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Steinberg Announces Cubase 12 Ahead of Release: The USB Dongle Is Finally Gone

Advanced Cubase TutorialsPublished 2021.11.11Updated 2026.09.29
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Steinberg Cubase's next version, "12," was scheduled for release around spring 2022, and its biggest change is the long-awaited removal of the USB dongle. With the newly introduced online activation system "Steinberg Licensing," you can share a license across up to three computers, and no internet connection is needed after the first activation. If you buy Cubase 11 now, a grace period applies that lets you update to version 12 for free until the release, which is a big advantage for users.

The Next Version of Cubase Is "12"

For Steinberg Cubase, the standard DAW with the No. 1 share in Japan, the next version, "12," has received an unusual advance release announcement.
In a typical year an update would be released around this time, but this time it will come next year, so some information has been published at this stage.

Release Planned Around Next Spring

This is only the schedule as of now, but the release is planned for next spring.

No More Dongle! The New "Steinberg Licensing" System

At last, long-awaited online activation is being introduced.
One license can be activated on up to two computers, and to launch it on another computer you need to deactivate one of the activated computers.

[Added December 16, 2021]
The specification changed so that up to three computers can be activated.
Also, whereas it was originally necessary to connect to the Steinberg Licensing server over the internet every 30 days, this has changed so that no connection to the server is needed after a single activation.

Note that, according to the information, Cubase 11 and earlier will continue to be managed by the USB eLicenser, which must be connected at launch.
The transition period may be a little complicated, but it is still great that the dongle is on its way out!

  • For details, see here
Buy Cubase 11 Now and the Update to 12 Is Free

The period in which you can buy the current version and update to the new version for free (the so-called grace period) is unusually long this time: it runs from November 10 until the release next spring.

If you have an unused activation code for one of the products below and activate it during the period below, you are eligible for the free update (grace period), and your license will be updated to a Cubase Pro 12 / Cubase Artist 12 / Cubase Elements 12 license.

  • Eligible period: from November 10, 2021
  • Eligible products: Cubase Pro 11 / Cubase Artist 11 / Cubase Elements 11

If you have been holding off on buying while waiting for 12, you can go ahead and buy it without hesitation.

Learning Content

On this site, we thoroughly explain Cubase from beginner to advanced levels so you can learn the necessary topics step by step. Please use it as a reference when buying and for learning after your purchase.

Cubase 11 Pro Beginner Course
Cubase Beginner / Advanced

Cubase 11 Edition Comparison Video

Cubase 11 New Features Summary

Trendy J-POP Made with Cubase Pro

  1. 1Trendy J-POP: Three Points for Writing Melodies
  2. 2Trendy J-POP: Analyzing the Drum and Rhythm Tracks
  3. 3Trendy J-POP: Analyzing the Upper Tracks
Trendy Electro Music Made with Cubase Pro

  1. 1Choosing a Drum Kit and Creating Patterns
  2. 2Piano Chord Progression
  3. 3Bass Sound Design and Phrase Creation
  4. 4Using a Harmonizer on Vocal Material
  5. 5Techniques for Adding Thickness and Power to the Chorus with Backing Synths
  6. 6Techniques for Creating FX Tracks That Build Up the Song
  7. 7Applying Effects to the Master Track
Latest Music Production Seminar: Making Trap

  1. 1Techniques for Creating Trap Rhythms
  2. 2Trap Bass Sounds and Phrase Creation
  3. 3How to Make Upper Sounds That Color the Song, and Tips
  4. 4Polishing the Vocal Track with VariAudio 3
  5. 5A Thorough Explanation of Spatial Effects That Blend the Vocal into the Song
Latest Music Production Seminar: SYNTHWAVE

  1. 1Rhythm Tracks
  2. 2Chord Progression and Bass Track
  3. 3Synthesizer Tracks
  4. 4Mixing Each Track
  5. 5Processing the Vocal Track
Official Steinberg Seminars

Steinberg regularly holds official live-streamed workshops and offers archive streams.
Check the schedule and watch the archives here:
https://japan.steinberg.net/jp/news_events/events/steinberg_seminar.html

Steinberg products distributor: Access Yamaha Music Japan content

Product page: https://bit.ly/2UiQvP5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When will Cubase 12 be released?

It is scheduled for release around spring 2022. This is the schedule as of now, so check the official Steinberg website for the latest information.

Q2. Can the USB eLicenser dongle still be used?

Cubase 11 and earlier will continue to be managed with the dongle. However, from Cubase 12 the online activation system "Steinberg Licensing" is introduced, and the dongle is no longer needed.

Q3. Can Cubase 12 be used on multiple computers?

Yes. It can be activated on up to three computers. To launch it on another computer, you need to deactivate it on an already activated computer.

Q4. What is the advantage of buying Cubase 11 now?

If you activate it on or after November 10, 2021, you are eligible for the grace period in which Cubase 12 is provided free of charge, so you can update to the latest version at no extra cost.

Q5. Does Cubase 12's online activation require an internet connection?

An internet connection is needed only for the first activation. After that, you can use it without a connection.