Cubase Dynamics Explained

Cubase master Dave Askew brings you the most in-depth collection of tutorials available about Cubase’s Dynamics Plug-Ins. Learn all about these essential workhorse plug-ins and how to use them to get that professional, tight, fat sound.

Intro & Dynamic Modules
Introduction (01:36) - Dave welcomes you and gives a brief overview of the different types of Dynamic Module Plug-Ins included in Cubase.
Accessing the Plug-Ins (03:17) - Learn how you can insert the plug-ins via the Channel Settings Window and how some of them can be easily accessed via the new Channel Strip Window.
Compression & Limiting
Dynamic Range (03:22) - Learn the fundamentals of Dynamics to better understand what our Dynamics plug-ins will be effecting.
Compression Controls (14:51) - What is Compression and Limiting? What does it do to an audio signal? Learn the fundamentals of setting Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Makeup Gain and how these different settings effect an audio signal.
Limiting Controls (03:53) - Learn what the similarities and differences are between Compression and Limiting.
Compression Types (12:34) - Explore the different Compression Modules available in Cubase including the Stereo Compressor, Vintage Compressor, Tube Compressor, De-Esser, and Multiband Compressor. Review the common controls between each of the modules and briefly explore the nuances of each module.
Sidechaining (13:48) - Learn what Side-Chaining is and discover how to set up a Side-Chain in Cubase for De-Essing, bringing Kick and Bass into balance, and controlling the volume of a voiceover background music bed.
Limiting (05:06) - Look deeper into the different Limiting Plug-Ins that are available and also learn common techniques when placing them in the signal chain.
Gates, Expansion & Transients
Gates & Expanders (12:33) - Take a brief look at how a Gate and Expander are similar and how they can be used to remove noise or add extra dynamics to an audio signal. Recap on what we've learned about Threshold and Attack Times to see how we can apply those same controls to effect a Gate. Explore how we can use a Gate to remove background noise from a drum recording and how to eliminate background noise from a guitar track. Apply what we've learned about Sidechaining to create creative Gating Effects. And learn how we can use the MIDI Gate to create Stutter Effects.
EnvelopeShaper (05:56) - See how this unique plug-in can control the transients of an audio signal. Explore how we can use it to modify the attack and release on a Kick Drum and how we can use Sidechaining to add attack to an acoustic guitar recording.
Putting it all Together
Putting it Together Pt. 1 (14:52) - Review what we have learned about controlling dynamics and put everything to use in a real-world mix example! We'll explore the various uses of these modules and combine them together to create a clean and balanced mix.
Putting it Together Pt. 2 (10:32) - Continuation and wrap-up where we explore further tricks and show how we use the Limiter on the Mix Buss.