So, once again Steinberg tempts us with new offers, and I am confused regarding what Nuendo actually is. I did my research, of course, but since I never used Nuendo, I still have a lot of questions. What I know is that Nuendo is a post-production tool and Cubase is a music creation tool, but specifics are a bit unclear to me. I guess a few examples would be nice, where you compare those two tools side by side and which specific tasks they excel at.
If I get Nuendo, is Cubase basically “obsolete” and is replaced by Nuendo? Are there things that Cubase can do which Nuendo can’t? And what are they?
So, let’s say I get Nuendo. In what situations would I want to go back to Cubase? I ask because Nuendo seems to have a lot more features than Cubase, and in my mind that seems like Cubase is kind of obsolete, once you get Nuendo.
Isn’t it equivalent of having Halion Sonic VS Halion (full)? I mean, why would you ever go back to Halion Sonic if you have Halion full version?
I think you will find, there is consensus around the fact that Mute VCA automation does not work as intended, in Nuendo so unless that is an issue for you, I don’t see any untoward differences in the two products, functionality wise.
As I have said previously, I use Nuendo for music simply because there are no fundamental differences, i.e., project compatibility is always available between the same whole numbered version, e.g., during the current product cycle.
If price is a factor, then there isn’t all that much difference after a special for Nuendo, in terms of upgrades and you can always crossgrade back to Cubase, if you find you need full VCA operation.
VCA “operation” is not “full” in Cubase, if that’s what you mean. It is more “correct” in Nuendo regardless of mute status which I thought was the same in both.
So, just to clarify. I have Cubase 13 Pro now, and if I crossgrade it to Nuendo, then I basically “lose” my Cubase license, because it gets permanently and irreversibly converted into a Nuendo license?
And will that mean, that every time I want to update to the newest version of Cubase, I can’t, because my Cubase is gone and has now become Nuendo?
How does my question make no sense? It’s a simple question that should have a simple answer.
I gave up contacting Steinberg support. They ignored my last few emails for about a month now. I’m not sure what’s going on in their department. It is frustrating and I refuse to call their German department, as it is expensive.
Well, it looks like ChatGPT is more helpful in this area:
When you crossgrade from Steinberg Cubase 13 Pro to Nuendo 13, your Cubase Pro license will be replaced by the Nuendo license. This means the following:
Your Cubase Pro license will be upgraded to a Nuendo license: The Nuendo license covers all the functionality of Cubase Pro, so once the crossgrade is complete, your existing Cubase Pro license will be converted into a Nuendo license.
You will still be able to run Cubase Pro using the Nuendo license: Since Nuendo includes all features of Cubase Pro (plus additional features for post-production, sound design, etc.), you will still be able to use Cubase Pro if needed. However, you will be doing so under your new Nuendo license, as the Cubase Pro-specific license will no longer exist.
No separate Cubase Pro license: You won’t have a separate Cubase Pro license anymore. The Nuendo license essentially takes over and allows you to run both Nuendo and Cubase Pro, but there won’t be a distinct Cubase Pro license listed in your account.
In summary, your Cubase Pro license is replaced by a Nuendo license, and you can still run Cubase Pro with the Nuendo license. However, you will no longer have a standalone Cubase Pro license after the crossgrade.
It’s simple. Either you know an answer to a question or you don’t. It’s really counterproductive to keep pretending that you do without actually helping.
I don’t think you loose your license, you can keep using Cubase 13 and upgrade to Cubase 14 but cannot use it to cross-grade at a discounted cost.as it creates a pricing loophole where users can upgrade to the newer versions of SB products at a discount without initially making a full price purchase.
Well, then one of you two are wrong. This is the reply that someone wrote not long ago:
Here is more from ChatGPT. I mean, I can’t guarantee that it’s 100% correct, but let’s assume:
Me:
So if my Cubase license will be replaced by Nuendo license, then I won’t be able to update to the newest version of Cubase (version 14)?
GPT:
You’re correct—after crossgrading from Cubase Pro to Nuendo, you will no longer have a standalone Cubase Pro license, meaning you won’t be able to directly update to the next version of Cubase (e.g., Cubase 14) without purchasing it separately.
This happens because:
Nuendo license replaces the Cubase Pro license: Once you crossgrade, the Nuendo license will allow you to run Cubase Pro 13 or any previous versions, but you won’t own a specific Cubase Pro license anymore.
Nuendo updates do not include Cubase-specific updates: While Nuendo includes all the features of Cubase Pro, updates to Cubase (like moving from version 13 to 14) are separate from Nuendo updates. To get access to Cubase 14, you would need to either:
Purchase an upgrade to Cubase 14 separately (and obtain a separate Cubase 14 license), or
Use Nuendo updates, as it will continue to offer equivalent or enhanced features compared to the latest Cubase version.
In summary, if you switch to Nuendo through a crossgrade, you’ll no longer have the option to directly update to Cubase 14 unless you make a new purchase for Cubase. Instead, you’ll rely on Nuendo updates, which typically follow a similar upgrade cycle but focus more on advanced post-production features.
That’s completely wrong. Don’t trust ChatGPT. It’s just a text generator that often simply creates fake facts.
When you crossgrade to Nuendo, you keep your Cubase license and get an additional one for Nuendo. Both can and must be updated independently afterwards.
A Nuendo license does not allow you to run Cubase but you need a dedicated license for it.
Edit: There is an exception though. If you want to crossgrade from an old Cubase license that still requires the eLicenser, then you have to surrender the Cubase license.
What I meant above is that once you have cross graded you are marked as cross graded, so for example you now sell your Cubase license to someone, he can use it but cannot use it to cross-grade. He can only upgrade and then he can cross grade.
I was head of several companies Indian subcontinent wise, these included Blackmagic, Telestream etc but SB may have different options but usually what I said is the case.
Did you contact SB Sales or Yamaha
Hello @Aleque - to help me too, thought I’d summarise the situation:-
In this instance, the ‘crossgrade’ is simply a Steinberg promotional/marketing tool, providing an opportunity for Cubase owners to purchase a separate, full Nuendo licence - but at a very favourable pricepoint. Your Cubase licence continues to ‘work’ as it always has (post new Steinberg Licensing and with older eLicenser too, if you have the dongle connected).
HOWEVER, as part of the deal, this Cubase Licence is now marked as ‘Crossgraded’ and cannot again be used for such a future promotion/sale (in the case that the licence is subsequently sold on to a third party)
Everyone else, please, corrections/additions/edits are welcomed…
Thanks to you and everyone for finally clarifying this
I wish I could “split the solution” between several users who helped. But since @RadioTal was the first one who came up with a detailed and correct reply, I will marked his reply as the solution.
I have decided not to let my FOMO dictate my irrational, impulsive purchase. I will keep learning Cubase until I am good at it, and if I one day I decide, that I want more features, and a similar offers presents itself, I might pull the trigger on that, when the day comes.
