Finally, the Swedish Propellerhead has taken the big step: entering the world of audio / midi sequencers, but with the Reason engine!
The Reason 6 version is not a simple update. Since version 6, Record and Reason cease to be distinct entities and merge into one powerful platform.
For those unfamiliar with the product, this is an audio / midi sequencing solution with integrated sound generation and effects that surprises even Logic / Cubase and partly Protools users.
First impressions
Personally I have noticed a great stability of the system, a software that does not “clip” in the middle of a sentence due to overload, but which calculates the total load before play, even refusing to play the song if it considers this to be excessive. The quality of some functions - actually already from the previous version - is astounding! The non-destructive time stretching on audio, for example, is superior to anything I've heard to date (elastic audio, a flex time…) and it's not just my opinion. Just change the bpm of the song and everything fits perfectly. If a part is out of time just "pull" it to one side and magically follows the metronome. Same simplicity and cleanliness also for the transpose audio: one click and the tone is arranged in an incredibly non-destructive way.
VST and Rewire
True to its tradition, the system is not compatible with VST plugins and instruments, but can be used in other environments via rewire - which from this version is 64bit like software. The sounds and effects must therefore be sought in the (boundless) Reason libraries. The lack of VST is compensated by the stability: in fact, a system that uses only its own proprietary modules avoids running into third-party bugs. However, rewire is a solution that satisfies even the most demanding.
Installation
Installation is relatively straightforward. The only difficulty is having to create an account on the site and register the product, otherwise it will only work in demo mode (thus opening only the demo files). Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email that makes the product operational.
Let's see some news in detail.
Mixer
The mixer is modeled on a console Solid State Logic 9000K, emulating channel strip and analog master section. The strong point is Master Bus Compressor , which reproduces the legendary dynamics processor used in studios around the world. Finally a mixer that “sounds”, an equalization that works and an analog touch that never hurts. Graphically speaking, even on small monitors you get a complete and effective display (as for the 13,3 '' on which the undersigned often works!).
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Neptune
I had already seen it in All time lap record: is the tool that manages the pitch, for example, of a voice or a monophonic instrument. Very simple and very effective. However, Neptune is not only a pitch adjuster, but also a audio transposer and a voice synth working in real time.
Voice synt creates new harmonies based on the existing voice track in realtime or on a pre-recorded track, using a pilot midi track.
Alligator
What about an effect that takes a loop, splits it on 3 channels, inserts filters, changes accents, practically creating a real-time remix of a song or rhythm? Fantastic! The 3 channels are processed separately with a dedicated gate each, which can be driven by the 64 patterns supplied, by the sequencer, by the Matrix or by the RPG-8 or directly using a MIDI keyboard.
The 3 channels are then passed through a filter that shapes the sound and allows you to divide them by frequency, modifying the sound. At this point, everything is passed through the Effects section, which allows positioning - even separate - on each band, creating truly unique sounds with delays on the high frequencies, distortions on the mids and reverb on the highs. As a last step we can decide the position in the space of the channels / frequencies using the PAN section.
The Echo
It is a delay that combines modern technology and the warm sounds of tape echoes.
I mention just some of the countless functions offered: ping pong, tempo sync, delay time, stereo width, pitch, infinite repetitions, possibility to reduce / increase the repetitions from left and right, color section that manages distortion and filters, modulation that pitch, duck to lower the effect signal when there is a clean signal.
Pulverizer
It is a "dirty" and distorted compressor! "Pulverize" tracks, this is his motto! It is a mix of distortions, filters, tremolos and variations on the genre that can dirty any sound, add warmth to a guitar solo or give it aggression, in short, what you need to not miss inspiration from crunch to noise!
Wiring
Characteristic of Reason is the ability to turn the effects / instruments rack with the TAB key and access the world of wiring.
We can therefore manually connect the impossible, leaving the proposed schemes, as if it were a real system, connecting track outputs and effects in the inputs of others and creating absolutely original chains.
Crack and keygen - protection
For the "outlaws" and lovers of the genre it is no coincidence that on the web there are no cracks and keygens of Record and Reason 1.5 and later, despite the growing demand in the forums (I am not launching challenges or instigating hackers !!).
The protection is particularly effective and works both via the USB key (ignition key) supplied and via the internet. In practice, if we do not have the key we can get enabled via the internet. Enabling is requested each time the program is started.
If the software is installed on more than one machine, only one at a time can request online authorization, otherwise the license will be blocked.
Valutazione generale
A really nice product, complete, stable, reliable. It had intrigued me during a live session, then I approached it with a bit of skepticism, after years of VST it seemed impossible to live without it. In the end I was positively surprised, I use it with pleasure and with good results where Virtual instruments are not really necessary.
Producer
Propeller head - www.propellerheads.se
Italian Distributor:
Midware srl - www.midiware.it
Price list:
€ 370,00 + VAT
Educational version for students and teachers
€ 271 + VAT
Educational version for schools / conservatories
€ 207,50 + VAT
Fabio Pesce
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