Although I’m still using Cubase AI4 (but I have worked a lot on Cubase 5.1 at my friend’s studio), I would like to finally move to version 6.
Since I found on Steinberg on-line shop that there is possibility to upgrade to v.6 from AI 4/5 (but, of course I should buy USB key), when I tried to do that I have received information that this version is Educational and that I should provide a confirmation that I would use it as a teacher or any educational purpose.
Does anyone know something about upgrading from AI to full Cubase 6 version? I don’t need box’ed version, but download only, as it said that could be buyed. And, I know that in that case I should buy USB key for licence protection.

Alex

When upgrading from the free AI version, there is no option to buy a download version of Cubase 6. You must buy the boxed version (plus a dongle) and the software itself costs $399.99 US for the upgrade.................frank

http://www.steinberg.net/en/shop/buy_product/product/cubase-6.html

I wonder. Wy does that upgrade AI5 to Cubase 6 costs in Europe 499 euros, while you have to pay in the USA just 399 dlrs.

Is that fair? Steinberg afterall is an European Company. LOL

Frank, for the record what costs an Upgrade from Cubase 5 to Cubase 6 in dlrs in the USA. I cannot get dlr prices because as soon as I go the Steinberg site I got euro prices not dlrs. LOL. It seems that we in Europe again are paying much more for our stuff than the americans. It is not fair. I payed 149 euros for my upgrade from Cubase 5 to Cubase 6.

Jan

Jan, I must admit, that due to my limited brain power, I do not...and probably never will..understand Steinberg’s pricing or their distribution system. :) Perhaps you pay more because you receive it earlier? :) For example, it could be another month before it’s available in Canada, and the poor folks in Australia will probably wait even longer. In Canada, the upgrade is going to cost $169 CAN yet in the USA it’s $149 US. The kicker is that the Canadian dollar is now valued slightly higher than the US dollar, so it should really cost either the same as in the US or slightly less here. Anyway, I guess everyone does have a choice concerning whether or not to buy the upgrade at the price listed for their country, but as far as it all making sense...well, I’ve heard a few explanations, but I must say I can’t agree with them. :) Cheers......................frank

FrankE.

I agree. You cannot try to understand Steinberg’s pricing tactics. Ofcourse Cubase upgrade from 5 to 6 is worthed the full 149 euros, but sometimes you are wondering. Does Steinberg really believes that 1 USDLR = 1 EURO. LOL.

Jan

Frank,

Thank you for your answer. I tried (again) the same link as this you provided and finally there is information about upgrade price on the right side. At first time when I have tried, there is no information on the right, so that’s why I ask about box and download version.

Jan,

I agree with your question about prices in USA and EU. The same is about instruments, esp. Motifs. I was lucky to buy mine ES6 few years ago when local distributor has only one in the store and gave a 1000EUR discount! And price was comparable with the price in USA.
It is interesting that Steinberg as European company has cheaper products in USA, but the same is with Yamaha, since on my Motif ES it is written ‘Made in Japan’.

Alex

Maybe they sell FAR MORE units here in the US? Bulk is ALWAYS cheaper.

Yes, most things are cheaper in the States than Europe.  There certainly is the issue of a larger marketplace, but don’t forget sales tax.  In the UK the sales tax (VAT) is 20%!

I was bummed to see the AI4/5 to Artist 6 upgrade discount is only $50 in the USA. You still have to buy an e-key for $28 leaving you with only $22 savings :(

Uh yes, but AI users aren’t upgrading from a product they purchased, so I would suggest they are fortunate there’s any discount at all. :) And having a USB e-licenser (dongle) is a good idea no matter which version one decides to use........frank