Steinberg Cubase Artist 8 (Free update to 8.5 upon activation)

Improved Windows Handling

Cubase Pro 8 introduces a new windows handling paradigm including a new workspace organizer that makes for a more efficient workflow. Windows can be freely placed on any display and maximized, restored, minimized, tiled and cycled through by using standard Windows OS commands. Windows will now also group Cubase windows in the taskbar, preview window content and show mini icons. The 'Always On Top' mode now organizes smaller plug-in windows even when working with maximized windows such the MixConsole.

New Render In-Place Function

The new render in-place function allows you to bounce MIDI and audio parts easily. You can define exactly on what to include and for example render-in track FX in the newly created events. Trigger the command and a new audio track is created with all effects settings copied over from the original source track plus your rendered audio event, including intact event boundaries.

ASIO Guard 2

ASIO Guard 2 uses low latencies just on the tracks where latency matters while using a larger latency that saves performance for playback tracks. It now supports instrument tracks including multi-timbral and sample instruments that feature disk streaming as well as all live-input independent channels. The internal ASIO-Guard buffering was extended to improve the audio processing performance. Simply record and monitor in real time even on CPU demanding projects.

VST Bass Amp

VST Bass Amp delivers a comprehensive collection of amps, cabs and stomp boxes that deliver those classic crunchy rock tones or nuanced, funky creamy tones and everything in between. VST Bass Amp comes with six amp models and four classic speaker cabinets recorded with eight different microphones and microphone positions to reproduce the unique character of their originals. Create complete setups, consisting of amps, over 20 classic stomp box effects, speaker cabinets, microphone models and position.

Plug-In Manager

The new plug-in manager lets you arrange, sort and group your effects and instruments either at the top level or in custom submenus, making finding your plug-ins easier and letting you focus on what's really important. Create multiple collections as sub-sets of all installed effect and instruments and switch easily between them!

Improved Channel Strip EQ

The channel strip EQ module provides additional mouse-over value readouts for gain, frequency and the equivalent in note pitch. Enter pitch notes or cent values instead of Hz frequencies for each band. The Pre section now offers selectable slopes of 6, 12 (default), 24, 36 and 48 for high-cut and low-cut.

Multiband Expander

Multiband Expander allows you to modify the dynamic range of your tracks. Choose different settings for each one of the four available frequency bands independently to create a broader dynamic range or simply reduce unwanted noise. Multiband Expander also features a latency-free live mode that enables the use of the plug-in in a live environment.

Upgraded DeEsser, Multiband Compressor & Tuner

DeEsser is now available as channel strip module, and adds full side-chain support, allows you to constrain the high and low frequencies, and a very handy preview function that plays only the signal that gets removed. Multiband Compressor now supports dedicated side-chaining with the ability to adjust and monitor trigger frequencies individually for each of its four bands. The updated Tuner plug-in now features strobe tuning mode, a customizable base frequency and a bigger display for better readability.

Redesigned Track List & Inspector

The redesigned Track List and Inspector offer now better readability. Track names are easier to find and the reduced set of track controls in the track list reduce clutter. And with the new configuration tabs below the track list you can switch instantly between different track controls configurations. This displays only what you need to see in a specific workflow situation.

New Allen Morgan Pop-Rock Toolbox

Allen Morgan has come up with new pop and rock style construction kits to help you get the most out of your new instruments and to help you overcome the much-feared composer's block. Allen Morgan's Pop-Rock Toolbox comes with 30 construction kits, each with 25 to 30 audio and MIDI loops routed to predefined instruments including channel strip and mixer settings. Perfect for when you're looking for inspiring new material!

Highlights

• Complete music production system, offering a set of superb audio/MIDI recording, editing and mixing tools
• Award-winning 32-bit floating-point audio engine with up to 192 kHz, flexible routing and full automatic delay compensation
• Supports 128 MIDI and 64 simultaneous audio tracks
• MixConsole provides the stellar mixing experience with full flexibility and integrated EQ/Dynamics
• 8 outstanding virtual instruments with over 2600 sounds
• Includes a suite of 53 audio and 18 MIDI VST effect processors
• Chord track and chord pads for easy chord composing and management
• Includes dozens of presets and thousands of MIDI construction loops
• Streamlined score editing feature set
• Thousands of MIDI construction loops as building blocks to create songs in only a few steps

Technical Specifications

• Intel Core or AMD dual core CPU
• 8 GB RAM (minimum: 4 GB)
• 15 GB free HD space
• 1920 x 1080 display resolution (minimum: 1366 x 768)
• Graphics card with DirectX 10 and WDDM 1.1 support (Windows only)
• USB port for USB-eLicenser (license management)
• OS compatible audio hardware**
• DVD-ROM dual-layer drive

System Requirements

PC

• Windows 7/Windows 8.x

Mac

• Mac OS X Version 10.9/10.10