I see that Cubase Elements 7 was released today / $99.00.
Can anyone comment on it compared to the full version?
I don't need any xtra plugins, pro channel type features, vsti's, surround sound but wondering just how limited it is in comparison.
Already tried the full demo & really found it useful, could be something to use before I decide to spend the $ on the full.
 

I wonder how well the dongle works for Steinberg in terms of its bottom line, compared to something that doesn't have a dongle, like Sonar. Taking a quick look on the most popular torrent site, it seems like there is currently no crack available for Cubase 7 (most recent crack I could see was for Cubase 5) while it appears that people are freely downloading a working crack of Sonar X2 (perhaps Cakewalk should get on top of this). God knows how much companies like Cakewalk lose to piracy. Maybe it has an impact on how much they can afford to invest in the development of X2 as compared to Cubase. 

Hmmm the more I'm looking into cubase the more I'm liking it, I don't see anything from Jim's post that makes me say's wow I need to stick with Sonar because I need to have that feature.  And as mentioned that the learning curve isn't that bad,  Well I might just say screw the demo and buy the full version that comes with the dongle, and just suck it up and install it in the back of my PC and stop ****ing.. 
 Anyhow dose anyone know if Cubase offers a cross grade version? $499 is a bit much $399 is manageable. 

I too have enough instruments, plugs, etc. etc. and don't think I need the full ride. 
 
Myself, I'm wondering about the MIDI editing tools & options - are they the same in the Artist version as the full?
 
Maybe even the Elements version has the same MIDI stuff?? Anyone know? The website isn't really all that clear.

I looked over this & at the bottom ' detailed feature' pdf-
http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/line_up.html

I had Cubase LE that came with an audio interface or something and that gets me the upgrade for $399.  I got Music123 to match a 15% Musicians Friend sale and they beat it.  I paid $326 for the upgrade to the full Cubase 7.

Boy oh boy - I've been reading a 13 pager on KVR about Cubase 7.
 
Wow! Lots & lots of issues there!
 
I do realize that there are issues with each & every DAW and can be very user specific, and triggered by some 3rd party VSTs, computer configuration & customization, etc. etc., but holy smokes - some folks are really burning up over there! Ouch!!!

jimusic
Boy oh boy - I've been reading a 13 pager on KVR about Cubase 7.
 
Wow! Lots & lots of issues there!
 
I do realize that there are issues with each & every DAW and can be very user specific, and triggered by some 3rd party VSTs, computer configuration & customization, etc. etc., but holy smokes - some folks are really burning up over there! Ouch!!!

IMPOSSIBLE!!! 

IMPOSSIBLE!!! 
 
 

This is an interesting thread.  I am very happy with Sonar X2a, but would not mind having a second DAW program and Cubase 7 looks like it would be good.  After reading through this thread I took a harder look at Cubase 7 and found the new version appealing and the tutorials very well done.  HOWEVER, the last several post here have raised an important obstacle for me--the eLicense USB KEY.  This Steinberg USB eLicense Key would mean that I would have to run THREE dongles on my DAW:  1) an iLok2 for my Slate and Softube vsts; 2) another USB stick for Waves new licence system; and 3) this dedicated USB eLicense USB key for Steinberg.  This means three USB ports are required and tied up.  I am not sure I want to do that.
 
If I were to switch I think Cubase 7 would probably be my choice, but Sonar x2a fits my needs for now and thankfully it does not require a USB key.  Just my musings on this topic.