How This Book Is Organized

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Let's take a look at what you will find in these pages through a short description of each chapter. At the end of this book, you will also find six appendices that will surely come in handy once you understood what MIDI is all about.

Chapter 1, Introducing Cubase : This chapter contains an overview of MIDI and digital audio to make sure you understand the underlying concepts related to Cubase as a digital audio multitrack recorder and MIDI sequencer.
Chapter 2, A Guided Tour of Cubase SX/SL : This chapter shows you most of the panels, windows , and dialog boxes you will encounter in your Cubase projects. We will look at how to access each one of these windows and give a short description of their purpose in Cubase.
Chapter 3, Getting Started : Here we will look at how your computer needs to be configured in order to ensure the best possible results when using Cubase.
Chapter 4, Navigating the Project Window : Finding your way around a project means that you can get to a part of your project easily, without having to rely on scrollbars all the time. We will look at how you can achieve this through the use of markers and Transport panel functions. You'll get an overview of the different context menus available in most of the Cubase windows and panels.
Chapter 5, Working with Tracks : When working on a project, you will be using the Project window, which is your main workspace. It is important to define each area of this window and understand why, when, and how to use it. We will also discuss the use of VST instruments and external MIDI device configurations so that Cubase can understand which tools you use outside the computer. Once your external devices are configured in Cubase, you will be able to control them directly from Cubase.
Chapter 6, Track Classes : Unlike an audio multitrack recorder, Cubase records not only digital audio, but also MIDI events and automation. It does so through several Track classes. Each class of track allows you to perform different tasks . This chapter discusses each one of these Track classes so that you will know when to use them in your project. This chapter will also include information on effects available in each Track class.
Chapter 7, MIDI and Audio Recording : This chapter will look at the process of getting content into Cubase: recording MIDI and audio events, as well as the Import feature. We will also look at the quantizing concept.
Chapter 8, MIDI Editing Windows : This chapter focuses on the different MIDI editing environments found inside Cubase.
Chapter 9, Audio Editing : This is the audio version of Chapter 8, where all the audio editing windows are discussed.
Chapter 10, Browsing and Processing Options : In this chapter, we look at a few new editing environments, such as the Project Browser and the Offline Process History panel. We will also explain how and why you should use offline audio processes, rather than adding audio effects that are processed in real time as you play the project.
Chapter 11, Project Editing : This chapter offers information on the audio editing principles (nondestructive editing vs. destructive editing) used in Cubase. It also discusses the variety of ways you can zoom in and out of your work by using shortcuts and menu options. Furthermore, the chapter looks at the functions and options found under the MIDI and Edit menus, as well as editing events directly in the Project window. The Project window is where your arrangement takes place.
Chapter 12, Mixer and Channel Settings : Once you have recorded and edited audio and MIDI events, the next most important task is to start thinking about mixing them. Here you will find information on how to use the mixer and most importantly, what you can expect the mixer to do for you. This implies a look at the different channel types represented in the mixer, as well as different mixer routings available when using groups and effects.
Chapter 13, Working with Automation : Cubase not only offers you a recording and editing environment for your musical projects, but it also allows you to automate a mix. It does so by creating automation subtracks to tracks containing audio or MIDI events. We will look at how to use these automation subtracks and how to create and edit automation to make sure your musical mix sounds as good as you hear it.
Chapter 14, Working in Sync : Synchronization today implies many things. Here we will try to define how it relates to Cubase and how you can get Cubase to work in sync with other devices, both inside the computer and outside of it. We will also discuss how to use the VST System Link to get different computers running a compatible application to work together as one big studio system that stays in perfect synchronization without using network connections.
Chapter 15, Mixdown and Mastering : Once all is done, you need to print your final mix to a format that you can distribute to people who don't have Cubase. Getting your music out there is almost as important as making it. With this in mind, this chapter looks at how you can create a mixdown of your project so that it can be mastered, converted, and distributed on a CD or on the Web.
Chapter 16, Score Editing : Creating musical scores with MIDI tracks in your project can produce high quality results. We will take a look at how the score functions work inside Cubase and what you need to do to convert your music into printable notes on a piece of paper.
Appendix A, The How To Do It Reference Guide : This appendix gives you a quick reference to all the "How To" sections discussed inside the book, organizing them into simple to use and musician-oriented categories so that you can quickly find what you are looking for.
Appendix B, Using MIDI Effects : Here you will find a description of the MIDI effects and how they can be used on MIDI tracks for both technical and creative purposes.
Appendix C, Logical Editing : For the logical musician that lies inside of you, here is the Logical Editor found in Cubase. This appendix describes how you can use this tool to edit MIDI events in a way that may take much longer in other editing windows.
Appendix D, Optimizing Through Customizing : Sometimes, it's easier when you can configure Cubase to respond the way you want it to. This appendix offers you a few solutions on how you can customize certain parameters so that they do exactly that.
Appendix E, Surround Mixing in SX : SX users will come across surround sound capabilities. This appendix describes how you can use these features to create surround sound mixes and output your mixes to a suitable multichannel format.
Appendix F, Cubase Resources on the Web : For those of you who would like to find out more on Cubase or have practical questions, you will find additional resources related to Cubase here.

So there you have it. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I think you will.

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