On December 5 2014 I posted my ARA Rant Letter on this forum requesting the implementation of ARA. The advantages to users with sophisticated pitch correcting requirements were immediately obvious. Also because I’m a long time Cubase user who likes to boast to my “other DAWs” friends about Steinberg’s long and stellar list of “firsts” and innovations (vst protocol, Asio, stereo interleaved non-real time audio mixdown, drum maps, expression maps, articulation maps - to name a few) I really hated the idea that Cubase was behind in this regard.
Better late than never. Steinberg has finally honored its word and implemented ARA2 in CB10. And just as I had expected it has boosted my work flow tremendously. To edit audio in the Melodyne plugin without having to re-record the material, and the ability to move the cursor within the plugin is a dream come true, and has moved Cubase again - objectively speaking - to it’s rightful place as King of the DAWs. And it is objective, guys. I use them all, have done the comparisons and benchmark tests.
So. Thank you Steinberg. I no longer flirt with the idea of leaving for other pastures. I no longer feel ignored, dismissed and disrespected. ARA is behaving as expected and my pitch editing frustrations are now a think of the past. While I admire the advances that VariAudio has made (and use it for small stuff) it really is still very inferior at this stage to Melodyne, so I’m happy that you seem to have finally listened to us users and have given us the power of choice. As I predicted in 2014, Cubase would not be diminished by this implementation. On the contrary it would only make the DAW more powerful and seriously professional. It now indisputably is. So thanks, thanks, thanks. I’m grateful, happy, over the moon, ecstatic, overjoyed, and all that good stuff. I truly appreciate it and I’m really happy that I no longer consider a divorce between myself and my favorite workhorse partner, Cubase.
Thank you Matthias
Also big thanks to Matthias Quellmann. You sir are to be commended for keeping us informed, and for giving us the impression that Steinberg hears and cares. Just talking to us has removed or diminished the impression that Steinberg does what Steinberg wants irrespective of what the customers request. I think it’s safe to speak for others on the forum. Your communication is very very appreciated and we hope it will continue. You are a very highly valued liaison between big Lord Steinberg and us regular guys. so massive thanks and respect.
That’s about it, 'nuff said. I will now resume happily to my pitch shifting duties.