Description
Steinberg · Cubase Artist 16
Turn ideas into finished tracks.
Cubase Artist 16 combines unlimited audio, MIDI and instrument tracks with a creative toolkit for writing, recording and mixing. Develop layered sounds, shape performances and build polished arrangements in one focused production environment.
Unlimited audio, MIDI and instrument tracks
Windows & macOS · Digital download · Full version
Create more with Cubase 16
Searchable settings
Find preferences, shortcuts and project setup in one workspace.
Expressive MIDI
Shape chord timing with Strum and stretch MIDI phrases to suit the arrangement.
VocalTouch
Polish vocal tone with focused, accessible controls.
Fresh inspiration
Explore new loop packs and Omnivocal Basic for songwriting ideas.
Instrument Stacks
Layer instruments, sampler tracks and drums under one playable track.
DrumChain
Shape drum dynamics and tone in one dedicated processor.
Module FM
Explore a new HALion Sonic library built around FM synthesis.
From first idea to final mix
- Build songs with Chord Pads, Chord Track and a flexible MIDI workflow.
- Record and arrange with unlimited audio, MIDI and instrument tracks.
- Layer sounds using Instrument Stacks and shape drums with DrumChain.
Explore the Artist toolkit
Open each section for the included tools in this edition. Features shown here follow Steinberg’s edition comparison.
Composing
- Chord Pads
- Chord Track
- Chord Assistant – Circle of 5ths
- Score Editor
- Dorico Project Import
- Dorico / MusicXML Import & Export
- Audio to MIDI chords
- Hermode tuning
- Scale Assistant
- Arranger Track
- Tempo Track
- Signature Track
- TrackVersions
- Global Transpose Track
- Note Expression
Recording
- Audio Pre-Record
- MIDI Retrospective Record
- Punch In & Punch Out
- Pre-Roll & Post-Roll
- Re-recording
- Pool
- Marker Track: 1
- Metronome: Advanced
- Comping
Sequencing
- Key Editor
- Drum Maps
- Drum Editor
- Track Quick Controls
- Chord Editor
- Chord Editing Section
- Instrument Stacks
- Pattern Sequencer
- Drum Track
- List Editor
- In-Place Editor
- MPE Support
- Logical Editor
Audio editing
- Audio Parts
- Hitpoint Detection
- Sample Editor
- Time Stretch
- SpectraLayers Go
- Group/Ungroup & Lock/Unlock
- Render in-place
- Audio Warp Quantize
- VariAudio 3
- WaveLab Go
Mixing
- Channel Strip 2: Advanced
- Simultaneous mixer views: 1
- Full-screen MixConsole
- Ultra-precise automation curves
- A/B Comparison
- Mastering Presets
- Track visibility management
- Side-chaining
- MixConsole History
- SuperVision
Virtual Instruments & Libraries
- Groove Agent SE
- Flux for HALion Sonic
- Trip for HALion Sonic
- Iconica Sketch for HALion Sonic
- Sampler Track 2
- Module for HALion Sonic
- Writing Room Synths
- Retrologue 2
- Padshop 2
- HALion Sonic
- Verve for HALion Sonic
- Drum Machine
Effects
- DJ EQ
- Standard Channel EQ
- StudioEQ
- GEQ 10
- VST Dynamics
- Limiter
- Brickwall Limiter
- Envelope Shaper
- Gate
- Maximizer
- Tube Compressor
- Vintage Compressor
- Squasher
- Midi Gate
- De Esser
- DrumChain
- Roomworks SE
- REVelation
- Roomworks
- MonoDelay
- PingPongDelay
- StereoDelay
- MultiTap Delay
- Studio Delay
- AmpSimulator
- BitCrusher
- Da Tube
- Distortion
- Grungelizer
- VST Amp Rack
- Channel Tape Saturation
- Channel Tube Saturation
- Quadrafuzz 2
- Magneto 2
- VST Bass Amp Rack
- Distroyer
- Metalizer
- Ring Modulator
- AutoPan
- Chopper
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
- Tranceformer
- Tremolo
- Vibrato
- Rotary
- LoopMash FX
- FX Modulator
- DualFilter
- ToneBooster
- Wah Wah
- Underwater
- Shimmer
- Auto Filter
- StepFilter
- MorphFilter
- Octaver
- Pitch Correct
- MonoToStereo
- StereoEnhancer
- Imager
- Tuner
- UV22HR
- VocalTouch
- VocalChain
- Vocoder
- VoxComp
MIDI Effects
- Beat Designer
- Arpache 5
- Arpache SX
- Auto LFO
- Chorder
- Compressor (MIDI)
- Context Gate
- Density
- MIDI Control
- MIDI Echo
- MIDI Modifiers
- MIDI Monitor
- Micro Tuner
- Note To CC
- Quantizer
- Step Designer
- Track Control
- Tranceformer
Collaboration
- DAWproject support
Video
- Video Import
- Video Player
- Extract Audio from Video
- Video Export Render
Watch Cubase 16 in action
Steinberg’s official launch video introduces the Cubase 16 family. Feature availability varies by edition; use the Artist feature list above for this license.
Check your studio setup
| Windows | 64-bit Windows 11 25H2 or later; Windows 10 22H2 or later |
|---|---|
| macOS | macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 26 Tahoe, macOS 27 Golden Gate |
| Windows processor | Intel Core i5 (8th generation), AMD Ryzen 3000 series, or Windows on Arm processor |
| Mac processor | Intel Core i5 (late 2018 or later), or Apple silicon |
| CPU cores | 4 or more |
| RAM | 16 GB minimum |
| Storage | 89 GB free space; core installation listed at 1.5 GB |
| Display | 1440 × 900 minimum at 100% UI scaling |
| Graphics | Windows-compatible graphics; Metal-compatible graphics on Mac |
| Audio hardware | OS-compatible audio hardware; ASIO recommended for low-latency work |
| Internet | Required for account registration, download and license activation |
Based on Steinberg’s Cubase 16 requirements checked November 5, 2026. Verify your audio interface, drivers and plug-ins against your chosen operating system. Waves Illugen is a separate service; its ongoing subscription is not included.
Download, activate, start creating
- Receive the digital license / Download Access Code for the exact edition and license type listed above. No physical equipment is included.
- Sign in to your Steinberg account and redeem the code. For updates and upgrades, use the account that holds the qualifying license.
- Install through Steinberg Download Assistant and activate using Steinberg Activation Manager.
- A single-user license supports activation on up to three computers for one person’s non-simultaneous use. Cubase 16 uses Steinberg Licensing; a USB-eLicenser is not required.
Before you order
Is this the right license for me?
A new Cubase Artist 16 license. No previous Cubase license is required.
What happens after activation?
After initial activation, Cubase can run offline. Download and registration still require internet access.
Can I use my existing plug-ins?
Use compatible VST3 plug-ins. VST2 is not officially supported; Steinberg notes limited legacy loading outside native Apple silicon, without VST2 support.
Are the pictured devices included?
No. This is downloadable software. Computers, keyboards, audio interfaces and studio accessories shown in manufacturer artwork are illustrative.
Official resources
New in Cubase 16 · Edition comparison & requirements · Licensing FAQ · Release notes
Need help matching your current license? Contact YRS MIDI before ordering.
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