Let’s find out why Cubase has communication problems with the operating system and how to prevent these problems.
Cubase crashes when the operating system or runtime ends the application due to an operation or faults in the operating system or the application. Most crashes have a root in flawed software. Therefore, you should stick with the first version of the DAW and keep it updated.
But some crashes are exploitable and dangerous, and hackers use them to steal information. Therefore, you should avoid Torrents and other sketchy sources to stay safe from potentially harmful software or plugins.
Finally, you may have experienced a crash after loading numerous sizable Kontakt libraries or Amp Sims, which significantly strain the CPU. Ensure your computer has enough speed, RAM, and memory to execute the plugins and the applications.
Let’s take a look at preventive measures:
How To Prevent Cubase From Crashing?
Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to prevent this from happening. The good news is that various strategies are available to lessen the chances of this occurring. The hope is that you can prevent many of these issues by teaching Cubase and your operating system what you want from them.
- Restart Your Computer
You could be thinking that this is stating the obvious. However, rebooting your computer is sometimes the best method to fix the problem if Cubase is giving you trouble. If your DAW keeps crashing or won’t launch, you should try this before trying anything else. - Starting Cubase Correctly
Many Cubase users may notice that their DAW regularly crashes when it is first launched. Possible causes include your computer’s heavy use of its CPU. Never click on anything in Cubase until it has fully loaded.
Because Cubase can only handle a certain amount of data at once, doing so is a typical technique to cause it to freeze up. The CPU meter in Cubase’s upper right corner can determine when it is safe to begin using the program. - Set A Project Folder
Let’s say you’re still unable to launch some applications. Then, designating a project folder will let Cubase retrieve the required data for the project much more quickly. If you do this, your DAW will be less likely to crash when you first open a project because fewer things can go wrong. - Free Space
The amount of free space on your hard disk is another crucial but often overlooked factor. Cubase will run more slowly and crash more frequently if you don’t give it enough storage space. As a rule of thumb, you should always have at least 10 GB of free space on the hard disk where Cubase is installed and where your projects are stored. - Render Audio
It’s easy to get carried away when making music and constantly opening new plugins in your project. However, this will significantly affect your CPU consumption in the long run. Instead, bounce out tracks to audio where possible if you’re experiencing CPU consumption concerns; doing so will allow you to delete the plugin and free up additional processing resources.
Why Does Cubase Crashes At Startup?
Cubase crashes at startup because of a conflict with your computer’s operating system (OS), a plugin, or another program on your hard drive. Conflicts can arise for various causes, but this is the most typical Cubase problem; it’s also one of the simplest to repair.
Startup crashes are typically the result of improper Cubase settings or an out-of-date version of Windows. If you last updated your Windows OS a while ago, you may experience software crashes, including Cubase. Updates are released to address bugs and enhance performance.
If there are any updates available, they will be downloaded and installed immediately. It’s also a good idea to double-check your Cubase version. It could be time to upgrade your “old” version of Windows or Cubase. Please verify the software version you use if you are experiencing problems, as many programs have compatibility difficulties with older versions.
If you’re using an older version of Cubase, consider updating to the newest one so that the software is compatible with the latest Windows version. Also, try erasing the application from your computer and reinstalling it. If you’ve been working with Cubase for a while, it will store many projects there.
Because of the sheer quantity of available resources, the program’s installation on your machine may take some time. A failure could occur if it is longer. Another simple solution is to uninstall the software, erase all your projects and samples, then reinstall it.
Tossing out any post-installation skewed configurations should be unnecessary now. However, before diving in, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a backup of your hard work.
Why Does Cubase Crashes When Recording?
Cubase crashes when recording because you use a plugin that places additional processing demands on your computer. If updating the audio drivers is unsuccessful, closing any unnecessary programs may help. Cubase can experience troubles if other programs are running in the background.
Start by ensuring you have installed the most recent version of your audio drivers. This will address numerous issues with audio input and output. If it doesn’t work, try disabling or removing plugins from the channel rack to reduce the number of plugins used on each track.
Further, the drivers for many audio interfaces need to be fixed. If it occurs, Cubase and other programs can break down. If you’re having frequent crashes when recording audio, ensure your audio drivers are up to current. Additionally, you can double-check your audio input and output configurations. Finally, verify that Cubase’s audio settings are accurate.
Why Does Cubase Crashes Randomly?
If your Cubase keeps crashing for no apparent reason, it could be due to a lack of memory (RAM) on your machine or an excess of commands (CPU) being processed. Your computer likely crashed because you had too many plugins active, too many tracks playing, or too large of a project open.
Cubase frequently crashes when the CPU is nearing or at 100%. CPUs are at the heart of computers and perform all processing. Your computer works very hard to process the audio buffers, which could be too much to handle if you have too many programs open simultaneously.
In the case of an aging computer, a malfunctioning component may be to blame for the random crashes. Buying a new computer or upgrading the hardware on your present one, depending on your budget, is generally the best option if this is the case.
Why Does Cubase Crashes When Mixing?
The typical reasons for Cubase crashing during exporting are insufficient storage space, malfunctioning plugin(s), too many 3rd plugins, simultaneously running intensive apps, and mismatched hardware. It’s also very uncommon for previous versions of Cubase to freeze up during the mixing process.
Everything stops, and the show ends abruptly. It could also happen on subsequent versions, although it’s rare. Remember to back up your data. It would help if you didn’t risk losing a lot of effort because it didn’t save properly. After all, you don’t know when this problem will end. Cloud storage services and external hard drives provide safe ways to save and restore essential data.
Having too many songs playing at once or too many plugins on each track could be causing this issue, even if your machine is otherwise functioning normally. It’s also conceivable that Cubase has reached its limit for the number of mixer tracks. This rarely occurs in practice, but it can if you leave too many unpopulated tracks and plugins active in your project.
If you’ve reached this point, you may need to decrease the number of songs playing. In addition, if you arranged your project in a sensible workflow, that would also be helpful. Having to hunt down a flawed plugin in your code can be a time-consuming and excruciating experience, but this can help you avoid that. A fast approach to managing and tidying up your plugins and channels is to delete unneeded ones.
Why Does Cubase Crashes When Opening A Project?
Cubase may crash on entering a project or session if other programs or browsers are already running on the computer. For example, suppose the session contains too large or unstable plugins if the project cannot find the necessary audio samples or if the plugin’s source data has been lost.
While some workarounds are available, updating the OS and installing the necessary patches is the most secure option. However, that is only sometimes a viable solution. The updates, for instance, could clash with the current version of Cubase you’re running. Therefore, look up the update online to see if there are any known compatibility issues before you install it.
Relocating and renaming the project folder is a last resort. Moving the offending project to a different location may help if the issue only appears in specific projects. There should be no fallout for the rest of your projects from doing this; if the issue persists, you can always put it back where it was.
To test if changing the location of your project folder helps, consider renaming and relocating it from its default location. If you’re using an older version of Cubase and the program has a glitch that prevents the project from loading correctly, it may be due to a corrupted project file.
Scanning your PC for viruses is another option. It’s recommended to scan for viruses once a month to be safe, as viruses can infect and corrupt files.
Why Does Cubase Crashes When Exporting?
Cubase typically crashes when rendering or exporting the session because of a faulty plugin. Before digging into the plugin, ensure the render/export is stored in a writeable location on your system. Also, verifying your audio settings should be your first step.
If you’ve been messing around with the audio settings recently, you might have accidentally chosen the wrong ones. It’s also possible that a plugin you’re using conflicts with your work. Ensure you’re using the most recent version of any plugins or extensions. This is crucial for any external plugins you may be using.
After a while with a third-party Plugin, the developer will provide a patch to iron out any kinks in the original release. If the problem persists after that, you can try disabling any external plugins you have used in the project to see if it helps.
If you are still having trouble mixing, try disabling all of your plugins and then re-enabling them one by one. Not all third-party plugins are guaranteed to be compatible with Cubase. Third parties develop these plugins; thus, it is doubtful that Cubase will be able to fix them in case of a bug.
Why Does Cubase Crashes When Loading A Plugin?
The most typical causes of Cubase crashing on plugin load are insufficient or uncleared disk space and using more plugins or samples than your CPU can handle. Also, using a cracked version of the plugin, utilizing too many plugins, or using incompatible plugin programs.
Make sure you’re running the most recent version of Cubase for your computer’s operating system. Using resource-intensive plugins in your track will cause the program to crash if your computer does not fulfill the software’s minimum requirements.
If you’ve already done that and you’re still having crashes, it might be time to upgrade to a commercial version of Cubase. Your DAW may have received upgrades and bug patches since you first installed it, which would immediately resolve your crashing issues. Finally, illegal copies of software often malfunction without warning. So, even if it may pinch your money a little to jump to the real Cubase, you should.
Conclusion
Every potential cause of a Cubase session or project crash has been covered, along with methods to prevent them. Many are just standard procedures for maintaining your health and safety when using the DAW. Some issues are fixed independently if you’re utilizing the software.
All of this information is for nought; however if you illegally obtained your copy of Cubase or the Plugins you use. Regarding the resources you employ, it is neither correct, legal, or efficient to do so. The moment you think, “if I use the same plugin from another company, it will sound better,” is over, and you can focus on learning how to use the plugins you’ve invested into their fullest potential.
Death metal enthusiast here. I am a Romanian musician and producer with over 13 years of experience in the music industry. I’ve experienced all types of Metal up until now, playing Melodic Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal, and Black Metal with different bands. Learning by doing is my base principle, which is why I’ve been drawn to sound design from an early age. Read more…