The Sound Board

Another release, another leak. It's not out yet, no confirmed time though on the Steinberg page it did mention Cubase 13 for a while (taken down now). Release date TBA but should be before end of November I read.

But here's the full What's New list:

WHAT’S NEW IN 13?

CHANNEL TAB
Mix on the go
The new channel tab in the Project window gives you direct access to your mix, without leaving the arrangement.
The new design means you can intuitively find what you need, letting you mix on the go in a compact, per channel view.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

MIXCONSOLE
Slick, streamlined, focused
The MixConsole has been given a fresh overhaul with a slick, streamlined design to help you focus on your mix.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

RANGE TOOL
Increase your range
The Range tool is one of the most powerful tools in Cubase and it’s now available in the Key Editor as well as the Drum Editor.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

EDITOR
A new editor experience
Edit multiple parts from within the Key Editor and Drum Editor, switch between tracks with the Visibility tab and maintain an overview with the new Track display
(PRO)

VOCAL PRODUCTION
The ultimate vocal chain
Vocal processing is an art of its own, taking a lot of expertise and experience to master the different processing steps. The VocalChain plug-in provides dedicated modules for each step, helping to turn your recordings into professional-sounding vocal tracks.
(PRO-ARTIST)

CHORD PADS
Progress your progressions
The new chord pads make it easy to find creative chord progressions. New presets give you excellent starting points and enhanced functions make it even simpler to create unique music.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

ORCHESTRAL LIBRARΥ
Sketch out your scores
Iconica Sketch allows everyone from beginners to professional composers to create full orchestral scores of the highest quality with 140 articulations for 34 instruments in a compact 5GB library.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

SAMPLER TRACK
Τweak it
The Sampler Track is even more creative, thanks to stunning new Spectral Warp modes for extreme manipulation and powerful envelope creation.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

VOCODER
Τhe return of a legend
Create classic robotic vocals or add analog flavor to your instruments with the legendary Steinberg Vocoder. Use up to 24 filter bands, sidechain input, and enjoy in-depth control over the sound.
(PRO-ARTIST)

COMPRESSION
Compression with character
Black Valve is a classic tube compressor with lots of warmth and character. Its sonic detail makes this tribute to one of the most iconic studio processors really stand out
(PRO)

EQUALIZER
Add class with frequency
Two new equalizers, the EQ-P1A and the EQ-M5, add a classy sound to your productions.
(PRO-ARTIST)

COMPRESSION
Be a vocal specialist
The new VoxComp is a compressor specifically designed for vocals, gently taming your recordings without compromising clarity, transients, or expression.
(PRO)

SAMPLE PACKS
Creative starting points
Be inspired by five exclusive new sample packs by Grammy-winning producer Beat Butcha, creative mastermind Sharooz, and acclaimed sample boutiques 91Vocals and Touch Loops.
(PRO-ARTIST-ELEMENTS)

STEP & MIDI INPUT - The Step and MIDI Input features are now more even powerful. Modify note lengths on the fly and add voices on top with the new polyphonic note input feature.

KEY EDITOR - MIDI CCs can now be recorded in simplified ramps to make it quicker and easier for editing the controller events afterward

TRACK VERSIONS FOR VIDEO - Working with new video edits is now more convenient with new Track Versions for the VideoTrack.

START MODES - Do you want to start from the cycle marker, the last position or your selection? Configure where playback starts to precisely match your workflow.

TRANSPORT BAR - Easily adjust the project tempo to the beat with the new Tap Tempo feature in the Transport Bar.

CHANNEL CONFIGURATION - Change the channel type from mono to stereo or vice versa with just one click

VERTICAL ZOOM - Zoom in and out vertically with the mouse wheel and decide whether you want to zoom to transport or selection.

KEY COMMANDS - The new Key Command dialog makes managing your short cuts quick and easy. Find commands easier with the dynamic filter and try new macros on the fly.

IMPORT TRACKS FROM PROJECTS - There are several new options that give you more flexibility and control when importing tracks, events, and time ranges.

MIDI PLUG-INS - MIDI plug-ins have had a design overhaul with a fresh new look

MIDI 2.0 - With support for high resolution velocity, CC, aftertouch, pitch bend, and poly pressure data, Cubase 13 is ready for the widespread adoption of MIDI 2.0.

ROUTING - You can now set instrument tracks/racks/sampler return channels as inputs for audio tracks, as well as FX and group channels.

DEMO PROJECTS - Explore three new excellent showcase demo projects, including productions by Austin Hull and Azodi.

WINDOW MANAGEMENT - Cubase now features Windows-compliant multi-window handling.

VIDEO ENGINE - The Windows video engine has been improved, including GPU hardware decoding for H264 and better overall performance

NOTE This software version does not support 32-bit plug-ins. VST 2 plug-ins only run in Rosetta 2 mode on Apple silicon-based Mac computers.
Cubase does not support VST 2 when running natively on Apple silicon Macs

And a couple of screengrabs:




Cubase 12 on the left vs 13 on the right.



Not much very interesting to me. Most disappointing is the lack of any update to the audio engine, still about half as efficient as VE Pro or Reaper. On the plus side, it looks like VST2 isn't completely dropped quite yet.

EDIT - release now live https://www.steinberg.net/cubase/new-features/ . Upgrade from Pro 12 is £85.

Looks like Studio One now

Kidding aside, where is it ? There is a Lots of buzzz, leaks, ..etc. but no Cubase 13 yet ?

Is Cubase 13 due to release this month ?

We can't possibly know that now, can we? And those that do can't tell. But if information has gone out to retailers I'm guessing it will be sooner rather than later.

I'm actually somewhat excited by the apparent focus on UI changes, some of which - like the inspector - has needed an overhaul for a long time. Especially intrigued by the new track selection stuff in the midi editor. I actually wrote a loooong essay about that exact thing in one of their customer surveys. This is potentially very useful - right now I spend a lot of time hopping between the arranger and midi editor, and find that constant context switching can be kinda mentally fatiguing, so it would be nice if I can do more from within the same view. But it's also one of those things where the implementation details really matter. I didn't like how Studio One implemented it at all, for example. Reaper is better and could be great with some tweaks. (For now I'll just play it safe and claim credit for giving Steinberg the idea, and if it turns out badly I'll blame it on them not heeding my very specific and undoubtedly very brilliant design advice )

I'll still dispute the alleged inefficiency of the audio engine though

Looks like Cubase 13 will be delayed a few months:

https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-u ... ailability

Yasin Yavuz wrote: ↑Sep 29, 2023 7:55 am Looks like Cubase 13 will be delayed a few months:

https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-u ... ailability

Nothing there at the moment Yasin, what did I miss?

Guy Rowland wrote: ↑Sep 29, 2023 8:08 am

Yasin Yavuz wrote: ↑Sep 29, 2023 7:55 am Looks like Cubase 13 will be delayed a few months:

https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-u ... ailability

Nothing there at the moment Yasin, what did I miss?

Why is the Steinberg online shop currently unavailable?

Our online shop is run on our behalf by a third party, Asknet Solutions AG. Unfortunately, Asknet has entered into self-administered insolvency, and consequently Steinberg has decided to engage a new trusted business partner to restore our online shop.

Wow, thanks Yasin. I see Steinberg have put up a Q&A about it.

The Steinberg online shop is currently unavailable. A wide range of Steinberg products is available via our worldwide network of authorized resellers. To find your nearest Steinberg reseller, use our reseller locator.

We know you may have questions about this unusual situation, so please read on for more information. We want to reassure you that we are working hard to reopen our online shop, and that Steinberg itself is operating normally. We are here as always to support you.

Why is the Steinberg online shop currently unavailable?

Our online shop is run on our behalf by a third party, Asknet Solutions AG. Unfortunately, Asknet has entered into self-administered insolvency, and consequently Steinberg has decided to engage a new trusted business partner to restore our online shop.

When will the Steinberg online shop be available again?

We do not have a fixed date for the reopening of the Steinberg online shop, but we are working hard to get the shop available as soon as possible.

Where can I buy Steinberg products now?

A wide range of Steinberg software and hardware products is available via our worldwide network of authorized resellers.

Updates and upgrades for our software products (including Cubase, Nuendo, WaveLab, Dorico, Absolute, and SpectraLayers) are not generally available through our reseller network. All updates and upgrades will be available again as soon as the Steinberg online shop has reopened.

In the meantime, you can download free trial versions of many of our software products and take advantage of all of their functionality for 30 or 60 days (trial duration varies by product).

Are my existing products safe?

All your existing products will continue to work as they always have. Steinberg itself is operating normally, and there is no need for concern about your current products or licenses. Customer data is completely safe.

All products already purchased from the Steinberg online shop are unaffected, and all your existing licenses are similarly unaffected. You can still activate and deactivate your software as normal.

How do I get help with an existing order?

If you have an enquiry concerning an existing order you have placed in the Steinberg online shop, you should contact Asknet directly for assistance. Because Asknet are acting on Steinberg’s behalf, they remain responsible for all queries relating to payment, fulfilment and delivery. To contact Asknet, submit a ticket via their web site or send an email to customerservice@asknet.com

What about upcoming product releases?

In the short term, planned product releases will be delayed until we have a new online shop in place. We have many exciting products in the release pipeline and are looking forward to showing you what we have been working on. Unfortunately, we must ask for your patience while we work to reopen our online shop. Our new products are worth waiting for!

Here's an interim update from Ed Doll at the Steinberg forum:

We would love to share more details but while progress is made, there are many things to consider.
Yes, this shop issue has an effect on upcoming product releases but how exactly still needs to be determined. Integrating an entirely new shop system requires thorough testing and we might opt for a soft-opening. The near future will tell and we can only ask for your patience.

https://forums.steinberg.net/t/temporar ... 870627/141

Another minor update - Steinberg say that they now have a partner and technical integration is underway, however as of yesterday the contract terms were still being finalised.

https://forums.steinberg.net/t/temporar ... greennotes

Release is now live https://www.steinberg.net/cubase/new-features/ , all as per the leak. Upgrade from Pro 12 is £85.

Oh wow, finally some good news.

Will download and install asap. This will be a nice break from doomscrolling.

I did go for it in the end - there was a video full of little changes that looked useful.

At the moment I have buyer's remorse. I find a problem with almost every new feature because its not implemented consistently, or it is essentially redundant because the feature already existed in a slightly different way. I'll persevere for a few days, but I'm close to just writing it off as a bad decision and sticking with C12, which is visually vastly clearer.

God help any visually impaired people, they don't stand a chance with C13.

As I am on Nuendo, I can always sit back comfortably for a few weeks/months to see how the first initial releases get smoothen out and see if it's then attractive to update

But I watched yesterday evening a video showing 25 new features or something and though it sounded nice what they implemented (stereo to mono and vice versa in one click - yay!!) I didn't see anything really to want me to update straight away. Of course the Neundo update will likely add some other stuff.
Hard to judge the visual stuff when watching it on youtube or staring at screenshots, but I take your word for it Guy.

Guy Rowland wrote: ↑Nov 03, 2023 4:23 am I did go for it in the end - there was a video full of little changes that looked useful.

At the moment I have buyer's remorse. I find a problem with almost every new feature because its not implemented consistently, or it is essentially redundant because the feature already existed in a slightly different way. I'll persevere for a few days, but I'm close to just writing it off as a bad decision and sticking with C12, which is visually vastly clearer.

God help any visually impaired people, they don't stand a chance with C13.

That's my feeling too - I jumped on it as a few things looked useful and I'm between projects, but, as usual, several of the key things are just half baked and I'm not sure what they were thinking with the visuals, especially in the mixer!

Jaap wrote: ↑Nov 03, 2023 4:32 am As I am on Nuendo, I can always sit back comfortably for a few weeks/months to see how the first initial releases get smoothen out and see if it's then attractive to update

But I watched yesterday evening a video showing 25 new features or something and though it sounded nice what they implemented (stereo to mono and vice versa in one click - yay!!) I didn't see anything really to want me to update straight away. Of course the Neundo update will likely add some other stuff.
Hard to judge the visual stuff when watching it on youtube or staring at screenshots, but I take your word for it Guy.

Stereo to mono track is a perfect example of the frustrations I have with C13, Jaap. What a wonderful feature - one click and done. Except... as far as I can tell it only appears in the mix window channel. Okay, but then you discover that it only appears at all in a wide width strip. If, like me, you permanently work with narrow width channels, it's invisible. And it doesn't appear in either the Inspector or in the senseless, pointless duplication of a subset of the Inspector features that is the new Channel Pane.

Pretty much everything turns out to be like this. A combination of good, indifferent and plain bad ideas that, in the main, are implemented so inconsistently or ineptly that any benefit they might have offered is squandered. All wrapped up in a disastrous new UI that not only excludes the visually impaired, it actually turns us all into the visually impaired.

Here's an instructive A/B between C12 (left) and C13, with a midi channel highlighted.



On the left, the highlighted track is unmistakeable in C12. The track is input monitored, clearly visible with a yellow highlight. Although initially obscure to a new user, the tiny keyboard icon next to the number 2 at the bottom is the way you open the VST UI. It is at least the only lonely icon in sight in that whole area, and once you know you know, and it turns yellow once activated, making it clear that your window is open somewhere.

Now look at the right, the all new-and-improved C13. This is genuinely the default highlight tint - almost indistinguishable from the un-highlighted track. You can make it brighter in settings all the way to the old peak white if you like, but then you have a new problem - it obliterates the white text. The simple pre-C13 solution to simply make it white and invert the colour of the font from white to black. Perfect - and now permanently jettisoned.

There's a lot more stuff as well. A new permanently greyed out box called "Insert Recording" that does God knows what. A new dropdown under All Midi Inputs that filters that input by channel (not the output channel). Pointless. And it all takes up vastly more space. Irrelevant clutter.

As for opening the instrument, that is now lost amid the 50 Shades Of Grey. It is cunningly hidden above another grey icon, the E one that opens the channel settings pane and deselects the channel as it does so. Thanks for that. When you do find it, it stays greyscale white, barely standing out amid all the grey goo.

There is a new nice feature where a small graphic of the VST is shown, which would provide a solution to the visibility problem - except that doesn't work on midi tracks at all which are connected to an instrument. Inly the instrument track itself has the image. Also for whatever reason there are half of my instruments in Windows where the snapshot to create the icon simply doesn't work (it does on the Mac).

How did it take them 2 years to make something this incompetent? I could have made it worse for them in far less time than that.

As I am already living my daily live in 50 shades of grey due to being colourblind for the colour red, I certainly don't need any more grey in my life haha
But that isn't highlighting, that's underlighting....
I thought we left those flat coloured layouts behind us when we moved on from the 90's and 00's but seems they are on their way back.

And that setup with the mono/stereo switch doesn't sound logical as well, why not put it in the inspector or instrument pane or just on the instrument track as well?

Oof. That sounds like a decidedly worse experience. That highlighting issue in particular is quite silly.

I'm still on 8.5. I tried upgrading to 11 once, everything caught fire and I ran back to my old reliable. For what I do, it does the trick and I don't really feel I am missing anything because my usage of the software is fairly limited and straightforward.

Jaap wrote: ↑Nov 03, 2023 8:15 am As I am already living my daily live in 50 shades of grey due to being colourblind for the colour red, I certainly don't need any more grey in my life haha
But that isn't highlighting, that's underlighting....
I thought we left those flat coloured layouts behind us when we moved on from the 90's and 00's but seems they are on their way back.

And that setup with the mono/stereo switch doesn't sound logical as well, why not put it in the inspector or instrument pane or just on the instrument track as well?

Exactly - I was looking for a switch to turn any audio track output between mono/stereo (something I had on Cakewalk Sonar 15+ years ago) but given that 99% of the tracks I work with are instrument tracks I'd have to render to audio to make that work.. so the much awaited Mono/Stereo doesn't really work for me (much like the long awaited video export didn't a few versions back - why would I always want to re-encode at HD and a bit rate that made the doc scenes and animatics I work with 10 times as large as they needed to be?!)

Not to be all negative, one plus on the C13 Instrument tracks inspector is that the Routing section now also shows the audio routing. But the new channel strip doesn't and neither does the mix console in the lower zone..

Finally got a chance to sit down with it for a bit. So far it's a mixed bag.

On the highlighting issue; I went into the settings and turned the level of color tint on unselected tracks way down, and selected tracks way up.
I think this is fine?

I also changed the overall colors a bit, as I have in previous versions; made the background a tad lighter and bluer, and the grid lines a softer shade of gray. Always thought the defaults were awful in that way. (I usually have two saved color preferences - one light and one dark - that I switch between depending on my mood.)

I dunno what the hell is going on with the mixer though. The faders were fine before. Now they are... err... I don't even know what to say.

As for the Insert Recording - this is for the retrospective recording buffer. It was there before as well, but in a different place. (I've only ever used the key command though. You'll pry retro-record from my cold dead hands.)

No comments on the actual functionality yet... be back later I suppose.

Amid all the nonsense, there is one bit of extremely good news for me - so far a project with saved disabled tracks re-enable more or less correctly and consistently. I'll take whatever else the damn thing throws at me if this holds.

I'm intrigued. What does 'more or less' correctly mean?

Still not a 100% reliable then, I take it?

Still on 10.5. Not feeling compelled yet.

Hey, Guy!

I thought just in case you'd tried out some of the new editing features, those are the ones I'd love to hear about. All of the 'unification' of knobs, button icons, etc. feels like the thing that will grate at first and then MIGHT end up feeling better than it was before, so I'm on the fence about how to feel about those. But the key editor changes seem pretty radical - in a good way.

Now you can apparently - and I get this entirely from Dom Sigalas's videos - use the 'Region' (i think) tool (the one that's '2' on the keyboard) to do tasks like copying or moving both notes and CC data within key editor with less clicking and dragging and nonsense. It looks like you select the area, do a few keystrokes (Shift-up and/or down?) and you can select just notes, just CC lanes, or all, then copy, paste, move, duplicate much easier. Considering the chores that can be involved in 12.5, this is mighty mighty appealing. Anyone tried it?

Also - in the key editor workflow improvements - it looks like the switching, selecting and viewing mechanisms within the key editor have been improved so that you can switch between which tracks are being edited, to easier see and edit what's going on between tracks. Maybe this is a thing that's already been possible, but I've struggled to get 12.5 to helpfully give information about what other tracks are doing while editing key editor data, or to switch between tracks, or to necessarily know which track in a multi-selected group of regions within tracks is having its articulations or cc data updated when you edit on the key editor. If anyone has any feedback on this, that'd be great too!

Those are the two things that are...well, kind of annoying that they aren't well implemented already, considering how long we've been in a 'windowed environment,' and feel like they'd be game-changing in terms of workflow. Thought I'd see if you had any experience with those yet!?!

bbunker - I've not tried the range tool yet, I'm sure I'll get to it over the weekend though and will report back.

As for the key editor visibility agent, that works quite nicely. In my case though I always have the key editor on a 2nd monitor (on the main rig anyway) and I've always been able to do this by multi-selecting clips in the project window - voila. So I don't see it has a huge workflow boost or anything, it's just a bit neater, and might serve single-monitor folks better.