In addition to the included instruments and effects, you can customize your Cubase software by adding external VST plug-ins. If you want more effects options, better virtual synthesizers or more versatile equalizers, just download the necessary plug-ins and add them to your Cubase VST folder. Not all digital audio workstations will allow you to use VSTs, so this can make Cubase a desirable choice if you want to explore different plug-in options.
With the right setup, you can use Cubase as the center of your home recording studio. Just connect a mixing board or audio interface to your USB port, and select it as your primary input device on your "Device Setup" menu. You can then record instruments and microphones directly into Cubase without any noise interference, just as you would in a professional studio.
Using Cubase, you can record an entire band arrangement, including guitars, bass, percussion, synthesizers and sound effects, using nothing more than a single MIDI keyboard. Just connect a MIDI controller keyboard to your USB port, open the "VST Instruments" menu (under "Devices" on the menu bar) and select an instrument sound that you want to emulate.
Multi-tracking is the industry standard for recording music. It involves recording music into layers, rather than recording an entire band onto a single tape. For example, you can record your kick drum onto one track, your snare drum onto another, your bass onto another and then your guitar onto a fourth track. This allows you to maintain full control over your sound when mixing and mastering. Cubase allows you to create an unlimited number of individual tracks and record in this same manner, just like professionals.
Cubase advertises itself as suitable for both musicians and producers, due to its versatile array of features. The musician can benefit from the recording and MIDI functions, and the producer can benefit from the mixing and mastering features, which include effects integration, multiband compression and grid EQ.