Cubase 11 Tutorial - Sample Desktop Audio into Cubase - EASY

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of recording system sounds directly into Cubase 11. This technique is beneficial for sampling, capturing reference tracks, or incorporating other audio sources into your projects. By following these steps, you'll be able to efficiently bring external audio into your digital audio workstation (DAW).

Step 1: Configure Your Audio Interface

To begin, ensure that your audio interface is set up correctly to capture system sounds.

• Open Cubase 11.
• Go to Devices and select Device Setup.
• In the left panel, click on VST Audio System.
• Choose your audio interface from the drop-down menu.
• Click OK to apply the settings.

Practical Tip

Make sure your audio interface drivers are installed and up to date. This will help prevent any connectivity issues.

Step 2: Set Up an Audio Track

Next, you'll need to create an audio track in Cubase to record the system sounds.

• In the main project window, right-click in the Track List area.
• Select Add Audio Track.
• Choose the desired mono or stereo configuration.
• Name the track (e.g., "System Sounds").

Step 3: Enable Monitoring

To hear the system sounds while recording, enable monitoring on the track.

• Locate the audio track you just created.
• Click the Monitor button (it usually looks like a speaker icon) to enable it.
• This will allow you to hear the audio as it is recorded.

Step 4: Select the Audio Input

Now, you need to select the correct input for your audio track.

• In the Inspector panel on the left, find the Input section of your audio track.
• Select the input that corresponds to your audio interface.
• If you are sampling system audio, this might be set to your default system output.

Common Pitfall

If you do not see your desired input, check your audio interface settings and ensure it is set as the default playback device on your computer.

Step 5: Start Recording

With everything set up, you can begin recording the system sounds.

• Click the Record button in Cubase.
• Play the audio source you want to capture (e.g., a YouTube video, a game, etc.).
• Once done, click the Stop button to end the recording.

Step 6: Edit and Arrange Your Recorded Audio

After recording, you may want to edit the audio for your project.

• Use the Cut and Trim tools to remove any unwanted sections.
• Adjust levels and apply effects as necessary using the mixer panel.

Practical Tip

Experiment with different effects like reverb or EQ to enhance the audio quality of your samples.

Conclusion

You have now successfully recorded system sounds into Cubase 11. Remember to check your audio interface settings regularly and experiment with editing to improve your samples. This technique not only enhances your projects but also expands your creative possibilities in music production. Happy recording!