Being the lowest priced model, many artists ask “Is Cubase Elements worth it?”. The answer will depend on where you are within your journey to learn DAWs, and what kind of hardware you may already have. Today we look at Cubase Elements in detail.
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Is Cubase Elements Worth It? Maybe!
Cubase Elements is the “middle of the road” version of Cubase, and it has a ton of features that could help a beginner producer really come into their own style. Unlike the previous LE versions, Elements offers a few more features and less restrictions when it comes to things like track limitations.
Cubase has been around for a long time, and has always offered “Light” editions next to the full fledged “Pro” editions. This is not only to save money during the initial purchase, but it also makes Cubase easier to learn without being too complex. Many users start with the more affordable options, and upgrade to Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist.
For aspiring music producers, choosing the right digital audio workstation (DAW) is a crucial decision. Among the options available, Cubase Elements stands out as an excellent choice for beginner producers. With its comprehensive feature set and beginner-friendly interface, Cubase Elements offers a solid foundation for those venturing into the world of music production.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of Cubase Elements, particularly for beginner producers. We will delve into its standout features and explain why it is a worthwhile investment. Let’s discover why Cubase Elements is a DAW that can truly grow with the user!
Cubase Elements: A Gateway to Creativity
Learning a DAW as a beginner can be incredibly daunting, at first. There are so many options, and most DAWs come with virtual instruments (VSTs) these days, and plugins as well. This can get complicated, really fast!
But if you have some hardware like a MIDI keyboard, then you probably know how to use a VST and program MIDI instruments. Other programs like EZ Drummer are popular these days as well, so MIDI editing is a very big deal now, even for beginners.
This is where Cubase Elements really excels in the realm of DAWs. Since MIDI instruments are so important, Steinberg has made Cubase easy to use when it comes to MIDI editing since so many producers use VSTs and drum programs these days.
Cubase Elements provides a perfect entry point for beginner producers, offering a balance between accessibility and professional-grade features. Let’s explore the benefits and standout features of Cubase Elements that make it worth considering:
- User-Friendly Interface: One of the primary advantages of Cubase Elements is its user-friendly interface. The software is designed to be intuitive, allowing beginners to quickly grasp the basics of music production. The organized layout and clear navigation make it easy to find essential tools and functions, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free workflow.
- Comprehensive Recording and Editing Tools: Cubase Elements offers a range of recording and editing tools that empower beginner producers to bring their musical ideas to life. Users can record audio and MIDI tracks, edit performances, and arrange compositions with ease. The Key Editor and Sample Editor provide intuitive interfaces for MIDI and audio manipulation, enabling users to refine their recordings and achieve professional-quality results.
- VST Instruments and Effects: Cubase Elements includes a variety of virtual instruments and effects, providing a diverse sonic palette for beginner producers. From powerful synthesizers to realistic emulations of acoustic instruments, these built-in resources allow users to experiment with different sounds and textures. Cubase Elements provides a solid collection of VST instruments and effects, eliminating the need for immediate third-party plugin investments.
- Streamlined Workflow: Efficiency is vital in music production, and Cubase Elements offers features that streamline the creative process. The software provides project templates, track management tools, and a straightforward mixer interface to enhance workflow efficiency. These features enable beginners to focus on the music-making process rather than getting lost in technical complexities.
So Cubase Elements has a LOT of the same features are the Pro Version. It is just slightly more streamlined, and has similar function to the Pro Edition. I know plenty of people that make complete songs with the Elements Edition!
What Is Missing From Cubase Elements?
Cubase Elements has just about everything you would need to begin home recording sessions. So why would you buy the Pro Version, if Elements has so many awesome features? You might want to upgrade to the Pro version if any of these features matter to you:
- Editing Features: Many of the famous Cubase features like group select and Quantizing are absent. Group lock features and Warp Quantizing is a great way to edit tracks that might have a few mistakes.
- Mixing Features: One of the Cubase Pro features that you will not be getting is the Spectral EQ, which makes mixing a breeze. The virtual Mix Desk is also absent, which can save snapshots from projects. Finally, there is no way to mix in Dolby Atmos, which is becoming important on streaming platforms.
- Virtual Instruments: Cubase Elements gives you one synth, and Groove Agent for drums. The Pro version has more synth options, oscillators, sampling software, and Pad Shop for ambient sound creation. Elements has only half of the instruments the Pro version offers.
- Effects: Cubase Elements has a ton of effects, but not the arsenal that Cubase Pro features. You will be missing out on some awesome EQ effects, as well as some guitar/gain effects. The pro library dwarfs the one that comes with Elements.
- Track Limitations: While the Pro version is whatever your computer can handle, Elements offers 48 audio tracks, and 24 VST MIDI tracks total per project.
- Inputs: This probably doesn’t concern bedroom producers, but you only have 24 inputs available with Elements. Most of us will not be tracking a 20 piece orchestra at home, so this is no big deal.
So other than mixing/mastering tools that may be missing, almost everything you need to record at home is included in Cubase Elements. It has a lot of built-in instruments, enough to keep you busy for quite a while.
In fact, some new producers get “option paralysis” if you have a huge list of instruments to choose from, and the same goes for effects and mixing tools. I think sometimes basic is better when it comes to choosing a DAW, especially in the beginning.
But that means Cubase Elements can be a great “jumping-off” point when it comes to leaning a DAW. Without all of the functions that advanced users would usually utilize, you have a more streamlined workflow, which brings us to…
Why Cubase Elements is a Good Starting Point (For Anyone)
If you have a ton of experience with other DAW programs, then Cubase Elements may seem a little limiting. But for beginners, it can be a useful tool that gets you acquainted with the recording process. You may not have “advanced” tools, but you will have more than enough to start producing your own songs.
Cubase Elements serves as an excellent starting point for most beginner producers due to the following reasons:
- Cost-Effective Investment: Cubase Elements offers a budget-friendly entry into the world of music production. It provides a comprehensive set of features at a more accessible price point compared to the higher-tier versions of Cubase. This affordability makes it an ideal choice for those who are just starting their music production journey.
- Beginner-Friendly Learning Curve: The user-friendly interface and intuitive design of Cubase Elements facilitate a gentle learning curve for beginners. The software is built with the beginner’s needs in mind, making it easy to understand and navigate. With comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and a supportive user community, Cubase Elements empowers beginners to learn at their own pace and develop their skills gradually.
- Seamless Upgradability: One significant advantage of starting with Cubase Elements is its seamless upgradability. As beginners gain experience and explore more advanced techniques, they can easily upgrade to higher-tier versions of Cubase, such as Cubase Pro. The transition from Cubase Elements to Cubase Pro is smooth and straightforward, allowing users to build upon their existing knowledge and expand their creative possibilities without a steep learning curve.
- Growing with the User: Cubase Elements is designed to grow with the user’s needs and skills. As beginner producers become more proficient, they can gradually explore the advanced features and functionalities offered by Cubase Pro. This scalability allows users to adapt their workflow and take advantage of professional-grade tools as they progress in their music production journey.
Out of all of these great reasons, the most important part is how Cubase can grow with the user. You can demo Cubase Pro at any time, and upgrade to the Pro version at a discount if you decide that you need more features. There is also the “Artist” version that offers most of the features of Cubase Pro at a discounted price.
Students also get a great discount with your school ID card. This applies to all versions of Cubase, and it can definitely save you some cash no matter which version you decide on using.
The Cubase Community offers a lot of tutorials and advice for new users, ensuring that even if Cubase is your very first DAW, you can easily learn how to use the program and start recording. The streamlined features allow you to learn the basics, but also provides enough tools to create full songs and projects.
Is Cubase Elements Worth It? We Think So!
If you are looking for a fully featured DAW with plugins, MIDI instruments, and tons of compatibility with 3rd party plugins… then Cubase Elements is definitely worth checking out. Don’t be fooled by the budget price, or the fact that it may have came with a piece of hardware you bought. It is the real deal!
If you are an experienced professional, then Cubase Elements can be a great gateway to learning the Cubase Ecosystem, and you can upgrade to the Pro version once you are comfortable. Most DAWs are very similar, but the details are what matter to professionals.
In the quest for the perfect DAW, Cubase Elements emerges as a strong contender, particularly for beginner producers. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive recording and editing tools, built-in VST instruments and effects, and streamlined workflow make it a worthwhile investment. Cubase Elements provides an accessible entry point to music production, allowing beginners to unleash their creativity and develop their skills.
Moreover, Cubase Elements offers seamless upgradability, making it a smart choice for those looking to grow their music production capabilities over time. With the possibility to upgrade to higher-tier versions such as Cubase Pro, users can expand their creative horizons and take advantage of advanced features as they progress.
So, is Cubase Elements worth it? Absolutely! Whether you’re a beginner starting your music production journey or an enthusiast looking for a cost-effective and feature-rich DAW, Cubase Elements provides an ideal platform to explore, learn, and evolve. Embrace the possibilities, unleash your creativity, and let Cubase Elements be your gateway to the exciting world of music production.
Used by everything from Hans Zimmer to Meshuggah, Cubase is an industry stalwart and a leading pioneer in the field of DAWs. Ideal for creating, recording, mixing, and mastering, Cubase has all the tools you need to create professional-sounding music at home. We love this software.
- Control Room: Unmatched recording and monitoring control for a superior mix.
- Sound Quality: A 64-bit audio engine that delivers professional-level audio.
- Plug-Ins: A wealth of high-quality plug-ins for any genre.
- Score Editor: Ideal for composers with its sophisticated notation feature.
- Customizable Interface: Adaptable to your workflow for optimal productivity.
Is Cubase Elements Worth It?
In the quest for the perfect DAW, Cubase Elements emerges as a strong contender, particularly for beginner producers. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive recording and editing tools, built-in VST instruments and effects, and streamlined workflow make it a worthwhile investment.
Is Cubase Elements Worth it For The Price?
If you are looking for a fully featured DAW with plugins, MIDI instruments, and tons of compatibility with 3rd party plugins… then Cubase Elements is definitely worth checking out. Don’t be fooled by the budget price, or the fact that it may have came with a piece of hardware you bought. It is the real deal!
Does Cubase Elements Come With Instruments?
When artists wonder “Is Cubase Elements worth it?” they usually assume that it is a stripped down version of the DAW. But Cubase Elements comes with synths, and guitar sims that are ready to record. Including the popular Groove Agent Drums VST.
