Cubase

By far, Cubase is the most popular recording software here at RecordingReview.com. If you are having hard time getting a handle on Cubase, aren’t sure of which version of Cubase is right for you, and just want to discuss tips and trick, make sure you check out our Cubase forum.

For those who aren’t sure exactly which recording software is right for you, Cubase is pretty much always my “go-to” software. Cubase is a very mature program. Steinberg has been developing recording software since the early 80s and they pretty much have it down by now. Their audio recording section is outstanding and many consider their MIDI sequencer to be the best out there. While there are probably differences between Cubase and Logic, Pro Tools, and Digital Performer I have no problem stating that Cubase will not hold your music back. The sky is the limit!

Some people claim that Cubase is a complicated program, but I honestly have no idea why they say this. It is a powerful program and it’s not easy to learn by just pushing buttons. This is not because it’s complicated. This is because it is simple! Let me explain. You can walk 10 miles or you can take 5 seconds to learn how to steer, push on the gas, and use the break. The car is a proven system that does require a few extra steps, but isn’t remotely complicated. This is how I look at it anyway.

Once you take the few hours it takes to conquer Cubase, you’ll be off to the races and the only thing that will hold you back is your creativity. When I say “conquer” I’m referring to the ability to understand most of the basic operations needed for every day use such as recording audio, editing audio, adding effects, adding automation, adding MIDI, editing MIDI, etc. You only have to use the features you absolutely require. If you don’t require them, don’t learn them!

Some people get the idea that they must learn all 2 billion features in Cubase to fully understand it. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you choose to use it in this way, Cubase is little more than a tape machine. You route the tracks, arm the tracks, and you hit record. Done! The fancy features come into play after you record the track if you desire.

Overall, I think that Cubase provides the best bang for the buck and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending it to just about anyone.

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Recording tips and tricks
Getting Started With Home Recording

Are you new to recording and not exactly sure what gear you need? RecordingReview.com specializes in helping beginners jump into the world of recording. There are about 2,000 traps that can easily waste thousands of hours of your time. Recording Review focuses on giving you the info you need to make the right decisions for you. This is what the Getting Started With Home Recording Guide is all about.

Getting Started With MIDI Production

MIDI production is not just for techno and dance music anymore. The use of MIDI has become an integral part of the recording process in rock, metal, and even country. In fact the only genre's of music that don't utilize MIDI that often are Folk and Bluegrass!

With that said, MIDI can be confusing at first. MIDI brings up a big, new list of definitions to learn and MIDI just seems to play by a different set of rules than convention computer recording. Luckily, I've created the Getting Started With MIDI Sequencing Guide to help you burst through the learning curve and reap the benefits of synths, samples, and MIDI production.

MIDI Production
Steinberg Cubase 4 Studio
Steinberg Cubase 4 Studio
PreSonus FIREPOD Studio Package
PreSonus FIREPOD Studio Package
Waves SSL 4000 Collection Native
Waves SSL 4000 Collection Native
Toontrack DFH Superior Custom and Vintage
Toontrack DFH Superior Custom and Vintage
Propellerhead REASON 4.0 Music Production Software
Propellerhead REASON 4.0 Music Production Software
Neumann TLM-103 Microphone
Neumann TLM-103 Microphone
My Electric Guitar Secret Weapon

For a rock guitar player, there is something about a killer distorted guitar sound that becomes a passion, or maybe even an addition. Of guitar, many beginners in the home recording world have trouble with recording electric guitars. In this member only guide, I'll talk about my secret weapon for recording huge electric guitars.

Electric Guitar
10 Things Every Band Should Know Before Recording

Before any band walks into a recording studio, they had better prepare themselves. There is a lot to learn about the recording process, but taking a few minutes to read this guy could save you thousands of bucks!!

10 Things Every Band Should Know Before Recording is my attempt to get you up to speed on the process of recording extremely quickly! If we can immediately rule out beginner mistakes and make sure you have a clear idea on how the process REALLY works, the odds of your next recording being successful are improved immensely.

Every Band Should Know
Do I Need A High End Mic Preamp?

Don't let peer pressure convince you that you need to dump thousands of dollars into a high end microphone preamp. Let your ears decide! Maybe after listening to this preamp shootout, you can decide if the subtle change in character offered by a preamps is going to be worth the cash.

Take a listen to my Preamp Shootout. With preamps such as API, Great River, Vintech (Neve 1272 clone), Presonus M80, and Mackie 1604 you can listen to the difference between super expensive and super cheap preamps and decide for yourself if you want to drop the cash on a preamp yet or not.

Mic Preamp
Home Recording Soundcard Wizard

The hardest part to choosing the initial gear to get started recording at home is the audio interface / soundcard (same thing). It used to take hours and hours and hours of research to figure out the features you needed. Then it took hours and hours and hours to figure out which brand of audio interface was most reliable. Of course, then, someone would say that X brand is way better than Y brand (which is usually a total lie!). It was a mess!

Now, choosing an audio interface is much simpler. Just go through the Audio Interface Wizard. It'll ask you 10 questions and spit out the audio interfaces that meet your needs in order of price. You immediately know which audio interfaces work for you. Then it's just an issue of choosing the most reliable audio interface that meets your budget. It's easy!

Electric Guitar Microphone Shootout

Do you really need a super high end microphone to get great sounding electric guitars? Here is a shootout I put together with the Royer R121 ribbon microphone, Shure SM 57, Audio Technica AT4033, Sennheiser MD 421, and Soundelux U99.

electric guitar microphone shootout
Home Recording Soundcard Wizard
Find the audio interface for youChoosing an audio interface just got WAY easier!

Home Recording Soundcard Wizard

Latest Recording Blogs
Latest Recording Forum Posts
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Recording Reviews

Talking about recording is great. However, one thing the internet world is not so good at when it comes to helping people get better at audio engineering is the overemphasis of words. Without a doubt, the best way to get better at your recordings is have them reviewed by experts, peers, and everyone in between.

So, simply Join Recording Review today and post a new song / mix you are working. We'll give you real world advice to drastically improve your music recordings. I love the Recording Review section because it focuses on EXACTLY what the problems are on your mix. It's common for a beginner to say “I'm not happy with the way my mixes are turning out” and a typical, generic response is “Buy better preamps or better mics!”.

Well, that's a stupid way of solving a problem. There is no use guessing with thousands of dollars in equipment when the problem may be the way you are approaching your mix. Maybe you just need to move your studio monitors? Maybe you are recording substandard musicians? Recording Reviews is the fastest way to improve your recordings!