Long Read, But Simple Question About Upgrade Path

Cubase
1

[TL;DR warning]

Good day and greetings!

Although I’m not new to Steinberg or Cubase, (I bought in & joined the Forums in 2012 or so, and have posted many things on the previous Forums), I am new to these current Forums.

My old password didn’t work. I haven’t signed in since 2020 when I reset it – (maybe that’s why).

Anyway, I’m asking this question here because the standard process and direction of following Steinberg’s suggested ‘Help’ links did no good whatsoever.

After almost an hour of endless clicks and reading, and more clicks and more reading, like more and more things AI and Robotic these days, it just sent me around and around in pointless circles, never getting even remotely close to having my question answered, let alone finding anywhere to even ask it.

So, I’m gonna ask it here, (even though it’s most likely not the proper place to do so. But I don’t know where else to try).

And it’s a very simple question a bit further down below.

After a decade staying on Cubase ‘8.0.4 Pro’, I’m finally considering upgrading to ‘Cubase 14’ – only this time, not ‘14 Pro’, but only ‘14 Artist’.

So, when wanting to ‘Add To Cart’, Under Please Choose:

  1. When I start the purchase process, I don’t choose ‘Cubase 14 Pro’, (which I really don’t need), I choose ‘Cubase 14 Artist’.

  2. Next, I pick the middle category: ‘Updates & upgrades for existing customers’.

  3. Then down to the 3rd box, I choose the section that has Previous Versions 11 right down to 6. Obviously ‘8’ is in there, but I have ‘8.0.4 Pro’, not ‘Artist’.

Since ‘Pro’ is always a higher tier then ‘Arist’, my assumptions is that this is correct, and should work, (theoretically). But there’s no confirmation.
(Similar past assumptions have resulted in costing a few extra dollars shortly afterwards, although only with other companies - never with Steinberg or Cubase at all.)

If I was going for ‘14 Pro’, it’s dead simple and very clear – my Upgrade is down below in that 3rd box, right there between ‘11 Pro - 6 Pro’.

But not this time. It only shows ‘Artist’, (unlike previous upgrades I did from ‘6’, then to ‘7’, then to ‘8’, which had all different versions one might have been using as an upgrade path).

So, FINALLY! My question is:

Is this the right selection process for me to Upgrade from ‘8 Pro’ to ‘14 Artist’?

(And again, the endless loop of the On-line sales ‘AI Help’ and options, delivered nothing but the standard, typical, and ‘now all-too-commonly anticipated’ inherent frustrations within.
I’m also willing to bet some others can relate to these new, growing trends of almost ubiquitous on-line AI generated frustrations, now, as well.
But I digress…)

Apologies for the TL;DR – (even though you would have had to read this far to see said apology :wink:).

But I thank you for reading, nonetheless, as I hopefully await someone’s reply.

Cheers!

J. S.

2

That is considered to be a “downgrade”, which is not a possible purchase option.

Basically, once you are in the “Pro” category … you can only get a discount when going to another “Pro” version.

Thanks for all the extra info, though! :grin:

3

Thanks for the reply, S_P.
(I like your display name, btw. I do remember you from many years ago.)

I was starting to think that would be the case, as well.

I’m wondering if Steinberg Sales just might chime in and offer something otherwise (when they’re back in tomorrow – that is if they even monitor, or at least occasionally read these forums)?

I don’t have my hopes too high, though.

Otherwise, it looks like the 30% sale goes until April 28, (unless I’m mistaken).

4

I guess I should also ask:

Does the upgrade need to be authorized on the same computer that ‘8 Pro’ is on, to be considered as a legit upgrade?

(I’m planning on doing a completely new computer build, with new, updated hardware and software for this Cubase upgrade, but not bothering to reinstall 8 Pro on that one.)

8 Pro is currently registered in my account showing as ‘Activated’ and also on my USB-eLicenser.

Or is just having ‘8 Pro’ registered in my account good enough to make ‘14 Pro’ legit & subsequently activated?

In the Cart, it does not say ‘Proof of eligibility required’, nor ‘Begin Verification Process’, as it does if going with the Competitive Crossgrade option, (which would be a chunk of more cash).

(Does the new upgrade ‘need to see’ the older, existing version installed on the same Operating System Drive?)

5

No, it does not need to be on the same computer.

All you need to do is to connect your USB eLicenser on the new computer, install the Download Assistant, that automatically installs the eLicenser Control Center, Activation Manager and some other tools, and enter the Access Code (you will get this in a mail).

No need to install Cubase 8 Pro on the new machine.

You are doing a standard Upgrade from a previous Cubase release, this is no Crossgrade.

You can find the detailed description of the upgrade process here

6

Hey JuergenP!

Thanks so much for the break down in answering each question.

I do see a Message Header – something about the eLicenser ending on May 20, but I think I need to read that again, as I’m a bit confused.

It’s only been a day or two since I revisited this site and even considered this major upgrade for myself.

I’ve been all over the web pages, clicking many links and reading a bunch of stuff.

In the mean time, I will click the link you supplied at the bottom, and check that out.

Thanks for that as well!

7

Well… after a few days away, I’m back here to say I’m now the proud owner of a ‘shiny new Cubase 14 Pro License’.

Coming all the way from 8 Pro, 14 Pro kind of has ‘that new car smell’ about it – you know – that you wish might never go away, (but sadly does, eventually).

And ‘Scab_Pickens’ was correct up above - Artist Version was indeed considered a downgrade, and hence not eligible for upgrade price options.

Naturally, it cost me less to go from 8 Pro up to 14 Pro, than just to Artist directly. So good advice above (thanks!) - and a good decision on my part. (And who wouldn’t want the fullest version anyway?)

I will be posting another script about doing a new build fairly soon, should anyone wish to chime in again with their thoughts and more helpful advice.

Meanwhile, thanks to all who replied here!

J. S.

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