Cubase and Steinberg content on a Mac: where the gigabytes are, and how to move them
Steinberg instruments install large VST Sound libraries into a system folder, and projects keep edits and freezes. Where each lives, and how to move them.
Cubase, Nuendo, HALion and Groove Agent install their sounds as .vstsound files, and by default they go into the main Library rather than your own: /Library/Application Support/Steinberg/Content. That is why the space does not show up when you check your home folder.
Measure it
du -sh /Library/Application\ Support/Steinberg/Content
du -sh /Library/Application\ Support/Steinberg/Content/* | sort -hMoving content with Library Manager
Do not drag .vstsound files around in Finder. Steinberg's Library Manager, which comes with the Download Assistant, keeps track of where each library is registered and can move them for you.
- Open Steinberg Library Manager.
- Use the settings (the gear icon) to set the default library location to a folder on your external drive. New downloads go there.
- Select an existing library and use its move option to relocate it. Library Manager updates the registration.
- Open Cubase and check the instrument loads its sounds.
Keep the external drive connected whenever you open Cubase, or instruments using those libraries will load without their sounds.
Inside each project folder
| Folder | What it holds | Can it go? |
|---|---|---|
Audio | Every recording and imported file, including unused takes | Unused ones, via the Pool |
Edits | Processed copies made by offline processing | Regenerated if you re-apply processing |
Images | Waveform overview files | Yes, rebuilt automatically |
Freeze | Rendered audio for frozen tracks | Yes, unfreeze first |
Use Media, Remove Unused Media in the Pool, then Media, Empty Trash to delete them from disk. For archiving, File, Back up Project with the option to remove unused files makes a clean copy.
Installers
The Download Assistant can leave the installers it downloaded on disk. Check its settings for the download folder, and delete installers for content you have already installed.
See also audio projects taking up space and the musicians' storage guide.
Common questions
Where is Steinberg content stored on a Mac?
By default in /Library/Application Support/Steinberg/Content, in the main Library rather than your home folder. Libraries are .vstsound files.
How do I move Cubase sounds to an external drive?
Use Steinberg Library Manager. Set a new default library location, then move existing libraries with its move option so they stay registered. Do not move .vstsound files by hand in Finder.
How do I remove unused audio from a Cubase project?
Open the Pool, choose Media, Remove Unused Media, then Media, Empty Trash. Back up the project first if you are unsure.