Following on from the recent release of Cubase 13, Steinberg have now announced the launch of the latest major update to its post-production-focused sibling. Nuendo 13 delivers a range of improvements to the built-in immersive audio capabilities, as well as kitting out sound designers, mixers, dialogue editors and ADR engineers with a whole host of helpful new tools and features.
Immersive Audio
The update introduces integrated authoring and content mixing for the object-based MPEG-H Audio format thanks to a new Renderer for MPEG-H Audio plug-in, which also allows different mix versions to be configured as ‘presets’. Projects can be exported as MPEG-H ADM or MPEG-H Master files and, in line with the format’s requirements, support for three-layer z panning allows sounds to be placed below the listener. The previous two-layer mode is still present to ensure compatibility with older projects.
The DAW’s Dolby Atmos capabilities have been enhanced, too, with the built-in renderer gaining support for 9.1.6 speaker configurations. Although 9.1.6 channel widths have been supported in previous Nuendo releases, the renderer itself was limited to 7.1.4, meaning that those wanting to deliver mixes with a higher channel count would need to use the DAW alongside Dolby’s own external application.
Mixing & Sound Design
A range of new plug-ins have been introduced in Nuendo 13.A number of the new features added to the latest version of Cubase have been carried across to Nuendo, including a redesigned MixConsole and a Channel Tab that provides access to all of a channel’s key parameters within the Project window. The new EQ-P1A, EQ-M5, VocalChain, Black Valve and VoxComp plug-ins are also present, as well as the popular Vocoder, whilst Headphones Match has gained five extra headphone models: Shure SRH 1840, Audio Technica ATH-M70x, Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, Neumann NDH-30 and AKG K-70.
Dialogue & ADR
Nuendo has long been praised for its powerful dialogue editing and ADR tools, and version 13 delivers a selection of new plug-ins and features that extend its functionality even further. A new offline TonalMatch process makes it possible to analyse the characteristics of an audio recording — such as the EQ profile and ambient noise floor — and transfer them to other clips, making quick work of matching ADR to the original production sound, whilst an AI-based VoiceSeparator plug-in offers a way to isolate dialogue from complex background noise.
ADR Script Reader allows devices on the same network as the DAW computer to access digital scripts.
ADR Script Reader promises to free users from cumbersome, document-based workflows, instead allowing ADR takes to be displayed via a web browser using any tablet or computer on the same network as the DAW machine. The feature provides voice artists with a digital script which will update instantly to reflect any changes made by editors or session directors.
There are also new Detect Silence Extensions that make it easier to clean up dialogue, support for TTAL 1.1 Netflix dubbing workflows, new ADR count-in and swipe options and more.
Other Improvements
Alongside the headline features, Nuendo 13 also brings with it a range of general enhancements and improvements. Track Versions for the video track make video edit comparisons more convenient, and users are now able to export a new soundtrack directly into the original MP4 video file.
It’s not just post-production users that benefit, either, many of the new music-focused features introduced in the latest version of Cubase have also been implemented, including the Drum and Key Editor enhancements, the built-in Iconica Sketch orchestral sample library, MIDI 2.0 support, new MIDI effects and more.
Compatibility
Nuendo 13 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 12 or higher.
Pricing & Availability
Nuendo 13 is available now, priced at $999.99£859 including VAT / €999. There are a number of upgrade and crossgrade offers available, more information can be found on the Steinberg website. Those who have activated Nuendo 12 or earlier versions from 18 October 2023 onwards are eligible for a free grace period update to the latest version.
