Cubase 5 from Steinberg is the latest incarnation of the fully featured audio and MIDI recording/editing digital audio workstation that's widely popular with all types of creators. The entire mixing console has been overhauled with an updated GUI and features a full-screen mode, total scalability, and quick in-place access to the parameters most relevant to the task. And for quick composition, a Chord track sits alongside the innovative Chord Assistance feature.

For the songwriter the software offers a full complement of creative tools that are both easy to use and musical, including automatic voicing harmonization and thousands of instrument sounds and loops that help to bring ideas to life. For bands recording themselves, the integrated mixing desk combines flexibility with channel strip modules for pro-console sound, while the Control Room section can provide each member with an individual cue mix.

The software is also well tailored to professionals working in the music, film and game industry. For working on Hollywood blockbusters or popular TV series, Cubase features a separate video track, a scalable video window, and a score editor featuring over one hundred notation symbols. And utilizing the company's VST Expression technology, it's easy to create natural sounding orchestral scores with full expression control on a single-note level.

For electronic music producers, a large arsenal of synthesizers and creative effects allows for experimental sound design by using both analog and next-generation granular synthesizers over intuitive beat creation. For vocal recordings, Cubase includes a complete toolset for correction and enhancement. It is just a matter of seconds to adjust the pitch and timing of monophonic audio signals or to harmonize lead vocals for creating choral arrangements.

For creating hip hop, rap or techno music, the software includes an MPC-style drum sampler and an intuitive step sequencer along with beat mangling tools. And for the guitarist, VST Amp Rack delivers rock-solid tones for any guitar tracks while offering multiple amps, classic stomp box effects, speaker cabinets and microphone models. The plug-in also includes signature presets crafted by world-class guitarists.