Connect the external device to your computer. If connecting a USB or FireWire device, such as an audio interface, MIDI controller or digital mixing board, install any necessary drivers. Your device should include a CD-ROM, which you can insert into your computer and click to install. Cubase will not recognize most USB or FireWire devices (with the exception of some MIDI controllers) unless the proper drivers are installed.
Open Cubase. If you have properly installed Cubase using the installation disc or online download, the program should appear among your "Programs" or "Applications." Mac OS X users can click (Macintosh HD > Applications > Cubase) to locate it, while Windows users should select (Start > All Programs > Cubase).
Click the "Devices" menu, appearing at the top of your screen. Choose "Device Setup" from the drop down list. You should find it at the bottom of the list. Once clicked, a new window will appear, showing all of your connection options.
Click "VST Audiobay," (or "VST Audiosystem," in some older versions) appearing in the list in the left column, if connecting any device other than a MIDI controller. If connecting a MIDI controller, click "All MIDI Inputs."
Select your external device from the list. In the "VST Audiobay" menu, click the drop-down menu and select the name of your device. If only connecting an audio cable through your "Line-In" port, select your main "ASIO" driver. If using the "All MIDI Inputs" menu, you should see the name of your external device appearing at least sixteen times (one for each MIDI port), unless you have multiple MIDI devices installed. Alongside each port, you will see a "Yes" or "No," indicating whether not the port is authorized for MIDI transfer. All ports should read "Yes" by default. If any ports read "No," or if you have difficulty transmitting MIDI through your controller, you can fix the problem by clicking the "Reset" button.
Click "OK" when you finish configuring your external devices.