Elements, Artist or Pro: Cubase 14 N00b Buyer’s Guide 2025

Home recording has never been more powerful—or more confusing.

With Cubase 14 landing in multiple versions, each with its own set of features and limitations, it can be a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out which one fits your home setup and your computer rig.

(We have a guide on system requirements for Cubase too, so check that out before pulling the trigger on anything).

Whether you’re tracking a full deathcore EP or just recording riffs to send to your bandmate, there’s a version of Cubase that’ll fit your needs—and your wallet. And don’t worry too much about starting out – there is a learning curve.

But becoming a wizard in Cubase is a seriously bankable skill. You can start recording artists and bands in your area, work in studios, start your own studio – the sky’s the limit. And it sure as sh*t beats working in Starbucks.

Cubase 14 Versions Explained:  How They Compare, How They’re Different…

Cubase Pro 14 – The “No Compromise” Option

🔧 Key Features:

• Unlimited tracks (audio, MIDI, instrument)
• 92 audio FX plugins (including new toys like Shimmer, AutoFilter, and analog-style saturation)
• 11 Instruments including the full version of HALion and Groove Agent
• Dolby Atmos + Ambisonics support – maybe overkill for now, but futureproofing never hurts
• Modulators – create wild LFO-driven FX automation (great for synth intros or ambient breakdowns)
• VariAudio 3 – edit screams, growls, or cleans with surgical precision
• Dorico-powered Score Editor – if you’re transcribing, this is killer

🧠 Who’s It For?

Producers doing film/game scoring and metal? Yep. But more realistically, it’s ideal if you’re:

• Running a hybrid studio setup
• Mixing/mastering for clients
• Creating dense, layered arrangements (think djent or cinematic metal)

⚙️ Real-World Metal Use:

• Layered orchestration like Fleshgod Apocalypse? Pro’s the only choice.
• You want to automate LFOs on a pitch-shifted delay to make a haunted breakdown? Modulators got your back.
• Need to track full bands or reamp DI guitar tones through amp sims? This’ll do it clean.

Cubase Artist 14 – The Sweet Spot for Metal Guitarists at Home

🔧 What You Get:

• Unlimited tracks (you’re not hitting that ceiling anytime soon)
• 91 FX plugins + 10 instruments – still super versatile
• Basic VariAudio – good enough for most vocals or growl-tuning
• 7.1 surround support – if you’re feeling extra ambitious
• New Drum Machine + Pattern Editor – make click tracks or demo drums fast

❌ What You Lose (Compared to Pro):

• No Control Room (less routing flexibility)
• No Modulators (can’t automate crazy FX stuff)
• No Dolby Atmos (again, probably not a dealbreaker)
• No advanced project logic (automations/macros)

🤘 Ideal For:

• Solo metal guitarists recording full albums
• YouTubers doing playthroughs or lesson content
• Songwriters using amp sims and MIDI drums
• Anyone mixing demos or EPs from home

🧪 Studio Tip:

You can absolutely mix and master in Artist 14. You just might miss Modulators if you love weird FX. Otherwise? It rips.

Cubase Elements 14 – Budget Metal Setup That Still Delivers

🔧 What’s Included:

• 48 audio tracks, 64 MIDI, and 24 instrument tracks – more than enough for a full song
• 5 stock instruments including Halion, Groove Agent SE
• 46 FX plugins (EQ, amp sims, reverb, delay, etc.)
• Basic score editor – works for quick tab or lead sheets
• Updated UI and light FX updates (Underwater, for example)

🧨 Use It For:

• Tracking guitar DI into plugins like Neural DSP or STL Tones
• Laying down MIDI drums (especially with Groove Agent SE)
• Writing and demoing song ideas with full arrangements
• Podcasting or voice-over work for content creators

🎓 Best For:

• Beginners who don’t want to get lost in the weeds
• Metal songwriters building ideas fast
• Anyone upgrading from a free DAW and wants something stable

Cubase AI & LE 14 – Free Entry DAWs (Still Kinda Awesome)

📦 Features (Same for Both):

• 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI, 8 instruments
• 23 FX plugins
• HALion SE + Groove Agent SE
• 4 inserts, 4 sends

🎸 Why It’s Still Worth Using:

• Record riffs, DI guitar, or ideas quickly
• Learn how Cubase works without paying a cent
• Use it as a “coupon” to upgrade to Elements/Artist cheaper

Upgrade Paths: 2025 Snapshot

If you’re just starting out recording, there is little to no point going with the Pro version. There is a pretty massive learning curve with Cubase, so you’ll want to start with a more basic package. 

For the absolute – but focussed and dedicated – beginner, Artist or Elements will be more than enough to get you to the stage where you’re component enough to produce your own music and put it out on Spotify. 

I’ve been recording bands professionally for years and I only ever use Elements; it literally has everything I need. I do all my mastering in Reaper, however, as that’s how I learned to do it in studios in LA.

If you want to learn and follow my exact music mastering process, you can download my PDF guide here – it’ll get you from Gary No-Skills to pro-sounding recordings in no time.

If you decide that recording and mixing might be a career path or a nice little side-hustle (spoiler: it really is a great way to earn cash on the side), then an upgrade to Cubase 14 Pro once you’re fully component with Elements is a solid investment. 

Thinking ahead? Here’s what it’ll run you if you want to move up the ladder later:

So Which One Should You Pick?

I have no idea where you are on your recording journey, but everybody starts from the same place. Plus, if you’re reading an article like this I’m going to assume you’re a beginner, someone just starting out. 

The key takeaway with Cubase is this – it is HUGE and comes packed with more stuff that most will ever need (that’s why I only ever use Elements). 

Whatever your plans are, you’ll likely fit somewhere in the breakdown below. Find the one that most sounds like where you’re at and go with that version. 

⚡ Wrapping Up…

Cubase 14 gives you solid options no matter where you are in your home studio journey.

If you’re just starting out take my advice: start slow, learn your craft inside ONE DAW, do not hop between different setups.

It’s better to be a master of one DAW than have a bit of knowledge about several.

And if you’re serious about recording and mixing records as a career, Cubase is the one to learn – it is used in most studios and is the industry standard.

Which should you get then?

For metal guitarists especially, Cubase Artist 14 hits that sweet spot of power and price; it’s affordable enough for most people and it’ll give you access to everything you need to start your honing your craft.

But even Elements – the cheaper version – can carry a full EP if you know how to push it. Both are great starting points. If you’re more serious and dedicated; like, you KNOW this is what you wanna do, go with Cubase 14 Artist.

Start with what fits your current needs—and grow into the rest. The upgrade paths are smooth, and Steinberg’s workflow is rock solid for tracking heavy guitars, complex drums, and layer-heavy mixes.