Find Your Ideal Cubase Version for Pro or Home

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching digital audio workstations and following Steinberg’s product line through multiple major releases. My approach relies on comparing official feature lists, reading verified owner feedback across forums and retail sites, and understanding how each tier serves different user workflows. I do not guess or inflate capabilities. Every claim here comes from Steinberg’s published specifications or from consistent patterns reported by long-term users.

This guide prioritizes clarity over hype. I know that buying a DAW is a long-term commitment, and the wrong tier can waste money or limit your growth. I have broken down exactly what each version includes, what it lacks, and who should buy it. I have also included two non-software products that solve real problems: the dongle for legacy compatibility and a guide book for faster learning. These are not afterthoughts. They are essential purchases for specific situations.

How we researched

To evaluate these products, I established a set of criteria that matter most to music producers and composers. The primary factors were track count limits, included instrument libraries, pitch correction depth, notation capabilities, and upgrade flexibility. I compared each tier’s feature set against the demands of typical workflows: recording a band, producing electronic music, scoring to picture, and learning the software from scratch. I also considered the cost of upgrading later, since many buyers start with a lower tier and grow into Pro.

For the non-software items, I assessed necessity and value. The USB eLicenser dongle was judged on whether it is truly required, how many legacy products it supports, and its reliability across operating systems. The Cubase Beginner Guide Book was evaluated for completeness of topics covered, clarity of instruction, and whether it works across all Cubase versions. In every case, I prioritized information that helps a buyer make a confident decision without needing to test the products themselves.

Cubase Pro 13

Cubase Pro 13 is the complete professional package from Steinberg. It supports unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, which means you never hit a ceiling during complex orchestral arrangements or dense electronic productions. The full VariAudio pitch correction suite lets you edit vocals note by note, adjust formants, and create harmonies without leaving the program. The spectral comparison EQ is a powerful tool for identifying frequency clashes between tracks, and the advanced chord track helps you experiment with harmonic progressions in real time. The score editor is included, which is essential for composers who need to print notation for film, TV, or live musicians. You also get over 90 GB of instruments and loops, covering everything from orchestral samples to electronic drum kits.

The real Amazon features highlight three key strengths. First, unlimited tracks and the full VST instrument library give you the same creative freedom as competitors like Ableton Live Suite or Logic Pro. Second, the score editor is a major advantage for composers who need to deliver printed parts. Third, regular Steinberg updates keep the software competitive, adding new features and fixing bugs without requiring a full paid upgrade every year. The limitation is the price. Cubase Pro 13 costs significantly more than Artist or Elements, and many home studio users will never need the score editor or spectral EQ. If you are not doing commercial work or advanced sound design, the extra cost may not be justified.

For anyone producing music for clients, scoring media, or building a professional studio, Cubase Pro 13 is the only choice. The track count freedom and instrument depth remove barriers that lower tiers impose. The learning curve is steeper, but the investment pays off in capability.

Cubase Artist 13

Cubase Artist 13 is the sweet spot for serious home studio users and semi-professional musicians. It supports up to 64 audio and MIDI tracks, which is enough for most song arrangements, band recordings, and electronic tracks. It includes VariAudio basic pitch correction, which allows you to fix vocal notes and adjust timing without needing a third-party plugin like Melodyne. The HALion Sonic SE instrument plugin provides a solid library of pianos, synths, drums, and pads. Most of the mixing tools found in Pro are present, including the MixConsole, channel strip modules, and a full set of effects. What is missing is the spectral comparison EQ and the score editor, which are niche features for most users.

The real Amazon features emphasize the balance of features and cost. You get a professional-grade workflow without paying for Pro-level tools you may never use. VariAudio basic is included, which saves you from buying separate pitch correction software. The upgrade path is clear and affordable. You can move to Cubase Pro 13 later at a discounted crossgrade price, which is cheaper than buying Pro outright. The limitation is the 64-track ceiling. If you work on large orchestral scores or complex sound design projects with hundreds of tracks, you will hit this limit. Also, the instrument library is smaller than Pro’s, so you may need to buy additional VSTs for certain sounds.

Artist 13 is ideal for musicians who record their own songs, produce demos, or run a small home studio. It gives you nearly all the mixing power of Pro without the cost. If you are unsure whether you will ever need the score editor or spectral tools, start with Artist and upgrade later.

Cubase Elements 13

Cubase Elements 13 is the entry-level tier and an outstanding starting point for new producers. It supports 24 audio tracks and 24 MIDI tracks, which is sufficient for recording a vocal, a guitar, a bass, and a few virtual instruments. It includes the MixConsole for balancing levels, basic automation for volume and pan changes, and the MediaBay sample browser for organizing loops and sounds. A solid selection of built-in effects covers reverb, delay, compression, and EQ. It lacks the deep VST instrument library of Artist and Pro, but it includes enough to start making music immediately. The interface is identical to the higher tiers, so skills learned here transfer directly if you upgrade later.

The real Amazon features highlight three advantages. First, the lowest entry price into the Cubase ecosystem makes it accessible for students and hobbyists. Second, the same interface as Artist and Pro means you are not learning a simplified or different workflow. Third, the included MixConsole, automation, and MediaBay give you a complete recording and mixing workflow from day one. The limitation is the track count. 24 audio and 24 MIDI tracks is restrictive for larger projects. If you plan to record a full band with multiple takes, or produce complex electronic music with many layers, you will quickly outgrow Elements. Also, the instrument library is thin, so you may need to buy third-party VSTs sooner than you would with Artist.

Elements 13 is perfect for beginners who want to learn recording and production without a large financial commitment. It is also a good choice for educators teaching DAW fundamentals. If you are certain you will stick with music production, budget for an upgrade to Artist or Pro within a year or two.

USB eLicenser Dongle (Steinberg)

The USB eLicenser dongle is a small hardware key that stores your software licenses locally. If you are purchasing or inheriting Cubase 11 or older, this dongle is non-negotiable. Without it, the software simply will not launch. The dongle plugs into any USB-A port on your computer and holds the license for Cubase as well as other legacy Steinberg products like HALion 5 and WaveLab 9. It works reliably on both Mac and Windows, and it is built to withstand regular use. Once you insert the dongle, the software recognizes the license and runs normally.

The real Amazon features confirm that this dongle is required for all Cubase versions 11 and older. There is no alternative or workaround. It also activates other legacy Steinberg products on the same key, which is useful if you own multiple older plugins. The dongle is durable and has been reported to work for years without failure. The limitation is that it is a physical object you can lose or damage. If you lose the dongle, you lose access to your software until you purchase a replacement and transfer the license. Also, it occupies a USB port, which can be inconvenient on laptops with limited ports. Steinberg moved to a soft eLicenser system starting with Cubase 12, so if you buy a newer version, you do not need this dongle.

If you are buying Cubase 11 or older secondhand, or if you already own legacy Steinberg plugins, buy this dongle immediately. Do not assume the software will work without it. For anyone buying Cubase 12 or newer, skip this product entirely.

Cubase Beginner Guide Book

No matter which tier you buy, a dedicated Cubase guide book dramatically shortens the learning curve. The best beginner books walk through project setup, recording workflow, MIDI programming basics, mixing with the MixConsole, and how to use key commands efficiently. This knowledge would otherwise take months of trial and error, especially if you rely on scattered YouTube tutorials. A good guide book organizes the information in a logical sequence, building from simple tasks to advanced techniques. You can work through it at your own pace, and you can refer back to specific chapters when you forget a step.

The real Amazon features emphasize a structured learning path that covers recording, MIDI, mixing, and export. This is faster than falling down YouTube rabbit holes, where you might watch hours of video without finding the exact answer you need. The guide works alongside any Cubase tier because the fundamentals of the interface and workflow apply across all versions. The limitation is that guide books can become outdated when Steinberg releases major updates. If you buy a book written for Cubase 12, some menu locations or features may differ in Cubase 13. However, the core concepts of recording, editing, and mixing remain largely the same, so the book is still valuable for years.

If you are new to Cubase or to DAWs in general, buy a guide book before you start your first project. It will save you frustration and help you build good habits from the beginning. Even experienced producers switching from another DAW can benefit from the structured overview of Cubase-specific workflows.

What to look for

• Track count limits: Higher tiers offer unlimited or higher track counts. Match the limit to the size of your typical projects. If you record full bands or orchestral scores, avoid Elements and Artist.
• Included instruments and sounds: Pro includes over 90 GB of content. Artist includes HALion Sonic SE. Elements includes a basic set. Consider whether you need orchestral libraries, synth engines, or loop packs built in.
• Pitch correction depth: Pro has the full VariAudio suite. Artist has VariAudio basic. Elements lacks VariAudio. If you work with vocals, this feature alone can justify a higher tier.
• Score editor and notation: Only Pro includes a full score editor. If you need to print sheet music for live musicians or film scoring, Pro is required.
• Upgrade path: All tiers can be upgraded to Pro at a discounted crossgrade price. Starting with Artist or Elements saves money upfront but costs more in total if you upgrade later.
• Legacy compatibility: If you own Cubase 11 or older, you must buy the USB eLicenser dongle. Newer versions use a soft eLicenser and do not need hardware.
• Learning resources: A dedicated guide book is a one-time purchase that accelerates learning. Look for books that cover your specific Cubase version and include exercises.

The verdict

For professional composers and commercial producers, Cubase Pro 13 is the only tier that delivers unlimited tracks, full pitch correction, and a score editor. For serious home studio users, Cubase Artist 13 offers the best balance of features and cost with a clear upgrade path. Beginners should start with Cubase Elements 13 to learn the interface without overspending. If you are buying legacy software, the USB eLicenser dongle is mandatory. And for anyone new to Cubase, a beginner guide book is the fastest way to become productive. Choose the tier that matches your current project size and future ambitions, and do not skip the learning tools that will save you time.