Steinberg Media Technologies has announced the immediate availability of Cubase Elements 8, offering new sounds, new effects and many other features that can turn a Mac or Windows computer into a music production system.
UI enhancements include window docking for the VST Instrument Rack and MediaBay, a redesigned Track List and Inspector for improved readability, a new plug-in manager for easy customization and a flexible window layout for PC versions.
Chord pads adds to the creative feature set in Cubase Elements 8, allowing users to trigger chords and change voicing and tension through MIDI parameters on any record-enabled MIDI or instrument track. A circle of fifths representation provides a graphical overview to understand the theory behind available chord progressions.
The instruments HALion Sonic SE 2 and Groove Agent SE 4 provide new sounds and an ample variety of drum kits. HALion Sonic SE 2 also provides Trip virtual analog arp synthesizer plus eight new effects.
Further advancements include ASIO-Guard 2 to ensure low latencies as well as an enhanced EQ module on each channel strip, displaying values for gain, frequency and note pitch, in addition to offering the option to enter pitch notes and cent values in lieu of frequencies. The re-record mode new to the transport controls in Cubase Elements enables instant record restart at the original position. A revised version of the Tuner plug-in offers strobe tuning and improved handling.
Cubase Elements has other useful tools such as the MP3 codec for unlimited encoding and decoding of MP3 files as well as taking full advantage of the FLAC lossless compression codec.
A fully functional trial version of Cubase Elements 8 is now available as adownload from the Steinberg website. It expires after 30 days and does not require the USB-eLicenser dongle.
Steinberg product marketing lead Helge Vogt states, “By releasing Cubase Elements 8, we have now completed the current Cubase product range. Considered our entry-level DAW, Cubase Elements offers a whole set of tools and capabilities to get started right away without overwhelming the user with too many options. Its straight-to-the-point approach will appeal to those looking to record, mix and edit their music at an extremely reasonable price.”
The full retail version of Cubase Elements 8 is available through authorized Steinberg resellers and the Steinberg Online Shop. The suggested retail price is $99.99.
The Cubase Elements 8 update from Cubase Elements 7 and 6 is available as download through the Steinberg Online Shop. Cubase Elements 7 and 6 customers can purchase the update for the discounted price of $19.99 until April 30, 2015, after which the retail price will be $24.99.
