Cubase 13 Release Notes

Cubase 13.0.30

What’s new?

March 20, 2024 – The Cubase 13.0.30 maintenance update is now available. The update introduces many fixes and improvements in several areas of the application. Instantly noticeable are the improvements to the user interface. We have carefully analyzed the user feedback after the release and made several refinements, mostly in the MixConsole and the Project window. Another major improvement is the change to the project file format which now allows file sizes of more than 2GB.

User interface improvements

13.0.30 introduces further user interface refinements that improve readability and the overall look and feel in several areas.

Most of the refinements can be found in the MixConsole and in the track list of the Project window. You will notice that we have reduced the brightness of the white font, icons, and other elements to lower the contrast on dark backgrounds. We have refined the visual appearance of several elements to streamline the user interface and improve the usability when highlighting selected tracks or channels. The inversion of text and icon colors is now more consistent.

There is also a new option "Track Name Font Weight" in the Event Display > Tracks page of the Preferences dialog that allows you to select between "bold" and "regular" font weight for the track name in the track list of the Project window. We have kept "bold" as the default for now, but please give the "regular" setting a try and let us know what you think.

Changes to the project file format

The original specifications of the Cubase and Nuendo project file format (*.cpr and *.npr) were not conceived for project files larger than 2 GB. As a result of technical progress, such as ARA support, and of an increased complexity of VST plug-ins, more and more data was stored in the project files by the plug-ins, causing an increase of the file size. Unfortunately, project files that exceeded the size of 2 GB may have gotten corrupted when saved. In practice, the issue occurred just rarely.

With Cubase 13.0.30 we introduce a change to the project file format to support much larger file sizes. Cubase will now detect automatically whether to use the previous (32-bit) format or the new (64-bit) project file format. When the project file size requires the 64-bit format to be used, you will be informed via a dialogue.

64-bit project files will be only be compatible with Cubase 13.0.30 or higher. It will not be possible to open 64-bit projects in earlier versions (i.e. 13.0.20) or generations (i.e. Cubase 12). Once a project file is saved in 64-bit format it cannot be converted back to 32-bit.

You can find more details and tips to reduce the project file size here: https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-us/articles/16605644390546-Cubase-Nuendo-Invalid-project-after-saving

We have improved the following features and functionality

Editing

Zooming while playback does no longer cause undesired scroll position jumps.

Audio Quantize using phase-coherent warp is now applied immediately

·       Audio events no longer get silent after VariAudio editing.

Track Import

Tempo tracks and signature tracks can now only be imported when the target project transport is in " Bars and Beats" mode.

The track import function now supports range import of a signature track.

The track import function now supports range import of a tempo track.

Miscellanous

On Windows, the Hub now provides a dedicated Quit button for closing the program

A MIDI track routed to a VST instrument now shows both the audio return volume fader and the MIDI volume fader in the Track Inspector.

The "Fixed number of slots" option has been removed from the MixConsole Functions menu and replaced by the "Show all available Slots for…" in the context menus of the Inserts, Sends, Cue Sends, Direct Routing, and Quick Controls sections in the MixConsole, the Track and the Channel Inspector. The settings are stored globally and are also used for linked MixConsoles. For the Lower Zone MixConsole, the option is always active.

Cubase now supports the MPE MIDI Device "Expressive E Osmose" as Note Expression Input Device.

Cubase can now retrieve the Origin Time from .wav files with embedded markers that are written by Wavelab.

VST Instruments now play correctly when sending note events with a velocity value of "1".

Device Panels now work correctly on Instrument tracks.

On Mac OS, the Direct Offline Processing window is now resizing correctly when selecting plug-ins in the process list, or when selecting different clips.

Reordering attributes in the result area of the Naming Scheme dialog now works as expected.

Project folders created by the user are kept when closing a project without saving.

Freezing of several tracks works as expected, even if one of the tracks has no events.

User Pattern Banks for "Beat Designer" can be now properly browsed and loaded.

The result list in the Media Rack now retains its key navigation focus when controlling something in the preview section (e.g. volume).

We have improved the handling for selecting Audio Click Outputs in the Metronome Setup window.

Already existing MIDI CCs recorded in "Step" mode are no longer reduced when recorded in "Ramp" mode later.

Changing amp models in the "AmpSimulator" plug-in now works correctly.

The VST MultiPanner can now be controlled from EuCon-based control surfaces.

We have improved the handling of sections when selecting specific tools via key commands and "Expand Sections Exclusively" is enabled in the Sample Editor.

The "Input Transformer" is now available for sampler tracks.

MixConsole

The Pre/Post Fader divider for the Inserts section can now be moved again behind the last visible slot.

The "Show CR in Master" and "Show CR in Loudness" state is now remembered and always reset to off when tabs have been switched in the Control Room.

Entering values for track "Volume" parameters on tracks connected to VCA Faders now works as expected.

Option for "Always On Top" is now back in the Channel Settings window.

Track/Channel "Solo exclusive" mode now works as expected.

User interface

We have improved the visual status indication for Track Control "Switch time base between Musical and Linear".

Selecting a multi-out instrument return in the track list now correctly updates the Channel Inspector to show the specific return channel instead of the main instrument channel.

The "Edit Instruments" button can now also close an opened VST Instrument window.

The name font of folder tracks now inverts its color in selection state correctly.

shortened to show the most important part if there is not enough space to display the entire name.

We fixed a user interface layout issue in the Metronome Setup dialog.

The Stereo Panner in the Fader section is now expanding in height as in previous versions.

We have increased the font size in the result lists of the MediaBay.

Stability

We have improved the stability in the following areas:

when loading projects from former Cubase versions like e.g. Cubase 12

when attempting to open "Time Stretch" as Direct Offline Process

when undoing Audio Warp editing

when performing repeated Audio Warp editing

when attempting to use "Render In Place" on tracks with the RoomWorks plug-in inserted

when using the Export Audio Mixdown function and overwriting an already existing audio file

when using VST System Link

when recording SysEx data from external MIDI devices

when using the "Reset Layout" under Window > Windows > Reset Layout

Cubase 13.0.21

What's new?

January 25, 2024 – This Windows-only update resolves several issues that could lead to graphic glitches on Windows systems. Although these issues only occur on specific hardware configurations, we recommend all Windows users to install the update.

The update is immediately available via the Steinberg Download Assistant.

Cubase 13.0.20

What's new?

December 12, 2023 – The Cubase 13.0.20 maintenance update is now available. With this maintenance update we are integrating many improvements and a long list of fixes and corrections in numerous areas of the application.

The update is immediately available for download via the Steinberg Download Assistant.

With the release of 13.0.20, we also made the Cubase 13 trial available. As of now, Cubase Elements 13 and Cubase Pro 13 can be tested for free.

Graphical issues on Windows

Windows systems may still experience GUI glitches that manifest as white UI areas, elements rendered out-of-place, or flickering (e.g., in SuperVision, in Groove Agent SE, or in the Project window during scrolling).

We are actively working together with Microsoft to find a comprehensive solution across all systems. Meanwhile, we have identified a workaround in connection with NVIDIA or AMD settings. For detailed instructions, please follow this Link.

Tap Tempo

The Tap Tempo feature gets new override options. In the new Tap Tempo Mode pop-up menu you can find the following options:

Automatic: The same as before (default).

Insert tempo event at selection start: Inserts a tempo marker at the start of the current selection, does not do anything if nothing is selected.

Insert tempo event at last playback start position: Inserts the tempo event at the last playback start position.

Insert tempo event at cursor position: Inserts a tempo event at the cursor position.

Set project tempo: Sets the rehearsal tempo if the tempo track is disabled. Otherwise, it changes the initial tempo event of the tempo track.

Display only: Displays the tapped tempo without applying any tempo changes.

EQ Pop-up Display

The EQ pop-up display in the MixConsole now follows the Equalizer Settings in the Channel Settings window. This affects the following settings:

Show Equalizer Controls

Show Controls as Sliders

Show Controls as Knobs

Show FFT Pre EQ Curve

Hold FFT Post EQ Peak Curve

Transparency for Reference Channel Curve

Track name font color

The track name font color for the selected track is inverted (to black), when the Selection Brightness setting in the Preferences dialog exceeds a certain threshold.

Track Inspector and Channel Tab

The Track Inspector and Channel tab headers have now an expand/collapse state indicator.

We have also improved the following features and functionalities:

ARA

Switching between ARA extensions in a separate window is now working as expected.

The Make Extension Permanent function now also works on shared audio events.

We resolved an issue where ARA extension edits on hidden track versions could be lost when saving and reloading the project.

Direct Offline Processing

Using the REVerence plug-in in Direct Offline Processing now works again as expected.

We resolved an issue where the Normalize and Gain processes did not apply correctly when triggered from favorites.

We resolved an issue where the progress indicator for Direct Offline Processing would randomly stay in a busy state even after completion.

Closing the Direct Offline Processing window now works as expected again.

We resolved an issue where the Open Direct Offline Processing Window button in the toolbar did not work as expected.

We resolved an issue where using Direct Offline Processing in audition mode did not work as expected.

We resolved an issue where drag and drop of inserts from the MixConsole and the Channel tab to the Direct Offline Processing window did not work as expected.

We resolved an issue where offline processes were not functioning in the Sample Editor when Auto Apply was deactivated.

We resolved an issue where applying offline processes via the Pool did not work as expected.

Editing

We resolved an issue where Insert Silence between left and right Locators did not work as expected when the project contained a ruler track.

We resolved an issue where the GUI for the Detect Silence function would randomly not allow the selection of strip or split options.

We resolved an issue where Acoustic Feedback did not work as expected when MIDI note Velocity was changed in the info line.

We resolved an issue where the pitch bend value in the info line did not respond to the Semitone grid setting.

We resolved an issue where Time Warp anchors in the Time Warp tool were not visible and could not be deleted using Shift + Click.

We resolved an issue, where the Edit > Range > Insert Silence function did not work as expected when a ruler track was selected.

The arranger track edit button can now be used to open and close the Arranger Editor window.

Export

Resizing the Export Queue area in the Audio Export dialog is now working as expected.

Exporting an Audio Mixdown now works as expected again.

We resolved an issue where, when replacing audio in multiple videos simultaneously, all exported files received the same name.

Import

We resolved an issue where output routing for sub-channels of existing tracks did not work as expected when using the Import Tracks from Project function.

We resolved an issue where tracks imported using the Import Tracks from Project function were sometimes silent when only events and parts were selected.

Key Commands

We have resolved an issue where key commands could be lost under certain circumstances.

When renaming a Key Command macro, the macro tree will now be updated to accurately reflect the correct alphabetical position of the new name.

MIDI Remote

The Pick for MIDI Remote Mapping function has been restored and is visible again in all designated areas.

We resolved an issue with MIDI Remote involving the use of relative encoders.

We have added a new MIDI Remote factory script for the ESI Xjam MIDI controller.

MixConsole

The EQ pop-up display in the Channel tab and MixConsole can now be used as expected.

We resolved an issue where the MixConsole window would appear empty when loading projects from previous versions.

We resolved an issue where MixConsole zones did not recall correctly when switching between projects.

We resolved an issue where having an open EQ pop-up display in the Channel tab and MixConsole could potentially disable the transport functions.

The Show All and Reset All buttons in the MixConsole toolbar setup panel now have an effect on all linked MixConsoles.

Primary and Secondary Parameters for Increase/Decrease commands are now working as expected in the MixConsole fader area.

The display of the Routing section in the MixConsole at narrow zoom levels has been optimized.

The Channel Latency display in the MixConsole has been enhanced for improved visibility when using narrow view settings.

The setting Preferences > Editing > Project & MixConsole > Scrolling: Disable Mouse Wheel for Parameter Change no longer disables horizontal scrolling for parameter changes.

Miscellaneous

Writing automation data for the Frequency 2 and Studio EQ plug-ins and the channel EQ by moving the EQ curve via mouse has been improved.

Clicking on the name field in the fader area within the output chain of the Channel Settings window now enables channel switching.

In frozen tracks, Quick Control cells that control a frozen parameter are now shown in a disabled state and can no longer be moved.

Alt + Click on the VST instrument name in the Inspector Routing section now deactivates the VST Instrument.

We resolved an issue where newly saved FX Chain Presets, Track Presets, and Strip Presets were not appearing in Load Preset dialogs (macOS only).

We resolved an issue where the Add Marker function did not work as expected when using a Mackie Control device.

Loading projects from earlier versions is again working as expected.

We resolved an issue where Cycle playback, in conjunction with an arranger track, did not function as expected.

Plug-ins

The position of the divider for allowing recording of MIDI inserts is now consistently displayed after reopening a project.

Entering notes in the MIDI plug-in Chorder can now be used as expected.

The Frequency 2 plug-in now displays correct Cut Filter parameter values.

The Renderer for Dolby Atmos plug-in can no longer be mistakenly selected as a panner.

We resolved an issue where VST3 plug-ins installed in a plug-in path with special unicode characters were not appearing.

Triggering the Vocoder plug-in with a MIDI keyboard is now working as expected.

We resolved an issue where the graphics of the AutoPan plug-in were not displayed correctly when using RND1 and RND2.

We resolved an issue where certain 3rd party plug-in windows had an unusual animation upon opening.

Routing

We resolved an issue where MIDI sends displayed an incorrect channel number in the destination pop-up within the MixConsole.

MIDI Devices created in the MIDI Device Manager are now correctly displayed in MIDI Sends.

We resolved an issue where changing the device in the MIDI Sends resulted in a reset of the MIDI channel to 1.

Configuring MIDI end destinations in the MIDI Channel Settings window is again working as expected.

Tracks

We resolved an issue where results from the Find Tracks function were not correctly displayed in a divided track list.

We resolved an issue where certain track types were incorrectly represented by the wrong track color in the Visibility list.

We resolved an issue where the Visibility list in the Inspector consistently scrolled to the selected track.

User Interface

We resolved an issue where the context menu of the timeline ruler was not displayed correctly.

The List Editor now also has a menu bar.

The zone controls in editors now have a consistent size.

When choosing an automation lane, the Channel tab now displays the corresponding content of the parent track.

The Find Missing Files dialog has been improved.

Changing the color of Pre-Fader Send and Post-Fader Send cells is now working as expected.

The Snap to Zero Crossing icon has been optimized.

VariAudio

We resolved an issue where VariAudio note segments could become hidden after switching Workspaces.

Editing VariAudio segments in the Sample Editor is again working as expected.

Video

We resolved an issue related to the naming of video files when utilizing Replace Audio in Video for multiple video files.

The "Abort" button in the Replace Audio in Video function is now working as expected.

Cubase 13

What's new?

November 2, 2023 – We are very happy to announce the immediate availability of Cubase 13. You can learn about all the new features and improvements on the product pages. There are plenty of tutorials in which our Cubase product specialist Dom Sigalas explains the new functionality in detail and shows you little tricks that can make a big difference.
There are a couple of things to be noted, though, and this text serves to give you some information on known issues, discontinued features, the grace period, and more.

Grace Period update

The Grace Period of Cubase 13 started on August 23, 2023. This means that anyone who has activated a Cubase version since then is eligible for a free update to Cubase 13. You can find details on the process of updating to Cubase 13 within the free Grace Period in our Steinberg Helpcenter.

New demo projects

There are two new demo projects available for download via the Steinberg Download Assistant. The first demo project was produced by the one and only Austin Hull and makes intensive use of the new plug-ins, including the VocalChain. If you want to learn how to get the most out of the new plug-ins in Cubase 13, you should check out his project. The second project was produced by Chris Nairn aka AZODi and features the excellent sample pack “Soulful RnB Vocals” by 91Vocals. Be sure not to miss out on this inspirational project!

Hybrid CPU support

We have invested a lot of time and effort in optimizing and testing Cubase 13 for hybrid-architecture CPUs, and we are happy to offer full support for both Windows and Mac.

Known Issues

On macOS only, some 3rd-party plug-in windows always open in the upper left area of the primary display, before moving to their actual positions. We will resolve this issue with the next maintenance update.

On Windows only, unusual graphical artifacts may appear on the user interface under certain circumstances. We will resolve this issue with the next maintenance update.

Discontinued features and services

Project Browser

The Project Browser will be discontinued, as of Cubase 13. Originally designed as a debugging tool for our development, from a technical point of view, it was no longer feasible to maintain the Project Browser with its current design, which is why we decided to invest the time and resources in more popular features of the application.

VST Transit

After many years of putting our heart, soul, and hard work into VST Transit, as announced earlier this year, this technology will no longer be available. VST Transit is a great technology that brought musicians and producers together. However, it was extremely time-consuming to support and maintain, in order to provide the consistently high level of service that our customers expect and deserve, and unfortunately, the technology reached a point when it was no longer economically viable. We believe in the concept and will assess ways to provide a similar service to our customers again in the future. If you have questions regarding the discontinuation of VST Transit, please contact the Steinberg Support team.