Cubase 5 - Creating a New Project From Scratch

In previous Cubase basics posts, I have discussed templates, markers and virtual instruments. I want to backtrack a little and explain how to create a brand new Cubase 5 project from scratch.

Start up Cubase and select "New Project" from the "File" pulldown menu. When the "Project Assistant" dialog opens, select "More" and then "Empty" and "OK". You now have a brand new project you can work with.

The next thing you need to do is set up your input and output busses (VST Connections; note this assumes that you have your hardware all set up and working properly).

Setting up Output:

1. Select menu item: Devices->VST Connections
2. Click on the "Output" tab
3. Click the "Add Bus" button
4. Select "Stereo" from the pulldown and click "OK"

Setting up Input:

1. In the same VST Connections dialog where you set up your Output, select the "Input" tab
2. Click the "Add Bus" button
3. Select "Mono" or "Stereo" depending on how your hardware is set up
4. Click the "Device Port" column next to each input and select the inputs that correspond to each bus
5. Note: You can set up as many inputs as your hardware will allow

That's really all you need to do to set up a basic Cubase project. From here you can add mono or stereo audio tracks, MIDI tracks, etc. Also note that anything you set up here can be saved as a template for use in other projects.

Thanks,
Paul