CUBASE Q&A - The Import MIDI Feature you need to know

[@yh_y88]

I am from Iraq and I follow you my friend. I love your explanations very much, my friend

[@mixdownonline]

Happy you like the vids and that they help you out!

[@peterli3943]

It is super useful. Thank you so much. You saved my day 2 hours before I uploaded my assignment.

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@SF_Bud]

Man - excellent questions and answers. Nice and concise, too. Many thanks.

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rasputin1917]

12:34, Chris! It doesn't matter so much where the send panners go! The most important is to know HOW THE RECEIVING FX PLUGIN behaves when it receives in its left or right input (if it actually does have a L and R input). If the receiving plugin outputs on stereo L-R irrespective of whether it receives the send on its left or right input, the result will ALWAYS BE THE SAME. For example, most reverbs (can't think of any exception) will output in straight stereo in equal measure no matter if they receive in their left or right input. Clearly, in your example, the delay return sounded always the same. So panning the sends is irrelevant unless the plugin itself outputs a different effect from its right output and a different from its right output. The behavior of the receiving plugin is crucial relative to the sends panning that it receives. I don't think you cleared that issue, on the contrary, most viewers will be more confused.

[@breakdownfactory]

Thank you for this video. The MIDI import checkbox was exactly what I needed, MIDI import ignoring the tempo tracks had me go crazy.

[@mixdownonline]

You're welcome!

[@davidmcnamara7928]

Excellent as always. Good Cubase videos always remind me that even if you read every word in the manual and watch every single good video, there is always going to be AT LEAST one fairly basic thing you don't know. After 30+ years of development Cubase is just too big for any single person to know everything about it. BTW, the "basic" thing I didn't know before this video was the combined stereo panning. I will definitely use that at some point.

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks! I totally agree! Same here, after 18 years working with Cubase, I still learn things and will never pretend I know everything about Cubase. Like you, I know way more than most users, but not everything for sure. #ilovecubase

[@juantafakya]

Thank you very much on the second question i actually fixed a long time midi headache on the preferences window in order to import file as midi instruments so i can export it as midi as well saving a looooooot of time making my own midis

[@yams900]

Awesome my friend ! It solved my MIDI import tempo issue :)

[@soundandstuff_leo]

Hi, Chris! Thank you for the video, very useful as always! I have some note about Question#3 - there is a very useful feature in Cubase that is called Trim (you can find it in the automation panel), I think it was created exactly for those purposes - change volume or send level without affecting existing automation.

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, you're correct and I completely forgot about this one. Funny thing, I talk about the Trim mode in my Cubase course. In reality, I never worked with Trim so far...I never was in a situation where I needed to automate Volume on top of my current automation on one single track. If I need to bring down the volume of a channel that already has volume automation, I just bring down all automation points or bring the Output of the last plugin down. When that happens on several tracks, I usually reach for VCA Fader. Thanks for reminding me of this feature, I'll make an extra video on this :-)

[@soundandstuff_leo]

​@@mixdownonline No problem! I just think Trim mode can be useful when you will open the project a couple days later and you can instantly see how many dB you reduced or increased last time. Yeah, I agree, sometimes it's easier to change the output of the last plugin 🙂

[@morisgagula7950]

Great explanation ✌️🥇

[@jazzdude7014]

encore, encore, encore Chris! Can't get enough!

[@mixdownonline]

That's what she said ;-)

[@korkenknopfus]

Very good questions, very good answers. Thank you!

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@bassrangeproductions6528]

Thank you very much for your solution about midi track

[@Nomasiac]

Thanx, super helpful as usual 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@mixdownonline]

Glad to hear it!

[@gospelmuvgospelmuv]

Hi Chris. Thanks for sharing. Very helpful as usual. Cheers!

[@Dan-kb2oz]

On the automation topic, I’ve just been tackling this in my template for virtual instruments as I constantly add fade ins etc and hate moving all the automation around later to try and mix it. It may be odd but I’ve gone with a two track setup for each part. An instrument track which goes to its own group track. I have the group track hidden in the project window and the instrument track hidden in the mixer. Automate the instrument track with a controller whilst composing and do any level alterations later on the group track in the mixer, along with any plugins and sends on/from the group. 🙂

[@cneal92]

I enjoy your videos. Thanks! I am a longtime engineer, but new to CP/Nuendo (2 yrs now, and love): 1) any reason you didn’t mention Trim automation when discussing the automation topic? 2) I have been looking for a solution to a setup I use to mix in PT on every mix. When setting up a delay throw (Aux In track in PT), I like to create an FX chain (Eq > delay > comp > distortion, for example), instead of using the feedback in the delay to create repeats, I use a send on the Aux In track to send the output of the chain back to the input of the chain (yes, a feedback loop, but controllable by how much I send back into the input). The cool thing here is my delay repeats continue to change with each repeat, for example getting more distorted with each repeat and loosing more top end with each repeat. As Cubase does NOT allow you to send an FX return back into itself, can you think of a way to achieve this setup in Cubase? Happy to provide more info if I wasn’t clear. Thanks

[@mixdownonline]

Hey Chris, using Clip Gain or Trim directly on the Audio event will bring down or up the Gain of those events and not the Volume of the channel itself. Like Pre Gain, that volume change will be Pre Inserts. For the Delay Feedback, it is a drag that Cubase doesn't support this. The workaround is to get out of the Box and back in. I'll add this to my list and will try to make a video on this :-)

[@Am6-9]

Chris Neal have you tried the Multitap delay that is included in Cubase Pro? It has several effects that you can put into the feedback loop (and on the output of each delay tap and on the master out). Maybe not exactly the same as you describe, but utterly flexible. If that is not enough, have a look at BlueCat audios “Late Replies” which can even host arbitrary VST plugins in its feedback look (and before and after).

[@cneal92]

Chris, I am referring to the Trim Automation Mode in the Automation Panel. This feature has been in PT for a long time and I am a fan. It is great to use to make alt mixes (vocal up/down 1dB, etc). I think it may not have been around long in Cubase, but I don’t know. Regarding the feedback loop: yes I know about the Multitap delay, which is pretty fantastic, and it would get me close with the Loop Effects, but not the same (for example there is not an EQ or Comp as effects options). I can’t choose my processors in that plugin like an 1176 comp or Pultech EQ, etc. or use my favorite distortion processors, etc. thanks for your input though, much appreciated.

[@mixdownonline]

Hey Chris, sorry, I thought you were referring to the Clip Gain Trim with the Pen Tool... I completely forgot about Trim Automation. That was introduced in Cubase 9.5 and is only available on the Pro version. Funny thing, I talk about the Trim automation in my Cubase course. In reality, I never worked with Trim so far...I never was in a situation where I needed to automate Volume on top of my current automation on one single track. If I need to bring down the volume of a channel that already has volume automation, It's faster for me to just bring down all automation points or bring the Output of the last plugin down. When that happens to several tracks, I usually reach for VCA Fader. But I will make an extra video on this topic and talk about Trim Automation. Thanks :-)

[@marek23275]

hi chris I have a question, is it possible to quantize a midi instrument according to the audio? Thanks a lot for the answer. Mark Cerman

[@darrenross9168]

Hi Chris, Super helpful, thank you, all the best.

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@gregorhomestudio9305]

GREAT TUT !! THANKS!

[@Mix3dbyMark]

Thanks for the videos! Love cubase.

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you like them!

[@ambientdave]

Hi Chris Great video!! Learning a lot of cool tips, once again,cheers!

[@rafaelhernandez5550]

Great like all your tutorials. Thank you

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@blakebrothers]

Great video, learned a bunch - merci beaucoup!

[@jeankal8662]

Hi, can you make a video of how to update Cubase Elements once an update is is available e.g. I've Cubase Elements 10.5 and there 10.5.20 and 10.5.10, so where to get info, how to chose which one to use and how to update it. Thanks a lot

[@VeljkoMarinkovic]

Hey Chris, again top useful video :) Thanks! Btw, where are these questions from ? Do people write these questions in video comments or there are some other place to post a question about Cubase tips/tricks/workflow ?

[@joergphilipps7186]

Hey Chris, as always very helpful tips. Learned a lot from your videos. One short question: If you use the bounce and replace function on several events, will this ignore all Effect/Volume settings etc. on that channel ? Or is the replacement Audio file then already processed? Thanks and greetings from Germany!

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, it will ignore all automation/FX since you're bouncing the Audio waveform and not the Channel. Clip Gain, if any, will by applied though

[@dwightcliff6818]

Chris I noticed that your channels are colored how do I do that nice video learned something new today

[@mixdownonline]

That is new to Cubase 10.5

[@Mix3dbyMark]

Can you ask Steinberg to make it a feature where you can switch an audio channel between mono or stereo even after you have created the audio channel?

[@medihsakic6507]

Hi Chris,what abouth mono mixing in Cubase 10.5 Pro,like normal(standard) option in Studio One?Thx!

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, you can do this using the control room kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2rYhGSYqbuGnbs

[@ShaNadapuram]

Sir One doubt plz Cubase 5 support Izotop ozone 9 ? I have cubase 10.5 but latency issues & crashing many times. Or any Master rebalancing plugin available for cubase 5 ??

[@michaelherbert9381]

Hi Chris , I am trying to record emvoice one nut nothing records. I was told to So you need to create an empty midi region (it can even contain notes actually, that won't have any impact), in order to let your DAW "know" that there is something to bounce., I have cubase elements. How do I do this? Thanks

[@stephanaulenbacher9125]

Hi Chris, Thank you for your very useful Videos! I have a question on multiple midi output instruments. I'm using superior drummer. I can set it up, so that each individual instrument is routed on a separate channel. However, these are all stereo channels and I cannot change this in superior drummer. I can then for instance set it up, like Kick In on channel 1 Left and Kick out on channel 1 right and so on. My question: Is there a way in cubase to set the multi channel up in a way, that I can get mono tracks when I do render in place with the drum Track. Usually render them and use the split function than to separate them. Reagards Stephan

[@GalantGoStudio]

Hi chris, thank you for your great videos, i have a question , some time when i add insert effect , cubase deactivates it automatically , can't activate it, or open it by pressing e icon / double click , just what i can do is press Backspace button to remove it from insert menu that heppend for me with Built-in & 3th party effect so i think it's cubase issue

[@Am6-9]

Galant Go Studio sounds like you have “constrain latency compensation “ enabled, which deactivates plugins that have latency. steinberg.help/cubase_pro/v10.5/en/cubase_nuendo/topics/vst_instruments/vst_instruments_constrain_delay_compensation_c.html

[@GalantGoStudio]

@@Am6-9 Thank you soooo much, The solution you provided me with worked like a charm. 👍

[@audiobounce3921]

Hey Chris for team worktracks , i go play midi data with a synth sound, how to send this in 1 file? so just the midi data with the synth and the sound i play on the midi data (not the complete project)

[@Mix3dbyMark]

Are you able to recommend to Steinberg that when "move tracks to new folder track and group track" that the folder track gets the name of the group track

[@HenryMittnacht]

Hi Chris, regarding MIDI import: Today I got a singel piano MIDI file. My project tempo is at 70 bpm. When I import it, the piano MIDI file is way slower. I followed your tip here but then my project tempo changed to 125 bpm. But I need it at 70 bpm. What am I doing wrong? Is it on the MIDI export side of the pianist? I have a wave file from him as well (same song) and importing this worked flawlessly...

[@MichaelPWallace]

Hey Chris - I am using Nuendo 10 and the problem that I am having is that when dragging grooves from Addictive Drums 2 on to the Instrument track rather than just dropping in it creates a new midi track. This is a pain. I have scoured the boards and have tried all the prescribed preference remedies that I could find to no avail. Any ideas?

[@HarmonyMusicInstitute]

Hi dear I have one question regarding midi file I have my yamaha psr s970 arranger keyboard in that I record my file and the export in midi after the when I import it in cubase some of the voice are missing and in my mix console the pan shows off and my fader are at zero like it doesn't work what to do... I have seen one video which exactly import his midi file in cubase with same sounds which he played in keyboard if you say I can give you for your reference... Please please help me

[@szuwlandia]

is it possible to place the midi event as an external file and edit it outside Cubase - just like with wave files? (they are updating inside Cubase each time you make changes to the original files) I want to compose my songs using an external score editor and don't want to import midi each time I want to proceed with mix and mixdown.

[@Ludvig-Pedersen]

Hi Chris! I don´t know if this is covered already, if so, please direct me to your video! Is it possible to copy the channel setting on several drumtracks over to another project? Or save the settings as a preset and load it to different projects? -Ludvig

[@mixdownonline]

On one of my latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZvIfYKliNx_hZI (tip1)

[@Bhavik_Patel.]

Thanks Chris.

[@patriceregis7091]

Is cubase as good as pro tools on ssl boards ?

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, you can use Cubase and route it to any Analog gear

[@pjdahmen]

Great tutorial

[@mixdownonline]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Mix3dbyMark]

In Pro Tools you can move 2 mono tracks, let's say you have keys L and keys R, into a stereo track so that you end up with keys L+R in one stereo track... Cubase needs this feature

[@mixdownonline]

I agree

[@cybermx8896]

when I import a midi file canot hear nothing when playing the file. Already selected Microsoft wave table as ouput.

[@gonzalodominguez229]

Sir Selim... how to drag Midifiles into a choosen Track??🤐😖 how to get rid of Sonic Halion anytime i drag midi into project window?? and how to get rid of Sysextrack that i do dot want to be created in the first place? Cubase is really starting to annoy me .. and not going to buy it. To many Problems.. very good in one side but than really really baad on the other! Have tried in preferences checked and unchecked everything.. keeps no allowing to drag midi to chosen Track.. creating Sysex Track and SPENDING lots of time loading a piano that i do not want!! i mean whats the Phylosophy here?? i do not understand how a modern DAW can FAIL to such degree.. and i do not want to import through other ways. Want Drag directly into choosen Instrument. Maybe you know something.. Thanks

[@serkandemirhanofficial]

I think you understood the 2nd question wrong. He/she asks if you can add a 90 bpm midi file into a 120 bpm project without changing the tempo. Which means, the midi will play at 90 bpm in a 120 bpm project. Which means midi file slow the project fast. which mean no tempo change in midi no tempo change in project. I don't know why would someone want something like this ? : )

[@mrkrotosuk]

Although there is a lot of good stuff in this video, there are a few issues in my mind, if you want to change gain on a chan without messing with your automation, you should use the pre-gain on your channel strip, NOT selectall automation and manually move it, way too much work!

[@skyshipmusic363]

Too many ads. I pulled out.