Reason (software)

Reason
Reason 7 on OS X
Developer(s) Propellerhead Software
Stable release
9.1 / 14 September 2016 (2016-09-14)
Written in C++, Objective-C (Mac), Lua
Operating system OS X, Windows
Type Digital audio workstation
License Proprietary
Website www.propellerheads.se/reason

Reason is a digital audio workstation for creating and editing music and audio developed by Swedish software developers Propellerhead Software. It emulates a rack of hardware synthesizers, samplers, signal processors, sequencers, and mixers, all of which can be freely interconnected in an arbitrary manner. Reason can be used either as a complete virtual music studio or as a set of virtual instruments to be used with other sequencing software in a fashion that mimics live performance.

Overview

Reason 1.0 was released in December 2000. The program's design mimics a studio rack into which users can insert virtual devices such as instruments, effects processors, and mixers. These modules can be controlled from Reason's built-in MIDI sequencer or from other sequencing applications such as Pro Tools, Logic, FL Studio, REAPER, Digital Performer, Cubase, Sonar, and GarageBand via Propellerhead's ReWire protocol in the 32-bit versions of these programs. Since the release of version 6 Reason supports ReWire with 64-bit hosts.

As of version 7.0.1, devices available include:

Sounds from these devices can be routed via either of two mixing devices or simple merging and splitting utilities. Effects include distortion, reverb, chorus, a vocoder, and mastering effects. The Combinator device, introduced in Reason 3.0, allows users to combine multiple modules into one. Another device connects Reason to Propellerhead's (now discontinued) ReBirth RB-338.

Reason's interface includes a Toggle Rack command, which turns the "rack" around to display the devices from the rear. Here the user can route virtual audio and CV cables from one piece of equipment to another. This cable layout enables the creation of complex effects chains and allows devices to modulate one another. This offers flexibility in the way that is familiar to users of physical electronic music hardware. For example, Redrum's main outputs could be connected to a single channel of the mixing desk, or instead each of its drum sounds could be routed to a separate EQ before sending them to separate channels in the mixer, or rather than audio output the channels of the ReDrum could be used to trigger the gates of an Alligator via CV. The user can always choose where to draw the line between simplicity and precision, allowing the software to remain useful at various levels of knowledge on the user's part.

Reason 6 introduced audio recording (by incorporating Record), turning it into a digital audio workstation. It does not support third-party plug-ins, being one of the few software sequencers to lack VST support. This has been a frequent cause of criticism, although it also contributes to the product's stability. However, Reason 6.5 introduces rack extensions, which are rack instruments and signal processors that may be developed by third parties.

A stripped-down version of Reason known as Reason Adapted, which restricts the user to a limited number of devices, is packaged as bonus software with other audio software such as Pro Tools LE and ReCycle.

Reason 5

Reason 5 was released on 25 August 2010. For the first time, Reason can directly sample audio[7] with any of its sample-playing instruments such as the Redrum, the NN-19, the NN-XT, and the Kong Drum Designer.

Signature Patches created by well known Reason users have been added, including patches made by Two Lone Swordsmen, Vengeance, and Richard Barbieri.

Finally, a new pattern editing tool called "Blocks"[10] has been created for easier song arrangement and mixing.

Reason 6

On July 12, 2011, Propellerhead announced the release of the next generation of the Reason line, Reason 6, which was released on September 30, 2011.[11] It integrates all of the features found in Record 1.5 – such as the ability to record live sound, the mixing desk modeled on the SSL 9000k, and the Neptune pitch corrector – into its setup. The Record name has been phased out altogether.

As well as bringing all of Record's features into the Reason rack, Reason 6 is 64-bit and features three new effects units, as also audio transposing direct on the sequencer, and improved tuning and stretching algorithms:

Reason 6 also requires a USB software protection dongle called the "Ignition Key" to prevent unauthorized use of the software. Without the dongle, Reason 6 will not open saved files, nor will it dump audio to a sound file, but is otherwise fully functional. If the key is lost, or chosen not to be used, a user must log onto Propellerhead's server for internet verification, requiring the host computer to have an internet connection.

Reason 6.5

On March 20, 2012, Propellerhead announced the planned release for Reason 6.5 in 2012 Q2 to coincide with the release of Rack Extensions (which allow the use of 3rd party designed instruments and effect modules inside of Reason).[12]

Along with Rack Extensions developed by various third parties, Propellerhead offered three optional devices at launch:

Reason 6 and 6.5 include the features of Record and are now able to record external audio. Reason project file sizes that include audio record takes tend to be larger than for previous versions since there is currently no way to save Reason projects with the record takes as external (non-embedded) audio.

Reason 7

On March 12, 2013, Propellerhead announced the planned release of Reason 7 in Q2 of 2013, which was released on April 30, 2013.[13] New features include a MIDI Output Rack Device, audio quantize, loop slicing with export to Dr. Octo REX, native mix bus routing, and a spectrum EQ.

Propellerhead-developed rack extensions that were released during version 7 include:

Reason 7 no longer requires the use of the Ignition Key USB dongle to fully function, instead, one computer can be licensed to use the software on installation. If a license holder wishes to use the software on other computers, they can purchase an Ignition Key separately for that purpose, or verify their license over the internet.

Reason 8

Reason 8 was released September 30, 2014. This version's newest feature is the improved file browser that accompanies, or optionally fully replaces the rack window. Users can easily audition sound files, loops and instruments patches in the browser then drag the files from the browser right to the rack window or the sequencer allowing improved and faster workflow. This version also comes with two free rack extensions; the Softube Amp, a guitar amplifier emulator and Softube Bass Amp, a bass guitar amplifier emulator designed by the veteran Rack Extension developer Softube. Both rack extensions are also available separately for Reason 6.5 and 7 and do not require the version 8 upgrade. In 2016, the Softube amps are set to fully replace the depreciated Line 6 amplifier rack units that were originally introduced in Propellerhead's Record software and later versions of Reason.

Propellerhead-developed rack extensions that were released during version 8 include:

A later update for Reason 8 also included an improved version of the RV7000 reverb unit. The renamed RV7000 Mk. II was designated an "Advanced Convolution Reverb" and features a convolution reverb effect section that uses audio sample-based impulse-responses to emulate the reverberation of a physical or virtual space.

Reason 9

Reason 9 was released on June 21, 2016. The biggest feature of this version is the addition of a new class of rack devices called "Players" that are listed in the device browser along with the existing instruments, effects and utility devices. Players added to the rack can only be attached to instrument devices and "sit" between the instrument and the MIDI input whether it be from a keyboard, Reason's sequencer or other rack device. Players can also be combined together.

Reason 9 ships with three player devices:

Reason 9 also has improved workflow and sequencer features such as bounce Audio-to-MIDI, (which creates a MIDI pattern based on detecting the notes played in a prerecorded piece of music), MIDI-to-Audio, (which allows a quick rendering of an instrument's selected MIDI pattern directly to an audio track), the capability to reverse MIDI patterns, and for the first time the ability to set window themes. It also ships with a new library of over 1000 sound patches. Propellerhead's Audiomatic and Pulsar rack extensions that were once available separately are now included as native effects units in Reason 9.

Devices

Basic devices

Synthesizers

Samplers

Rhythm sequencers

Mastering

Effects

Other effects

Reason also features numerous simple effect devices.

Other devices

ReFills

ReFills compress samples, loops and instrument patches into single files for simple sharing between users, and for selling commercial sample and patch libraries.

Official ReFills

Propellerhead Software has released the following ReFills for Reason:

Demo songs

These demo songs show a few examples of what can be done with Reason. [31]

Propellerhead Software has released these demo songs:

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Propellerhead - Reason 8 - Malström Graintable Synthesizer". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2015-02-25. Graintable synthesis is neither granular nor wavetable synthesis but a combination of the best of both methods. ... The basis of a Graintable is a sampled sound, which has been pre-processed ... the result is a perfect set of periodic waveforms that, ... can be manipulated in a variety of ways. The Graintable can be treated as a wavetable: ...
  2. 1 2 "Propellerhead - Reason 8 - Thor Polysonic Synthesizer". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2015-02-25. Wavetable oscillator / Wave table synthesis produces a characteristic sound that is rich and crisp. Features 32 selectable wavetables with variable position and x-fade.
  3. Reason 6 - Neptune
  4. 1 2 Reason 6 - Alligator
  5. 1 2 Reason 6 - Pulveriser
  6. 1 2 Reason 6 - The Echo
  7. Reason 5 Live Sampling preview
  8. Reason 5 Dr. Octo Rex preview
  9. Reason 5 Kong Drum Synthesizer preview
  10. Reason 5 Blocks preview
  11. "Propellerhead Releases Reason 6, Reason Essentials and Balance – Press – Propellerhead". Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  12. "Propellerhead". Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  13. "Propellerhead releases inspiring upgrades to Reason and Reason Essentials – Press – Propellerhead". Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  14. "Propellerhead - Reason - Subtractor". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  15. "Propellerhead - Reason - Thor Polysonic Synthesizer". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  16. "Propellerhead - Reason - Malstrom Graintable Synthesizer". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  17. "Propellerhead - Reason - NN-19 Digital Sampler". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  18. "Propellerhead - Reason - NN-XT Advanced Sampler". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  19. "Propellerhead - Reason - Dr.REX Loop Player". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  20. "Propellerhead - Reason - Redrum Drum Computer". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  21. 1 2 3 4 "Propellerhead - Reason - MClass Mastering Suite". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  22. "Propellerhead - Reason - RV7000 Advanced Reverb". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  23. "Propellerhead - Reason - Matrix". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  24. "Propellerhead - Reason - BV512 Digital Vocoder". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  25. "Propellerhead - Reason - The Combinator". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  26. "Propellerhead - Reason - Spider Audio & Spider CV". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  27. "Propellerhead - Reason - Matrix". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  28. "Propellerhead - Reason - RPG-8 Arpeggiator". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  29. "Propellerhead - Reason - ReGroove Mixer". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  30. "Propellerhead - Your account - User login". Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  31. "Propellerhead - Reason - Demo Songs". Propellerhead. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
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