Cubase 5 | Cubase Studio 5 - 64-bit version
for Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit editions
With the release of Cubase 5 and Cubase Studio 5 Steinberg delivers its part of the 64-bit building blocks you need to start using the Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit operating system as the foundation of your digital audio workstation by providing true 64-bit compiled Cubase program versions.
Coming from big servers and specialized workstations, 64-bit technology has started to make an appearance on today’s desktop computers as well. It is not yet widely spread though, unlike the plenty of systems running on a 32-bit operating system. The 64-bit version enables you to start building a true 64-bit DAW system and gather experience with it. The release of this version also allows hardware and plug-in manufacturers to test their components in a true 64-bit environment using the most advanced Cubase version for exactly that today. With this step Steinberg is helping to make the 64-bit technology a success for every involved party.
Before you decide to install Cubase 5 64-bit for Windows Vista 64-bit, please read the following information carefully:
Memory usage
The key advantage of the Windows Vista 64-bit editions is their capability to address more than 4 GB of RAM and make it available to applications. In fact more than 128 GB can be utilized (depends on the used Vista version) and the computational maximum amounts to 1 terabyte of main memory. Being able to utilize more RAM for the application can have a positive effect on overall performance for large and complex projects. Please note that the actual amount of memory you can put into your system is determined by the technical specification of the used mainboard.
The 64-bit editions of Vista also allow you to run 32-bit software applications. 32-bit programs are able to use up to 4 GB of RAM (instead of the maximum usable amount of 2 GB on Windows Vista 32-bit editions).
The VST Bridge for Plug-ins and Virtual Instruments
The 64-bit version of Cubase 5 for Windows Vista 64 contains VST Bridge capability, which allows you to run VST plug-ins and instruments, even if they’re not (yet) available in 64-bit format. This is meant as a transitional aid until your favorite plug-ins are replaced by true 64-bit versions. Check the availability at the respective manufacturer’s website.
Almost all of the plug-ins included with Cubase 5 are installed as 64-bit versions and do not need to utilize the VST Bridge, thus saving performance by not operating in a bridged mode. By replacing bridged plug-ins through native VST3 plug-ins installed with Cubase, you can see the great potential and quality of the generally reworked plug-in set, introduced with the release Cubase 4, for yourself.
Hardware drivers
All drivers for the hardware of your system have to be explicitly compatible with Windows Vista 64 bit editions. They should be digitally signed. The operation of unsigned drivers is possible but inconvenient and not recommended.
Plan wisely!
It is crucial to create a checklist of all necessary hardware drivers, applications and plug-ins. Then find out if the necessary 64-bit drivers and components are available. Also find out as much as possible about known problems with these components. Only then decide if the time is right to switch to 64-bit for your production environment or if it’s better to wait until all components needed are available. You can always continue using the Cubase 5 32-bit version for the time being.
Please continue to read on for more up-to-date information about using the 64-bit versions of Cubase 5 on Windows Vista 64-bit editions in Steinberg’s Knowledge Base here:
http://knowledgebase.steinberg.de/346_1.html
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