Steinberg, Universal Audio, Native Instruments: 3 Strong Software Deals — DAW, Tape Machines, and Guitar Amps
A Complete Production Environment, a Tape Machine Classic, and a Guitar Effects Powerhouse on Sale
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Steinberg, Universal Audio, Native Instruments: 3 Strong Software Deals — DAW, Tape Machines, and Guitar Amps · Source: GEARNEWS
Steinberg opens this week with Cubase Elements 15, the budget-friendly entry point into the Cubase family, now €59. Next up is Universal Audio with the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape, the legendary two-track tape machine from 1976, for €38. Rounding things out is Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro, the multi-effects and amp-sim powerhouse built on machine learning technology, now €119.
Software Deals of the Week
Steinberg Cubase Elements 15: Now 38% Off
Steinberg rolled out a massive update across the entire Cubase family with Cubase 15 last November, and Elements 15 benefits from that in more ways than one as the cheapest entry point into the lineup. As a trimmed-down but fully capable version of Steinberg Cubase Pro, Elements delivers a complete production environment for composing, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.
The reworked Steinberg Groove Agent SE 6 brings a new interface, a new mixer, and new effects for faster drum programming. The improved Sampler Track now lets you hot-swap samples instantly right from the filtered MediaBay browser. Every stock effect plugin got a freely scalable interface, and on top of that you get 30 new chord pad presets, fresh sounds and loops, plus a reworked Score Editor with new notation tools. The 64-bit audio engine handles resolutions up to 192 kHz, with unlimited audio, instrument, and MIDI tracks plus up to 24 physical inputs and outputs.
In the studio, Steinberg Cubase Elements 15 works great for anyone who wants a fully capable DAW at an entry-level price without giving up core functionality. The new Songstarter workflow paired with the chord pad presets makes sketching out song ideas fast. If you’re coming from an older Steinberg Cubase version, the improved DAWproject format makes swapping projects between different Cubase editions, and even other DAWs, noticeably easier.
Through September 27, 2026, grab Steinberg Cubase Elements 15 here at Thomann* for €59.00 instead of €95.00 with 38% off.
Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape: Now 81% Off
Universal Audio developed the Ampex ATR-102 in close collaboration with the Ampex Corporation and received the original manufacturer’s official seal of approval for it. This two-track tape machine from 1976 is still the reference in professional mastering studios worldwide. You can pick up the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape for €38, a full 81% off the regular price.
UA modeled the entire electronics chain of the ATR-102, transformers, amplifiers, and the Repro, Sync, and Input paths. Seven tape formulas are available including GP9, 456, 900, and 250, each with its own saturation character. Three head widths, four tape speeds, and selectable emphasis EQs allow fine-tuning of the tonal character. Auto-Gain handles level calibration automatically whenever you switch tape formula or speed. Wow, flutter, hiss, hum, crosstalk, and tape delay are all separately adjustable and open to creative use.
In your DAW, the Ampex ATR-102 most often ends up as the last insert on the master bus, adding warmth, depth, and analog cohesion that’s genuinely hard to get any other way. On individual tracks or drum groups, it delivers subtle tape saturation without changing the fundamental character of the source. At €38, this is one of the strongest deals this week.
Through September 30, 2026, grab Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape here at Thomann* for €38.00 instead of €195.00 with 81% off.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro: Now 32% Off
Native Instruments has nearly 20 years of experience in amp simulation behind Guitar Rig, and version 7 Pro puts that experience to work with Intelligent Circuit Modeling, machine-learning-driven circuit simulation, to deliver the most realistic tone the series has ever had. 26 guitar and bass amps with matching cabinets plus 115 stompbox and rack effects form the core.
Four new ICM amps arrived with version 7, including the Super Fast 100 for shimmering cleans and creamy leads, plus the AC Box XV, a recreation of a legendary ’60s amp with a hand-wired point-to-point chassis built in the UK. The Cabinet Impulse Response Loader lets you load your own IRs, and there are curated IR packs from Jens Bogren and other well-known sound designers on top. Five modifiers like LFO and envelope generator plus ten helpers like crossover, metronome, and tuner round out the feature set, along with over 100 new presets from well-known guitarists and producers.
In practice, Guitar Rig 7 Pro handles clean, glassy tones just as well as dirty, distorted textures. If you like building your own signal chains, the rack view gives you a flexible routing system that handles complex combinations of amp, cabinet, and effects. The new amps in particular benefit from the machine learning modeling, which reacts to playing dynamics in a way that feels noticeably more organic than earlier versions of the series.
Through September 30, 2026, grab Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro here at Thomann* for €119.00 instead of €175.00 with 32% off.
*Note: This article about this week’s software deals with the plugins Steinberg Cubase Elements 15, Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape, Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro contains affiliate links that help us keep Gearnews running. The price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!
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