Updating To DAW Cubase 13 (Switching To Steinberg Licensing)

eLicenser service closes down in 2025, so read this article to find out exactly what steps you need to take.

Let's walk through the full process of upgrading from Cubase 11 Pro to Cubase 13 Pro, as in my case.

1. Why I hesitated for a long time to upgrade from Cubase 11 PRO (USB-eLicenser) to Cubase 13 PRO (Steinberg Licensing).

P.S. My opinion was shaped by many rumors I heard from others.

• I adored the fact that I could run the DAW on any computer or laptop using just the USB-eLicenser, even in places where I did not have internet access.
  
• I was not sure if my purchased VST plugins—Steinberg Absolute 4, VST Connect Pro, Native Instruments, Waves "Gold"—would work on Cubase 13 Pro.
  
• I was unsure if, after upgrading the license, I would still be able to use my old Cubase 11 Pro and access my previous projects with third-party plugins.
  
• I was uncertain whether my computer’s performance would slow down with the new Cubase 13 Pro.
  
• The cost of the upgrade.
  

2. What pushed me to upgrade was a letter from Steinberg stating that after years of managing your Steinberg software licenses, the eLicenser-based licensing service will be closing down early in 2025. After the eLicenser service ends, upgrading your eLicenser-based product to Steinberg Licensing will no longer be possible. For example, users of Cubase 11 (or earlier versions) will need to purchase a full version to update to the latest version. https://www.steinberg.net/licensing/elicenser-end-of-service/

3. Upgrade
The upgrade went smoothly, following the instructions:
https://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2022/04/updating-or-upgrading-to-cubase-12-step.html 
https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-us/articles/6232567486098-Upgrade-voucher-in-MySteinberg-for-switching-to-Steinberg-Licensing 

• First, I upgraded Cubase 11 PRO (USB-eLicenser) to Cubase 13 PRO (Steinberg Licensing).
  
• Then, I upgraded the Absolute 4 VST Sound Instrument Collection (USB-eLicenser) to Absolute 6 VST Sound Instrument Collection (Steinberg Licensing).
  
• After that, using the vouchers that appeared in my account at https://signin.steinberg.net , I updated the licenses for Steinberg VST collections, which were purchased separately and tied to the USB-eLicenser.
  

4. Conclusion
I completed the upgrade during a week of 50% discounts, so the cost of the upgrade was about $200.
Cubase 13 PRO was installed alongside Cubase 11 PRO, allowing me to work with both programs on the same computer.

Cubase 11 PRO

• I can still launch Cubase 11 PRO using the USB-eLicenser.
  
•  I can continue to load and work on my old projects in Cubase 11 PRO without needing internet access.
  
•  I can also create new projects in Cubase 11 PRO, as Steinberg Absolute 4, VST Connect Pro, and third-party collections from Native Instruments and Waves are all available and functioning properly.
  

Cubase 13 PRO

• I can launch and work with Cubase 13 PRO without the USB-eLicenser and with internet access turned off.
  
• My old projects load in Cubase 13 PRO, and I can work on them without any issues. There are no problems with Halion or Absolute VST Sound.
  
• There are new interesting plugins in Absolute 6 and a more convenient Halion.
  
• VST Connect Pro is not available and does not work; it requires a paid upgrade.
  
• Third-party collections from Native Instruments and Waves are functioning properly.
  
• Overall, projects in the new Cubase 13 PRO feel smoother; there are no lags or freezes.
  
• The interface has become more user-friendly.
  

Unpleasant Aspects

• In addition to paying for the upgrade from Cubase 11 PRO to Cubase 13 PRO,
  
• I also had to pay for the upgrade from Absolute 4 to Absolute 6, as there is no license transfer for the Absolute 4 product (USB-eLicenser) to Steinberg Licensing.
  
• VST Connect Pro (USB-eLicenser) is not supported in Cubase 13 PRO; upgrading to VST Connect Pro 5 (Steinberg Licensing) requires an additional payment. I chose not to pay for or install it for now.
  
• I needed to free up over 200 GB of space on my hard drive to complete the upgrade.