Steinberg Cubase Artist 6.5 review

That could easily be the lot for an interim update, but the new features extend to operational improvements, too. Audio quantising is better implemented, with the ability to extract the groove from one performance and apply it to another, all handled via the familiar Quantize panel. However, quantising multitrack recordings as one – essential for drum recordings – is reserved for the full £508 version of Cubase.

Comping involves cutting the best bits of different takes together, and it’s a technique that’s as useful as it is tedious. Cubase already handled it well but it’s now better than ever, with solo buttons for each lane and a new Comp tool that makes switching between takes as effortless as possible.

Comping multiple takes together is always a slow process, but this update makes it as painless as possible

FLAC export, uploads to SoundCloud and full 64-bit ReWire support (for running Cubase in tandem with other recording software) completes an impressive line-up of new features. Our only gripe is that the manual is less accessible than ever, with a PDF for version 6 and another for the new features in 6.5.

This is a superb update, particularly for Cubase Artist users. Cubase was already our favourite software for recording live instruments, and this cements its position. Check this comparison chart to work out which edition is right for you, but both Cubase and Cubase Artist come highly recommended.