Propellerhead Reason 3.0 Recording Software

Reason 3.0 is, in effect, a collection of software simulations of various traditional hardware audio components -- synthesizers, samplers, effects, and mixers. The simulation is so thorough that the program even offers a back view of swinging cables. This approach has both advantages and limitations.The advantage is that the hardware simulation format makes the software very easy to use for anyone already familiar with the real-world devices. The program would probably also be a good starting point for someone not yet familiar with this type of equipment, but who wants to learn before shelling out the big bucks necessary to equip a studio with the real stuff.The disadvantage is that, by making a simulation of traditional hardware components, the program fails to exploit the true potential of software, which is to go well beyond (or at least, in a different direction than) hardware.For example, the program includes two synthesizers. Both are reasonably robust, and offer enough knobs to twiddle to provide a wide range of sounds. However, the 2 synths you see are the 2 synths you get. True software synthesizers, such as Tassman or Reaktor, are effectively Lego kits of synthesizer components, building blocks from which a nearly infinite variety of synths can be built.On the plus side, Reason is very simple to use, and comes with a good manual and plenty of presets. You can expect to be putting together decent sounding tracks the same day you install the software. In addition to the two synths, you get two samplers, a loop player, a drum machine, a variety of effects modules, and mastering tools. Another nice feature is the ability to assemble groups of components into one new module, using a tool called the Combinator, and then save it as just one module on the rack. The program is highly efficient on the CPU as well, allowing the build up of complicated textures without overloading the processor of a typical home computer.On the negative side, the program is geared to specific styles of music (loop based techno and hip-hop, in 4/4 time). No worry if these are your bag, but generating music in any other style (or even meter) will likely prove difficult. Also, unlike a real rack, this one is not expandable; only the modules supplied with the software will work in the rack. So, unlike a "musical operating system" like SONAR or Cubase, you won't be able to plug in new synths, effects or other modules from third party designers.Potential purchasers should note two things: (1) there is a nice demo version available for download on the Propellerhead website, so you can decide if you like the way the program sounds before you buy, and (2) you will need a MIDI keyboard, a decent sound card, and good monitors (speakers) in order to enjoy the program.Overall, this is a great program for young musicians and amateurs of all ages who enjoy the styles of music the program is geared towards. More advanced musicians, or those wanting to work outside Reason's genres, would likely want to get more flexible programs, e.g. a set-up based on SONAR or Cubase and specialized plug-ins such as Reaktor and Tassman. That alternative will, however, be several times more expensive.

Propellerheads have done it again with his upgrade. The introduction of the Combinator is a superb addition that solves many problems. Most DAW's will only load 16 reason devices in rewire, what the Combinator does is enable one to essentially group modules together to be treated as a single instrument, enabling one to effectively break that barrier. The combinator can also be used to load full performance patches at the click of a mouse, with full key mapping, and the abilty to route device controls to the combinator front panel. I load a template of a 14:2 mixer and 14 combinators into my DAW, and I'm ready to roll, I can rewire as many Reason devices as I want, and either bring them into the daw as a stereo input, or I can bring them in to be mixed down in the DAW, in up to 62 channels. One thing that sold me with Reason was the patch bay. I'm an old hardware hound, and I love the idea of being able to patch up any number of devices in numerous ways. Hit the tab button, and the devices are flipped around to reveal full CV, Gate, and audio patching, just as in a hardware rack. With 14:2, 6:2 mixers, and cv and audio mergers and splitters, which can be used in any combination and any number, anything can essentially be hooked up in any way, enabling numerous layerings of sound. IMO, Reason's strength is it's flexibility. It can be used to make numerous genres of music. I frequently compose cross-genre, and Reason fills that bill perfectly. I've been able to successfully create works from trippy ambient, to neo-classical instrumental, to psychobilly. The orchestral samples are very good, but one needs to remember that these samples are recorded dry, so they need some TLC to shine. Reason has plenty to offer in that way, with excellent reverb, delay, distortion, and the like. The new M-Class mastering devices have solved the previous probs with Reason tracks sounding thin. I found out quite quickly that it is now possible to create a track with enough punch to blow a monitor if one isn't careful, (no, no tears in that way, but I came close). I've always had trouble putting together a good, distorted guitar patch. With Reason, I pulled a clean Les Paul soundfont into the NN-XT sampler, used their scream 4 distortion on it, with some reverb, and voila! A distorted guitar patch that my friends can't distinguish from real!On top of all this, I've found the program to be rock solid stable, with such low processor overhead that I've been able to load a dozen or more devices with very a low processor hit, (do note though, that this is on a machine with an athlon 2800+ processor, still, the low system requirements do amaze). This enables it to be run without choking your DAW when you rewire it. Too sum up, a friend of mine checked out the program when he came over for a visit, his words: "Someone put a lot of work into this program."

If you are looking for a very inspiring software, easy to use, something you can use for any type of music, look no further. Reason 3.0 is all that and much more. It is a musical "monster". It has great sounds through a great variety of devices (Malmstrom, NN-XT, ReDrum, Rex Loops, etc...) The sky is the limit.I suggest you get the instructional DVD from Line 6 as well. For those who are looking for some great acoustic drum kits get the Smartloops Dry Drum kit CD of Pro Drum Works CD. You will never need a real studio drummer.The ReWire funtion is great. You can hook up Reason 3.0 to Cubase, Live, Pro Tools etc...I use Reason to create my backing tracks (drums, bass, keys & musical f/x) and then import the song into Cubase and then record guitar tracks in Cubase.BTW, you should get yourself a MIDI controller, I got the M-Audio Oxygen 8v2 and works very nicely with Reason.It is well worth the money.