The Steinberg Forum Knowledgebase for Users by Users

[Bassbase]

Welcome to the digital world of music production.

Unfortunately it’s not only to have a computer, audio interface, MIDI keyboard and much more. Everything needs to be set up in the right way, so that you can enjoy making music without problems. To give you guidance in this, we made you this thread. If you take the time to go step by step through all the information here, you can check to see if you already know everything and you have it set up alright. Or you may find knowledge to solve by yourself problems a lot of new users are confronted with. So take the time to follow the links and see how deep the rabbit hole is.

Table of contents

Cubase Troubleshooting

Tutorials

Elicenser Errors

Tools

USB Mics

MIDI Setup

Novation Automap with Cubase

Wavelab Troubleshooting

Tips & Tricks

MIDI 101

Expression Maps

Interfaces and Recording

RC Editor Setup

Goodies


To use this knowledgebase to its full potential we recommend you take advantage of the "Search this topic" field at the top of this page in addition to the Table of Contents in order to quickly find your problem.


Getting Started

Welcome new users! If you have purchased Cubase and are unsure of where to start, look no further. Follow these steps to have a fully functional DAW at your fingertips.

1) Run the installer on the installation disc. Remember to install this for all users on your system just in case.

2) Open the elicenser control center, which should have installed alongside Cubase, with your USB elicenser (dongle) plugged in. Elements does not require a USB elicenser.
See the following image:

Elcc.jpg

3) Click Enter Activation Code and type in the code that was printed on a slip in your package. Once you have finished, a license should appear in a new window, drag it to the desired elicenser.

4) Don’t forget to Register your product online at MySteinberg, so you have support if you misplace your USB elicenser or have any other troubles.

Before you even start up Cubase download the latest update to the e-licenser control center.

This should be updated regularly.

More helpful information on elicenser types, DAW optimization, Preferences, and the add-on VST instrument sets:

USB Elicenser

Soft Elicenser No Soft-eLicenser created on your System

DAW Components

Optimization/Configuration of the OS

Solving Problems with VST Instrument Sets

Removing Preferences

Details of the Preferences

How to make your Forum Signature

Go to MySteinberg, login with your Username and Password, then under Support Forum you will find your Signature fields.
To add links, check the “?” on the right to learn how. Signatures will help other users understand your system setup when you post your problems.

Bug Reports and Contacting Steinberg

How do I report a problem with Cubase?

If you still need to contact Steinberg, check this out.

Just visit MySteinberg, log in with your Username and Password, then go to Support Request Form on the right. Now fill it out and send your request. You should receive an automatic email to your registered email address, confirming your form was successfully submitted. If you can’t find one, you should check your Spam folders.

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[Bane]

Cubase Troubleshooting

Ok! So here's what to do when....

Cubase Crashes:

If you cannot find the root of the problem, you will need to look for your LOG file, located here, which will give details about the crash. You will need to either post this on the forum in your own topic or attach it to a support form you can fill out in MySteinberg.

Hint: There is a common crash in the older versions of Cubase upon closing the Score Editor when the info line is enabled. Try hiding the info line; this does not include the extended toolbar.

Also try trashing your preferences, but keep your old ones handy. This can help by removing preferences that have become corrupted. Be aware that all your Key Commands, Preferences, Presets, and Customizations will be lost.

Thankfully, the new Cubase 7 versions have a brand new safe-start mode.

No Sound On Playback

Firstly, you will need to close all other applications (they could steal your outputs.)

Be sure that your system volume is not muted, your track/event is not muted, and your monitoring is not enabled.

You may also want to check your Preferences>VST>Auto Monitoring settings and reset them to manual.

Next check your connections:

1) Confirm that the desired inputs/outputs are enabled in your driver's control panel. You can check this under Devices>Device Setup.

2) Be sure that your busses are configured correctly and your input/outputs are enabled under VST Connections (F4).

3) Be sure the correct busses are chosen in your track's inspector.

4) Switch off all system sounds so they do not interfere with the ASIO audio stream and restart if necessary.


HalionOne won't Load it's Presets

Never fear: http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2012/0 ... found.html

NEW!! Missing Content Cubase 7

Unfortunately some of you running under Windows are experiencing missing content for included instruments in Cubase 7, especially when updating from Cubase 6.5. The following symptoms have been reported:

1) Padshop: no sample
2) HALion Sonic SE: Layer (something) not found, error loading preset (presets are shown)
3) HALion One: No presets, no sound, empty menu
4) Loop Mash: The names of the WAVs are here, but they won't load
5) Prologue: Preset names are here, but they don't soundWe tracked these issues down to an eLicenser Control Center (eLCC) version conflict that caused the synsoacc.dll file not to be overwritten correctly in all cases. The issue is now resolved in the newest eLCC 6.5.3.4113 version, which can be found here.

If you are affected by one of the issues mentioned above, please do the following:

1) Update your eLLC to 6.5.3.4113 here
2) Open the MediaBay
3) Locate to “File System--> Local Hard Disks--> C:\", right-click on C:\ and choose “Rescan Disk”
In case of a customized installation, exchange c:\ with the partition that holds the relevant content files mentioned below.Please make sure that the following folders (and all its subfolders) are scanned:
“File System--> Local Hard Disks--> C:\Users"
“File System--> Local Hard Disks--> C:\ProgramData"
“VST Sound” folder

-Helge Vogt

Cubase Won't Record

Please check the following:
1) Your track is Record Enabled
2) Use External Sync is set properly in the transport panel
3) Your connections are correct as mentioned above

If none of this works, then you may need to reset your preferences in case you have disabled a vital setting.

Drag-n-Drop Not Working with Audio

A solution.

Export is Too Short/Silent

Confirm that your left and right locators are properly set in the ruler at the top of the project window. The area inside the locators determines the area that Cubase exports. Be sure that the area inside them is blue, otherwise they will be red (backwards)!

Also confirm that the desired tracks are not muted and not monitoring.

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[Bassbase]

Video Tutorials

Cubase 4 Tutorials

Cubase 5/6 tutorials

ClubCubase Tutorials

Groove Agent Beat Designer

Creating Drum Maps

Cubase 7 Video Tutorials

C7 Handling Tips & Tricks

ClubCubase: Cubase 7

Advanced Tutorials



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[Bane]

Elicenser Errors

If you are totally new to Cubase and license management, please start here.

Problem: Elcc cannot connect to the internet.

Solution: If your computer is online, your firewall, web-proxy, or anti-malware softwares are blocking the connections. Set each of the above to allow the following:

Server name: licensetransfer.elicenser.net
Port 80 (http)

Server name: mb.steinberg.net
Port 443 (https)

Problem: "Application 'LCC2' has caused the following error:
DCOM connection to program 'Synsopos.exe' failed.
Error:Unspecified error"

Solution: You will need to add elicenser exe to the list exempt from Win7 DEP. More on that here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... -questions

Also click Maintenance in the elcc after you finish.

Problem: Startup Cubase error message: "Some content could not be loaded. Either, licenses are missing, or trial licenses have expired."

Solution: Normally these are expired trial licenses. Procede to remove the offending programs from your computer. Uninstall the applications on PC. On Mac, delete VST sound files from "Your System Disc"/Library/Application Support/Steinberg/Content.

Problem: Elcc does not recognize a valid license.

Solution: Unplug and replug your elicenser, also switch ports as needed.

Problem: At least one connected eLicenser contains licenses which cannot be used with the installed version of 'eLicenser Control'

Solution: A complete uninstallation and reinstallation of both the elcc and the applications concerned has been reported to do the trick.

Problem:Error code 2318 during an installation of Cubase 4.

Solution:Either try another disc drive or copy the correct installer onto your computer's HD and go from there.

Problem: On XP: “Sequel3.exe. Unable to Locate Component
This application has failed to start because dwmapi.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.”

Solution: XP is not supported with Sequel. This missing file is “related to the "Desktop Window Manager", which is only available since Windows Vista.”

Still can't find it? Please check here.

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[Bassbase]

Tools

JBridge
JBridge makes 32bit VST plug-ins run with Cubase 64bit (or the other way round in order to address more RAM to 64bit plug-ins running in Cubase 32 bit).

Free Tools

TabSel’s Plug-in Manager

KC Utility

You can use this tool to view your key commands and macros as an html, in order to better understand them.



Resplendence LatencyMon or DPC Latency Checker

These programs are for Windows and give detailed information concerning your system’s latency. This, in turn, determines if your computer is capable of handling your audio stream without dropouts.

Speccy

With one click, this will tell you almost everything you want to know about your system.

Defraggler

More useful than the Windows defraggler, this defraggler is able to put long files at the end of the drive, defrag a single file, etc... Sort your data on the hard disk in the right order to speed up the loading process a bit.

CCleaner

This is an all purpose utility (Registry cleanup, temporary file cleanup, cookies, etc.)
Always trash the registry keys back, as they slow down your system.


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[Bassbase]

USB MIC

USB Microphones are not ideal for DAW recording and I would not recommend them for Cubase users. Instead, I would recommend an ASIO audio interface and a microphone with a common XLR connection.

If you have an audio interface with a dedicated driver it is not advisable to use a USB mic as it will most likely only work with a generic driver like ASIO4ALL.

Here is how to setup your USB Mic with Cubase on a Windows system:

1. Download and install ASIO4ALL from ASIO4ALL.com

2. Open Cubase and go to "Devices--> Device Setup--> VST Audiosystem" and select ASIO4ALL as Asio driver. Apply the changes.

3. Now go to the point under "Devices--> Device Setup--> VST Audiosystem" called ASIO 4 ALL. --> Click on the "Control Panel" button

4. Now make sure that the little tool, the screw wrench, has a red cross on it. This makes sure that you are in the advanced mode. On the left you will see a list of your devices and little plus signs next to them.

5. In the WDM Device list on the left of the ASIO4ALL control panel dialog activate your USB Mic and the respective inputs. Click on the little plus to the left of the device to make sure all inputs are activated. Next to your inputs the little ice blue on button should glow.

5. In Cubase now go to "Devices--> VST Connections" and go to the Input tab.
Create a new mono bus. Now select the USB Mic input as Device Port for that bus. If you want to you can also rename the bus to for example to "USB Mic Bus".

6. Now create a mono audio track, Project--> Add track--> Audio

7. As Input for that track choose the newly created input bus in the inspector on the left.

8. Now record enable the track and you’re ready to record tracks as described in the getting started manual and the operation manual.

Copyright by:
JHP

This is how to get a USB Mic working with Mac OS X in Cubase:

How to combine multiple audio interfaces by creating an aggregate device on Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard


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[Bane]

MIDI Setup

MIDI Setup is a very broad issue, and countless issues could be holding up your system. Please consult the MIDI 101 section below for more setup tips.

After you are confident in your external audio connections, proceed to verify your internal. If you have created an instrument channel, output channels should be configured automatically, but you will need to verify that input is coming from the correct source, (some MIDI interfaces have several ports).

Next, confirm that your MIDI track’s audio output is routed to the desired audio output buss in the inspector.

The following are some reasons you might use an instrument channel/rack:

1) Manipulating multi-timbral instruments by routing multiple MIDI tracks to the instrument. For that matter, you can route any number of MIDI tracks to an instrument as you wish.

2) Intuitive setup when working with up to 16 virtual instruments at the same time.

3) Choosing multiple outputs.

Otherwise, an instrument track is more simplistic and straightforward but can only be used as a stereo source.

For instance, let's say I have EZDrummer but I want to control all pieces of the kit individually, each of them being on a separate channel in the mixer. A little EQ on the snare, a touch of reverb on the crash, etc. So I would add EZDrummer to the rack, and click the little routing button on the right of bypass. On the menu, choose Activate All Outputs. Finally I go to my EZDrummer control panel, Open Mixer, and assign each of these tracks as I please, or click Multichannel.

Furthermore, if you are using an instrument track and still having difficulty producing sound:

1) Confirm that your keyboard is transmitting MIDI data to your computer by watching the MIDI activity in your transport panel.

2) Confirm the monitor button is activated on your track’s control panel. (Also confirm that monitoring in your preferences is set to Manual.)

3) Check that record enable is activated on the selected track if you wish to record.

4) Ensure that your instrument is not bypassed or deactivated, and that an instrument sound has been selected.

5) Lastly check your audio output connections as described above.

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[Bassbase]

NOVATION AUTOMAP INSIGHT WITH CUBASE 6-6.5


At the moment this is written, it's recommended to use the newest beta-version (4.4b1) of Automap:

http://beta.novationmusic.com/


We have installed this and had no problems regarding its stability. This includes the 64-bit version of Cubase with JBridge controlling the 32bit VST and VSTi,which usually only needed the Jbridge setting to keep Cubase from controlling the GUI.


The default settings of Automap are far from useful. They are, to say it politely, poor and illogical. Sometimes volume is this slider, then it's another one, and most knobs and sliders are not assigned. Yet it messages that it has "full control". For optimal control, it's better to do it yourself, which is not very difficult. It boils down to this, being faster done than described:

- Launch the Automap server, choose Mixer/Plugins Mappings, then at the bottom right Device Calibration.
- The Edit Mapping Window will open. If you don't see the Title Bar (Save, Open...to Page Down Icon,...) click the little triangle top-right. Also click to open the Edit Assignment triangle down left. You'll see two tabs added: Parameter and Range
-Launch Cubase and add an Instrument track, choose your instrument.
- You'll see in the main part of the Edit Mapping Window (EMW) a replica of your Novation hardware MIDI controller's interface (MkII, Zero, Nocturn...) and Automap's default assignment for them.
- Draw the EMW to the right of your screen so it's out of view. Now open your instrument's interface, drag it more to the left and drag the EMW back in so they are side by side (if they overlap one will disappear!)
--------------------------------------------------------
- Several of your controls may not be assigned as you like. For example, I prefer the Volume to be the rightmost slider.
- Click on the rightmost slider of the hardware replica on your screen. It'll turn reddish. Now on the dropped down parameter tab, click at the right and type “vol” into the box. The volume parameter at the left will be in focus.
- Click on it. The Volume is assigned now to the rightmost slider.
---------------------------------------------------------
I personally use a Zero which comes with a pan-slider. Of course, I want to assign that to panning. So I click it, type in Pan and click the Pan parameter. But in my headphones Left was Right and Right was Left. To remedy this, click the Range Tab and there choose Invert. Done.
---------------------------------------------------------
Once you have changed everything to your heart's desire, go to the title bar and choose Save. You will be asked where you want to save it. Find an Automap-Mappings folder and save it in there. Next time you use Automap with that particular instrument, it'll open with its default settings. But on the Edit window you can choose Open in the Title Bar and open your saved map.
---------------------------------------------------------
When you're really happy with it after some time spent using it in practical situations, you may want to click the Set As Default button in the Title Bar so it opens when you launch that particular instrument.

Much more can be configured:

- It's possible to add several keyboards, or, say, three Zero's (one for the money, one for the show, three to get ready...) but only one can be active at a time.

- Buttons can be set to different functions such as on/off, only act when pressed down, toggle between two options and step through, say, a list of wave options for an oscillator.

- Pots and sliders can be set to go to and from defineable values. Entering the same value (in the Range Tab of course) but starting from negative (like -50 and +50) will have the pot or slider at zero in the center.

Also, to protect the values, they only become active when, by dragging or rotating, you pass the set value so everything changes smoothly. This can give the impression of a delay, but it really isn't.

- Encoders work like Knobs but they are endless, so they have no fixed value. The can be used normally, inverted, and also to react to the speed with which they are rotated.

- Virtual MIDI is available but not in all Automappable Novation products. This takes over the hardware MIDI assignment and can be used to set up Quick Controls, etc..

- Automap can also remember shortcuts and assign them to buttons so you don't have to jump to your computer keyboard anymore.

Remember:

- Don't forget to save your map!
- It's not possible to have more than one thing controlled at a time. So it's either the mixer or an instrument or an effect, but never "and".

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[Bane]

Wavelab Troubleshooting

Wavelab Crashes Upon Startup

1. If the error is caused by a VST plugin, located in the shared VstPlugins folder [C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugins], you could try this:

Run WaveLab/Tools/Tracer.exe, then run WaveLab The tracer application should hopefully tell you which is the last loaded plugin Remove that plugin from the shared VstPlugins folder, or open the file "WaveLab/Presets/Plugins/Plugins to ignore.txt" and type the name of this file.

To take a "hard-way", remove all plugins from the shared VstPlugins folder, and run WaveLab. Then add each plugin one after the other and run WaveLab each time, until you find the guilty DLL.
2. If you have a theme manager running while trying to run Wavelab. It might not work. Theme managers such as AlienGUIse can interfere WaveLab.
3. Go to Control Panel/System/Avanced/Performances/Settings/Data Execution Prevention/Turn on DEP for all program except those I select:

Add "WaveLab.exe" and "WaveLab-app.exe" and apply the changes.
4. Start WaveLab in different ways, to see if the same thing happens in all case:

From the deskop (double click on the shortcut).

With a keyboard shortcut.

From Windows explorer, double-click on WaveLab-app.exe.

From Windows explorer, double-click on WaveLab.exe
5. Disconnect from the internet, uninstall your AV software, and try without it.
6. From the Windows command prompt, type msconfig and from the System configuration dialog, go in the Startup tab, and disable the apps which are not Windows app (not located in windows/...) and reboot. Doing this step by step (or using other startup utility) could help located a conflict application.
-Steinberg

Wavelab Can’t Find CD Burner

Simply install this:

With Mac, you should open Wavelab without any media in your drive.

NEW!! ASIO Scope Solution

Under Windows (all versions), the ASIO driver for the SCOPE audio card (Sonic Core) has a conflict with WaveLab, that can be easily solved by adjusting the Windows registry, as follows:
unzip the file below and double-click on "AsioScope.reg"
That's it (no need to reboot).

ASIO SCOPE.reg

-PG

Wavelab Freezes During Playback on Vista

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=n ... +vista+fix

Also try running Wavelab as Administrator.

Analysis Meters Are Too Slow

Navigate to Options>Audio Streaming Settings>Playback>Control Panel

Continue to lower your latency slider until the meters operate normally.

What Is Error Detection and Correction?

Clicks, scratches on vinyl, improper editing, and otherwise flawed samples are some of the mistakes that Wavelab Error Detection is designed to detect. Wavelab Error Correction can smartly correct these errors and restore the waveform by analyzing the surrounding samples.

Can Wavelab Fix Light Clipping?

I have found it best to use the VST Steinberg Declicker. Here are the settings I found helpful:

Classic=Off

Threshold=0

DePlop=Off

Quality=2

Mode=Modern

Of course, different settings may better suit your audio.

Is There an Upgrade Path from Elements to Wavelab 7?

Unfortunately, no.

In the Montage Workspace Clipping on Overlap Even Though There is a Crossfade

Change the shape of your crossfade if the summed output is reaching clipping level. An unaltered linear crossfade will not allow clipping in the overlapping area.

Process in Place Opens a New File in Which the Channels are Delayed

Rendering does not yield favorable results with an MP3 or other compressed format; alternatively, load a WAV or uncompressed file type in the Editor.

MP3 Encoding in Wavelab

The Fraunhofer Encoder is available as an add-on for Elements, but you can add the Lame Encoder to your Wavelab codec collection for free:

Wavelab 7 includes a Fraunhofer encoder.

Wavelab Cannot Write DDP’s

DDP Solution

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[Bassbase]

TIPS AND TRICKS

Tip: Exporting directly to an application of your choice.

Two more things that may be Windows related, I'm not sure as I do not own a Mac.

Problem 1: In Cubase 64bit certain VSTi’s have interface problems.

Solution: Open the Plug-in Information window under the Devices menu and look at the SDK column to see which ones have the (win32) indication.

a) If you are sure these plug-ins have a 64 bit version, the path to their containing folder may not be chosen. Choose it and restart Cubase. These problems will be gone. (I had this issue with Native Instruments plug-ins, which are kept in Program Files/Native Instruments/VSTPlugins64bit)

b) If there are still some left, you may want to invest in JBridge, a cheap (15Euro) application that manages to do what the other companies cannot. Read all the information that comes with it (often you have to tick the box in order to force the host to free the plug-in's interface). My method is to only JBridge the 32bit plugins to 64bit. If you are still facing problems, you can contact JBridge's developer who is very helpful and knows his stuff.

Problem 2: The sound created by the audio card is messed up with crackling noises, and it is not caused by your latency settings.

Solution: This can be a tricky problem, but one of the main causes seems to be interference with the on-board audio. Many Windows PC's come with audio built into the MainBoard. Switching this off in Windows itself is not enough: it's essential to enter the BIOS of your computer and switch it off in there.

In my personal case, I was having crackling noises after some computer boot-ups while the majority of the time they were not there. When the crackling would appear, re-booting helped but exceptionally I ended up having to boot two or three times. I noticed that these crackles seemed to appear after having used other apps like QuicktimePro, VLC, or Windows Media Player. These crackles could be reduced by raising the latency (although I normally work at 64, these players need 1024). Yet the boot-ups with crackles wouldn't disappear completely.

So I tried to close down the on-board audio, which didn't help until I found that this had to be done in the BIOS.

Now the crackels are gone. It was indeed a background fight about who's the boss of the audio.

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[Bane]

MIDI 101

Having trouble configuring a generic controller?

SoundOnSound

Tweakheadz

What about MIDI latency?

Normally an ASIO/WDM driver (like ASIO4ALL) is the best to use.

Then set the latency slider as low as possible for the least delay.

Enabling Use System Timestamp will many times fix this by helping your clocks keep in sync.
This is under Devices>DeviceSetup>MIDI Port Setup; see a little check box at the bottom below your ports.

Long sessions can also screw up MIDI timing as your system's clocks separate. Try restarting your computer.

Using a different interface might also be worth a try.

MIDI issues on Windows

Steinberg Knowledgebase.

Here is more great info on controlling MIDI written by one of our advanced users.

Snap on/off key command:
Next to the Step Input button there is the "Snap Grid" On/Off button. This button can also be toggled by pressing "J" on your keyboard.

Difference between MIDI velocity, MIDI volume and the VSTi output channels:

MIDI Velocity
The MIDI velocity is transmitted with every MIDI “Note On” command. Basically your MIDI keyboard can electronically measure how hard/fast you press a key and translate this into the velocity control signal. So MIDI velocity is just a control signal and it's up to the VSTi which parameter is controlled by it. MIDI velocity can also just trigger a different sound by addressing a different velocity layer or can control any other parameter like for instance a cutoff. MIDI velocity does not necessarily control solely note volume, as in many instruments addressing a separate velocity layer alters the timbre as well.

MIDI volume
MIDI volume (CC7) is just a control signal and it's up to the VSTi what it does with it. Often MIDI Volume is equal to Channel Volume. Mostly MIDI volume controls a volume parameter in the VSTi and directly relates to the audio level. If you move a MIDI fader form a MIDI Channel MIDI Volume will be sent. Be aware that the fader does not constantly send a signal but only if you move it. MIDI Volume is mostly used for fade-ins and fade-outs.

The VSTi Output channel in the mixer
As this channel is already outside the VSTi and is the bus for the audio output of the VSTi it directly controls the audio level. If you are using a multitimbral VSTi be aware that you can activate the output busses in the Cubase mixer in the VST Instrument reack by clicking on the "[->" symbol next to the VSTi slot.

Key Commands
There are five Key Commands that let you set five different Velocity values.
Set the KCs in the dialog under:
MIDI > Insert Velocity 1
Then in e.g. the Key Editor there is a menu button called "Insert Velocity".
In the dropdown list there is a setup option at the bottom.
That's where you can set your values and set and load setups.

To get to the info line, use the tab key.

Creating drum patterns in the MIDI editor using the mouse:
You can also draw in the first note with the pen tool and then hold down Control+D for a certain period of time to dublicate the note. For long repeats I like to hold Control+D for shorter repeats I like to just click it a couple of times.

download/file.php?id=1986

When you hold down Control and turn your mouse wheel on a value in the info line, all the selected notes will get the same value instead of relatively changing there value. I do that in the gif to change the note length of all selected notes.

Here are some ways to edit MIDI velocity:

Drag with "Control +Shift" over a note. Also works when you have multiple notes selected.
In the infoline you can enter a steady value or you can also turn the mousewheel on the velocity entry field.
If you hold control and turn the mousewheel on the velocity value in the infoline you will set all selected notes to the same value but you can also choose MIDI>Functions>Fixed Velocity to do this.

You can also select multiple notes and change the values in the velocity lane.
You can also choose "Velocity..." from the MIDI functions menu.
Attached is a gif that shows some velocity changes.

download/file.php?id=2352

But there are even more ways to manipulate velocity. For instance, the MIDI inserts on a MIDI or Instrument track provide direct manipulation functionality where you do not have to edit.

There are more MIDI inserts that can have impact on the velocity but here I demonstrate the MIDI insert compressor. I then use the function Merge MIDI in loop to write the insert into the MIDI datastream to make the changes overtake and visible in the editor. The MIDI compressor is quite powerful because it can take away alot of editing work. Here is the attachment:

download/file.php?id=2353

Logical Editor and Velocity:
There are already several factory presets that impact velocity or that use velocity attributes for conditions. If you go to MIDI>Logical Presets you can go through the respective presets.

One can fulfill many use-cases with the Logical Editor and there are several ways to edit velocities with the logical editor.

Here is one basic example:
In the following gif two Logical Presets are created. They take the velocity of notes and multiply them by either 1.1 or 0.9. I then handily assign these logical presets to key commands.

download/file.php?id=2354

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[Bane]

Creating Your Own Cubase Expression Maps

Once you have your MIDI track set up, navigate over to the left and click the Expression Maps tab. Left click No Expression Map and select Expression Map Setup from the dropdown. Upon the editor's appearance, find the Expression Maps section on the left and click the little plus or Add Map.

Now over to the right you have Sound Slots, which is the section where you configure your keyswitches as you please. Now if you work with EWQL or Kontakt instruments, for instance, you will need to consult the manual for the list of keyswitches and their corresponding articulations. Clicking the little + button allows you to add more slots.

Next you can change your slot name in the appropriate column. Then in the Art. 1 column you can choose a symbol to represent the expression. If you don't see what you're looking for, you should click Add Custom Articulation. As you do this you should notice that down in the bottom right, the Articulations column, new slots are appearing. There are two Articulation Types, Attribute and Direction depending on the nature of the articulation. For instance, attribute would be for those articulations usually affecting one note like staccato and sFz. Direction would be something like crescendos and sustain legatos.

You can actually change the keyswitch (normally as your instrument's manual has laid out) by finding the Output Mapping section at top right. And typing the appropriate value under Data 1.

There! Now you're ready to create a controller lane in your key editor and begin working with your exp. map.

Here are Steinberg Expression Maps for popular libraries and instruments.

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[Bane]

Interfaces/Recording

Choosing an interface

The audio interface you use can make or break your setup, with the emphasis being on driver reliability, excellent latency performance, and sturdy build quality.

When choosing an interface, I recommend you consult DAWbench. On this site, a generous user has taken the time to compare the latency performance of various audio interfaces of all connections. The results of any given unit are often very suggestive of how any given manufacturer does on latency performance, as the reputation of the manufacturer is more at stake than that of any particular model. Obviously an RME will outperform the drivers of a Presonus or M-Audio as regards latency. Yet the price difference is the obvious and fitting compensation.

Also look closely at the capabilities of the DSP software. Many interfaces are driven by mediocre DSP mixers, some of which don't even have FX capabilities. This is a huge factore in your performance.

Most importantly make sure the design is rugged and the I/O satisfies your needs. Nothing is more irritating than investing in an interface that you will have to constantly be upgrading.

As far as connections go, common are USB, Firewire, and PCI. PCI's generally have the best latency (but fewer connections) followed by Firewire then lastly USB. Choosing between Firewire and USB can be tough, but the availability of a Firewire port on your computer is the deciding factor. It seems that Firewire is on the way out, and ethernet is on the rise for more expensive applications. Many companies have hybrid USB/Firewire capabilities which is very convenient.

Clicks/Pops During Playback

First, if you have changed your driver midway through a project, please set Cubase to your original driver.
This often causes clicks and delays during playback.

Confirm that you are using the driver recommended by your hardware manufacturer. Otherwise use the free ASIO4ALL driver. Set it up by navigating to Devices>Device Setup>VST Audio System. At the top you can choose your driver.

You should also raise the latency slider to 2048 samples in your driver's control panel and see if that helps.

You may also be experiencing clicks/pops in your recording:

Please run this on your Windows system. It is safe and free; I have run it on my own computer.

Also check this out for optimizing your Windows:

For Mac: http://lowendmac.com/eubanks/07/0312.html

Other ways:
(Remove CPU hungry VSTi's
(Change USB ports
(Stop running background tasks
(Use a powered USB hub or connect directly to a computer

If none of this fixes it, most likely your computer is not efficient at streaming audio or your interface manufacturer has provided drivers that have poor latency performance.

Dropouts

Dropouts are more severe interruptions in an audio stream than clicks and pops.

Please read the above section for more about treating these interruptions.

What to regard for if your using an USB /firewire Interface
USB interface can have problems if they are plugged in a usb3 slot, energysaveoptions should be deactivated for
ALL usbslots.

Special Considerations for Firewire

Firewire : Need Inputs?

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[Bane]

Using the Remote Control Editor

To customize your own plug-in parameter layout for the following hardware:

Mackie Control MCU
Mackie HUI
WK-Audio ID
Avid System 5 MC
Avid Artist Series
Yamaha DM2000
Yamaha NUAGE
Cm Motor Mix
Radikal SAC-2K
Steinberg Houston
and also any other third parties hardware system that supports Mackie Control Mode (or Protocol) in the plugin editting area/section.


It is assumed that by this point, you have set up your supported hardware controller well with Cubase/Nuendo, meaning that you have successfully connected your device with the DAW via the device setup menu for usual operation. For more details about how to set up your hardware with the DAW, please refer to the appropriate info/manual page accordingly, as this guide only covers some tips on how to bring the most out of your RCE for your VST plugin control experience on your hardware.

Ok, I will try my best to explain the topic as easy as possible here and hope that I won't be bringing the convoluted stuff this time, which I allegedly did In any case, if there's any unclear section, please feel free to ask or write me.

1. To make things simple and easy to understand, let's create an empty project with a single audio track. Then insert a VST plugin (let's say the MultibandCompressor plugin from the default Steinberg plugin set) into the 3rd slot of the insert section at the channel inspector, as an example.

2. Now, regardless of which hardware from the above list that you have, there is a standard and well-defined way to "browse" or go to the insert plugin section of the mentioned audio channel on your hardware controller (and I hope you know how to do this ). At this point, one should see 8 insert slots available for the instant access on the hardware, where the 3rd one has been loaded with the MultibandComp in our example.

3. Enter the plugin control layer of the 3rd slot (MultibandComp) by pressing the knobtop or any other corresponding function or page button dedicated for this (depending on the standard of your own HW), one should see that part of the multibandComp parameters are listed along the encoder knobs of your device, for instance, the top 8 encoders of the MCU device. Alright, up to this point, this is where/how we control those VST things since the HW integration introduced many years ago for the listed devices...
(Something worth mentioning here is that, such hardware-based focus-oriented workflow in different function layers like Channel EQ, Channel Inserts, Sends, etc are not available on the generic remotes in general, as it requires some extra MIDI specifications that are only offered by protocols such as Mackie Control, EuCon, etc)

4. For all VST plugins delivered by Steinberg, a well-thought layout of the underlying parameters has been predefined from factory, thus one should usually get the usable/important controls directly on the first page upon accomplishing step 3 above. But what if you have a 3rd-parties plugins or the pre-defined layout by Steinberg does not fit your actual use case or workflow? Let's say, the order or the naming of the MultibandComp parameters that you see on your hardware does not appear to be optimal enough...

5. Now, by staying at where you are on your hardware (the parameter control layer of MultibandComp, I will use MBC from now on). Open the so-called Remote Control Editor from the MBC plugin window via mouse (you usually only need to prepare once for each plugin if the param order is less satisfied )

6. If I'm not mistaken, you should see the following parameters order for Page 1 by default (from left to right, for 8 cells Standard Layout)
- Solo
- Output
- Bypass
- Threshold1
- Ratio1
- Attack1
- Release1
- MakeUp1

Now, you could...

Hide or Remove a particular parameter
1. Let's say you already have the insert slot bypass somewhere at the top layer... and the Bypass (delivered by default) is an unnecessary duplicate here that you would like to remove...
2. simply activate the "Learn mode" by clicking the "L" button near the top-right corner.
3. Then, click on the knob of the 3rd cell in page 1 (in this case the cell with the "Bypass" parameter) to get the focus on the corresponding knob encoder on the RCE GUI, one should see the blue line covering the GUI knob area indicating the focus. By pressing "Backspace" or "delete" at this point, one can remove the assignment of the current virtual HW control.
4. By pressing "Apply" button at the top-right corner of RCE, one should see the change applied immediately to your hardware... Meaning the physical knob encoder that previously controlling the "bypass" function is now empty/idle.

Rearrange a particular parameter (or the whole page)
1. One could also drag and drop a particular cell to replace (exchange or copy) it onto another cell in any page. Simply left-click on the empty area within a cell in RCE (that is any area outside the knob or switches GUI), while holding it and dragging it to your desired location of the targetted cell.

Tip1: by pressing "CTRL" or "Alt" during drag and drop operation, you gain the possibility in exchanging two cells or duplicating the same parameter onto another cell.
Tip2: One can do the same with the complete page by dragging and dropping the page body.
NOTE: this can be done in either both Learn mode or normal mode.

Rename a particular parameter
1. Let's say "Threshold1" is too long to fit in your MCU LED display.
2. On the RCE, double-click on the label part of the 4th cell of page 1 (namely the Threshold1 parameter cell) and name it as "Thd1" and confirm it with "Enter". Then click on the "Apply" button near the Top-Right corner of the RCE. Now, you should see that the name is updated accordingly on your MCU device's LED section too... (The same applies to all other supported HW)

Note: Depending on the availability of your HW, most devices only have one LED display for each knob encoder, while some high-end counterparts could provide up to three different length on different control sections, for instance, the Avid System5-MC. For the common case where you only have one single LED display for each knob encoder, please use the "Main Label" for the rename step.

Tip: The "Main Label" is also the top label you see on each cell block in the RCE page.

Define the LED ring behavior based on the parameter charateristic
1. Many listed HW supports various LED ring mode on each Knob encoder to indicate the functionality or characteristic of the corresponding Knob encoder (or the underlying parameter) more intuitively. For instance, one would usually expect the center-hooked gauge metering for a "Pan" parameter, while a left to right increment ring gauge for a "Gain" parameter, etc.
2. Depending on the availability of your HW, you can specifically define the LED ring behavior of each knob (cell) for better user experience on your HW. In practice, this does not change the behavior of the knob encoder itself but the look and feel of it.

Customize your own layout from scratch
1. Practically, it is also very convenient to redefine the whole layout right from scratch. Simply reset the whole thing via the "Reset All" button. Remove the excessive pages down to the last one.
2. Then, activate the Learn mode by pressing the "L" button
3. In learn mode, left click on the knob (or switch if applicable) of any cell to get the focus (blue line covering the control area), then go and click on the intended parameter switch or dial on your VST plugin GUI, one will assign the clicked parameter directly to the focused knob/switch in RCE.
4. Alternatively, one could also double-click on the corresponding cell knob (or switch) during the "Learn mode" to get a pop-up tree list for assigning the intended parameter similar to the channel quick control assignment workflow.

Another good example:
Let's say you only need the threshold and ratio parameters of each band but nothing else ever in your work, which in this case made up 8 parameters in total that you would like to use frequently.

Then, one could practically assign the pairs from each band onto the first page and remove the rest (assuming that the engineer never uses the rest of the parameter in the future ever again). In this case, one can assign the following parameters from left to right in page 1:
- Thres1
- Ratio1
- Thres2
- Ratio2
- Thres3
- Ratio3
- Thres4
- Ratio4

Then, remove the rest of the secondary pages (by pressing the "-" button near the edge of the page). Once done, press "Apply" and there you go.... the hardware will only provide the one and only page (a knob encoder row on the HW) with your most favorite parameters each time you access the plugin editting layer.

Important notes:

1. Not to be confused with MIDI learn for the generic remote setup, the "Learn" mode in RCE is similar to the one in the channel quick control block, which allows you to learn and assign the VST plugin parameter under your mouse click to the focused knob or switch of any cell in RCE.

2. For choosing the right layout in RCE for your HW, please refer to this table: download/file.php?id=4132

3. Once you got the particular plugin editing layer active on your hardware. Any change made on the RCE for that particular plugin will be reflected on the fly to your hardware whenever "Apply" is triggered.

So, in general, you only have to set up once for each VST plugin that does not deliver a meaningful parameter order initially for the VST plugin editing on your HW.

-Steinberg Employee Sming

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[Bassbase]

AND DON'T FORGET

Just send me Bassbase or Bane a PM with your links and ideas which need to be sticky and we will include them in our thread

[Bane]

Introduction to MIDI

What is the Difference Between Midi/Audio?

When Captain Kirk is on some planet and calls and says "Beam me up Scotty" Scotty listens, gets the message and executes the command. That same way you can use midi to send a message from an external source transmitter to an internal receiver-software application and get the command executed.
But Kirk can also give his commands internally, from the bridge. Just like the "piano roll" and the "beat designer" can be used to send command messages internally.

In audio, you'd play a snare-drum and you can manipulate the snare-drum sound but it stays a snare-drum. In midi all you get is a pattern. And you decide which instrument you will link to it, be it a snare, a tom, a daf or even a saxophone or violin.

In short: when you see a wave pattern, it's audio. When you see either written notes or patterns, it's midi.

Just getting started? Let us help.

Here are a few MIDI concepts, in short form.

MIDI Device

A physical machine (e.g. a hardware synthesizer) or virtual (e.g. a VST plugin or a host) application capable of MIDI communication.

MIDI Port

A physical or virtual connector on a device. There are three types: In, Out or Thru.

A device uses a MIDI Out to transmit data and a MIDI In to receive data. A MIDI Thru is used to relay data received on MIDI In to another device. (see diagram below)

MIDI Interface

An interface can have any combination of ports. E.g. a hardware synthesizer typically have an in, out and often a thru port. Such a device is considered to have a MIDI Interface.

There are also more advanced MIDI interfaces, e.g. Steinberg Midex 8 (a USB MIDI interface) has eight ports in and eight ports out. A good interface if you have many hardware devices.

MIDI Cable

A physical (typically a 5-pin DIN cable) or virtual communications pipeline between two interfaces. Many recent devices talk MIDI over USB.

MIDI Chain

A series of devices connected with a chain of MIDI cables. (see diagram below)

MIDI Channel

A cable is subdivided into sixteen virtual pipes, called channels.

The concept of channels is what enable synthesizers to be multi-timbral (e.g. HALion 4 or a typical rack synthesizer).

MIDI Event

An event, or message, containing MIDI performance data or other MIDI information. E.g. Note On, Note Off, Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend, etc.

Messages are transmitted from a device via its out port. The messages will be received by devices connected to the chain (via their in ports) and listening to the channel associated with the messages.

I.e. pressing a key on a keyboard is an event, generating a Note On message transmitted over MIDI to other devices. Recipients can then emulate the event, using the same key and velocity.

There are also certain events not associated with MIDI channels.

Diagram

Shows how three MIDI devices typically are connected with Cubase, using a simple in/out interface on the computer.

Diagram

You play the master keyboard and the currently selected track dictates which device will receive the MIDI data from you playing. When devices are chained, like the three shown above, MIDI channels are an important consideration.

-Courtesy of Elektrobolt

Other sources:

Thetesseract

Introduction to MIDI Terminology

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[Bane]

Goodies

Mixer Icons

C7 Mixer Track Icons

-submitted by TabSel

Cubase Artwork and Wallpapers

C7 Mixer Abstracts

-submitted by Mr. Danny J. Lewis

Steinberg Wallpapers

-the Steinberg website

Bounce in Place Solution

Bounce In Place Solution.txt

-written by WinterRat

Cubase Drum Maps

EZDrummer v.1.3.2.

-Bane

This is not an official map, but one I made for the default pop/rock kit. It is not GM compatible.

Addictive Drums

-Neurosis

If you have any contributions please PM me and I will be happy to add your work to this section.

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