Until I used Cubase 6, Wave Lab sounded a bit “clearer”, closer- comparing to Cubase. (Of course, I mean IDENTICAL clips, no plugins, no dynamic change)
The main reason I decided to upgrade to Cubase 8 was how it sounds. Actually I compared 2 identical clips played by 6 and 8. As far as 8 is concerned, I could hear more details, the sound was somehow closer. Like Wave Lab…
Interesting- I made an experiment to judge if it is a matter of better mixdown or just better playback. So I exported 2 identical mixes from Cubase 6 and 8. Put them on 2 tracks and one played with reversed phase. SILENCE!
If there was any difference during mixing by 2 Cubase versions there would be some audible trace. But it was absolute zero.
To conclude- Cubase 8 mixes in the same way but has better (similar or identical to Wave Lab) playback. And this is a great thing abut it!