Newbie with Cubase! Advanced users, I need You.

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clubzero

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I want to move forward and start using my Cubase VST 24 as my main program. By the way, 1) is that a good version?

Ok, so. I've made music for many years and I'm familiar with common terms, but when I load up the VST, I'm all confused. What? How? What for? I need help to get started.

I work with only wave files I create with synths or program with samples using step editors. I apply effects with wave editors, 2) can I apply ALL the effects (reverbs, delays, etc.) inside the Cubase? I mean if I import only dry melodylines etc.

Also, this all may sound stoopid, but 3) can I somehow convert the wave files to MIDI files inside the program to make the work faster? How?

So I have the wave files now imported, I work with 3 different channels. Ch 1, drums (bd, hihats etc.) Ch 2, bass Ch 3, Strings, melodies, sound efx. Should I import all the channels separately (bd's, hihats, etc.) That would require a.l.o.t of waves and alot of disc space so I would imagine that's a bad idea.

What do I do next? Shall I start to master? I need help like where to click to find things. The program is still a blur to me...


Please help, how can I take advantage of this software and move forward with my music?

Club Zero

I use software like Mad Tracker 2, Sound Forge and I have a Roland JX.305 plugged in my computers line-in.
 
Howdy, clubzero.

Cubase, IMHO, is an amazing and rich program. (so are the others- I just happen to own cubase.) It is also fairly complex. The documentation is very good but also too well planned- it says things only once and you have to know where to look for it.

For learning where to click, the help system (in the help menu) has an excellent summary of what all the menu commands are for. I'd start by

a) not expecting to make great music right away. Experiment a bit so that you can learn the program faster. See WHAT you can do without worrying how WELL you can do it, yet.

b) read the documentation constantly. When I got cubase, I had the manual beside the bed and read it every night for a couple weeks. The online docs, where most of the info is, were common reading, as well. Its thick, but it speeds up the learning process a lot.

As for your other questions:

Can you apply effects witin cubase? YES! That part of what it does really well. The help system explains it really well.

It can't convert WAV to MIDI. I wish I knew of a program that could do that.

Importing seperate channels: You may eventually appreciate having each instrument on seperate channels so that you can put individual EQ, effects and such on them. It also allows more mixing flexability. I would probably split the drums into 4 channels- kick, snare and rim shots, and a stereo channel for everything else. Every other instrument (for my simple music, anyway) gets its own channel.

Good luck! You've got a good program! I'm not familiar with Cuase 24 (its a little older than what I have) but Steinberg has developed a decent product.

Chris
 
Hi Chris! Thanks for the reply. That helped me a bit. It's hard to ditch the tracker way of programming and switch to sequencer.. I know my music has good quality since I've been cooperating with labels, but still I know I'm facing limitations with the software I use. I know Mad Tracker 3 will have lots of handy effects, full VST support and plenty of great features.. I just can't wait any longer.. :D (mt2 already has necessery effects like delays, reverbs, flangers etc. common efx, automation, 24bit wave extract for mastering etc.).. People have asked what sequencer do I use since it sounds so nice and I say none.. :) And that's something I want to change.

Once again, thanks. I'll get cracking.

Club Zero
 
By no means am I saying that the Cubase board is even in the same league as this one, but...that's the place to go for tips on using Cubase, just go to steinbergs site and check it out. Chris is right on too, the help screens are extremely helpful and while the manual is boring it's definitely good fall-asleep reading.


Laj
 
midi 2 wAV CONVERTOR

There is a program out now that is capable of converting wave to midi. Its called "Melodyne" from Celemony. But it's retailed at around $1000. But the technology is coming.
 
I think that will be an enormous breakthrough!!

Club Zero
 
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