Steinberg has surprise-launched the latest version of its flagship DAW, Cubase 15, with a slew of new sound shaping features, as well as workflow and UI improvements.
Like previous versions of Cubase, there are three tiers available – Elements, Artist and Pro – allowing producers to select a package with a feature set that matches their needs.
Described as a “new reference standard for music production”, Steinberg says Cubase 15 “truly elevates the music production experience”.
And as Senior Marketing Manager Matthias Quellman notes, many of the updates in Cubase 15 come off the back of customer feedback. “We worked closely with our community to refine what matters most, turning valuable feedback into meaningful improvements that make everyday workflows smoother and more intuitive,” he says.
“This release builds naturally on the foundation of the previous version – it feels like the perfect evolution, marking a major leap forward for Cubase.”
We’re sure you’re just itching to get into some of the features in detail, so here we go…
New features for “enhanced creativity”
Aiming to make the articulation of VST instruments “more straightforward”, Cubase 15 features a redesigned Expression Maps system, with deep integration with the software’s Key Editor and Score Editor delivering “greater performance realism.
There’s also a new pattern sequencer housed within Cubase’s Pattern Editor, which allows for the creation of melodic patterns in both monophonic and polyphonic modes. This includes step input, custom scales, shape generators and a deep randomiser feature. There’s also a selection of new pattern bank presets, including bass lines, leads, chords and arpeggios.
Modulators – which arrived with Cubase 14 – have been expanded with six new modulators. There’s also 30 brand-new Chord Pad presets, “ready-to-play voicings” for a range of genres for spurring on the creative process.
Enhanced selection of VST instruments and plugins
Cubase 14 came bundled with an impressive selection of virtual instruments and plugins, and this is expanded upon in the latest version.
The Cubase Drum Machine now features 40 fresh drum kits spanning hip-hop- trap, electronic and more, as well as a redesigned Groove Agent SE 6, which now features a scalable UI, new mixer and upgraded effects.
Cubase’s Writing Room Synths collection offers “production-ready” vintage synth recreations – with “rich leads, warm basses and dreamy pads” – while Songstarter Packs features a range of loops for kickstarting creativity.
There’s also the beta Omnivocal vocal synthesis engine powered by Yamaha’s “cutting-edge” vocal synthesis, and a range of new effects including UltraShaper – a transient shaper, clip limited and EQ housed in one – and a new PitchShifter. All Cubase stock effects are scalable for an optimised visual experience.
Workflow improvements
Of course, a big part of what makes our DAW of choice is its workflow and ease of use; at the end of the day, the DAW is a tool to facilitate the creative process.
So with Cubase 15, there’s a number of improvements to workflow and UI design, “ensuring the software never gets in the way of creative inspiration”.
There’s a redesigned Hub for smoother project startup, while collaboration is made easier with the DAWproject format now able to share sessions across all previous versions of Cubase, as well as other supported DAWs.
There’s also new AI-powered stem separation tools, automation shortcuts and new quick export options so audio is “rendered faster than ever”.
Pricing and availability
Cubase Pro, Artist and Elements are available now, priced at £481, £273 and £83, respectively. A range of upgrades, crossgrades and education versions are also available via the Steinberg Online Shop.
In addition, those who have purchased any version of Cubase 14 since 8 October, 2025 are eligible for a free upgrade to their corresponding version of Cubase 15.
Learn more at Steinberg.
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