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-- Who has used Propellerhead's Reason?

Who has used Propellerhead's Reason?

I really want to start producing my own music and have done for a while now but have never really gotten round to it. I figured the best place to start would be to use Propellerhead's reason v3.0 and than move up to better software as I got more proficient.

The problem is I have downloaded a demo version of v.3.0 so I can get used to it before I decide to buy, but I haven't a clue where to start! I don't even know where the sequencer is or have been able to get the program to make a single sound as of yet. I can't really afford to sign up to a reason crash course so I figured the best thing to do would be to buy an instruction manual, except I need one that starts right at the most basic beginner level, kinda like one of those 'dummies guide to...' books. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hey DJ Cuba,

I think you might be better off with this thread in the Production Studio section of this forum. This area is mostly for getting advice on productions that you've already composed.

But aside from that, I use Reason. I've used it for about a year or so. When I first found out what Reason could be capable of, I got so involved in it. All of my tracks in my sig were done with Reason if you want to get an idea of what it can do. There was also some other processing done using other applications...

I'll see if I can start you off.

Basically, the first thing you need to do is throw in a Mixer, just right-click in the blank area of the new document, goto Create, then choose mixer. Then do the same thing, but this time choose Subtractor from the list of items. Then start hitting your keys on the keyboard. You should hear a sound. Also your sequencer is located at the bottom. You'll see what happens when you try to record. It's pretty intuitive.

But the best way to learn is just to try different things, IMO. And don't give up, just keep going, and you'll get the hang of it.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by marcusk But the best way to learn is just to try different things, IMO. And don't give up, just keep going, and you'll get the hang of it.

quite so. reason isn't really too hard to learn on your own. plus, i think they have a pretty easy manual included even in the demo, or otherwise on propellerheads.se
i'll help you out with some basic tutorials, if you need it? pm me if so

Re: Who has used Propellerhead's Reason?

quote:

Originally posted by dj_cuba I figured the best place to start would be to use Propellerhead's reason v3.0 and than move up to better software as I got more proficient.

Um... alot of it has to do with creativity; not the power of your sequencer.

I use FLStudio. It's cheaper (by $350) and sounds like crap compared to Reason if you use the native synths that ship with it. What I LOVE about FLStudio is that it's VST expandable. With all the addon VST applications and synths that I can rake it, it's no wonder alot of artists here use that too...

I'm NOT dissing Reason. I'm simply saying that if you want something that's expandable, you should try something like it. FLStudio/Cubase/Protools provide those kinds of options - shop around.

Reason, however, I don't have alot of experience with other than listening to some killer tracks made with it, and the demo. Reason can no doubt kick butt, and if that's the route you want to go -- by all means.

Furthermore... if I was wealthy, and had a more powerful computer. I wouldn't mind purchasing Reason as a Rewire client. But for now, I'm content with what I have.

OFF TOPIC:

Marcusk, I listened to your Moondust(DJMkoRemix) and I enjoyed it!

quote:

I'm NOT dissing Reason. I'm simply saying that if you want something that's expandable,

I`m not gonna start a big discussion about this! But thats wrong.. because Reason got the amazing Rewire function like you said, but that really expand reason alot!

good luck with music

Re: Re: Who has used Propellerhead's Reason?

quote:

Originally posted by Four_On_Four-er I use FLStudio. It's cheaper (by $350) and sounds like crap compared to Reason if you use the native synths that ship with it.

It's not the synths and effects that sounds crap, it's you making them sound crap.

Re: Re: Re: Who has used Propellerhead's Reason?

quote:

Originally posted by Speactra It's not the synths and effects that sounds crap, it's you making them sound crap.

I may be an amatuer synth user, but I compare 3xOSC to many softsyths and even a hardsynth or two and the oscillator architecture, filters just don't seem to stack up. It typically has an unwanted digital timbre.

However, I've found alot of redeeming scenarios for the TS-404. Plastic-y as well, but some distinguished acid and effects I find wanting. Heck, even one or two mono leads from that thing that are just brutal!


Back to Reason... Rewire, yeah, I did mention that. Sorry I didn't emphasize it more. I assumed that this guy was looking for a one-sequencer solution to later be upgraded.

Reason is a great program, But it has a huge learning curve, It will take days and maybe even months to learn how to use it.

quote:

Originally posted by TigerClaw Reason is a great program, But it has a huge learning curve, It will take days and maybe even months to learn how to use it.

As any other sequencer :P.
Kopi =o.

I use reason rewired into cubase. i find that its much better for drums and percussion but not too keen on synth control. if you could load vst's into it then it would be an ideal package.

Re: Who has used Propellerhead's Reason?

my mom !

quote:

Originally posted by dj_kane I use reason rewired into cubase. i find that its much better for drums and percussion but not too keen on synth control. if you could load vst's into it then it would be an ideal package.

same here, works ph4t

i've found reason to be the most creative production tool i have ever used.. When using reason i feel like i have complete control.

Only limitation is the overall sound, even though it has got better in newer versions. I t just doesn't sound professional.

It sounds GREAT but just doesn't cut the mustard.. well not for i want to do anyways...

TOP program though, if reason could use VST's it would be dangerous!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by marcusk I'll see if I can start you off. Basically, the first thing you need to do is throw in a Mixer, just right-click in the blank area of the new document, goto Create, then choose mixer. Then do the same thing, but this time choose Subtractor from the list of items. Then start hitting your keys on the keyboard. You should hear a sound. Also your sequencer is located at the bottom. You'll see what happens when you try to record. It's pretty intuitive. Good luck!

Thanks marcusk I did what you said and then started hitting notes on the Matrix sequencer and finally got some sounds at last!

Is the Matrix sequencer used for all the soft synths that come with the program, and if so how do you route them all into various channels?

i started with buzz. Don't laugh. It's a great program.
Especially if you don't know what you're doing. You can spend no money and see if you like sequencing.

I then used the reason and fl demos. I ended up going with FL studio, because it's cheaper by far, you can EASILY use vsts without reading a single manual in a half hour. You can be making pure crap in under an hour

I planned to move up to reason. But now that I've been working with FL studio, I'll probably go straight to hardware, cubase, and reaktor when I'm ready.

I would go with fl studio. $300 USD cheaper, almost as good and easy to try different vsts and see what you like. It does sound tinnier than reason (i don't what to start that argument though), they say reason does slick invisible mastering for you. I think FL studio is the way for a complete newb to start, for sure.

quote:

Originally posted by TigerClaw Reason is a great program, But it has a huge learning curve, It will take days and maybe even months to learn how to use it.

And other software don't?
Reason is by far the easiest and most intuitive software I've ever used. The virtual rack system makes it so easy to use.
It's like using hardware. No difficult to use menus and windows to route effects and synths, you just connect the cables.
The manual and help file are excellent. Also every function in Reason has tooltips, which not all sequencers have.

quote:

Originally posted by Majutsu ...they say reason does slick invisible mastering for you.

Huh? No, that's not true at all. You have to do the mastering yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by citizeN Only limitation is the overall sound, even though it has got better in newer versions. I t just doesn't sound professional. It sounds GREAT but just doesn't cut the mustard.. well not for i want to do anyways...

"Overall sound"? "Doesn't sound professional"?
How the heck can you tell how a sequencer sounds? It sounds exactly what the producer makes it sound (Within limits of course).
I'm sorry, but if you can't make professional sounding tracks, don't blame the software.

eldritch, on the fl site they do this experiment all the time, if you run the same hardware or rewired vst through reason and fl, the reason one sounds much "phatter". Gol (of FL) who's a very knowledgeable programmer and sound designer, states that since albino (e.g.) put out the same sound, if reason sounds better its because of slight compression and chorus etc they put on everything. This is not hard to believe either as hardware synth do this all the time.

Well, the way we fl people see it, reason is doing a little bit of your mastering. Of course, I can't make either one sound good, so what do I know, but I'm just passing on what more knowledgeable folks have told me. It sounded believeable to me. Let me know if I'm mistaken.

quote:

Originally posted by Majutsu eldritch, on the fl site they do this experiment all the time, if you run the same hardware or rewired vst through reason and fl, the reason one sounds much "phatter". Gol (of FL) who's a very knowledgeable programmer and sound designer, states that since albino (e.g.) put out the same sound, if reason sounds better its because of slight compression and chorus etc they put on everything. This is not hard to believe either as hardware synth do this all the time. Well, the way we fl people see it, reason is doing a little bit of your mastering. Of course, I can't make either one sound good, so what do I know, but I'm just passing on what more knowledgeable folks have told me. It sounded believeable to me. Let me know if I'm mistaken.

I find that hard to believe. Though I'm an FL user, I'm not active in the FL talk community, so I can't take your word for it.

I've been involved with certain individuals who use Reason fluently. Taken as far as they have, I find your "pre-mastering" conspiracy hard to believe.

If you put the time into it, reason 3.0 is one fucking great program.

I have been using it for awhile. Until you can afford logic, reason is the way to go.

And then when you get logic, you can use reason and logic togeter.

Everybody should use logic and reason. (it's a joke guys).

quote:

Originally posted by Eldritch And other software don't? Reason is by far the easiest and most intuitive software I've ever used. The virtual rack system makes it so easy to use. It's like using hardware. No difficult to use menus and windows to route effects and synths, you just connect the cables. The manual and help file are excellent. Also every function in Reason has tooltips, which not all sequencers have. Huh? No, that's not true at all. You have to do the mastering yourself. "Overall sound"? "Doesn't sound professional"? How the heck can you tell how a sequencer sounds? It sounds exactly what the producer makes it sound (Within limits of course). I'm sorry, but if you can't make professional sounding tracks, don't blame the software.

i second that. With the intagrated samplers , and synths theres not reason you can't make an amazing song. good structure and a unique sound will get you somewhere, not ur tools..and reason is totally capable in such a thing. I find the synths a little weak at times, only because u can't expand more outside of the hole realm of the maelstrom or subtractor, yet they are very powerfull.
I usually make tracks that revolve around percussions, not so much synths...so for me its a dream.
Sound quality is top notch to, though i am upgrading to some hardware with rewire soon.

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