Backbone 1.5 creates its drum sounds using Sony Computer Science Laboratories’ DrumGAN (“GAN” stands for generative adversarial networks). The same technology can be used to generate photorealistic portraits of people; the humans generated in the photos do not exist outside of GAN.

The neural network in DrumGAN works via machine learning, meaning the networks help enhance the output of AI. DrumGAN’s processing result is a drum pattern unrecognizable to the original pattern on which the AI is trained.

“The ability to generate new samples with DrumGAN for kicks, snare or cymbals, or analyze existing samples and further re-synthesize and reassemble the components, gives producers unprecedented flexibility to design new sounds,” says Steinberg Senior Marketing Manager Florian Haack.

Backbone 1.5 is available through the Steinberg Online Shop for €149 euros. At the time of writing, Backbone is currently 40% off its original pricing until the end of July 2022.

A free upgrade to version 1.5 is available for current Backbone users. Find more information on Steinberg’s website.

Workflow and productivity improvements are where Cubase 12’s new updates shine. Support for newer models of controllers is available for all three versions of Cubase 12 (Pro, Artist and Elements). When detected, Cubase 12 will automatically adjust mapping options to respond to each controller’s physical features like knobs and transport.

FX Modulator in Cubase 12. Image credit: Steinberg

Other standout enhancements also include FX modulators, a Chord Track converting MIDI to audio via drag-and-drop, and a Scale feature added to VariAudio for smoother timing and pitch corrections. In addition to this, each version of Cubase 12 has improvements to editing and provide near sample-accurate volume automation.

Features that were also available in Steinberg’s other DAW, Nuendo, are now part of Cubase 12’s build. Cubase 12 now grants the ability to use two video tracks for projects like scoring film.

Using the Steinberg login instead of a physical copy-protection device. Image credit: Steinberg

Cubase 12 no longer requires a physical copy-protection device for access to the DAW. Steinberg software users can sign into Cubase simply using their login information. Apple Silicon support for Macs with the new processor comes ready in Cubase 12; audio support for Dolby Atmos is coming in a later maintenance update.

Cubase Pro 12, Cubase Artist 12 and Cubase Elements 12 are available now priced at $580, $330 and $100, respectively. Upgrades for older versions and educational packages for schools are also available.

Find more information and Purchase Cubase 12 on Steinberg’s website. 

Aloha will use Elk’s Audio OS operating system to provide an ultra low-latency experience – 1ms round-trip, to be exact. A small device provided connects users’ audio instruments to Aloha’s interface. Accompanying software and a phone app will allow video conferencing as well as seamless live streaming capabilities. In a time where isolation is necessary but creative work needs to continue, this is a truly welcome feature.

Aloha’s interface will also work on standard internet connections using an Ethernet cable. 5G wireless connectivity via Swedish mobile giant Ericsson will arrive in late 2021, and as the new technology advances.

True Real-Time

Stockholm’s Elk Audio develops solutions that bridge the gap between musicians and technology. Elk’s Audio OS environment was released in 2018 under the company’s former name, MIND Music Labs. Software developer Steinberg then integrated Elk’s engine future VST3 developments later that year. Elk showcased its Aloha 5G technology concept in 2019 at the Mobile World Congress Exhibition together with Ericsson and British company Vodafone.

Aloha will be commercially available starting mid-2021; registration for beta testing is open now. More information can be found here.