Many people love the fact that Steinberg is a pioneer in today's computer music applications such as the VST protocol. As such, it is no surprise that Steinberg's very own DAW software, Cubase, has been well received. Giving no qualms about providing an entry-level DAW that offers no BS, Steinberg proudly announces their latest DAW offering, the Steinberg Essential 5.

Bringing an easy and intuitive approach to composing, recording, editing and mixing, Cubase Essential 5 is the welcoming party for first-time Cubase users. It sports the same interface as Cubase 5 along with a host of comprehensive functions that Cubase 5 has been known for. New features include on-the-fly pitch correction, Beat Designer, a new polyphonic subtractive virtual analog synthesizer called Prologue, HALion ONE expansions, enhanced MIDI functionality, and an overall smoother workflow courtesy of new functions such as MediaBay Optimization, Sample Editor, and various recording enhancements.

With regard to the new Cubase Essential 5, Helge Vogt, Steinberg's Product Marketing Manager For Cubase, said,

"With this update to version 5, Cubase Essential becomes one of the most desirable entry-level music production products anywhere, with a price tag to match. With the same user interface and award-winning audio engine as its bigger brother, which is used by countless professionals around the globe, Cubase Essential 5 includes Cubase 5 features such as automatic intonation control with the PitchCorrect plug-in, ultra-intuitive step sequencing with Beat Designer as well as many enhancements to the previous generation of Cubase Essential in the editing, recording and MIDI areas. We also added the entire HALion ONE Studio Set with almost 240 premium instrument sounds, produced by the top sound developers. The multi-talented Prologue synthesizer, previously found only in bigger Cubase versions, is also now part of Cubase Essential 5. And for mobile setups, capabilities like the Virtual MIDI Keyboard show that this new version is the ideal balance between professional production features and streamlined software developed to offer a sleek, easily portable production solution."

Steinberg Cubase Essential 5 has an MSRP of 195.99 USD.