NAMM 2008: Steinberg Cubase Essential 4 is released
Essential 4 replaces Cubase SE3 and features next-generation VST3 plug-ins
Cubase Essential 4 is, according to Steinberg, 'a streamlined version of the award-winning Cubase 4', and replaces Cubase SE3 as the company's recommended entry-level software.
This upgrade features a full set of next-generation VST3 plug-ins, the standard of which has also just been unveiled, as well as comprehensive audio recording/mixing tools and MIDI features as you would expect. Essential 4 is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Here's the spec...
- 64 audio tracks, unlimited MIDI tracks, 44 included VST3 and MIDI plug-ins, 16 VST instrument slots
- Integrated HALionOne sampling instrument with over 100 playable instruments
- Built-in Amp Simulator with 14 amps and 10 speaker simulations
- AudioWarp real-time time stretching and pitch shifting with formant correction
- Arranger Track with pattern-based arranging tools stores up to 16 different arrangements
- MediaBay sound management technology
- Cross-platform: Windows XP and Vista, Mac OS 10.4 and 10.5
The VST3 audio software interface, which has also been implemented with Steinberg's Nuendo product ranges, offers a range of new features including:
- Enhanced CPU efficiency: unique silence detection feature automatically kicks in if no audio signal is being received
- Multiple Dynamic I/Os: VST3 plug-ins are fully surround-capable
- Dynamic Bus Management: VST3 plug-in output busses can be reassigned at any time
- Resizable editing windows
- Multiple MIDI inputs/outputs: VST3 extends the MIDI I/O capability for plug-ins, allowing multiple MIDI inputs and outputs simultaneously
Cubase Essential 4 is shipping worldwide for $149 RRP.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high- quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.