If you use Cubasis for Android and are having issues with a connected USB microphone or audio interface, this article will show you how to use the free OboeTester app to check the compatibility of your external audio device.
Background
Cubasis for Android uses Oboe, Google’s official audio library for Android, to communicate with external audio hardware. Oboe serves as an interface between Android apps—such as Cubasis—and connected USB audio devices, enabling low-latency audio processing.
Therefore, Cubasis’s compatibility with audio devices depends primarily on Android and Oboe, not on Cubasis itself. For you as a Cubasis user, this means:
- If an external audio device is supported by Oboe, it should be available in Cubasis.
- If a device is not recognized or behaves unexpectedly, this indicates a limitation or incompatibility at the Android/Oboe level.
Check device support using OboeTester
With the free OboeTester app, a developer tool, you can easily check the basic compatibility of your external audio device with Android. Please follow these steps:
- Update to the latest version of Android OS that is available for your device.
- Make sure you have the latest version of Cubasis installed.
- Install the OboeTester app from Google Play.
- Connect your external audio device to your Android device.
- Launch OboeTester.
Testing the output
- In OboeTester, tap TEST OUTPUT → OPEN → START.
- You should hear a tone.
- Tap CLOSE and return to the main screen.
Testing the input
- On Oboe's main screen, tap TEST INPUT.
- If prompted, grant OboeTester permission to record audio.
- Tap OPEN → START.
- You should see input levels.
- Tap CLOSE and return to the main screen.
Testing recording and playback
- On Oboe's main screen, tap RECORD AND PLAY.
- Tap RECORD and make some noise or even music.
- Tap STOP.
- Tap PLAY.
- You should hear your recording.
Test results
- If the device does not work in Oboe Tester, it is not currently supported by Oboe and therefore cannot be used in Cubasis.
- If the device works perfectly in Oboe Tester but not in Cubasis, the issue may be resolved in a future Cubasis update.
In either case, you can help Google and us identify and analyze the issue by filling out this feedback form.
If you have any questions, feel free to visit the Cubasis Forum at any time.