Cubase AI 4 Software: A Free and Powerful Music Production Tool
If you are looking for a free and easy-to-use software for recording, editing and mixing your music, you might want to check out Cubase AI 4. This is a special version of Cubase that comes with selected Steinberg and Yamaha hardware products. It offers all the basic tools you need to create professional-sounding music, from the initial idea to the final masterpiece. In this article, we will show you how to download, install and use Cubase AI 4 software for your music production.
What is Cubase AI 4 Software and What Are Its Main Features?
Cubase AI 4 is a compact version of Cubase that uses the same core technologies as Cubase Pro. It is exclusive to customers of selected Steinberg and Yamaha hardware products, such as audio interfaces, keyboards, mixers and controllers. It provides all the basic tools for recording, editing and mixing audio and MIDI tracks, as well as a set of virtual instruments, effects and sounds. Some of the main features of Cubase AI 4 are:
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HALion Sonic SE: a versatile sound production tool that combines a massive sample library with a powerful synthesizer engine and effects.
Groove Agent SE: a renowned drum production tool that helps you create amazing beats in any genre.
AmpSimulator: an acclaimed plugin that provides all the amps and settings you need to give your guitar or bass tracks a unique tone.
28 audio VST effect processors: a complete suite of great-sounding effects plugins, covering everything from EQ and dynamics to reverb and delay.
Chord Pads: an inspiring tool that helps you compose music quickly and creatively by triggering chords with your mouse or MIDI controller.
Chord Track: a helpful feature that analyzes your chords and suggests harmonies, progressions and substitutions.
Score Editor: a basic notation tool that brings your notes seamlessly to the page.
Key Editor: a powerful MIDI editor where you can edit melodies, chords, velocities, controllers and more.
Drum Editor: a dedicated editor for creating drum patterns and grooves.
Sample Editor: an editor for manipulating audio samples with functions such as cut, copy, paste, normalize, fade, reverse, etc.
AudioWarp: a realtime audio time stretching and pitch shifting technology that lets you change the tempo and key of your audio without losing quality.
MixConsole: a professional mixing console with up to four inserts and four sends per channel, as well as channel strip modules, EQs, meters, faders, etc.
Advanced Audio Export: a feature that lets you export your audio tracks with the full signal path, including effects and automation.
MediaBay: a media management tool that helps you find and organize your audio files, presets, loops, etc.
How to Download and Install Cubase AI 4 Software?
To download and install Cubase AI 4 software, you need to have a Steinberg/Yamaha product that includes a free version of Cubase How to Use Cubase AI 4 Software for Music Production
Now that you have downloaded and installed Cubase AI 4 software, you are ready to start making music with it. Cubase AI 4 is a powerful and intuitive software that lets you record, edit and mix audio and MIDI tracks with ease. Here are some basic steps to help you use Cubase AI 4 for your music production.
How to Create a New Project and Set Up Audio and MIDI Devices
The first thing you need to do is to create a new project in Cubase AI 4. A project is where you store all your audio and MIDI tracks, settings, effects, etc. To create a new project, follow these steps:
Launch Cubase AI 4 and select File > New Project.
Choose a template from the list or select Empty if you want to start from scratch.
Select a folder where you want to save your project and click Create.
A new project window will open with an empty track list and a transport panel at the bottom.
Before you can record or play back any audio or MIDI, you need to set up your audio and MIDI devices in Cubase AI 4. This will ensure that Cubase AI 4 can communicate with your hardware properly. To set up your audio and MIDI devices, follow these steps:
Select Devices > Device Setup.
In the Device Setup window, select VST Audio System on the left.
On the right, select your audio interface from the ASIO Driver drop-down menu. If you are using a Steinberg/Yamaha product that includes Cubase AI 4, it should be automatically detected and selected.
Click Apply and then OK.
Select Devices > VST Connections.
In the VST Connections window, click on the Inputs tab.
Add or remove input buses as needed by clicking on the Add Bus or Remove Bus buttons at the bottom.
Assign each input bus to the corresponding input channel of your audio interface by clicking on the Device Port column and selecting from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Outputs tab and repeat the same process for the output buses.
If you want to use a MIDI keyboard or controller, click on the MIDI Port Setup tab.
Select your MIDI device from the list and make sure that the In 'All MIDI Inputs' option is checked.
If you want to use a MIDI sound module or synthesizer, select it from the list and make sure that the MIDI Output Mode is set to DIRECT MUSIC.
Click OK.
How to Record, Edit and Mix Audio and MIDI Tracks
Cubase AI 4 allows you to record both audio and MIDI tracks in your project. Audio tracks are used for recording sounds from external sources, such as microphones, guitars, keyboards, etc. MIDI tracks are used for recording notes from MIDI devices, such as keyboards, controllers, etc. To record an audio or MIDI track, follow these steps:
Select Project > Add Track > Audio or MIDI, depending on what you want to record.
A new track will be added to the track list with a default name and color. You can rename or recolor it by double-clicking on it.
Select the input bus or MIDI device that you want to use for recording by clicking on the input routing button on the track inspector.
If you want to monitor the input signal while recording, click on the monitor button (the speaker icon) on the track inspector.
If you want to record with a metronome or a click track, click on the metronome button (the triangle icon) on the transport panel and adjust the tempo and time signature as needed.
If you want to record with a pre-count or a punch-in/out point, click on the pre-count button (the two bars icon) or the punch-in/out button (the red arrow icon) on the transport panel and set the parameters as needed.
To start recording , click on the record button (the red circle icon) on the transport panel or press the R key on your keyboard.
To stop recording, click on the stop button (the square icon) on the transport panel or press the Space bar on your keyboard.
A new audio or MIDI event will be created on the track, showing the recorded data. You can rename or recolor it by double-clicking on it.
Cubase AI 4 also allows you to edit and mix your audio and MIDI tracks in various ways. You can use the different editors, tools and functions to modify, arrange and enhance your tracks. Some of the common editing and mixing tasks are:
Trimming, cutting, copying, pasting and moving events: You can use the object selection tool (the arrow icon) or the scissors tool (the scissors icon) to select, cut, copy, paste and move events on the track list or the editors. You can also use the snap function (the magnet icon) to align events to a grid or other events.
Fading, crossfading and volume automation: You can use the fade handles on the corners of audio events to create fades and crossfades. You can also use the volume automation lane on each track to draw volume curves with the line tool (the pencil icon) or the curve tool (the curve icon).
Transposing, quantizing and velocity automation: You can use the transpose function (the up/down arrow icon) to change the pitch of audio or MIDI events. You can also use the quantize function (the Q icon) to align MIDI notes to a grid or a groove. You can also use the velocity automation lane on each MIDI track to draw velocity curves with the line tool or the curve tool.
Adding, removing and adjusting effects: You can use the insert slots and send slots on each track to add, remove and adjust effects plugins. You can choose from a variety of effects plugins that come with Cubase AI 4 or use third-party plugins that are compatible with Cubase AI 4. You can also use the bypass button (the power icon) or the solo button (the S icon) to turn on or off effects for each track.
Adding, removing and adjusting virtual instruments: You can use the instrument slots on each MIDI track to add, remove and adjust virtual instruments. You can choose from a variety of virtual instruments that come with Cubase AI 4 or use third-party instruments that are compatible with Cubase AI 4. You can also use the mute button (the M icon) or the solo button to turn on or off instruments for each track.
Panning, balancing and equalizing tracks: You can use the pan knob and the balance knob on each track to adjust the stereo position and level of each track. You can also use the EQ section on each track to adjust the frequency spectrum of each track. You can choose from different EQ types and modes and use the frequency knobs, gain knobs and Q knobs to shape your sound.
How to Export and Share Your Music
Once you are happy with your music production, you can export and share it with others. Cubase AI 4 allows you to export your music in different formats and quality settings. To export your music, follow these steps:
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Select File > Export > Audio Mixdown.
In the Export Audio Mixdown window, choose a name and a location for your file.
Select a file format from the File Format drop-down menu. You can choose from WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, OGG Vorbis or WMA formats.
Select a sample rate from the Sample Rate drop-down menu. The higher the sample rate, the better the quality but also the larger the file size.
Select a bit depth from the Bit Depth drop-down menu. The higher the bit depth, the better the quality but also the larger the file size.
Select a channel mode from the Channel Mode drop-down menu. You can choose from Stereo, Mono or Split Channels modes.
Select a range from the Range section. You can choose to export the whole project, the locators, the cycle or a selection.
Select an option from the Import into Project section. You can choose to import the exported file as a new audio track, as a new pool file or not at all.
Click on Export.
A progress bar will appear and show you the status of the export process.
Once the export is done, you can find your file in the location you specified.
To share your music with others, you can upload your file to a cloud service, such as Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive, and share the link with your friends or collaborators. You can also upload your file to a streaming platform, such as SoundCloud, YouTube or Spotify, and share it with your fans or followers. You can also burn your file to a CD or DVD and distribute it physically.
Conclusion
Cubase AI 4 is a free and powerful music production software that comes with selected Steinberg and Yamaha hardware products. It offers all the basic tools you need to create professional-sounding music, from recording, editing and mixing audio and MIDI tracks, to using virtual instruments, effects and automation, to exporting and sharing your music. Cubase AI 4 is a great way to start your music production journey and learn the fundamentals of Cubase. If you want to upgrade to more advanced features and functions, you can always upgrade to Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist.
Here are some tips and resources for further learning:
Read the manual: The Cubase AI 4 manual is a comprehensive guide that covers all the aspects of Cubase AI 4. You can access it by selecting Help > Documentation > Operation Manual.
Watch the tutorials: The Cubase YouTube channel has a series of video tutorials that show you how to use Cubase AI 4 for various music production tasks. You can find them here:
Join the community: The Cubase forum is a place where you can ask questions, share tips and tricks, and get feedback from other Cubase users. You can join it here:
Explore the sounds: The Steinberg website has a collection of sound sets and loops that you can download and use in Cubase AI 4. You can find them here:
Have fun: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy making music with Cubase AI 4. Experiment with different sounds, effects and settings, and discover your own style and voice.
FAQs
What are the system requirements for Cubase AI 4 software?
The system requirements for Cubase AI 4 software are:
Operating SystemCPURAMDisk Space
Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP (32-bit or 64-bit)Pentium/Athlon 2 GHz or faster (dual core processor recommended)1 GB or more (2 GB recommended)4 GB or more (8 GB recommended)
Mac OS X 10.6/10.5/10.4 (Intel or PowerPC)Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz or faster (dual core processor recommended)1 GB or more (2 GB recommended)4 GB or more (8 GB recommended)
What are the differences between Cubase AI 4 and other versions of Cubase?
Cubase AI 4 is a compact version of Cubase that uses the same core technologies as Cubase Pro. However, it has some limitations and differences compared to other versions of Cubase, such as Cubase Pro, Cubase Artist and Cubase Elements. Some of the main differences are:
Number of tracks: Cubase AI 4 can handle up to 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, while Cubase Pro can handle unlimited tracks, Cubase Artist can handle up to 64 audio tracks and 128 MIDI tracks, and Cubase Elements can handle up to 24 audio tracks and 48 MIDI tracks.
Number of effects and instruments: Cubase AI 4 comes with 28 audio VST effects, 2 virtual instruments and over 700 sounds, while Cubase Pro comes with over 90 audio VST effects, 8 virtual instruments and over 3000 sounds, Cubase Artist comes with over 60 audio VST effects, 8 virtual instruments and over 2500 sounds, and Cubase Elements comes with over 40 audio VST effects, 3 virtual instruments and over 1000 sounds.
Number of inputs and outputs: Cubase AI 4 can support up to 8 physical inputs and outputs, while Cubase Pro can support up to 256 physical inputs and outputs, Cubase Artist can support up to 32 physical inputs and outputs, and Cubase Elements can support up to 16 physical inputs and outputs.
Advanced features and functions: Cubase AI 4 does not have some of the advanced features and functions that are available in other versions of Cubase, such as VariAudio, Control Room, Audio Alignment, Sampler Track, Audio Random Access, etc.
How can I upgrade from Cubase AI 4 to Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist?
If you want to upgrade from Cubase AI 4 to Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist, you can purchase an upgrade license from the Steinberg website or an authorized dealer. You will need to have a USB-eLicenser (a hardware dongle) to activate your upgrade license. To upgrade from Cubase AI 4 to Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist, follow these steps:
Purchase an upgrade license from the Steinberg website or an authorized dealer.
Connect your USB-eLicenser to your computer.
Download and install the latest version of the eLicenser Control Center from
Enter your upgrade activation code in the eLicenser Control Center and follow the instructions to download your license.
Download and install the latest version of Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist from
Launch Cubase Pro or Cubase Artist and enjoy your new features and functions.
What are some alternatives to Cubase AI 4 software?
If you are looking for some alternatives to Cubase AI 4 software, you might want to check out some of these other music production software:
Ableton Live: A popular software for live performance and electronic music production. It has a unique session view that lets you create music by triggering clips and scenes. It also has a powerful arrangement view that lets you edit and mix your tracks. It comes with a variety of instruments, effects and sounds. You can also use it with hardware controllers and devices.
FL Studio: A versatile software for creating beats, melodies and songs. It has a user-friendly interface that lets you arrange your tracks in patterns and playlists. It also has a piano roll editor that lets you edit your notes and chords. It comes with a variety of instruments, effects and sounds. You can also use it with hardware controllers and devices.
Logic Pro: A professional software for recording, editing and mixing music. It has a comprehensive set of tools that let you create music in any genre. It also has a score editor that lets you write music notation. It comes with a variety of instruments, effects and sounds. You can also use it with hardware controllers and devices.
GarageBand: A simple software for making music on your Mac or iOS device. It has a intuitive interface that lets you create music by dragging and dropping loops, instruments and vocals. It also has a smart instruments feature that lets you play chords, melodies and rhythms with ease. It comes with a variety of instruments, effects and sounds. You can also use it with hardware controllers and devices.
Where can I find more tutorials and support for Cubase AI 4 software?
If you need more tutorials and support for Cubase AI 4 software, you can visit some of these websites:
Steinberg Support: The official website for Steinberg support, where you can find FAQs, manuals, downloads, updates, forums, etc. You can visit it here:
Cubase Academy: An online learning platform for Cubase users, where you can find courses, lessons, tips and tricks, etc. You can visit it here:
Cubase Nation: A community of Cubase users, where you can find blogs, podcasts, videos, events, etc. You can visit it here:
Cubase Tutorials: A YouTube channel that features video tutorials for Cubase users, covering various topics and levels. You can visit it here:
I hope this article has helped you learn more about Cubase AI 4 software and how to use it for your music production. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy music making! 44f88ac181