When people talk about the history of DAWs, Cubase almost always comes up. Originally released in 1989 by Steinberg, Cubase is one of the true pioneers of computer-based music production.
Over three decades later, it remains a powerhouse for composers, producers, and audio engineers who need depth, precision, and professional-grade tools.
A Little History
Cubase began life on the Atari ST, one of the earliest platforms for MIDI sequencing. Steinberg didn’t just build Cubase—they also invented the VST (Virtual Studio Technology) standard in 1996, which essentially created the plugin ecosystem we all rely on today. Since then, Cubase has consistently led the pack in MIDI innovation, scoring, and advanced audio tools, securing its reputation in studios worldwide.
Key Features at a Glance
- Industry-leading MIDI editing – Possibly the deepest and most flexible MIDI editor of any DAW.
- Score editor – Ideal for composers who need traditional notation alongside MIDI.
- VariAudio – Built-in pitch correction and vocal editing.
- Control Room – Manage multiple monitor setups and cue mixes easily.
- Massive sound library – Comes with a wide selection of instruments, loops, and presets.
- Professional workflow – Handles everything from songwriting to mixing and mastering.
- Cross-platform – Available on Windows and macOS.
Who’s It For?
Cubase is perfect for serious composers, film scorers, and studio professionals. If you work with complex arrangements, orchestration, or need deep MIDI control, Cubase is hard to beat. It’s less immediate and “fun” than something like FL Studio or Ableton, but if you want a rock-solid, feature-rich DAW for professional production, it’s a top contender.
Our Take
Cubase is like the seasoned studio veteran—not flashy, but reliable and endlessly capable. It’s not the cheapest, and it can feel overwhelming for beginners, but for professionals who want to do everything under one roof, Cubase remains one of the most complete DAWs on the market.
