The Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver is a universal ASIO driver for Windows that works with a wide range of audio interfaces. Its main purpose is to make it possible to use interfaces that don't have native ASIO support - usually integrated sound chips on mainboards - with Steinberg software as Cubase, Dorico, Nuendo and WaveLab. It can also be used with any other audio application that requires an ASIO driver.
Background
The audio driver standard ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) was developed by Steinberg. ASIO is supported by all well-known manufacturers of audio interfaces and is required by practically all professional audio programs under Windows, partly because of its low latency.
Compatibility
The Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver supports Windows 11 and the 64-Bit version of Windows 10.
You can also try using it with older 64-Bit versions of Windows, but this has not been tested. A 32-Bit version is not available.
The Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver can be used with any ASIO-compatible audio application. However, we can only provide support for the use of the driver with Steinberg software.
Control panel / setup
The control panel can be accessed via Windows or the settings of the Steinberg software you are using. Make a selection to get specific instructions:
Cubase | Dorico | Nuendo | WaveLab | Windows
Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver
Accessing the control panel via Windows settings
- Press the Windows logo key (between Ctrl and Alt) on your keyboard.
- Start typing ASIO...
- After a few characters, the search result "Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver Setup" will be displayed.
- Click it to open the control panel.
Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver
Accessing the control panel in Dorico
- In Dorico, select "Device Setup..." from the Edit menu.
- The Device Setup dialog box opens.
- Click the [Device Control Panel...] button to open the control panel.
Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver
Accessing the control panel in Cubase and Nuendo
- In Cubase, select "Studio Setup..." from the Studio menu.
- The Studio Setup... dialog box opens.
- On the left, under "Audio System", select "Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver".
(Only available if the driver is selected in the "ASIO Driver" pull-down menu under "Audio System".) - Click the [Control Panel] button on the right.
- The control panel of the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver opens.
Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver
Accessing the control panel in WaveLab
- In WaveLab, open the "File" menu and select "Audio Connections" from the "Preferences" sub menu.
- The "Audio Connections settings" are shown.
- The "Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver" is selected in the "Audio Device" pull-down menu.
- Click the [Control Panel...] button at the top.
- The control panel of the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver opens.
The control panel allows you to select the devices to be used as input and output by Steinberg's integrated ASIO driver.
- Only one device can be selected as output and input at a time.
If required, it is possible to select a different device for the output than for the input. However, it is recommended to use a single device only. - Selecting no input device may decrease latency.
- Selecting no output device is not possible.
Control panel limitations
- The displayed sample rates cannot be changed in the control panel.
To change the sample rate, go to the Windows sound settings.- Windows 11: Sound > Click on the desired output or input > Output Settings / Format
- Windows 10: Sound > Device properties > Additional Device Properties > Advanced / Default Format
- The size of the ASIO buffer and the associated latency cannot be changed. The fixed buffer size used by the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver should allow a sufficiently low latency.
Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver / Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver
The Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver is a new development that was initially released with WaveLab Cast 2 in July 2023. It will gradually replace the Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver, which will not be further developed.
The functionality of both drivers is basically the same. The Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver essentially offers these advantages:
- Automatic sample rate conversion
- Greater device compatibility
However, if your audio hardware works with the Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver, there is no reason not to use it.
Why is there no Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver for macOS?
Due to Apple's audio infrastructure "Core Audio", ASIO drivers are not required under macOS.
Using the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver for troubleshooting
In general, it is recommended to use the latest ASIO driver provided by the manufacturer of the audio hardware in use. But if you experience difficulties with your audio interface, it is worth trying the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver as an alternative.
However, please remember that we cannot provide support if you are using the driver with 3rd party software.
Download
Currently, the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver is automatically installed by WaveLab 12 versions and WaveLab Cast 2 only.
You can download the latest driver version separately here:
The version number of the installed driver is displayed in the title of the control panel (see above).