Audio Manipulation → Discussion•
Reason   11-20>|


carolspinelliJan 26, 2007 1:03pm
Hello, new gal here. Just a few questions: does anyone here use Reason? What do you make of it? Has any of you ever produced an entire track using only it?

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ThlayliJan 26, 2007 3:19pm
I used it a while ago. I've produced as much of a track with it as I have in any other program. I'm not much of a musician, I just like synths. :p

The sound quality is amazing, and the interface, although gimmicky, is very easy to use. I've heard some premade tracks for it that were astounding. I'm not sure you'll get much in the way of innovative sound out of it, but if you're going for more typical electronic sounds it's very nice.

carolspinelliJan 26, 2007 3:39pm
Thanks, Thlayli. I'm not familiarized with synths, so Reasons' interface baffles me =) That's why I wanted to know people's opinions and experiences with the program, and see if it's worth the time and effort to learn it (since there are other programs with nicer interfaces).
Sounds like it *is* worth the effort.

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kmkrebsJan 26, 2007 6:34pm
Reason is quite popular in a lot of electronic and drum and bass circles. It tries to mimic the look of hardware, making it more accessible to musicians who perhaps started in that realm. I've never used it myself, but I know it does not support VSTs. So, you're limited to the synths and effects that built into it. Here's a fairly decent article on Wikipedia about it that covers some of the pros and cons.

There are so many other options these days (many of them cheaper, too) that there's no reason to feel you need to force yourself into learning something that doesn't appeal to you. You can easily buy or find a good VST host and set yourself up with hundreds of free VST instruments and effects and choose which ones you find easiest to use.

carolspinelliJan 27, 2007 8:27am
Thanks, km! Interesting article, it was helpful. And you're right: it's quite expensive, and not very friendly for people who aren't used to looking at hardware in the face.

So... no VST? And no vocal recording, either.
*sigh*

Still, Reason's synthesizers are fascinating. Hardware is very, very expensive where I live, so it's cool to dabble with the virtual versions of these things. Made a few interesting sounds on them, yesterday. And I've grown to like ReDrum a lot.

Anyway, I'm downloading Audacity, right now, see if it works for me.

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ThlayliJan 27, 2007 9:30am
I recommend FruityLoops. Some scoff at it, but it can be very powerful. It has solid sampling/looping/sequencing and VST and Buzz integration. It's also good for the budget.

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kmkrebsJan 27, 2007 5:33pm
I would recommend you try out Reaper. It's a rapidly developing host that supports audio multi-tracking and recording as well as excellent VST support. It is developed by the same guy who created Winamp and he puts out a new and improved version every few days. He also listens very closely to users and their requests in the forum.

Reason's synthesizers really aren't anything special. There are free VSTs that can do everything they do and more, so don't think you're going to be limited in your choices. Just do a search at KvR and you'll find they've got 21 different free drum synthesizers to choose from. Or, maybe look at Gersic.com, it's a bit more friendly for searching. Here's the drum VST instrument section.

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ThlayliJan 27, 2007 8:48pm
I've never even heard of Reaper. Thanks.

carolspinelliJan 28, 2007 7:59am
I like FL! It's good for creating short drum loops. The (a-hem) reason I'm not using it were the sequencing limitations.

Hey, lots of tasty links to fill my sunday with musical joy. Thanks! I've downloaded Reaper and it seems interesting. Very intuitive and clean.

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dragonheadJan 28, 2007 8:08am
FL is nothing to be scoffed at. If you want to create something as a backing track for guitars, it's perfect. By all means stick to Reason if you want to be generic, but if you want your own sound, start with FL.


Reason   11-20>|