Cubase 15 Released: AI Stem Separation & What 30+ Years of DAW Evolution Taught Me

Cubase 15 Released: When I Think About What We Have Today, It’s Pure Science Fiction

I still remember firing up Cubase 1.0 on my Atari ST back in 1993. That little machine with its monochrome monitor felt like the future at the time - MIDI sequencing on a computer instead of a massive hardware rack. If you’d told me then that 30 years later I’d be extracting individual stems from mixed audio files using AI, I would’ve laughed you out of the studio.

But here we are in November 2025, and Steinberg just dropped Cubase 15 with AI-powered stem separation built right into the DAW. I can’t believe all we can do today with a computer. This is pure science fiction.

The AI Revolution Hits Cubase

Cubase 15’s headline feature is definitely the AI stem separation tool that lets you extract vocals, drums, bass, and other elements directly from mixed audio files. For remixers and sample-based producers, this is game-changing - no more third-party software needed. Just right-click your audio, hit the separation command, and watch it work its magic.

Now, I’ve been using PreSonus Studio One since 2015, and honestly, Studio One added stem separation last year with version 7. From experience, Studio One’s implementation is incredibly clean - some users even say it does a better job than SpectraLayers. But here’s the thing: Cubase isn’t trying to compete on who did it first. This is a badass DAW that film score composers like Hans Zimmer, Benjamin Wallfisch, and Steve Mazzaro swear by. The new stem separation just adds another powerful tool to an already legendary workflow.

If you’re struggling to decide between DAWs or want to understand which features actually matter for your productions, a track consultation can help you make the right call for your specific needs.

Pattern Sequencer & Modulation Madness

Beyond stem separation, Cubase 15 brings a melodic pattern sequencer with polyphonic and monophonic modes, scale constraints, and built-in randomization. You can generate bass lines, leads, and arpeggios with shape generators - perfect for electronic music producers looking to break out of creative ruts.

They also added six new modulators including Wavefold LFO and Sample & Hold. These expand Cubase’s internal modulation routing in ways that remind me of modular synthesis. Complex automation just got way easier.

Expression Maps for Film Composers

The redesigned Expression Maps system is a huge deal for orchestral and film composers. You get deeper integration with the Key and Score Editors, per-articulation attack compensation for realistic playback, and better management of large articulation libraries with grouping. This is why movie composers gravitate toward Cubase - the scoring tools are unmatched.

When you’re ready to take your cinematic productions from bedroom sketch to competition-ready, professional mixing ensures every orchestral layer sits perfectly in the 3D space.

New Effects & Instruments

UltraShaper is Cubase 15’s new dynamics processor combining transient shaping, clip limiting, and EQ in one plugin. There’s also a real-time PitchShifter with ±24 semitone range and formant control - insanely useful for vocal production and sound design.

On the instrument side, they added 40 new kits to Cubase Drum Machine tailored for electronic, hip hop, and trap. Groove Agent SE 6 got a scalable interface and improved mixer. And the beta Omnivocal vocal synthesis engine from Yamaha lets you type lyrics and have virtual voices sing them directly from the Key Editor. Seriously, we’re living in the future.

Why the Right DAW Matters (But Also Doesn’t)

Look, I’ve used them all. I started on Cubase in ‘93, worked through Digital Performer, Emagic Logic when it was still independent, watched Pro Tools become the industry standard, and eventually fell in love with Studio One in 2015. Each DAW has its own personality and strengths.

Cubase excels at film scoring and orchestral work. Studio One nails drag-and-drop simplicity and modern workflows. Ableton Live owns live performance and electronic production. The truth is, the best DAW is the one that clicks with your brain and doesn’t slow you down.

Here’s what nobody tells you though: 99% of successful artists don’t handle the technical grind themselves. They focus on composition and creativity while pros skilled in their genre handle the mixing and stem mastering at €232. Your DAW choice matters less than having someone who knows how to make your tracks bang on club systems and streaming platforms.