Cubase includes enough built-in tools to take a vocal from raw take to finished sound. Which tools you have depends on your Cubase edition and version, so treat the plugin names below as common options and swap in what you own. The order matters more than the brand: see vocal chain order explained for why.
- Edit and comp first, then fix pitch (VariAudio or a real-time tuner)
- High-pass and cut mud with Cubase's EQ
- Two light compression stages beat one heavy one
- De-ess, then add saturation and presence
- Reverb and delay on FX channels; group the vocals into a Group Channel
A Cubase vocal chain, in order
| # | Tool | Job |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clip gain / audio edits | Lower loud breaths, even out phrases |
| 2 | VariAudio or a real-time tuner | Fix pitch; set key and scale in a real-time tuner |
| 3 | Frequency (EQ) | High-pass 80-100 Hz, cut mud 200-400 Hz |
| 4 | Compressor (one fast, one smooth) | Peak control, then levelling, 2-4 dB each |
| 5 | DeEsser | Tame sibilance in the 5-10 kHz area |
| 6 | Saturation (for example Magneto or similar) | Add harmonics for presence |
| 7 | Second EQ | Presence boost, air shelf |
Plugin names and availability vary by Cubase edition and version, so check the plugin list in your own copy.
Step 1: Edit and level the take
Comp your best takes together (Cubase has comping tools for lanes; see how to comp vocals), then trim loud breaths and even out words with volume handles or clip gain on the event. A more even signal gives compressors an easier job. Aim for peaks around -10 to -6 dBFS; see how to gain stage vocals.
Step 2: Pitch
There are two common approaches. VariAudio is an offline editor built into Cubase's sample editor, where you see each note as a segment and move or straighten it individually. It suits careful fixes. A real-time tuner, such as Waves Tune Real-Time or Cubase's own pitch plugin if your edition has one, sits in the insert chain and corrects as you play, which is better for hard-tuned effects. Use a slower setting for natural results; see Auto-Tune settings and the Waves Tune Real-Time guide.
Step 3: Corrective EQ
Open the channel's inserts or the channel strip and use the EQ to:
- High-pass around 80-100 Hz.
- Cut 2-4 dB in the 200-400 Hz area if the voice sounds boxy or thick.
- Narrow-cut any harsh resonance you can sweep and find.
Frequencies and reasons: vocal EQ cheat sheet.
Step 4: Compression
Cubase offers several compressor styles, depending on edition: a clean compressor, vintage-style and tube-style options, and a multiband. A common setup is a fast compressor for peaks followed by a smoother one for levelling, each taking about 2-4 dB. Starting ratios and times are in vocal compression settings.
Step 5: De-ess
Use the DeEsser (or your preferred de-esser) and sweep the frequency until the harsh "s" sounds are controlled, typically in the 5-10 kHz range. Put it before the compressors if loud sibilance triggers them, or after the brightening stages if they make it harsher. See how to de-ess vocals.
Step 6: Saturation and presence
A light touch of saturation adds harmonics that help the vocal cut through a dense mix. Keep it subtle, then add a presence boost around 2-5 kHz and a gentle shelf for air. Details: vocal saturation and distortion.
Step 7: Reverb and delay on FX Channels
Create FX Channel tracks, put reverb on one and delay on another (both fully wet), and use the vocal channel's sends to feed them. This lets the lead, doubles and adlibs share the same space. Starting settings are in vocal reverb settings and vocal delay settings.
Step 8: Group the vocals
Select your lead, doubles and adlib tracks and create a Group Channel. Route their outputs to it. On the group, a light compressor (1-2 dB) and a small EQ move can glue them together. See vocal bus processing.
Save the chain for later
Cubase lets you save and reuse insert chains and track presets. Save your vocal chain as a track preset so you can load it on the next song. Then adjust the key, de-esser and compression threshold for each new vocal, since every voice is different.
Using Waves vocal chains in Cubase
Waves plugins run in Cubase as VST3 plugins. Insert Waves StudioRack or the StudioVerse host on the vocal channel and load a chain; the whole chain runs in one slot, and you can add Cubase tools before or after it. Setup is covered in the installation guide and StudioVerse and StudioRack explained. The Ultimate Vocal Chain is 26 Waves StudioVerse chains; it needs Waves StudioVerse (free) and the Waves plugins listed on the product page, and works in DAWs that run Waves plugins, which includes Cubase.
Common Cubase vocal problems and fixes
- Vocal sounds boxy or thick. Check the 200-400 Hz area before touching anything else, and make sure the high-pass is on.
- Compressor pumps on loud words. Lengthen the release, lower the amount of gain reduction, or use clip gain to level the loudest words first.
- Harsh "s" sounds after compression. Compression lifts quiet consonants. Move the de-esser later in the chain or add a second one at a lower strength.
- Tuning sounds glitchy. Look for reverb or a doubler placed before the tuner, and check the key and scale.
- Reverb makes words unclear. Shorten the decay, add pre-delay (30-80 ms) and roll off the low end of the reverb return.
After the basics, test the vocal against your reference tracks and on a phone speaker. Small changes of 1-2 dB are usually enough. For the wider mixing picture see how to make vocals sound professional.
FAQ
Should I use VariAudio or a real-time tuner?
VariAudio for note-by-note fixes, a real-time tuner for fast, consistent correction or an obvious tuned effect. Many people use both.
Do I need third-party plugins for vocals in Cubase?
Not necessarily. The included tools can produce a finished vocal; third-party plugins add other character and workflow options.
Where should reverb go in Cubase?
On an FX Channel, fed by a send, so several vocal tracks can share it.
Can I save my vocal chain?
Yes. Save the insert chain or track as a preset, then recall it on new projects and adjust per vocal.
