: While not technically free, it has a "never-ending" full evaluation period and a very affordable license for individuals.

: If you are a student or a teacher, you can get a massive discount (often up to 50% off) through the Steinberg Education program .

: Most "cracked" installers bundle trojans or ransomware. Instead of a music studio, you might end up with an encrypted hard drive or a stolen identity.

If you want the power of Cubase without the $500+ price tag or the security risks, try these official routes: