Reason 4 shows that it
is possible to improve on an idea that
completely revolutionized the way we make music on a computer. Reason 4
ups the ante by adding more devices and features that will inspire your
creativity and streamline the process. Among the new enhancements are
Thor, a synth that manages to pay homage to all synths that have come
before while completely reinventing the synth at the same time; RPG-8,
a rethinking of the arpeggiator from the ground up; and ReGroove, which
adds a decidedly humanistic feeling to Reason 4's sequenced drums.
What's New?
One new feature that will quickly ease its way into your workflow is
the new Tools Window, a floating window containing all your most
frequently used tools. Using the Tools window, you can create new
devices by choosing from a device palette, fine tune your sequencer
data from the Tools pane, or set groove parameters using the groove
pane. The device palette lets you drag-and-drop instruments and effects
directly to the rack and place them just where you want them. The Tools
pane contains all of Reason's sequencer editing tools, allowing for
quick access to everything from Quantization to vector automation
cleanup and legato adjustments.
The Combinator and NN-XT devices have both had minor revisions to make
programming patches easier and more powerful. If you are not into
making your own sounds, these changes may not mean much to you. The
NN-XT has been given new features to edit multiple samples
simultaneously, to chromatically auto-map samples and a new Group Mono
function to let samples play polyphonically, but still be silenced by
other samples in the same sample group. The Combinator now has a
transpose function that transposes notes sent to a device. Other
additions include performance data filters to stop certain types of
data from being sent to a device, more flexible choice of Sources in
the programmer and a function to automate the receive notes option,
making it possible to switch between instruments in a Combinator patch.
Thor
Reason 4 boasts new instruments and tools to inspire your creativity
and push sonic boundaries. Where other synths use one specific form of
synthesis and one single filter, the Thor polysonic synthesizer
features six different oscillator types and four unique filters, making
Thor an unstoppable monster of a sound generator that utilizes
synthesizer technology from the last 40 years. Six open filter and
oscillator slots let you load up three different synth filters and
three separate oscillators simultaneously, allowing you to dial in
synth sounds that are completely new. An all-powerful modulation matrix
gives you complete control over your signal flow, letting you modulate
anything within Thor with anything within Thor. At the bottom of this
synth sits an analog style step sequencer with more than one twist.
Being every bit as modular as the rest of Thor's components, this step
sequencer does more than just play melodies - use it as a modulation
tool, trigger phrases from specific keys, create intense arpeggios,
generate piercing percussion lines. With its unique selection of
oscillator types and synth filters, the Thor polysonic synthesizer is a
veritable synth museum. Thor may have one foot in history, but its
sound is pure future.
RPG-8
Reason 4 ships with RPG-8, a brand new unit dedicated to the art of
arpeggiation. With a wide range of on-panel controls and mode
selectors, a pattern section for muting selected notes in an arpeggio
and a large display showing values and positions, this device gives you
full creative control over your arpeggios. Although very hands-on and
user friendly, the RPG-8 boasts some very advanced features under the
surface. Features that will change how you play Reason's instruments.
The 'Single Note Repeat' function engages the arpeggiator only when two
or more simultaneous notes are held down - letting you add sudden
bursts of arpeggio to your melody lines. The 'Manual' mode will
arpeggiate notes strictly in the order they were input, for realtime
arpeggio control. The RPG-8 monophonic arpeggiator is a creative
workhorse that can - and should - be used with all of Reason's sound
sources; try arpeggiating your breakbeats, your orchestra samples, or
your ReCycled vocals.
ReGroove
One of the most frequent complaints about sequenced music is that it
doesn't have that human feel. The ReGroove mixer, Reason's own realtime
groove management device, solves this problem. The ReGroove mixer in
Reason 4 gives you more than just a set of sequencer swing parameters -
this is a unique device dedicated to one thing: the groove. The
ReGroove Mixer applies its timing magic non-destructively and in
realtime, giving you freedom to adjust its settings - and fine-tune
your groove - as your music is playing. And of course, Reason wouldn't
be Reason without its huge Factory Sound Bank. The Sound Bank holds
patches for all devices in Reason to help you get going instantly.
Reason
Reason is a full-featured music workstation that is only limited by
your computer horsepower. You can literally stack instrument on top of
instrument to create mind-blowing arrangements. Synthesizers, samplers,
drum machine, ReCycle-based loop player, mixer, effects, pattern
sequencer and more are all available to you, and load as many of each
as your computer can handle. Reason is an infinitely expandable music
workstation on a CD-ROM, complete with its own realtime sequencer.
Reason is easily one of the most sought-after and used desktop musical
environments available today.
Features:
- Virtually unlimited number of instruments
- Thor polysonic synth with six different oscillator types and four unique filters
- RPG-8 arpeggiator
- ReGroove
- Combinator
- Full Effects Suite
- Samplers, Synths, and more
- New Tools Window
- Revisions to NN-XT and Combinator
