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Operation Manual

The Steinberg Documentation Team: Cristina Bachmann, Martina Becker, Heiko Bischoff, Lillie Harris, Christina
Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte
Translation: Ability InterBusiness Solutions (AIBS), Moon Chen, Jérémie Dal Santo, Rosa Freitag, GiEmme
Solutions, Josep Llodra Grimalt, Vadim Kupriianov, Roland Münchow, Boris Rogowski, Sergey Tamarovsky
This document provides improved access for people who are blind or have low vision. Please note that due to the
complexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on
the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License
Agreement and may not be copied to other media except as specifically allowed in the License Agreement.
No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Registered licensees of the product
described herein may print one copy of this document for their personal use.
All product and company names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, please
visit www.steinberg.net/trademarks.
© Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, 2022.
All rights reserved.
Cubase Pro_12.0.20_en-US_2022-04-27
Table of Contents

8 New Features 140 Sampler Tracks

144 MIDI Tracks
12 Introduction 147 Group Channel Tracks
12 Platform-Independent Documentation 150 FX Channel Tracks
12 PDF Documents and Online Documentation 153 VCA Fader Track
13 Documentation Structure 155 Marker Track
13 Conventions 157 Ruler Track
14 Key Commands 159 Folder Tracks
15 Setting up Your System 162 Tempo Track
15 Studio Setup Dialog 164 Signature Track
16 Setting up Audio 165 Arranger Track
25 Setting up MIDI 167 Transpose Track
30 Synchronizers 168 Chord Track
171 Video Tracks
31 Audio Connections
31 Audio Connections Window 173 Track Handling
36 Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs 173 Adding Tracks via the Add Track Dialog
38 Adding Input and Output Busses 173 Adding Tracks Using Track Presets
38 Adding Child Busses 174 Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the
39 Presets for Input and Output Busses MediaBay
40 Adding Group and FX Channels 174 Track Import from Projects or Track Archives
40 Monitoring Bus 179 Track Export
40 External Instruments and Effects 181 Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files
47 Bus Configurations 182 Splitting Multi-Channel Audio Tracks
184 Merging Mono Audio Tracks to Multi-Channel
49 Project Window
Tracks
50 Showing/Hiding Zones
185 Removing Selected Tracks
50 Project Zone
186 Removing Empty Tracks
66 Left Zone
186 Moving Tracks in the Track List
75 Lower Zone
186 Renaming Tracks
82 Right Zone
186 Automatically Assigning Colors to New Tracks/
88 Keyboard Focus in the Project Window
Channels
90 Zooming in the Project Window
187 Showing Track Pictures
93 Snap Function
188 Setting the Track Height
97 Snap Grid
189 Selecting Tracks
98 Cross-Hair Cursor
190 Deselecting Tracks
99 Edit History Dialog
190 Duplicating Tracks
100 Color Handling
191 Disabling Tracks
108 Project Handling 191 Freezing Multiple Tracks
108 Creating New Projects 192 Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks
108 Hub 193 Handling Overlapping Audio
109 Project Assistant Dialog 194 Track Folding Menu
110 Project Files 194 Events Display on Folder Tracks
111 Template Files 195 Modifying Event Display on Folder Tracks
114 Project Setup Dialog 195 Lanes, Takes, and Overlapping Events
117 Opening Project Files 198 Defining the Track Time Base
118 Saving Project Files 199 Track Versions
119 Reverting to the Last Saved Version 207 Track Presets
119 Choosing a Project Location
214 Parts and Events
120 Self-Contained Projects
214 Events
123 Tracks 218 Parts
123 Track Inspector Settings Dialog 219 Editing Techniques for Parts and Events
126 Track Controls Settings Dialog
249 Range Editing
132 Add Track Dialog
249 Creating a Selection Range
133 Audio Tracks
251 Editing Selection Ranges
137 Instrument Tracks

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Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Table of Contents

255 Playback and Transport 377 Showing/Hiding Marker Lines in the Project
255 Transport Panel Window
260 Transport Menu 378 Showing/Hiding Marker Lines in the Key Editor
265 Transport Bar 379 Markers Window
271 Transport Pop-Up Window 383 Marker Track
271 Time Display Window 385 Importing and Exporting Markers
272 Left and Right Locators 388 MixConsole
275 Setting the Project Cursor 388 MixConsole in Lower Zone
276 Auto-Scroll Settings Menu 391 MixConsole Window
276 Time Formats
277 Pre-Roll and Post-Roll 464 VCA Faders
278 Punch In and Punch Out 464 VCA Fader Settings
279 Metronome Click 466 Creating VCA Faders in the MixConsole
290 Chase 467 Assigning VCA Faders to Link Groups
467 Removing VCA Faders from Link Groups
292 On-Screen Keyboard 468 Nested VCA Faders
292 Recording MIDI With the On-Screen Keyboard 468 VCA Fader Automation
293 On-Screen Keyboard Options
470 Control Room
294 Recording 470 Adding Channels to the Control Room
294 Basic Recording Methods 471 Output Routing
299 Monitoring 471 Exclusive Assignment of Monitor Channels
301 Audio Recording Specifics 471 Control Room Channels
306 MIDI Recording Specifics 473 Control Room - Main Tab
314 Remaining Record Time 478 Control Room - Inserts Tab
315 Lock Record 481 Setting up a Cue Mix
316 Importing Audio and MIDI Files 482 Adjusting the Overall Cue Send Level
316 Audio File Import 483 Metering and Loudness
323 MIDI File Import 483 Metering
326 Quantizing MIDI and Audio 490 Audio Effects
326 Quantize Functions 490 Insert Effects and Send Effects
327 Quantizing MIDI Event Starts 492 Insert Effects
328 Quantizing MIDI Event Lengths 500 VST Effect Selector
328 Quantizing MIDI Event Ends 501 Send Effects
328 Quantizing Audio Event Starts 506 Side-Chaining
329 Quantizing Audio Event Lengths (AudioWarp 511 Dither Effects
Quantizing) 511 External Effects
330 Quantizing Multiple Audio Tracks 512 Effect Control Panel
331 Quantize Panel 515 Effect Presets
341 Fades, Crossfades, and Envelopes 520 System Component Information Window
341 Event-Based Fades 522 Direct Offline Processing
346 Creating Clip-Based Fades 523 Direct Offline Processing Workflow
347 Crossfades 524 Direct Offline Processing Window
355 Auto Fades and Crossfades 536 Built-In Audio Processes
357 Event Envelopes 544 Key Commands for Direct Offline Processing
359 Arranger Track 546 Time Stretch and Pitch Shift Algorithms
359 Adding Arranger Events on the Arranger Track 546 élastique
360 Arranger Editor 547 MPEX
363 Setting up an Arranger Chain and Adding 547 Standard
Events 548 Limitations
365 Jump Mode
367 Arranging Music to Video 550 Audio Functions
550 Detect Silence Dialog
368 Transpose Functions 554 Spectrum Analyzer Window
368 Project Root Key 556 Statistics Window
371 Transpose Track
373 Keep Transpose in Octave Range 558 Sample Editor
374 Transpose on the Info Line 559 Sample Editor Toolbar
375 Excluding Individual Parts or Events from 565 Info Line
Global Transpose 566 Overview Line
566 Sample Editor Inspector
376 Markers 570 Ruler
376 Position Markers 571 Waveform Display
376 Cycle Markers 573 Range Editing

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Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Table of Contents

577 Regions List 657 Creating Sampler Tracks

580 Snap Point 658 Sampler Control
583 Hitpoints 673 Sample Editing and Playback Functions
584 Calculating Hitpoints 679 Transferring Samples from Sampler Control to
588 Locating to Hitpoints in the Project Window VST Instruments
588 Slices 681 Pool
590 Creating a Groove Quantize Preset 681 Pool Window
591 Creating Markers 686 Working with the Pool
591 Creating Regions 702 MediaBay and Media Rack
592 Creating Events 702 Media Rack in Right Zone
592 Creating Warp Markers 713 MediaBay Window
592 Creating MIDI Notes 741 Working with Volume Databases
595 Tempo Matching Audio 743 MediaBay Settings
595 Algorithm Presets 745 Surround Sound
596 Stretching Audio Events to the Project Tempo 746 Deliverables
596 Musical Mode 746 Available Surround Channel Configurations
598 Auto Adjust 748 Preparations for Creating Surround Mixes
599 Manual Adjust 751 VST MultiPanner
601 Free Warp 768 MixConvert V6
603 Flattening Realtime Processing 773 Surround Mix Export
604 Unstretching Audio Files 773 Object Audio in Cubase
605 Pitch Editing and Time Correction with 790 Ambisonics Mixes
VariAudio 804 Automation
605 VariAudio and Offline Processes 804 Automation Curves
605 VariAudio Inspector Section 804 Static Value Line
608 Segments and Gaps 804 Write/Read Automation
611 Sample Editor Piano Keyboard Display 805 Writing Automation Data
612 Navigating and Zooming through Segments 807 Editing Automation Events
612 Auditioning 812 Automation Tracks
613 Smart Controls 813 Virgin Territory vs. Initial Value
614 Segment Editing 814 Automation Panel
617 Selecting a Musical Scale for VariAudio
Segments 826 VST Instruments
618 Using the Chord Track Data as a Musical Scale 826 Adding VST Instruments
619 Pitch Changes 827 VST Instrument Control Panel
628 Timing Modifications 829 VST Instrument Selector
629 Showing MIDI Reference Tracks 830 Creating Instrument Tracks
631 Formant Shifting 830 VSTi Rack in the Right Zone
631 Editing Volume 831 VST Instruments Window
632 Functions Menu 831 VST Instruments Window Toolbar
636 Harmony Voices for Audio 832 VST Instrument Controls
834 Presets for Instruments
638 Audio Part Editor 836 Playing Back VST Instruments
639 Audio Part Editor Toolbar 839 Latency
644 Info Line 840 Import and Export Options
644 Ruler 842 Side-Chaining for VST Instruments
645 Lanes 843 External Instruments
645 Operations
844 Installing and Managing VST Plug-ins
649 Extensions in Cubase 844 Plug-ins and Collections
649 Activating Extensions for Audio Events 847 Adding New Plug-in Collections
650 Removing Extensions from Audio Events 848 Hiding Plug-ins
651 Permanently Applying Extension Edits to Audio 849 Reactivating Plug-ins from the Blocklist
Events
652 Activating Extensions for Audio Tracks 850 Track Quick Controls
653 Removing Extensions from Audio Tracks 851 Parameter Assignment
653 Permanently Applying Extension Edits to Audio 854 Controlling Automatable Parameters
Tracks 856 MIDI Remote
653 Editor 856 MIDI Remote Tab
655 Audio Event Editing 861 Using Supported MIDI Controllers with MIDI
656 Sampler Tracks Remote
656 Loading Audio Samples into Sampler Control 861 Other MIDI Controllers and MIDI Remote
657 Loading MIDI Parts into Sampler Control 866 Add MIDI Controller Surface Dialog

5
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Table of Contents

872 MIDI Controller Settings Pane 1049 Expression Maps

872 MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant 1050 Articulations
880 MIDI Remote Manager Window 1050 Expression Map Setup Window
886 MIDI Remote Script Console 1052 Creating and Editing Expression Maps
887 MIDI Remote API 1058 Inserting Articulations
888 Remote-Controlling Cubase 1061 Note Expression
888 Connecting Remote Devices 1062 VST Note Expressions
888 Removing the Remote Input from All MIDI 1063 MIDI Controllers
Inputs 1068 Note Expression Inspector Section
889 Setting up Remote Devices 1071 Note Expression Tools
891 Remote Devices and Automation 1071 Controller Mapping
892 Assigning Commands to Remote Devices 1073 Recording
893 Remote Control Editor 1076 Note Expression Event Editor
897 Joysticks 1082 Trimming Note Expression Data
898 Track Quick Controls 1082 Removing All Note Expression Data
899 VST Quick Controls 1083 Note Expression MIDI Setup Dialog
901 Generic Remote Page (Legacy) 1087 Chord Functions
906 MIDI Realtime Parameters and MIDI Effects 1087 Chord Track
906 MIDI Track Parameters 1088 Chord Events
909 MIDI Modifiers 1097 Scale Events
914 MIDI Effects 1100 Voicings
917 Transpose and Velocity on the Info Line 1103 Converting Chord Events to MIDI
918 Using MIDI Devices 1105 Controlling MIDI or Audio Playback Using the
918 Program Change Messages and Bank Select Chord Track
Messages 1109 Assigning Voices to Notes
919 Patch Banks 1109 Creating Chord Events from MIDI
919 MIDI Device Manager 1111 Creating Chord Events from Audio Events
925 Device Panels 1112 Recording Chord Events with a MIDI Keyboard

928 MIDI Functions 1113 Chord Pads

928 Transpose Setup Dialog 1113 Chord Pads Zone
929 Merging MIDI Events into a New Part 1116 Functions Menu
931 Dissolve Part Dialog 1117 Chord Assistant
933 Bouncing MIDI Parts 1120 Chord Assignment
933 Repeating MIDI Events of Independent Track 1124 Swapping Chord Assignments
Loops 1124 Copying Chord Assignments
933 Extending MIDI Notes 1124 Playing Back and Recording Chords
934 Fixing MIDI Note Lengths 1127 Player Setup
934 Fixing MIDI Note Velocities 1134 Chord Pads Setup Dialog
935 Rendering Sustain Pedal Data to Note Lengths 1140 Chord Pads Presets
936 Deleting Overlaps 1141 Creating Chord Events from Chord Pads
936 Editing Velocity 1141 Creating MIDI Parts from Chord Pads
937 Deleting Double Notes 1142 Project Input Transformer
938 Deleting Controller Data 1142 Project Input Transformer Window Overview
938 Deleting Continuous Controller Data 1143 Project Input Transformer Presets Browser
938 Restricting Polyphonic Voices 1146 Project Input Transformer Filter Settings
939 Thinning Out Controller Data 1150 Project Input Transformer Functions
939 Extracting MIDI Automation 1151 Project Input Transformer Action Settings
940 Reversing the Playback Order of MIDI Events 1153 Project Input Transformer Operations
940 Inverting the Order of Selected MIDI Events 1154 Logical Editor
940 Creating a Tempo Track from Tapping 1154 Logical Editor Window Overview
941 MIDI Editors 1155 Logical Editor Presets Browser
941 Common MIDI Editor Functions 1158 Logical Editor Filter Settings
950 Controller Display 1168 Logical Editor Functions
977 Key Editor 1169 Logical Editor Action Settings
995 Key Editor Operations 1173 Project Logical Editor
1011 Drum Editor 1173 Project Logical Editor Window Overview
1023 Drum Editor Operations 1174 Project Logical Editor Presets Browser
1026 Drum Maps 1177 Project Logical Editor Filter Settings
1031 List Editor 1188 Project Logical Editor Functions
1041 List Editor Operations 1189 Project Logical Editor Action Settings
1046 In-Place Editor 1190 Project Logical Editor Operations

6
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Table of Contents

1192 Project Logical Editor Pre- and Post-Process 1299 Key Commands
Commands 1299 Key Commands Dialog
1195 Editing Tempo and Time Signature 1302 Assigning Key Commands
1195 Project Tempo Modes 1303 Searching for Key Commands
1195 Track Time Base 1303 Removing Key Commands
1196 Tempo Track Editor 1303 Setting up Macros
1198 Tempo Track 1304 Saving Key Commands Presets
1200 Tempo Changes for Projects 1304 Loading Key Command Presets
1204 Setting up a Fixed Project Tempo 1304 Resetting Key Commands
1206 Beat Calculator 1305 Default Key Commands
1207 Tempo Detection 1318 Setting up Tool Modifier Keys
1209 Exporting a Tempo Track 1319 Customizing
1209 Importing a Tempo Track in XML Format 1319 Workspaces
1210 Process Tempo Dialog 1322 Setup Options
1211 Process Bars Dialog 1324 Profiles
1212 Time Warp 1328 Windows Dialog
1214 Copying Warp Markers to Other Events 1329 Where are the Settings Stored?
1214 Set Definition from Tempo Dialog 1330 Safe Mode Dialog
1215 Time Signature Events 1332 Optimizing Audio Performance
1218 Project Browser 1332 Performance Aspects
1218 Project Browser Toolbar 1333 Settings That Affect Performance
1219 Project Structure 1333 Audio Performance Window
1219 Event Display 1334 ASIO-Guard
1222 Rendering Audio and MIDI 1336 Preferences
1222 Render Tracks Dialog 1336 Preferences Dialog
1225 Render Selection Dialog 1338 Editing
1229 Export Audio Mixdown 1344 Editors
1229 Export Audio Mixdown Dialog 1344 Event Display
1239 Mixing Down to Audio Files 1348 General
1240 Mixing Down to Audio Files Using Job Queues 1349 MIDI
1244 Available Channels for Export 1353 MediaBay
1244 File Formats 1353 Metering
1250 Saving File Format Presets 1354 Record
1356 Scores
1252 Synchronization 1358 Transport
1252 Master and Slave 1359 User Interface
1253 Timecode Formats 1361 VST
1255 Clock Sources 1364 VariAudio
1256 Project Synchronization Setup Dialog 1364 Video
1261 MMC Master Panel
1262 External Synchronization 1365 Index
1262 Setting up Synchronization for a Personal
Music Studio
1264 VST System Link
1264 Setting up VST System Link
1269 Activating VST System Link
1271 Application Examples
1275 Video
1275 Video File Compatibility
1276 Frame Rates
1277 Video Output Devices
1277 Preparations for Creating Video Projects
1279 Preparations for Video Playback
1282 Editing Video
1283 Export Video
1286 Extracting Audio from Video
1288 Exchanging Files with Other Applications
1288 OMF Files
1292 AAF Files
1297 ADM Files

7
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
New Features

The following list informs you about the most important improvements in Cubase and provides
links to the corresponding descriptions.

New Features in Version 12

Highlights
Raiser Plug-in
● Raiser is a versatile limiter plug-in that can increase the loudness of the audio material
to a high extent. Its range goes from smooth limiting of solo tracks and full mixes to a
rather aggressive limiting, best suited for percussive material. The plug-in is described in
the separate document Plug-in Reference. See Raiser.

FX Modulator Plug-in
● This new multi-effect modulation plug-in combines several modulation effects that allow
for extensive sound shaping, from classic ducking effects to exciting rhythmic patterns. You
can create custom shaped LFOs and modulate up to 6 integrated effect modules at once.
The LFO can be triggered via MIDI or separate side-chain inputs, where the envelope of the
side-chain signal is added to the LFO. The plug-in is described in the separate document
Plug-in Reference. See FX Modulator.

Verve
● Verve is a felt piano with a beautiful and warm sound, enabling you to tell a new story with
every single key you play. The VST instrument is described in the separate document Verve.
See Verve.

Sample Accurate Volume Automation

● The new Volume Automation Precision function allows for volume automation that is
100% sample accurate, regardless of the buffer size. You can set the number of samples
after which a new volume automation event is processed. The automation curve between
the processed events is interpolated. This smoothens transitions between automation
events and prevents sudden jumps which may lead to crackles. See Audio System Page.

Editing Workflow Improvements

● You can now freeze/unfreeze several tracks at once. See Freezing Multiple Tracks.
● The new nudge grid options let you edit independently from the project grid. This allows
you to work with a musical Bars+Beats grid for all mouse operations while fine-tuning
positions and lengths of events and parts using Nudge key commands. See Setting up a
Snap Grid for Nudge Operations.
● You can now move event ends to the project cursor position. See Move Submenu.
● When resizing events with the Object Selection tool, you can now automatically adapt the
size of existing fades by using a tool modifier. See Resizing Events with the Object Selection
Tool - Normal Sizing.
● You can now assign key commands to slip event content operations. See Moving the
Contents of Events.
● We have extended key-command-based operations for creating and adjusting range
selections. It is now possible to also increase/decrease the vertical direction to span range
selections across multiple tracks. This way, you can entirely rely on key command support
to adjust and move a range selection in all four directions. See Adjusting the Size of
Selection Ranges.

8
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
New Features

● All fade-related commands are now gathered in a dedicated Fades submenu in the Audio
menu, and the commands Fade In to Range Start and Fade Out from Range End have
been added. See Creating and Editing Fades with the Range Selection Tool.

AudioWarp Improvements
● You can now perform phase-coherent AudioWarp operations for parts and events on all
tracks within a folder track. See Group Editing Mode.
● The new Free Warp mode of the Time Warp tool allows you to perform quick warp
operations by creating and editing warp markers on events in the Project window. See
Time Warp.
● You can now copy warp markers from a selected event to other events at the same time
position. See Copying Warp Markers to Other Events.

Scale Assistant for VariAudio

● Whether you want to get creative with melodies or correct the pitch of your recordings,
the Scale Assistant in VariAudio brings two powerful tools together to make pitch editing
a breeze. Just set the scale and follow the chord track or let the Scale Assistant suggest
the scale, based on your recorded notes. You can then instantly quantize the pitch of your
recording or snap the VariAudio pitch editing to the scale. See Selecting a Musical Scale for
VariAudio Segments.

Permanently Applying Extensions

● You can now permanently apply extension edits to audio events. See Permanently Applying
Extension Edits to Audio Events.
● You can now permanently apply extension edits to audio tracks. See Permanently Applying
Extension Edits to Audio Tracks.

Sampler Track Improvements

● You can now use your AudioWarp and Quality settings for slice playback. See Playback
Section.

Authoring for Dolby Atmos

● Cubase now supports 2D channel configurations up to 7.1 and 3D channel configurations
up to 7.1.4. See Available Surround Channel Configurations.
● You can now create complete mixes with object-based audio content for Dolby Atmos®
without additional software or hardware. See Object Audio in Cubase.
● The Setup Assistant for Dolby Atmos dialog helps you to set up a fully compliant Dolby
Atmos® project. The assistant allows you to add a main mix channel in a 3D channel
configuration up to 7.1.4, to insert the Renderer for Dolby Atmos plug-in for monitoring,
and to automatically route the existing tracks of your project to a bed group channel. This
way, you can set up a perfect starting point for creating mixes for Dolby Atmos® in Cubase.
See Setup Assistant for Dolby Atmos.
● The Renderer for Dolby Atmos now offers a binaural downmix for monitoring Dolby
Atmos mixes via headphones and allows you to measure the loudness of the renderer
output signal. See Renderer for Dolby Atmos Plug-in Panel.
● In the ADM Authoring for Dolby Atmos window, you can configure objects and beds from
existing tracks in the project and customize the object structure. See ADM Authoring for
Dolby Atmos Window.
● Cubase allows you to export your own Dolby Atmos® mixes as fully compliant Audio
Definition Model (ADM) files in Broadcast Wave Format (BWF). See ADM Files.

MIDI Remote Integration

● MIDI controllers are essential to every music production setup and, in Cubase, integrating
them has reached a new level. Built around the new concept of MIDI remote scripts,
Cubase will automatically detect your device and map the controls. If there is no script for
your device yet, you can easily create your own with the MIDI Controller Surface Editor.
You can then conveniently connect controls and parameters with the Mapping Assistant.
See MIDI Remote.

9
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
New Features

Logical Editing Improvements

● The user interface and the layout of the Track Input Transformer have been modernized
and made consistent to the overall application look & feel, and the Preset Browser has
been renewed. See Track Input Transformer.
● The user interface and the layout of the Project Input Transformer have been modernized
and made consistent to the overall application look & feel, and the Preset Browser has
been renewed. See Project Input Transformer.
● The user interface and the layout of the Logical Editor have been modernized and
made consistent to the overall application look & feel, and the Preset Browser has been
renewed. See Logical Editor.
● The user interface and the layout of the Project Logical Editor have been modernized and
made consistent to the overall application look & feel, and the Preset Browser has been
renewed. See Project Logical Editor.

Creating Chord Events from Audio Events

● You can now drop your audio recording on the chord track and Cubase will lay out the
chord progression for you. And if the detection does not match your scale, the Chord
Assistant can suggest the nearest alternatives based on the following chords. See Creating
Chord Events from Audio Events.

Project Logical Editor Pre- and Post-Commands

● Edit operations in the Project Logical Editor can now run commands and macros
before and after the filters and actions. See Project Logical Editor Pre- and Post-Process
Commands.

New Performance Meter

● The Audio Performance window now offers realtime, ASIO-Guard, and peak indicators.
See Audio Performance Window.

More New Features

Lin One Dither Plug-in
● Lin One Dither is a dithering plug-in that uses advanced algorithms and offers additional
noise shaping to increase the apparent signal-to-noise ratio by altering the spectrum of
the low-level audio signal. The plug-in is described in the separate document Plug-in
Reference. See Lin One Dither.

SuperVision Plug-in
● The fully customizable multimeter audio analyzer comes with new modules: A classic VU
meter, Spectrum Keyboard, Balance, Level Histogram, and Loudness Histogram. The
plug-in is described in the separate document Plug-in Reference. See SuperVision.

StepFilter Plug-in with New Randomize Parameters

● StepFilter now allows you to apply a certain deviation of the base cutoff and base
resonance parameters with each new cycle of the pattern. The plug-in is described in the
separate document Plug-in Reference. See StepFilter.

Support for Second Video track

● You can now use up to 2 video tracks in Cubase projects. This also enables you to import all
video tracks from existing Nuendo projects. See Video Tracks.

Importing Tempo and Signature Tracks

● You can now import tempo tracks and signature tracks from other projects or track
archives. See Track Import from Projects or Track Archives.

Exporting Selected Events

● Cubase now allows you to render selections or range selections of audio events and MIDI
parts and export the rendered audio .wav files. See Exporting Selected Events.

10
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
New Features

Improved Crossfade Editor

● The advanced Crossfade editor offers more control, new operations, and advanced editing,
to help you create the perfect blend. See Crossfade Editor.

Markers
● The new Markers window gives you a better overview of the markers used in your project
and facilitates editing. See Markers Window.

4th MixConsole Window

● You can now open up to 4 MixConsole windows in Cubase. See MixConsole.

Increased Number of VCA Faders

● You can now use a maximum amount of 256 VCA faders. See Creating VCA Faders in the
MixConsole.

Sample Editor Editing Improvements

● The Sample Editor toolbar now comes with several improvements for displaying, zooming,
and editing clips and events. See Sample Editor Toolbar.

Extensions on Audio Track Level

● You can now apply ARA extensions at track level and conveniently edit all events within that
track. See Activating Extensions for Audio Tracks.

MixConvert V6 Supports Lt/Rt Matrix Encoding

● You can now produce fully compatible Dolby Pro Logic II mixes with Lt/Rt matrix encoding,
including 90° phase shift of the surround channels. See MixConvert V6 Plug-in Panel.

Last but Not Least

WinRT MIDI Support
● Cubase now supports the Windows Runtime MIDI API, WinRT MIDI, that allows for
native support of bluetooth MIDI in Windows, better plug and play, and better handling
of multiple identical devices. See MIDI Port Setup Page.

Move the Project Cursor in Fixed Steps via Key Commands

● You can now assign additional key commands that allow you to move the project cursor in
fixed steps of 5 s, 10 s, and 20 s, forward or backward. See Setting the Project Cursor.

Fades Command Extensions

● You can now use default fades to create event-based fade ins and fade outs. See Applying
Default Fades.

Improved Silence Detection

● The new audition function allows you to directly preview any position in the analyzed audio
event. Furthermore, you can apply fade ins and fade outs to the resulting audio events. See
Detect Silence Dialog.

Event Display Improvements

● You can now decide whether to append the clip name to the event name. See Event Display
- Audio.

New Application Scaling Menu for Native Windows Scaling for HiDPI
● You can now scale the Cubase user interface relative to the Windows system scaling
setting. See General.

11
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Introduction

This is the Operation Manual for Steinberg’s Cubase. Here you will find detailed information
about all the features and functions in the program.

Platform-Independent Documentation
The documentation applies to the operating systems Windows and macOS.

Features and settings that are specific to one of these platforms are clearly indicated. In all other
cases, the descriptions and procedures in the documentation are valid for Windows and macOS.

Some points to consider:

● The screenshots are taken from Windows.

● Some functions that are available on the File menu on Windows can be found in the
program name menu on macOS.

PDF Documents and Online Documentation

The documentation consists of several documents. You can read them online or download them
from steinberg.help.

You can reach steinberg.help from the program by selecting Help > Cubase Help.

Operation Manual
The main Cubase reference documentation, with detailed descriptions of operations,
parameters, functions, and techniques.

Score Layout and Printing

Describes the professional music notation, score editing, and printing features
included in the Score Editor.

Plug-in Reference
Describes the features and parameters of the included VST plug-ins, VST instruments,
and MIDI effects.

Remote Control Devices

Lists the supported MIDI remote control devices.

MIDI Devices
Describes how to manage MIDI devices and device panels.

Groove Agent SE
Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument Groove Agent
SE.

HALion Sonic SE
Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument HALion Sonic
SE.

12
Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Introduction
Documentation Structure

Retrologue
Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument Retrologue.

Padshop
Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument Padshop.

Verve
Describes the features and parameters of the included VST instrument Verve.

Steinberg Library Manager

Describes how you can register and manage your VST Sound libraries.

Documentation Structure
In our documentation, we divide information into three different types of topics, according to
their content.

Descriptions of the User Interface

Topics that describe the functionality of user interface items and list the options and
settings of dialogs, panels, or other items.

Descriptions of Basic Concepts

Topics that describe concepts and explain the functionality of a specific software
feature.

Descriptions of Procedures
Topics that provide step-by-step instructions for how to perform a specific task. These
topics often provide an example for why you might want to follow the steps and a brief
summary of the result, including consequences to be aware of.

Because of this division of information, our documentation structure functions as a reference

you can consult for specific information or instructions as required, rather than a guide you must
read from start to finish.

TIP

Descriptive topics do not describe how to perform a task, and procedural topics do not explain
what something is. To find general information about items or concepts, we recommend
searching for them by name, such as “events”. To find instructions for performing particular
actions, we recommend including a relevant verb in your search, such as “recording”.

Links at the bottom of topics guide you to further relevant content. You can also check the
sidebar for nearby, related topics in the documentation structure.

Conventions
In our documentation, we use typographical and markup elements to structure information.

Typographical Elements
The following typographical elements mark the following purposes.

Prerequisite
Requires you to complete an action or to fulfill a condition before starting a procedure.

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Introduction
Key Commands

Procedure
Lists the steps that you must take to achieve a specific result.

Important
Informs you about issues that might affect the system, the connected hardware, or
that might bring a risk of data loss.

Note
Informs you about issues that you should consider.

Tip
Adds further information or useful suggestions.

Example
Provides you with an example.

Result
Shows the result of the procedure.

After Completing This Task

Informs you about actions or tasks that you can perform after completing the
procedure.

Related Links
Lists related topics that you can find in this documentation.

Markup
Bold text indicates the name of a menu, option, function, dialog, window, etc.

EXAMPLE
To open the Functions menu, click Functions Menu in the top right corner of the MixConsole.

If bold text is separated by a greater-than symbol, this indicates a sequence of different menus
to open.

EXAMPLE
Select Project > Add Track.

Key Commands
Many of the default key commands, also known as keyboard shortcuts, use modifier keys, some
of which are different depending on the operating system.

When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are indicated with the
Windows modifier key first, followed by the macOS modifier key and the key.

EXAMPLE
Ctrl/Cmd - Z means: press Ctrl on Windows or Cmd on macOS, then press Z .

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Setting up Your System

To use Cubase, you must set up your audio, and if required, your MIDI system.

Studio Setup Dialog

The Studio Setup dialog allows you to set up your connected audio, MIDI, and remote control
devices.

● To open the Studio Setup dialog, select Studio > Studio Setup.

The following options are available in the Devices section to the left:

Add Device
Allows you to manually add devices such as a Note Expression Input Device, an
additional Time Display device, or specific remote control devices.

Remove
Allows you to remove manually added devices.

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Setting up Audio

Reset All Devices

Resets all devices in the devices list.

Devices list
Select a device in the Devices list to show its settings in the right section.

The following options are available at the bottom of the page for each device:

Reset
Sends a reset signal to the active ASIO device and restarts the audio processing. This
can solve problems with audio playback.

NOTE

This leads to a short interruption of the playback.

Apply
Applies your settings on this page.

RELATED LINKS
Audio System Page on page 19
ASIO Driver Setup Page on page 21
MIDI Port Setup Page on page 27

Setting up Audio
You must set up your audio equipment before you can use it in Cubase.

IMPORTANT

Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections.

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Setting up Audio

Simple Stereo Input and Output Setup

If you only use a stereo input and output from Cubase, you can connect your audio hardware, for
example, the inputs of your audio card or your audio interface, directly to the input source and
the outputs to a power amplifier and speaker.

Audio Connections
Your system setup depends on many different factors, for example, on the kind of project
that you want to create, on the external equipment that you want to use, or on the computer
hardware that is available to you. Therefore, the following sections can only serve as examples.

How to connect your equipment, that is, whether to use digital or analog connections also
depends on your setup.

Recording Levels and Inputs

When you connect your equipment, make sure that the impedance and levels of the audio
sources and inputs are matched. Using the correct type of input is important to avoid distortion
or noisy recordings. For example, different inputs can be used, such as consumer line level (-10
dBV) or professional line level (+4 dBu).

Sometimes, you can adjust input characteristics on the audio interface or on its control panel. For
details, refer to the documentation that came with the audio hardware.

IMPORTANT

Cubase does not provide any input level adjustments for the signals that are coming into your
audio hardware, since these are handled differently for each card. Adjusting input levels is either
done in a special application that is included with the hardware or via its control panel.

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Setting up Audio

Word Clock Connections

If you are using a digital audio connection, you may also need a word clock connection between
the audio hardware and external devices. For details, refer to the documentation that came with
the audio hardware.

IMPORTANT

Set up word clock synchronization correctly, or you may experience clicks and crackles in your
recordings.

Selecting an Audio Driver

By selecting an audio driver, you allow Cubase to communicate with the audio hardware.
Normally, when you start Cubase, a dialog opens that prompts you to select a driver, but you
can also select your audio hardware driver as described below.

NOTE

On Windows operating systems, we recommend that you access your hardware via an ASIO
driver developed specifically for the hardware. If no ASIO driver is installed, contact the
manufacturer of your audio hardware for information on available ASIO drivers. If no specific
ASIO driver is available, you can use the Generic Low Latency ASIO driver.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select Audio System.
3. Open the ASIO Driver pop-up menu and select your audio hardware driver.
4. Click OK.

Setting up Audio Hardware

You must select and set up your audio hardware in the Studio Setup dialog before you can use
it.

PREREQUISITE
You have selected a driver for your audio hardware.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver.
3. Do one of the following to open the control panel for your audio hardware:

● On Windows, click Control Panel.

● On macOS, click Open Config App.
This button is available only for particular hardware products. If it is not available in your
setup, refer to the documentation of your audio hardware.

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Setting up Audio

NOTE

The control panel is provided by the manufacturer of your audio hardware, and it is different
for each audio interface brand and model. However, control panels for the Generic Low
Latency ASIO Driver (Windows only) are provided by Steinberg.

4. Set up your audio hardware as recommended by the manufacturer.

Audio System Page

On the Audio System page, you can select an ASIO driver for your audio hardware.

● To open the Audio System page, select Studio > Studio Setup and select Audio System in
the Devices list.

The following options are available:

ASIO Driver
Allows you to select a driver.

Release Driver when Application is in Background

Releases the driver and allows other applications to play back via your audio hardware
even if Cubase is running.

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Setting up Audio

Input Latency
Shows the input latency of the audio hardware.

Output Latency
Shows the output latency of the audio hardware.

ASIO-Guard Latency
Shows the ASIO-Guard latency.

HW Sample Rate
Shows the sample rate of your audio hardware.

HW Pull Up/Down
Shows the pull up/down status of the audio hardware.

In the Advanced Options section, the following options are available:

Reset
Allows you to reset the options in this section to their defaults.

Processing Precision
Allows you to set the audio processing precision to 32 bit float or 64 bit float.
Depending on this setting, all channels are processed and mixed in 32-bit floating-
point or 64-bit floating-point format.

NOTE

A processing precision of 64 bit float can increase CPU load and memory consumption.

To show all plug-ins that support 64-bit float processing, open the VST Plug-in
Manager from the Studio menu, and activate Show Plug-ins That Support 64-Bit
Float Processing in the Display Options pop-up menu.

NOTE

VST 2 plug-ins and instruments are always processed with 32-bit precision.

Activate Multi Processing

Allows you to distribute the processing load evenly to all available CPUs. This way,
Cubase can make full use of the combined power of multiple processors.

Activate ASIO-Guard
Activates the ASIO-Guard. This is only available if Activate Multi Processing is
activated.

ASIO-Guard Level
Allows you to set the ASIO-Guard level. The higher the level, the higher the processing
stability and the audio processing performance. However, higher levels also lead to
increased ASIO-Guard latency and memory usage.

Audio Priority (Windows only)

This setting should be set to Normal if you work with audio and MIDI. If you do not use
MIDI at all, you can set this to Boost.

Activate Steinberg Audio Power Scheme

If this option is activated, all power safe modes that have an impact on real time
processing are deactivated. Note that this is only effective for very low latencies, and
that it increases the power consumption.

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Setting up Audio

Disk Preload
Allows you to specify how many seconds of audio are preloaded into RAM prior to
starting playback. This allows for smooth playback.

Adjust for Record Latency

If this option is activated, the plug-in latencies are taken into account during recording.

Record Shift
Allows you to shift the recordings by the specified value.

Volume Automation Precision

Allows you to set the number of samples after which a new volume automation event
is processed. The automation curve between the processed events is interpolated. This
smoothens transitions between automation events and prevents sudden jumps which
may lead to crackles.

At the bottom of the page, the following options are available:

Reset
Sends a reset signal to the active ASIO device and restarts the audio processing. This
can solve problems with audio playback.

NOTE

This leads to a short interruption of the playback.

Apply
Applies your settings on this page.

RELATED LINKS
VST Plug-in Manager Window on page 845

ASIO Driver Setup Page

This page allows you to set up your ASIO driver.

● To open the page where you can set up the ASIO driver, select Studio > Studio Setup and
select the audio driver in the Devices list.

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Setting up Audio

The following options are available:

Control Panel
Opens the control panel for the audio hardware.

Input Latency
Shows the input latency of the audio driver.

Output Latency
Shows the output latency of the audio driver.

Clock Source
Allows you to select a clock source.

Externally Clocked
Activate this option if you use an external clock source.

Direct Monitoring
Activate this option to monitor via your audio hardware and to control it from Cubase.

In the Ports section, the following options are available:

Reset
Allows you to restore the default port names and to enable the visibility for all ports.

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Setting up Audio

I/O
The port input/output status.

Port System Name

The system name of the port.

Show As
Allows you to rename the port. This name is used in the Input Routing and Output
Routing pop-up menus.

Visible
Allows you to activate/deactivate audio ports.

State
The state of the audio port.

At the bottom of the page, the following options are available:

Reset
Sends a reset signal to the active ASIO device and restarts the audio processing. This
can solve problems with audio playback.

NOTE

This leads to a short interruption of the playback.

Apply
Applies your settings on this page.

Using External Clock Sources

If you use an external clock source, Cubase must be notified that it receives external clock signals
and derives its speed from that source.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver.
3. Activate Externally Clocked.

RESULT
Cubase now derives its speed from the external source.

NOTE

For proper audio playback and recording, you must set the sample rate of the project to the
sample rate of the incoming clock signals.

When a sample rate mismatch occurs, the Record Format field on the Project window status
line is highlighted in a different color. Cubase accepts a sample rate mismatch, and playback is
therefore faster or slower.

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Setting up Audio

Using Several Audio Applications Simultaneously

You can allow other applications to play back via your audio hardware even if Cubase is running.

PREREQUISITE
You have set other audio applications that access the audio hardware to release the audio driver.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select Audio System.
3. Activate Release Driver when Application is in Background.

RESULT
The application that has the focus can access the audio hardware.

Audio Hardware Configuration

Most audio cards provide one or more small applications that allow you to customize your
hardware.

The settings are normally gathered on a control panel that can be opened from within Cubase or
separately, when Cubase is not running. For details, refer to the audio hardware documentation.

Settings include:

● Selecting which inputs/outputs are active.

● Setting up word clock synchronization.
● Turning on/off monitoring via the hardware.
● Setting levels for each input.
● Setting levels for the outputs so that they match the equipment that you use for monitoring.
● Selecting digital input and output formats.
● Making settings for the audio buffers.

Setting up Input and Output Ports

Once you have selected the driver for your audio hardware and have set it up, you must specify
which inputs and outputs to use.

PREREQUISITE
You have selected a driver for your audio hardware.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver.
3. Make your changes.
4. Click OK.

RELATED LINKS
ASIO Driver Setup Page on page 21

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Setting up MIDI

Audio Bus Setup

Cubase uses a system of input and output busses to transfer audio between the program and
the audio hardware.

● Input busses let you route audio from the inputs of your audio hardware into Cubase. This
means that audio is always recorded through one or several input busses.
● Output busses let you route audio from Cubase to the outputs of your audio hardware. This
means that audio is always played back through one or several output busses.

Once you have set up the internal input and output busses, you can connect your audio source,
for example, a microphone, to your audio interface and start recording, playing back, and
mixing.

RELATED LINKS
Audio Connections on page 31

Monitoring
In Cubase, monitoring means listening to the input signal while recording.

The following ways of monitoring are available:

● Externally by listening to the signal before it reaches Cubase.

● Via Cubase.
● By using ASIO Direct Monitoring.
This is a combination of the other methods.

RELATED LINKS
External Monitoring on page 299
Monitoring via Cubase on page 299
ASIO Direct Monitoring on page 300

Setting up MIDI
You must set up your MIDI equipment before you can use it in Cubase.

IMPORTANT

Turn off all equipment before making any connections.

PROCEDURE
1. Connect your MIDI equipment (keyboard, MIDI interface, etc.) to your computer.
2. Install the drivers for your MIDI equipment.

RESULT
You can use your MIDI equipment in Cubase.

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Setting up MIDI

MIDI Connections
To play back and record MIDI data from your MIDI device, for example, a MIDI keyboard, you
need to connect the MIDI ports.

Connect the MIDI output port of your MIDI device to the MIDI input port of your audio hardware.
This way, the MIDI device sends MIDI data to be played back or recorded inside your computer.

Connect the MIDI input port of your MIDI device to the MIDI output port of your audio hardware.
This way, you can send MIDI data from Cubase to the MIDI device. For example, you can record
your own playing, edit the MIDI data in Cubase, and then play it back on the keyboard and record
the audio that is coming out of the keyboard.

Showing or Hiding MIDI Ports

You can show the MIDI ports that you want to use and hide those that you do not use on the
MIDI pop-up menus in the program.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select MIDI Port Setup.
3. To hide a MIDI port, deactivate its Visible column.
4. Click OK.

Setting up All MIDI Inputs

When you record MIDI, you can specify which MIDI input each recording MIDI track should use.
However, you can also record any MIDI data from any MIDI input. For this to work, you must first
set up which inputs are included when you select All MIDI Inputs for a MIDI track.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select MIDI Port Setup.
3. Activate In ‘All MIDI Inputs’ for a port.

NOTE

If you have connected a MIDI remote control unit, make sure to deactivate the In ‘All MIDI
Inputs’ option for that MIDI input. This avoids accidental recording of data from the remote
control when All MIDI Inputs is selected as input for a MIDI track.

4. Click OK.

RESULT
When you select All MIDI Inputs on the Input Routing pop-up menu of a MIDI track in the
Inspector, the MIDI track uses all MIDI inputs that you specified in the MIDI Port Setup.

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Setting up MIDI

MIDI Port Setup Page

The MIDI Port Setup page in the Studio Setup dialog displays the connected MIDI devices and
allows you to set up their ports.

● To open the MIDI Port Setup page, select Studio > Studio Setup and activate MIDI Port
Setup in the Devices list.

The following columns are displayed:

Device
The connected MIDI devices.

I/O
The port input/output status.

Port System Name

The system name of the port.

Show As
Allows you to rename the port. This name is used in the Input Routing and Output
Routing pop-up menus.

Visible
Allows you to activate/deactivate MIDI ports.

State
The state of the MIDI port.

In 'All MIDI Inputs'

Allows you to record MIDI data from all MIDI inputs.

NOTE

Deactivate this option if you use remote control devices.

Usage
If you connect a MIDI controller and use it on the MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone
of the Project window, the corresponding port Usage columns change to display the
name of the connected controller. These ports are used for remote control only.

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Setting up MIDI

The following options are available:

Use System Timestamp for 'Windows MIDI' Inputs

Activate this option if you have persistent timing problems, such as shifted notes. If this
is activated, the system timestamp is used as a time reference.

Use Device 'DirectMusic'

If you do not use a device with a DirectMusic device driver, you can leave this option
deactivated. This enhances the system performance.

Use System Timestamp for 'DirectMusic' Inputs

Activate this option if you have persistent timing problems, such as shifted notes. If this
is activated, the system timestamp is used as a time reference.

Use Device 'WinRT MIDI'

Activates the Windows Runtime MIDI API, WinRT MIDI, that allows for native support
of bluetooth MIDI in Windows, better plug and play, and better handling of multiple
identical devices.
If you have problems with bluetooth MIDI and plug and play, deactivate Use Device
'WinRT MIDI', reconnect your bluetooth MIDI device, and activate Use Device 'WinRT
MIDI' again.

Use System Timestamp for 'WinRT MIDI' Inputs

Activate this option if you have persistent timing problems, such as shifted notes. If this
is activated, the system timestamp is used as a time reference.

At the bottom of the page, the following options are available:

Reset
Allows you to restore the default port names and to enable the visibility for all ports.

Apply
Applies your settings on this page.

Plug and Play Support for MIDI Devices

Cubase supports plug and play of USB MIDI devices. These devices can be plugged in and
switched on while the application is running.

MIDI Remote Page

The MIDI Remote page in the Studio Setup dialog displays the connected MIDI controllers.

● To open the MIDI Remote page, select Studio > Studio Setup and activate MIDI Remote in
the Devices list.

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Setting up MIDI

The following columns are displayed:

Vendor
Shows information about the vendor of the connected MIDI controller.

Device
The connected MIDI controller.

Created By
Shows information about the script creator for the connected MIDI controller.

Input
Shows the input port of your MIDI controller.

Output
Shows the output port of your MIDI controller.

Open MIDI Remote in Lower Zone

Opens the MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window.

Open MIDI Remote Manager

Opens the MIDI Remote Manager that shows information about the connected MIDI
controllers and the installed scripts.

At the bottom of the page, the following options are available:

Reset
Allows you to restore the default port names and to enable the visibility for all ports.

Apply
Applies your settings on this page.

Audio Connections Window

The Audio Connections window allows you to set up input and output busses, group and FX
channels, external effects, and external instruments. Furthermore, you can use this window to
access and configure the Control Room.

● To open the Audio Connections window, select Studio > Audio Connections.

Inputs/Outputs Tab
The Inputs and Outputs tabs allow you to set up and configure input and output busses.

The following options are available above the bus list:

Add Bus
Opens the Add Input Bus dialog, where you can create a new bus configuration.

Presets
Opens the Presets pop-up menu, where you can select bus configuration presets. Save
Preset allows you to save a bus configuration as preset. Remove Preset deletes the
selected preset.

Expand All/Collapse
Expands/Collapses all busses in the bus list.

The following columns are available for the bus list:

Bus Name
Lists the busses. Click the name of a bus to select or rename it.

Speakers
Indicates the speaker configuration (mono, stereo, surround formats) of each bus.

Audio Device
Shows the selected ASIO driver.

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Audio Connections Window

Device Port
Shows which physical inputs/outputs on your audio hardware are used by the bus.
Expand the bus entry to show all speaker channels. If the bus entry is collapsed, only
the first port that is used by this bus is visible.
The Device Port pop-up menu displays how many busses are connected to a given
port. The busses are shown in square brackets next to the port name.
Up to three bus assignments can be displayed in this way. If more connections have
been made, this is indicated by a number at the end of the port name.
For example, “Adat 1 [Stereo1] [Stereo2] [Stereo3] (+2)” means that the Adat1 port is
already assigned to three stereo busses plus two additional busses.

Group/FX Tab
This tab allows you to create group and FX channels/tracks and to make output assignments for
them.

The following options are available above the bus list:

Add Group
Opens the Add Group Channel Track dialog, where you can create a new group
channel track.

Add FX
Opens the Add FX Channel Track dialog, where you can create a new FX channel track.

Expand All/Collapse
Expands/Collapses all busses in the bus list.

The following columns are available for the bus list:

Bus Name
Lists the busses. Click the name of a bus to select or rename it.

Speakers
Indicates the speaker configuration (mono, stereo, surround formats) of each bus.

Output Routing
Lets you select the output routing for the corresponding bus.

External FX Tab
This tab allows you to create send effect or return busses. Use them to connect external effects.
You can then select them via the effect pop-up menus from inside the program.

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Audio Connections
Audio Connections Window

The following options are available above the bus list:

Add External FX
Opens the Add External FX dialog, where you can configure a new external FX.

Favorites
Lets you store external effect configurations as favorites.

Expand All/Collapse
Expands/Collapses all busses in the bus list.

The following columns are available for the bus list:

Bus Name
Lists the busses. Click the name of a bus to select or rename it.

Speakers
Indicates the speaker configuration (mono, stereo, surround formats) of each bus.

Audio Device
Shows the selected ASIO driver.

Delay
Allows you to enter a value to compensate for an inherent delay (latency) of your
hardware effect device during playback. You can right-click the Delay column for the
effect and select Check User Delay to automatically determine the delay value.

NOTE

The latency of the audio hardware is handled automatically by Cubase.

Send Gain
Allows you to adjust the level of the signal that is sent to the external effect.

Return Gain
Allows you to adjust the level of the signal that the external effect sends.

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Audio Connections Window

NOTE

Excessive output levels from an external effect device can cause clipping in the audio
hardware. You cannot use the Return Gain setting to compensate for this. You must
lower the output level on the effect device instead.

MIDI Device
When you click in this column, a pop-up menu opens. It allows you to disconnect the
effect from the associated MIDI device, select a MIDI device, create a new device, or
open the MIDI Device Manager to edit the MIDI device.

Used
Whenever you insert an external effect into an audio track, this column shows a
checkmark (x) to indicate that the effect is being used.

External Instruments Tab

This tab allows you to create input/output busses that can be used to connect external
instruments.

The following options are available above the bus list:

Add External Instrument

Opens the Add External Instrument dialog, where you can configure a new external
instrument.

Favorites
Lets you store external instrument configurations as favorites.

Expand All/Collapse
Expands/Collapses all busses in the bus list.

The following columns are available for the bus list:

Bus Name
Lists the busses. Click the name of a bus to select or rename it.

Speakers
Indicates the speaker configuration (mono, stereo, surround formats) of each bus.

Audio Device
Shows the selected ASIO driver.

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Audio Connections Window

Up to three bus assignments can be displayed in this way. If more connections have
been made, this is indicated by a number at the end of the port name.
For example, “Adat 1 [Stereo1] [Stereo2] [Stereo3] (+2)” means that the Adat1 port is
already assigned to three stereo busses plus two additional busses.

Delay
Allows you to enter a value to compensate for an inherent delay (latency) of your
hardware effect device during playback. You can right-click the Delay column for the
instrument and select Check User Delay to automatically determine the delay value
that is used for delay compensation.

NOTE

The latency of the audio hardware is handled automatically by Cubase.

Return Gain
Allows you to adjust the level of the signal coming in from the external instrument.

NOTE

Excessive output levels from an external effect device can cause clipping in the audio
hardware. The Return Gain setting cannot be used to compensate for this. You must
lower the output level on the effect device instead.

MIDI Device
When you click in this column, a pop-up menu opens. It allows you to disconnect the
instrument from the associated MIDI device, select a MIDI device, create a new device,
or open the MIDI Device Manager to edit the MIDI device.

Used
Whenever you insert the external instrument into a VST instrument slot, this column
shows a checkmark (x) to indicate that the instrument is being used.

Control Room Tab

This tab allows you to enable and configure the Control Room.

The following options are available above the bus list:

Enable/Disable Control Room

Enables/Disables the Control Room.

Open Control Room

Opens the Control Room window.

Add Channel
Opens a pop-up menu where you can select the type of channel that you want to add.
You can add the following channels:

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Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs

● External Input
● Talkback
● Cue
● Headphone
● Monitor

Presets
Opens the Presets pop-up menu, where you can select bus configuration presets.
Store allows you to save a bus configuration as preset. Delete deletes the selected
preset.

NOTE

You can save the insert slots for Cue, Monitor and Control Room channels in the
presets. This is useful, as they are not saved with the project.

Configuration
Displays the selected channel configuration.

Expand All/Collapse
Expands/Collapses all busses in the bus list.

The following columns are available for the bus list:

Bus Name
Lists the busses. Click the name of a bus to select or rename it.

Speakers
Indicates the speaker configuration (mono, stereo, surround formats) of each bus.

Audio Device
Shows the selected ASIO driver.

Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs

Before you set up busses, you should rename the default inputs and outputs of your audio
hardware. This allows you to transfer projects between different computers and setups.

For example, if you move your project to another studio, the audio hardware may be of a
different model. But if you and the other studio have agreed on identical names for your inputs
and outputs, Cubase corrects inputs and outputs for your busses.

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Audio Connections
Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs

NOTE

If you open a project that was created on another computer and the port names do not match
or the port configuration is not the same, the Missing Ports dialog appears. This allows you to
manually re-route ports that are used in the project to ports on your computer.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select Audio System.
3. Open the ASIO Driver pop-up menu and select your audio hardware driver.
4. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver.
5. In the Show As column, click on a port name and enter a new name.
6. Repeat the previous step until you have renamed all required ports.
7. Click OK.

RELATED LINKS
Re-Routing Missing Ports on page 118

Hiding Ports
You can hide ports that you are not using. Hidden ports are not displayed in the Audio
Connections window.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver.
3. In the Visible column, deactivate the ports that you want to hide.
4. Click OK.

Activating and Deactivating Ports (macOS only)

On macOS, you can specify which input and output ports are active. This allows you to use the
microphone input instead of the line input or to deactivate the audio card input or output.

NOTE

This function is only available for built-in audio, standard USB audio devices, and some other
audio cards.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Studio Setup.
2. In the Devices list, select your audio hardware driver.
3. Click Control Panel.
4. Activate/Deactivate ports.
5. Click OK.

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Audio Connections
Adding Input and Output Busses

Adding Input and Output Busses

You must add input and output busses to establish the connection between your audio hardware
and Cubase.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Audio Connections dialog, click the Inputs or Outputs tab.
2. Click Add Bus.
3. In the Add Input Bus dialog, configure the bus.
4. Optional: Enter a name for the bus.
If you do not specify a name, the bus is named according to the channel configuration.
5. Click Add Bus.
The new bus is added to the bus list.
6. For each of the speaker channels in the bus, click in the Device Port column and select a
port for your audio hardware.

Setting the Default Output Bus (Main Mix)

Main Mix is the default output bus to which each new audio, group, or FX channel is
automatically routed. If only one bus is available, this bus is automatically used as the default
output bus.

PREREQUISITE
Add an output bus.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Audio Connections dialog, right-click the output bus that you want to use as default
output bus.
2. Select Set <bus name> as Main Mix.

RESULT
The selected bus is used as the default bus. Main Mix is indicated by a speaker icon next to its
name.

RELATED LINKS
Inputs/Outputs Tab on page 31

Adding Child Busses

Child busses allow you to route tracks to particular channels within a bus.

For example, you can route a stereo track to a stereo channel pair within a surround bus. Or you
can record a stereo channel pair in the surround bus to a separate stereo track.

PROCEDURE
1. On the Inputs tab, Outputs tab, or Group/FX tab, right-click a surround bus.
2. Click Add Child Bus and select a channel configuration.

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Audio Connections
Presets for Input and Output Busses

RESULT
The child bus is created and can be used for routing.

Presets for Input and Output Busses

For input and output bus configurations, you can use different kinds of presets.

● Standard bus configurations.

● Automatically created presets tailored to your specific hardware configuration.
On startup, Cubase analyzes the physical inputs and outputs that are provided by your audio
hardware and creates a number of hardware-dependent presets.
● Your own presets.

NOTE

You can create default presets for input and output bus configurations. If you create a new
empty project, these default presets are applied. To create default presets, save your preferred
input and output bus configurations under the name Default. If you have not defined default
presets, the last used input and output bus configuration is applied when you create a new
empty project.

Saving a Bus Configuration Preset

You can save your own input and output bus configuration and the studio configuration as
presets.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Audio Connections.
2. Click the Inputs or Outputs tab, and set up your bus configuration.
3. Click Store.
4. In the Type in Preset Name dialog, enter a name.
5. Click OK.

RESULT
The preset is available in the Presets menu.

Deleting a Bus Configuration Preset

You can delete bus configuration presets that you no longer need.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Audio Connections.
2. Click the Inputs or Outputs tab.
3. From the Presets menu, select the preset that you want to delete.
4. Click Delete.

RESULT
The preset is deleted.

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Audio Connections
Adding Group and FX Channels

Adding Group and FX Channels

Group channels and FX channels allow you to group bus configurations.

Adding group and FX channels in the Audio Connections window is identical to creating group
channel tracks or FX channel tracks in the Project window.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Audio Connections dialog, click the Group/FX tab.
2. Do one of the following:

● To create a group channel, click Add Group.

● To create an FX channel, click Add FX.
3. Configure the channel.
4. Optional: Enter a name for the group channel track.
5. Click OK.
The group channel or FX channel is added to the bus list.
6. For each of the speaker channels in the bus, click in the Output Routing column, and select
a port for your audio hardware.

External Instruments and Effects

You can integrate external effect devices and external instruments, for example, hardware
synthesizers, into the sequencer signal flow.

Requirements
To use external effects, you need the following:

● Audio hardware with multiple inputs and outputs.

You need at least one input and one output or input/output pairs for stereo effects, in
addition to the input/output ports that you use for recording and monitoring.
● A MIDI interface that is connected to your computer.

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External Instruments and Effects

● Audio hardware with low-latency drivers.

Cubase compensates for the input/output latency and ensures that the audio that is
processed through external effects is not shifted in time.

Connecting an External Instrument/Effect

You can connect external instruments/effects to the audio hardware of your computer.

PREREQUISITE
The hardware device has stereo inputs and outputs.

PROCEDURE
1. Connect an unused output pair on your audio hardware to the input pair on your external
hardware device.
2. Connect an unused input pair on your audio hardware to the output pair on your hardware
device.

IMPORTANT

If you select input/output ports for external instruments/effects that are already used, the
existing port assignment breaks without warning.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

Once the external device is connected to the audio hardware of your computer, you must set up
the external input/output busses as well as the external effects/instruments in Cubase.

RELATED LINKS
Setting up Input and Output Ports on page 24
Setting up External Effects on page 41
Setting up External Instruments on page 44

Setting up External Effects

You must set up external effects in Cubase before you can use them.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Audio Connections window, click the External FX tab.
2. Click Add External FX.
3. In the Add External FX dialog, enter a name for the external effect and specify the send and
return configurations.
Depending on the type of effect, you can specify mono, stereo, or surround configurations.
4. Click Associate MIDI Device and select a MIDI device.

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External Instruments and Effects

You can also select MIDI Devices > Create Device and create a new MIDI device association.

NOTE

Delay compensation is only applied for the effect if you use MIDI devices.

5. Click OK.
This adds a new external FX bus.
6. Click in the Device Port column for the left and right ports of the send bus and select the
outputs of your audio hardware that you want to use.
7. Click in the Device Port column for the left and right ports of the return bus and select the
inputs of your audio hardware that you want to use.
8. Make additional settings for the bus.
You can also adjust the settings while using the external effect. This allows you to hear the
result.

RELATED LINKS
Using MIDI Devices on page 918
Delay Compensation on page 839

Adding External Effects

You can use the external FX bus as an insert effect or as a send effect, which is an insert effect on
an FX channel track.

PREREQUISITE
Set up your external effects in the Audio Connections window.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Inspector, open the Inserts panel.
2. Open the Select Insert menu.

3. Select an external effect from the External Plug-ins submenu.

External effects are indicated by an x icon in the list next to their names in the Select Insert
pop-up menu.

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External Instruments and Effects

RESULT
The external FX bus is loaded into the effect slot.
A parameter window opens, showing the Delay, Send Gain, and Return Gain settings for the
external FX bus. You can adjust these settings while playing back.
The audio signal from the channel is sent to the outputs on the audio hardware, through your
external effect device, and back to the program via the inputs on the audio hardware.

RELATED LINKS
Setting up External Effects on page 41

External Effect Parameter Window

This window allows you to make delay and gain settings for the selected external effect.

● To open the External Effect Parameter window, select an external effect from the Select
Insert pop-up menu in the Inspector.

Activate Effect

Activates/Deactivates the external effect.

Bypass Effect

Allows you to bypass the external effect.

Measure Effect’s Loop Delay for Delay Compensation

If this option is activated, Cubase automatically determines the delay value that is used
for delay compensation. This is the same function as the Check User Delay option in
the Audio Connections window.
When you have defined a MIDI device for the effect, the corresponding device window
opens.

Delay
Allows you to adjust the delay for the external effect.

Send Gain
Allows you to adjust the send gain for the external effect.

Return Gain
Allows you to adjust the return gain for the external effect.

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Audio Connections
External Instruments and Effects

Setting up External Instruments

You must set up external instruments in Cubase before you can use them.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Audio Connections window, click the External Instruments tab.
2. Click Add External Instrument.
3. In the Add External Instrument dialog, enter a name for the external instrument and
specify the number of required mono and/or stereo returns.
Depending on the type of instrument, a specific number of mono and/or stereo return
channels is required.
4. Click Associate MIDI Device and select a MIDI device.
5. Click OK.
This adds a new external instrument bus.
6. Click in the Device Port column for the left and right ports of the return bus and select the
inputs of your audio hardware to which you connected the external instrument.
7. Make additional settings for the bus.
You can also adjust the settings while using the external instrument. This allows you to hear
the result.

RELATED LINKS
Using MIDI Devices on page 918

Adding External Instruments

You can add external instruments to the VST instruments list.

PREREQUISITE
Set up your external instruments in the Audio Connections window.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > VST Instruments.
2. Click Add Track Instrument.
3. Select an external instrument from the Instrument pop-up menu.
External instruments are indicated by an x icon in the list next to their names in the
Instrument pop-up menu.

4. Click OK.

RESULT
The external instrument is added to the VST instruments list.
A parameter window for the external instrument opens. This can either be the device window
that allows you to create a generic device panel, an OPT editor window, or a default editor.

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Audio Connections
External Instruments and Effects

RELATED LINKS
VST Instruments Window on page 831

External Instruments Parameter Window

This window allows you to make delay and gain settings for the selected external instrument.

● To open the External Instrument Parameter window, select an external instrument in the
VST Instruments window.

Activate External Instrument

Activates/Deactivates the external instrument.

Bypass External Instrument

Allows you to bypass the external instrument.

Delay
Allows you to adjust the delay for the external instrument.

Return Gain
Allows you to adjust the return gain for the external instrument.

Sending MIDI Notes to External Instruments

You can send MIDI notes from a MIDI track to an external instrument.

PREREQUISITE
Set up your external instruments in the Audio Connections window and add a MIDI track.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Inspector, open the Output Routing pop-up menu for the corresponding MIDI track.
2. Select the MIDI device to which the external instrument is connected.

RESULT
The instrument plays any MIDI notes that it receives from the track and returns them to Cubase
through the return channels that you have set up. Delay compensation is used.
The external instrument behaves like any other VST instrument in Cubase.

RELATED LINKS
Delay Compensation on page 839

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Audio Connections
External Instruments and Effects

Saving External Instrument and Effect Configurations as Favorites

You can save external instruments and external effects as favorites. Favorites allow you to save
different configurations for the same device, for example, a multi-effect board or an effect that
provides both a mono and a stereo mode.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Audio Connections.
2. Open the External Instruments or the External FX tab.
3. Select the bus in the list, and click Favorites.
4. Select Add Selected Instrument/Effect to Favorites.

RESULT
The external instrument or effect configuration is saved as a favorite. You can recall a favorite by
clicking Favorites and selecting the configuration that you want to recall.

Freezing External Instruments/Effects

You can freeze external instruments or effects to save processing power.

PROCEDURE
1. Select the audio track that uses the external effect or the instrument track that uses the
external instrument.
2. In the Inspector, click Freeze Audio Channel or Freeze Instrument Channel.
3. In the dialog, adjust the Tail Size value.
When the Tail Size is set to 0 s, freezing only takes into account the data within the part
boundaries.

RESULT
The freeze function is performed in real time to ensure that external effects are taken into
account.

RELATED LINKS
VST Instruments on page 826
Audio Effects on page 490
Freezing Instruments on page 836
Freezing Insert Effects on page 497
Freezing Multiple Tracks on page 191

Missing Plug-ins
Possible causes of missing plug-ins:

● You removed an external device from the Audio Connections window although it is used in
a saved project.
● You transferred a project to another computer on which the external device is not defined.
● You opened a project that was created with an earlier version of Cubase.

In the Audio Connections window, the broken connection to the external device is indicated by
an icon in the Bus Name column.

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Bus Configurations

● To reestablish the broken connection to the external device, right-click the entry for the
device in the Bus Name column and select Connect External Effect.

NOTE

Busses that are set up for external instruments or external effects are saved globally, that is, for
your particular computer setup.

Bus Configurations
After you have set up all the required busses for a project, you can edit the names and change
port assignments. The bus configuration is saved with the project.

Removing Busses
You can remove busses that you no longer need.

PROCEDURE
● In the Audio Connections window, do one of the following:

● To remove a single bus, right-click the bus in the list and select Remove Bus.
Alternatively, you can select the bus and press Backspace .
● To remove multiple input or output busses at the same time, use Shift or Ctrl/Cmd to
select them in the list, right-click them, and select Remove Selected Busses.

Changing Port Assignments

You can change the port assignment of busses.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Audio Connections.
2. Do one of the following:
● To change the assignment of a single bus, open the Device Port pop-up menu, and
select a new port.
● To assign subsequent busses to several selected busses, open the Device Port pop-up
menu for the first selected entry, press Shift , and select a device port.

NOTE

Exclusive ports, for example, ports that are already assigned to Control Room channels,
are skipped.

● To assign the same port to several selected busses, open the Device Port pop-up menu
for the first selected entry, press Shift - Alt/Opt , and select a device port.

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Audio Connections
Bus Configurations

Renaming Multiple Busses

You can rename all the selected busses at once using incrementing numbers or letters.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Studio > Audio Connections.
2. Select the busses that you want to rename.
3. Do one of the following:

● Enter a new name for one of the busses, followed by a number.

● Enter a new name for one of the busses, followed by a space and a capital letter.
4. Press Return .

RESULT
The busses are renamed automatically, using either incrementing numbers or letters.

NOTE

The renaming starts from the bus where you edit the name and runs to the bottom. Then it
continues from the top until all selected busses have been renamed.

Exclusive Port Assignments

For specific channel types, the port assignment is exclusive.

Once a port has been assigned to such a bus or channel, it must not be assigned to another bus.
Otherwise, the connection to the first bus is broken.

The corresponding ports are marked in the Audio Connections window on the Device Port
pop-up menu.

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Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Project Window

The Project window provides an overview of the project, and allows you to navigate and perform
large scale editing.

Each project has one Project window. The Project window is displayed whenever you open or
create a new project.

● To open a project, select File > Open.

● To create a new project, select File > New Project.

The Project window is divided into several zones:

1 Left Zone
The left zone shows the Inspector that features two tabs:
● The Track tab shows the settings for the track that is selected in the track list.

NOTE

In this documentation, we use Inspector to refer to the Track tab of the Inspector.

● The Editor tab shows the settings for the editor that is open in the lower zone.

You can also open the Visibility tab that features the following tabs:

● The Track tab allows you to show/hide individual tracks from the track list.
● The Zones tab allows you to determine and lock the position of certain MixConsole
channels in the lower zone.
2 Project Zone

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Project Window
Showing/Hiding Zones

The project zone shows the toolbar, the track list with the tracks, the event display with the
parts and events of the project, and the Project window ruler.
On the toolbar, you can activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, the overview line,
and the Transport Bar.
3 Lower Zone
The lower zone shows the Chord Pads, the Editor, the Sampler Control, the MixConsole,
and MIDI Remote.
4 Right Zone
The right zone shows the VSTi rack, the Media rack, the Control Room rack, and the Meter
rack.

RELATED LINKS
Project Zone on page 50
Left Zone on page 66
Lower Zone on page 75
Right Zone on page 82
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Showing/Hiding Zones
You can show/hide the zones in the Project window according to your needs.

PROCEDURE
● Do one of the following:
● To show/hide the left zone, click Show/Hide Left Zone on the Project window toolbar.
● To show/hide the lower zone, click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window
toolbar.
● To show/hide the right zone, click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window
toolbar.

NOTE

The project zone is always shown.

RELATED LINKS
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Project Zone
The project zone is the heart of the Project window and cannot be hidden.

The project zone features the track list and the event display with the ruler. Furthermore, you can
activate/deactivate the status line, the info line, the overview line, and the Transport Bar for the
project zone.

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Project Window
Project Zone

RELATED LINKS
Track List on page 60
Event Display on page 61
Global Track Controls on page 61
Ruler on page 63
Status Line on page 64
Info Line on page 65
Overview Line on page 66
Transport Bar on page 66

Project Window Toolbar

The toolbar contains tools and shortcuts for opening other windows and various project settings
and functions.

● To show/hide tools, open the toolbar context menu by right-clicking in an empty area of the
toolbar and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select Show All.

NOTE

The number of elements that are shown also depends on the size of the Project window and
the screen resolution.

The following options are available:

Activate Project

NOTE

Only available if more than one project is open.

Activates a project.

Project History
Undo/Redo

Undoes/Redoes actions in the Project window.

Constrain Delay Compensation

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Project Window
Project Zone

Minimizes the latency effects of the delay compensation.

Left Divider
Left Divider
Tools that are placed to the left of the divider are always shown.

Media & MixConsole Windows

Open MediaBay

Opens/Closes the MediaBay.

Open Pool Window

Opens/Closes the Pool window.

Open MixConsole

Opens/Closes the MixConsole.

Open Control Room

Opens/Closes the Control Room.

Open Direct Offline Processing Window

Opens/Closes the Direct Offline Processing window.

Track Visibility Configurations

Allows you to create configurations that are useful for switching between different
visibility setups.

Set Track Visibility Agents

Allows you to set a visibility agent to filter the tracks.

Set Track Type Filter

Allows you to filter the tracks by track type. Alt/Opt -click to reset the track type filter.

State Buttons
Deactivate All Mute States

Deactivates all mute states.

Deactivate All Solo States

Deactivates all solo states.

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Project Window
Project Zone

Deactivate All Listen States

Deactivates all listen states.

Activate/Deactivate Read for All Tracks

Activates/Deactivates read automation for all tracks.

Activate/Deactivate Write for All Tracks

Activates/Deactivates write automation for all tracks.

Suspend All Read/Write Automation

Suspends all read/write automation.

Automation Mode
Automation Follows Events

Lets your automation events follow automatically when you move an event or part on a
track.

Global Automation Mode

Allows you to select the global automation mode.

Open Automation Panel

Opens the Automation Panel.

Auto-Scroll
Auto-Scroll

Keeps the project cursor visible during playback.

Select Auto-Scroll Settings

Allows you to activate Page Scroll or Stationary Cursor and to activate Suspend
Auto-Scroll When Editing.

Locators
Go to Left Locator Position

Allows you to go to the left locator position.

Left Locator Position

Shows the left locator position.

Go to Right Locator Position

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Project Window
Project Zone

Allows you to go to the right locator position.

Right Locator Position

Shows the right locator position.

Locator Range Duration

Locators to Selection

Allows you to set the locators to the selection.

Locator Range Duration

Shows the duration of the locator range.

Transport Controls
Go to Previous Marker/Zero

Moves the project cursor to the previous marker/zero position on the timeline.

Go to Next Marker/Project End

Moves the project cursor to the next marker/project end.

Rewind

Moves backward.

Forward

Moves forward.

Activate Cycle

Activates/Deactivates cycle mode.

Stop

Stops playback.

Start

Starts playback.

Transport Record

Activates/Deactivates record mode.

Time Displays
Select Primary Time Format

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Cubase Pro 12.0.20
Project Window
Project Zone

Allows you to select a time format for the primary time display.

Primary Time Display

Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format.

Select Secondary Time Format

Allows you to select a time format for the secondary time display.

Secondary Time Display

Shows the position of the project cursor in the selected time format.

Markers
Jump to Marker

Allows you to set and locate marker positions.

Open Markers Window

Opens the Markers window.

Tool Buttons
Combine Selection Tools

Combines the Object Selection tool and the Range Selection tool.

Object Selection

Selects events and parts.

Range Selection

Selects ranges.

Draw

Draws events.

Erase

Erases events.

Split

Splits events.

Glue

Glues events together.

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Project Window
Project Zone

Mute

Mutes events.

Zoom

Zooms in. Hold Alt/Opt and click to zoom out.

Comp

Assembles takes.

Time Warp

Allows you to adjust musical positions of events to time positions and to perform warp
operations for individual time positions.

Line

Creates a series of contiguous events.

Play

Allows you to play back events.

Color

Allows you to colorize events.

Color Menu
Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events

Opens the Colorize pane that allows you to colorize the selected tracks or events.

Nudge
Nudge Settings

Allow you to set up a snap grid for the nudge commands.

● By default, the snap grid for nudge operations is set to Link to Grid, and the step
width corresponds to the snap grid.
● If you activate Link to Primary Time Format, the snap grid for nudge operations
follows the primary time format, and you can set up the step width in the Nudge
Settings pop-up menu.
● If you deactivate Link to Grid and Link to Primary Time Format, you can set up
a snap grid that is fully independent for nudge operations. In this case, you can
select a time format and a value from the Nudge Settings pop-up menu.

NOTE

To show the nudge buttons, click the points to the right of the Nudge Settings.

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Project Window
Project Zone

Nudge Start Left

Increases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the left.

Nudge Start Right

Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its start to the right.

Move Left

Moves the selected event to the left.

Move Right

Moves the selected event to the right.

Nudge End Left

Decreases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the left.

Nudge End Right

Increases the length of the selected event by moving its end to the right.

Project Root Key

Changes the root key of the project.

Snap
Snap to Zero Crossing

Restricts editing to zero crossings, that is, positions where the amplitude is zero.

Snap On/Off

Restricts horizontal movement and positioning to the positions specified by the Snap
Type.

Snap Type

Allows you to specify to what positions you want events to snap.

Grid Type
Grid Type

Allows you to specify a grid type for the Snap function. This setting only has effect if
Snap Type is set to one of the grid options.

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Project Window
Project Zone

Quantize
Apply Quantize

Applies the quantize settings.

Quantize Presets

Allows you to select a quantize preset.

Soft Quantize On/Off

Activates/Deactivates soft quantize.

AudioWarp Quantize On/Off

Activates/Deactivates AudioWarp quantize.

Open Quantize Panel

Opens the Quantize Panel.

Audio Alignment
Open Audio Alignment Panel

Opens the Audio Alignment Panel.

Audio Performance Meter

The upper bar displays either the current realtime peak or the ASIO-Guard load,
depending on which of the two has the higher value. The lower bar shows the hard
disk transfer load of the disk engine.
For a more detailed display of realtime peak and ASIO-Guard load, click to open the
Audio Performance window.

MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant

Open MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant

Opens the MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant.

Right Divider
Right Divider
Tools that are placed to the right of the divider are always shown.

Window Zone Controls

Show/Hide Left Zone

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Project Window
Project Zone

Shows/Hides the left zone of the window.

Show/Hide Lower Zone

Shows/Hides the lower zone of the window.

Show/Hide Right Zone

Shows/Hides the right zone of the window.

Set up Window Layout

Allows you to set up the window layout.

Set up Toolbar
Set up Toolbar

Opens a pop-up menu where you can set up which toolbar elements are visible.

RELATED LINKS
Left/Right Toolbar Divider on page 59
Snap Types Menu on page 94
Markers on page 376
Time Warp on page 1212
Automation on page 804
Synchronization on page 1252
Audio Alignment on page 227

Left/Right Toolbar Divider

The left and right toolbar dividers allow you to lock the position of specific tools at the left or at
the right side of the toolbar, so that they are always shown.

All other items are shown in the center of the toolbar. When you reduce the width of the Project
window, these toolbar items are hidden successively. When you increase the width, they are
shown again.

Toolbox
The toolbox makes the editing tools from the toolbar available at the mouse pointer position. It
can be opened instead of the standard context menus in the event display and editors.

● To activate the toolbox function, activate Show Toolbox on Right-Click in the Preferences
dialog (Editing—Tools page).
● To open the toolbox, right-click in the event display or editor.
If Show Toolbox on Right-Click is deactivated, the context menu opens.
● To open the context menu instead of the toolbox, press any modifier key and right-click in
the event display or editor.
If Show Toolbox on Right-Click is deactivated, press any modifier key to open the toolbox
instead of the context menu.

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Project Window
Project Zone

Track List
The track list shows the tracks that are used in the project. When a track is added and selected, it
contains name fields and settings for this track.

● To decide which controls are visible for each track type, right-click the track list and open the
Track Controls Settings dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Track Controls Settings Dialog on page 126

Dividing the Track List

You can divide the track list into an upper track list and a lower track list. These track lists can
have independent zoom and scroll controls. Dividing the track list is useful if you are working
with a video track and multi-track audio, for example. It allows you to place the video track in the
upper track list and to scroll the audio tracks separately in the lower track list, so that they can be
arranged with the video.

PROCEDURE
● Do one of the following:
● Select Project > Divide Track List.
● Click Divide Track List in the top right corner of the Project window below the ruler.

RESULT
The track list is divided, and video, marker, or arranger tracks are automatically moved to the
upper track list. All other track types are moved to the lower track list.

NOTE

The area of the project zone that has the focus is indicated by a highlighted and solid focus
frame, whereas the non-active area is shown with a dashed frame.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

● To move any type of track from the lower track list to the upper track list and vice versa,
right-click it in the track list and select Toggle Track List from the context menu.
● To resize the upper part of the track list, click and drag the divider between the track list
sections.
● To revert to a single track list, click Divide Track List again.

RELATED LINKS
Keyboard Focus in the Project Window on page 88

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Event Display
The event display shows the parts and events that are used in the project. They are positioned
along the timeline.

Global Track Controls

The global track controls allow you to manage the tracks in the track list.

● The global track controls are shown above the track list.

1 Add Track
Opens the Add Track dialog.
2 Use Track Preset
Allows you to add a track using a track preset.
3 Number of Visible Tracks
Displays how many tracks are filtered out by the Visibility tab.
4 Set Track Visibility Agents
Allows you to set a visibility agent to filter the tracks.
5 Set Track Type Filter
Determines which track types are shown in the track list.
6 Find Tracks
Allows you to search for specific tracks in the track list.

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RELATED LINKS
Opening the Visibility Tab on page 72

Filtering Track Types

You can filter tracks by their track type.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Set Track Type Filter above the track list.
This opens the track type filter.

2. Uncheck a track type to hide it.

RESULT
Filtered track types are removed from the track list. The color of the Set Track Type Filter button
changes to indicate that one or more track types are hidden.

Finding Tracks
The Find Tracks function allows you to find specific tracks. This is useful if you have a large
project with many tracks or if you have hidden tracks via the Visibility tab.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Find Tracks above the track list to open a selector that lists all tracks.
2. In the search field, enter the name of the track.
As you type, the selector updates automatically.
3. In the selector, select the track and press Return .

RESULT
The selector closes and the track is selected in the track list.

NOTE

Hidden tracks and tracks outside the view are now visible to you. Tracks that are hidden using
Set Track Type Filter are not shown.

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Ruler
By default, the ruler shows the timeline and the display format of the project.

Initially, the Project window ruler uses the display format that is specified in the Project Setup
dialog.

However, you can select an independent display format for the ruler.

● To select an independent display format for the ruler, click the arrow button to the right of
the ruler and select an option from the pop-up menu, or right-click anywhere in the ruler.

The ruler settings affect the ruler, the info line, and the tooltip position values.

You can also select independent formats for other rulers and position displays.

NOTE

To set the display format globally for all windows, use the Display Format pop-up menu in the
Project Setup dialog or the Select Primary Time Format pop-up menu on the Transport panel,
or hold down Ctrl/Cmd and select a format in any ruler.

RELATED LINKS
Project Setup Dialog on page 114
Ruler Modes on page 64
Selecting the Primary Time Format on page 276

Ruler Display Format Menu

You can select a display format for the ruler.

● To show the ruler display formats, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler.

The selection that you make affects the time display formats in the following areas:

● Ruler
● Info line
● Tooltip position values

The following options are available:

Bars+Beats
Sets the ruler to display bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks. By default, there are
120 ticks per sixteenth note. To change this, adjust the MIDI Display Resolution
setting in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).

Seconds
Sets the ruler to display hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds.

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Timecode
Sets the ruler to display hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. You can set the
number of frames per second (fps) via the Project Frame Rate pop-up menu in the
Project Setup dialog. To display subframes, activate Show Timecode Subframes in
the Preferences dialog (Transport page).

Samples
Sets the ruler to display samples.

fps (User)
Sets the ruler to display hours, minutes, seconds, and frames, and it allows you
to define the number of frames per second. To display subframes, activate Show
Timecode Subframes in the Preferences dialog (Transport page).

The following information is shown on the status line:

Audio Inputs/Audio Outputs

These fields are shown if the audio device ports are not connected. Click to open the
Audio Connections dialog and connect the ports.

Max. Record Time

Displays the remaining time for recording, depending on your project settings and
the available hard disk space. Click to display the remaining record time in a separate
window.

Record Format
Displays the sample rate and the bit depth used for recording. Click to open the
Project Setup dialog.

Project Frame Rate

Displays the frame rate used in the project. Click to open the Project Setup dialog.

Project Pan Law

Displays the current pan law setting. Click in this field to open the Project Setup dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Info Line
The info line shows information about the event or part that you selected in the project zone.

To activate the info line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Info Line.

RELATED LINKS
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Value Editing Rules on the Info Line

On the info line you can edit almost all event or part data using regular value editing.

If you select several events or parts, the information on the info line is shown in another color
and only. In this case, only information about the first item in the selection is displayed. The
following rules apply:

● Value changes are applied to all selected elements, relative to the current values.
Example: You have selected two audio events. The first event has a length of 1 bar, the
second event has a length of 2 bars. If you change the info line value to 3, the first event is
resized to 3 bars and the second event is resized to 4 bars.
● Value changes are applied absolute to the current values if you press Ctrl/Cmd while
modifying the value on the info line.
In the example above, both events are resized to 3 bars.

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NOTE

To change the modifier, select a new modifier in the Info Line category of the Preferences
dialog (Editing—Tool Modifiers page).

Overview Line
The overview line allows you to zoom and to navigate to other sections in the project.

To activate the overview line, click Set up Window Layout on the toolbar and activate Overview.

On the overview line, events and parts are displayed as boxes. A rectangle indicates the section
of the project that is displayed in the event display.

● To zoom the event display in or out horizontally, resize the rectangle by dragging the edges.
● To navigate to another section of the event display, drag the rectangle to the left or to the
right, or click in the upper part of the overview.

RELATED LINKS
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Transport Bar
The Transport Bar displays the transport functions in an integrated and fixed zone of the
Project window.

● To activate the Transport Bar, click Set up Window Layout on the Project window toolbar
and activate Transport Bar.
● To show/hide tools, open the Transport Bar context menu by right-clicking in an empty area
of the Transport Bar, and activate the tools that you want to display. To show all tools, select
Show All.

RELATED LINKS
Common Record Modes Menu on page 298
Audio Record Modes on page 303
MIDI Record Modes on page 310
Left/Right Toolbar Divider on page 59
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Left Zone
The left zone of the Project window allows you to display the Inspector and the Visibility tabs.

To show/hide the left zone, click Show/Hide Left Zone on the Project window toolbar.

The top of the left zone features the following tabs:

● Inspector
● Visibility

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RELATED LINKS
Inspector on page 67
Visibility on page 71
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Inspector
The Inspector displays controls and parameters for either the selected track in the track list or
the event or part that is displayed in the editor in the lower zone.

● To show/hide the Inspector, click Show/Hide Left Zone in the Project window toolbar.

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The following tabs are available:

Track
Opens the Track Inspector for the selected track.

Editor
Opens the Editor Inspector for the event or part that is shown in the editor in the
lower zone.

RELATED LINKS
Opening the Track Inspector on page 68
Opening the Editor Inspector on page 69
Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 78

Opening the Track Inspector

The Track Inspector shows controls and parameters for the selected track in the track list.

PROCEDURE
1. If the Left Zone is not visible, click Show/Hide Left Zone on the Project window toolbar to
activate it.
2. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Track tab.

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RESULT
The Track Inspector for the selected track opens. If more than one track is selected in the track
list, the controls and parameters for the topmost selected track are shown.

NOTE

In this documentation, we use Inspector to refer to the Track tab of the Inspector.

Opening the Editor Inspector

The Editor Inspector shows controls and parameters for the event or part that is displayed in
the editor in the lower zone.

PREREQUISITE
The Sample Editor, the Audio Part Editor, the Key Editor, the Drum Editor, or the Score Editor
is shown in the lower zone.

PROCEDURE
1. If the left zone is not visible, click Show/Hide Left Zone on the Project window toolbar to
activate the Left Zone.
2. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Editor tab.

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RESULT
The Editor Inspector for the event or part opens.

NOTE

The Editor Inspector only contains information if an editor is displayed in the lower zone.
Otherwise, it is empty.

RELATED LINKS
Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 78

Opening the Symbols Tab for the Score Editor

The Score Editor Inspector allows you to select the following tabs: Inspector and Symbols.

PREREQUISITE
The Score Editor is shown in the lower zone.

PROCEDURE
1. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Editor tab.
2. Select an option from the Switch Score Editor Inspector Content pop-up menu.

RESULT
The Symbols tab is shown.

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RELATED LINKS
Key Editor Inspector on page 986

Inspector Sections
The Track tab and the Editor tab of the Inspector are divided into sections that each contain
different controls for the track, event or part.

Not all Inspector sections are shown by default. The available sections depend on the type of the
selected track, event, or part and on the settings in the setup dialog for the Track tab and the
Editor tab of the Inspector.

● To open/close sections, click their names.

If you open one section the other sections are closed.
● To open a section without closing the other sections, Ctrl/Cmd -click the section name.

RELATED LINKS
Track Inspector Settings Dialog on page 123
Inspector Sections on page 124
Audio Track Inspector on page 135
Instrument Track Inspector on page 138
MIDI Track Inspector on page 145
Sampler Track Inspector on page 142
Arranger Track Inspector on page 166
Marker Track Inspector on page 157
Signature Track Inspector on page 164
Tempo Track Inspector on page 163
Transpose Track Inspector on page 168
VCA Fader Track Inspector on page 155
Video Track Inspector on page 171
Key Editor Inspector on page 986
Drum Editor Inspector on page 1020
Sample Editor Inspector on page 566

Visibility
The Visibility tab allows you to show or hide individual tracks from the track list and to
determine the position of particular MixConsole channels in the lower zone.

● To open the Visibility tab, click Visibility.

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At the bottom of the Visibility, the following tabs are available:

Track
Allows you to show or hide individual tracks from the track list.

Zones
Allows you to determine and lock the position of certain MixConsole channels in the
lower zone.

RELATED LINKS
Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone on page 77

Opening the Visibility Tab

The Visibility tab allows you to show or hide individual tracks from the track list.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Left Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Left Zone.
2. At the top of the left zone, click the Visibility tab.
3. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Track tab.

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RELATED LINKS
Showing/Hiding Individual Tracks on page 73

Showing/Hiding Individual Tracks

The Visibility tab shows a list of all the tracks of your project. You can show and hide individual
tracks.

● To show/hide a track in the track list, check/uncheck it by clicking to the left of the track
name.
● To activate/deactivate several tracks at the same time, select them and press Return .
● To show a hidden track exclusively, check it by Shift -clicking to the left of the track name.
● To expand or collapse a folder, click the triangle to the left of a folder track.

NOTE

● The channels of the MixConsole in the lower zone are updated accordingly. This means that
if you hide a track using the Visibility tab, the channel corresponding to that track is also
hidden in the MixConsole in the lower zone.
● To synchronize the track and the channel visibility in a separate MixConsole window, use the
Sync Visibility of Project and MixConsole function.

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RELATED LINKS
Synchronizing Track and Channel Visibility on page 74

Synchronizing Track and Channel Visibility

You can synchronize the track visibility in the Project window with the channel visibility in a
separate MixConsole window.

PROCEDURE
1. At the top of the left zone, select the Visibility tab.
2. At the bottom of the left zone, select the Track tab.
3. Click the equals sign to open the Sync Visibility of Project and MixConsole: On/Off menu.

4. Select Sync Project and MixConsole to synchronize the track visibility with the channel
visibility.

RESULT
The track and channel visibility are synchronized.

NOTE

● You can only synchronize the track visibility in the Project window with the channel visibility
of one MixConsole. If you enable Sync Visibility of Project and MixConsole: On/Off for a
second MixConsole, the first link is lost.
● If you divide the track list, the top part of the list is not affected. Likewise, channels in the left
or right zones of the MixConsole are not synchronized.

RELATED LINKS
Synchronizing Channel and Track Visibility on page 395

Opening the Zones

The Zones tab allows you to determine and lock the position of certain MixConsole channels in
the lower zone.

PROCEDURE
1. At the top of the left zone, click the Visibility tab.
2. At the bottom of the left zone, click the Zones tab.

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RESULT
The MixConsole opens in the lower zone.

RELATED LINKS
Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone on page 77

Lower Zone
The lower zone of the Project window allows you to display specific windows and editors in an
integrated and fixed zone of the Project window. This is useful if you work on single screen
systems and notebooks, for example.

To show/hide the lower zone, click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar.

The lower zone features the following tabs: Chord Pads, MixConsole, Sampler Control, MIDI
Remote, and Editor.

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To close the lower zone, click Close Lower Zone to the left of the tabs.

RELATED LINKS
Opening Chord Pads on page 76
Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone on page 77
Opening Sampler Control on page 78
Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone on page 78
Opening MIDI Remote in the Lower Zone on page 81
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Setting up the Lower Zone

The lower zone shows the Chord Pads, the Editor, the Sampler Control, the MixConsole, and
MIDI Remote. You can change the order of the tabs, and you can hide tabs that you do not need.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Set up Lower Zone in the bottom right of the lower zone.

2. Do one of the following:

● Activate/Deactivate the options in the pop-up menu to show/hide tabs in the lower zone.
● Select Setup to open a dialog where you can activate/deactivate the tabs and change
their position.

NOTE

In the Presets section of this dialog, you can also save a preset of your configuration.

RESULT
The tabs in the lower zone are shown, according to your configuration.

Opening Chord Pads

Chord Pads allow you to play with chords and to change their voicings and tensions.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone.
2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the Chord Pads tab.

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RESULT
The Chord Pads are opened.

RELATED LINKS
Chord Pads on page 1113
Setting up the Lower Zone on page 76
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Opening the MixConsole in the Lower Zone

The MixConsole in the lower zone allows you to perform all basic mixing procedures from within
the lower zone of the Project window. At the same time, you see the context of your tracks and
events.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone.
2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the MixConsole tab.

RESULT
The MixConsole is displayed in the lower zone.

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RELATED LINKS
MixConsole in Lower Zone on page 388
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Opening Sampler Control

Sampler Control allows you to display and edit the waveform of an audio sample on a sampler
track.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone.
2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the Sampler Control tab.

RESULT
Sampler Control is opened.

RELATED LINKS
Sampler Tracks on page 656
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Opening the Editor in the Lower Zone

The Editor in the lower zone allows you to perform event editing procedures from within the
lower zone of the Project window. At the same time, you see the context of your tracks and
events.

NOTE

By default, double-clicking an audio event/part or a MIDI part in the event display or selecting
it and pressing Return opens the corresponding editor in the lower zone of the Project
window. Using a menu command opens a separate editor window. You can change this in the
Preferences dialog (Editors page).

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the lower zone.
2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the Editor tab.
3. In the event display, do one of the following:

● Select a MIDI part.

● Select an audio event.

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● Select an audio part.

RESULT
Depending on your event or part selection, the lower zone shows either the Audio Part Editor,
the Sample Editor, or one of the MIDI editors.

NOTE

To change the default MIDI editor, select MIDI > Set up Editor Preferences, and select an option
from the Default MIDI Editor pop-up menu.

NOTE

If you open the editor and no event or part is selected, the editor in the lower zone is empty.

RELATED LINKS
Selecting a different MIDI Editor on page 79
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Selecting a different MIDI Editor

You can display the MIDI part that is opened in the editor in the lower zone in a different MIDI
editor. You can do this without changing the default MIDI editor.

PROCEDURE
1. On the Editor tab in the editor in the lower zone, click Select MIDI Editor.
2. Select an editor from the pop-up menu.

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RESULT
The MIDI part is displayed in the selected editor.

NOTE

This selection is temporary. The next time you open the MIDI part, the default MIDI editor is
used.

Link Project and Lower Zone Editor Cursors

You can link cursors and zoom factors of the project zone as well as the Key Editor, Drum Editor,
and the Audio Part Editor in the lower zone.

NOTE

Link Project and Lower Zone Editor Cursors is not available in the Sample Editor.

NOTE

The display format of the ruler is not affected by this function. You can still set the project zone
ruler and the editor ruler in the lower zone to different display formats.

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If you activate Link Project and Lower Zone Editor Cursors , the cursors and zoom factors
are linked in the event displays of the project zone and the lower zone. This is useful if you edit in
both zones and you want to keep the same position in view.

NOTE

In the Key Commands dialog in the Edit category, you can assign a key command for this.

RELATED LINKS
Ruler on page 63
Ruler Display Format Menu on page 63
Zooming in the Project Window on page 90

Opening MIDI Remote in the Lower Zone

The MIDI Remote tab in the lower zone of the Project window allows you to load scripts for
MIDI remote controllers. It shows a visual representation of the actual physical controller and its
control mappings to Cubase parameters.

PROCEDURE
1. If the lower zone is not visible, click Show/Hide Lower Zone on the Project window toolbar
to activate the lower zone.
2. At the bottom of the lower zone, click the MIDI Remote tab.

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RESULT
The MIDI Remote tab is opened in the lower zone.

NOTE

The MIDI Remote tab is not a clickable user interface. All operations are meant to be performed
on the connected MIDI controller.

Opening the VSTi Rack in the Right Zone

You can open the VSTi rack in the right zone of the Project window. This allows you to add and
edit VST instruments, and, at the same time, to see the context of your tracks and events.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right Zone.
2. At the top of the right zone, click the VSTi tab.

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RESULT
The VSTi rack is opened in the right zone of the Project window.

RELATED LINKS
VSTi Rack in the Right Zone on page 84
VST Instruments on page 826
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

VSTi Rack in the Right Zone

The VSTi rack in the right zone of the Project window allows you to add and edit VST instruments
in the context of the Project window.

The following sections are available:

● Track
Shows the associated VST instrument for an instrument track.
● Rack
Shows a VST instrument.

The following controls are available:

Add Track Instrument

Opens the Add Track dialog that allows you to select an instrument and to add an
instrument track that is associated with this instrument.

Find Instruments

Opens a selector that allows you to find a loaded instrument.

Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Previous Instrument

Allows you to set the remote control focus to the previous instrument.

Set Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls to Next Instrument

Allows you to set the remote control focus to the next instrument.

Show/Hide all VST Quick Controls

Shows/Hides the default quick controls for all loaded instruments.

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Settings

Opens the Settings pop-up menu, where you can activate/deactivate the following
modes:
● Show VST Quick Controls for One Slot Only shows the VST Quick Controls
exclusively for the selected instrument.
● MIDI Channel follows track selection ensures that the Channel selector follows
the MIDI track selection in the Project window. Use this mode if you work with
multitimbral instruments.
● Remote-Control Focus for VST Quick Controls follows track selection ensures
that the VST Quick Controls remote control focus follows the track selection.

RELATED LINKS
VST Instruments Window on page 831

Opening the Media Rack in the Right Zone

You can show the Media rack in the right zone of the Project window. This allows you to see
the context of your tracks and events when you drag audio events, MIDI parts, presets, or
instruments into the Project window.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right Zone.
2. At the top of the right zone, click the Media tab.

RESULT
The Media rack is opened in the right zone of the Project window.

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RELATED LINKS
Media Rack in the Right Zone on page 86
MediaBay and Media Rack on page 702
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Media Rack in the Right Zone

The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window allows you to drag audio events, MIDI
parts, or instrument presets into the event display. It lists Steinberg factory content and any
installed Steinberg content sets.

The Media rack Home tab displays the following tiles:

VST Instruments
Shows all included VST instruments.

VST Effects
Shows all included VST effects.

Loops & Samples

Shows audio loops, MIDI loops, or instrument sounds ordered by content set.

Presets
Shows track presets, strip presets, pattern banks, FX chain presets, and VST FX presets.

User Presets
Shows track presets, strip presets, pattern banks, FX chain presets, VST FX presets, and
instrument presets that are listed in the User folder.

Favorites
Shows your favorite folders and allows you to add new favorites. The favorites are
automatically added to the MediaBay database.

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File Browser
Shows your file system and the pre-defined folders Favorites, This Computer, VST
Sound, Factory Content, and User Content where you can search for media files and
access them immediately.

RELATED LINKS
Media Rack in Right Zone on page 702
MediaBay and Media Rack on page 702

Opening the Control Room in the Right Zone

You can show the Control Room in the right zone of the Project window.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right Zone.
2. At the top of the right zone, click the CR tab.

RESULT
The Control Room is opened in the right zone of the Project window. It has exactly the same
features as the Control Room that you open from the Studio menu as a separate window.

RELATED LINKS
Control Room on page 470
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Opening the Meter in the Right Zone

You can show the Meter in the right zone of the Project window.

PROCEDURE
1. Click Show/Hide Right Zone on the Project window toolbar to activate the Right Zone.

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Keyboard Focus in the Project Window

2. At the top of the right zone, click the Meter tab.

RESULT
The Meter is opened in the right zone of the Project window. It has exactly the same features as
the Meter that you open in the right zone of the MixConsole.

RELATED LINKS
Metering and Loudness on page 483
Project Window Toolbar on page 51

Keyboard Focus in the Project Window

The different zones in the Project window can be controlled by key commands. For this to work,
you must set the keyboard focus to the zone that you want to control by key commands.

The following Project window zones can have the keyboard focus:

● Project zone

NOTE

If you activate Divide Track List, the area of the project zone that has the focus is indicated
by a highlighted and solid focus frame, whereas the non-active area is shown with a dashed
frame.

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Keyboard Focus in the Project Window

● Left zone
● Lower zone
● Right zone

If a zone has the keyboard focus, the border that surrounds it is highlighted in a specific color.

NOTE

You can change the focus color in the Preferences dialog (User Interface—Color Schemes
page).

RELATED LINKS
Project Zone on page 50
Left Zone on page 66
Lower Zone on page 75
Right Zone on page 82
Project Window on page 49
Dividing the Track List on page 60
Keyboard Focus in the Key Editor on page 997

Activating Keyboard Focus for a Zone

You can activate the keyboard focus for a zone via mouse-click or key commands.

PROCEDURE
● Do one of the following:
● To activate any zone, click in it.
● To activate the next zone, press Tab . This allows you to move forward through the
zones.
● To activate the previous zone, press Shift - Tab .

NOTE

The editor in the lower zone automatically gets the keyboard focus if you double-click an
event or part in the event display, if you select an event or part and press Return , or if you
use key commands to open the zone.

RESULT
The keyboard focus is activated for this zone and the border of the zone is highlighted.

NOTE

The project zone and the lower zone have separate toolbars and info lines. If you use the toolbar
or the info line for one of these zones, the corresponding zone automatically gets the focus.

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Zooming in the Project Window

RELATED LINKS
Keyboard Focus in the Project Window on page 88
Keyboard Focus in the Key Editor on page 997

Zooming in the Project Window

To zoom in the Project window, use the standard zoom techniques.

NOTE

If screen redraws are slow on your system, activate Quick Zoom in the Preferences dialog
(Editing page).

Zooming Horizontally
● Select the Zoom tool and click in the event display to zoom in. To zoom out, hold down
Alt/Opt and click.
● Use the horizontal zoom sliders to zoom in and out.
● Click the lower half of the ruler and drag down to zoom in horizontally. Click the lower half of
the ruler and drag up to zoom out horizontally.
● Click H to zoom in horizontally. Click G to zoom out horizontally.

NOTE

If the Grid Type in the Project window toolbar is set to Adapt to Zoom, the horizontal zoom
level affects the grid and snap resolution in the event display.

Zooming Vertically
● Select the Zoom tool, click in the event display, and drag a selection rectangle to zoom in
vertically and horizontally.

NOTE

For this to work, you must deactivate the Zoom Tool Standard Mode: Horizontal Zooming
Only option in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page).

● Use the vertical zoom sliders to zoom in and out. If you have made any individual track
height adjustments, the relative height differences are maintained.
● Click Shift - H to zoom in vertically. Click Shift - G to zoom out vertically.

RELATED LINKS
Zoom Submenu on page 91
Zoom Presets on page 92
Zooming in on Cycle Markers on page 92
Zoom History on page 93
Link Project and Lower Zone Editor Cursors on page 80
Grid Type Menu on page 95

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Zooming in the Project Window

Zooming in on Audio Contents

You can zoom in vertically on the contents of audio parts and events. This is useful when viewing
quiet audio passages.

PROCEDURE
● Click the waveform zoom slider in the top right corner of the event display and drag up.

RESULT
The contents of audio parts and events in your project are zoomed in vertically.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

To get an approximate reading on the level of the audio events by viewing the waveforms,
zoom out by dragging the slider all the way down again. Otherwise, zoomed waveforms may be
mistaken for clipped audio.

Zoom Submenu
The Zoom submenu contains options for zooming in the Project window.

● To open the Zoom submenu, select Edit > Zoom.

The following options are available:

Zoom In/Zoom Out

Zooms in/out one step, centering on the project cursor.

Zoom Full
Zooms out so that the whole project is visible. The whole project means the timeline
from the project start to the length set in the Project Setup dialog.

Zoom to Selection
Zooms in horizontally and vertically so that the current selection fills the screen.

Zoom to Selection (Horiz.)

Zooms in horizontally so that the current selection fills the screen.

Zoom to Event
Zooms in to show the currently selected event. This option is available in the Sample
Editor and in some MIDI editors.

Zoom In Vertically/Zoom Out Vertically

Zooms in/out one step vertically.

Zoom In Tracks/Zoom Out Tracks

Zooms the selected tracks in/out one step vertically.

Zoom Selected Tracks

Zooms in vertically on the selected tracks and minimizes the height of all other tracks.

Undo Zoom/Redo Zoom

These options allow you to undo/redo the last zoom operation.

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Zooming in the Project Window

The upper part of the menu lists the zoom presets.

● To save the current zoom setting as a preset, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and
select Add. In the Type in Preset Name dialog that opens, type in a name for the preset and
click OK.
● To apply a preset, select it from the Zoom Presets pop-up menu.
● To display the entire project, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Zoom Full.
This displays the project from the Project Start Time to the Project Length, as set in the
Project Setup dialog.
● To delete a preset, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Organize. In the dialog
that opens, select the preset in the list and click Delete.
● To rename a preset, open the Zoom Presets pop-up menu and select Organize. In the
dialog that opens, select a preset from the list and click Rename. Type in a new name for the
preset. Click OK to close the dialogs.

IMPORTANT

Once set, zoom presets are available for all projects that you open or create.

Zooming in on Cycle Markers

You can zoom in on the area between cycle markers in the project.

PREREQUISITE
You have created at least one cycle marker for the project.

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Snap Function

PROCEDURE
● Click the button to the left of the horizontal zoom control to open the Zoom Presets pop-up
menu, and select a cycle marker.

The middle part of the pop-up menu lists any cycle markers that you have added to the
project.

RESULT
The event display is zoomed in to encompass the marker area.

RELATED LINKS
Markers Window on page 379

Zoom History
You can undo and redo zoom operations. This enables you to zoom in several steps and then
easily go back to the zoom stage at which you started.

You can undo and redo zoom operations in the following ways:

● To undo zoom, select Edit > Zoom > Undo Zoom or double-click with the zoom tool.
● To redo zoom, select Edit > Zoom > Redo Zoom or press Alt/Opt and double-click with the
zoom tool.

Snap Function
The Snap function helps you to find exact positions when editing in the Project window. It does
this by restricting horizontal movement and positioning to certain positions. Operations affected
by Snap include moving, copying, drawing, sizing, splitting, range selection, etc.

● To activate/deactivate Snap, activate/deactivate Snap on the toolbar.

Setting the Snap Point

You can set the snap point at any position of the audio event.

PROCEDURE
1. Select an event.
2. Position the project cursor within the selected audio event.
3. Select Audio > Snap Point to Cursor.

RESULT
The snap point is set at the cursor position. The snap point for an event is displayed as a vertical
line in the Project window.

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Snap Function

NOTE

You can also set the snap point in the Sample Editor.

RELATED LINKS
Adjusting the Snap Point on page 581
Snap Point on page 580

Snap to Zero Crossing

Splitting and resizing of audio events can lead to sudden amplitude changes that might cause
pops and clicks. To avoid this, activate Snap to Zero Crossing to snap to points where the
amplitude is zero.

● To activate Snap to Zero Crossing, activate Snap to Zero Crossing on the toolbar.

Snap Types Menu

You can select between different snap types to determine the snap point.

● To open the Snap Type pop-up menu, click Snap Type on the toolbar.

The following snap types are available:

Grid
The snap points are set with the Grid Type pop-up menu. The options depend on the
primary time format.
If you select Seconds as ruler format, time-based grid options are available.
If you select Bars+Beats as ruler format, musical grid options are available.

Grid Relative
Events and parts are not magnetic to the grid. Rather, the grid determines the step
size for moving the events. This means that a moved event keeps its original position
relative to the grid.
For example, if an event starts at the position 3.04.01, with Snap set to Grid Relative
and Grid Type set to Bar, you can move the event in steps of one bar to the positions
4.04.01, 5.04.01, and so on.

NOTE

This only applies to dragging existing events or parts. When you create new events or
parts, this Snap Type works like Grid.

Events
If this option is activated, the start and end positions of other events and parts become
magnetic. This means that, if you drag an event to a position near the start or the end
of another event, it is automatically aligned with the start or end of the other event.
For audio events, the position of the snap point is also magnetic. This includes marker
events on the marker track.

Shuffle
Shuffle is useful when you want to change the order of adjacent events. If you have
two adjacent events and drag the first one to the right, past the second event, the two
events change places.

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Snap Function

The same principle works when changing the order of more than two events.

Cursor
This grid type causes the project cursor to become magnetic. Dragging an event near
the cursor causes the event to be aligned with the cursor position.

Grid + Cursor
This is a combination of Grid and Cursor.

Events + Cursor
This is a combination of Events and Cursor.

Events + Grid + Cursor

This is a combination of Events, Grid, and Cursor.

RELATED LINKS
Selecting the Primary Time Format on page 276

Grid Type Menu

Allows you to specify a grid type that determines the grid and snap resolution in the event
display.

NOTE

This setting only has an effect if Snap Type is set to one of the grid options.

● To open the Grid Type pop-up menu, click Grid Type on the toolbar.

If you select Bars+Beats as display format, the following grid types are available:

Bar
Sets the grid and snap resolution to bars.

Beat
Sets the grid and snap resolution to beats.

Use Quantize
Sets the grid and snap resolution to the value that is activated in the Quantize Presets
pop-up menu.

Adapt to Zoom
Sets the grid and snap resolution to the horizontal zoom level. The more you zoom in
on the event display, the finer the resolution. High zoom levels allow you to snap to
64th notes, low zoom levels allow you to snap to bars.

NOTE

Adapt to Zoom is only available if Bars+Beats is set as ruler display format.

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Snap Function

NOTE

You can assign key commands to the grid types in the Key Commands dialog in the Edit
category.

If you select Seconds as the display format, the following grid types are available:

1 ms
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 ms.

10 ms
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 10 ms.

100 ms
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 100 ms.

1000 ms
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1000 ms.

If you select Timecode as the display format, the following grid types are available:

Subframe
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 subframe.

1/4 frame
Sets the grid and snap resolution to ¼ frame.

1/2 frame
Sets the grid and snap resolution to ½ frame.

1 frame
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 frame.

2 frames
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 2 frames.

1 second
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 second.

NOTE

If you activate this as a display format and Show Timecode Subframes is activated in the
Preferences dialog (Transport page), the frames will also display subframes. There are 80
subframes per frame.

If you select Samples as the display format, the following grid types are available:

1 sample
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 sample.

10 samples
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 10 samples.

100 samples
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 100 samples.

44100 samples
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 44100 samples.

If you select 60 fps (user) as the display format, the following grid types are available:

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Snap Grid

Subframe
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 subframe.

1/4 frame
Sets the grid and snap resolution to ¼ frame.

1/2 frame
Sets the grid and snap resolution to ½ frame.

1 frame
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 frame.

2 frames
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 2 frames.

1 second
Sets the grid and snap resolution to 1 second.

NOTE

If you activate this as a display format and Show Timecode Subframes is activated in the
Preferences dialog (Transport page), the frames will also display subframes. There are 80
subframes per frame.

RELATED LINKS
Snap Types Menu on page 94
Zooming in the Project Window on page 90
Ruler Display Format Menu on page 63

Snap Grid
In the Project window, and in some of the editors, you can have events, parts, and ranges snap
to the grid.

The grid is based on the following settings:

● Primary time format

You can set the primary time format on the Transport panel.
● Snap Type
You can select the Snap Type on the Project window toolbar.
● Grid Type
You can select the Grid Type on the Project window toolbar.

The Snap Type pop-up menu allows you to determine if the events snap to the grid, to other
events, or to the cursor.

NOTE

If you want your events to snap to the grid while you are editing, select one of the grid-related
snap types, Grid or Grid Relative.

If you selected one of the grid-related snap types, the Grid Type pop-up menu on the Project
window toolbar defines what the events snap to. The values that are shown depend on the
primary time format:

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Cross-Hair Cursor

● If you select Bars+Beats as a primary time format, you can select Bar or Beat as the Grid
Type to snap your events to bars or beats. If you activate Use Quantize as the Grid Type,
your events snap to the value that you set up in the Quantize Presets pop-up menu. If you
activate Adapt to Zoom as the Grid Type, snapping depends on the zoom level.
● If you select Seconds, Timecode, Samples, or fps (User) as the primary time format, the
Grid Type pop-up menu shows the corresponding values so that you can snap your events
to time positions.

You can also set up a different grid in the following editors:

● Key Editor
● Drum Editor
● List Editor
● Audio Part Editor
● Sample Editor

NOTE

In the Project window and in the editors, the grid is represented by vertical grid lines in the
event display. You can change the overlay intensity of the displayed grid lines by raising the Grid
Overlay Intensity in the Preferences dialog (Event Display page).

RELATED LINKS
Snap Function on page 93
Project Setup Dialog on page 114
Ruler on page 63
Snap Types Menu on page 94
Ruler Modes on page 64
Selecting the Primary Time Format on page 276
Grid Type Menu on page 95

Cross-Hair Cursor
The cross-hair cursor is displayed when working in the Project window and in the editors,
facilitating navigation and editing, especially for large projects.

● You can set up the cross-hair cursor in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Tools page).
You can set up the colors for the line and the mask of the cross-hair cursor and define their
width.

The cross-hair cursor works as follows:

● When the Object Selection tool or one of its subtools is selected, the cross-hair cursor
appears when you start moving/copying a part/event, or when using the event handles.

Cross-hair cursor when moving an event.

● When the Object Selection tool, the Split tool, or any other tool that makes use of this
function is selected, the cross-hair cursor appears as soon as you move the mouse over the
event display.

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Edit History Dialog

● The cross-hair cursor is only available for particular tools. The Mute tool, for example, does
not use a cross-hair cursor, as you click on an event to mute it.

NOTE

If the Key Editor, the Drum Editor or the Audio Part Editor is open in the lower zone of the
Project window and if Link Project and Lower Zone Cursors is activated, the cross-hair cursor is
shown in the editor in the lower zone and in the Project window.

Edit History Dialog

The Edit History dialog contains a list of all your edits. This allows you to undo any actions in the
Project window as well as in the editors.

● To open the Edit History dialog, select Edit > History.

Action
Shows the name of the action.

Time
Shows the time when this action was performed.

State
Shows the state of the action.

Details
Shows further details, and allows you to enter new text.

Separator
Move the separator upwards to undo your actions. To redo an action, move the
separator down.

NOTE

● You can also undo applied plug-in effects or audio processes. However, we recommend
to use Direct Offline Processing window to modify or delete plug-in effects or audio
processes.
● Offline processing that you have applied permanently to the audio via the Make Direct
Offline Processing Permanent function cannot be undone. Therefore, it is not shown in the
Edit History dialog.

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Color Handling

RELATED LINKS
Direct Offline Processing on page 522
Applying Offline Processing Permanently on page 535

Setting the Number of Maximum Undo Steps

You can limit the number of maximum undo steps. This is useful if you run out of memory, for
example.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Preferences dialog, select General.
2. Set the number in the Maximum Undo Steps field.

Color Handling
You can colorize events and tracks in Cubase. This contributes to an easier overview in the
Project window.

RELATED LINKS
Color Picker on page 106
Project Colors Setup Dialog on page 103
Event Colors Menu on page 942
Setting Event Colors to Track Colors on page 103
Colorizing Events on the Fly on page 102
Colorizing Selected Events or Parts on page 102
Resetting the Track Color on page 102
Colorizing Single Tracks on page 101
Colorizing Selected Tracks on page 100
Color Handling on page 100
User Interface - Track & MixConsole Channel Colors on page 1360
Automatically Assigning Colors to New Tracks/Channels on page 186

Colorizing Selected Tracks

You can colorize selected tracks.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Project window, deselect all events or parts.
2. Select the tracks that you want to colorize.
3. On the Project window toolbar, select Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events.
The Colorize pane opens.

NOTE

If you want to select colors by names, activate the Select Colors by Name option in the
Project Colors Setup dialog (Options page).

4. Select a color.

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RESULT
The selected tracks are colorized, and the events and parts get the track color.

NOTE

If you assign a different color to individual events or parts with the Color tool, events or parts no
longer follow color changes of the track.

RELATED LINKS
Colorizing Events on the Fly on page 102
Options Tab on page 106

Colorizing Single Tracks

You can colorize single tracks via the Inspector or the track list. This is useful if you want to
ensure that no other tracks, events, or parts are colorized accidentally.

PROCEDURE
1. Do one of the following:
● Select the track that you want to colorize, and, in the Inspector, click Colorize Selected
Track.

● Ctrl/Cmd -click the left area of the track list.

The Colorize pane opens.

NOTE

If you want to select colors by names, activate the Select Colors by Name option in the
Project Colors Setup dialog (Options page).

2. Select a color.

RESULT
The track is colorized, and any events or parts on that track get the same color.

NOTE

If you assign a different color to individual events or parts with the Color tool, they no longer
follow color changes of the track.

RELATED LINKS
Colorizing Events on the Fly on page 102
Options Tab on page 106

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Resetting the Track Color

You can reset the color of a track to the default color.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Project window, select the track that you want to reset to the default color, and
deselect all events or parts.
2. On the Project window toolbar, select Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events.
3. In the Colorize pane, click Set Track Color to Default.

RESULT
The default color is assigned to the selected track.

Colorizing Selected Events or Parts

You can colorize selected events or parts with Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events. By
default, events or parts follow the color of the corresponding track. However, you can overwrite
this setting and, for example, select the same color for events or parts that reside on different
tracks.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Project window, select all events or parts that you want to colorize.
2. On the Project window toolbar, select Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events.
The Colorize pane opens.

NOTE

If you want to select colors by names, activate the Select Colors by Name option in the
Project Colors Setup dialog (Options page).

3. Select a color.

RESULT
The selected events are colorized and no longer follow the color changes of the track.

RELATED LINKS
Colorizing Events on the Fly on page 102
Options Tab on page 106
Event Colors Menu on page 942

Colorizing Events on the Fly

You can colorize events or parts with the Color tool. By default, events or parts follow the color
of the corresponding track. However, you can overwrite this setting and, for example, select the
same color for events or parts that reside on different tracks.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Project window toolbar, select the Color tool.
2. Do one of the following to select a tool color:

● Alt/Opt -click an event or part to copy its color.

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● Move the mouse pointer over the Color tool, and use the mouse wheel to step through
the colors of the current color set.
3. Optional: Select the events or parts that you want to colorize with the Object Selection tool.
This is only necessary if you want to colorize multiple events or parts.
4. On the Project window toolbar, select the Color tool.
5. Click the events or parts that you want to colorize.

RESULT
The events or parts are colorized and no longer follow color changes of the track.

NOTE

You can also Ctrl/Cmd -click an event or part with the Color tool to open the Colorize pane or to
select colors by names.

RELATED LINKS
Colorizing Selected Events or Parts on page 102
Options Tab on page 106
Event Colors Menu on page 942

Setting Event Colors to Track Colors

You can set the color of events or parts to the track color. This is useful if you previously colorized
events or parts with the Color tool and you want them to follow the track color again.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Project window, select the event or part that you want to set to the track color.
2. On the Project window toolbar, click Select Color for Selected Tracks or Events.
3. In the Colorize pane, click Set Event Color to Track.

RESULT
The track color is assigned to the selected event or part.

RELATED LINKS
Colorizing Events on the Fly on page 102
Event Colors Menu on page 942

Project Colors Setup Dialog

The Project Colors Setup dialog allows you to set up colors for your project.

● To open the Project Colors Setup dialog, select Project > Project Colors Setup.

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RELATED LINKS
Color Picker on page 106
Color Set Tab on page 104
Presets Tab on page 105
Options Tab on page 106

Color Set Tab

The Color Set tab allows you to change the color set that is used in the project.

The following options are available:

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Color fields
Click a field to open the Color Picker and specify a new color.

Name
Shows the name of the color. Double-click to change it.

Set up
Allows you to add or remove color fields.

● Insert Color
Adds a new color field.
● Duplicate Color
Duplicates the selected color field.
● Remove Color
Removes the selected color field.
● Reset Color
Resets the selected color field to the factory settings.

Apply
Applies your changes and closes the dialog.

Number of Basic Colors

You can set up 8, 16, 24, or 32 basic colors.

Number of Color Tints

You can set up 1, 2, or 4 color tints.

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Sort Colors by
Allows you to sort the colors of the color set by their basic color or by their color tint.

The New Color Set section displays the current colors of the new color set.

The Missing Current Project Colors section shows which missing colors are replaced. Move the
mouse pointer over the color field of a missing color to highlight the color that is used to replace
it in the New Color Set section.

Apply
Applies your changes and closes the dialog.

Options Tab
The Options tab allows you to access the color set options.

In the Color Set Options section, the following options are available:

Store Color Set as Default

Saves the current set of colors as default.

Reset Color Set to Default

Applies the default set of colors.

Reset Color Set to Factory Settings

Returns to the standard color palette.

Select Colors by Name

Allows you to select colors by name.

Apply
Applies your changes and closes the dialog.

Color Picker
The Color Picker allows you to define new custom colors.

To open the Color Picker, do one of the following:

● Select Project > Project Colors Setup, and, in the Project Colors Setup dialog on the Color
Set tab, click a color field.
This allows you to define custom project colors.
● Select Edit > Preferences, select one of the User Interface entries, and click a color field.
This allows you to define custom user interface colors.

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Color selectors
Allow you to select a color shade and the nuance of the shade.

Context menu
Allows you to copy, paste, or reset colors.

Current Color/New Color

Shows the current color and the new color.

Hue/Saturation/Value
Allows you to edit the colors numerically.

Red/Green/Blue
Allows you to edit the colors numerically.

OK
Confirms the color changes.

NOTE

You must restart the application for some changes to take effect.

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In Cubase, projects are the central documents. You must create and set up a project to work with
the program.

Creating New Projects

You can create empty projects or projects that are based on a template.

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > New Project.
Depending on your settings, either the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog opens.
2. In the location options section, select where to store the new project.

● To use the default location, select Use default location.

● To choose another location, select Prompt for project location.
3. Do one of the following:
● To create an empty new project, click Create Empty.
● To create a new project from a template, select a template and click Create.

RESULT
A new, untitled project is created. If you selected a template, the new project is based on this
template and includes the corresponding tracks, events, and settings.

NOTE

If you create an empty project, your default presets for the input and output bus configurations
are applied. If you have not defined default presets, the last used configurations are applied.

RELATED LINKS
Presets for Input and Output Busses on page 39

Hub
Hub keeps you up to date with the latest information and assists you with organizing your
projects.

To open the Hub, do one of the following:

● Select Hub > Open Hub.

● Select File > New Project.

News Section
The News section displays Steinberg news as well as links to interesting deals, the user manuals,
the user forum, and the support.

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Project Assistant Dialog

NOTE

Make sure that you have an active Internet connection to access this material.

Projects Section
The Projects section allows you to create new projects, which can either be empty or based
on a template. It allows you to specify where to save the projects. It also allows you to access
recently opened projects or projects that are stored in other locations. This section offers the
same functionality as the Project Assistant dialog.

Category bar
The available factory templates are sorted into the predefined categories Recording,
Scoring, Production, and Mastering.
The Recent category contains a list of the recently opened projects.
The More category contains the default project template and all templates that are not
assigned to any of the other categories.

Template list
When you click on one of the category items, the list below the category bar shows the
available templates for this category. Any new templates that you create are added at
the top of the corresponding list.

Location options
This section allows you to specify where the project is stored.

Open Other
This button allows you to open any project file on your system. This is identical to using
the Open command on the File menu.

RELATED LINKS
Project Assistant Dialog on page 109

Deactivating the Hub

To start Cubase or to create new projects without the Hub, you can deactivate it.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Preferences dialog, select General.
2. Deactivate Use Hub.

RESULT
Cubase starts without opening a project and opens the Project Assistant dialog when you create
a new project using the File menu. However, you can still open the Hub through the Hub menu.

Project Assistant Dialog

The Project Assistant dialog assists you with organizing your projects.

● To open the Project Assistant dialog, deactivate Use Hub in the Preferences dialog
(General page), and select File > New Project.

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Project Files

Category bar
The available factory templates are sorted into the predefined categories Recording,
Production, Scoring, and Mastering.
The Recent category contains a list of the recently opened projects.
The More category contains the default project template and all templates that are not
assigned to any of the other categories.

Template list
When you click on one of the category items, the list below the category bar shows the
available factory templates for this category. Any new templates that you create are
added at the top of the corresponding list.

Location options
This section allows you to specify where the project is stored.

Open Other
This button allows you to open any project file on your system. This is identical to using
the Open command from the File menu.

Project Files
A project file (extension *.cpr) is the central document in Cubase. A project file contains
references to media data that can be saved in the project folder.

NOTE

We recommend to save files in the project folder, even though you can save them in any other
location to which you have access.

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Template Files

The project folder contains the project file and the following folders that Cubase automatically
creates, if necessary:

● Audio
● Edits
● Images
● Track Pictures

Template Files
Templates can be a good starting point for new projects. Templates are projects where you can
save all settings that you regularly use, such as bus configurations, sample rates, record formats,
basic track layouts, VSTi setups, drum map setups, etc.

The following template types are available from within the Hub:

● Factory templates for specific scenarios. These are listed in the Recording, Scoring,
Production, or Mastering categories.
● The default template. This is listed in the More category.
● Any new user templates that you create and save. These are listed in the More category.

Template projects are not saved in project folders. Therefore, they contain no subfolders and no
media files.

● To open the location of a specific template, right-click a template in the template list and
select Show in Explorer (Windows only) or Reveal in Finder (macOS only).

Save As Template Dialog

The Save As Template dialog allows you to save projects as templates.

● To open the Save As Template dialog, select File > Save As Template.

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Template Files

The following options are available in the Current Presets section:

New Folder
Allows you to add a folder to the template list.

Template list
Lists the templates and the folders.

The following options are available in the Attribute Inspector section:

Value
Click this field to enter a description for the Content Summary attribute or to select a
template category for Template Category attribute.

The following options are available in the New Preset section:

New Preset
Allows you to enter a name for the new project template.

Show Attribute Inspector

Allows you to show/hide the Attribute Inspector.

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Saving a Project Template File

You can save the current project as a template. When you create a new project, you can select
this template as a starting point.

PREREQUISITE
You have removed all clips from the Pool. This ensures that references to media data from the
original project folder are deleted.

PROCEDURE
1. Set up a project.
2. Select File > Save as Template.
3. In the New Preset section of the Save as Template dialog, enter a name for the new project
template.

4. In the Attribute Inspector section, double-click the Value field of the Content Summary
attribute to enter a description for the template.
5. Click the Value field of the Template Category attribute and select a template category
from the pop-up menu.
If you do not select a category, the new template will be listed in the Hub, as part of the
More category.
6. Click OK to save the template.

Renaming Templates
You can rename template files from within the Hub or the Project Assistant.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Hub or in the Project Assistant, right-click a template and select Rename.
2. In the Rename dialog, enter a new name and click OK.

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Project Setup Dialog

Project Setup Dialog

The Project Setup dialog allows you to make general settings for your project.

● To open the Project Setup dialog, select Project > Project Setup.
● To open the Project Setup dialog automatically when you create a new project, activate the
Run Setup on Create New Project option in the Preferences dialog (General page).

IMPORTANT

While you can change most Project Setup settings at any time, you must set the sample rate
right after creating a new project. If you change the sample rate at a later stage, you must
convert all audio files in the project to the new sample rate to make them play back properly.

In the Project Duration section, the following options are available:

Project Start Time

Allows you to specify the start time of the project in timecode format. This also
determines the sync start position when synchronizing to external devices.

Project Duration
Allows you to specify the duration of the project.

Project Frame Rate

In the Project Frame Rate section, the following options are available:

Project Frame Rate

Allows you to specify the timecode standard and the frame rate for the project. When
synchronizing to an external device, this setting must correspond to the frame rate of
any incoming timecode.

Get Frame Rate From Video

Allows you to set the project frame rate to the frame rate of an imported video file.

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Project Time Displays

In the Project Time Displays section, the following options are available:

Display Format
Allows you to specify the global display format for all rulers and position displays in
the program, except for the ruler tracks. However, you can make independent display
format selections for the individual rulers and displays.

Display Time Offset

Allows you to specify an offset for the time positions in the rulers and position displays
to compensate for the Project Start Time setting.

Display Bar Offset

This setting is only used in conjunction with the Bars+Beats display format. Allows
you to specify an offset for the time positions in the rulers and position displays to
compensate for the Project Start Time setting.

Record File Format

In the Record File Format section, the following options are available:

Sample Rate
Allows you to specify the sample rate at which Cubase records and plays back audio.
● If your audio hardware generates the sample rate internally and you select a
non-supported sample rate, this is indicated by a different color. In this case, you
must set a different sample rate to make your audio files play back properly.
● If you select a sample rate that your audio hardware supports but that differs from
its current sample rate setting, it is automatically changed to the project sample
rate.
● If your audio hardware is externally clocked and receives external clock signals,
sample rate mismatches are accepted.

Bit Depth
Allows you to specify the bit depth of the audio files that you record in Cubase. Select
the record format according to the bit depth that is delivered by your audio hardware.
The available options are 16 bit, 24 bit, 32 bit, 32 bit float, and 64 bit float.

NOTE

● If your audio interface supports a bit depth of 32 bit and you want to maintain this
precision in your recordings, select a Processing Precision of 64 bit float in the
Studio Setup dialog.
● When you record with effects, consider setting the bit depth to 32 bit float or
64 bit float. This prevents clipping (digital distortion) in the recorded files and
keeps the audio quality very high. Effect processing and level or EQ changes in the
input channel are performed in 32-bit float or 64-bit float format, depending on
the Processing Precision setting in the Studio Setup dialog. If you record at 16 bit
or at 24 bit, the audio is converted to this lower bit depth when it is written to a
file. As a result, the signal may degrade. This is independent of the actual bit depth
of your audio hardware. Even if the signal from the audio hardware has a bit depth
of 16 bit, the signal is 32 bit float or 64 bit float after the effects are added to the
input channel.
● The higher the bit depth value, the larger the files and the more strain is put on the
disk system. If this is an issue, lower the record format setting.

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Project Setup Dialog

Record File Type

Allows you to specify the file type of the audio files that you record in Cubase.

NOTE

● For wave file recordings larger than 4 GB, the EBU RIFF standard is used. If you
use a FAT 32 disk (not recommended), audio files are split automatically. In the
Preferences dialog, you can specify what happens if your recorded Wave file is
larger than 4 GB.
● You can set up embedded strings in the Preferences dialog.

Project Ownership
In the Project Ownership section, the following options are available:

Author
Allows you to specify a project author that is written into the file when you export audio
files and activate the Insert iXML chunk option. You can specify a default author in
the Default Author Name field of the Preferences dialog (General—Personalization
page).

Company
Allows you to specify a company name that is written into the file when you export
audio files and activate the Insert iXML chunk option. You can specify a default
company in the Default Company Name field in the Preferences dialog (General—
Personalization page).

Other Project Settings

In the Other Project Settings section, the following options are available:

Stereo Pan Law

If you pan a channel left or right, the sum of the left, and the right side is higher
(louder) than if this channel is panned center. These modes allow you to attenuate
signals panned center. 0 dB turns off constant-power panning. Equal Power means
that the power of the signal remains the same, regardless of the pan setting.

Volume Max
Allows you to specify the maximum fader level. By default, this is set to +12 dB. If you
load projects created with Cubase versions older than 5.5, this value is set to the old
default value of +6 dB.

Hermode Tuning
In the Hermode Tuning section, the following options are available:

HMT Type (MIDI only)

Allows you to specify a mode for Hermode tuning of MIDI notes.

HMT Depth (MIDI only)

Allows you to specify the overall degree of retuning.

Project Location
In the Project Location section, the following options are available:

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Opening Project Files

Project Location information

Displays the project location.

Show in Explorer/Reveal in Finder

Opens a file dialog that shows the location of the project file.

RELATED LINKS
Audio System Page on page 19
Record - Audio on page 1354

Opening Project Files

You can open several saved project files at the same time.

IMPORTANT

If you open a project saved with a different program version and it contains data for functions
that are not available in your version, this data may be lost when you save the project with your
version.

NOTE

● If you open an external project, the last used view that was saved on your computer is used.
You can change this setting in the Preferences dialog (General page).
● External projects are automatically connected to the input and output busses. If you open
a project created on a computer with an ASIO port configuration that differs from the
configuration of your computer, this can result in unwanted audio connections. You can
deactivate the automatic connection of input and output busses in the Preferences dialog
(VST page).

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > Open.
2. In the file dialog that opens, select the project that you want to open and click Open.
3. If there is already an open project, you are asked if you want to activate the new project. Do
one of the following:
● To activate the project, click Activate.
● To open the project without activating it, click No.
This reduces load times for projects.

RELATED LINKS
Workspaces for External Projects on page 1320
Do Not Connect Input/Output Busses When Loading External Projects on page 1362
Activating Projects on page 118

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Saving Project Files

Activating Projects
In Cubase you have several projects opened at the same time. However, only one project can be
active. The active project is indicated by the lit Activate Project button in the upper left corner of
the Project window. To work on another project, activate the other project.

PROCEDURE
● To activate a project, click Activate Project .

NOTE

If you close the active project, you must activate another open project manually, as Cubase
cannot automatically activate one of the other open projects.

Opening Recent Projects

You can open recent projects from the recent projects list.

PROCEDURE
● Do one of the following:
● In the category bar of the Hub or the Project Assistant dialog, click Recent, select a
project from the projects list, and click Open.
● Select File > Recent Projects and select a recently opened project.

Re-Routing Missing Ports

If you open a Cubase project that was created on a different system with other audio hardware,
Cubase tries to find matching audio inputs and outputs for the input/output busses. If Cubase
cannot resolve all audio/MIDI inputs and outputs that are used in the project, the Missing Ports
dialog opens.

This allows you to manually re-route any ports specified in the project to ports that are available
on your system.

NOTE

To improve the search for matching audio inputs and outputs for the input/output busses, use
descriptive, generic names for your input and output ports.

RELATED LINKS
Renaming the Hardware Inputs and Outputs on page 36

Saving Project Files

You can save the active project as a project file. To keep your projects as manageable as possible,
make sure that you save project files and all related files in the respective project folders.

● To save the project and to specify a file name and location, open the File menu and select
Save As.
● To save the project with its current name and location, open the File menu and select Save.

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Reverting to the Last Saved Version

Auto Save
Cubase can automatically save backup copies of all open project files with unsaved changes.

NOTE

Only the project files are backed up. To include the files from the Pool and to save your project in
a different location, use the Back up Project function.

Cubase can automatically save backup copies of all open projects with unsaved changes. To set
this up, activate the Auto Save option in the Preferences dialog (General page). The backup
copies are named “<project name>-xx.bak” where xx is an incremental number. Unsaved projects
are backed up in a similar way as “UntitledX-xx.bak”, with X being the incremental number for
unsaved projects. All backup files are saved in the project folder.

● To specify the time intervals in which a backup copy is created, use the Auto Save Interval
setting.
● To specify how many backup files are created with the Auto Save function, use the
Maximum Backup Files option. When the maximum number of backup files is reached,
the existing files are overwritten, starting with the oldest file.

Saving Project Files As a New Version

You can create and activate a new version of an active project file. This is useful if you are
experimenting with edits and arrangements and want to be able to go back to a previous
version.

PROCEDURE
● Do one of the following:
● Select File > Save New Version.
● Press Ctrl/Cmd - Alt/Opt - S .

RESULT
The new file is saved under the same name as the original project, with an incremental number
attached to it. For example, if your project is called “My Project”, new versions are called “My
Project-01”, “My Project-02”, and so on.

Reverting to the Last Saved Version

You can return to the last saved version and discard all changes that have been made.

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > Revert.
2. In the warning message, click Revert.
If you have recorded or created new audio files since the last version was saved, you are
prompted to delete or keep the files.

Choosing a Project Location

You can specify a project location for saving projects in the Hub and in the Project Assistant.

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Self-Contained Projects

PROCEDURE
1. Do one of the following:

● Select Use default location to create a project in the default project location. In the
Project folder field, specify a name for the project folder. If you do not specify a project
folder here, the project is saved in a folder named Untitled.

● Click in the path field to change the default project location. Specify the new default
location in the file dialog that opens.
● Activate Prompt for project location to open a file dialog where you can specify the
project folder location.
2. Do one of the following:

● Click Create Empty to create a new empty project.

● Select one of the template projects and click Create to create a project based on a
template.

RESULT
The project is created and saved in the specified location.

Self-Contained Projects
To share your work or to transfer it to another computer, your project must be self-contained.

The following functions facilitate this task:

● Select Media > Prepare Archive to verify that every clip that is referenced in the project is
located in the project folder and to take actions if that is not the case.
● Select File > Back up Project to create a new project folder where you can save the project
file and the necessary work data. The original project remains unchanged.

RELATED LINKS
Preparing Archives on page 120
Backing up Projects on page 121

Preparing Archives
The Prepare Archive function allows you to gather all files that are referenced by your project
and to ensure that these are in the project folder. This is useful if you want to move or archive
your project.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Media > Prepare Archive.
If your project references external files, you are prompted to copy them to your working
directory. If any processing has been applied, decide if you want to flatten edits.
2. Click Proceed.

RESULT
Your project is ready to be archived. You can move or copy the project folder to another location.

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AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

Copy audio files that reside within the project folder to the Audio folder or save them separately.
You must also move your video clips manually, as videos are only referenced and not saved in the
project folder.

Backing up Projects
You can create a backup copy of your project. Backups only contain the necessary work data. All
media files, except for the files from VST Sound archives, are included as a copy.

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > Back up Project.
2. Select an empty folder or create a new one.
3. Make your changes in the Back up Project Options dialog and click OK.

RESULT
A copy of the project is saved in the new folder. The original project remains unaffected.

NOTE

VST Sound content provided by Steinberg is copy-protected and is not included in the backup
project. If you want to use a backup copy that uses VST Sound content on a different computer,
make sure that the corresponding content is also available on that computer.

Back up Project Options Dialog

The Back up Project Options dialog allows you to create a backup copy of your project.

● To open the Back up Project Options dialog, select File > Back up Project.

Project Name
Allows you to change the name of the backed up project.

Keep Current Project Active

Allows you to keep the current project active after clicking OK.

Minimize Audio Files

Allows you to include only the audio file portions that are actually used in the project.
This can significantly reduce the size of the project folder if you are using small sections
of large files. It also means that you cannot use other parts of the audio files if you
continue working with the project in its new folder.

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Make Direct Offline Processing Permanent

Allows you to flatten all edits and to apply all processing and effects permanently to
each clip in the Pool.

Remove Unused Files

Allows you to remove unused files and to back up only the files that are actually used.

Do Not Back up Video

Allows you to exclude video clips from the video track or from the Pool of the current
project.

Do Not Back up Mixdown Folder

Allows you to exclude the Mixdown folder of your project from the backup.

RELATED LINKS
Export Audio Mixdown Dialog on page 1229

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Tracks

Tracks are the building blocks of your project. They allow you to import, add, record, and
edit parts and events. Tracks are listed from top to bottom in the track list and extend
horizontally across the Project window. Each track is assigned to a particular channel strip in
the MixConsole.

If you select a track in the Project window, the controls, settings, and parameters displayed in
the Inspector and the track list allow you to control the track.

Track Inspector Settings Dialog

The Track Inspector Settings dialog allows you to configure the visibility settings of the
individual Inspector sections for each track type. You can also specify the order of the sections.

● To open the Track Inspector Settings dialog, click Set up Inspector, and select Setup from
the pop-up menu.

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Track Inspector Settings Dialog

Hidden Items
Displays sections that are hidden in the Inspector.

Visible Items
Displays sections that are visible in the Inspector.

Pin
Activate Pin by clicking the column for a section to prevent this section from being
closed automatically.

Add
Allows you to move a selected item from the list of hidden sections to the list of visible
sections.

Remove
Allows you to move a selected item from the list of visible sections to the list of hidden
sections.

Move Up/Move Down

Allows you to change the position of an item in the list of visible sections.

Presets
Allows you to save Inspector settings as presets.

Reset All
Allows you to restore the default Inspector settings.

Inspector Sections
Each track type has its basic track settings that are always shown. Apart from these, you can set
up other track-specific Inspector sections in the Track Inspector Settings dialog.

Depending on the track type, you can set up the following Inspector sections:

Track Versions
Allows you to create and edit Track Versions.

Chords
Allows you to specify how the track follows the chord track.

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Track Inspector Settings Dialog

Inserts
Allows you to add audio insert effects to the track.

Equalizers
Allows you to adjust the EQs for the track. You can have up to four bands of EQs for
each track.

Sends
Allows you to route the track to one or several FX channels.

Cue Sends
Allows you to route cue mixes to Control Room cues.

Strip
Allows you to set up the channel strip modules.

Direct Routing
Allows you to set up direct routing.

Surround Pan
Shows the panner for a track.

Fader
Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel.

Notepad
Allows you to enter notes about the track.

Device Panel
Allows you to display and use device panels.

Quick Controls
Allows you to configure quick controls to use remote devices, for example.

Expression Map
Allows you to work with the Expression Map features.

Note Expression
Allows you to work with the Note Expression features.

MIDI Modifiers
Allows you to transpose or adjust the velocity of the MIDI track events in real time
during playback.

MIDI Inserts
Allows you to add MIDI insert effects.

Instrument
Shows the audio-related controls for the sampler track.

MIDI Sends
Allows you to add MIDI send effects.

MIDI Fader
Shows a duplicate of the corresponding MixConsole channel.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 71
Track Inspector Settings Dialog on page 123
Track Versions Section on page 200

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Track Controls Settings Dialog

Insert Effects on page 492

Send Effects on page 501
Equalizers (EQ) on page 431
Chords Section for MIDI Tracks on page 1105
Chords Section for Audio Tracks on page 1105
Cue Sends on page 442
Channel Strips on page 434
Direct Routing on page 443
Miniature Views on page 756
Device Panels on page 925
Track Quick Controls on page 850
Expression Maps on page 1049
Note Expression on page 1061
MIDI Modifiers Section on page 909
MIDI Inserts on page 914
MIDI Sends on page 916

Track Controls Settings Dialog

The Track Controls Settings dialog allows you to configure which track controls are displayed
in the track list. You can also specify the order of controls and group controls so that they are
always shown adjacent to each other.

NOTE

The Track Controls Settings dialog is available for the main track types. The track types that
are shown in the More Tracks section of the Add Track dialog, however, have a fixed set of
track-specific controls. Eceptions to this are the chord track and the video track.

● To open the Track Controls Settings dialog, right-click a track in the track list and select
Track Controls Settings from the context menu, or click Open Track Controls Settings
Dialog in the bottom right corner of the track list.

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Track Controls Settings Dialog

Track type
Allows you to select the track type to which your settings are applied.

Hidden Controls
Displays controls that are hidden in the track list.

Visible Controls
Displays controls that are visible in the track list.

Width
If you click in this column, you can set the maximum length for the track name.

Group
Displays the group number.

Add
Allows you to move a selected item from the list of hidden controls to the list of visible
controls.

Remove
Allows you to move a selected item from the list of visible controls to the list of hidden
controls. All controls can be removed, except for Mute and Solo.

Move Up/Move Down

Allows you to change the order of items in the list of visible controls.

Group
Allows you to group two or more selected items in the visible controls list that are next
to each other. This ensures that they are always positioned side by side in the track list.

Ungroup
Allows you to ungroup grouped controls in the visible controls list. To remove an entire
group, select the first (topmost) element of this group and click Ungroup.

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Track Controls Settings Dialog

Reset
Allows you to restore all default track controls settings for the selected track type.

Controls Area Preview

Shows a preview of the customized track controls.

Presets
Allows you to save settings for track controls as presets. To recall a preset, click Switch
Presets in the bottom right corner of the track list. The name of the selected preset is
shown in the left corner.

Controls Area Width

Allows you to determine the width of the track controls area for the selected track type.
In the Controls Area Preview, this area is shown with a frame.

Track Name Width (global)

Allows you to determine the global name width for all track types.

Apply
Applies your settings.

Reset All
Allows you to restore all default settings for track controls for all track types.

Track Controls
You can configure which track controls are shown in the track list.

NOTE

You can only configure track controls for the main track types. The track types that are shown
in the More Tracks section of the Add Track dialog, however, have a fixed set of track-specific
controls. The chord track and the video track are exceptions to this.

The following track controls are always shown:

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

The track name control is available for all track types:

Name

Shows the name of the track. Double-click to rename the track.

Audio-Related Tracks
The following track controls are specific to audio-related tracks, that is, audio tracks, instrument
tracks, sampler tracks, group channel tracks, and FX channel tracks:

Bypass Inserts

Bypasses the inserts for the track.

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Track Controls Settings Dialog

Bypass EQs

Bypasses the equalizers for the track.

Bypass Sends

Bypasses the sends for the track.

Freeze Channel

Opens a dialog that allows you to set the Tail Size time in seconds.

Channel Configuration

Shows the channel configuration of the track.

Listen

The listen indicator lights up when the track is in Listen mode.

MIDI-Related Tracks
The following controls are specific to MIDI-related tracks, that is, MIDI tracks, sampler tracks, and
instrument tracks:

ASIO Latency Compensation

Moves all recorded events on the track by the current latency.

Programs

Allows you to select a program.

Edit In-Place

Allows you to edit MIDI events and parts on the track in the Project window.

Drum Map

Allows you to select a drum map for the track.

Audio- and MIDI-Related Tracks

The following track controls are specific to audio- and MIDI-related tracks:

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

For audio-related tracks, this routes incoming signals to the selected output.
For MIDI and instrument-related tracks, this allows you to route incoming MIDI signals
to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI Thru Active in the
Preferences dialog (MIDI page).

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Track Controls Settings Dialog

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

Show Lanes

Divides the tracks into lanes.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Instrument Tracks
The following controls are specific to instrument tracks:

Edit Instrument

Allows you to open the instrument panel.

Instrument

Allows you to select an instrument.

Sampler Tracks
The following controls are specific to sampler tracks:

Open/Close Sampler
Opens/Closes the Sampler Control in the lower zone.

MIDI Tracks
The following controls are specific to MIDI tracks:

Channel

Allows you to specify the MIDI channel.

Output

Allows you to specify the output for the track.

Bypass Inserts

Bypasses the inserts for the track.

Bypass Sends

Bypasses the sends for the track.

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Track Controls Settings Dialog

Group/FX/VCA Tracks
The following track controls are specific to group/FX/VCA tracks:

Mute Automation

Deactivates the automation read function for the selected parameter.

Lock Automation

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Automation parameter

Allows you to select a parameter for automation.

Parameter

Allows you to select a parameter value for automation.

Marker Tracks
The following controls are specific to marker tracks:

Add Marker

Allows you to add a position marker at the project cursor position. This track control is
always shown.

Add Cycle Marker

Allows you to add a cycle marker at the project cursor position. This track control is
always shown.

Locate

Allows you to move the project cursor to the selected marker position.

Cycle

Allows you to select a cycle marker.

Zoom

Allows you to zoom in on a cycle marker.

Activate this Track

Activates this marker track.

Folder Tracks
The following controls are specific to folder tracks:

Group Editing

Allows you to activate the group editing mode.

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Add Track Dialog

Expand/Collapse Folder
Shows/Hides the tracks in the folder. Hidden tracks are played back as usual.

Add Track Dialog

The Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add tracks.

To open the Add Track dialog, click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Audio on page 133
Add Track Dialog – Instrument on page 137
Add Track Dialog – Sampler on page 141
Add Track Dialog – MIDI on page 144
Add Track Dialog – Group Channel on page 148
Add Track Dialog – Effect on page 151
Add Track Dialog – VCA on page 154
Add Track Dialog – Marker on page 156
Add Track Dialog – Ruler on page 158
Add Track Dialog – Folder on page 159
Tempo Track on page 162
Signature Track on page 164
Arranger Track on page 165
Transpose Track on page 167
Chord Track on page 168
Video Tracks on page 171

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Audio Tracks

Audio Tracks
You can use audio tracks for recording and playing back audio events and audio parts. Each
audio track has a corresponding audio channel in the MixConsole. An audio track can have any
number of automation tracks for automating channel parameters, effect settings, etc.

You can add audio tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Audio on page 133

Add Track Dialog – Audio

The Audio page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add audio tracks.

To open the Audio page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track controls area of the track list, and click Audio.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Audio page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Audio or right-click in an empty area of the track list, and select
Add Audio Track.
This opens the Audio page of the Add Track dialog.

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Audio Tracks

The following settings are available:

Audio Inputs
Opens a window where you can select an input of your connected audio hardware.
If you have added an input bus in the Audio Connections window, you can connect to
that input bus.
The Open Audio Connections button opens the Audio Connections window.

Configuration
Allows you to set the channel configuration. Audio-related tracks can be configured as
mono, stereo, or surround tracks.

Audio Outputs
Allows you to set the output routing.

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

NOTE

You can add an unlimited number of tracks. However, you can only add 100 tracks at a
time.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Audio Connections Window on page 31

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Audio Tracks

Audio Track Inspector

The Inspector for audio tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your
audio track.

The top section of the audio track Inspector contains the following basic track settings:

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Open Device Panels

Allows you to create a device panel for the plug-in and device parameters of your track.

Auto Fades Settings

Opens a dialog where you can make separate fade settings for the track.

Record Enable

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Audio Tracks

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

Routes incoming signals to the selected output.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Show Lanes

Divides the tracks into lanes.

Freeze Audio Channel

Allows you to freeze the audio channel.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

Pan

Allows you to adjust the panning of the track.

Delay

Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.

Load/Save/Reload Track Preset

Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets.

Input Routing

Allows you to specify the input bus for the track.

Output Routing

Allows you to specify the output bus for the track.

Select Extension

Allows you to select an extension for the track.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

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Instrument Tracks

Instrument Tracks
You can use instrument tracks for dedicated VST instruments. Each instrument track has a
corresponding instrument channel in the MixConsole. An instrument track can have any number
of automation tracks.

You can add instrument tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Instrument on page 137

Add Track Dialog – Instrument

The Instrument page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add instrument tracks.

To open the Instrument page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Instrument.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Instrument page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Instrument or right-click in an empty area of the track list, and
select Add Instrument Track.
This opens the Instrument page of the Add Track dialog.

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Instrument Tracks

The following settings are available:

Instrument
Allows you to select an instrument.

Audio Outputs
Allows you to set the output routing.

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

NOTE

You can add an unlimited number of tracks. However, you can only add 100 tracks at a
time.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

Instrument Track Inspector

The Inspector for instrument tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control
your instrument track. It shows some of the sections from VST instrument channels and MIDI
tracks.

The top section of the instrument track Inspector contains the following basic track settings:

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

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Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Open Device Panels

Allows you to open the instrument panel.

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI
Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Freeze Instrument Channel

Allows you to freeze the instrument.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

Pan

Allows you to adjust the panning of the track.

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Delay

Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.

Show Lanes

Divides the tracks into lanes.

Load/Save/Reload Track Preset

Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets.

Input Routing

Allows you to specify the input bus for the track.

Activate Outputs

This control is only available if the instrument provides more than one output. It allows
you to activate one or more outputs for the instrument.

Edit Instrument

Allows you to open the instrument panel.

Programs

Allows you to select a program.

Drum Maps

Allows you to select a drum map for the track.

Retrospective Recording

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to insert a retrospective track recording, that is,
MIDI data that was captured during playback.

Input Transformer

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to transform incoming MIDI events in real time.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124
Freezing Instruments on page 836

Sampler Tracks
You can use sampler tracks for controlling the playback of audio samples via MIDI. Each sampler
track has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole. A sampler track can have any number of
automation tracks.

You can add sampler tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Sampler on page 141

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Sampler Tracks

Creating Sampler Tracks on page 657

Sampler Control on page 658

Add Track Dialog – Sampler

The Sampler page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add sampler tracks.

To open the Sampler page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Sampler.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Sampler page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Sampler or right-click in an empty area of the track list, and
select Add Sampler Track.
This opens the Sampler page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

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NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

Sampler Track Inspector

The Inspector for sampler tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit your
sampler track.

The top section of the sampler track Inspector contains the following basic track settings:

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Record Enable

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Sampler Tracks

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI
Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Show Lanes

Divides the tracks into lanes.

Freeze Sampler Channel

Allows you to freeze the sampler track.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

Pan

Allows you to adjust the panning of the track.

Delay

Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.

Load/Save/Reload Track Preset

Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets.

Input Routing

Allows you to specify the input bus for the track.

Retrospective Recording

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to insert a retrospective track recording, that is,
MIDI data that was captured during playback.

Input Transformer

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to transform incoming MIDI events in real time.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124
Freezing Sampler Tracks on page 677

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MIDI Tracks

MIDI Tracks
You can use MIDI tracks for recording and playing back MIDI parts. Each MIDI track has
a corresponding MIDI channel in the MixConsole. A MIDI track can have any number of
automation tracks.

You can add MIDI tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – MIDI on page 144

Add Track Dialog – MIDI

The MIDI page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add MIDI tracks.

To open the MIDI page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click MIDI.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the MIDI page.

● Select Project > Add Track > MIDI or right-click in an empty area of the track list, and select
Add MIDI Track.
This opens the MIDI page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

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Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

NOTE

You can add an unlimited number of tracks. However, you can only add 100 tracks at a
time.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

MIDI Track Inspector

The Inspector for MIDI tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to control your
MIDI track. These affect MIDI events in real time, on playback, for example.

The top section of the MIDI track Inspector contains the following basic track settings:

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

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MIDI Tracks

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Open Device Panels

Allows you to open the instrument panel.

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

Routes incoming MIDI to the selected MIDI output. For this to work, activate MIDI
Thru Active in the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Show Lanes

Divides the tracks into lanes.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

MIDI Pan

Allows you to adjust the MIDI panning of the track.

Delay

Allows you to adjust the playback timing of the track.

Load/Save/Reload Track Preset

Loads or saves a track preset or reverts the default presets.

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Input Routing

Allows you to specify the input bus for the track.

Output Routing

Allows you to specify the output bus for the track.

Channel

Allows you to specify the MIDI channel.

Edit Instrument

Allows you to open the instrument panel.

Bank Selector

Allows you to set a bank select message that is sent to your MIDI device.

Programs

Allows you to select a program.

Program Selector

Allows you to set a program change message that is sent to your MIDI device.

Drum Maps

Allows you to select a drum map for the track.

Retrospective Recording

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to insert a retrospective track recording, that is,
MIDI data that was captured during playback.

Input Transformer

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to transform incoming MIDI events in real time.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

Group Channel Tracks

You can use group channel tracks to create a submix of several audio channels and to apply the
same effects to them. A group channel track contains no events as such, but displays settings
and automation for the corresponding group channel.

For easy management, all group channel tracks are automatically placed in a special group track
folder in the track list. Each group channel track has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole.
A group channel track can have any number of automation tracks.

You can add group channel tracks via the Add Track dialog.

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Group Channel Tracks

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Group Channel on page 148

Add Track Dialog – Group Channel

The Group page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add group channel tracks.

To open the Group page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Group.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Group page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Group.

This opens the Group page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Configuration
Allows you to set the channel configuration. Audio-related tracks can be configured as
mono, stereo, or surround tracks.

Audio Outputs
Allows you to set the output routing.

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Folder Setup
Allows you to select whether you want to create the effect inside or outside a dedicated
folder.

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

Group Channel Track Inspector

The Inspector for group channel tracks shows the settings for the group channel.

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Read Automation

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FX Channel Tracks

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

Pan

Allows you to adjust the panning of the track.

Output Routing

Allows you to specify the output bus for the track.

NOTE

When you select the group folder track, the Inspector shows the folder and the group channels
it contains. You can click one of the group channels shown in the folder to display the settings for
that group channel in the Inspector.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

FX Channel Tracks
You can use FX channel tracks for adding send effects. Each FX channel can contain up to eight
effect processors. By routing sends from an audio channel to an FX channel, you send audio
from the audio channel to the effects on the FX channel. You can place FX channel tracks in
a special FX channel folder, or in the track list, outside an FX channel folder. Each FX channel
has a corresponding channel in the MixConsole. An FX channel track can have any number of
automation tracks.

You can add FX channel tracks via the Add Track dialog.

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FX Channel Tracks

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Effect on page 151

Add Track Dialog – Effect

The Effect page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add FX channel tracks.

To open the Effect page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Effect.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Effect page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Effect.

This opens the Effect page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Effect
Allows you to select an effect.

Configuration
Allows you to set the channel configuration. Audio-related tracks can be configured as
mono, stereo, or surround tracks.

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Audio Outputs
Allows you to set the output routing.

Folder Setup
Allows you to select whether you want to create the effect inside or outside a dedicated
folder.

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Adding FX Channel Tracks on page 502
Adding FX Channels to Selected Channels on page 502

FX Channel Track Inspector

The Inspector for FX channel tracks shows the settings for the FX channel. When you select the
folder track instead, the Inspector shows the folder and the FX channels it contains. You can click
one of the FX channels in the folder to display the settings for that FX channel in the Inspector.

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Edit Channel Settings

Opens the Channel Settings window for the track.

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VCA Fader Track

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

Pan

Allows you to adjust the panning of the track.

Output Routing

Allows you to specify the output bus for the track.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

VCA Fader Track

You can use a VCA fader track to add VCA faders to your project.

You can add VCA fader tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – VCA on page 154
VCA Faders on page 464
VCA Fader Automation on page 468
Automation on page 804

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VCA Fader Track

Add Track Dialog – VCA

The VCA page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add VCA fader tracks.

To open the VCA page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click VCA.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the VCA page.

● Select Project > Add Track > VCA.

This opens the VCA page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Folder Setup
Allows you to select whether you want to create the effect inside or outside a dedicated
folder.

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

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Marker Track

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

VCA Fader Track Inspector

The Inspector for VCA fader tracks shows the settings for the VCA faders.

Track name

Click once to show/hide the basic track settings section. Double-click to rename the
track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Read Automation

Allows you to read track automation.

Write Automation

Allows you to write track automation.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Volume

Allows you to adjust the level of the track.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

Marker Track
You can use marker tracks to add and edit markers that help you locate positions quickly.

You can add marker tracks via the Add Track dialog.

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Marker Track

You can add up to 10 marker tracks to a project.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Marker on page 156

Add Track Dialog – Marker

The Marker page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add marker tracks.

To open the Marker page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Marker.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Marker page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Marker.

This opens the Marker page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

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Ruler Track

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

Marker Track Inspector

The marker track Inspector displays the marker list.

Track name

Double-click to rename the track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Open Markers Window

Opens the Markers window.

Marker attributes

Shows the markers, their IDs, and their time positions. Click in the leftmost column to
move the project cursor to the marker position.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

Ruler Track
You can use ruler tracks to show several rulers with different display formats for the timeline.
This is completely independent from the main ruler, as well as from rulers and position displays
in other windows.

You can add ruler tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Ruler on page 158

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Ruler Track

Add Track Dialog – Ruler

The Ruler page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add ruler tracks.

To open the Ruler page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Ruler.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Ruler page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Ruler.

This opens the Ruler page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

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Folder Tracks

Ruler Track Controls

In the track list for ruler tracks, you can change the display format for the ruler.

Click the display format to open a pop-up menu.

The following display formats are available:

Bars+Beats
Activates a display format of bars, beats, sixteenth notes, and ticks. By default, there
are 120 ticks per sixteenth note. To adjust this, change the MIDI Display Resolution in
the Preferences dialog (MIDI page).

Seconds
Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds.

Timecode
Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. The number of
frames per second (fps) is set in the Project Setup dialog with the Project Frame
Rate pop-up menu. To display subframes, activate Show Timecode Subframes in the
Preferences dialog (Transport page).

Samples
Activates a display format of samples.

fps (User)
Activates a display format of hours, minutes, seconds, and frames, and allows you
to define the number of frames per second. To display subframes, activate Show
Timecode Subframes in the Preferences dialog (Transport page). On the Transport
page, you can also set the frame rate.

NOTE

Ruler tracks are not affected by the display format setting in the Project Setup dialog.

Folder Tracks
Folder tracks function as containers for other tracks, making it easier to organize and manage
the track structure. They also allow you to edit several tracks at the same time.

You can add folder tracks via the Add Track dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Folder on page 159

Add Track Dialog – Folder

The Folder page of the Add Track dialog allows you to set up and add folder tracks.

To open the Folder page of the Add Track dialog, do one of the following:

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Folder Tracks

● Click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and click Folder.
This opens the global Add Track dialog on the Folder page.

● Select Project > Add Track > Folder.

This opens the Folder page of the Add Track dialog.

The following settings are available:

Name
Allows you to specify a track name.

Count
Allows you to enter the number of tracks that you want to add.

Keep Dialog Open

Activate this to keep the dialog open after clicking Add Track. This allows you to click
the page of another track type to set up and add more tracks.

NOTE

This is only available if you open the Add Track dialog from the global track controls.

Add Track
Adds one or more tracks, according to the track type and the settings of the active
page, and closes the dialog.

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Folder Track Inspector

The Inspector for folder tracks shows the folder and its underlying track, similar to the folder
structure in the File Explorer/macOS Finder. When you select one of the tracks shown under the
folder, the Inspector shows the settings for that track.

Track name

Double-click to rename the track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

Group Editing

Allows you to activate the group editing mode.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

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Tempo Track

Folder Track Controls

The track list for folder tracks contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit all tracks in
the folder.

Expand/Collapse Folder
Shows/Hides the tracks in the folder. Hidden tracks are played back as usual.

Track name

Double-click to rename the track.

Mute

Mutes the track.

Solo

Solos the track.

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Monitor

Group Editing

Allows you to activate the group editing mode.

Phase-Coherent AudioWarp

Activates phase-coherent editing of parts and events in the edit group for AudioWarp
operations.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

RELATED LINKS
Group Editing Mode on page 239

Tempo Track
You can use the tempo track to create tempo changes within a project.

You can add this track type to a project only once.

● To add a tempo track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Tempo.

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Tempo Track Inspector

The tempo track Inspector displays a list of all tempo events.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Open Tempo Track Editor

Opens the Tempo Track Editor.

Tempo event list

Shows a list of all tempo events that allows you to edit tempo events and their
positions.

Tempo Track Controls

The track list for the tempo track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the
tempo track.

Activate Tempo Track

Allows you to activate the tempo track. In this mode, the tempo cannot be changed on
the Transport panel.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Current Tempo

Allows you to change the tempo at the project cursor position.

Open Process Tempo Dialog

Allows you to open the Process Tempo dialog.

New Tempo Points Type

Allows you to specify whether the tempo should change gradually (Ramp) or instantly
(Step) from the previous curve point to the new one.

Visible Tempo Upper Limit/Visible Tempo Lower Limit

Allows you to specify the display range. This changes the display scale of the tempo
track, but not the tempo setting.

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Signature Track

Signature Track
You can use the signature track to add and edit signature events, and to set up click patterns for
them. The background of a signature track always displays bars. This is independent of the ruler
display format setting.

You can add this track type to a project only once.

● To add the signature track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Signature.

RELATED LINKS
Time Signature Events on page 1215
Click Patterns Tab on page 288

Signature Track Inspector

The signature track Inspector displays a list of all time signature events.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Bar
Shows the number of the bar where the signature event is positioned. Double-click the
field and enter a new value to change the position of the signature event.

NOTE

The first signature event is always positioned at bar 1. You cannot change this.

Sign.
Shows the value of the signature event. Double-click the field and enter a new value to
change the time signature.

Pattern
Shows the click pattern that is used. Double-click the field to open the Click Pattern
Editor where you can change the pattern.

RELATED LINKS
Click Pattern Editor on page 280

Signature Track Controls

The track list for the signature track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the
signature track.

Lock

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Arranger Track

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Signature Track Options

● Copy Click Pattern to Clipboard
Copies the click pattern of the selected signature event to the clipboard.
● Paste Click Pattern to Selected Signatures
Pastes the click pattern from the clipboard to selected signature events.

NOTE

This only works if the selected signature events are equal.

● Apply Click Pattern to Equal Signatures

Pastes the click pattern from the clipboard to signature events that are equal.

NOTE

This does not require you to select the signature events beforehand.

● Reset Click Pattern to Default

Sets the click pattern of the selected signature event to default. If no signature
event is selected, the click patterns of all signature events are set to default.
● Show Click Patterns
Allows you to show/hide the click patterns for the signature events.
● Render MIDI Click between Locators
Adds a MIDI track to your project and creates a MIDI part that contains the click
pattern between the left and right locator.
● Render Audio Click between Locators
Adds an audio track to your project and creates an audio event that contains the
click pattern between the left and right locator.
● Process Bars Dialog
Opens the Process Bars dialog.

RELATED LINKS
Click Patterns Tab on page 288
Process Bars Dialog on page 1211

Arranger Track
You can use the arranger track for arranging your project by marking out sections and
determining in which order they are to be played back.

You can add this track type to a project only once.

● To add the arranger track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Arranger.

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Arranger Track

Arranger Track Inspector

The arranger track Inspector displays the lists of available arranger chains and arranger events.

The arranger track Inspector contains the following settings:

Track name

Double-click to rename the track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Open Arranger Editor

Opens the Arranger Editor.

Select Active Arranger Chain + Functions

Allows you to select the active arranger chain, to rename it, to create a new one, to
duplicate, or to flatten it.

Current Arranger Chain

Shows the active arranger chain.

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Transpose Track

Arranger Events

Lists all arranger events in your project. Click the arrow of an arranger event to play it
back and start the live mode.

Stop

Allows you to stop the live mode.

Jump Mode

Allows you to define how long the active arranger event is played before jumping to
the next one.

Arranger Track Controls

The track list for the arranger track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the
arranger track.

Select Active Arranger Chain

Allows you to select the active arranger chain.

Current Item/Current Repeat

Displays which arranger event and which repeat is active.

Activate Arranger Mode

Allows you to activate and to deactivate the arranger mode.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Open Arranger Editor

Opens the Arranger Editor for the track.

Transpose Track
You can use the transpose track to set global key changes.

You can add this track type to a project only once.

● To add the transpose track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Transpose.

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Chord Track

Transpose Track Inspector

The transpose track Inspector contains parameters to control the transpose track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Keep Transpose in Octave Range

Allows you to keep the transposition in the octave range and ensures that nothing is
transposed by more than seven semitones.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Transpose Track Controls

The track list for the transpose track contains parameters that allow you to control the transpose
track.

Mute Transpose Events

Mutes the track.

Keep Transpose in Octave Range

Allows you to keep the transposition in the octave range and ensures that nothing is
transposed by more than seven semitones.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Chord Track
You can use the chord track for adding chord and scale events to your project. These can
transform the pitches of other events.

You can add this track type to a project only once.

● To add the chord track to your project, select Project > Add Track > Chord.

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Chord Track Inspector

The chord track Inspector contains settings for the chord events.

The top section of the chord track Inspector contains the following settings:

Track name

Click to show/hide the basic track settings section.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Mute Chord Track

Mutes the track.

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Acoustic Feedback

Allows you to audition the events on the chord track. For this to work, you need to
select a track for auditioning in the track list.

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Voicing library

Allows you to set up a voicing library for the track.

Voicing library subset

Allows you to select a library subset.

Set up Voicing

Allows you to configure your own voicing parameters for a specific voicing scheme.

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Adaptive Voicings

If this option is activated, the voicings are set automatically.

Automatic Scales

If this option is activated, the program automatically creates scale events.

Shift Chords

Allows you to specify an offset value to ensure that chord events also affect the MIDI
notes. Enter a negative value to affect notes that have been triggered too early. Enter a
positive value to affect notes that have been triggered too late.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

Chord Track Controls

The track list for the chord track contains controls and parameters that allow you to edit the
chord track.

The track list for the chord track contains the following controls:

Name

Shows the name of the track. Double-click to rename the track.

Record Enable

Activates the track for recording.

Mute Chord Track

Mutes the track.

Select Track for Auditioning

Allows you to select a track for auditioning the chord events.

Resolve Display Conflicts

Allows you to show all chord events on the track properly, even at low horizontal zoom
levels.

Show Scales

Allows you to show the scale lane in the lower part of the chord track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

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Video Tracks

Toggle Time Base

Switches between musical (tempo-related) and linear (time-related) time base for the
track.

Video Tracks
You can use video tracks to play back video events. Video files are displayed as events/clips on
the video track, with thumbnails representing the frames in the film.

You can add up to 2 video tracks to a project.

● To add a video track, select Project > Add Track > Video.

Video Track Inspector

The video track Inspector contains parameters to control the video track.

Colorize Selected Track

Allows you to colorize the selected track.

Reveal Video Window

Opens the Video Player window.

Mute Video Track

Mutes the track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Show Frame Numbers

Allows you to show each thumbnail with the corresponding video frame number.

Show Thumbnails

Allows you to activate/deactivate the thumbnails of the video track.

RELATED LINKS
Inspector Sections on page 124

Video Track Controls

The track list for the video track contains parameters to control the video track.

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Video Tracks

Mute Video Track

Mutes the track.

Name

Shows the name of the track. Double-click to rename the track.

Lock

Disables all editing of any events on the track.

Show Thumbnails

Allows you to activate/deactivate the thumbnails of a video track.

Show Frame Numbers

Allows you to show each thumbnail with the corresponding video frame number.

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Tracks are the building blocks of your project. In Cubase, events and parts are placed on tracks.

Adding Tracks via the Add Track Dialog

You can add tracks via the Add Track dialog.

PROCEDURE
1. In the global track control area of the track list, click Add Track .

2. Do one of the following:

● Click the track type and set up the options according to your needs.
● To add other track types, open the More Tracks section and click the track type.
3. Click Add Track.

RESULT
The new track is added to the project below the selected track.

RELATED LINKS
Add Track Dialog – Audio on page 133
Add Track Dialog – Instrument on page 137
Add Track Dialog – Sampler on page 141
Add Track Dialog – MIDI on page 144
Add Track Dialog – Effect on page 151
Add Track Dialog – Group Channel on page 148
Add Track Dialog – VCA on page 154
Add Track Dialog – Marker on page 156
Add Track Dialog – Ruler on page 158
Add Track Dialog – Folder on page 159
Tempo Track on page 162
Signature Track on page 164
Arranger Track on page 165
Transpose Track on page 167
Chord Track on page 168
Video Tracks on page 171

Adding Tracks Using Track Presets

You can add tracks based on track presets. Track presets contain sound and channel settings.

PROCEDURE
1. In the global track control area of the track list, click Use Track Preset .

2. Select Using Track Preset.

3. In the Choose Track Preset dialog, select a track preset.

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Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay

The number and type of the added tracks depend on the selected track preset.
4. Click OK.

RESULT
The new tracks are added to the project below the selected track.

Adding Tracks by Dragging Files from the MediaBay

You can add tracks by dragging files from the MediaBay.

PREREQUISITE
One of the following prerequisites must apply:
● The MediaBay is open. To open the MediaBay, press F5 .
● The Media rack in the right zone of the Project window is open. Click Show/Hide Right Zone
and click the Media tab to open it.

PROCEDURE
1. In the MediaBay, select the files for which you want to add tracks.
2. Drag the files into the track list.
● The indicator highlights the position at which the new tracks will be added.
● If you drag multiple audio files into the track list, choose if you want to place all files on
one track or on different tracks.
● If you drag multiple audio files into the track list, the Import Options dialog opens. It
allows you to edit the import options.

RESULT
The new tracks are added at the position that was highlighted by the indicator in the track list.
The audio files are inserted at the cursor position.

RELATED LINKS
MediaBay and Media Rack on page 702
Media Rack in Right Zone on page 702
Import Options Dialog for Audio Files on page 316

Track Import from Projects or Track Archives

You can import tracks from other Nuendo or Cubase projects or track archives. This allows you,
for example, to import premixed tracks or stems to your active project, or to reuse the mix
settings of a previous project for a new song.

For each individual track, you can decide whether to create a new track in your active project
or to replace data on an existing track. If you use identical track names in both the imported
and the active project, you can automatically select matching tracks as the import destination.
You can choose to import the track events or the track settings only, to include or to exclude
automation data, or to import all track data.

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Track Import from Projects or Track Archives

NOTE

The track settings for read/write automation status, record enable, monitor, muting/soloing, and
visibility are not imported.

When importing multiple tracks that are related to each other via sends, output routing, quick
link, or VCA fader within the source project, these relations are retained in your active project.

NOTE

If your active project contains routing targets with names that are identical to names in the
source project, imported tracks are connected accordingly.

Depending on the track type, the following import rules apply:

Audio, instrument, MIDI, and sampler tracks

● If you select New Track as the destination, a new track is created in the active
project. This track contains all imported track data, including track versions.
● If you select an existing track as the destination, the imported track data is applied
to this track.
If you import events or parts to an existing audio, instrument, MIDI, or sampler
track, existing track versions in the active project are kept, track versions of the
source project are added, and a new track version is created.

VCA, group, and effect tracks

● If you select New Track as the destination, a new track is created in the active
project.
● If you select an existing VCA, group, and effect track as the destination, this track is
replaced by the imported track.

Folder tracks
● If you select New Track as the destination, a new track is created in the active
project.
● If you import a folder track to an existing track, the content of this track is entirely
replaced by the tracks of the imported folder track.

Marker tracks
● If you select New Track as the destination, a new marker track is created. If your
project already contains 10 marker tracks, you cannot import marker tracks from
another project. In this case, you must remove an existing marker track first.

NOTE

Nuendo projects can contain more than 10 marker tracks. If you import marker
tracks from these projects to Cubase, only the first 10 selected marker tracks in the
Import Options dialog are imported into your project.

● If you select an existing marker track as the destination, the imported track data
replaces the existing track data.

Chord, signature, and tempo tracks

● If you import chord, signature or tempo tracks, existing track versions in the active
project are kept, track versions of the source project are added, and a new track
version is created.

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Track Import from Projects or Track Archives

NOTE

If you select a signature track for import, the Import at Cursor Position is not
available in the Import Options dialog.

Video tracks
● If you select New Track as the destination, a new video track is created. If your
project already contains 2 video tracks, you cannot import a video track from
another project. In this case, you must remove an existing video track first.
● If you select an existing video track as the destination, the imported track data
replaces the existing track data.

RELATED LINKS
Importing Tracks from Projects on page 176
Importing Tracks from Track Archives on page 176
Import Options Dialog for Tracks on page 177

Importing Tracks from Projects

You can import tracks from other Nuendo or Cubase projects.

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > Import > Tracks from Project.
2. In the File Explorer/macOS Finder, select the project file that contains the tracks that you
want to import, and click Open.
3. In the Import Options dialog, select the tracks that you want to import, and make any
further settings.
4. Click OK.

RESULT
The tracks are imported into your active project.

RELATED LINKS
Track Import from Projects or Track Archives on page 174
Import Options Dialog for Tracks on page 177
Track Versions on page 199

Importing Tracks from Track Archives

You can import tracks from track archives.

PREREQUISITE
You have created at least one track archive by exporting selected tracks from a project.

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > Import > Track Archive.
2. In the File Explorer/macOS Finder, select the .xml file of the track archive, and click Open.

3. In the Import Options dialog, select the tracks that you want to import and make any
further settings.

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4. Click OK.

RESULT
The tracks are imported into the active project.

RELATED LINKS
Track Import from Projects or Track Archives on page 174
Import Options Dialog for Tracks on page 177
Track Versions on page 199

Import Options Dialog for Tracks

The Import Options dialog allows you to activate tracks for import, to specify the destination in
the active project and the track data that is to be imported, and to set up further import options.

● To open the Import Options dialog, select File > Import > Track Archive or File > Import >
Tracks from Project, and open the project file from which you want to import tracks.

Tracks
Select All
Selects all tracks.

Deselect All
Deselects all tracks.

Expand All
Expands the track list.

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Collapse All
Collapses the track list.

Select Matching
Sets tracks with identical names as the corresponding destination for all selected tracks
in the track list.

Reset
Sets New Track as destination for all selected tracks in the track list.

Search field
Allows you to filter the track list. Clear Search resets the filter.

Track list
Shows the tracks that are selected in the project. The Source Track column allows you
to select the tracks that you want to import into your project. The Destination Track
column allows you to choose a destination for the corresponding track.

Track Data to be Imported

Events and Parts
Imports only events and parts.

NOTE

● If the imported track contains track versions, these are also imported.
● If events or parts are imported to an existing track, a new track version is created.

Channel and Inspector Settings

Imports all track settings, for example, volume, panning, EQ, channel strip and
Inspector settings, output routing, sends, cues, VCA connections, and plug-ins.

NOTE

The track settings for read/write automation status, record enable, monitor, muting/
soloing, and visibility are not imported from other projects.

Automation
Imports all automation data that is related to the imported track data.

NOTE

If this option is deactivated when importing events or settings to an existing track, its
automation data is reset.

Project Settings
Source Project/Active Project
Shows the file name, the sample rate, the frame rate, and the project start time for
both the imported tracks and your active project.

NOTE

Imported tracks may contain media files with a sample rate that differs from the
sample rate of your destination project. Files with a sample rate different from the one
of the destination project play back at the wrong speed and pitch.

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Track Export

Import Position for Events and Parts

Import at Absolute Position
Places imported track data at its original timecode position in your active project.

Import at Relative Position

Places imported track data relative to the start time of your active project, taking the
start time of the source project into account. For example, if the source project starts
at timecode 01:00:00:00, with an event located at 02:00:00:00, and if the active project
starts at 02:00:00:00, the imported event is placed at timecode 03:00:00:00.

Import at Cursor Position

Places imported track data relative to the cursor position in your active project, taking
the start time of the source project into account. For example, if the source project
starts at timecode 01:00:00:00, with an event located at 02:00:00:00, and if the cursor in
your active project is located at 02:00:00:00, the imported event is placed at timecode
03:00:00:00.

NOTE

● If the start time of your active project is later than the position of imported track data in the
source project, the imported data is not visible in the active project after import. In this case,
adjust the start time of the active project accordingly.
● If the end time your active project is earlier than the end time of the imported track data, the
end time of your project is modified accordingly.
● If you have selected a signature track for import, Import at Cursor Position is not available.

Media Files
Copy to Active Project Folder
Copies the media files of the imported tracks to your active project folder. If this option
is deactivated, the media file path of the original project is referenced.

Convert Sample Rate

Converts the sample rate of the imported tracks to the sample rate of your active
project.

NOTE

This option is available only if the sample rates of the imported tracks and of your
active project differ and if Copy to Active Project Folder is activated.

RELATED LINKS
Track Import from Projects or Track Archives on page 174
Track Versions on page 199

Track Export
You can export selected tracks as track archives. This is useful if you want to use specific tracks in
other projects, for example.

Track archives contain information that is associated with the tracks, such as channel settings,
parts and events, and automation.

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Track Export

NOTE

Project-specific settings, such as the tempo, are not exported to track archives.

Track archives are saved as .xml files.

When exporting audio and video tracks, you can either reference the media files or copy them to
a separate folder.

RELATED LINKS
Track Presets on page 207
Exporting Audio or Video Tracks as Track Archives on page 180

Exporting Tracks as Track Archives

You can export selected tracks as track archives.

PROCEDURE
1. Select the tracks you want to export.
2. Select File > Export > Selected Tracks.

3. In the file dialog that opens, select or create a folder for saving the track archive as a
single .xml file.

4. Enter a file name and click Save.

RELATED LINKS
Exporting Audio or Video Tracks as Track Archives on page 180

Exporting Audio or Video Tracks as Track Archives

You can export audio or video tracks as track archives.

PROCEDURE
1. Select the audio or video tracks and any other tracks that you want to export.
2. Select File > Export > Selected Tracks.
3. In the file dialog that opens, choose between the following options:
● Click Copy to include copies of the media files in the export.
In the file dialog that opens, select an empty folder or create a new folder for saving the
track archive as an .xml file and its media subfolder.
Click OK to save the track archive.
● Click Reference to include a reference to the files in the export.
In the file dialog that opens, select or create a folder for saving the track archive as a
single .xml file.

4. Enter a name for the track archive and click Save.

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Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files

Exporting MIDI Tracks as Standard MIDI Files

You can export MIDI tracks as standard MIDI files. This allows you to transfer MIDI material to
virtually any MIDI application on any platform.

PROCEDURE
1. Select File > Export > MIDI File.
2. In the file dialog that opens, specify a location and name for the file.
3. Click Save.
4. In the Export Options dialog, activate the settings that you want to export, and click OK.

RESULT
The MIDI file is exported. It includes the tempo and the time signature events of the Tempo
Track Editor or, if the tempo track is deactivated on the Transport panel, the current tempo and
time signature.

NOTE

If you want to include Inspector settings that differ from those specified in the Export Options,
use Merge MIDI in Loop to convert these settings to real MIDI events.

RELATED LINKS
Export Options Dialog for MIDI Files on page 181
Merging MIDI Events into a New Part on page 929

Export Options Dialog for MIDI Files

The Export Options for MIDI files allow you to specify what data to include in the exported MIDI
files.

● To open the Export Options for MIDI files, select File > Export > MIDI File.

Export Inspector Patch

Includes MIDI patch settings in the Inspector as MIDI bank select and program
change events in the MIDI file.

Export Inspector Volume/Pan

Includes volume and pan settings in the Inspector as MIDI volume and pan events in
the MIDI file.

Export Automation
Includes automation as MIDI controller events in the MIDI file. This also includes
automation recorded with the MIDI Control plug-in.

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Splitting Multi-Channel Audio Tracks

If you record a continuous controller (CC 7, for example) and deactivate Read
Automation for the automation track, only the part data for this controller is exported.

Export Inserts
Includes MIDI modifiers and MIDI inserts in the MIDI file.

Export Sends
Includes MIDI sends in the MIDI file.

Export Markers
Includes markers as standard MIDI file marker events in the MIDI file.

Export as Type 0
Exports a type 0 MIDI file with all data on a single track, but on different MIDI channels.
If you deactivate this option, a type 1 MIDI file with data on separate tracks is exported.

Export Resolution
Allows you to set a MIDI resolution between 24 and 960 for the MIDI file. The
resolution is the number of pulses, or ticks, per quarter note (PPQ) and determines
the precision with which you will be able to view and edit the MIDI data. The higher the
resolution, the higher the precision. Choose the resolution based on the application or
sequencer to be used, because certain applications and sequencers may not be able to
handle certain resolutions.

Export Locator Range

Exports only the range between the left and the right locator.

Export includes Delay

Includes delay settings you have made in the MIDI file via the Inspector.

RELATED LINKS
Automation on page 804
Markers on page 376
MIDI Track Parameters on page 906
Merging MIDI Events into a New Part on page 929
Export Options on page 1351
Exporting MIDI Parts as MIDI Files on page 242

Splitting Multi-Channel Audio Tracks

You can split multi-channel tracks, such as stereo or surround, into several mono tracks. This is
useful if you want to use the tracks in an application that only supports mono tracks or if you
want to edit individual channels of a multi-channel file.

PROCEDURE
1. In the Project window, select the track that you want to split.
2. Select Project > Convert Tracks > Multi-Channel to Mono.
3. In the Split Multi-Channel to Mono dialog, make your changes and click OK.

RESULT
● The resulting number of mono tracks corresponds to the channel configuration of the source
track.
● All channel settings of the source tracks are copied to the tracks created by the split
operation.

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● The multi-channel audio material of the source track is split into mono events, which are
inserted on the new tracks.
● In the Audio folder of the project, a subfolder called Split is created, which contains the new
mono files.

NOTE

● If you split a stereo track, the resulting mono tracks are panned hard left and hard right,
using the standard stereo panner.
● If you split a multi-channel track and this track is routed to an output bus, a group channel,
or an FX channel with corresponding child busses, all resulting mono tracks are routed to
their assigned channels. Otherwise, the resulting mono tracks are panned to center.
● If the channel configurations of the source track and the source file do not match because
the multi-channel source track contains a mono file, for example, this mono file is copied
onto the first 2 destination tracks. However, as panning information is not considered during
the split, the volume of the new mono file may not match that of the file on the original
track.

Split Multi-Channel to Mono Dialog

The Split Multi-Channel to Mono dialog allows you to specify how to convert multi-channel
tracks to mono tracks.

● To open the Split Multi-Channel to Mono dialog, select Project > Convert Tracks > Multi-
Channel to Mono.

Source Tracks
Allows you to choose whether you want to split all multi-channel tracks or only the
selected ones.

Options
Allows you to specify what happens when you split the multi-channel file:
● Keep Source Tracks
Inserts new tracks below the source tracks.
● Mute Source Tracks
Inserts new tracks below the source tracks and mutes the source tracks.
● Delete Source Tracks
Inserts new tracks and deletes the source tracks.
● Create New Project
Creates a new project containing only the resulting tracks.

Split File Name Format

This pop-up menu allows you to specify how the split tracks and files are named.

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Merging Mono Audio Tracks to Multi-Channel Tracks

Merging Mono Audio Tracks to Multi-Channel Tracks

Converting mono tracks to multi-channel tracks makes editing and mixing more convenient.

PREREQUISITE
● Your project contains tracks with audio events that are not in Musical Mode.
● The tracks fit evenly into a number of multi-channel files of the destination format.
● The tracks reside on the same level in the track list, that is, either on the top level or within
the same folder track.
● The tracks match, in terms of channel settings and automation.
If the settings differ, the settings of the topmost track of each group are used.
If the separate audio events have different volume envelopes, these are calculated into the
new clip.
● The level of the source events should not exceed 0 dB. Otherwise, clipping can occur in the
created files. The only exception to this are files in 32-bit float format.

PROCEDURE
1. Optional: Select the tracks that you want to convert in the Project window.
2. Select Project > Convert Tracks > Mono to Multi-Channel.
3. In the Merge Mono to Multi-Channel dialog, make your changes and click OK.

RESULT
● The resulting number of multi-channel tracks corresponds to the channel configuration of
the source track.
● The names of the multi-channel tracks derive from the mono source tracks.

NOTE

The following naming rules apply:

● If the track names of the source tracks end with a suffix, separated by a space or a
special character that indicates the corresponding speaker channel, for example, “_L” or
“(L)” for the left channel, this suffix is removed for the multi-channel track name.
● If the track names of the source tracks do not end with a channel suffix, the channel
configuration of the multi-channel track is added to its name.

● Events that have the same timeline position are converted into a multi-channel event on the
new track.
● If the lengths of the source events do not match exactly, the overlap is included in the new
events.
● In the Audio folder of the project, a subfolder called Merge is created, which contains the
new multi-channel files.

NOTE

If the outputs of the mono tracks are routed to separate channels within one output bus, this bus
is selected as output for the multi-channel track.

RELATED LINKS
Merge Mono to Multi-Channel Dialog on page 185

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Removing Selected Tracks

Export Audio Mixdown on page 1229

Merge Mono to Multi-Channel Dialog

The Merge Mono to Multi-Channel dialog allows you to specify how to convert mono tracks to
multi-channel tracks.

● To open the Merge Mono to Multi-Channel dialog, select Project > Convert Tracks > Mono
to Multi-Channel.

Source Tracks
Allows you to choose whether you want to merge all mono tracks or only the selected
ones.

Options
Allows you to specify what happens when the mono files are merged:
● Keep Source Tracks
Inserts new tracks below the source tracks.
● Mute Source Tracks
Inserts new tracks below the source tracks and mutes the source tracks.
● Delete Source Tracks
Inserts new tracks and deletes the source tracks.
● Create New Project
Creates a new project containing only the resulting tracks.

Destination Format
Allows you to select the format for the multi-channel file.

NOTE

The number of selected tracks must match this format. The tracks are combined
according to their order in the track list.

Removing Selected Tracks

You can remove selected tracks from the track list.

PROCEDURE
● Select Project > Remove Selected Tracks.
If you delete tracks that are not empty, a warning message is displayed.

NOTE

You can deactivate this message. To reactivate the message, activate Display Warning
before Deleting Non-Empty Tracks in the Preferences dialog (Editing page).

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Removing Empty Tracks

You can remove empty tracks from the track list.

PROCEDURE
● Select Project > Remove Empty Tracks.

Moving Tracks in the Track List

You can move tracks up or down in the track list.

PROCEDURE
● Select a track and drag it up or down in the track list.

Renaming Tracks
You can rename tracks.

PROCEDURE
1. Double-click the track name and type in a new name for the track.
2. Press Return .
If you want to assign the same name to all events on the track, hold down any modifier key
and press Return .

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

If the Parts Get Track Names option is activated in the Preferences dialog (Editing page) and
you move an event from one track to another, the moved event will automatically be named
according to its new track.

Automatically Assigning Colors to New Tracks/Channels

You can automatically assign colors to newly added tracks or channels.

PROCEDURE
1. Select Edit > Preferences.
2. Open the User Interface page, and select Track & MixConsole Channel Colors.
3. Open the Auto Track/Channel Color Mode pop-up menu and select an option.
4. Click OK.

RESULT
Any tracks/channels that you added by using Add Track, or by dragging files from the Media
rack to the event display, are automatically colorized according to your settings.

RELATED LINKS
User Interface - Track & MixConsole Channel Colors on page 1360

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Showing Track Pictures

You can add pictures to tracks to recognize your tracks. Track pictures are available for audio,
instrument, MIDI, FX channel, and group channel tracks.

PREREQUISITE
Adjust the track height to at least 2 rows.

PROCEDURE
1. Right-click any track in the track list.
2. From the track list context menu, select Show Track Pictures.

If you move the mouse to the left on a track, a highlighted rectangle appears.
3. Double-click the rectangle.
4. In the Track Pictures Browser, select a picture.
5. Click OK.

RESULT
The picture is shown in the track list and in the MixConsole pictures section.

RELATED LINKS
Track Pictures Browser on page 187
Adding Track Pictures to MixConsole Channels on page 446

Track Pictures Browser

The Track Pictures Browser allows you to set up and select pictures that can be shown in the
track list and in the MixConsole. With track pictures, you can recognize tracks and channels. You
can select pictures from the factory content or add new ones to the user library.

● To open the Track Pictures Browser for a track, double-click the square in the lower left side
of the track list.

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Factory
Shows the factory content in the pictures browser.

Pictures browser
Shows the pictures that you can assign to the selected track/channel.

User
Shows your user content in the pictures browser.

Import
Opens a file dialog that allows you to select pictures in bmp, jpeg, or png format and
add them to the user library.

Remove Selected Pictures from User Library

Removes the selected pictures from the user library.

Reset Current Picture

Removes the picture from the selected track/channel.

Show Preview/Hide Preview

Opens/Closes a section with further color and zoom settings.

Track Picture Preview

Shows the current track picture. When you zoom in the picture, you can drag it with the
mouse to change its visible part.

Track Color
Opens the Color Picker that allows you to select a track color.

Intensity
Allows you to apply the track color to the track picture and to set the color intensity.

Zoom
Allows you to change the size of the track picture.

Rotate
Allows you to rotate the track picture.

RELATED LINKS
Showing Track Pictures on page 187
Adding Track Pictures to MixConsole Channels on page 446

Setting the Track Height

You can enlarge the track height to show the events on the track in detail, or you can decrease
the height of several tracks to get a better overview of your project.

● To change the height of an individual track, click its lower border in the track list and drag up
or down.
● To change the height of all tracks simultaneously, hold down Ctrl/Cmd , click the lower
border of one track, and drag up or down.
● To set the number of tracks to view in the Project window, use the track zoom menu.
● To set the track height automatically when you select a track, click Edit > Enlarge Selected
Track.

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Selecting Tracks

RELATED LINKS
Track Zoom Menu on page 189
Track Controls Settings Dialog on page 126

Track Zoom Menu

The track zoom pop-up menu allows you to set the number of tracks and the track height in the
Project window.

● To open the track zoom pop-up menu in the lower right of the Project window, click the
arrow button above the vertical zoom control.

The following options are available:

Zoom Tracks x Rows

Zooms all track heights to show the specified number of rows.

Zoom Tracks Full

Zooms all tracks to fit in the active Project window.

Zoom Tracks N Rows

Allows you to set the number of rows to fit in the active Project window.

Zoom x Tracks
Zooms the specified number of tracks to fit in the active Project window.

Zoom N Tracks
Allows you to set the number of tracks to fit in the active Project window.

Zoom Tracks Minimal

Zooms all track heights to the minimum size.

Snap Track Heights

Changes the track height in fixed increments when you resize it.

Selecting Tracks
You can select one or multiple tracks in the track list.

● To select a track, click on it in the track list.

● To select several tracks, Ctrl/Cmd -click several tracks.
● To select a continuous range of tracks, Shift -click the first and last track in a continuous
range of tracks.

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Deselecting Tracks

Selected tracks are highlighted.

RELATED LINKS
Track Selection Follows Event Selection on page 1339
Scroll to Selected Track on page 1342
Select Channel/Track on Solo on page 1342
Select Channel/Track on Edit Settings on page 1342

Selecting Tracks with Arrow Keys

You can select tracks and events with the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key on the
computer keyboard. You can also make the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key exclusively
available for selecting tracks.

● To make the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key exclusively available for selecting
tracks, activate Use Up/Down Navigation Commands for Selecting Tracks Only in the
Preferences dialog (Editing page).

The following applies:

● If this option is deactivated and no event/part is selected in the Project window, the
Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key are used to step through the tracks in the track list.
● If this option is deactivated and an event/part is selected in the Project window, the
Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key still step through the tracks in the track list –
but on the selected track, the first event/part is automatically selected as well.
● If this option is activated, the Up Arrow key and the Down Arrow key are only used to
change the track selection – the current event/part selection in the Project window is not
altered.

Deselecting Tracks
You can deselect tracks that are selected in the track list.

PROCEDURE
● Shift -click a selected track.

RESULT
The track is deselected.

Duplicating Tracks
You can duplicate a track with all of its contents and channel settings.

PROCEDURE
● Select Project > Duplicate Tracks.

RESULT
The duplicated track appears below the original track.

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Disabling Tracks
You can disable audio, instrument, MIDI, and sampler tracks that you do not want to play back
or process at the moment. Disabling a track zeroes its output volume and shuts down all disk
activity and processing for the track.

PROCEDURE
1. Select the tracks that you want to disable.
2. Right-click in the track list and select Disable Selected Tracks from the context menu.

RESULT
The track color changes and the corresponding channel in the MixConsole is hidden.
To enable the disabled tracks and to restore all channel settings, right-click in the track list and
select Enable Selected Tracks.

Freezing Multiple Tracks

You can freeze multiple selected audio, instrument, or sampler tracks.

PROCEDURE
1. In the track list, select the tracks that you want to freeze.
2. Do one of the following:
● Select Edit > Freeze/Unfreeze > Selected Tracks.
● Right-click one of the selected tracks, and from the context menu, select Freeze/
Unfreeze Selected Tracks.

NOTE

If you select several tracks, and you click Freeze Audio Channel, Freeze Instrument
Channel or Freeze Sampler Channel in the Inspector, only the active track is frozen.

3. In the Freeze Channel Options dialog, make your changes.

NOTE

You can also select Edit > Freeze/Unfreeze > Selected Tracks (with Current Settings) to
freeze the tracks without showing the Freeze Channel Options dialog. In this case, the last
settings are applied.

4. Click OK.

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RESULT
● The output of the tracks are rendered to audio files, and on playback you hear the same
sound as before freezing.
● Less CPU load is used.
● The Freeze Audio Channel, Freeze Instrument Channel or Freeze Sampler Channel
buttons light up.
● The track controls are grayed out.
● The audio events and MIDI parts are locked.
● You can still adjust the level and panning, make EQ settings, and adjust the effect sends.
● The Sampler Control section in the lower zone of the Project window is disabled.

NOTE

The audio file is saved in the Freeze folder that can be found in the following location:

● Windows: within the Project folder

● macOS: User/Documents

The freeze options are saved and used for all further freeze operations.

NOTE

In the Key Commands dialog in the Edit category, you can also assign a key command
for Freeze/Unfreeze Selected Tracks and Freeze/Unfreeze Selected Tracks (with Current
Settings).

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

To unfreeze the frozen tracks, select them and select Edit > Freeze/Unfreeze > Selected Tracks
or Edit > Freeze/Unfreeze > Selected Tracks (with Current Settings).

RELATED LINKS
Freezing Insert Effects on page 497
Freezing Instruments on page 836
Freeze Channel Options Dialog for Instruments on page 837
Unfreeze Channel Options Dialog for Instruments on page 838
Freezing External Instruments/Effects on page 46
Freezing Sampler Tracks on page 677
Freeze Channel Options Dialog for Sampler Tracks on page 677
Unfreeze Channel Options Dialog for Sampler Tracks on page 678

Organizing Tracks in Folder Tracks

You can organize your tracks in folders by moving tracks into folder tracks. This allows you to
perform editing on several tracks as one entity. Folder tracks can contain any type of track,
including other folder tracks.

● To add a folder track, click Add Track in the global track control area of the track list, and
click Folder.
● To add a folder track and to move all selected tracks into it, open the Project menu. From the
Track Folding submenu, select Move Selected Tracks to New Folder.
● To move tracks into a folder, select them and drag them into the folder track.

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Handling Overlapping Audio

● To remove tracks from a folder, select them and drag them out of the folder.
● To hide/show tracks in a folder, click the Expand/Collapse Folder button of the folder track.
● To hide/show data on a folder track, open the context menu for the folder track, and select
an option from the Show Data on Folder Tracks submenu.
● To mute/solo all tracks in a folder track, click the Mute or Solo button for the folder track.

NOTE

Hidden tracks are played back as usual.

RELATED LINKS
Group Editing Mode on page 239

Moving Tracks to Folder Tracks

You can move your tracks to folder tracks to organize them and to perform editing on several
tracks as one entity. You can move any type of track, including other folder tracks to folder tracks.

PROCEDURE
● Select Project > Track Folding > Move Selected Tracks to New Folder.

RESULT
This creates a new folder and moves all selected tracks into it.

NOTE

You can also drag and drop tracks into or out of a folder track.

Handling Overlapping Audio

The basic rule for audio tracks is that each track can only play back a single audio event at a time.
If two or more events overlap, only the one that is in the front is played back. You can, however,
select the event/region that you want to play back.

PROCEDURE
● Do one of the following:

● Right-click the audio event in the event display and select the desired event or region
from the To Front or Set to Region submenu.

NOTE

The available options depend on whether you performed a linear or a cycle recording
and on the record mode you used. When recording audio in cycle mode, the recorded
event is divided into regions, one for each take.

● Click the middle handle on the lower border of a stacked event, and select an entry from
the pop-up menu.
● In the track list, activate Show Lanes, and select the desired take.

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Track Folding Menu

RELATED LINKS
Lanes, Takes, and Overlapping Events on page 195

Track Folding Menu

You can show, hide, or invert tracks that are displayed in the Project window event display.
This allows you to divide the project into several parts by creating several folder tracks for the
different project elements and showing/hiding their contents by selecting a menu function or
using a key command. You can also fold in automation tracks this way.

● To open the Track Folding submenu, select Project > Track Folding.

The following options are available:

Toggle Selected Track

Reverses the fold state of the selected track.

Fold Tracks
Folds in all open folder tracks in the Project window.

NOTE

The behavior of this function depends on the Deep Track Folding setting in the
Preferences dialog.

Unfold Tracks
Unfolds all folder tracks in the Project window.

NOTE

The behavior of this function depends on the Deep Track Folding setting in the
Preferences dialog.

Flip Fold States

Flips the fold states of the tracks in the Project window. This means that all tracks that
were folded in will be unfolded and all unfolded tracks will be folded in.

Move Selected Tracks to New Folder

Moves all selected tracks to the folder track. This menu option is available if at least
one folder track is available.

NOTE

● You can assign key commands to these menu options in the Key Commands dialog in the
Project category.
● If you activate Deep Track Folding in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Project &
MixConsole page), track folding is applied to all subelements of the tracks.

Events Display on Folder Tracks

Closed folder tracks can display data of the contained audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks as data
blocks or as events.

When you close folder tracks, the contents of the contained tracks are displayed as data blocks
or events. Depending on the folder track height, the display of the events can be more or less
detailed.

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Modifying Event Display on Folder Tracks

Modifying Event Display on Folder Tracks

You can modify the event display on folder tracks.

PROCEDURE
1. Right-click the folder track.
2. On the context menu, select Show Data on Folder Tracks.
You have the following options:

● Always Show Data

Always displays data blocks or event details.
● Never Show Data
Displays nothing.
● Hide Data When Expanded
Hides the display of events when you open folder tracks.
● Show Event Details
Displays event details instead of data blocks.

NOTE

You can change these settings in the Preferences dialog (Event Display—Folders page).

RELATED LINKS
Event Display - Folders on page 1347

Lanes, Takes, and Overlapping Events

In the following, we focus on cycle recordings with takes. However, you can also apply lane
operations and comping methods to overlapping events or parts that you assemble on one track.

If you perform a cycle recording in the Keep History or Cycle History + Replace modes (audio)
or in the Stacked or Mix-Stacked modes (MIDI), the recorded cycle laps are shown on the track
with the last recorded take, active and on top.

The Show Lanes mode gives you a good overview of all your takes. If you activate the Show
Lanes button, the recorded takes are shown on separate lanes.

Lanes are handled differently, depending on whether you work with audio or MIDI:

Audio
As each audio track can only play back one single audio event at a time, you only hear
the take that is activated for playback, for example, the last lap of a cycle recording.

MIDI
Overlapping MIDI takes (parts) can be played back simultaneously. If you recorded in
Mix-Stacked mode, you hear all takes from all cycle laps.

Lanes can be reordered, sized, and zoomed like regular tracks.

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Lanes, Takes, and Overlapping Events

To solo a lane, you can activate the Solo button for it. This allows you to hear the lane in the
project context. If you want to hear the take without the project context, you also have to activate
theSolo button of the main track.

Assembling a Perfect Take

You can play back, split, and activate takes to combine the best parts of your recording in a final
take.

PROCEDURE
1. Select the Comp tool or the Object Selection tool.
2. Bring a take to the front to select it for playback, and listen to it.
3. Audition different takes to compare them in more detail.
4. If necessary, split your takes into smaller sections, create new ranges, and bring them to the
front.
5. Proceed until you are satisfied with the result.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

After assembling your perfect take, you can improve your take.
● To automatically resolve overlaps and remove empty lanes, right-click the track and select
Clean Up Lanes.
For audio, proceed as follows:
● Apply auto fades and crossfades to the comped takes.
● To put all takes on a single lane and to remove all takes in the background, select all takes
and select Audio > Advanced > Delete Overlaps.
● To create a new and continuous event of all selected takes, select Audio > Bounce Selection.
For MIDI, proceed as follows:
● Open your takes in a MIDI editor to perform fine adjustments like removing or editing notes.
● To create a new and continuous part of all selected takes that is placed on a single lane,
select all takes and select MIDI > Bounce MIDI.
● To create a new part and place it on a new track, select MIDI > Merge MIDI in Loop.
Finally, clean up the lanes as follows:
● Right-click a track and select Create Tracks from Lanes.
The lane is converted into a new track.

Assembling Operations
Unless otherwise stated, all operations can be performed in the Project window and in the Audio
Part Editor. Snap is taken into account, and all operations can be undone.

To assemble a perfect take, you can use the Comp tool, the Object Selection tool, or the Range
Selection tool.

● The Comp tool modifies all takes on all lanes simultaneously.

This is useful if the recorded takes have the same start and end positions.
● The Object Selection tool and the Range Selection tool affect single takes on individual
lanes.

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Lanes, Takes, and Overlapping Events

If this is not what you want, you can either perform your edits on the main track or use the
Comp tool.

NOTE

If you assemble stacked events on an audio track, deactivate Treat Muted Audio Events like
Deleted in the Preferences dialog (Editing—Audio page).

You can perform the following operations:

Assembling Operations

Operation Comp tool Object Selection/Range

Selection tool

Select Hold down Shift and click on Click on a take.

a take.
(Project window only)

Bring to front Click on a take. Click twice to Position the mouse pointer
toggle. over the middle of the lower
border of a take until it
changes to a Comp symbol,
and click. Click twice to toggle.

For MIDI, this mutes/unmutes

a take.

Comping Click and drag on a lane. All -

takes are split at the start and
(create a new range and bring
end of the range.
it to the front, Project window
only) If the audio takes are adjacent,
without gaps or fades, and
if the material itself matches,
the takes are merged within
the range.

Audition Press Ctrl/Cmd to activate See left.

the Speaker tool, and click at
the position where you want
playback to start.

Move Click and drag on the main Click and drag on any lane.
track.

Resize Drag the resize handles. All Drag the resize handles.
takes with the same start and
end positions are affected.
Resizing is constrained to the
end or start of the adjacent
takes. This ensures that you
do not accidentally create
overlaps.

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Defining the Track Time Base

Operation Comp tool Object Selection/Range

Selection tool

Correct timing Select a take, hold down Alt/ See left.

Opt - Shift (the tool modifier
(Slip Event)
for Slip Event), and drag with
the mouse.

Split Alt/Opt -click on a take. If See left.

you split a MIDI part and the
split position intersects one
or several MIDI notes, the
result depends on the Split
MIDI Events option in the
Preferences dialog (Editing—
MIDI page).

Adjust splits Position the mouse pointer See left.

over a split and drag to the left
or to the right.

Gluing splits Bring a new range to front. Select a range spanning all the
splits that you want to glue,
and double-click.

RELATED LINKS
Splitting Events on page 234

Defining the Track Time Base

The time base of a track determines if the events on a track are positioned to bars and beats
(musical time base) or to the timeline (linear time base). Changing the playback tempo affects
only the time position of events on tracks with a musical time base.

PROCEDURE
● In the track list, click Toggle Timebase to change the time base.

RESULT
Musical time base is indicated by a note symbol:

Linear time base is indicated by a clock symbol:

NOTE

Switching between linear and musical time base results in a very small loss of positioning
precision. Therefore, avoid switching repeatedly between the two modes.

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Track Versions

RELATED LINKS
Editing Tempo and Time Signature on page 1195
Project Tempo Modes on page 1195

Defining the Default Track Time Base

You can specify the default track time type for new tracks (audio, group/FX, MIDI, and marker
tracks).

PROCEDURE
1. In the Preferences dialog, select Editing.
2. Open the Default Track Time Type pop-up menu and select a default track time type.

RESULT
If you selected Follow Transport Main Display, the primary time format setting on the
Transport panel is used. When this is set to Bars+Beats, tracks with musical time base are
added. When this is set to any of the other options (Seconds, Timecode, Samples, etc.), all new
tracks use linear time base.

RELATED LINKS
Default Track Time Type on page 1338

Track Versions
Track versions allow you to create and manage multiple versions of events and parts on the
same track.

Track versions are available for audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks. You can also have track
versions of the chord track, the signature track, and the tempo track.

Track versions are useful for the following tasks:

● Starting new recordings from scratch.

● Comparing different takes and comps.
● Managing takes that were recorded in a multi-track recording.

NOTE

Track versions are not available for automation tracks.

Track versions are included in track archives and project backups.

The track version key commands can be found in the Track Versions category of the Key
Commands dialog.

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Track Versions

Track Versions Pop-Up Menu

The Track Versions pop-up menu is available for all track types that support track versions. It
contains the most important functions for managing track versions and a track versions list.

● To open the Track Versions pop-up menu for a track, click the arrow to the right of the track
name.

The following options are available:

Track Version list

Lists all track versions of the track for which you opened the Track Versions pop-up
menu and allows you to activate a track version.

New Version
Creates a new, empty track version for all selected tracks.

Duplicate Version
Creates a copy of the active track version for all selected tracks.

Rename Version
Opens a dialog that allows you to change the track version name for the selected
tracks.

Delete Version
Deletes the active track version for all selected tracks. This is only available if the track
has more than one track version.

Select Tracks with Same Version ID

Selects all tracks that have a track version with the same ID.

Show Version Name in Track List

Shows/Hides the version name next to the track name in the track list.

Track Versions Section

The Track Versions section in the Inspector allows you to view and manage track versions for a
selected track. It is available for audio tracks, MIDI tracks, instrument tracks, the sampler track,
and the chord track.

● To open the Track Versions section for a track, select the track. In the Inspector, click the
Track Versions section.

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