector. Not only can each item in the Track Inspector be hidden or shown as desired, but the order and visibility of items can be changed and stored individually for each track type.
- The Channel Strip window is also fully customizable, featuringits own setup panel and configuration options for each ndividual section - with full preset management. The new EQ section now offers a larger display area, giving better overview when using the new Channel EQ.
- The Mixer window offers even more flexibility and ergonomics in Cubase 4. View settings can be applied to any number of selected channels, and the view/hide status can be set either individually for a single channel or for several channels simultaneously.