Since the last Cubase update, version 13.0.41, was released on June 13, 2024, users have experienced a long period of silence regarding new updates or improvements to the software. This raises important questions: why, after more than three months, has there been no official communication from Steinberg about new features, bug fixes, or even the platform’s future?
For such a dedicated community, which uses Cubase daily for their productions, this lack of transparency creates uncertainty. Many users are facing specific issues they expected to be resolved in future updates, while others are eagerly awaiting new features to enhance their experience. However, to date, there is no clear roadmap of what to expect from the company.
What does Steinberg have to say about this? Are they planning a major update soon, or will users continue to be left in the dark, with no forecasts? In such a fast-paced environment as music production, keeping users informed and updated is crucial for maintaining the trust and engagement of the community.
Does anyone have any relevant information to share?
I’ve just been wondering the same thing for a few days…and I think it’s the same as always. absolute silence. I don’t care about the improvements, but I do care about many corrections and optimization of the program’s performance…
I completely agree with you. It’s frustrating to invest so much in software like Cubase and in Steinberg itself, expecting a level of service that matches that investment, only to be left in the dark for so long. When we purchase a license, we’re not just buying a product; we’re placing our trust in the company and its commitment to its users. However, what we’ve experienced is absolute silence, with no justification or clear roadmap for updates, bug fixes, or performance improvements.
Meanwhile, other companies in the market show far more respect for their users. Even when they face difficulties, they openly communicate their limitations and provide updates on what they’re working on. This creates a more transparent and trustworthy relationship. We understand that developing complex software takes time, but the least we expect is communication. After all, we’re talking about an essential tool for many professionals, and the lack of optimization and fixes can directly impact our work.
Steinberg needs to realize that its users aren’t just looking for flashy new features. We want a stable, optimized software with proper support. This kind of silence only erodes the relationship with those investing time and money into the program.
This has always been the case with Steinberg unfortunately. They never divulge what they’re working on or what their customers can expect short term or long term. I wish they’d show more transparency as well.
The long-term customers already know how this works with Steinberg. There is nothing to get worried about. Steinberg does not communicate any future releases before the actual release.
A version cycle of Cubase usually goes something like this:
Release
huge amount of bug reports from users, developers monitor the forum closely
first maintenance release anywhere from 1 to 3 months after initial release
then follow several (two to five) maintenance releases; the time span between each maintenance release usually increases; developers withdraw from the forum
there is always a good chance for one hotfix release
then there is a prolonged phase of silence (that is where we are now with C13)
sometimes there will then be a final maintenance release
If I recall, when Nuendo used to cost around $1700, Cubase and Nuendo did not share the same audio engine code base. Cubase had something like quarterly point releases with a major release every 12 months. Sometime thereafter the Cubase functionality would make it into Nuendo. My perception was Steinberg was careful not to break the more expensive Nuendo. Today Nuendo can be had for around $1K. That price reduction did cause some Avid customers to switch to Nuendo - and during the time when the future of Avid, pro-tools, etc. was in doubt. Though it should be easier to update the code base for a common audio engine in both products, I would expect Steinberg to still be cautious about Nuendo updates. Maybe that translates to longer point and major releases cycles for both products. Most audio companies I’ve worked with do not advertise development or release schedules. They don’t want users to expect delivery of a feature or bug fix that might have to be cut in order to meet the release date. Alternately, the release date could move to accommodate something unforeseen. Companies often try to hint at and/or show off something new at the annual U.S. AES floor show . AES NY show is next week.
It may well be Assisted Idiocy or similar, as everyone is on the bandwagon. As long as I can turn it off I don’t care. I would be happy for there to be no new updates for long enough for me to actually catch up with the present innovations. (Nuendo 13 for me now, Cubase user since Pro 24).