Anybody an expert on Cubase?

[thegatherer]

Hello,
I see there's a lot of fellow musicians on the forum, which is great.
Is anybody really well up with Steinbergs Cubase program?
The reason I ask is because I've recently tried to upgrade my home studio with a better computer, Cubase 5, several plugins etc but I'm struggling to get this thing working properly without a lot of computer crashes blah blah blah.
As you know this stuff is extremely annoyin when you just want to do something creative.
Anyway if anybody knows how to configure Cubase 5, home studios etc let me know because I could use some help!:)
Cheers.

[jake49]

Hello,
I see there's a lot of fellow musicians on the forum, which is great.
Is anybody really well up with Steinbergs Cubase program?
The reason I ask is because I've recently tried to upgrade my home studio with a better computer, Cubase 5, several plugins etc but I'm struggling to get this thing working properly without a lot of computer crashes blah blah blah.
As you know this stuff is extremely annoyin when you just want to do something creative.
Anyway if anybody knows how to configure Cubase 5, home studios etc let me know because I could use some help!:)
Cheers.

Hey :)

I used to use Cubase for about 5 years. I've gone to Mac and Logic now, but I still know some things.

I might not have the information you're looking for, but I can tell you what I know.

I have some questions:

What version of Windows are you running?
What speed is your processor?
How much ram/memory do you have?
What % space do you have free on your C:Hard drive?
What Sound Card are you using?
Is it Cubase 5? as in Cubase SX 5?

[thegatherer]

Hey :)

I used to use Cubase for about 5 years. I've gone to Mac and Logic now, but I still know some things.

I might not have the information you're looking for, but I can tell you what I know.

I have some questions:

What version of Windows are you running?
What speed is your processor?
How much ram/memory do you have?
What % space do you have free on your C:Hard drive?
What Sound Card are you using?
Is it Cubase 5? as in Cubase SX 5?

Hiya Mate,
Thanks for responding I appreciate it.

The Cubase 5 program I had was a trial version from Steinberg, supposed to be for a month, but it crashed so many times that it only lasted a week! (You get about 50 'starts'). The program I usually use is Cubase Essential 4. I actually didn't have too many problems with Essential 4 until I started getting more plugins. The Celemony Melodyne program crashed it virtually every time. I also got the new Steinberg sound engine- Halion Sonic...same again crashing. That was why I tried the Cubase 5 trial, but really was just as bad.

The computer I had built specially for music:-
Intel I7 processor.
Windows 7 Ultimate (though it was not a registered copy originally, but I have now got a registered one (doing that this week) as I was concerned that not having the W7 updates may not have been helping??).
4 Gb Ram-plenty available.
Soundcard is a Line 6- UX2 exetrnal interface....not sure about the built in one...would that just be used for Midi?? I could find that out if you bthink it's important.

At the moment I'm in the process of wiping the computer clean (incase there's any Registry issues), reloading Windows with updates, and then I'm going to put the full version of Cubase 5 on and see how it goes. Though I haven't actually bought it yet....wondering if I'm crazy after the problems I had with the trial download.

I guess for the time being I could use any tips you might have on configuring Cubase properly? I read somewhere about having the plugins on a seperate hardrive? But I'm really not so Techy, I really just want to do my music without this computer driving me crazy!

Ok mate, anything you've got on any of the above would be appreciated.:)
Thanks.

[jake49]

From the information you've given, I don't know what the problem is. I think you seem to be in the process of resolving it with the wiping that you're doing and getting hold of the full version. From the info you left, someone else might be able to give you some specific tips! :) here's some thoughts anyway.

Having full versions and original versions is definitely worth doing.

When it's for education purposes or practicing using software, I think it's fine to use different versions or even download from torrents and crack them... Most of these companies are happy for people to do that, because they're getting onto their products and in most cases go on to purchase their software when used for profit.

The only problem is, they're known to crash, whether it's a downloaded version, or cracked copy or a demo that has been released.

Your computer is clearly more than up to the task of handling that processing. The sound card looks nice. I would use that as your primary sound card and ignore the internal one. For midi, if you don't have it on your UX2 sound card - I would use a USB midi device like:

http://www.microanvika.com/product.asp?TXT=INFO&PNO=RLD51932&ref=froogle&cam=RLD51932&key=61730

(although there are much cheaper ones, just as effective if you just want to plug a keyboard in... ebay should have some).
But if you're not using a keyboard, then no probs! don't need it.

You know, I'm not "so techy" either... I'm a bit like you, that I just want to make music!... And all this techy stuff are just little hurdles to get to the point of being able to write and express music.

My gut instinct is telling me, once you have the full version of Cubase - it will begin to work fine. I would even recommend downloading an earlier version like Cubase SX 3 (cracked version) under the "try before you buy" idea. Also if you haven't yet purchased the latest version of Cubase (and that's what you'd prefer to do)... It's always worth having a look on ebay for earlier FULL versions (making absolutely sure that the copy serial numbers have NOT been registered under someones name) and then purchase the Upgrade Versions of Cubase to get to the latest version - can save hundreds £'s... or...
find a student or teacher, and get hold of Education Discount version (full version, just loooooads cheaper).

In terms of how to configure cubase and where to put plugins... There are solutions which I'm sure would help this or that.... But for what you've explained you're doing, this shouldn't relate to the problems you're experiencing with crashes etc and I think these solutions might be for real processor intensive projects with like 60 tracks etc.. (my thoughts)

If I think of anything else, I'll get back to you. Good luck!

[shocker]

Hey thegatherer,

I am a user of Cubase (also reason, FL and many others!). I would be happy to link you to a fully cracked version of version 4 (the most stable version yet ofc!), help you with the intallation and any other questions you may have....I'm by no means an expert and more on the lines of a hobbyist, but if I can help you, I will :)

If you want to respond here, or via PM, either is fine, so just holler! :)

ps...I'm at work at the moment, so can't access much right now :)

[21_12_2012]

Where did you get the plug-ins from ? Are they 'cracked' ?

Best advice is leave the trial versions and just go for the stable cracked stuff (fully scanned before using it)

Scan all plug-ins too.

Was your windows 7 ultimate a 'copy' ?

Sounds like you should be ok after a full wipe, i shred all data that i dont need using BC wipe, and before i do format.

[thegatherer]

From the information you've given, I don't know what the problem is. I think you seem to be in the process of resolving it with the wiping that you're doing and getting hold of the full version. From the info you left, someone else might be able to give you some specific tips! :) here's some thoughts anyway.

Having full versions and original versions is definitely worth doing.

When it's for education purposes or practicing using software, I think it's fine to use different versions or even download from torrents and crack them... Most of these companies are happy for people to do that, because they're getting onto their products and in most cases go on to purchase their software when used for profit.

The only problem is, they're known to crash, whether it's a downloaded version, or cracked copy or a demo that has been released.

Your computer is clearly more than up to the task of handling that processing. The sound card looks nice. I would use that as your primary sound card and ignore the internal one. For midi, if you don't have it on your UX2 sound card - I would use a USB midi device like:

http://www.microanvika.com/product.asp?TXT=INFO&PNO=RLD51932&ref=froogle&cam=RLD51932&key=61730

(although there are much cheaper ones, just as effective if you just want to plug a keyboard in... ebay should have some).
But if you're not using a keyboard, then no probs! don't need it.

You know, I'm not "so techy" either... I'm a bit like you, that I just want to make music!... And all this techy stuff are just little hurdles to get to the point of being able to write and express music.

My gut instinct is telling me, once you have the full version of Cubase - it will begin to work fine. I would even recommend downloading an earlier version like Cubase SX 3 (cracked version) under the "try before you buy" idea. Also if you haven't yet purchased the latest version of Cubase (and that's what you'd prefer to do)... It's always worth having a look on ebay for earlier FULL versions (making absolutely sure that the copy serial numbers have NOT been registered under someones name) and then purchase the Upgrade Versions of Cubase to get to the latest version - can save hundreds £'s... or...
find a student or teacher, and get hold of Education Discount version (full version, just loooooads cheaper).

In terms of how to configure cubase and where to put plugins... There are solutions which I'm sure would help this or that.... But for what you've explained you're doing, this shouldn't relate to the problems you're experiencing with crashes etc and I think these solutions might be for real processor intensive projects with like 60 tracks etc.. (my thoughts)

If I think of anything else, I'll get back to you. Good luck!

Jake, thanks very much for the reply and advice. I've got the full version of Cubase 5 arriving this week and by then I'll have a clean computer to put it on, so I'll just have to take it from there.
All advice noted and appreciated and I'll get back to you and let you know how I get on. May call on your production skills at some point also...I'm in a process of teaching myself the production side of it, interesting isn't it?

[thegatherer]

Hey thegatherer,

I am a user of Cubase (also reason, FL and many others!). I would be happy to link you to a fully cracked version of version 4 (the most stable version yet ofc!), help you with the intallation and any other questions you may have....I'm by no means an expert and more on the lines of a hobbyist, but if I can help you, I will :)

If you want to respond here, or via PM, either is fine, so just holler! :)

ps...I'm at work at the moment, so can't access much right now :)

Cheers for the offer mate, but I decided to just get the official version of Cubase 5. One major reason being you can get some tech support from Steinberg when it's not working. I find computers counter-intuitive and if they fuck up I usually haven't got a clue!:D Mind you it does force you to learn when you have problems.
I'm not sure what 'cracked' means...I'm guessing it's a pirated but stable download?? Bet you can get loads of plugin stuff that way, but I dont like using torrent sites much because of all the viruses etc.

[thegatherer]

Where did you get the plug-ins from ? Are they 'cracked' ?

Best advice is leave the trial versions and just go for the stable cracked stuff (fully scanned before using it)

Scan all plug-ins too.

Was your windows 7 ultimate a 'copy' ?

Sounds like you should be ok after a full wipe, i shred all data that i dont need using BC wipe, and before i do format.

The plugins are originas. Right, so 'cracked' means scanned for viruses etc?
My Windows7 was a copy, or at least unlicensed but I've bitten the bullet on that and just bought the full version now, thought Microsoft could probably use the money!:rolleyes:
What's BC wipe? What's your view on Registry cleaners? Looked into that a bit but they all seem a bit dodgy for some reason!

[thegatherer]

For anyone who's interested; after wiping the computer, reloading Windows 7 with all the updates, using the full version of Cubase5 etc, loading all the plugins....it works like a dream!:D:cool:

For now...

[shocker]

For anyone who's interested; after wiping the computer, reloading Windows 7 with all the updates, using the full version of Cubase5 etc, loading all the plugins....it works like a dream!:D:cool:

For now...

Really pleased to hear that!!

Now....lets have a link to some of your music please!!! :)

[armoured_amazon]

Really pleased to hear that!!

Now....lets have a link to some of your music please!!! :)

+1 :)

[decode reality]

Hello,
I see there's a lot of fellow musicians on the forum, which is great.
Is anybody really well up with Steinbergs Cubase program?
The reason I ask is because I've recently tried to upgrade my home studio with a better computer, Cubase 5, several plugins etc but I'm struggling to get this thing working properly without a lot of computer crashes blah blah blah.
As you know this stuff is extremely annoyin when you just want to do something creative.
Anyway if anybody knows how to configure Cubase 5, home studios etc let me know because I could use some help!:)
Cheers.

wish i could help you....the tech side isn't my forte, unfortunately. I know the sounds I'm after, just not which buttons to press. :o

[thegatherer]

Really pleased to hear that!!

Now....lets have a link to some of your music please!!! :)

Oh thanks for the interest in the music. I'm currently on a steep learning curve teaching myself the production aspects of it. I also only know about 50% of how to use Cubase, so still learning that. On top of that if I do any songs I'm playing all the instruments myself...so it takes longer to get it all sweet. Maybe Christmas:D

Have you got any links to your stuff?

[thegatherer]

For anyone who's interested; after wiping the computer, reloading Windows 7 with all the updates, using the full version of Cubase5 etc, loading all the plugins....it works like a dream!:D:cool:

For now...

Only problem I have is with the Melodyne plugin...that's the pitch correction one that's mostly used to clean up vocals etc. Anyway Cubase crashes "a serious problem has occurred" if I try to use it as a plugin...

[energi]

Temporarily hijacking the thread a little bit:

Is it possible to set up a home studio with a laptop pc? The main difference would be that you're not able to plug in instruments directly to your soundcard (and mics, micing all the things in my tiny space + buying the right tools would cost me a fortune) right?

Thing is that I wanna have a homestudio, with computer made solely for music production and saving projects somewhere where people can't look... My current pc has the hardware and space needed but not the privacy - would it suffice if I ran another OS on start-up instad of buyinh a separate comp? :)

[thegatherer]

Temporarily hijacking the thread a little bit:

Is it possible to set up a home studio with a laptop pc? The main difference would be that you're not able to plug in instruments directly to your soundcard (and mics, micing all the things in my tiny space + buying the right tools would cost me a fortune) right?

Thing is that I wanna have a homestudio, with computer made solely for music production and saving projects somewhere where people can't look... My current pc has the hardware and space needed but not the privacy - would it suffice if I ran another OS on start-up instad of buyinh a separate comp? :)

Hiya mate, I'll answer what I can for you....

Yes, it is possible to have a home studio with a laptop pc, though it is not really ideal. Ideally it would need to be a fairly high spec computer, ie fast processor, plenty of RAM etc, but it really depends what kind of instruments you're planning to record.
If you're doing mostly Midi (Digital) stuff ie synths, drum machines etc then you probably could just plug into a soundcard etc if it is a good one.
For 'Audio' recording...ie vocals, guitars, microphones etc you really need to get a seperate audio interface which would connect to a USB port. You then plug your instruments,mics etc into that.

As for having seperate Operating systems...it is possible, but I think you would need a really good computer and it may cause problems, but that's just my personal opinion.

Hope some of that helps you pal, but feel free to use this thread if you have any more questions.;)

[shocker]

Oh thanks for the interest in the music. I'm currently on a steep learning curve teaching myself the production aspects of it. I also only know about 50% of how to use Cubase, so still learning that. On top of that if I do any songs I'm playing all the instruments myself...so it takes longer to get it all sweet. Maybe Christmas:D

Have you got any links to your stuff?


Hi m8 :)

No, I don't have any links as yet, I don't think my music is even past the listenable stage yet!!! I really will try to get something up soon tho....my style is Hard Trance / Dance, what's yours?

And woot for playing your own instruments! I wish I had that kind of talent tbh. I play "by ear", no real skill involved at all!!

I have tried Melodyne in the past, but your mention of it has reminded me of how good a plug-in it is, so I'll be downloading that in a bit!! I really like this thread too, it's so nice to have a place of positivity to come to amongst some of the negativity that this forum provides at times, so thank you :)

[thegatherer]

Hi m8 :)

No, I don't have any links as yet, I don't think my music is even past the listenable stage yet!!! I really will try to get something up soon tho....my style is Hard Trance / Dance, what's yours?

And woot for playing your own instruments! I wish I had that kind of talent tbh. I play "by ear", no real skill involved at all!!

I have tried Melodyne in the past, but your mention of it has reminded me of how good a plug-in it is, so I'll be downloading that in a bit!! I really like this thread too, it's so nice to have a place of positivity to come to amongst some of the negativity that this forum provides at times, so thank you :)


My style is song based with vocals, harmonies, guitars and any instrument sounds that I think works...ie strings, synths, brass, pianos...whatever.
I would argue sbout playing by ear involving no skill?? I think playing by ear is fine, I dont really read music myself. In the end you hear music and you feel it, that's the important bit!;).
Keep going with your stuff pal. If your worried about it being listenable etc I would advise just keep working on one project till you get it right. Keep listening to it and changing it till it sounds like you want it to sound. I think in the end you have to learn something about EQ and production, mixing in general to get things sounding professional and get the instruments working together. See ya later dude:)