For a casual songwriter like myself, it doesn't make sense to spend $10K on a rack full of gear when Reason can duplicate it easily. Saves space and ugly wiring! Doesn't allow live recording which is a limitation for most songwriters. Reason detects audio clipping, but its sometimes difficult to find the culprit.

Price paid

$250.00 USD

Interface is easy if you've spent any time in a studio or with a computer sequencer. A stronger tutorial would be nice. There should really be a "live" tutorial of each instrument. Reason is like chess: easy to learn, more difficult to master.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Strong sounds, mostly techno style. Samples are good although many are simply variations on the same theme. Effects are good for a software program.

Reason is processor intensive. Using an iMac G4 Reason quit after adding 10-15 devices (mix of drums, samplers and effects). I exported several MIDI songs from Cakewalk 3.1 (yes 3.1!) and Reason imported them easily. No bugs, no crashes (yet). A very strong product.

OVERALL OPINION

The biggest investment is the computer you buy to use Reason (get the most processor you can afford). If Propellerheads continues to support their customers and add new devices (or at least new sounds) I will remain a customer for life!

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: bluezoo7 ( 3-, 2004)