Problem

When trying to start a Steinberg program under macOS 10.14 or later for the first time, the following error message appears:

Error message, in this example, after trying to start Cubase 14:
"Cubase 14" would like to access the microphone.

Reason

New security measurements have been introduced in macOS 10.14.

Without explicit permission given by the user, programs cannot access the microphone or other audio inputs of available audio hardware (built-in and external).

See also: macOS: Steinberg program wants access to control Synsopos.app

Solution

If you simply click on [Allow] in the error message box, your Steinberg program will get permanent access to the microphone and other audio inputs. In this case, no further action is required.

However, if you already have clicked [Don't Allow], your Steinberg software won't be able to record audio. In this case, please follow these steps:

• Select System Settings... from the Apple menu.
• Open the Privacy & Security (formerly Security & Privacy) panel.
• Select Microphone in the list of options on the right, as shown on the screenshot below.
• The Steinberg program that needs to access the microphone should now be listed.
• Click the slider next to your Steinberg program's entry to enable microphone access.
• If further Steinberg programs are listed, you might want to give them microphone access, too. 

Next time you start your Steinberg program, it will be able to record audio again.

Privacy & Security Settings: Microphone
Allow the applications below to access your microphone