Cubase is leading production software that is aimed at musicians, producers, composers and DJs. Features include virtual instruments and sounds such as an Amp Rack and software synths, loops, and a complete software notation system. It is easy to connect external hardware, and artists such as Kraftwerk use Cubase for performing live.

New Cubase 8 has been given a performance boost for more instruments, more tracks and shorter loading/saving times. Render in-place allows you to bounce MIDI and audio parts easily, Chord pads enable you to creatively compose with chords. Cubase 8 has improved windows handling on PC, dockable rack and MediaBay plus a redesigned Track List. Further features include Groove Agent SE 4 Acoustic Agent virtual acoustic drummer, a Plug-in manager, Virtual Bass Amp and Allen Morgan Pop-Rock Toolbox with 30 construction kits, each with 25 to 30 audio and MIDI loops

The Pro version has VCA faders for complex mixing and automation workflows, as well as features such as Direct Routing, Wave Meters, Multiband Compressor, Multiband Expander, Multiband Envelope Shaper, and MIDI Tempo Detector.

The previous version, Cubase 7, was “an excellent upgrade packed with useful new features and tools” according to our reviewer Paul Rez. Those tools include MixConsole, Equaliser Curve, VariAudio 2.0 and Chord Track. The VST Connect SE allows you to collaborate over the web.