Double-click the Cubase 5 icon on your desk top. Wait a few seconds for the program to open.
Connect a 12-volt power adapter to the connector on the rear of the Zoom pedal. Connect your guitar to the pedal with a quarter-inch cable jack. Connect the Zoom to your computer with a USB cable. Newer Zoom pedals, such as the G2.1u have a built in audio interface connecting to your computer directly. You can route the pedal through your existing audio interface with a second USB cable if you prefer, but this may cause latency in the signal chain. As a rule, the fewer components in a signal chain, the cleaner the signal.
Click "Devices" in the Cubase 5 menu and select "Input Devices." Assign the Zoom pedal an as "Input Device." Hit "Save" and select "Set as Default." Turn the volume dial on the audio interface up to the level you normally use.
Turn the volume of your guitar up and audition your sounds. Scroll through the preset tones on the Zoom by hitting the "Effect Type" button on the pedal and adjust them to your taste by using the "Edit" parameters on the control panel. Turn the "Gain" dial to adjust output level, use the "Store" button to save tones you like.
Open a new track in Cubase. Do this either by selecting "File" then "New Track" or by hitting control and the "N" key on your keyboard. Substitute the control key for the command key if using a Mac. When prompted Cubase will ask you what type of track you want to make, giving options for MIDI, audio or input device. Select input device. It will automatically route the signal from the Zoom pedal into that channel when recording.
Double-click on the number in the edit window at the bottom of the screen to adjust the tempo. Typically the tempo is pre-set at 120 beats per minute, or "BPM." Highlight the metronome icon and hit "Play." Practice along with the click before using your Zoom pedal to record in some authentic, high quality guitar tones.