Cubase 7

Im also someone who has always used cubase. Funny thing is - when I was a lot younger - I downloaded a cracked version of cubase (I was too young to know better, had no money, and just wanted to make recordings). Due to learning cubase at a young age - this carried through to me as an adult paying my hard earned cash to buy full versions of the software. Some of these companies need to consider that "piracy" has a few positives too, as not only was I unable to afford the product as a kid (which means they didn't lose a sale from me downloading it) - I probably would have ended up being a protools guy once I had it forced onto me at college - and it was only for the fact that i took part in the crime of downloading it that I was indoctrinated enough to still be using cubase till this day.

Off topic, but interesting.

I updated to cubase 7 about 6 months ago.  To be honest - I haven't really had the time to jump into any of the 'big new features' yet - such as chord track etc. I upgraded from cubase 5 and haven't even tried out any of the version 6 features yet either. I am particularly interested in the drum editing features that where introduced in 6.5 - as I do a lot of drum editing. I am kinda scared of anything that promises automated drum editing - as I find even beat detective in protools to not be as good as the old manual chop and move method. All the music I do is very real sounding drums, so a balance of accuracy and realism with NO ARTIFACTS is very important. But I am curious to investigate cubase 7's editing tools.

The interface is very nice looking. I have seen people around the web complaining about the look of the mix console - but I love it. Its not just the look though, they have greatly improved the workflow of it. Using cubase 5 - I found myself constantly switching between the mixer and the main project view - and only having one monitor , it was a real pain in the ass. As soon as I started using cubase 7 - I found tht I no longer was switching between views while mixing - finally I can stay on the mixer window and complete the mix, finding every control I need in front of me. They really have made the UI of the mix console very customizable too - and the layout feels a lot more like you are using a real mixer - except that it's a mixer with more features than any mixing console in existence. I actually feel like its changed the whole way I mix, and led to me having better results. I know this is purely a psychological thing - but loading up a template that has Waves NLS, Waves SSL E-Channel, and a Waves API EQ on each channel - I can get a mix sounding almost done in half an hour - because it's inspired me to use a very minimal amount of good processing while I am imagining that I'm on a real console, using only trim, EQ, compression, gates, and pan. 

I also noticed that after I updated cubase 7 to the latest version - the insert section of the mix console completely changed - and it's extremely easy to drag, and copy plugin inserts around onto different tracks. Just keeps getting better.

There is still lots more for me to discover about Cubase 7 - but the couple mixes I have done so far - I have done better, and I do believe it's the workflow enhancements, and overall feel of the UI. I'm actually feeling more a difference than the last time I purchased a hardware interface! 

In terms of stability - I have seen some people complaining about the performance of the software. But I know enough about how software and hardware work together to know that it's usually either a crappy system, or a poorly setup system that is to blame. If one person can have a flawless experience with a software product, and another person doesn't - well it seems logical that the difference in those two situations is the user and the machine the software is installed on. I use cubase 7 on Mac and PC - and it runs solid on both. Build a machine in which all hardware components are chosen for audio production (even if using Mac OSX), dedicate it to Audio, remove all that junky third party software that came with the machine and isn't related to the operating system itself (HP CPU performance management system monitor etc etc.) don't use the machine as a porn surfing machine, and in general - don't let it get clogged up with all sorts of shit that your kids and wife want to install! (but this is the better computer dad, I need to use this one!). Learn everything you can about audio routing (from a hardware perspective) - I know guys who are great at producing music, but think that If a plug fits into a socket - then you don't have to worry about what the signal level is. If everything is well thought out and correctly configured (including all the software panels for your audio interface) - then Cubase 7 performs like the dream it was designed to be.

I cut my teeth on Cubase. I have Cubase 7, Logic X and PT 10...I mostly use PT's because - well, everyone else uses it - and I like the audio editing better than any other software. BUT - I could be happy in Cubase 7. It's been pretty solid for me with what little I've used it. One reason I haven't committed to using it is that I'm totally behind on how to use comping. I just can't commit to sitting down and learning all the ins and outs of it. And once you get used to certain keyboard shortcuts, it's a pain to try to use the others - although I've switched the Cubase keyboard shortcuts to Pro Tools presets...but there are still a lot of differences.

I don't at all think Cubase is an inferior product...in many cases I think it's better than PT. But the workflow is just easier for tracking to me. Maybe it's because I'm used to PT's, but I really wish Cubase had a smart tool like PT's. Love being able to crossfade, fade, drag, adjust volume, etc without having to ctrl click...

I have the exact same DAW's as you but I use Cubase almost exclusively unless a session comes in in another.  You mention the comping in Cubase.  I find it soooo easy and intuitive.  That's probably the main reason I stay with it.  Such a time saver once you catch on.  IMO, way better than the comping in PT.  But it could be that I'm so used to Cubase.  Been with Steinberg since 95.

I just started a project in C7...It's running fine, but I swear I might switch over to PT's...I haven't worked in Cubase in so long, the workflow is killing me...

Yeah - I use Cubase because it has some VST's and plugs that don't work in PT's...but ultimately...Also, its kind of weird - I was compressing a snare in C7 and I swear it wasn't reacting the same as in PT's...That kind of stuff freaks me out and makes me nervous...

I'm on 6.5. 7 didn't seem necessary for me. The hit points and quantize panel were amazing when it came out.

How does the channel strip sound?

Wtf changed with the elicenser? When I upgraded from 4-6...I used the same one. I don't remember if it came with a code...or how exactly it worked, but it was just a license change. If you're telling me they've moved to "v2" of the physical...I need to know--I own two of the old ones--came with cubase and VSL...I've moved all the licenses to one, keeping the second as a backup...have an extra ilok2, as well...but...