Notable Additions to Reason 7

Reason

In this post I would like to talk about my DAW of choice: REASON 7 by Propellerhead Software.  More specifically, what new features were added into version 7.  I currently use both Reason 7 and Pro Tools 10.  Even though I respect Pro Tools as an industry standard, and enjoy mixing/mastering with it, I prefer using Reason both as a "sketchpad" for laying down my song foundation, and also as a virtual rack ofhardwear in Pro Tools through its ReWire application.

Although version 7 hasn't implemented anything as drastic as v.6.5's incorporation of 3rd party plug-ins (called "Rack Extensions"), the new features that were included have no only made Reason 7 worth upgrading to, but also succeeded in solidifying its position as a competitor in the DAW market.

MIDI Out

For years, Reason users have been asking for MIDI out capabilities.  And for years, it never made any sense that this wasn't included in the software - especially since this DAW is MIDI oriented ("in the box").  But FINALLY its here!  

That last sentence may have felt a little over-the-top (and was so, on purpose) because I currently don't use this function... at all.  But I can see where having the ability to sequence an instrument part in the computer and have playback correspond on outboard gear is important.  this process is as simple as adding the new "MIDI" device to the virtual rack, write in your note sequence in a clip, and hit play.

Audio - to - Rex/Quantizing Audio

In my opinion, REX loops are the best way to take pre-recorded audio, chop it up, and rearrange it, or just import a loop and have it conform to tempo without any crazy time compression/expansion stretching of the audio.  Previously to version 7, you had to purchase an application called Recycle in order to convert audio into .REX formatting.  Well Recycle no more! ... but actually keep recycling because its good for the environment.

In version 7, audio clips (even the ones you record) can be quantized, chopped up, rearranged and tweaked easily within Reason.  You can even bounce these into the Dr. OctoRex (rex player) from the toolbox window without having to use another program. 

Audiomatic Retro Transformer

This little Rack Extension isn't reinventing the wheel or turning water into wine, but it is a neat (and FREE) effects unit that emulates what your audio would sound like if it were played back on different formats (such as tape, VHS, Vinyl, MP3, etc.) or a few snazzy effects settings (like "psychedelic" or "circuit") that alter your sound.  I have used the tape setting a few times.  It has a nice saturation and harmonic distortion emulation.

Factory Sound Bank

Propellerhead also updated the sample/loop and preset library that comes with the software with lots of high-quality recorded samples and interesting instrument/effects patches.

Bus Channels/Parallel Mix Channels

Reason 6's implementation of a mixer section - emulated after the SSL 9000k mixing console - elevated this DAW to a higher level.  But certain aspects were left out... like bus routing.  Through Reason's unique signal routing, it was possible to achieve bus routing and parallel processing, but the addition of this functionality within the mixer makes this possible much more quickly and easily in addition to the fact that you can process all of the signals with the SSL utilities.

EQ

The final addition to the software was the implementation of a graphic EQ with a spectrum analyzer within the spectral processing bank of the SSL.  This allows for a much more accurate representation of how adjustments to the mixer controls affect the sound.

All in all, I am overly satisfied with upgrading to Reason 7.  I highly reccomend downloading the trial version to take it out for a spin.  Check out Reason Experts, Learn Reason, Reason to Work and Reason 101 for tutorials and articles about things you can do with Reason.