In the first screenshot you have Cubase several folders “Steinberg Cubase LE AI Elements 11”, which you get if you purchased a Yamaha Synth or hardware device or you purchased some Steinberg hardware. Often you are supplied an Access Code, that lets you download Cubase… you register for a MySteinberg Account, and they send you an email contains your Activation Code (which authorizes your computer to run the software). It’s a few hoops to gain entry to using this powerful tool.

Cubase version 11 is the most recent. Much like most Yamaha professional products firmware, Steinberg software updates are made available (not only to fix the occasional bug, but as a means to add new features and workflows).

Cubase 11.0.3 is such an update to the main original Cubase 11. It requires that you already have Cubase 11 installed.

Each of the 3 versions (LE, AI, Elements) are the free entry level editions provided — AI (short for Advanced Integration) has particular things that Yamaha has specifically added to the entry level version that can directly address Yamaha hardware, specifically. Things like Port Names, customized Templates made for specific synth products, and integration of your synthesizer sounds as VST presets within the Cubase MediaBay/SoundBrowser, etc.

We encourage those with Yamaha or Steinberg hardware to utilize “AI”. Simply because special features communicating with these hardware devices is available. For example, Cubase AI 11 would automatically name and the configure 5 USB-MIDI Ports that allows your MOXF to record and playback music on Port 1,

It uses Port 2 to communicate as a Remote Control Surface for Cubase itself (you can add tracks, arm tracks, mute and solo tracks, as well as start/stop Cubase using the front panel buttons of the MOXF (DAW REMOTE). You can setup to Control the various VSTi plugins you run on your computer.

On MIDI Port 3 you can use the 5-pin jacks on the MOXF back panel as a MIDI Interface for a separate external device. When you are set to “MIDI I/O = USB” (like when working with Cubase), the 5-pin MIDI jacks on the back panel become an In/Out (MIDI interface) for an external device… allowing you to connect it thru to the computer.

MIDI Port 4, allows the “MOXF VST Editor” to communicate with the MOXF hardware so that you can operate the MOXF synth engine from the MOXF VST graphic editor on your computer screen or from the MOXF’s own front panel — Port 4 makes sure changing one is exactly like changing the other… when “Online”.

And on Port 5 you can access scores of already made VSTi Remote Control setup templates… rather than having to setup a set of control panels for each VSTi plugin, you will be able to select from a list of all the most popular synth VSTi (of course, this Remote Editor Port allows you customize and/or create your own communication with any plugin softsynths you might own

We recommend Cubase AI because when new features in communication, specifically for Yamaha hardware, you’re pretty must guaranteed they will be implemented first in the “AI” version. When you install Steinberg Cubase LE AI ELEMENTS 11… all three are installed. When you launch Cubase you get to choose which one you want to work with… we recommend AI. (Now many of the improvements may eventually find their way to both LE and Elements, but I’ve found that by using AI I’m assured if it was tested and intended to address Yamaha hardware, it will definitely be there first.

If you purchased another manufacturer’s hardware that happens to provide a free, entry level version of Cubase, you usually are authorized to use LE (Light Edition) - this is the standard entry level version; you may not even get to authorize AI. Most of the features are identical as they are all entry level. They all feature Steinberg’s stellar audio engine… it’s just that AI is provided specifically to those getting a free license for purchasing Yamaha hardware.

The second screenshot is showing a version of Cubase from 16-17 years ago (unlikely to still be able to run on today’s computers—Cubase SX was the version Steinberg had out when Yamaha initially purchased Steinberg back around Dec 2004/Jan 2005, when the Motif ES and the second generation of mLAN walked the earth. (This is just taking up space on your computer, at this point).

Purpose
These entry level versions of Cubase are provided to introduce new customers to the world of integrating a computer into their workflow. They are fully functioning versions. The AI (Advanced Integration), for example, allows you to setup “virtual audio” routing through that “MOXF VST Editor”, and it gives you the ability to “return” audio from the MOXF in such a fashion that you can process, the MOXF audio the same as you would any soft synth VSTi… this gives you all the advantages of a plugin (Freeze, Export Audio Mixdown, etc.) plus the ability to use the MOXF hardware’s built-in Effects, EQ, etc.

The ultimate Music Production version is the “Cubase Pro” (available for purchase) — at first, you’ll think the AI entry level version does everything you need… but as you get deeper and deeper into music production, you’ll discover that Cubase Pro brings special features to the table that are worth it for you to add to your workflow… there are weekly Cubase sessions online, and a Steinberg Cubase Channel on YouTube. Of course, all the AI (Advanced Integration feature will be found and scores more when you upgrade to Pro The beautiful thing is Cubase organizes the installations so that you can access things across versions (most times - I say that because there are bound to be a few exceptions but for the most part you can have your preferences transferred to your upgraded version). Plus being an AI user usually gives a discount when you upgrade!!!