Description
Steinberg · Cubase Elements 16
A strong start for your next song.
Cubase Elements 16 gives songwriters and home studios a practical environment for recording, MIDI composition and mixing. Explore musical ideas with integrated sounds and effects, then turn them into structured arrangements.
48 audio tracks · 64 MIDI tracks · 24 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.
From first idea to final mix
- Develop chord progressions with Chord Pads and Chord Track.
- Record vocals and instruments within a 48-audio-track session.
- Sequence parts on 64 MIDI tracks and 24 instrument tracks.
Explore the Elements 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
Recording
- Audio Pre-Record
- MIDI Retrospective Record
- Punch In & Punch Out
- Pre-Roll & Post-Roll
- Re-recording
- Pool
- Marker Track: 1
- Metronome: Basic
Sequencing
- Key Editor
- Drum Maps
- Drum Editor
- Track Quick Controls
- Chord Editor
- Chord Editing Section
Audio editing
- Audio Parts
- Hitpoint Detection
- Sample Editor
- Time Stretch
Mixing
- Channel Strip 2: Basic
- Simultaneous mixer views: 1
- Full-screen MixConsole
- Ultra-precise automation curves
- A/B Comparison
- Mastering Presets
- Side-chaining
Virtual Instruments & Libraries
- Groove Agent SE
- Flux for HALion Sonic
- Trip for HALion Sonic
- Iconica Sketch for HALion Sonic
- Sampler Track 2
- HALion Sonic
Effects
- DJ EQ
- Standard Channel EQ
- StudioEQ
- VST Dynamics
- Limiter
- Brickwall Limiter
- Envelope Shaper
- Gate
- Maximizer
- Tube Compressor
- Vintage Compressor
- Squasher
- Midi Gate
- De Esser
- Roomworks SE
- Roomworks
- MonoDelay
- PingPongDelay
- StereoDelay
- AmpSimulator
- BitCrusher
- Da Tube
- Distortion
- Grungelizer
- VST Amp Rack
- Channel Tape Saturation
- Channel Tube Saturation
- Metalizer
- Ring Modulator
- AutoPan
- Chopper
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
- Tremolo
- Vibrato
- Rotary
- DualFilter
- ToneBooster
- Wah Wah
- Underwater
- StepFilter
- MorphFilter
- Octaver
- Pitch Correct
- MonoToStereo
- StereoEnhancer
- Tuner
- UV22HR
- VocalTouch
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 Elements 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 Elements 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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