Is it worth getting stated with Cubase LE???

[RixMix]

Hi,

I realize LE is a free limited version. My question is should I skip LE and purchase the full blown Cubase 4 or Studio? I plan on using at most two channels at one time to record but I hate running into limitations. One follow on question, if I should go for the full software which version 4 or 5?

Thanks.

[Norris Shepherd]

If you're just starting out (I'm guessing that cause you said 'getting started') why would you want to pay for software if LE came with something you bought?

Yes... use LE.

Cubase LE has a ton of features and functions that you will probably never even use.

If you do run into limits (like the track limits) try Reaper (50$ non-commerical use).

[Chili]

Use the LE version for a while to learn what Cubase can do and what limitations you will face. Then decide on upgrading. Cubase ahs a fairly steep learning curve, but once you get going, it's a great tool.

good luck.

[NYMorningstar]

Not much is free in this world. The cost is lost in the price of the package deal you get with the equipment you purchase. If you already have or are going to purcase one of these deals than the Le will do you just fine for some time and later on if need be you can upgrade.

[Andy59]

I use Cubase LE4 for recording, mixing, and MIDI editing, and it's fine for my purposes. Limitations are relative to needs. If your requirements fall within the "limits" of the software, they aren't really limits at all.

[RixMix]

Thanks everyone. I was getting the impression from reading other posts that the limitations in LE were prohibiting the program from being useful so I thought why bother. But thanks for the further insight. Sounds like there is plenty there to work with.

[Seafroggys]

The only limitation I don't like currently in LE is the 2 inserts per track. Now I almost always just use two inserts (usually EQ and compression) but occasionally I may want to use other effects as well, and I have to use them in the Sends...kinda annoying.

And then once I expand my 8 input, then obviously that will be a problem as well.

I don't conceivably see the 48 track limit being an issue unless you're tracking full bands.

[Waffleness]

I started with LE4 and moved to studio 4. LE is really good to learn on, as its a bit simpler, but still has the interface and controls you need to do basic editing.

Going up to studio 4 is a big step I found. I'm not sure whether it was a placebo effect, but the EQ's sound so much better. Also, you are not limited with VSTi instruments, which was a pain in LE4. They look exactly the same for the most part.

Just use what you have until you run into a limitation you cant get round, then upgrade.

[RixMix]

Originally Posted by Waffleness

I started with LE4 and moved to studio 4. LE is really good to learn on, as its a bit simpler, but still has the interface and controls you need to do basic editing.

Going up to studio 4 is a big step I found. I'm not sure whether it was a placebo effect, but the EQ's sound so much better. Also, you are not limited with VSTi instruments, which was a pain in LE4. They look exactly the same for the most part.

Just use what you have until you run into a limitation you cant get round, then upgrade.

That was what I was pondering if I should even bother starting with LE4 and just take the hit and buy Studio 4 or 5. Eitherway I have to invest in a learning curve. I guess I was assuming the upgrade would be a hassle. Was it? And what is the diff between the LE4 VSTi and Studio Vsti?

[Waffleness]

Originally Posted by RixMix

That was what I was pondering if I should even bother starting with LE4 and just take the hit and buy Studio 4 or 5. Eitherway I have to invest in a learning curve. I guess I was assuming the upgrade would be a hassle. Was it? And what is the diff between the LE4 VSTi and Studio Vsti?

If your sure that you are going to upgrade, then go for studio 5, but if you still are not sure, start with LE4.

Upgrading is no hassle at all. Studio 4 and LE4 are stand alone programs, they don't overwrite each other. LE4 doesn't require a USB dongle which is an upside to it.
Once you have installed studio 4, you can open any projects from LE4, but it will warn you "Once you save this file in studio 4, you will not be able to open it in LE4".

The VSTi limits in LE4 are 8 instrument tracks, and no VSTi Instruments panel. That basically means in LE4 all VSTi instruments have to be opened in each instance on an instrument track. This only gives you 1 stereo out per VSTi, with a maximum of 8. I found this too limiting, and a CPU hog.
Studio 4 has something silly like 16 VSTi slots, each with 32 outs, and unlimited Instrument tracks, so waaay more than enough for anyone. Your PC will die before you've maxed the software out.

[Wazzacorbett]

I made two cd's using le, the only real frustration (as mentioned earlier in the thread) with it i found was the two inserts per track, which i worked around as best i could by using the sends, but in all i found it a great introduction to using cubase, and as it was free and helped make me some very nice recordings (im a pop /rocker!) so if you're just startin' out like i was i'd say stick with it!.

[Seafroggys]

Also, you can bounce a track using the effects and import it back in, giving you two new inserts. Keep the old one muted in case you wanted to change the first two inserts' settings.