Amen and +1 to the OP
+1
I might be old but i always thought updates were supposed to fix things and be free and upgrades were to add new features. A “Point update” isn’t an upgrade (it’s an update) and should never be paid for. The extra’s should be kept for new versions. And only released after heavy Beta testing / QA. Then it’s an upgrade and you pay for it.
I think that is a great idea. Presonus does a lite-version of this with StudioOne Artist. A user can purchase the barebones starter version then add “modules” for things like MP3 export, VST/AU hosting, etc., at a reasonable cost (something like $20). That way a person can buy only what they need with an option to grow. What’s needed there is a way to reflect those purchases in the upgrade price to the pro version…the more invested the more credited when you go pro.
I’ve been a serial monogamist when it comes to DAWs over the years. I’ve probably tried them all (on the Mac side) at some point and used them for a year or two at a stretch each time. All DAWs can pretty much do 90% of whatever its competition does. Different workflows maybe, different key commands, but there is very little that’s really unique. I really like C8 and C8.5 tremendously. And as I am beginning to do this stuff professionally now, I realize that it really comes down to how well I have learned the tool.
That said, there are some shiny new objects out there (specifically StudioOne) that would be a serious alternative IF it had a video workflow worth a damn. It doesn’t and likely won’t any time soon because that isn’t what Presonus is focused on. But I’m glad to see Steiny sitting up and taking notice and trying to learn from the competition.
Don’t dare complain on gs. Lol
This update makes me upset.
+1. Just make it work.
+1
Fix bugs, polish GUI, optimize workflow.
So, what were the issues? I’ve been using Cubase Pro 8 for 6 months, and have yet to run into a major bug. The prog froze on me once when I renamed the folder that I was saving my projects in. Not trying to be a jerk, just seriously curious why everyone is so up in arms.
+1
if it weren’t for the MIDI possibilities dept in Cubase i also would have changed to something else … In fact intend to try out Sonar soon, to see what that has to offer … - F
There’s a lot listed in this very thread. The biggest ones for me are:
VE Pro / ASIOguard (ongoing problems)
Disabled / re-enabled tracks still has issues (eg Quick Controls not remembered after a disabled save; disabled multi outs coming up with extraneous nags on launching a project)
Record Arming VCAs still always grouped
Windows management in W7 still unreliable
I don’t have core stability issues that some others seem to. But another huge part of it for me is the piroritising of new features and enhancements. It’s easy to brush off as “everyone wants something different”, but there are some really solid core functionality issues (most of which are relatively small, not big ticket “have an arranger like Ableton” type noise) that have been long long requested that go on for years unaddressed while other far more spurious new features get added. We had around 20 or so good solid little improvements in 8.5, all of which hugely welcome. Trouble is - we need about 1020. I think the overall thrust is (with seemingly few arguing against it here) - lots more practical long-asked-for smaller improvements, less stuff like VST Cloud which are developer resource intensive and will be hugely under-used by users. Once a lot more of those have been addressed, then I think many of us would be less grouchy about stuff like Cloud.
Incidentally, I’ve updated a lot of my bug and issuses threads to reflect that after a year they have not been addressed. I don’'t think a single post has been moderator approved. This is another problem - I think many of us simply feel ignored, and in frustration we end up creating threads like this.
There has to be a better system than this - Steinberg, we’re all ears. Over to you.
Yep… the silence from Steinberg is almost deafening! 
But yeah there have been quite a few ‘small’ if not VERY welcome additions/improvements in 8.5
If steinberg would reply the replies will be overwhelming I guess 
+1
I am willing to pay an extra $50 for a Cubase x.75 version that is no new features and just bug fixes. Okay $100. Okay $150. No, $100.
Lydiot
Thank you for the long reply above and I noted the contents !
I think the potential depends on that “much higher price” to rid a DAW from this vicious cycle. Today that high price may be unrealistic. They know their market. But at some point I think someone will come along with this concept.
I wasn’t thinking of bare bones. I was thinking of a DAW built from the ground up that focuses on core functions. For example the sample editor, the list editor, the drum editor, the logical editor, key editor, with support functions such as history window, comping window, etc. But NOT functions that 3rd parties often do better such as autotune, all the presently included instrument and effect VST’s, LoopMash, upgrades such as EQ’s, or Magneto. Plus not what I think should be options such as Halion, Groove Agent etc. And make it so better integration with major3rd parties such as UAD or Waves is encouraging. Give the pro user the options of configuring the DAW from ground up with 3rd parties instead of a huge take-it-or-leave it bundle. DId I just eliminate 90% of users hopefully leaving 10% who desire core functions?
I know “core functions and better workflow” is subjective. And I admit how they were able to eventually integrate Vari-audio with chord tracks is very cool. But with 10% paying a “much higher price” you can allocate your resources to DAW core functions instead of releasing new eye-candy or wiz-bang features. I bet you could fix bugs, even create non-eye-candy new features such as mix undo well before the competition. Until C8.5 look how long Steinberg had ignored the drum editor. A way to delete drum tracks, move them around, and manipulate length should have been achieved back in the SX era! The same can be said about the sample editor. These core functions are ignored because resources have to be used to appeal to hobbyists.
I hear what you’re saying. But VST 3 is a good standard, and all Steinberg would have to do is focus on core features. I really don’t think there’s a need to code the app “from the ground up”, just fix what’s not working and stop messing around with the candy.
If they could somehow do this to C8.5 an application that has been piece-mealed since the SX era, manifesting many inconsistencies, vs. a fresh start…especially when addressing windows issues then I agree 100%!
But IMO that will never happen when you are dependent on hobbyists and new users who drive this DAW market and create this endless cycle . Don’t upgrade would work, but is that realistic?
+1