Steinberg has released an update to Cubasis, its mobile DAW for iOS, adding a new software synthesizer and more.
Here’s what’s new in Cubasis 1.5:
- Micrologue virtual analog synthesizer incl. 50 factory presets
- 16 Allen Morgan Signature drum kits incl. 80 MIDI loops
- Open/close hi-hat problem solved
- Instrument track freeze for internal instruments
- Instrument rack to load and edit Cubasis’ instruments
- Modulation wheel support for Micrologue synth
Here’s an unofficial demo for Micrologue:
For a complete list of new features, improvements and fixes, see the Steinberg site.
Cubasis is available for US $49.99 in the App Store.
If you’ve used Cubasis, leave a comment and let us know what you think of it!
Sounds quite moogish. Looks and sounds great.
It’s a pity for me that i’m still on iPad 1. I really do need to upgrade soon.
How does it comapare to retrologue?
Cubasis is still probably the best choice for a real “DAW experience” on iPad, but, it’s still missing some important features. Don’t get me wrong – I think it’s great – but, what is not yet implemented still means it is lacking in some obvious ways. In particular any expression automation – CC MIDI – from other iPad apps. Sure, you can Audiobus switch over to the app, say, Animoog or Nave – and control the app natively, – even capture the notes via MIDI in Cubasis, and, of course, as you capture the audio via Audiobus, you will have captured the result of the various MIDI controls audibly, but not in MIDI. That is significant lack.
The Cubasis forums indicate that they will have better MIDI “soon” – and given their release schedule it may be shortly, but, Auria is also a nice app and they say they are working on MIDI too. I think that whoever gets this done more completely first – with more detailed CC and even SysEx implementations for *input* from Audiobus connected apps is going to win big time.
Also, – the lack of the mod wheel except with Micrologue is something that should be changed in the next release. If you set up a non-Cubasis MIDI track and use the keyboard, the mod wheel is not there.
Kind regards
Derek.
At least Steinberg confirm yesterday that automata tips will come in a new update (1.6 for sure), then it will be a must buy.
Sorry for the auto-correct, the upcoming feature is AUTOMATATION not “automata tip”
Right.
Jan Neddermann at Steinberg Tech Support says it’s on their todo list, and, I guess it may come in stages – maybe in Cubasis natively 1st for things like volume and pan, then supporting MIDI controls from other apps, but they both need to be there to offer an alternative to recording in a desktop DAW.
I know there are those who say: “Why?” “Why not just use a desktop to record from the iPad?” and the answer is very simply that inspiriation sometimes strikes when you are not at a desktop – even if you are using the same on-iPad software there too. The increase in workflow potential is very appealing. I currently do both, and I am all for using desktop DAWs when that’s where I’m sitting with an iPad hooked up via iRig MIDI or the like, but when I’m not at my desk and yet composing, I really want to be able to do more than just capture audio ideas – assuming of course the app supports other than MIDI note out… Not all do (yet 🙂 )
Kind regards
Derek.
Auria v 1.1, which is currently in Apples hands waiting for review, will have extensive MIDI sync protocols. Also allowing you to control Auria, third party plugs etc from your hardware , and so on. The really big MIDI update that’ll bring MIDI sequencer and let third party companies release their VSTi synths/instruments in Auria is still in the works tho. As I’ve understood it all at least. One thing to remember here is that Steinberg is a big company, and Auria is a one dude mission (not counting third party plugs) which is kinda impressive. Also, Auria got the biggest VST developers behind it which is kinda fun considering Steinberg invented VST.
But either way things will start to change with iOS 7 and its new audio/midi systems. Eventually apps like Cubasis and Auria will be able to treat any synth /sound app on your iDevice as a AU/VST plug, and that will obviously open up a whole new world of possibilities. Sandboxed synth/instrument solutions like Cubasis and Meteor, which both have a virtual instrument rompler and a VA synth will not be around much longer (or maybe rather there’ll be a mix of the two solutions I’m guessing).
This is it! Im going back to Steinberg and Cubase. Logic is cheaper but nothing will ever happen on this front. It’s a fucking dead end.
Cubasis is really, really cool.
Hehe it’s funny how wrong we all were on that front.