Next-Generation Performance and Faster Workflow
Cubase 5 also includes an array of additional new ways of working faster, with added performance that takes advantage of new technologies.
Experience the X64 advantage
Cubase 5 fully supports native 64-bit high performance computing under Microsoft Windows Vista 64 and increases the addressable memory space from 2 GB to an amazing 1 terabyte — placing more tracks, plug-ins and a whole lot of more samples of the biggest libraries right at the artist’s fingertips! Producers and composers using the latest sample libraries will benefit from the ability to access a maximum of 1 terabyte of memory. With a sufficient amount of addressable memory space, all sample data can be loaded directly into RAM, allowing software samplers to become far more responsive. Not only does this offer complete creative freedom for composers, but live performances using sample-based material are now freed up from reliance on hard drives.
Cubase 5 features bit-map technology to enable the use of 32-bit VST effect and instrument plug-ins in the 64-bit version of Cubase, protecting past investments and ensuring future compatibility of older plug-ins.
Built on Cocoa
The Cubase 5 framework for Mac OS X has been reworked: it has been “de-carbonized” and is now “cocoa-ized”. This is the foundation for a Cubase Mac OS X 64-bit version which is planned at a later stage and is not part of the Cubase 5 release.
Low latency for all
Cubase 5 takes full advantage of the latest WASAPI* audio driver technology in Microsoft Windows Vista and supports generic and on-board sound hardware with lower latencies than ever before.
* Windows Audio Session API is the new driver model from Microsoft for Windows Vista operating systems.
Total export
The brand-new Channel Batch Export is a new way of exporting individual tracks to create archives or exchange projects with other production systems. As an extension of the Export Audio Mixdown window, Channel Batch Export allows the export of the audible output of a multiple selection of mixer channels to audio files. Channel Batch Export is also an ideal way of reorganizing a project to give the maximum available CPU power, with all files and VSTi tracks exported to audio tracks, freeing up system resources.
- Quickly select the channels you want to include and exclude from the export process
- Search field for channel names
- Redesigned Audio Engine Output selection lists all available channels/busses sorted by type
- Improved backup function for audio and including video files
MediaBay optimizations
MediaBay is the media file management system within Cubase, supporting the VST Sound standard that is part of VST3. For this new update, MediaBay has been extensively reworked with expanded features and many performance and usability improvements, making it even more intuitive and powerful. This includes faster searching and browsing, an overall improved performance and a more advanced and transparent tagging process.
- New Category Filter browsing improvement allows you to narrow down categories and results
- Result Numbers in Categories function displays the number of existing files that are found in each category
- Write Protection Indicator and the Pending Tags Indicator
- The Attribute Filter Search allows the user to make a detailed search query in the Viewer of MediaBay
Refined editing
Enhancing previously available features and adding new ones, the Sample Editor now gives access to pivotal parameters faster than ever before. With Cubase 5, the Sample Editor sees increased usability, with several tab items moved to the toolbar to improve handling by providing easier access to important functions. The additional enhancements include a new info-line toggle button, a Solo button, reworked Snap functionality, new Key Commands handling and much more.
The Project Logical Editor, a uniquely powerful and advanced project-wide editing system, also benefits from numerous enhancements, covering everything from minor improvements to brand-new functions. These include more destinations such as track color and Aux Sends, new Search and Action functions in the time domain and PPQ, the ability to invoke macros after Project Logical Editor processing as well as a complete user interface overhaul.
Recording enhancements
Cubase 5 features a more straight-forward approach to handling multiple takes and lane management, speeding up recording workflows for both audio and MIDI. New tools and commands give more flexible control over recording and provide better support for engineers or producers recording in Cubase 5.
- Remaining Record Time Display gives constant feedback on the total amount of recording time available to Cubase, preventing errors while planning recording sessions
- Lock Record function prevents accidental disarming of tracks when recording
- Arm/Disarm All Audio Tracks function helps the user when preparing to record a large number of tracks
- Crosshair Cursor supports accurate navigation and placement in Audio, Instrument and MIDI track lanes
- The new ability to dissolve MIDI parts to lanes comes in handy when separating notes or MIDI channels into sub-parts for easier editing
- The “To Front” UI arrow control is very useful when several parts or events are overlapping
- Now even individual MIDI selections of tracks or lanes can be bounced to new MIDI parts
Virtual MIDI keyboard
The virtual MIDI keyboard is a small but powerful feature. With the virtual MIDI keyboard, notes can be played and recorded by clicking the mouse or hitting the computer’s keys, giving the ultimate mobile low-latency experience while on the move — just you and your laptop.
