How to Configure Cubase to Hear Reverb while Tracking Vocals | Club Cubase February 15th 2022

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through configuring Cubase to hear reverb while tracking vocals. Hearing reverb in real-time can enhance the recording experience, allowing for better performance and artistic expression.

Step 1: Set Up Your Audio Interface

• Ensure your audio interface is connected to your computer and properly configured.
• Open Cubase and go to Devices > Device Setup.
• Select your audio interface from the list and check that it is set as the active device.

Step 2: Configure VST Connections

• Navigate to Studio > Audio Connections.
• Under the Inputs tab, set up your microphone as an input source.
• Move to the Outputs tab and ensure your audio outputs are configured correctly.

Step 3: Create an Audio Track

• In the main project window, go to Project > Add Track > Audio.
• Name your track (e.g., "Vocals") and set the input to your microphone.
• Ensure that the track is armed for recording by clicking the record-enable button.

Step 4: Insert Reverb Effect

• With your audio track selected, open the Inspector on the left side of the window.
• Find the Insert Effects section and click on an empty slot.
• Select a reverb plugin from the list (e.g., RoomWorks, REVerence).
• Adjust the reverb settings to suit your preference (e.g., decay time, wet/dry mix).

Step 5: Enable Direct Monitoring

• Check if your audio interface has a direct monitoring feature. If it does, enable it to hear the input signal with reverb.
• In Cubase, go to Studio > VST System Settings.
• Under the Audio System tab, ensure that "Activate Direct Monitoring" is checked.

Step 6: Monitor Your Vocals

• Use headphones to monitor your vocals while recording to avoid feedback.
• Test your setup by singing or speaking into the microphone and adjusting the reverb parameters as needed to achieve the desired sound.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively configure Cubase to hear reverb while tracking vocals. This setup can enhance your recording sessions, making them more enjoyable and productive. Experiment with different reverb settings to find the sound that best fits your vocal style. Consider recording a few takes to assess how different reverb settings influence your performance. Happy recording!