Hey Dom! I've been pondering a question that's been on my mind lately regarding my music journey. Despite scouring the depths of the internet for insights through interviews and Q&As, I've hit a dead end in finding a direct answer. I'm deeply passionate about creating music, particularly in the realm of film scores, game scores, etc, blending orchestral elements with synthesizers and more. While I've dabbled in producing music solely on my computer, my background in playing various instruments has led me to compose by ear. While this method has its merits, it poses a challenge when it comes to translating my compositions for live orchestral performances. So, here's my dilemma: Is there a way to compose within a DAW and have it automatically notated for orchestral performances, or is learning traditional music theory and utilizing notation software the only route for such endeavors? Furthermore, what are the essential requirements for composers in the film or series industry who work with live orchestras, and how can I get into the composing world generally? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Love your vids❤🔥 Keep up the good work👊
Definitely make tutorials for Cubase, I was actually about to email you about it. Two reasons: You're one of the top pros, maybe the best one to make tutorials for Cubase. And there's a huge need for it because what's out there is extremely varied in quality and it's all more and more outdated for each passing day because of new versions of Cubase. It doesn't take a lot of changes for all old tutorials to become obsolete and frustrating. And a third reason, you never waste a second in your videos and that's invaluable. Whenever I discover in a tutorial there's slow talking or missing the point or skipping of steps, it's so demoralizing I just turn it off.
Unlike with this video I can follow and understand his tutorials from start to end, this is something rare, I have nasty ADD and when something is uninteresting for more then 15 seconds I lose focus and start wondering off in my mind
So yes his tutorials are good!!! And indeed there's not much detailed tutorials like his in TH-cam, I've found some tutorials on Patreon from my favorite DnB producers but you'll need to pay for those.
Yes! Please make Cubase templates. Stock plugins would be fine as I use the stock plugins pretty much all the time. I completely agree with you regarding Logic and Pro Tools. That's my exact take. Logic for MIDI and PT for audio engineering stuff. Music production schools in the US teach you both of those but like you said, Cubase is like both in one DAW.
I would LOVE a comprehensive Cubase course from you! Please PLEASE consider doing this. I'm sure many would be willing to pay for such expert level training. Thank you for all that you do.
As Head of QA I have literally all DAWs. Reaper is my choose for it's customization but it's very tough for 90% of users who need pretty GUI and a couple of features. So if no Reaper I would go for Cubase. Or Logic. For live acts Ableton Live is unbeatable and easy to use. Has it's own bugs but still.
Cubase for everything professional, Bitwig for lot of sound design, Eurorack, low latency Midi sequencing with external hardware and very fast work flow, super fun DAW.
former hardcore Logic and Studio One user here. Now back on: Cubase 12 (13) - and finally VERY happy... Cubase has much better onstock fx than S1, a better modern creative sample content, great onstock synths, Retrologue, Padshop, HalionSonic synths, the new 5 GB Iconica Orchestra!, Groove Agent and its patterns are absolut great...cant live without the best flexible mix console and control room, the fast creative Samplertrack!, DOP, multiple marker tracks, cycle markers, multiple render options, creative chord pads, and Cubase midi editor ist the best on the market for composing and midi arrange editing... And Logic? has NO macros and NO plugin seaching!!! 😅
I agree. Cubase, then Studio One. It’s probably just me but I can’t get over the mental hurdles of any other DAW. Cubase and Studio One are very similar. Studio Ones failings are so huge that I’ve mostly abandoned it for Cubase, but maybe next version I’ll put some time into it again.
I love your positive mindset, as a long term Cubase user I often wish they would add less new features, and instead concentrate on fixing issues. But you're right, its a DAW that does always have something to be excited about and as a creative we feed from that! Great video, and its fantastic that you are so busy with work!
Hi Dom, my question is the following: as you`re visibly not a London born producer, when and how did you feel you could be able to pay your bills with your passion and decide to settle in London ? do you think the move could be still possible today in this super dynamic creative but quite saturated city !? Etienne.
Why don't you make a Complete Guide for Cubase ? You really good at explain everything about Cubase. I know much people waiting for that Course or Conplete Mixing in Cubase ( maybe both of them ). PLEASE do it when you have time, Dom .
If Cubase didn’t exist, my creative activity would no longer be the same as it currently is. Of course, I could work with other daws that I know very well, for example Studio One, Logic, but the degree of completeness that Cubase offers today is at such a level that it is not possible to think of doing without it, from midi to audio. Studio One offers a very similar and very respectable type of experience, I can say that it is the direct contender of Cubase. But to this day it is not possible, at least for me, to think of a world without the completeness of Cubase.
There's one German guy providing courses on Cubase and I bought one of them and got gifted another. The problem with those tutorials was that every feature was shown on its own, but never in a real workflow or in a good, creative way. I guess, this is where your approach in presenting features becomes way more accessible and useful than what I have seen so far. Just go though the feature palette and the stock plugins, show some basic QoL tips for Cubase features (including keyboard shortcuts) and how to use them in a real scenario. At the end of the course or each section, you might simply combine all features that you presented into a cohesive summary lesson.
@2:26 Add (or subtract) harmonic content... That is the BEST mixing advice I've heard anywhere! None of the (so-called) professional channels will tell you exactly THAT! Use you ears, not your eyes!
Exactly- the low end is already there on some sounds. Especially 808s instead of adding EQ for more low end just raise the fader- that’s your EQ right there. If you want perceived loudness and richness add harmonic content 🤘🏼
@@DomSigalas Indeed. I frequently have to giggle at all these youtube channels with their 'use THIS plugin' and 'magic tricks no one tells you' videos. There are no magic tricks or plugins. The magic begins and ends with your ears
My DAW-Journey: Fruity Loops -> Cubase -> Logic -> Maschine -> S1 -> Bitwig. Im using my Yamaha Motif XS 8 for now more than 13 Years. Love my Motif. (Next is Montage). But I own a Moog Grandmother, Arturia Minifreak, Maschine, Moog Theremin Using Machine for sampling, S1 sometimes. Love Sounddesign and Bitwigs Grid and the modular structure is unbeatable ...
Hy, Yes, Cubase templates for orchestral music could be fine, especially for Eastwest libraries and Native instrument libraries ! Thanks for all your videos, they are all great !
Thanks for answering my question Dom. I got very excited that from all the questions you chose mine. I think the same I am in Cubase because you don’t need another software to finish the job smoothly and efficient. And thanks for keep creating content even if you have a busy schedule. Definitely the best music production content on TH-cam. Saludos from Mexico
Hi Dom, I'd love (and pay for) a Cubase course you teach that takes a piece from conception to finish, using 100% Cubase tools. You did an amazing job of accomplishing something like that for Cubasis in a single 30 minute video a few years ago. It would be awesome to learn from you in an organized way that's just not possible in a collection of disparate videos, even videos as good as yours. Yes other courses like this already exist - I've taken a couple and they helped. But there is a whole lot more to learn and IMO you're the best communicator in the biz, bar none.
I used a Yamaha PSR 280 for awhile. I had a regular studio back in the late 80's, but after a theft, we started just breaking it down and selling the rest. I was left with a DX-100 because I had it at home at the time, and I got a PSS-780 later, which was neat, but not professional. I ended up selling both of them, and just had a piano for a few years. Then in the later 90's I got the PSR-280 and then upgraded from there to a MOTIF 6. I still have the MOTIF, and a MODX6+ and Sequential Pro 3 SE. I also have a stratacaster, with these I can do what I want. Oh, also have Keylab 88 and V Collection, and use Ableton Live.
After watching some of your videos I came to this video thinking that if you are going to offer a full course on music production using Cubase as the main DAW, I would take it! Basic DAW skills, workflow, recording/tracking, music theory, chords, harmonics, melody, rhythms and beat creation, arrangement as a basic course. Then an advance course with sound design, synthesis, and mixing techniques, eq, compression etc, and basic mastering techniques.
Thank you Dom for this video Q&A, I've been on cubase for almost 30 years. I'm a music teacher and I studied musicology. so i have 2 questions: - In your educational background, what do you think was the most effective way to learn and master cubase? (university, engineering school, self-taught ...) - Coffee with or without sugar? thanks again
Dom! I personally will love that if you do a stock cubase plugins template for vocals and production with even halion and groove agent that will be really helpful I will go for that!
I choice cubase since (cubase 32-50)with dungle because of looks it was one of the few days that i could get to look like real hardware studios I use to work in😅 most days do the same thing but some suck as far as looks
Very interested in some templates and signal chains. Really challenging for hobbyists to use the information on the internet, etc and bring it all together. Love the channel.
Thank you for the video. I am an arranger myself and I am also inspired by sounds to write new songs, I love watching your videos 👍😊. I work in nuendo 13, I will be glad if you share your work experience.
As someone who has been watching you since your Montage sound design days, my question has more to do with the development of your career. I think a lot of aspiring composers and music producers spend a great of time in the "ready to launch" phase, waiting for that one break to get their name into the system. Perhaps you would be willing to share what you feel was your "breakthrough" moment and how your career went from there. I, for one, would love to hear it.
I haven't used Logic, because of it being Mac only, but I use Studio One (Mostly) and Cubase. Especially in the later versions, Studio One is very similar to Cubase but with a more streamlined workflow (IF you chose to use it that way).
Yes, I would really see your plugin chains for both mixing and mastering. Great video and very interesting to hear about your personal musical journey.
Cubase, Bitwig, Reason. Mmm. Im a noob tho but these will be my go to software's. I also learn how incredible cost affective sticking to the box is.. so many free VSTs available, plus cubase stock plugins.. a person really doesnt have to do anything but have a good PC to get started. I love this. I dont sleep much either haha 4-6 hours. Learn, learn, learn! Thank you Dom. Big inspiration.
I have expertise in both cubase and fl studio but I feel fl is faster in creating beats while cubase is making melody quantitie option auto quantise options available in cubase is far better than fl
Pro Tools all day long, and I run Cubase on Windows 11! The Avvid gear is sweet though so I would make the swap. Dom, do you ever come over to the states? Also, can you have a contest where the winner gets to compose a song w/ you? That would be so sweet! Keep up the great work bro!
You are acting like this is subjective, but it isn't. Feature for feature, looks, flexibility, supplied plug-ins, built in instruments, etc. Pro Tools is the loser against Cubase Pro in any honest, unbiased evaluative matchup.
I chose Cubase back in 2008 - after starting out with Cool Edit Pro 2/Adobe Audition - because I wanted a professional grade DAW and Cubase appealed to both my composer side and my producer side. If I had to "start again", I may use either Tracktion Waveform or Presonus Studio One. If I were in the Mac world, Logic Pro. I was quite pleased with UVI Audio's Quadra Traveller for non-Western music instruments.
To my understanding, when updating cubase to a newer version you're basically installing a new program. How do you go about retaining all of your sample/preset ratings in the MediaBay, keyboard shortcuts, custom presets for vsts, etc.? Are these located in certain file directories, or do you have to make everything over again (hopefully not)?
Recognizable...printing Cubase manuals 😀 How would you setup today's mastering chain with plugins like Pulsar EQ for example? People are better off learning a few instruments/fx/sequencer inside out, than have a monsterload of stuff. I regret having so many soundcards (Terratec EWS64, ESI Wamirack, M-Audio, Steinberg MRX816.....all I really needed was UA Twin USB, but that did not exist yet 😉
the only templates I would buy for cubase are yours, I know the way you work, I have some of your products and they are top notch. So please have that in mind. Id be interested in templates for pop / dance arrangements and presets for vocals, bass, drums and all the usual suspects like buses, master chain for finish it and or for just send to a master engineer, and also an important thing for my flow is that you would use the plugins YOU would use, meaning if its only cubase plugins Im out of the equation because I only want to use the chain you reaaally would you in the scenario. I understand you are part of Steinberg but If you have to mix a vocal and use eq, comp, etc...put the plugins that offers the best , and those I havent I will probably buy if the demo suits me. Thanks for sharing all what you do. have a great weekend Dom 💖
Im a big fan of cubase since 4.0 but......last year I started to use Bitwig and its great! Love looping options with clips, sounds great, easy to use and some futures are great!
Would be great to have a DETAILED Cubase explained course from you (unlike those already available by others which are nowhere near as detailed as they should be!)
I'd love to use some of your templates please Dom. As an intermediate user of cubase that struggles to find the time to really use it daily. I Would love to see someone making FX chains (with Macros) and templates for Cubase just to make the process a bit easier. Every tutorial that I watch, for the genre of music I listen to try and sell you pre-made FX chains that really brings their music to life however, they're only available for DAWS like abelton which really grinds my gears lol.
Building a modern studio in my opinion should be far easier now because it’s getting less and less about external hardware but more software. I mean the hardware like compressors and equalizers for example can go in the box.
It would be great to have stock template for vocals, guitar, bass, etc. Just something simple. And then another one maybe more advanced? The advanced one would have drums, etc.
Seeing as how we’re both keyboardists maybe that’s why we feel the same about the Digitakt lol. I never forget how to voice chords, but when I took a month off using the Digitakt I forgot everything and was too exhausted to learn it all over again 😂
I think templates can be a good starting point but every vocal needs different treatment so I think mixers want a magic bullet but it doesn't exist. Time and work, learn the tools and you will know what to use. IMO. Really cool channel!
How about your family Dom? How was your home life growing up? Your mom? Dad? Siblings? Your relationships now? It would be cool for you to elaborate. You come across natural.
Greetings Dom, Please, please, please make some Cubase templates amigo. That'll be awesome. Question, what is your take on the onset of AI in music production, what are your pros and cons on it?
Can you give us an honest review of FL Studio. I know you much rather prefer a linear workflow, but I personally find it useful for capturing ideas quickly and "sketching", almost as a preproduction tool.
Could you please explain how you solve for TUNING when combining analog, acoustic, and digital sources? I would imagine adding a bar or two at the beginning of a composition with a reference tone.
Thank you Dom. I liked his one very much and would appreciate another one very much too. I noticed that you brought in your CC121 again. Why? I hope that mine never breaks down. Fingers crossed.
The music production course would be fantastic but only the one that shows how to do radio ready song A to Z. Cause the courses that are still hiding, not showing something and are incomplete are plenty.
Love all your work 🥰 Sometimes wish there was a better way to ask you questions that you might answer, possibly by posting in a blog or some sort of news feed. eg, the SSL-UF8 is it better integrated with Cubase since your video a year ago?
I love Elektron deep sound controls. But I would say Elektron sequencer is too complex to be immediate . I love the power, but the sequencer UI does not work for me .
Hi Dom been following your journey on YT for years. Thanks for your input. Question? Other than your own Drum machine, what do you use for your drum sounds for pop tracks.
Yes please, do a course using the Cubase stock plugins, an actual track, perhaps one you can share too, mixed to a point ready for mastering. We can always learn! Thanks Dom!
When I'm not using cubase, I use studio one with very similar results. But if cubase wasn't available, I'd switch to nuendo. If both cubase and nuendo were gone, then studio one. (I've tried pro tools, FL, ableton, logic, sonar, and couple others. Cubase and studio one were always better for me)
I bought cubase 12 with the idea of making it my main DAW, but i ended up selling it (at a big loss lol). I use Maschine for MIDI and Reaper for audio. I also own FL, Bitwig 5, Studio One 5, and even Ableton 16 track. There are things i like avout all of them, but in the end...navigating in the timeline in Reaper is easiest. And the timeline is where i spend most of my time, so ease of navigation WITH ONLY A MOUSE for editing is my #1 requirement. It seems that all the other DAWs just dont arent very intuitive for editing in timeline. In Reaper Its very easy to scroll, zoom, locate and use tools without having to reach for the computer keys. If Cubase had that, i may have given it more of a chance because it's easily the most feature rich DAW out there. And Dom is right, its under the most active development team of any DAW, so cool new stuff is constantly being added. Thats what drew me to it in the first place. But i also dont get along with the track & routing. But thats not just Cubase, thats ALL the other DAWs except Reaper. I appreciate how in Reaper every track can be anything. MIDI, audio, insert, buss, group/folder...anything. It makes things so much less complicated. That simple feature makes for extremely no hassle routing, and im not sure why no other DAW does that. It seems like it should be a very easy thing to impliment. I also use NI Maschine for MIDI production (and sometimes sampling), so i wish there was a DAW that had both clip and timeline capabilities that is more intutive. Bitwig comes closest and has great midi, but its audio editing features are not as complete as they need to be yet. Reapers biggest drawback is that its just about the worst DAW for MIDI. I hardly even bother using it for MIDI production. It works, but its not a fun time lol
I've had Cubase for a couple years since Sonar went belly up. I still can't figure out Cubase. After years using Sonar, Cubase is never-ending source of counter-intuitive frustration. Sonar was bought out and re-tooled as a free DAW by BandLab, but never lived up to the potential of the original system. Now I hear that Cakewalk is working on a return of Sonar as a separate for-purchase DAW. If that does happen, it's the DAW I would use. Until then, I'll just keep plugging away at Cubase.
Leave YOUR questions for your next Q&A in the comments! ❤⬇⬇⬇
Hey Dom!
I've been pondering a question that's been on my mind lately regarding my music journey. Despite scouring the depths of the internet for insights through interviews and Q&As, I've hit a dead end in finding a direct answer. I'm deeply passionate about creating music, particularly in the realm of film scores, game scores, etc, blending orchestral elements with synthesizers and more. While I've dabbled in producing music solely on my computer, my background in playing various instruments has led me to compose by ear. While this method has its merits, it poses a challenge when it comes to translating my compositions for live orchestral performances. So, here's my dilemma: Is there a way to compose within a DAW and have it automatically notated for orchestral performances, or is learning traditional music theory and utilizing notation software the only route for such endeavors? Furthermore, what are the essential requirements for composers in the film or series industry who work with live orchestras, and how can I get into the composing world generally?
Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Love your vids❤🔥 Keep up the good work👊
i will need a comprehensive template for vocal mixing
honestly i struggle with vocal mixing
I LOVE YOU DEAR DOM🥰❤
I love to have courses in cubse ❤
@@3dB.Production Coming in a few weeks ;)
Definitely make tutorials for Cubase, I was actually about to email you about it. Two reasons: You're one of the top pros, maybe the best one to make tutorials for Cubase. And there's a huge need for it because what's out there is extremely varied in quality and it's all more and more outdated for each passing day because of new versions of Cubase. It doesn't take a lot of changes for all old tutorials to become obsolete and frustrating. And a third reason, you never waste a second in your videos and that's invaluable. Whenever I discover in a tutorial there's slow talking or missing the point or skipping of steps, it's so demoralizing I just turn it off.
Unlike with this video I can follow and understand his tutorials from start to end, this is something rare, I have nasty ADD and when something is uninteresting for more then 15 seconds I lose focus and start wondering off in my mind
So yes his tutorials are good!!! And indeed there's not much detailed tutorials like his in TH-cam, I've found some tutorials on Patreon from my favorite DnB producers but you'll need to pay for those.
Studio One😇
Studio one!!!!
😂
Yes! Please make Cubase templates. Stock plugins would be fine as I use the stock plugins pretty much all the time. I completely agree with you regarding Logic and Pro Tools. That's my exact take. Logic for MIDI and PT for audio engineering stuff. Music production schools in the US teach you both of those but like you said, Cubase is like both in one DAW.
Studio One
I would LOVE a comprehensive Cubase course from you! Please PLEASE consider doing this. I'm sure many would be willing to pay for such expert level training. Thank you for all that you do.
I would pay
Dom I have to say that your channel is the only one I go to for Cubase advice and know it is good. Thank you.
As Head of QA I have literally all DAWs. Reaper is my choose for it's customization but it's very tough for 90% of users who need pretty GUI and a couple of features.
So if no Reaper I would go for Cubase. Or Logic.
For live acts Ableton Live is unbeatable and easy to use. Has it's own bugs but still.
@@andivax I used to watch all your mixing video tutorials and all of them were in Cubase🫶👌
@@yevheniimelnyk8911 it was decades ago. Reaper changed my life.
Cubase for everything professional, Bitwig for lot of sound design, Eurorack, low latency Midi sequencing with external hardware and very fast work flow, super fun DAW.
former hardcore Logic and Studio One user here. Now back on: Cubase 12 (13) - and finally VERY happy... Cubase has much better onstock fx than S1, a better modern creative sample content, great onstock synths, Retrologue, Padshop, HalionSonic synths, the new 5 GB Iconica Orchestra!, Groove Agent and its patterns are absolut great...cant live without the best flexible mix console and control room, the fast creative Samplertrack!, DOP, multiple marker tracks, cycle markers, multiple render options, creative chord pads, and Cubase midi editor ist the best on the market for composing and midi arrange editing...
And Logic? has NO macros and NO plugin seaching!!! 😅
Dom, Man you are so smart. I am so happy you can share with us your knowledge to help all of us. I appreciate you. Thank you.
Studio one
I agree. Cubase, then Studio One. It’s probably just me but I can’t get over the mental hurdles of any other DAW. Cubase and Studio One are very similar. Studio Ones failings are so huge that I’ve mostly abandoned it for Cubase, but maybe next version I’ll put some time into it again.
I love your positive mindset, as a long term Cubase user I often wish they would add less new features, and instead concentrate on fixing issues.
But you're right, its a DAW that does always have something to be excited about and as a creative we feed from that!
Great video, and its fantastic that you are so busy with work!
Please make a full Cubase course
@FreakedOutWilliams hahahahah my channel is a huge Cubase course if you start looking ;)
@@DomSigalas That's a fact.
You are the hardest working musician on TH-cam!
Hi Dom, my question is the following:
as you`re visibly not a London born producer, when and how did you feel you could be able to pay your bills with your passion and decide to settle in London ? do you think the move could be still possible today in this super dynamic creative but quite saturated city !? Etienne.
Why don't you make a Complete Guide for Cubase ?
You really good at explain everything about Cubase.
I know much people waiting for that Course or Conplete Mixing in Cubase ( maybe both of them ).
PLEASE do it when you have time, Dom .
I will :)
If Cubase didn’t exist, my creative activity would no longer be the same as it currently is. Of course, I could work with other daws that I know very well, for example Studio One, Logic, but the degree of completeness that Cubase offers today is at such a level that it is not possible to think of doing without it, from midi to audio.
Studio One offers a very similar and very respectable type of experience, I can say that it is the direct contender of Cubase.
But to this day it is not possible, at least for me, to think of a world without the completeness of Cubase.
I would go for Studio One
Studio one takes there ideas from CUBASE
@@Thisninjascared And that's why Studio one is the best choice
Yes. If only they would improve on those ideas instead of just taking them.
@@Thisninjascared Studio One is created by a couple of old Steinberg employees!
the studio one "developers" are ex STEINBERG employees from the Cubase team. So Steinberg paid all the cost to develop Studio one......
For tracking I use Studio One, for composing I use Maschine, for mixing and mastering Atmos and Stereo I use Logic Pro X.
There's one German guy providing courses on Cubase and I bought one of them and got gifted another. The problem with those tutorials was that every feature was shown on its own, but never in a real workflow or in a good, creative way. I guess, this is where your approach in presenting features becomes way more accessible and useful than what I have seen so far. Just go though the feature palette and the stock plugins, show some basic QoL tips for Cubase features (including keyboard shortcuts) and how to use them in a real scenario. At the end of the course or each section, you might simply combine all features that you presented into a cohesive summary lesson.
Cubase me Favorit 15 years👌👌👌
@2:26 Add (or subtract) harmonic content... That is the BEST mixing advice I've heard anywhere! None of the (so-called) professional channels will tell you exactly THAT! Use you ears, not your eyes!
oh yes, and... less is more!!!
Exactly- the low end is already there on some sounds. Especially 808s instead of adding EQ for more low end just raise the fader- that’s your EQ right there. If you want perceived loudness and richness add harmonic content 🤘🏼
@@DomSigalas Indeed. I frequently have to giggle at all these youtube channels with their 'use THIS plugin' and 'magic tricks no one tells you' videos. There are no magic tricks or plugins. The magic begins and ends with your ears
TOP DAW 2024
Editors-in-Chief today
Cubase Pro 13
Logic Pro x
Pro Tools
Ableton Live
FL Studio 21
My DAW-Journey: Fruity Loops -> Cubase -> Logic -> Maschine -> S1 -> Bitwig.
Im using my Yamaha Motif XS 8 for now more than 13 Years. Love my Motif. (Next is Montage). But I own a Moog Grandmother, Arturia Minifreak, Maschine, Moog Theremin
Using Machine for sampling, S1 sometimes. Love Sounddesign and Bitwigs Grid and the modular structure is unbeatable ...
Hy, Yes, Cubase templates for orchestral music could be fine, especially for Eastwest libraries and Native instrument libraries ! Thanks for all your videos, they are all great !
Thanks for answering my question Dom. I got very excited that from all the questions you chose mine. I think the same I am in Cubase because you don’t need another software to finish the job smoothly and efficient. And thanks for keep creating content even if you have a busy schedule. Definitely the best music production content on TH-cam.
Saludos from Mexico
Hi Dom, I'd love (and pay for) a Cubase course you teach that takes a piece from conception to finish, using 100% Cubase tools. You did an amazing job of accomplishing something like that for Cubasis in a single 30 minute video a few years ago. It would be awesome to learn from you in an organized way that's just not possible in a collection of disparate videos, even videos as good as yours. Yes other courses like this already exist - I've taken a couple and they helped. But there is a whole lot more to learn and IMO you're the best communicator in the biz, bar none.
I used a Yamaha PSR 280 for awhile. I had a regular studio back in the late 80's, but after a theft, we started just breaking it down and selling the rest. I was left with a DX-100 because I had it at home at the time, and I got a PSS-780 later, which was neat, but not professional. I ended up selling both of them, and just had a piano for a few years. Then in the later 90's I got the PSR-280 and then upgraded from there to a MOTIF 6. I still have the MOTIF, and a MODX6+ and Sequential Pro 3 SE. I also have a stratacaster, with these I can do what I want. Oh, also have Keylab 88 and V Collection, and use Ableton Live.
After watching some of your videos I came to this video thinking that if you are going to offer a full course on music production using Cubase as the main DAW, I would take it! Basic DAW skills, workflow, recording/tracking, music theory, chords, harmonics, melody, rhythms and beat creation, arrangement as a basic course. Then an advance course with sound design, synthesis, and mixing techniques, eq, compression etc, and basic mastering techniques.
Thank you Dom for this video Q&A,
I've been on cubase for almost 30 years. I'm a music teacher and I studied musicology.
so i have 2 questions:
- In your educational background, what do you think was the most effective way to learn and master cubase? (university, engineering school, self-taught ...)
- Coffee with or without sugar?
thanks again
It's important to learn and make the best of what you have.
Dom! I personally will love that if you do a stock cubase plugins template for vocals and production with even halion and groove agent that will be really helpful I will go for that!
Thanks
Thank you for the support ❤️
I choice cubase since (cubase 32-50)with dungle because of looks it was one of the few days that i could get to look like real hardware studios I use to work in😅 most days do the same thing but some suck as far as looks
Very interested in some templates and signal chains. Really challenging for hobbyists to use the information on the internet, etc and bring it all together. Love the channel.
Who would say no to a course, please consider all the details beginners have to face 😄 Thank you!
Reason everyday of the week, it's the only one thats truly differently and is really fun.
I wish i ever claened up my room like your mixes.. it wouldnt be a mess like it is..keep on rockin you are a legend
Thank you for the video. I am an arranger myself and I am also inspired by sounds to write new songs, I love watching your videos 👍😊. I work in nuendo 13, I will be glad if you share your work experience.
As someone who has been watching you since your Montage sound design days, my question has more to do with the development of your career. I think a lot of aspiring composers and music producers spend a great of time in the "ready to launch" phase, waiting for that one break to get their name into the system. Perhaps you would be willing to share what you feel was your "breakthrough" moment and how your career went from there. I, for one, would love to hear it.
Ah, I remember the good old days of Logic on a PC with a Soundblaster and a tiny Tandy mixer🙃
I haven't used Logic, because of it being Mac only, but I use Studio One (Mostly) and Cubase. Especially in the later versions, Studio One is very similar to Cubase but with a more streamlined workflow (IF you chose to use it that way).
Yes, I would really see your plugin chains for both mixing and mastering.
Great video and very interesting to hear about your personal musical journey.
yes please do share.
ableton live is love😎
Cubase, Bitwig, Reason. Mmm. Im a noob tho but these will be my go to software's. I also learn how incredible cost affective sticking to the box is.. so many free VSTs available, plus cubase stock plugins.. a person really doesnt have to do anything but have a good PC to get started. I love this. I dont sleep much either haha 4-6 hours. Learn, learn, learn! Thank you Dom. Big inspiration.
cubase ableton and bitwig this tick all creativety for me👍
Ableton live, Nuendo for recording and Wavelab for mastering....but why this question?
PLEASE DO A FULL COURSE!
I have expertise in both cubase and fl studio but I feel fl is faster in creating beats while cubase is making melody quantitie option auto quantise options available in cubase is far better than fl
Pro Tools all day long, and I run Cubase on Windows 11! The Avvid gear is sweet though so I would make the swap.
Dom, do you ever come over to the states? Also, can you have a contest where the winner gets to compose a song w/ you? That would be so sweet! Keep up the great work bro!
You are acting like this is subjective, but it isn't. Feature for feature, looks, flexibility, supplied plug-ins, built in instruments, etc. Pro Tools is the loser against Cubase Pro in any honest, unbiased evaluative matchup.
Full course plz!
yes pleace! signal chain
I chose Cubase back in 2008 - after starting out with Cool Edit Pro 2/Adobe Audition - because I wanted a professional grade DAW and Cubase appealed to both my composer side and my producer side. If I had to "start again", I may use either Tracktion Waveform or Presonus Studio One. If I were in the Mac world, Logic Pro.
I was quite pleased with UVI Audio's Quadra Traveller for non-Western music instruments.
A template and tutorial for live recording of indi band/singer songwriting would be handy. May be an idea for a good series?
To my understanding, when updating cubase to a newer version you're basically installing a new program. How do you go about retaining all of your sample/preset ratings in the MediaBay, keyboard shortcuts, custom presets for vsts, etc.? Are these located in certain file directories, or do you have to make everything over again (hopefully not)?
My first pc was Amd sempron, oh, I like Amd. and I used Samplitude and Reason softwares with Yamaha PSR 620.
Recognizable...printing Cubase manuals 😀 How would you setup today's mastering chain with plugins like Pulsar EQ for example? People are better off learning a few instruments/fx/sequencer inside out, than have a monsterload of stuff.
I regret having so many soundcards (Terratec EWS64, ESI Wamirack, M-Audio, Steinberg MRX816.....all I really needed was UA Twin USB, but that did not exist yet 😉
the only templates I would buy for cubase are yours, I know the way you work, I have some of your products and they are top notch. So please have that in mind. Id be interested in templates for pop / dance arrangements and presets for vocals, bass, drums and all the usual suspects like buses, master chain for finish it and or for just send to a master engineer, and also an important thing for my flow is that you would use the plugins YOU would use, meaning if its only cubase plugins Im out of the equation because I only want to use the chain you reaaally would you in the scenario. I understand you are part of Steinberg but If you have to mix a vocal and use eq, comp, etc...put the plugins that offers the best , and those I havent I will probably buy if the demo suits me. Thanks for sharing all what you do. have a great weekend Dom 💖
Im a big fan of cubase since 4.0 but......last year I started to use Bitwig and its great! Love looping options with clips, sounds great, easy to use and some futures are great!
Your first setup was sooo similar to mine. Although I had a 486 DX2-50MHz with an AWE32 Gold and a Yamaha PSR310 / Casio HT-700.
Cubase course?? im totally in!!!
it would be nice to have some presets you use for cubase and waves
Would be great to have a DETAILED Cubase explained course from you (unlike those already available by others which are nowhere near as detailed as they should be!)
I'd love to use some of your templates please Dom. As an intermediate user of cubase that struggles to find the time to really use it daily. I Would love to see someone making FX chains (with Macros) and templates for Cubase just to make the process a bit easier. Every tutorial that I watch, for the genre of music I listen to try and sell you pre-made FX chains that really brings their music to life however, they're only available for DAWS like abelton which really grinds my gears lol.
Building a modern studio in my opinion should be far easier now because it’s getting less and less about external hardware but more software. I mean the hardware like compressors and equalizers for example can go in the box.
It would be great to have stock template for vocals, guitar, bass, etc. Just something simple. And then another one maybe more advanced? The advanced one would have drums, etc.
Seeing as how we’re both keyboardists maybe that’s why we feel the same about the Digitakt lol. I never forget how to voice chords, but when I took a month off using the Digitakt I forgot everything and was too exhausted to learn it all over again 😂
It’s crazy isn’t it? I freaking loved the thing but I couldn’t get past the constant pressing of that yellow (yet fancy) SHIFT key 😆
First of all, thank God for Cubase. Secondly, I've got Reason Studios inside and I feel like I need nothing else.
definitely interested in a course!
After having used Cubase from it's early Atari 1040ST inceptions, to Ableton Live, I'm now using PreSonus Studio One and I've never looked back since
Cubase ❤
Hi Dom 😊
We Need a mix course from you 💓
On your site there are only mastering courses...
Dom chord packs when?
😝😝😝
If Cubase 14 Pro adds Clip Based system like Ableton/Bitwig it would be a gamechanger for many. Just saying :)
I think templates can be a good starting point but every vocal needs different treatment so I think mixers want a magic bullet but it doesn't exist. Time and work, learn the tools and you will know what to use. IMO. Really cool channel!
Dom, a course please, from recording tll mastering!
How about your family Dom? How was your home life growing up? Your mom? Dad? Siblings? Your relationships now? It would be cool for you to elaborate. You come across natural.
Greetings Dom, Please, please, please make some Cubase templates amigo. That'll be awesome. Question, what is your take on the onset of AI in music production, what are your pros and cons on it?
Can you give us an honest review of FL Studio. I know you much rather prefer a linear workflow, but I personally find it useful for capturing ideas quickly and "sketching", almost as a preproduction tool.
Could you please explain how you solve for TUNING when combining analog, acoustic, and digital sources?
I would imagine adding a bar or two at the beginning of a composition with a reference tone.
Cubase templates with signal chain for vocals, drums, guitars, pianos.... Yes please, with stock plugins.
Thank you Dom. I liked his one very much and would appreciate another one very much too. I noticed that you brought in your CC121 again. Why? I hope that mine never breaks down. Fingers crossed.
The music production course would be fantastic but only the one that shows how to do radio ready song A to Z. Cause the courses that are still hiding, not showing something and are incomplete are plenty.
I would,like to see and take a course no one does it. Uk based. Looking to master and have things pop
Love all your work 🥰 Sometimes wish there was a better way to ask you questions that you might answer, possibly by posting in a blog or some sort of news feed. eg, the SSL-UF8 is it better integrated with Cubase since your video a year ago?
cubase complete course plzzzzzz !!!
I’m in love with Logic Pro
I love Elektron deep sound controls. But I would say Elektron sequencer is too complex to be immediate . I love the power, but the sequencer UI does not work for me .
Hi Dom. Signalchains with Cubase Stock Plugins would be Great.
Hi Dom been following your journey on YT for years. Thanks for your input. Question? Other than your own Drum machine, what do you use for your drum sounds for pop tracks.
Yes please, do a course using the Cubase stock plugins, an actual track, perhaps one you can share too, mixed to a point ready for mastering. We can always learn! Thanks Dom!
Reaper
How do you manage your none Steinberg libraries?
Those kinds that you cannot have in mediabay?
When I'm not using cubase, I use studio one with very similar results.
But if cubase wasn't available, I'd switch to nuendo. If both cubase and nuendo were gone, then studio one.
(I've tried pro tools, FL, ableton, logic, sonar, and couple others. Cubase and studio one were always better for me)
I bought cubase 12 with the idea of making it my main DAW, but i ended up selling it (at a big loss lol). I use Maschine for MIDI and Reaper for audio. I also own FL, Bitwig 5, Studio One 5, and even Ableton 16 track. There are things i like avout all of them, but in the end...navigating in the timeline in Reaper is easiest. And the timeline is where i spend most of my time, so ease of navigation WITH ONLY A MOUSE for editing is my #1 requirement. It seems that all the other DAWs just dont arent very intuitive for editing in timeline. In Reaper Its very easy to scroll, zoom, locate and use tools without having to reach for the computer keys. If Cubase had that, i may have given it more of a chance because it's easily the most feature rich DAW out there. And Dom is right, its under the most active development team of any DAW, so cool new stuff is constantly being added. Thats what drew me to it in the first place. But i also dont get along with the track & routing. But thats not just Cubase, thats ALL the other DAWs except Reaper. I appreciate how in Reaper every track can be anything. MIDI, audio, insert, buss, group/folder...anything. It makes things so much less complicated. That simple feature makes for extremely no hassle routing, and im not sure why no other DAW does that. It seems like it should be a very easy thing to impliment.
I also use NI Maschine for MIDI production (and sometimes sampling), so i wish there was a DAW that had both clip and timeline capabilities that is more intutive. Bitwig comes closest and has great midi, but its audio editing features are not as complete as they need to be yet.
Reapers biggest drawback is that its just about the worst DAW for MIDI. I hardly even bother using it for MIDI production. It works, but its not a fun time lol
nice video thank you Dom
I've had Cubase for a couple years since Sonar went belly up. I still can't figure out Cubase. After years using Sonar, Cubase is never-ending source of counter-intuitive frustration.
Sonar was bought out and re-tooled as a free DAW by BandLab, but never lived up to the potential of the original system. Now I hear that Cakewalk is working on a return of Sonar as a separate for-purchase DAW. If that does happen, it's the DAW I would use.
Until then, I'll just keep plugging away at Cubase.
Love & appreciate your work & videos. 🙏