Upgrade from Steinberg Cubase Elements 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 to Cubase Artist 16 and expand your music production capabilities with a more comprehensive set of recording, editing, MIDI sequencing, and mixing tools. Designed for musicians, songwriters, composers, and producers, Cubase Artist 16 provides a flexible production environment with unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks, 12 included instruments and libraries, 75 effects, more than 2,600 sounds, and over 20 GB of samples and loops.
Cubase Artist 16 introduces powerful creative tools, including Instrument Stacks for combining multiple VST instruments, sampler tracks, and drum tracks into a single playable track. DrumChain provides dedicated drum processing, while the Module FM library adds contemporary FM-based sounds. The updated Key Editor features Strum and Stretch tools for more expressive MIDI programming, and redesigned tempo detection makes it easier to build tempo maps from imported recordings.
Additional features include VariAudio pitch and timing correction, side-chaining, ARA 2 support, VocalTouch, an integrated Pattern Sequencer and Drum Machine, Ableton Link synchronization, and mastering presets. With its expanded production tools and included sound content, Cubase Artist 16 offers a versatile environment for developing complete musical productions.
Key Features
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Upgrade from Elements 6–11: Move from a qualifying Cubase Elements 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 license to Cubase Artist 16.
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Unlimited Tracks: Work with unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks.
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12 Instruments and Libraries: Access a collection of included virtual instruments and sound libraries.
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75 Audio Effects: Shape and refine recordings with a comprehensive effects collection.
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2,600+ Sounds: Explore a wide range of included sounds and musical content.
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Instrument Stacks: Combine multiple VST instruments, sampler tracks, and drum tracks into one playable track.
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DrumChain: Shape drum sounds with a dedicated multi-effects processor.
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Module FM: Explore modern FM leads, keys, basses, and textures powered by the HALion Sonic FM engine.
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Strum and Stretch Tools: Humanize chord timing and adjust MIDI phrase timing directly in the Key Editor.
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Redesigned Tempo Detection: Create tempo maps from imported recordings with an improved workflow.
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VariAudio: Edit vocal pitch and timing directly within Cubase.
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Advanced Mixing Tools: Access side-chaining, expanded routing, and mastering presets.
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20+ GB of Content: Includes samples and loops for a variety of production styles.
Technical Specifications
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64-bit audio engine with up to 192 kHz support
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32 physical inputs and outputs
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32 group channels
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16 audio insert slots per channel
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8 sends and 64 returns
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17 MIDI effects
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macOS and Windows compatibility
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Native Apple silicon and Rosetta 2 support
License and Delivery
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Upgrade license from Cubase Elements 6–11 to Cubase Artist 16
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Requires an existing, valid qualifying Cubase Elements license
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Digital delivery through Steinberg Download Assistant
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Steinberg ID and internet connection required for registration and activation
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Uses Steinberg Licensing; USB-eLicenser hardware is not required
Important: This is an upgrade license, not a standalone full version. A qualifying Cubase Elements 6–11 license is required for eligibility and activation.