Cubase 16 review

Cubase 16 brings composition, recording, editing and mixing in one environment for Mac and Windows. Steinberg splits it into three editions. Elements covers the essentials with a limited track count, 7 instruments, 45 effects and side-chaining. Artist, which Steinberg calls the version most serious Cubase producers call home, removes the track limit and adds VariAudio pitch correction, the DrumMachine and Pattern Sequencer, 12 instruments and 75 effects. Pro adds Control Room, modulators, 98 effects and tools for surround mixing and scoring. All three include 20+ GB of samples and loops. A free 30-day trial lets you try it, and anything you make during the trial stays usable after you buy. For a home producer, Elements or Artist is the realistic choice, since Pro targets film composers and large studios. Steinberg's shop showed PLN prices from our location, so check USD prices before buying.

Who it is for

Producers and composers who want deep MIDI editing and a clear upgrade path.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Three main editions: Pro, Artist and Elements
• VariAudio pitch correction in Pro and Artist
• DrumMachine and Pattern Sequencer in Pro and Artist
• Side-chaining in all three main editions
• 20+ GB of samples and loops in every edition

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free 30-day trial, and work made during the trial carries over
• Strength: Elements gives a lower-cost entry with the same sound content size
• Strength: Artist and Pro have unlimited tracks
• Weakness: Elements limits the number of tracks
• Weakness: Control Room and modulators are only in Pro
• Weakness: Steinberg's shop showed PLN prices from our location, so we could not confirm USD prices

Key facts

• Platforms: Mac and Windows
• Free trial: 30 days
• Effects: 45 (Elements), 75 (Artist), 98 (Pro)
• Virtual instruments: 7 (Elements), 12 (Artist and Pro)
• Tracks: Limited in Elements, unlimited in Artist and Pro

Where it ranks

Cubase 16 is No. 9 in our Best DAW Software verdict.