How to Install Cubase Home Recording Software

Released in 1989, Cubase home recording software has been on the market longer than many other similar programs, and is the original Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The software has multiple MIDI and digital audio computer applications that allow musicians to record and edit music on a desktop system. There are many different versions of Cubase for professional musicians and audio engineers, as well as a version to install for home use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cubase software
• PC or Macintosh computer

Install Cubase Home Recording Software

1. Choose the Cubase software that best fits your recording needs. Cubase 4 is designed for professional audio engineers, while Cubase Studio 4 has all the same features, but is primarily for home studios and creative musicians. Also available is Cubase SE3, which contains desktop tools designed for beginning-level digital audiophiles.

2. Ascertain whether you have 1 GB of free disk space on your Macintosh or PC, the recommended operating system and compatible audio hardware. The recommended operating systems are OS X or higher for a Mac and Windows 2000 or higher for a PC. Mac users should have CoreAudio compatible hardware, while the recommended hardware for PC users is anything ASIO compatible.

3. Insert the Cubase DVD into your DVD drive and click on your computer's Start menu.

4. Locate and select the letter of your DVD drive, or double-click on the drive labeled Cubase to view the files on the DVD.

5. Double-click on the "setup.exe" file and install the Syncrosoft License Control Center when prompted. Click "Next" to begin the installation.

6. Decide whether you want the program to be accessible to all users, or just to the current account.

7. Enter both your personal information and the serial number of the product. You'll find the serial number on the sleeve in which the Cubase DVD came.

8. Choose an installation location for Cubase. You can use "Browse" to select a folder, create a new folder or use the default location.

9. Wait while the Cubase files are copied to your computer, and then click "Finish" to complete the installation process.

10. Start the program by using the Cubase icon on your desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a plainly colored desktop to conserve computer resources. Other ways to reduce resource drain include disabling all the sound effect options and disabling the sleep settings if you will be leaving the program unattended for long periods of time.
• Create separate user profiles for audio and other performance tasks, so you know exactly which startup programs are running.