Steinberg has announced Cubase 16, the latest version of its digital audio workstation, with updates spanning MIDI composition, audio editing, sound design, mixing and hardware integration.
The release introduces Instrument Stacks for combining multiple instruments into a single playable setup, an expanded stem separation system, and new Spectral AudioWarp algorithms for extreme time-stretching and pitch-shifting.
Other additions include new Key Editor functions, expanded MIDI 2.0 support, Ableton Link synchronization, a redesigned Settings window and additional mixing capabilities in Cubase Pro.
The new features are distributed across the Pro, Artist and Elements editions, with some functions restricted to specific versions.
Features:
- Instrument Stacks, available in Cubase Pro and Artist, combine multiple VST instruments, Sampler Tracks and Drum Tracks into a single playable instrument, with per-layer filtering and unified control.
- Stem Separation in Cubase Pro uses an updated algorithm to divide recordings into six individual parts: vocals, drums, bass, piano, guitar and other.
- Spectral AudioWarp introduces new time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithms developed by Steinberg’s HALion team, targeting more extreme audio transformations and sound-design applications.
- The Key Editor gains a Strum function for adjusting the timing of chord notes, allowing programmed chords to take on a more strummed performance character.
- Stretch Selection allows MIDI passages to be expanded or compressed to fit a new duration, including changes that can create accelerando and ritardando effects.
- A new Lyrics function allows users to enter lyrics alongside MIDI notes in the Key Editor, supporting vocal composition workflows.
- Omnivocal Basic adds vocal synthesis based on Yamaha’s vocal technology, with two voicebanks for creating vocal parts from MIDI notes and entered lyrics.
- Expanded MIDI 2.0 support includes Note Expression and orchestral articulation messages.
- MIDI CC messages can now be assigned custom names, making it easier to work with external hardware and instruments that use specific controller assignments.
- Ableton Link support synchronizes tempo and transport with compatible applications and devices.
- Tempo Detection has been updated with a new algorithm and redesigned workflow for identifying and working with the tempo of recorded audio.
- Cubase Pro now supports up to 16 audio sends per channel, double the previous eight-send limit. Control Room cue sends have also increased from four to eight.
- An extended ASIO-Guard pre-processing buffer provides additional processing headroom for large projects with high plug-in loads.
- External Connections brings audio, MIDI and synchronization setup for external hardware instruments and effects into a consolidated configuration workflow.
- The Settings window has been redesigned as a searchable, non-modal interface, bringing preferences, key commands, project settings and audio connections together.
- Quick Help provides context-sensitive information about Cubase functions through the Left Zone or a floating window.
- Additional included content and tools include the DrumChain and VocalTouch plug-ins, the Module FM preset library and five new sample packs.
- Cubase 16 adds support for importing AAC and M4A audio files across its editions.
- Video output can now be sent to multiple displays simultaneously.
Pricing & Availability:
Cubase 16 is available in Pro, Artist and Elements editions
- $599.99 for Cubase Pro 16
- $299.99 for Cubase Artist 16
- $99.99 for Cubase Elements 16.
Updates, upgrades, crossgrades and educational licenses are also available through Steinberg.
