DAW workflow hub

Compose and arrange deeply in Cubase

Cubase is the most powerful MIDI and arrangement environment of any major DAW. It rewards structure — but once you have a working template and understand the Arranger Track, it becomes one of the fastest ways to go from idea to finished composition.

Setup Routing First song Workflow Shortcuts Arrangement Stock Tools Export

Deep dives

Go deeper with Cubase

Use the hub as a map, then open the full tutorial or shortcut reference when you are ready to work through the details.

Full track tutorialSet up Cubase, build a loop, arrange, mix and export a complete track. Keyboard shortcutsOpen the dedicated Cubase shortcut reference with official source link.

Setup guide

Set up Cubase properly before you write

Cubase is deep, so the win is reducing friction: audio driver, VST paths, MIDI devices, templates, folders and MixConsole routing should be ready before composition starts.

System requirements

Cubase benefits from a strong CPU, fast SSD and enough RAM for VST instruments and sample libraries. Use a supported Windows or macOS system and check Steinberg's current requirements before major updates.

Audio interface

Choose your ASIO/Core Audio driver in Studio Setup, set buffer size by task and configure Audio Connections for inputs, outputs, control room and external effects.

MIDI controllers

Use Studio Setup to add MIDI ports/controllers, then build track presets for common instruments. If you use hardware synths, label ports clearly so MIDI routing is not guesswork.

Plugins and content

Cubase uses VST. Manage VST paths in the Plugin Manager, blacklist unstable plugins and create Collections for writing, mixing, mastering and utility tools.

Routing

Audio, MIDI, busses and external gear in Cubase

Cubase becomes powerful when folder tracks, group channels, FX channels and Audio Connections are planned. Big projects stay readable because routing is explicit.

1. Audio tracks

Create mono/stereo audio tracks for recording and resampling. Use lanes and comping for takes, then render in place when edits are stable.

2. MIDI and instruments

Use instrument tracks for most software instruments and MIDI tracks for multi-output instruments or hardware. Chord Track can keep parts harmonically connected.

3. Busses and sends

Use group channels for drums, bass, music, vocals and FX. Use FX channels for shared space and MixConsole snapshots or visibility agents to manage big sessions.

4. Outboard routing

Configure External FX and External Instruments in Audio Connections, measure latency and print hardware passes before archiving or sending the project.

First song

Build your first complete song in Cubase

Template

Build a template with folders, group channels, FX channels, Chord Track, Arranger Track and a reference track.

Loop

Write a chord route first, then drums, bass and melody around it. Use Groove Agent or Sampler Track for fast sound selection.

Arrange

Use Arranger Track to test intro, verse/build, drop/chorus, breakdown and outro orders before committing to a final timeline.

Mix

Balance in MixConsole, use stock EQ/dynamics, automate section energy, render heavy instruments and export a rough mix.

Export

Finish, export and hand off from Cubase

Cubase export is excellent for professional handoff when naming and routing are clean. Decide whether you need mixdown, cycle markers, batch export or stems.

Mix

Pre-export checklist

Check locators, marker ranges, group levels, disabled tracks, external instruments, render-in-place files and the Stereo Out before exporting.

Mixing hub

Stems

Stems and alternate versions

Use Audio Mixdown with channel batch export for stems. Export grouped stems for practical use and individual tracks only when a mixer asks for them.

Free resources

What to learn next

Open the Cubase full-track tutorial next, then use the keyboard shortcuts and Chord Track pages to speed up composition.

Open next guide

Start here

Cubase workflow that gets tracks finished

Learn the software by doing the same practical jobs every producer needs: sketch, arrange, sound-design, mix and export.

Start with a template

Create folders for drums, bass, music, vocals, FX and references.

Use Chord Track

Map the harmonic route before building every part. This keeps melodies and basslines connected.

Build with Arranger Track

Try alternate song structures without dragging regions around endlessly.

Mix in stages

Balance first, then EQ, compression, sends and automation. Do not mix while still writing.

Keyboard shortcuts

Shortcuts worth learning first

Do not try to memorize everything. Start with the commands that remove friction from writing and arranging.

SpacePlay/stop

Num 1 / 2Left / right locator

G / HZoom out / zoom in

Alt + dragDuplicate event

Ctrl + DDuplicate

F3MixConsole

EEdit channel settings

PSet locators to selection

Cubase's hidden advantage: the Chord Track

No other DAW has anything quite like Cubase's Chord Track. It lets you map out a chord progression and have every MIDI instrument follow it — so you can experiment with progressions, modulations and key changes across the whole arrangement without rewriting individual parts. For producers who think harmonically, it is a genuinely different way of working.

Arrangement

How to turn loops into a full track

The DAW changes, but the job is the same: create sections, control energy and stop polishing the same eight bars forever.

1. Structure first

Use Chord Track and Scale Assistant before overbuilding melodies.

2. Create movement

Create song sections with Arranger Track, then flatten once the structure works.

3. Commit decisions

Use folder tracks and colour coding to keep big projects readable.

4. Export and review

Render in place for heavy instruments and layered synths.

Stock toolkit

What to learn before buying more plugins

Each DAW has enough built-in power to finish music. Master these first, then add paid tools only when there is a real gap.

Chord Track

Map your chord progression once and have every MIDI track follow it. Experimental key changes and modulations become non-destructive.

Open tutorial

Sampler Track

Fast sample-based instruments and vocal chops.

Open tutorial

Groove Agent

Drums, kits, one-shots and pattern sketches.

Open tutorial

MixConsole

Routing, groups, sends and full mix control.

Open tutorial

Arranger Track

Build, test and rearrange song sections non-destructively. Try chorus before verse, or bridge before drop — then flatten when the structure works.

Open tutorial

30 day route

A practical Cubase practice plan

Step 1

Days 1-5

build a template with folders and groups.

Step 2

Days 6-10

write progressions with Chord Track.

Step 3

Days 11-18

arrange with Arranger Track.

Step 4

Days 19-24

learn render-in-place and MixConsole routing.

Step 5

Days 25-30

finish one complete arrangement.

Other DAWs

Compare the workflow

Every DAW can finish professional music. The best one is the one whose workflow helps you finish consistently.

AbletonLive clips, racks and performance workflow FL StudioPatterns, Piano Roll and beatmaking speed BitwigModulators, Grid and experimental routing Logic ProSongwriting, recording and stock instruments Pro ToolsRecording, editing and studio mixing discipline CubaseMIDI composition and deep arrangement tools ReasonRack devices, routing and Combinator patches