I’ve only tried direct comparison on a 2012 (Xeon CPU) Mac Pro but i’d say that Cubase is around 70-80% efficient vs Logic’s performance in real world use. So, if you’re currently quite loaded up with your projects in Logic you ‘may’ get problems, but it really depends on which plugins you’re using, your interface ASIO drivers, Settings etc., i presume the difference is a VST/AU thing, perhaps, as some projects that i’ve migrated seem to run better in Cubase.
- How is Steinberg elicenser? That’s probably the biggest worry that I have. Even Pro Tools allowed me to ditch the dongle and use iLok Cloud.
It’s been brilliant for me, i had big doubts about it. As a Logic user the app store method works so easy for any machine under your control, however, i’ve been able to take my license of Cubase into a friends studio and work on/record into my projects via his windows setup (Usually Studio One). In regards to just plugging it in, and it working, i’ve put it across 4 machines and been flawless - Just wish you could put the Mac/Win install files on the stick too as you have the complete setup on one stick then without any need for an internet connection! 
- I am trying the Elements right now. I understand it’s completely handicapped. Is it possible to have a DOCKED mixer with faders AND sends visible at the same time?
Nope, that’s only available in the full mixer view. And moving from Elements 9.5 to Pro 10 myself, Elements isn’t really all that bad and the basics are quite the same really.
- Is it possible to have more than one tab unfolded in the Inspector? Lets say I want to have the fader always visible but also the inserts? Is it possible in Pro to show/hide more than one tab or is it just one tab at a time?
Yeah you just hold down ctrl key and click to expand a tab, and it stays open even when you move between tracks too. But when you expand a tab without holding the ctrl key then it will close all previous tabs open.
- Is it possible to transpose midi region without moving the notes inside? So basically I have C D and E notes and transpose them to C#, D#, F but I still see them as C, D, E and when I click/rehearse/draw them I will hear them as transposed, NOT as shown.
Yes, MIDI Modifiers tab lest you set Transpose and Velocity Shifts (As the inspector in Logic does) for that track globally, in addition to that you also have selected clip related Transpose/Velocity shifts at the top of the screen, or in the piano roll view. Changing either of these does not affect the MIDI region data.
Also, (different to Logic?) is that both (Global and clip) values are applied as a total sum - i.e. if you had a track setting of +12 Transpose and a clip setting of -12, it would play as per the original clip/region data.
And yes, when you move the MIDI notes in piano roll you hear them with the transpose shift applied, but see/edit them as originally played.
- Logic has z fantastic delay function where a region can be delayed by ticks or ms without affecting it’s position on the grid AND notes inside. I see the Offset function but it moves the notes inside. Is it possible to shift different regions by different value AND still have the notes inside as well as the regions themselves intact, perfectly on the grid?
I’ve only seen the offset function for delaying MIDI on a region/clip basis as you’ve stated, however you can delay on a track basis, with Cubase Pro you get access to the MIDI Inserts, one of those is a MIDI Modifier plugin which has a delay parameter. That’s limited to +/- 50ms, however.
- Anybody transitioned from Logic Pro X to Cubase and didn’t look back? I love the features, it’s completely packed with good stuff just available to use but fear the dongle, performance with bigger sessions and stability.
I think really it depends on what you do, and how much you’re willing to embrace the features. For me i’ve not looked back, as a song composition tool i love elements like the chord track - i have many ideas that i may not sit and rehearse so using the chord track to document my songs on the fly, and then use it to experiment with different vocal phrases/tunings via variausio it’s been sooo good, way beyond Logic.
It also deals with multiple external MIDI instruments much better than Logic, being able to set MIDI inputs per track is a game changer, with Logic you have to set MIDI channels for each hardware and ensure Demix by channel is selected, record enable all tracks etc. With Cubase i could have an external drum machine running and it won’t bleed into other MIDI tracks that i select, for example.
I’ve not had a chance to sit down and do any serious/deep mixing with it yet, so can’t really comment vs Logic there.
One thing i will say though, Cubase does sound great - i don’t know what it does differently as of course digital audio when summed should be equal across all DAWs, but when you start pushing the faders and applying plugins it seems to be more forgiving than any other DAW i’ve used. Right now i’m composing ideas, giving them a rough mix and then exporting out to listen on different devices. Since May I’ve finished 5 songs, and 2 of them i’m super pleased with - In Logic i hadn’t completed a song in about 6 months.
There’s something in Cubase that’s making me work far more deliberately, It may be emperors new clothes of course, but so far, very pleased.
I also really like the channel linking in the mixer, so you can fix groups of channels to share fader, panning, sends, inserts… lots of things, so if you move one, the rest go with it. You can also use q-link which will apply changes to all the tracks currently selected, rather than using fixed groups. Great when you’re wanting to add a few sends to selected tracks.
- Any advice? I know Logic Pro X in and out and Pro Tools.
I think CPU usage should be your biggest concern, the Dongle is just a non-issue. But then Elements should be giving you a good idea on how it runs with your setup now?
Also of interest may be the control room function? At it’s basic function It can act as a fader globally so you can set reference levels and add plugins which exist on top of all projects, i have a limiter to protect my speakers and a slight EQ that i used to calibrate my monitors and i love it (i add a little bit of bass to stop me overdoing it on the mix itself) - i don’t have to reach for my hardware mixer to turn down the volume anymore, or use the master out channel on the projects mixer for EQ correction. Also, i can use a limiter and still see the projects master out untouched.
My biggest concern with Cubase is the update cycle and how much more expensive it is vs Logic, but unless there’s a feature i really want in each update i’ll wait it out and buy when on sale.