Customer Reviews (100)

Rocket Tommy • 2025-04-02T21:58:02.488Z

Awesome system always has been, worth every penny.

Brian Johnson • 2025-04-02T18:34:39.936Z

Excellent

Russell W • 2025-04-02T07:31:28.122Z

Can we get bluetooth midi on android!? update: couldn't get bluetooth midi to work, trying to connect mpc key 37. Also, thank you for DAWProject compatibility that is major. Android needs bluetooth midi the option is not even there in the settings.

Summary of Key Insights

Cubasis 3 is generally well-received as a powerful mobile DAW, with many users praising its professional-grade sound engine and feature set. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with the desktop version (Cubase) is a significant advantage. However, the app suffers from stability issues (crashing, audio glitches), MIDI connectivity problems (especially Bluetooth), and file management complexities. A significant number of users request better audio interface support, auto-tune capabilities, and improved workflow. Sentiment is generally positive, but the identified pain points detract from the overall experience for a substantial portion of users.

Quantitatively, the app has a good overall rating (mostly 5-star reviews), but the significant number of 1-star and 3-star reviews indicate that there are critical issues affecting a non-negligible user base. The breakdown is: 5-star (50%), 4-star (17%), 3-star (14%), 2-star (5%), 1-star (14%). This suggests a polarization of user experience: those for whom it works, love it, and those who face issues, are extremely frustrated.

Key Strengths:

  • Professional sound quality and features
  • Integration with desktop Cubase
  • Comprehensive DAW capabilities on mobile

Key Weaknesses:

  • Stability issues (crashing, audio glitches)
  • MIDI connectivity problems (especially Bluetooth)
  • Complex file management
  • Lack of auto-tune
  • Inconsistent audio interface support

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews appear to be relatively recent, spanning the last few months.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual sentiment analysis and keyword extraction were used to identify recurring themes, user pain points, feature requests, and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashing and Stability: Several users reported crashes and strange behavior, impacting workflow and productivity. (High Impact)
  • Audio Glitches and Latency: Issues with audio flutter, hanging notes, crackling, and latency were reported, especially when using external audio interfaces or Bluetooth devices. (High Impact)
  • MIDI Connectivity Issues: Problems connecting MIDI keyboards and controllers, particularly via Bluetooth, were a common complaint. (High Impact)
  • File Management Complexity: The media bay and project management system were described as buggy, unfathomable, and torturous, making it difficult to import, export, and organize files. (Medium Impact)
  • Inconsistent Audio Interface Support: Many users reported compatibility issues with specific audio interfaces, despite Cubasis claiming to support audio and MIDI hardware. (High Impact)
  • Lack of Auto-Tune: A frequent request was for the addition of auto-tune or pitch correction features for vocals. (Medium Impact)
  • Microphone Gain Resetting: The microphone gain resetting to 0db after each restart was a frustrating glitch for users recording live audio. (Medium Impact)
  • Problems with Exporting Mixdowns: Difficulties in locating and exporting finished mixes to internal storage were reported. (Medium Impact)
  • User Interface Congestion: The UI was described as "extremely congested" on smaller screens. (Low Impact)

Frequently Requested Features

  • Auto-Tune/Pitch Correction: The most frequently requested feature was auto-tune or pitch correction for vocals.
  • Bluetooth MIDI Support: Improved and reliable Bluetooth MIDI connectivity.
  • Guitar Amp Emulation and FX: Guitar amp emulation and FX for Android.
  • More Instruments: Requests for specific instruments like Armenian Duduk, Turkish Bağlama, Arabic orchestra, cinematic piano, and Halion sounds.
  • Pattern Editor for Drums: A pattern editor for drum tracks instead of relying solely on the piano roll.
  • Manual Sample Rate Selection: Manual sample rate selection, specifically for Android.
  • Stereo Mic Recognition and MS Mastering: Support for stereo mic recognition and MS mastering.
  • Advanced Voice Filtering Options: Advanced voice filtering options.
  • Album Organization: A way to sort songs into albums.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Professional Sound Quality: Users consistently praised the professional-grade sound quality of the app and its built-in instruments and plugins.
  • Integration with Cubase: The ability to seamlessly transfer projects between Cubasis and the desktop version of Cubase was a major selling point.
  • Comprehensive DAW Features: Users appreciated the full range of DAW features available on a mobile device, allowing them to create music anywhere.
  • Ease of Use (for some): Some users found the app intuitive and easy to use, especially those familiar with Cubase.
  • Time Stretching Feature: The time stretching feature was praised for its stability.
  • Value for Money (for some): Some users considered the app worth the price, especially given its capabilities.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Stability Issues: Investigate and fix the reported crashes, audio glitches, and latency problems. This is crucial for user satisfaction and preventing negative reviews.
  • Improve MIDI Connectivity: Prioritize fixing Bluetooth MIDI connectivity issues and ensure compatibility with a wider range of MIDI controllers.
  • Enhance Audio Interface Support: Thoroughly test and improve support for various audio interfaces on Android. Provide a clear list of compatible interfaces.
  • Simplify File Management: Redesign the media bay and project management system to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Auto-Tune/Pitch Correction: Add an auto-tune or pitch correction feature to address a major user demand.
  • Fix Microphone Gain Resetting Bug: Resolve the issue where the microphone gain resets to 0db after each restart.
  • Optimize Performance: Improve performance on various Android devices, including high-end smartphones and tablets.
  • Address Exporting Mixdown Issues: Make it easier to export finished mixes to internal storage.

Low Priority:

  • Optimize User Interface: Consider UI improvements for smaller screens.
  • Add More Instruments and Effects: Explore adding frequently requested instruments and effects, such as guitar amp emulations and specific instrument sounds.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Mobile-First DAW Plugin Marketplace: A marketplace dedicated to plugins specifically designed and optimized for mobile DAWs like Cubasis. Focus on plugins that address common user needs, such as auto-tune, guitar amp emulations, and unique instrument sounds.
  • AI-Powered File Management Assistant: An AI-powered tool that helps users organize and manage their audio files within Cubasis, automatically tagging files, suggesting folder structures, and resolving file conflicts.
  • Collaborative Mobile Music Production Platform: A platform that integrates with Cubasis and other mobile DAWs, allowing musicians to collaborate on projects in real-time, share files, and provide feedback.
  • Hardware Compatibility Testing Service: A service that tests and certifies the compatibility of audio interfaces and MIDI controllers with Cubasis on various Android devices.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: The majority of reviews are in English, but there are also reviews in French, Turkish, and other languages, indicating a global user base.
  • Polarization of Sentiment: Users either love the app or are extremely frustrated by its issues.
  • Hardware Dependence: The app's performance and stability seem highly dependent on the specific Android device and hardware configuration.
  • Comparison to Other DAWs: Users frequently compare Cubasis to other mobile DAWs like FL Studio Mobile and Audio Evolution Mobile.

Conclusion

Cubasis 3 has the potential to be the leading mobile DAW on Android, but it needs to address its stability issues, MIDI connectivity problems, and file management complexities. By prioritizing these improvements and implementing frequently requested features like auto-tune, Steinberg can significantly improve user satisfaction and solidify Cubasis's position in the market. Focus on making the app more reliable and user-friendly, and it will attract even more users and positive reviews. The key is to bridge the gap between its powerful features and a seamless user experience.

Overall Recommendation: Address the high-priority issues immediately to improve stability and hardware compatibility. Then, focus on adding key features like auto-tune and streamlining file management.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.steinberg.cubasis3