All user reviews for the Reason Studios Reason 4

-> The installation is done it without problem?
Worry-free installation.
Before he turned on Windows XP 32-bit and now I have it installed on a Windows Seven 64-bit: it works great! No incompatibilities!

-> The general configuration is easy?
By the end of the installation a dialog box opens and lets you choose the source of sound output (if multiple sound cards) and a midi controller or any other input. In short then no problem to change all that: a single menu settings (audio, midi, general, etc. ..)

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

-> What is the configuration of your computer?
Asus P5LD2 Motherboard / Intel Core2Duo 2Ghz / External Sound Card Presonus Inspire.

-> The software runs he correctly on this configuration?
No problem, it is very stable with this configuration!

OVERALL OPINION

-> How long you use it?
Um, it's been 4 years and almost 5!

-> Did you tried many other models before buying it?
Nothing like ... Either simple or sequencers arrangers but nothing much "gas plant".

-> What is so special that you love the most, least?
The less cool it is unable to directly record voice .. But the solution is the function that allows rewire Reason to run in sync with a sequencer and record directly to it.

-> How do you rate the quality / price?
Excellent!

-> With experience, you do again this choice?
No doubt ...

I had no problem installing it! everything was done quickly!
It is plain

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I recently changed my PC setup and I currently running Windows 7 with 6 GB RAM, sound card M-Audio Fast Track Pro and turn nickel ca! Reason I did not think sas turn my worries.
I really have no problems with this setup as Reason 4 despite now being exceeded.

OVERALL OPINION

I use Reason 3 years and love it. I will switch to the higher side but the finances do not allow it for now! But it is a high-performance tools to begin to understand how it works.
I was working with FL studio before but when I découvers Reason, I have not touched FL.
Subsequently, I added some VST plugins variety of course but the base is very correct to start with this software!
Then you have to work on it ...
The price / quality ratio is still very good, especially when all functions operates in Reason.
And I think that with experience, I would do without this choice problems

Fastosh
compatible with win gold apple
Compatible with full REWIRE software (use more pro, sounds better ...)
Record used with the duplicates of the same manufacturer (best sounds and everything)
No need for manual, better go to the forum including the Franco la muerte (soft Quebecois accent)
I have learned full of stuff with him at first. it made me easier.

Go to the Site Reason France also

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Reason plays it, so a powerful enough PC stuff, no racing machine, or something mediocre.
Just a normal configue, nowadays it's not complicated.
For my part, I'm on an iMac 21 "3.06 ghz i3 4 GB RAM, good listening ... blablabla
Chuis well

Have a master keyboard is achement better! a little trick to start a big to post. USB bim

also provide a sound card for MIDI, and for better audio performance calculations

OVERALL OPINION

I went through the Reason 3, 4, I'm about 5 ... and then soon the 6

I love this software to the playful side.
Aillant practiced a little on the machine, I found an easy visual.
He got nothing to do with any other DAW software.

When we practice the sound live on the hardware, if you like the drawing, not the patch panel, not always clear. Finally, it is my opinion, but this is what makes the personality of Reason

And then all these little cables that move when the animal returns, it's so funny!

However, this software fishing in the sound ... This is unfortunate since this is what he is asked to leave! The audio engine of the beast does not support excessive mixing, the oversized bass, reverbs too wide ...

There are two ways to fix this shortcoming:

- THE REWIRE

Just click here to use another software master to act as mixer for all and all his synthesizer in Reason.
example: CUBASE, LOGIC PRO, Ableton Live, Pro Tools ...

- RECORD (by PropellerHead)

The brand of the will itself solve the problem, and to create this app that controls midi Reason.
But it also functions as a mixer, an audio engine with its own. The final summation is better quality, as with Rewire.

Finally, Reason is a toy for completeness, on which one can spend hours and hours, as was done before the big fan of analog machine, the sampler, sequencer ...

But of course, do not be afraid to lose it in the multitude of opportunities offered by my stuff, because it offers.

Good luck

-Clean install (prvoir when the same place)
Software-beat-maker is for all budgets and all uses and no latency and incompatibilitsurtout rvolution from June 1)
Manuel trs-clear! but long trs (g dropped the case after the 200me page)

the video tutorial tip (pay and free) site and the Reason France) trs well for rapid progress.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a standardized configuration (6 years my PC and I did not complain at all (apart from that I can not afford some fancy like having 20 web page open and open source software more ...)

OVERALL OPINION

I'm on Reason since version 1, cel is 8 years I use this software and NO dception especially since the 6 because I lch Pro-tools to work exclusively on Reason.

With hard work and investment matris Reason is a single value sr BMOL it is unfortunate that we are the attrendre version 6 for a real turie software because I would not use NEVER any other (ProTools can be) taken to make my voice and my compo.

C OF BOMB BB!

Instal no problem of incompatibility bug no configuration as Reason 3
the manual as heuu Reason 3 (not read)

jai jai installed the software and resumed my song jai battery or the place to stop pa imcopatiblit between the old and the new project (hopefully).

in all this took 5 minutes to the installation and nothing to configure if you have already configured for Reason 3 the job is already done

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

(Laptop) Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHz 2GB RAM 160GB hard drive, sound card fast track pro
(Pc fixed) Motherboard DFI lan party n. 4; amd 3500 +, 2GB ram, 500 GB hard drive, sound card DELTA 1010;
no problem on both config.

config and stable software

OVERALL OPINION

What jaime: new sequencer (like a sequencer), regrove mixer, the THOR (TIP OUF), tool bar, the new bank, and the rest of Reason. (I have used the arpeggiator pa).

compared with the sequencer 3 mailings of the big, the bar tool (F8) is handy (new option which complements the sequencer)

What I like least: ... may still be processing the audio is limited, but Reason c c normal.

the price c ben jaime Reason I take and I will resume. On this and the next a good sound

Installation: no problem in xp! The app asks if you want to let it uninstall Reason 3, the fact, start the installation of the V4, 5 minutes and you run APRS in the Discoveries of the soft . It's simple, efficace.Pas procdure comlex of recording such security cl (very annoying to use and easily crackable anyway ... see torrents emule and others) just the serial of your box and go! gnrale The configuration is very simple, as every time!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

On Pentium D 2.4 GHz, 2GB RAM
ca nickel.Le turns soft does not seem to consume more CPU than the version 3.The least my old projects open perfectly and do not seem greedy ...

OVERALL OPINION

It's a bomb!
The most: the REGROOVABLE! Is a killer! I DLIR 5 minutes on a binary instrument and that is transformed into pieces with a jazzy swing of hell I just deadly! !
The RPG8 is the best they love arpggiateur test.Simple of t given and effective, it does what you request.
THOR is simply amazing! Its grain tilt and filters soignles trs trs typs "analog". Malable hope it is, and just as well! Props no longer a blushing face tnors synthse to the soft ... suddenly the substractor obsollte is, but hey, it dpanne toujourspour open old songs ...
Finally, the squenceur.enfin! FINALLY a real squenceur plus.on 2000 and finally released from the stone age at this level ...
The least: the sound banks are still moyennes.L 'Orkester is starting to really old, the Factory Sound Bank is still his same gal: okay ... but hey, the samples were factory software for 400th .. the real sounds of qualitil to buy the refills from one small .. BMOL for software truly unique and a great qualit.A trs possder absolutely !!!!!

No problem, with an astonishment there against a cd.
Question configration (Mac) is well indiqubr trs /> Only BMOL, from the quick start manual (very well done) there is a pdf version.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

My configuration: iMac 20 "Intel Cor Duo, no sound card (just one intgre), 2 gb of ram, a master keyboard.
The software works really well, no saturation, the sound is clear and clean, no slowdown, and as always, Reason and not too CPU-intensive.
Configuration super stable!

OVERALL OPINION

Reason two years that I use is a "tool" extraordinary, I can not get enough, version 4 is really enjoyable and cares about the interface.
The new modules are really like THOR Top. This combo offers a truly infinite possibilities of Fast Fashion .... Small snag if I find one on this website (Propellerhead) is EXCLUSIVELY in English.

Acqurir before I tweak a lot of squenceurs (cubase, live) but it's DIFFERENT, reason it's inception, the extra combo is by Reason and Live example?

Report qualitprix, remaining objective that remains "affordable", but hey this type of question is based on each respective fellowships is when a same amount! But I would do without this choice hsiter!

Installation nickel, zero problem, immediate configuration, clear manual (only in PDF for cons, it's a shame). Come on, take off one point for no man.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

- On an Athlon XP 3200 + with 1GB of RAM, a presonus firebox with 8ms latency, the software works. Some swings in the graphic interface at the most loaded.

OVERALL OPINION

Reason 3 for one year, 4 since its release.

I love the proximity between the real hardware and virtual hardware, wiring possible (do not stop at the physical side of Reason, we can do much rewiring that can make as many synths as desired oscillator etc ...)

Most:
Le Thor, the groove, scream 4, the lightness of the CPU

the -:
<ul>

propellerhead principle: no midi out, not in audion. regrettable ways to integrate or old synths in stock.

Reason manages a single keyboard (for notes, not controller). Can not record multiple tracks in parallel, very limited work for two. Or use two Reasons on two computers, but it falls on the lack of midi out for the synchro. dooomaaaage!

The onboard effects are really not great (not Scream 4, and the echo mode of RV7000)

the mixer is rotten. 128 position for a fader mixing, it does not work.

is saturated easily in-house, must be given little attention to ultra meter on the side of instrumentals, no concept of clipping internally, it goes anyway, if all my sound is damaged

the EQ of the table, like the M-Class EQ are far too inadequate to do anything to own

not output multi-

</ul>
Conclusion: a great tool to start, then he must pass in order to have a true ReWire mixer built-in effects and real.

install:

no soucy, normal What!
ca runs very well in xp, install 5 minutes and all is well!
RAS

incompatibility:

no, exept RSN files open on the 4, s no longer opens after the 3 ...

config:

no soucy, even better than the 3 (in french this time!!), what more

Manual:

no changes from the 3, but always well detailed and explains

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

computer config:

athlon 64 2800 +, mid-range motherboard, sound card (DMX6fire deluxe Khtz 96, 24-bit), 2GB ram + synth USB
Allg + windows xp ....

Does it function:

yes well, latency 0, its clean and clear, without saturation, or sound defects.
Performance:

niquel, and always niquel niquel!!
very precise, stable, voila!!

hardware + software:

yes yes yes, very stable, like a stone square.

exept with "Thor", are suffering some patch my gear (net stop, forced to stop / play to restart everything .... nothing too serious)
and then c is normal because I'm kind of a grind sounds .... So it happens in extreme cases ^ ^

OVERALL OPINION

since:

It must be 2, 3, version 2.5, then 3, then 3.5, and finally 4

particularity:

as:

stability, efficiency, distortions and effects without hurting the pc platform MIDI 4 is very stable, level c sequencer is not bad (not quite as cubase but ca s approach to increasing), the accessibility of the software , price

Cons:

a MIDI stability not as stable and clean that a Cubase ... but from here soon, it will be equivalent (version 5 I think ^ ^), and finally the AC is minimal differences between the two.
and still no audio input on Reason .... Finally, one day can be ...

Other models:

2.5, 3, 3.5 ... and 4!!

Q / P:

Incredible, especially today with a MIDI interface that Cubase has an almost pete 900
So I think that even Reason 5 (still has that rhythm) will be better than cubase.

Exept for the opportunity to record the audio, that is only found on Cubase.
But at least, Reason is content to just the audio composition, and does it very well and suddenly has better effects and distortions, that one who planted cubase has anything goes!!

Redo is choice:

Yes, yes and yes
And I do it again for 5!
grd with pleasure and a lot of impatience!
hoping also an audio input on Reason 5 (a dream ^ ^)

- Installation is it without problem?
The installation is made without concern, yet the era I did not know almost nothing in computer science.
- Have you experienced any incompatibility?
No, Reason works well and has always worked well with all the components of my pc.
- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
The manual is clear plutt, not easy for beginners in music of all even when Capt, but we can catch up to DJ in fiddling is even-or by viewing the online tutorial .

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

What is the configuration of your computer? (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk / sound card ..)
PC, Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz, Windows XP SP2, 512GB of RAM, I use a free program that simulates a sound card: ASIO4ALL.
- The software works he correctly on this configuration?
All going well.
- This software + hardware configuration is stable?
Yes, it is stable.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
Reason version since I was 3, this means more than a year and a half.
- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
least, nothing spcial, it takes time for CERN but, if you want a product that offers many must make an effort to understand it. Otherwise, it may be lack of being able to record his voice without using other software.
most, the quality of sound, refills (instrument or patch) tlchargeable on the net, free studio crativitun almost complete, the display hardware, ...
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
No, it's my first.
- How do you report qualitprix?
Good.
- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
Without hsitation.

NB: I will discuss the benefits following the passage of the v3 v4.

Installation without problem with the audio device dtection classical and Midi.
Fast and efficient, especially since not everything is on a DVD, there is more ame move from the other CD.

NB: I expected a larger amount of dtectable peripherals with this new version. But that is no problem.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

The switch version 4 is not the Audio In addition, it remains a tool synthse of sampling, and squancing. No registration, no treatment-time audio rel (Vocoder ?...), etc.. But in contrast, marks a clear Reason to Cubase squenceurs type with refined svrement squenceur edition while remaining the Propellerhead clear and effective.

The performances follow, Reason is stable for some time, with current machines, plus too much trouble. Le Thor, at the main novelty of the objects of the rack is almost a Reason in Reason. I have not the patches, some of which are made by Plaid, clearly Aesthetics. There are ways to do good things, with an ergonomic tool pdagogique always enough. Reason is the qt, but it inhrent any tool.

For the price, there really is not complaining.

At the interface level, the majority of the objects remained the same rack, and there is enjoyable as Reason does not age.

If the following versions intgrent audio, and a new reverb (convolution?), We should have a good killing in his hands.

OVERALL OPINION

I use Reason 4 years, it's true that synthse patissait some of his old modules (add and granular), the Thor was enough to rekindle the flame.
The ergonomics of the tool goes hand in hand with sound: pte fat and electro.
And Reason as usable as a plug in via Rewire, there is not really complain.
More "Master" is really not bad, it does not suffice heavy projects, but has to be MRIT raliste level interface, and REALLY make it sound, careful when boosting same.

Patches are always made by + / - big names, which is not dsagrable, leaving the Propellerhead crdibilit they are connate.

I use Reason for a pte that emerges nonetheless, mainly RedRum, the Thor, the Vocoder, etc ... I m'touffe a little if I do the pure Reason, the Associtation Rack / Sequencer begins be a little tiring, and the sound feels stale quickly.
Reason I come as a big machine, trs perfect, but it still lacks an opening to be squenceur alone. Thing that Reason is complte well with Live.

I'll end on a more superficial: the graphics of Reason is really enjoyable. Trs squares while remaining Aesthetics, ca does not in bad working conditions.

I see lots of good advice so I&#39;ll deal with it all ... because Reason is far from perfect, but talking about!

- The installation is done it without problems?
Installation from a single DVD is significant compared to previous versions.

- Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
No, on all my machines (Mac and PC), I have never had any problems.

- The general configuration is easy?
Setup is simple, the parameters of input / output / MIDI / audio / latency, etc. ... are visual and simple.

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Absolutely and French.

Nothing to say for now.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

- What is the configuration of your computer?
iMac Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz, 3GB RAM, 160GB HD + 2 * 300GB external.

- The software works he correctly on this configuration?
Well, I must say that with such a config I fully appreciate the possibilities of Reason.
I had a little iBook G4 1GHz with 512MB of RAM before and had to clear to be careful not to overload the rack ... but now my options are almost unlimited with this machine!
Note that Refills Piano / Drum kit / Abey Road keyboard / Etc ... are much more resource intensive! Personally it does not bother me more than that, but I had to give up on my ibook Reason, which saturated with a simple combinator of SteinwayD as soon as I played more than 4 notes simultaneously. These top up are to be excluded if you have a small setup!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
I use Reason for over four years as he was still in version 3.0.

- What is so special that you like most and least?
That&#39;s where we get down to business ...

MOST:
- The revamped sequencer: Finally! Finally, we can automate changes in tempo and time signature, it was sorely lacking!
- The principle of the blocks of notes (so pattern) that can easily blow the copy / paste without taking the lead.
- The updating of the labels between the machines in the rack and sequencer tracks ... it starts to get drunk to do everything twice: I write like "Piano" on my sequencer track but my machine is still called "NN-XT1" ... it starts to get boring.
- The toolbox ... it is now quick and easy to quantize, transpose, to calibrate the length of notes, etc ... you win a lot of time what.
- The Thor ... what a great invention, very complete, with a sound of a synth ... Finally!
- The new arpeggiator, practice!
- It seems to me, and export to Wav you lose at least with version 3.0, which puffed a lot of signal!
- The breakdown of the click at the time of registration which did not have the 3.0.
- The possibility of reducing the size of the "Hardware Device" part (top rack).
- Compatibility with older versions ... casually, it&#39;s still super handy!

The - (gniark gniark gniark!): P:
- Load time patches are sometimes very long, it is a serious defect that has dragged the start and that makes its use sometimes painful to see the live completely unusable.
- Assignment can not be the same no MIDI controller with two buttons on the rack! ... another boring thing that drags along.
- No converter "to resume control change" ... shame because with the merger / split CV that would be ultra convenient!
- Can not load patch 2 of 2 virtual machines simultaneously! Which slowed even more load times live ... it&#39;s downright unmanageable!
At worst, they could think of one kind of Total Recall assignable to MIDI to make a complete change of time in a rack-optimized ... Well no ... it is always the misery and it makes use of this software not on stage ... Which is a shame because with the new computers that would be quite feasible. In addition, other features (MIDI Learn, many controls as possible in real time) lend themselves perfectly to play on stage! I am not speaking of sounds, we would like to bring on stage! ... Well no ... because of this detail, painful, it&#39;s still a challenge to get on stage and Reason to use it as its main generator ... frankly a shame! What untapped potential!
- No audio ... yet so it would be convenient to record a guitar or a small voice in Reason ... !
- No TAP tempo ... Yet to wedge samples in the sequencer it would really must.
- Data output of Thor CVout behave strangely ... (Range of values ​​with other non-standard machines a priori).

Good short, we see very quickly the limitations of the software when it comes to get him on stage, it&#39;s pretty frustrating. It would however be great to produce his music in Reason and to export their favorite sounds on stage with a few controllers and a simple keyboard controller ... And suddenly, in Rewire Ableton Live it could be something crazy ... In short, Uncle Propellerhead, if you read me ... ! : D

I put 5 / 10 ... neither good nor bad ... many things to improve if we consider the potential of this software. I do not care that Reason never becomes a VST host (gas plant hello!) ... however, the day we can have a computer with Reason backstage, I&#39;ll be the king of oil, and Propellerhead will be many new friends I think!

I'm using Reason since its first release or Rebirth.
The installation was done without any worries about Mac OSX Leopard
Easy configuration of preferences.
The manual is very comprehensive and forums are not lacking, if not their site has what it takes.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Apple MacBook 2.4 GHz Penryn 4GB DDRII with Presonus FireBox.

With this configuration is that of happiness! it does not budge.

OVERALL OPINION

I use Reason 4 for over a year, I went through the update of the three, the 2.5, 2 and 1 ... So it's been 7 years.

+> When you love to use it, everything is possible: create your own instruments out a big sound with mastering tools, the interface machine Rack and Sequencer arrangement, the system wiring, low file size. Rns , assignments noon on REGROOVABLE mix ... so on

-> Still no audio & midi out in: /

Quality / price> Given the "competition", very good.

I do it again this election, hoping that one day he can join the midi out, it will be huge ...

The seriousness of Propellerhead no further proof: The software is nice and easy to use. His analogy with the hardware but the intended people with significant experience in the field of music.
The installation proceeds without any problems. I also use Ableton Live Suite, and I can not say the same of him (almost an hour to install the sound banks where with Reason in 10 minutes, everything is settled).
The configuration is childish: we are not drowned by tons of parameters as is the case again with Live.
No incompatibilities encountered. ReWire is not yet compatible 64-bit, but fortunately for me, I only use 32-bit software computer music.
The manual is well written and full of tricks. It is provided in electronic format (PDF), but this is not a problem for me. I have always preferred the manual available on my computer than having to search my desk when I asked about how the software works. On the other hand, the electronic format has a size advantage on paper: information retrieval is almost instantaneous.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I currently use a PC based on Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2GHz, running under Windows x64 7. 2 GB of RAM and 160 GB hard drive. As recently moved to a desktop to a laptop, I do not use specific sound card, only the chipset of the computer. This does not have a good latency by using the ASIO4ALL driver. For sound quality, this is not the same story ... I will invest later in a sound card worthy of the name.
Reason runs fine on this configuration. It is a stability issue, which is far from the case of other software with which I worked. It is also very lightweight: you can stack dozens of synths and effects without the CPU flies. It changes based DAW VST!

OVERALL OPINION

I worked with 2 versions of Reason: For about a year with the first exit which is (1.0) and a few months with the latest (4.0.1). Meanwhile, I told him of infidelity using Ableton Live, but disappointed at some points (performance, stability), I preferred to go back to Reason and I do not regret.
I especially love the opportunities it offers advanced routing. Apart from a few VST (Arturia Moog Modular for example), I have not seen any software that offers such freedom in wiring modules.
What I like least: the overall quality effects. Apart from the modules reverberation (RV-7000) and distortion (Scream 4), the effects are a notch below the competition. The mixer is also the most basic (2-band equalizer: to my knowledge, all other programs offer at least 3 bands). On the other hand, there is very often the audio clipping.
Reason is a software designed to create more music pure and simple as the production of a complete song. For the final mix, it is better to go through other tools.
Nevertheless, I recommend it to everyone: its versatility, ease of use and excellent value for money (around 300 euros, is anyway less than most hardware synthesizers) make it a tool for the many.
I would do without this choice problem, and is seriously considering to buy me a record of those days.

Ultra stable software. More stable it does not exist. The manual is great.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a very good PC and it runs very well! That said not need a beast of war to run Reason.

OVERALL OPINION

So ... Reason is a killer and I just post my opinion ... because I Quit Reason!

This software may seem obscure to a real beginner ... but through the first effort is a treat! Everything is very intuitive, it does not crash and never used with Cubase rewire I find it much nicer than plugins. And then in terms of everything it offers is not a Reason expensive software.

Reason is an incredible tool for composing, basically we do not take (too) head with the technique. Provided use Reason in its entirety requires years of experience. Personally I am not come to end after two years of intensive practice ... mostly more than 15 hours per week.

Note that the French community around reason is extremely active and that the site reasonfrance a wealth of information and usability.

Reason why I quit then? And well trying the software Arturia (Minimoog, CS-80 ...) I realized the noise limits of Reason. In my opinion if Reason does not plant it because it requires little CPU. Why is there little CPU intensive? Well I think that's partly because it made concessions on sound quality. Something is missing ... bass, depth, dynamics, wealth.

Another reason to stop: the new products announced for Reason Propellerhead 5 show definitively that did nothing to shake my music! I tend to trip hop rock. Excluding the latest target of the fans definitely pure electro and hip-hop producers.

This is one of the big weaknesses of Reason: the batteries are far behind realistic software like Addictive Drums (if what a pleasure to add two clicks a distortion and reverb on the snare drum and a delay to the kick ... thats Reason!).

Briefly, after 10 years without Reason musical practice has changed my life and allowed me to compose songs that I'd always thought incapable of producing.

Provided with experience it becomes difficult ... today I am ready to take over the head with software less stable, less ergonomic and more complicated ... but with incomparable sound quality.

Where do I start. Well, the unpacking was harmless and it was easy to install. You have a registration card sent with it that is important to keep at all times for the unexpected hard drive failure. Config was fine and it automatically picked up my MM6, Keystation, MPD24 and Firewire Mixer. It was easy as can be to get started. The typical functions are all present, and the settings are extremely simple to adjust, with all settings being in one settings window instead of many different settings scattered around.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

My configuration of a Firewire mixer which could stand in for a card or interface, anything that can be plugged into the computer using a USB or Firewire cord, was seamless into Reason. Any MIDI controller I've used works, and I've yet to have any problems. If it detects a problem with your config, it'll tell you so with a big red X. If it's all good, then it'll display a big green check. Anything that failed during production and plugged back in didn't require a restart of Reason like FL Studio or Cubase. I've been using this configuration with the exception of the Firewire mixer being swapped for an X2u since I got it.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like most is the quality of the sounds. They sound fantastic, and you can find packs in the Sound Bank that suit any need. Thor is also a great addition, something that wasn't present in Reason 3. I also like the combinators, which provide for easy mixing and easy packaging of otherwise complex setups and instruments. What I don't like about Reason is the lack of VST or VSTi compatibility. This is really annoying, as you have to use stock Reason mixers, delays, reverbs, compressors, and so on. This is a huge limiting factor, but it's understandable that PropellerHead wants people to buy their add-ons, ones which are the only add-ons compatible with Reason, called ReFills. After using it for two years, I would still buy Reason. It's a great, intuitive program, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I wasn't involved with the installation process of Propellerhead Reason 4 as it was already installed on the machine that I have run it on.  Although I can't say anything about installing it, I do know that there haven't been any problems running it since I have been using it.  The interface of the software is reminiscent of Reason 3.0, but in general it looks a lot more modern and there are a ton of new features to play with.  I find that it is overall easier to use than 3.0, but it did take me a little while to get used to the switch.  The manual for the software is put together well and is definitely helpful to have around when learning how to use this.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have used Propellerhead Reason 4 on an Apple G5 desk top that usually runs with a Pro Tools HD system.  This is a very powerful set up and is more than capable of running this program.  If you are running a lesser system, it may vary on how well this runs on your system.  It really just depends on your personal set up, but if you are running Reason 3.0 or another sequencer in the vein of Reason already, I think that you should be able to run this software without a problem.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, Propellerhead Reason 4 is a lot better than 3.0.  If you aren't familiar with either of these, Reason is overall a very powerful piece of software and is an almost perfect all in one stop for making MIDI music.  The sounds are quite realistic and varied and of course you can always make your own sounds and import them into this.  My favorite feature of Reason 4 when compared to 3.0 is the addition of the arpeggiator as you can really get some interesting tones with this.  The price of this version of Reason I believe is the same as it was before, but this time around you are getting a lot more value.  All in all, if you are looking to get into making music with MIDI, Reason 4.0 is one of the best sequencers that money can buy.

(Originally written by Yvo2000/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Did you have any problems during installation?

I just copied and pasted the original folder of the DVD into the Applications folder of my Intel Mac. No problems whatsoever... But Reason 4.0 replaced my previous Reason folder. If you saved your Refills (Reason's sound banks) in this folder, the update will delete them and you'll have to install them again... And it's the same with v4.1.

- Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

Comprehensive manual. The software is easy enough so you won't need the user's manual in the beginning. But if you read it you'll learn lots of tips and details you'd never learn on your own.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

- Which computer system do you use?

Intel Mac Duo Core 2.5 GHz, 4 GB Ram

- Does the software work correctly with your setup?

- How is the performance? (if measurable)

My system allows me to easily work with very large projects. With a less powerful computer (my old Power G4, for example) you'll feel frustrated because the program is very resource demanding. However, Reason's main advantage is still its low CPU consumption, which allows you to capture your ideas on the fly even if your traveling with a laptop.

- What about the hardware+software configuration stability?

Reason for Mac is just the most reliable music software I know. Propellerhead's ads don't lie: no-bug warranty!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?

I've been using Reason since it's launch in 2001. I've experienced its whole development firsthand. In the beginning it was just unbeatable regarding ease of use, coherency and performance, even with small computer systems (at that time). But competitors also exploited their talent and creativity. Reason is still a great solution to pre-produce my projects. Even on the train on my way to work I can quickly capture my ideas.

- Which feature do you like best?

° I like the coherency, the ease of use and the versatility (comprehensive and creative routing possibilities). It's like when I started playing Lego as a child and couldn't stop anymore. I do a lot for pre-production and Reason can manage virtually every task. But Reason is not only a good toy for pre-production, you can keep everything you did during the final production using Rewire in your DAW.

° More precisely I like especially the REGROOVE engine that allows me to create great patches and grooves, the new Midi sequencer that makes almost everything possible, the "Reason Electric Bass" extension (not included) that sounds incredibly authentic, both arpeggiators that make everything possible, the Randomiser and Alterner function, the pattern creation (which can lead to amazing results), and the high-quality Subtractor and Thor virtual synths.

- Which special feature do you like the least?

° No audio recording function, no integration of external plug-ins and Midi modules, which means that Reason must be used as the slave of a DAW. However Rewire is very well implemented in Cubase and Logic (but you'll need a powerful computer). Nonetheless it's somewhat elaborate. It's a waste of time and it'll give you headaches. I don't understand why Proppelerhead still doesn't offer Reason as AU/VST instrument.

° The main turnoff is the quality of the effects (compressor, distortion and reverb), far below the quality of Apple's Logic plug-ins, which is not much more expensive.

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

I tested Fruity Loop. But Reason was much better. Fruity Loop has changed a lot ever since. I also used Cubase in 2000, which I found very unreliable with my Win XP PC. I then bought Logic Pro and I like it very much. However I still use Reason regularly for pre-production. I know it very well after so many years..

- How would you rate its value for money?

Quite good. I've been owning it since 2001 and the updates weren't expensive. But Logic Pro's current version is not expensive compared with Reason and it's much more professional in many aspects. However Reason is still a very good product and it allows you to do things that you can hardly do in Logic or Cubase. On top of that Reason is so intuitive that it increases your creativity.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

For sure! I don't regret the eight years I've spent with Reason and I still use it every week. It's sort of an audio Lego that allows you to achieve professional results if you know how to insert it in a larger production environment. Nevertheless, I cannot rely solely on Reason for my music.

Not a single problem with the install. I haven't tried any refills yet but I would imagine they would work great too. I have a mac laptop, there were no compatibility issues. I have Logic 8 also, and in comparison, Reason is not as simple in configuration or setup. Infact, when I first used it, I was fairly confused. Logic's interface is just so damned easy that I feel I was expecting more out of this program. What I can tell you though is once you get the hang of it, its a piece of cake. The manual is good enough. Its pretty lame though that the program doesn't have a help tab built in, I guess its just a convenience issue though. I definitely had to reference the manual a lot so that would have been nice. What really helps when learning the ropes is downloading the tutorial videos made by the guys who made reason. Then if all falls into place and thats when the fun begins.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a Macbook with 2.2ghz, 4gb ram, and I use a presonus firebox/firepod for my interface. So far the software works flawlessly with my setup. No crashes and great sounds! I am going to give this a 10 for performance. Lots of options built in with the factory sounds. So many that the refill's have yet to interest me. I should mention that this is not an open program in the way of plugins. You have to use reason plugins, thats all you get to the best of my knowledge.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using this program for about 2 weeks. What I like most about Reason is how fun and easy it is once you break the learning curve. It becomes very accessible and an amazing tool for ideas and writing loop based music. The synths in it our pretty damn sweet too! What I don't like is the limitations on plugins. As I mentioned before, Reason plugin's only. I have some great Absynth patches that sound so great with some of the synths in reason, but I have to bounce the reason stuff down into aiff files and send it into Logic to pair the two programs together. Do not let advertisements and other things of that sort confuse you, this is not a DAW! This is a electronic music sequencer just like Audio Fanzine says. For the same price you can get Logic 8 which in comparison, blows this program out of the water. But, if you can afford both, like writing loop based music, and are not afraid to be a little daunted at first, this might be for you. I would definitely make the same choice, its just so much fun.