{"id":1746328,"date":"2022-09-16T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/?post_type=articles&#038;p=1746328"},"modified":"2025-08-26T13:07:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T17:07:31","slug":"cubase-quickstart-guide","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/cubase-quickstart-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubase Quickstart Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"Getting-started-with-Cubase\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Getting started with Cubase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<style>div.article_content > div > div > figure > div > iframe{\nheight:100% !important;\n}<\/style>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll show you how to get up and running with Cubase. That means we\u2019ll show you how to create a session, set up audio and MIDI devices, and then record with them. Once you&#8217;ve successfully <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"activated and installed the software (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/how-to-register-and-activate-steinberg-software\/\" target=\"_blank\">activated and installed the software<\/a>, follow the sections below to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong><a href=\"#Create-a-new-project\">Create a new project<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Navigate-the-Project-Mix-Console-windows\">Navigate the Project &amp; Mix Console windows<\/a><\/strong><ul><li><a href=\"#Project\"><strong>Project<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Mix-Console\"><strong>Mix Console<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Selecting-an-audio-device\">Selecting an audio device<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Configure-the-inputs-and-outputs\">Configure the inputs &amp; outputs<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Create-and-record-audio-tracks\">Create and record audio tracks<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><a href=\"#How-to-enable-a-MIDI-device\"><strong>How to enable a MIDI device<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Create-and-record-MIDI-tracks\">Create and record MIDI tracks<\/a><\/strong><ul><li><a href=\"#Record-to-an-instrument-track\"><strong>Record to an instrument track<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Record-to-a-MIDI-track\">Record to a MIDI track<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Create-a-new-project\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Create a new project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-dark-gray-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f1f0\"><strong>TIP: <\/strong>Create a master folder named <em>Cubase Projects <\/em>in a location that\u2019s easily accessible, such as an external hard drive. This will make it much easier to locate and manage all of your project folders.&nbsp;  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you first launch Cubase, <em>Steinberg Hub <\/em>will appear, which is where you will create and manage your project. You\u2019ll also name the project and set its folder destination, as well. Steinberg has created many different templates that are split up in different categories; <strong>Recording<\/strong>, <strong>Scoring<\/strong>, <strong>Production<\/strong>, and <strong>Mastering<\/strong>. All preset project templates will have audio tracks, busses, and even effects preloaded to get you up and running quickly. However, if you prefer to start from scratch, click the <strong>More <\/strong>tab, and select <strong>Empty<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Select a project preset or empty project using the tabs at the top.<\/li><li>Underneath the preset window, click the folder icon to select the destination where you want to save the project folder, and then name it in the <strong>Project Folder<\/strong> field.<\/li><li>Click <strong>Create<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Create a Project in Cubase\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RgCkdTVopDI?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Create a Project in Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Navigate-the-Project-Mix-Console-windows\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Navigate the Project &amp; Mix Console windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When using Cubase, you\u2019ll primarily work in the <em>Project <\/em>and <em>Mix Console <\/em>windows. Each of these windows are divided up into <strong>Zones<\/strong>, which you can show or hide by clicking the <strong>Show\/Hide Zone<\/strong> button on the top right part of the window and are also fully customizable by clicking the <em>Cog<\/em> icon in its section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Project\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Project <\/strong>window is where you will create and edit audio and MIDI tracks, load virtual instruments, and perform parameter automation such as fades and is comprised of three zones:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The <em>Left <\/em>Zone displays the <strong>Track Inspector<\/strong>, which provides various details of the track and also allows you to add plug-ins, view the version history of the track, and other various functions.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The <em>Bottom <\/em>Zone allows you to view a mini version of the <strong>Mix Console <\/strong>window, and is also where you will make detailed edits to audio, work with chord pads, and edit samples.<\/li><li>The <em>Right <\/em>Zone displays the VSTi rack and Media rack, which displays any sort of media; VST\u2019s, plug-ins, samples, and any presets you\u2019ve created.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Mix-Console\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Mix Console<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Mix Console<\/strong> window is where you will control each track\u2019s level, hardware &amp; software inserts, as well as sends and returns. In other words, it\u2019s where you will create the mix by adjusting the volume, panning the tracks, and adding plug-ins. To open a full-screen version of it, navigate to <em>Workspaces<\/em> then click <strong>Mix Console<\/strong> or by pressing <strong>F3<\/strong> on your keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Mix Using Cubase | What You Can Do with Cubase\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/irWx-QSFKcY?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Mix Using Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Work in the Project Window of Cubase | Getting Started with Cubase Pro 9\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wSk1AHXP1S0?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Work in the Project Window<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Selecting-an-audio-device\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Selecting an audio device<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most DAW\u2019s, Cubase has dedicated audio settings, which means you\u2019ll need to select your audio device inside the <em>VST Audio System<\/em> settings. If this is the first time connecting your audio interface, you\u2019ll want to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/where-can-i-download-the-driver-for-my-interface\/\" target=\"_blank\">install its driver<\/a> beforehand. Once done, the interface can be connected directly to the computer and then selected as the default audio device.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Click the <strong>Studio <\/strong>menu, and then select <strong>Studio Setup<\/strong>.<\/li><li>In the window that appears, click <strong>VST Audio System<\/strong> and select your audio device from the dropdown box.<\/li><li>Underneath <strong>VST Audio System<\/strong>, click <strong>Control Panel<\/strong> and adjust the buffer size and sample rate which is most applicable to your project.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Is-your-audio-device-not-showing-up\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Is your audio device not showing up?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If your audio device does not show up in Cubase, make sure you\u2019ve downloaded and installed the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/where-can-i-download-the-driver-for-my-interface\/\" target=\"_blank\">correct drivers<\/a>, and also visit our troubleshooting guides for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/resolving-audio-interface-issues-on-windows-10\/\" target=\"_blank\">PC<\/a> &amp; <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/resolving-audio-interface-issues-on-mac\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mac<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/resolving-audio-interface-issues-on-windows-10\/\" class=\"relatedcontent_link\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-related-content\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_block\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2017\/11\/TS-Interface-Windows-UPDATE-Hero.png);background-size:cover;background-position:center\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_overlay_content\"><\/div><div class=\"relatedcontent-text relatedcontent_content\"><p class=\"relatedcontent_title\" style=\"color:#fff\">Resolving Audio Interface Issues on Windows 10<\/p><p class=\"relatedcontent_subhead\" style=\"color:#fff;border:none\">Learn more about resolving audio interface issues on Windows.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/resolving-audio-interface-issues-on-mac\/\" class=\"relatedcontent_link\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-related-content\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_block\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/09\/Mac-Sound-Audio-Device-Solutions-Hero.png);background-size:cover;background-position:center\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_overlay_content\"><\/div><div class=\"relatedcontent-text relatedcontent_content\"><p class=\"relatedcontent_title\" style=\"color:#fff\">Resolving Audio Interface Issues on Mac<\/p><p class=\"relatedcontent_subhead\" style=\"color:#fff;border:none\">Learn more about resolving audio interface issues on Mac.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Set Up Your Audio Interface in Cubase\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zmEGHrn-Ymc?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Set Up Your Audio Interface in Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Configure-the-inputs-and-outputs\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Configure the inputs and outputs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve selected your audio device, you next need to configure the I\/O settings, which means that you\u2019ll tell Cubase what to label your input and output channels. These settings don\u2019t require any customization but should be set to default when you get started for the first time.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Click the <strong>Studio <\/strong>menu and select <strong>Audio Connections<\/strong>.<\/li><li>By default, Cubase lists the first two inputs and outputs of your interface as one stereo bus. To change them, click the channel in <strong>Device Ports<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To add additional inputs or outputs, click <strong>Add Bus<\/strong>, select either <em>Stereo <\/em>or <em>Mono<\/em>, and then click <strong>Add Bus<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Adding-outboard-gear\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Adding outboard gear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking to incorporate external hardware such as an outboard compressor or EQ, you will click the <strong>External FX <\/strong>tab, and set up the routing.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/analog-outboard-gear-setup-guide\/\" class=\"relatedcontent_link\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-related-content\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_block\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/05\/Outboard-Gear-hero.png);background-size:cover;background-position:center\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_overlay_content\"><\/div><div class=\"relatedcontent-text relatedcontent_content\"><p class=\"relatedcontent_title\" style=\"color:#fff\">Getting Started with Analog Outboard Gear<\/p><p class=\"relatedcontent_subhead\" style=\"color:#fff;border:none\">Learn more about how to get up and running with your analog output hardware.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Set up and Use External Effect Processors in Cubase | Q&amp;A with Greg Ondo\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/H-N-9AGlrXk?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Set up and Use External Effect Processors in Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Create-and-record-audio-tracks\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Create and record audio tracks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-dark-gray-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f1f0\"><strong>TIP: <\/strong>Once audio is recorded, it automatically saves into your session folder\u2019s Audio folder. Make sure when copying or moving a Cubase project folder that the <strong>.cpr<\/strong> project file and Audio folder are always kept together. It will ensure that you\u2019ll always be able to restore your session.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recording audio is easy once the audio settings are configured. All you have to do is create a <em>mono <\/em>or <em>stereo <\/em>track, select the input, and then start recording. Each time you create a new track, rename it and change the track color. To do so, just double-click on its name or channel tab. Keeping organized with good track titles and giving them distinct colors will add a lot to your Cubase workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Click the <strong>Project <\/strong>menu or right-click the left part of the project screen and select <strong>Add Audio Track<\/strong>.<\/li><li>When the <em>Add Audio Track <\/em>window appears, select the number of tracks you wish to create, rename the tracks, and then update the input and output source.<\/li><li>Record enable the track by clicking the <strong>Record<\/strong> button on the track, and press <strong>C <\/strong>on your keyboard to turn the metronome on.&nbsp;<ul><li>If you would like to hear yourself simultaneously click the <strong>Speaker <\/strong>icon next to the <em>Record Enable <\/em>button to turn on input monitoring.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>To begin recording, press the <strong>Record<\/strong> button on the transport bar.<\/li><li>Press the <strong>Stop <\/strong>button on the transport bar or the spacebar on your keyboard to stop recording.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Inserting-a-plug-in\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Inserting a plug-in<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To use plug-ins and effects in Cubase, you must add them as an insert. You can also select hardware inserts for outboard gear, but that requires additional I\/O configuration. The signal flows from top to bottom, so the order you choose will have a direct impact on the processed signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/cubase-vst-plug-in-management\/\" class=\"relatedcontent_link\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-related-content\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_block\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/08\/Cubase-plugin-hero.png);background-size:cover;background-position:center\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_overlay_content\"><\/div><div class=\"relatedcontent-text relatedcontent_content\"><p class=\"relatedcontent_title\" style=\"color:#fff\">Cubase VST Plug-in Management<\/p><p class=\"relatedcontent_subhead\" style=\"color:#fff;border:none\">Learn more about how to scan, add, load, and troubleshoot plug-ins inside of Cubase.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How You Can Record Audio | What You Can Do with Cubase\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0b2bQRRBD4I?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How You Can Record Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"How-to-enable-a-MIDI-device\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">How to enable a MIDI device<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When launching Cubase, it will scan for any connected MIDI device. All you have to do is make sure that all of the MIDI ports of your MIDI device are enabled. Follow these steps to enable a MIDI device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Go to the <strong>Studio <\/strong>menu and click <strong>Studio Setup<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Under the <em>MIDI <\/em>section, click <strong>MIDI Port Setup<\/strong> and enable or disable any MIDI inputs and outputs necessary.<ul><li>Before you go further, press a key\/pad on your MIDI device and look at the <em>MIDI Monitor <\/em>on the right side of the taskbar to make sure your MIDI device is triggering as it should.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Is-your-MIDI-device-not-being-recognized\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Is your MIDI device not being recognized?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p> If your MIDI device does not show up in Cubase, make sure you\u2019ve downloaded and installed the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/where-can-i-download-the-driver-for-my-interface\/\" target=\"_blank\">correct drivers<\/a>, and also visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/resolving-midi-device-issues-on-pc-and-mac\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">MIDI device troubleshooting guide<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/resolving-midi-device-issues-on-pc-and-mac\/\" class=\"relatedcontent_link\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-related-content\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_block\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-troubleshooting-guide.png);background-size:cover;background-position:center\"><div class=\"relatedcontent_overlay_content\"><\/div><div class=\"relatedcontent-text relatedcontent_content\"><p class=\"relatedcontent_title\" style=\"color:#fff\">Resolving MIDI Device Issues on PC and Mac<\/p><p class=\"relatedcontent_subhead\" style=\"color:#fff;border:none\"><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Create-and-record-MIDI-tracks\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Create and record MIDI tracks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To trigger virtual instrument plug-ins, you need MIDI data. MIDI data can be drawn in with your mouse (in the<em> MIDI Editor<\/em> window) but also recorded by playing your device. There are two methods for recording MIDI and playing virtual instruments; via an <strong>Instrument<\/strong> track or a <strong>MIDI <\/strong>track. The first option is quick and straightforward, but the second is more useful when sending multiple MIDI tracks to the same virtual instrument. Keep in mind that MIDI data only triggers the instrument, and you\u2019ll need to record it to an audio track if you want an actual audio file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Record-to-an-instrument-track\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Record to an instrument track<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>An Instrument track is a combination of MIDI and Group (<em>Aux<\/em>) tracks. It records MIDI data only, and holds the virtual instrument plug-in and outputs audio for monitoring. The virtual instrument audio can be sent to an audio track via a <strong>Group <\/strong>send for recording.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Click the <strong>Project <\/strong>menu or right-click the left part of the project screen and select <strong>Add Instrument Track<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Select a virtual instrument plug-in from the dropdown box, set the audio output routing, and then click <strong>Add Track<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Record enable the instrument track and play your MIDI controller.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Record-to-a-MIDI-track\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Record to a MIDI track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A MIDI track only records MIDI data and needs to be sent to an Aux Input where it can trigger a virtual instrument or external hardware synthesizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Click the <strong>Project <\/strong>menu or right-click the left part of the project screen and select <strong>Add MIDI Track<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Name the track, select the amount of tracks to add, and then click <strong>Add Track<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Once done, update your MIDI track\u2019s output to one of the VI\u2019s MIDI input channels. Now the MIDI will record on one track and sound out of the other.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Routing MIDI tracks to a Virtual Instrument will decrease the number of instances you need to run, which in turn, will provide increased project performance.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Record Audio and MIDI from VST Instruments in Cubase | Q&amp;A with Greg Ondo\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fjbzZSBwSPo?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Record Audio and MIDI from VIST Instruments in Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Additional-resources\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Additional resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Cubase (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/cubase-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Cubase<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Set Up a MIDI Controller in Cubase (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/connect-midi-keyboard-cubase\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Set Up a MIDI Controller in Cubase<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"eLicenser Control Center Troubleshooting Guide (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/elicenser-control-center-troubleshooting-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\">eLicenser Control Center Troubleshooting Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cubase User Manuals (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.steinberg.help\/cubase-manuals\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cubase User Manuals<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Archive and Back up Your Cubase Projects | Q&amp;A with Greg Ondo\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3e8fLdrn6XU?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Back Up Projects in Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Layer Sounds on a MIDI Track in Cubase | Q&amp;A with Greg Ondo\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gv5sNkFk2Pg?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Layer Sounds on MIDI<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Make Use of Color Options in Cubase | Q&amp;A with Greg Ondo\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SGrBu1jzIHM?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>How to Make Use of Color Options in Cubase<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"6 Basic Audio Processes in Cubase you Need to Know | Music Production for Beginners 3\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6fLuHYD0qfs?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>6 Basic Audio Processes in Cubase You Need to Know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1764384,"template":"","categories":[142726,7],"tags":[34329,34601,54726,34739,54773,82694,54730,115959],"storecat":[],"itemids":[301373,301374,301370,301371,301372,301362,301364,301377,257979,257980,257982,257972,257973,257974,257976,257978,257977,257981],"manufacturers":[33755],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this guide, we will show you how to get started with Cubase. 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