Cubase 5 Basics, Part 2 - Virtual Instruments

It's been a while since I wrote part one of this series on the basics of Cubase, so I figured it's about time I write a part 2.

In this blog entry I will focus on creating an instrument track with an associated MIDI track.

Create a new project either from scratch or using a template. Next go to the main menu and click: Devices->VST Instruments; this will open the VST Instrument dialog box. Next click on the first open slot in the dialog, which currently says "no instrument". A pull-down menu will be displayed where you can then select the virtual instrument you want to use (I will assume that you have at least one virtual instrument installed as a plug-in; there are several that come with Cubase).

Choose one of your installed virtual instruments. At this point Cubase will also ask you if you want to create an associated MIDI track. Answer "Yes".

So now on your display you should have an instrument track and a MIDI track that is associated and routed to the instrument track. Now you can record or program in MIDI data on the MIDI track that will be played through the instrument track.

Have Fun,
Paul