I’m essentially a dedicated Steinberg user. I have the pro versions of Cubase, WaveLab and just moved to Dorico from Finale.
That said, I’ve been doing some reading on mastering and noticed that at least one text recommended Samplitude and Sequoia by Magix as DAWs especially well suited to mastering. These programs were apparently originally developed for PC, which piqued my curiosity, as I’m a PC user.
So, I went to the Magix website to explore and discovered that they’re currently selling the Samplitude Pro X Suite at 58% off ($248).
But here’s what I found most interesting - it includes Spectral Layers 11 Pro!
So, as a dedicated Steinberg customer, I’m wondering why the full pro version isn’t include with Cubase Pro…and why there doesn’t even seem to be upgrade pricing to move from the version that is included to the full version.
In the end, I bought Samplitude, because whether I end up using it for mastering (or recording and mixing) or not, I was able to get Spectral 11 Pro AND Sound Forge Pro 16 along with some other bundled software, some of which I already owned. So, why not.
You’d think Steinberg wouldn’t want to encourage customers to venture outside of its ecosystem.
I find it similarly odd that there doesn’t seem to be upgrade pricing to move from Groove Agent 5 SE to the full version, though again, maybe I’m missing something.
Spectralayers was owned by Magix at one point.
FWIW Magix filed for bankruptcy last year so the cheap Samplitude price could be partly due to the fact it may not get any significant updates. But given the whole suite is cheaper than Spectralayers Pro alone and assuming the license is still updateable via Steinberg that shouldn’t be a problem.
Interesting to learn that Layers used to be a Magix app. Didn’t know that.
They basically had me download it through the Steinberg Download Assistant with a serial number and authorize it through Steinberg…so I assume I shouldn’t have any issue with future updates.
Didn’t know about the insolvency. That’s interesting news…
After reading your reply I did some Internet sleuthing and it appears, at least for now, that they’re still operating and planning to release a new update to Samplitude this Spring…so, I guess we’ll see.
MAGIX’s pricing makes little sense. As at one time they “owned” SpectraLayers, there’s probably some contractual agreement allowing them to continue bundling SpectraLayers. Getting SpectraLayers Pro 11 via one of their fire sales should be seen as good luck.
If MAGIX were to handle SpectraLayers licenses the same way they handle licenses for the former Sonic Foundry products, you would probably have gotten a serial number for version 4 or something. Being able to get a DAC and use it through Steinberg means you always get the current version, which in this case is a fantastic deal.
FWIW I recently got Vegas Edit 21 via Humble Bundle for a charitable donation of US $30. This is a product that MAGIX has at times claimed to cost $700. I just doubt I’ll be able to activate it on a new commputer in a few years time, whereas I don’t worry about that with SpectraLayers (Steinberg).
I think my main point in all this really is that Spectral Layers Pro 11 should be included with Cubase Pro as it is with Samplitude Pro X Suite or that at least a discounted upgrade price should be available to move from the version included with Cubase Pro to the full version.
I was actually surprised when I couldn’t find upgrade pricing.