If the fact that you knew Steinberg Cubase 5 was coming makes its Winter NAMM Show 2009 appearance any less impacting, it shouldn't. Cubase 5 glops on new technologies and audio tools that make vast improvements the popular music production line.

Cubase 5 brings in VariAudio and PitchCorrect for on-board intonation editing of monophonic vocal parts. Groove Agent ONE and Beat Designer will have you dropping beats like your hands are dipped in butter while LoopMash gives you entitlement over several looping elements.

VST3 Expression tools for composers pairs up the first VST3 convolution reverb, REVerence, with smoother operating automation for increased dynamics in mixes, and the enhancements just keep rolling on out, like some sort of multi-colored scarf that a magician keeps pulling out of his mouth, and you think it's gotta stop somewhere, but it just keeps going, because there's absolutely no way that magician could fit that entire scarf in his stomach.

More quick blurbs about new features include 64-bit computing support, lower latency than ever before, tons of tiny workflow enhancements and even 90 days free with HALion Symphony Orchestra.