Converting Cubase VST songs (ALL/ARR) into CPR format

The Cubase song and arrangement formats .ALL and .ARR used by Cubase Atari versions up to Cubase VST 5 for Windows and Mac have been replaced by the current project file format .CPR with the introduction of Cubase SX 1, Cubase SL 1 and Cubase SE 1 in 2001. Cubase SE 3, Cubase SL 3 and Cubase SX 3 are the last versions that are capable of importing the classic Cubase song formats. Therefore, they can be used as format converters.

If you have a compatible license, you can use one of the Cubase versions available here to convert your .ALL or .ARR files into the .CPR format. When deciding for a Cubase version as the converter, the project compatibility needs to be considered. In case of doubt, Cubase SE 3 is the best choice, since project files converted with this version provide the best possible compatibility with later Cubase versions.

Please note that Cubase SE 3, Cubase SL 3 and Cubase SX 3 date back to 2004. We cannot provide support for these versions anymore. Installing and using legacy software on current machines and operating systems can entail various problems. In general, Windows systems are less complicated in this regard.

Hint for Mac users: Cubase SX 3, SL 3 und SE 3 are PPC-based (PowerPC) versions which have been developed for Macs fitted with IBM processors (G3, G4). On Intel-based Macs it was possible to run PPC programs using the so-called Dynamic Binary Translator 'Rosetta' up to Mac OS X 10.6. Rosetta was included in Mac OS X until 10.5, on Mac OS X 10.6 it had to be installed manually. When working with older Mac OS X versions, make sure that a compatible eLicenser Control Center (formerly named Syncrosoft License Control Center) is installed.

The Conversion

The conversion process is straightforward and done within a few steps:

• Open the .ALL or .ARR file via the import function in Cubase SE 3, SL 3 or SX 3: File > Import > Cubase Song
• Save the project as a .CPR via File > Save as... or use the function Save Project to New Folder...' to make sure that used audio files are gathered.
• Now you can open and edit the .CPR file with a current Cubase version.

Import Limitations

The import function is not lossless and basically limited to audio and MIDI tracks and parts in a project. These details will be retrieved with sample accuracy. Other project-specific settings (used VST effects and instruments, mixer settings) will be lost, though. Opening .ALL and .ARR files losslessly is only possible with the Cubase version the file has been created with.

Overview

This chart shows Cubase generations and derivatives and the respective file format.
Versions within a row are part of the same Cubase generation, versions within a column belong to the same derivative or level. Up to Cubase Essential 5, Cubase Studio 5 and Cubase 5, Cubase versions were unable to open project files created by superior derivatives. Detailed information on project compatibility can be found in this article.