How to use HITPOINT NAVIGATION in CUBASE 10

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through using Hitpoint Navigation in Cubase 10, a feature that enables precise audio editing similar to the “tab to transients” function found in Pro Tools. Whether you're looking to streamline your workflow or enhance your audio projects, mastering Hitpoint Navigation will provide you with greater control and efficiency.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Project

• Open Cubase 10 and create or load an existing project.
• Import the audio track you wish to edit.
• Ensure the audio track is selected to activate the editing features.

Step 2: Identifying Hitpoints

• Select the audio track and open the Sample Editor by double-clicking on the audio clip.
• Look for the Hitpoints section in the editor, which displays transient markers.
• Cubase automatically detects transients; you can adjust the sensitivity to refine hitpoint detection:
  • Go to the Hitpoint Detection settings.
  • Increase or decrease the sensitivity slider as needed to capture more or fewer hitpoints.

Step 3: Navigating Between Hitpoints

• Use the following keyboard shortcuts to navigate:
  • Press the Tab key to move to the next hitpoint.
  • Press Shift + Tab to move to the previous hitpoint.
• This allows you to quickly jump between transient markers without manually scrolling through the audio track.

Step 4: Editing Hitpoints

• Once you've navigated to a hitpoint, you can perform various edits:
  • Split the audio clip at the hitpoint by selecting it and pressing Command + G (Mac) or Ctrl + G (Windows).
  • Delete sections by selecting the desired hitpoints and pressing the Delete key.
• Use the Quantize function to align your audio to a grid based on hitpoints, ensuring rhythmic accuracy.

Step 5: Using Hitpoints for Drum Replacement

• Hitpoints can be invaluable for drum replacement:
  • Select the audio track containing the drum sounds.
  • Navigate to the hitpoints where you want to replace the sound.
  • Use the Replace function in the audio menu to insert new drum samples at the identified hitpoints.

Practical Tips

• Regularly save your project to avoid losing progress, especially when making significant edits.
• Experiment with hitpoint detection settings to find the optimal balance for your specific audio material.
• Utilize the Zoom function to examine hitpoints closely for precise edits.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid overly high sensitivity settings, which can create unnecessary hitpoints and complicate navigation.
• Ensure you are working in a well-organized project with separate tracks for different instruments to maintain clarity while editing.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize Hitpoint Navigation in Cubase 10 to enhance your audio editing efficiency. This feature not only streamlines workflow but also provides the precision necessary for professional-quality audio projects. For further exploration, consider experimenting with different editing techniques and integrating Hitpoints into your overall mixing process.