However, because of Reaper’s appearance and menus, the way functions are selected and operations are applied, might feel a bit more confusing to inexperienced users because of its “old school” dropdown menu look.Ĭubase, on the other hand, can be as easy or as complicated as the user makes it, due to the massive amount of possible operations. So in theory, all the functions should be applied following the same methods. Most DAWs in the market follow the same concepts as far as recording, editing, and mixing. Reaper does not need any of that to be run. These dongles basically look like a flash drive, so you will need to have one USB port available to connect it. In the case of Cubase, specifically, you can also install it from its proprietary download software centre called “Steinberg Download Assistant”, which can actually be simpler.Īfter Cubase is installed, you will need an elicenser dongle to run it. The user can download the installer from their websites and follow the instructions once it is run. The installation process of these DAWs is very simple.

With Cubase, this program is compatible with other Steinberg interfaces and software, and third-party hardware. However, they have created Reaper to be fully compatible with all interfaces and hardware in the market using CoreAudio, ASIO and Wasapi formats, and all MIDI controllers and surfaces. The company Cockos that develops Reaper does not design any proprietary hardware. On the other hand, users looking for a GUI that is optimized for MIDI recording and editing for scoring, Cubase will be the right choice. With Reaper, this program gives its users the ability to change its appearance by changing its colours, icons, toolbars, and layouts.Īlso, Reaper’s windows can be shown, hidden, docked, or displayed on a separate monitor if needed.įor users coming from a Pro Tools and Studio One background, Reaper will look very familiar.

Both come in a standard grey/dark default theme, ideal to work for extended periods of time. These two programs have a very distinct GUI characteristic, and that is the color. Reaper is developed by the company Cockos, and it is fully compatible with third-party interfaces and other MIDI devices.Ĭonversely, Cubase is developed by the company Steinberg, also giving its users full compatibility with their interfaces, fader controllers, and added software.

Nuendo vs cubase sound quality