Steinberg Cubase 4

SoundFrame also acts as a browser for audio track presets, with a range of plug-in chains and EQ settings. Users can create and recall custom presets, although it isn't available for group or effects return channels. At the top of the asset-management food chain is MediaBay, which handles all the above plus system-wide audio and video. Annoyingly, it will also become bogged down with irrelevant media, such as backups and MP3 collections - this really needs to be fixed.

Control Room completes the new-feature line-up, handling multiple mixes for performers and external playback devices. There isn't much that wasn't possible with SX3 and a bit of lateral thinking, but it's a professional touch, and another nail for the hardware mixer.

Cubase 4 is an ambitious update that delivers in some areas and shows great promise in others - SoundFrame, in particular, will be massively powerful if third-party plug-in developers get on board. However, it still has its weaknesses, and overall there's no justification for the price disparity compared to Sonar and Ableton Live. Existing users should upgrade with caution, while new users are directed towards the cut-price Cubase Studio or - better still - Sonar or Ableton Live.

Author: Ben Pitt