Digital Audio Workstations are the backbone of modern music production. Each producer has their preferred DAW, often swearing by its unique features, intuitive workflow, and the creative spark it ignites.

For electronic artist, producer, and DJ Sharooz Raoofi, Cubase stands out due to its “superior” sound quality compared to other options on the market.

The Allure of Cubase

Sharooz Raoofi recently shared his insights on the latest episode of MusicTech’s My Forever Studio podcast, a podcast where musicians dream up their fantasy studio space and gear, picking a limited number of items.

When it came to choosing his DAW, Sharooz’s decision was straightforward: “It’s got to be Cubase… Sound quality is superior to most of what’s out there. I love their plugins.

Everything that Steinberg makes — its EQs and Reverbs — I just love the flow, the layout.”

A Long-Standing Relationship

Sharooz’s relationship with Cubase dates back to the 90s, having started with a cracked version of it (“Sorry Steinberg”) given by his lecturer.

Despite the unconventional beginning, his loyalty to Cubase has only grown stronger over the years.

“Cubase 13 the way it performs now is like fuck, it’s a tape machine for me,” he says, highlighting the DAW’s evolution and its seamless integration into his workflow.

Comparing DAWs: Cubase vs. The Rest

In the world of DAWs, competition is fierce, with each platform offering unique features and capabilities.

Sharooz acknowledges this, stating, “We’re getting to a point now where — I’m sure there’s a technical term for it — but they all kind of do the same thing, they’ve just found different ways to do it.

I mean Ableton is equally as impressive with 12.”

Logic Pro: A Worthy Contender

Sharooz also mentions Logic Pro, noting that it and Cubase are “neck and neck” in terms of capabilities.

“They’ve both just borrowed so much from each other. Maybe the differentiator at this point is a sound library. I know the Logic sampler with its Auto sampling is hugely helpful. It’d be nice to have that in.”

The Importance of Plugins and Sound Quality

One of the key reasons Sharooz prefers Cubase is its superior sound quality and the high-quality plugins that come with it.

“I love their plugins. Everything that Steinberg makes — its EQs and Reverbs — I just love the flow, the layout,” he explains.

This preference for high-quality sound and intuitive plugin design is a significant factor in his choice of DAW.

The Evolution of Cubase

Cubase has come a long way since its early days, evolving into a powerful and versatile DAW that meets the needs of modern producers.

Sharooz’s praise for Cubase 13 highlights the software’s continuous improvement and its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of music production.

The Future of DAWs

As technology advances, the lines between different DAWs continue to blur, with each platform borrowing features from the others.

This trend is likely to continue, with sound libraries and unique plugins becoming the primary differentiators.

For now, Sharooz remains loyal to Cubase, appreciating its superior sound quality and the seamless integration of its plugins.

Sharooz Raoofi’s endorsement of Cubase underscores the importance of sound quality and intuitive design in a DAW.

As the landscape of DAWs continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Cubase and its competitors adapt to meet the needs of modern producers.

What features do you prioritize most in a DAW, and how do they influence your music production process?

How do you think the evolution of DAWs will impact the future of music production?