Reason (software)
| Reason | |
|---|---|
| Basic data
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| developer | Propellerhead software |
| Current version | 11 (2020) |
| operating system | Microsoft Windows , Mac OS X |
| programming language | C ++ , Objective-C , Lua |
| category | Music software |
| License | Proprietary |
| German speaking | Yes |
| www.propellerheads.se | |
Reason is music software from the Swedish company Propellerhead , which has been on the market since 2000 and is now in major version 11.
Reason emulates a rack of hardware synthesizers, samplers, signal processors, sequencers, and mixers that can be linked together as required. Reason can be used either as a complete virtual music studio or as a set of virtual instruments to be used with other sequencer software in a way that enables live performance.
history
It all started at the Swedish company Propellerhead in 1997 with the ReBirth RB-338 program , a virtual rebirth of the TB-303 , TR-909 and TR-808 from Roland . Three years earlier, the company had already brought the loop editor ReCycle onto the market, at that time under the care of Steinberg .
Actually, ReBirth should already be a complete virtual studio. According to Ernst Nathorst-Böös, one of the three founding fathers of Propellerhead, the computer performance was simply not sufficient at the time. In addition, the company actually only consisted of three people at the time. It took another three years for the first version of Reason to hit the market.
In 2002 the program was awarded the MIPA prize for the best software instrument at the Frankfurt Music Fair .
The predecessor ReBirth was meanwhile available as freeware (see web links). When Roland withdrew the license, the freeware was also discontinued.
Reason Compact, a mobile version, has been available since August 2018. But not as a full DAW, but as a pure sequencer Europe. The patches are interchangeable between the mobile and the desktop version. Since April 2019, Reason Compact has been expanded to include Take and Figure, which come from an acquisition. So far, the apps are only available for iOS. According to the press releases and job advertisements from Propellerheads, they will also want to use the Android platform in the medium term.
Concept and structure
The software is designed as a virtual studio rack with an integrated sequencer and mixer and runs in version 9 from Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.7 up to a sampling frequency of 96 kHz and 24 bit. Since version 6, Reason has merged with the previously independent Record program. Since then, Reason can also be used for audio recordings.
Reason included with Subtractor, Malström and Thor three synthesizers , two samplers (NN19 and NN-XT), a loop player (Dr. Rex) and with Redrum a drum computer as a sound generator. Sound generators and effects can be linked to new devices in the Combinator and saved. In Reason 5, the sound generator was expanded to include Kong. This drum sound specialist consists of 16 pads and various sound generation modules and effects for them. The loop player Dr. Rex is also supported by Dr. Octo Rex has been replaced. The new live sampling function makes it possible to record and use sounds directly with all four sampling-capable sound generators (NN19, NN-XT, Redrum and Kong).
Samplers and drum machines can be used with any samples. In addition, simultaneous audio tracks of the previous product ReBirth let (Windows only possible) and prepared from the previous product ReCycle and present in a special data format loops use within Reason. The selection of effect devices ranges from simple delays to a high-quality reverb device to a loudness maximizer , so that almost the entire production chain is covered.
Any number of device instances can be created in the rack. These devices are connected to the rear of the rack using virtual cables. There are two categories of connections: audio and CV (control voltage). The control voltage is a control voltage and is used to transmit control signals to the synthesizer (note, controller values) or selected effects devices, as was the case with the first Robert Moog synthesizers .
The Reason Hardware Interface, which supports up to 64 audio and MIDI channels, provides a connection to the outside world . The software can be synchronized to external equipment via a MIDI clock. Within a computer, MIDI and audio data can be transmitted synchronously to other software via ReWire .
ReFill
Reason uses the in-house refill format for expansion. In this format, all files that can be used for Reason can be compressed in one compilation (patches, samples, Rex files). The WAVE / AIFF files are compressed particularly small, but no sound quality should be lost at the same time. Furthermore, all required data can be packed into a file which can be passed on to other Reason users - this makes it easier to exchange and edit song projects.
An exotic: the Graintable synthesis
The synthesizer Malström from the developer Magnus Lidström, which is integrated in Reason, uses a rather unusual form of synthesis: the graintable synthesis. It is based on a combination of the popular wavetable synthesis , which was already used in the Waldorf PPG, for example, and granular synthesis .
In a wavetable , various waveforms are tabulated as samples, for example sine, sawtooth, rectangle or even very unusual oscillations. These are looped and then played forwards or backwards at different speeds. The wavetable forms, so to speak, the oscillator of the synthesizer, whereby with a real oscillator the oscillations are actually generated first and are not present as samples.
Sampled waveforms also form the basis for the sound in the context of graintable synthesis. The main difference to wavetable synthesis is that even a single sampled oscillation is broken down into many small sections, so-called “grains”. In addition, several loops are set in one oscillation and repeated as often as required. This gives you a very flexible sound generation. The pitch and playback speed are independent of each other. In addition, the individual grains are laid out in a table as in wavetable synthesis, which can then be "run through" at different speeds, directions and pitches.
Rack extensions
With version 6.5 the proprietary plug-in interface Rack Extensions (RE) was introduced. This made it possible for third-party providers to develop and sell their own extensions for Reason. REs are sold exclusively through the Propellerhead Software website . Propellerhead will review these prior to publication. Propellerhead's software also promises the compatibility of the rack extensions with all future versions of Reason and the supported operating systems.
In the beginning, well-known brands such as KORG or GForce Software were advertised, but the new format was quickly conquered by ambitious users who developed numerous utilities within a few months, which were mostly enthusiastically received by Reason users. In the meantime, other well-known providers such as U-he, Rob Papen, Softube or Synapse Audio have devoted themselves to the new format and sometimes developed exclusive plugins - and conversely, some of the originally "ambitious users" have now presented thoroughly professional products.
Despite everything, the RE format has its limits: It is tied to Reason's own rack analogy, i. H. an RE must fit into the virtual 19 ″ rack. In addition, the design options are still very limited and essentially limited to buttons, switches and simple displays. To date, there is no freedom of design such as the VST interface. On the other hand, REs - Reason is a rack - also offer a rear (with all wiring options).
MIDI Out and VST
For a long time, Reason was a stand-alone all-in-one solution. H. all production was done within Reason. After the manufacturer first enabled audio recording and editing over the years and later plugins (first RE (rack extension), then VST), Reason 7 introduced the option that users had been asking for for years: MIDI Out, d. H. controlling external MIDI devices via Reason. This means that Reason can also control other software via MIDI-out (e.g. Native Instruments Machine). Communication can also be displayed via RTP-Midi and other computers in the network.
Since version 6 the direct recording of audio as well as the manipulation within Reason has been possible. Furthermore, since version 5, audio files could be recorded or loaded directly in the sequencer, the latter even via drag'n'drop.
Since the software update to version 9.5 (May 2017) it is now also possible to integrate VST instruments and effects in VST version 2.4 (VST3 is not compatible). However, these must then be available in the respective bit width suitable for Reason. Thus, e.g. For example, the 64-bit version of Reason means that the VSTs are also 64-bit. The VST plugins can be integrated as an instrument, effect, etc. depending on their type. The remote control parameter works for Reason's own plugins as well as VST plugins or rack extensions as well as for the sequencers and all other Reason components.
Since version 10 this is also compatible with third party providers. Since version 10, Reason has only been available for 64-bit systems. Accordingly, 32-bit VST plugins no longer work. Using external tools such as VST host it is sometimes possible to display a 32/64 bit bridge, but stability should be considered here. With Reason 10.3, the code base was revised, with large parts of the program code being rewritten in order to make the VST implementation more robust and less resource-intensive.
Basically, Reason can work as a host or plugin with another DAW via the Re-Wire interface or the VST plug-in.
Benefits of Reason
The main advantage of Reason is the all-in-one concept of the software. Professional effects devices and virtual instruments are already included, work seamlessly with one another and do not have to be purchased first. Thanks to its modular structure, the program invites you to experiment.
The software is also known for its stability, regardless of the operating system used. Many professional musicians therefore also use them live on stage.
Thanks to the virtual replica of a studio rack, users who have previously only worked with the appropriate hardware can find their way around quickly. But the concept should also quickly become available to newbies. Almost all functions are directly accessible via a button or regulator on the user interface, which enables intuitive work.
The supplied samples, loops and device presets in the two sound banks are numerous and of a high technical and musical level, so that you can start writing songs straight away.
Reason can be linked to audio sequencers such as Steinberg's Cubase , Apple Logic , FL Studio or Renoise via the ReWire function ; So far, however, only as a slave, Ableton Live can be operated both as a ReWire slave and as a master.
disadvantage
The internal resolution is given as 32 bit, but most parameters only offer the MIDI grid with a maximum of 128 levels. A finer gradation would be useful, especially for the automation of volume or filter gradients.
It also takes getting used to the fact that the values of the parameters often have no specific designation, but generally have a value range from 0 to 127. Only WAVE and AIFF are available as export formats for audio data.
Alternatives
Compared to competitor products, Reason has developed more slowly in terms of functionality in the first few years. In terms of marketing, innovations were also introduced with less attention-grabbing effect. For a long time, Reason u. a. Due to the initially lack of support for VST instruments or functions for audio recording as antiquated, it has always offered unique functions compared to competitive products, such as rear rack cabling or the possibility of free window placement. The missing functions, which were criticized in comparison, have been largely upgraded for some time.
Various manufacturers such as Image Line ( FL Studio ) or Synapse Audio ( Orion ) also offer virtual studios, some of which also offer audio recording and plug-in support.
Another alternative to Reason is the Ableton Live sequencer , which also has modular effects and sound generators that can be linked to one another, but also supports plug-ins from other providers in VST and AU format, as well as the recording and playback of audio tracks regardless of the tempo.
It is of course also possible to combine any sequencer such as Steinberg's Cubase , Apple Logic or Digidesign Pro Tools with the purchase of virtual instruments and effects devices; however, this is considerably more expensive than Reason.
APPs
In 2019, version 2.0 of Reason, Reason Compact , was released. Two existing APPs were integrated for this purpose.
literature
- Thomas Alker: Reason in practice. The quick introduction to the virtual music studio. Make music with Reason. Introduction, tips, optimization and resources . 5th, updated and expanded edition. PPV Medien, Bergkirchen 2005, ISBN 3-937841-21-0 .
- Heiner Kruse: Music production with Reason 4 . Completely revised 3rd edition. Wizoo, Bremen 2008, ISBN 978-3-934903-62-3 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Music knowledge: Reason 10 review. In: Musikwissen.com. Music knowledge, accessed on March 27, 2020 (German).
- ^ Reason 2.0. De: Bug , October 29, 2002, accessed June 29, 2010 .
- ↑ Reason 9.5 is here - VST in Reason | Reason Studios. Retrieved July 26, 2020 .
- ↑ Test: Propellerhead Reason 10, Digital Audio Workstation. In: AMAZONA.de. April 30, 2018, accessed on July 26, 2020 (German).
- ↑ Reason 10.3 is here! | Reason Studios. Retrieved July 26, 2020 .
- ^ ReWire - Renoise User Manual. Retrieved July 26, 2020 .
- ↑ Using Live with ReWire. Retrieved July 26, 2020 (American English).
- ↑ Propellerhead Launches Reason Compact 2.0 - A Pocket… | Reason Studios. Retrieved July 26, 2020 .
- ^ Propellerhead Acquires Figure and Take Music Making A… | Reason Studios. Retrieved July 26, 2020 .