Download.it search icon
Advertisement

A virtual studio rack that doubles as a complete music production tool and integrates well with other hardware and software

A virtual studio rack that doubles as a complete music production tool and integrates well with other hardware and software

Vote: (330 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Propellerheads

Version: 6.0.1

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac Android

Vote:

Program license

(330 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Version

Propellerheads

6.0.1

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac Android

Pros

  • Mostly realistic samples
  • Flexibility
  • Professional grade output
  • Compatibility with other software programs

Cons

  • Steep learning curve

Reason is an audio production suite based off the principles of sampling and synthetic sounds, created by Propellerhead Software. The program gives the user very much control over the sounds of individual instruments in their mix, making the software extremely powerful for advanced users.

The user interface in Reason is similar to many other DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) in that it contains a timeline with the ability to add tracks. A main difference in Reason, however, is the addition of a rack, modeled after the analog recording hardware used in many studios. The program even goes as far as letting you digitally add wires from specific outputs on some racks to inputs on other racks. This allows the freedom of an actual recording studio, all inside the software.

Due to the power and flexibility of the program, thousands of different controls and plugins are available. This can make the software seem very overwhelming at first. However, once you get the hang of all of the different controls and instruments, you can adjust sounds within a mix to sound exactly the way you want them to.

Reason also comes with many built in sample sounds. These samples vary in realism with some being extremely great sounding and a few others being moderately realistic. With adjustments, many of the included samples can be touched up to sound great. Propellerhead Software also provides more samples to the user for an additional cost.

Music can be added to the timeline either through a MIDI control surface, through the computer's keyboard, or by adding each note by hand in Edit Mode. Edit Mode also allows you to make adjustments to individual notes, whether you desire to change the pitch, timing, or hardness of the accent.

A great thing about Reason is its ability to connect with many other audio recording programs. This makes it quick and simple to add specific tracks from Reason directly into a mix that you are working on in another program such as Pro Tools or even GarageBand.

Overall, Reason is heavily empowered by its strong sense of flexibility on all fronts, making it a great choice for seasoned music producers. Although the learning curve is very steep, once overcome, Reason can provide users with an endless amount of sounds that can be tweaked until they are perfect.

Pros

  • Mostly realistic samples
  • Flexibility
  • Professional grade output
  • Compatibility with other software programs

Cons

  • Steep learning curve