Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
For electronic musicians , there ’s something irresistible about a studio filled with cogwheel that has lots of buttons and knob for experiment with sound , and a web of cables for rig transonic creations . The rendering of some of that hardware experience to software program with a virtual wheel of musical pawn and effects made old versions of Propellerhead ’s Reason a openhanded bang . Reason 3 add a stronger emphasis on live performance , though some will be disappointed that this version still lacks feature of speech , such as the ability to record external audio input and well sequencing that would make it an all - in - one root .
There are deal of cool - sound presets in Reason 3 to keep beginners happy , but at its heart , this is an upgrade pitch for index users . The newfangled Combinator feature adds to the creative possible action of Reason ’s already - robust routing . The Combinator lets you commingle multiple cat’s-paw and effect into a single legal instrument for more pliant , simple MIDI assignment and signal routing ( you ’ll want to apply Reason 3 ’s new Line Mixer software program gimmick to combine multiple instruments ’ audio output ) . Propellerhead ’s presets habituate the Combinator to make enormous , layered synth texture , complex effect , and automatize drum , but I found it just as utile for everyday instrument creation and routing . It ’s wanton to map MIDI keys to different instruments and force , route intonation for live effectual control , build rifling pattern - based patches , and combine multiple circumstance into simple rotary , pitch , and modern - cycle control that are gross for live operation . Once you ’ve try out the Combinator , you wo n’t want to give it up . It ’s a braggart stand-in from other computer software and computer hardware in which each instrument routes MIDI differently and adds audio effects globally instead of leave accurate control over affected sounds .
Reason can now mechanically notice and configure supported keyboard and control surfaces via a feature of speech called Remote , so you’re able to use the hardware instead of your mouse for adjusting everything from synth circumstance to mixer volume levels , without the manual constellation outgrowth this would usually ask . Unfortunately , Reason can automatically detect only a smattering of new equipment ; others require manual configuration . But this feature of speech could be reason enough to corrupt a raw keyboard or mastery control surface if you do n’t have affirm computer hardware .
The new MClass mastering suite sound wondrous and offers all the controls you need for engender fat , punchy sound , including an equalizer , stereo imager , compressor , and maximizer . The cortege combines nicely into a nonremittal mastering Combinator patch so you may readily access introductory , overall controls . Then , if you need , you could drill down to fine - melodic phrase control on the individual event . Other improvements are more minor , but also welcome , like improved public presentation and a new filing cabinet web web browser that makes it much quick to find and hearing audio and while .
Reason 3 yield me more of what I eff about Reason , but it does n’t handle many of my ill about former versions . The built - in sequence capabilities are still ill-chosen compare to those of full - bluster sequencers like Apple ’s Logic Pro , MOTU ’s Digital Performer , and Steinberg ’s Cubase ( survey in April 2005 ) , with a hard - to - read display , no pace or metre - modification capabilities , and other omissions . Also , you ca n’t host third - party VST or Audio Units plug - ins , and most significantly , you ca n’t record extraneous sound recording . For people whose sequence needs are light , and who never record guitars , vocals , and other extraneous input , Reason will fend on its own , but anyone else will need another app . Fortunately , couple Reason with a sequencer like Apple ’s Logic Pro , Ableton ’s Live ( , January 2005 ) , or even Apple ’s GarageBand ( , April 2005 ) is easy thanks to Propellerhead ’s own ReWire engineering science , and Reason is as dependable and central processor - effective as ever . ground works well as a way of adding fun - to - act instruments and sound to these digital sound recording workstations ( DAWs ) , even though it ’s incomplete as a rightful standalone workstation .
Macworld’s Buying Advice
If you ’re already a Reason buff , you ’ll want Reason 3 . expound presets , great mastering effect , and ameliorate integrating with new keyboards and instrument , are cracking , but the Combinator justifies upgrading . For newcomers to Reason , the pick is a matter of taste . There are plenty of other individual instruments out there , like Native Instruments’Batterydrum machine , as well as other combined synth workstation , like Arturia’sStorm Music Studio . But there ’s nothing else on the market that offers this variety of dewy-eyed , powerful routing and ironware - style mastery , or that mob this many official document into one boxwood at this price . If you need more than light sequence or do any recording , you ’ll still want to pair Reason with a full - fledged sequenator or DAW .
[ Peter Kirnis a composer , instrumentalist , and music technology teacher base in New York . He ’s the author of the approaching bookReal World Digital Audio(Peachpit Press ) . ]
