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TUTORIAL:CubaseLE#2:Howtosetup,andrecordtheaudiofrom,aVST...SweetCare
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TUTORIAL: Cubase LE #2: How to set up, and

record the audio from, a VST instrument using
MIDI.
Article #30277

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Updated on Apr 27, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Ok, so you have a session open and are ready to use MIDI instruments. What do you do first? Well, lets first
undertsand how MIDI and virtual instruments interact.
MIDI
The Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a standardized code that deals with communication
between 2 or more musical devices. For our purposes, it is the data that generates notes. MIDI is handled in
Cubase on MIDI tracks (Project > Add Track > MIDI). If you do not have a MIDI controller (such as a
keyboard), you can still use it in Cubase. MIDI tracks contain a subwindow called the Key Editor, in which
you are able to manually draw notes, and one called the Score Editor, in which you can draw in notes as on
a musical staff. Please see chapter 19 in the Operation manual for more information.
VSTi
Virtual Studio Technology instruments (VSTis) are software-based programs that convert MIDI information
into audio. They come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, shapes, and complexity. VSTis primarily work by
either using sample playback to generate audio, or synthesizing audio directly. For our purposes, it really
doesnt matter; we just want to hear it!
Setting up a VSTi
1. Create a MIDI track (explained above).
2. Insert a VSTi. Go to Devices > VST Instruments. Click on any one of the boxes that says No VST
Instrument. A list of your VSTis will pop up.

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4. Open the instrument and select a sound (or a smaple, patch, program, etc.). Each instrument will be

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3. Select a VSTi. You will now see the name of the VSTi where NO VST Instrument used to be, as well as
some additional buttons. The cicular button with a line in it activates and deactivates the instrument. The

different; consult the help files associate with it for more information.
Getting Sound.
1. With a sound loaded, go to your MIDI track. Set the output to your VSTi (it will only appear as an option
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15/12/2016

TUTORIAL:CubaseLE#2:Howtosetup,andrecordtheaudiofrom,aVST...SweetCare

1. With a sound loaded, go to your MIDI track. Set the output to your VSTi (it will only appear as an option

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2. If you are using a keyboard to input MIDI data, make sure your MIDI track is record-enabled. At this point,

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after the instrument is loaded). Make sure the channel is the same as on your VSTi. If you are not sure,
channel 1 is a safe bet; if this doesnt work, try ANY.

3. If you are using the Key or Score Editor to manually draw notes, go back to the Project window and press
play. You should be able to hear your VSTi.
Recording to Audio
In the current configuration, there is no way to directly record the audio from your VSTi. What you actually
need to do is export a mixdown of the MIDI rack. Heres how:
1. Select the pencil tool from the toolbar.
2. Click once in the ruler above your tracks. A white triangle should appear. Click and drag the left half of
the triangle to the beginning of what you want to export. Click and drag the right half of the triangle to the
end of what you want to export. This sets the left and right margins. Your project should now be
highlighted in blue.
3. Go to the File menu > Export > Audio Mixdown
4. Choose a location to save you file (Look in:) and give it a name.
5. The other settings in the window will default to your current project settings. See page 58 of the
operation manual for more information.
6. Make sure that you check the box next to Audio Track under the Import to section. Press Save when
you are ready.
7. The audio will process, and you will see an additional track be created that has you audio mixdown on it.
Congratulations! Your MIDI has now become audio!
NOTICE: This tutorial is provided as a supplement to the operation manual. It contains consensed
information to get you started immediately. It is NOT intended as a substitute for the manual.

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