Is it possible to record drums in layers—starting with the kick, then adding the snare, followed by hi-hats—while keeping each part separate in the project window for individual editing and processing. Ideally, I’d also like each element (kick, snare, hi-hats, etc.) to appear on its own channel in the mix console.
I’m aware that I can create separate instrument tracks for each element, but I’m concerned that starting with a few tracks and eventually expanding to ten or more could put unnecessary strain on my system.
Is there a more efficient workflow for this that works consistently across different VSTs, such as Kontakt, Superior Drummer, HALion Sonic, or Groove Agent.
Recording drums in layers: yes, if you use cycle recording and set the MIDI recording to "Mix-Stacked (no mutes). Then, when you record in a loop, the first iteration of the loop you can play the e.g. kick, the second iteration you can play the snare and the next one the hi hat. Each iteration will create a new MIDI part that contains only the data for the one instrument you played in that loop.
Each instrument on its on Channel in the mixer: yes, but you have to configure it per VSTi, route the different instruments to dedicated outputs (all the VSTi you named can do that, but each one does it differently, so check the manuals), then enable those outputs in Cubase (from the plugin windows function menu: “Activate Outputs”, or a bit easier from the “VST Instruments” window).