All user reviews for the Reason Studios Reason 7

Reason 7 is the latest installment of the popular music making software that has been developed by the Swedish company known as propellerhead. This sequencing software has gained in popularity over the years thanks to its simulation of a real hardware studio. This latest version incorporates some new features such as the new mixer and EQ, and makes it even easier to create tracks quickly and effectively. In this review I will take a look at some of the features that are new to this version and I will also outline the benefits that it offers to its users.

Features

One of the things that I had to get to grips with when I first started using Reason was the fact that it is completely based within a midi matrix. This means that you cannot drag audio directly into the sequencer and instead need to build it through MIDI data. However, once you get used to this the workflow becomes very quick and the automation is also very easy to carry out, which means you can create complex automations in volume and other effects on instruments that you use.

One of the things I like most about Reason is the fact that it creates a virtual studio on your computer. Reason is a sequencer that uses the concept of creating a virtual hardware studio in which users can create their music. This includes a selection of devices which represent the physical devices that you would find in a modern studio. For instance, you would have a mixer and then have other instruments which plug into this mixer, including devices such as drum machines and synthesizers, as well samplers and effects units. This is all available in the Reason software and can be connected in exactly the same way as you would do in a real studio. You can even flick the instruments round and rewire them in new and interesting ways at the back via CV cables which offer communication between effects.

There are several new features on Reason 7 which I really enjoyed. The first was that of the ability to record audio directly into the sequencer. Before Reason 7 you could only load audio into one of the plug-ins, such as the sampler. What I really liked about this was that you could then use a feature similar to Recycle, which is sold separately in order to chop up the files into individual slices that could then be re-programmed and played across the keyboard.

Another exciting new feature that I found interesting in Reason 7 was that of the new mixer. This allows you the ability to create a wide range of effects when you're mixing down your track, including parallel compression and the ability parametrically EQ each individual channel whilst being able to see the signal in the EQ. As well is this the software also comes with a wide selection of new sounds. Being particularly interested in samples meant that I was able to create a selection of new and interesting tracks with the sounds included.

Pros and cons

Reason is a brilliant program for creating electronic music in a wide range of different styles but it does have a few problems. One of the main problems is that it will not accept plug-ins from external software designers. This means that you can only use the devices that are built within Reason and will not be able to use popular plug-ins such as Albino and Massive. Another problem with Reason is that the sound engine is sometimes regarded as being not as good a quality as other sequencers that are available, such as Logic and Ableton. However, Reason can still make music which sounds great. However, The user may need to get used to the sound engine if they have previously used programs such as Logic.

Comparison

There are no sequencers quite like Reason but other programs such as Logic and Cubase do have a similar sense of design. I found Logic to be easy to use after having practiced on Reason. The Midi matrix is similar and automation functions in a relatively similar way. Plug-ins such as drum machines and synthesizers are also designed in a similar way to those of reason. Logic has the added ability of being able to drag audio files directly into the sequencer window which you can then manipulate. Reasons on the other hand requires you to load a sampler and then manipulate that samples through Midi.

Summary

I was excited to upgrade to the new version of Reason after having used every other version from 2.5 onwards. The new version introduces some interesting features which can be incorporated well within your music. The new devices focus on the mixer and the ability to mix down music in new ways. This will appeal to individuals who want to get an interesting mix within their tracks. This is a nice upgrade and will suit fans of the software.

Fast and easy installation, as usual with Reason.

PERFORMANCE

What's your computer setup? (motherboard/CPU/RAM/HDD/soundcard..)
iMac i5 2012 8gb Ram

Does the software work correctly with your setup?
The software works great.

How is the performance? (if measurable)
Apart from a couple heavy presets, all projects and samples load really fast.

Is the hardware+software configuration stable?
It's the most stable software I have ever used. I have never had a crash using Reason.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using the product?
I've been using Reason since version 4, four years ago.


Which feature do you like the most / the least?
+ A superb tool to organize ideas
+ Ideal to create your own sounds (sound design, patch editing, etc...)
+ I love the interface with racks
- The Midi output
+ The SSL-type mixer, which spares me from having to use an external sequencer to make the final mix
+ The EQ's GUI
+ The extent of the sounds included, which are easy to customize
+ The well though-out F8 show/hide tool window
+ The comprehensive and interesting manual

- Clip editing still limited during playback
- Sampling audio editing ought to apply to all audio clips
- There's no way to lower the volume of several tracks at the same time without creating a bus (which is disturbing and a handicap when mixing, especially since this very simple option can be found on any other sequencer)
- No MIDI comping like on Reaper or Studio One
- The media explorer isn't practical, it would be nicer for it to be fully integrated like in studio one.
- No track-by-track midi export. You have to export all tracks.
- Color management
- No new synths or effects, you need to go for the (paid) rack extension.

Did you try any other models before buying this one?
I started out with Acid pro, then tested Fruity Loops, Studio One and Reaper, which I still use

How would you rate its value for money?
I got it for about 250 bucks, upgrading a version I got secondhand. I think it's expensive all the same, but it's unbeatable compared to competing products. Especially with the built-in sound library and instruments.

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

Yes.

Very easy installation. The demo version is really nice in this regard, no time limitations, all features are accessible, except the possibility to open other files than those of the demo. A very good way to get acquainted with the software. The proof is that I stopped using cracks.
Activating it on my PC was a bit of a pain, it was buggy the first day (but it worked find the next day and I could use Reason 7 in connected mode all the same).

PERFORMANCE

Setup: 4Gb ram, 3g4 processor, the software is very stable and it's not very resource-intensive. The results are great and it sounds fine straight away (unlike with Cubase sx3, which I used for several years; it was unstable, resource-intensive and way less intuitive than Reason; I would spend lots of time with VSTs that were very resource-intensive, not free and complex to use).

It comes with everything so you can focus on CREATING! It's awesome!
...and it's incredible effective.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for one month.
I used Cubase and some other software programs before (fruity loops among others).
But it's the first time I think the software is well-accomplished and practical.
What I like best is the rack system, which works like in real life. It's logical and easy to use.
It's expensive, but the price is justified by everything that comes with it, and you don't have to spend a dime afterwards.

In terms of use, the block/song system is simply awesome. You can make loops on the fly and nothing is ever out of sync. You can also create "classic" audio tracks in parallel.


*****Update from 02.24.2015

Okay, the excitement is long gone. I've been using Reason intensively for 1.5 years.
I was really happy with Reason for writing songs until I found myself limited using it (even if I regarded Reason as THE solution back in 2013).

I gave Ableton Live a try this last weekend and I admit that VSTs provide a versatility and quality that make the EQs and compressors of Reason seem like toys.

It took me some time to explore all advantages and disadvantages of Reason, which is a nice product. But I won't lie, there's a huge difference in terms of quality between the effects provided by Reason and those of Live.

I also think that Reason's rack system looks very sexy at first but, in practice, it's not really handy. It's a real pain to connect the rack to the tracks or mixer channels, even with the shortcuts.

The Rack extensions are also limited, given their proprietary aspect (and they are more or less updated by the developers).

It's true that the complete version of Reason offers lots of REs, but what do you need 250 average-quality reverbs for?

What stroke me most were the EQs. While those of Reason sound rough, a Fablab EQ sounds subtle and delicate.

In short, it's a nice tool for someone starting out, but it's no as practical and simple as I thought.

The installation and configuration are relatively quick. The preferences window is pretty straightforward, so you don't have to look for hours for the different options. The automatic detection of MIDI gear is great.

The manual is like an encyclopedia in its own right. Not only is it comprehensive, it also explains lots of computer music concepts that are only useful for REASON.

Incompatibilities? REASON is a "closed" system so there are no incompatibilities in terms of software and, when it comes to hardware, it's all plug and play.

I think REASON takes pretty long to start and even more so if you are trying out REs (an Internet connection is mandatory + you get pop-up questions; really annoying).
However, my setup is quite all right.

PERFORMANCE

System: Phenom II X6 3.2ghz + 6 Gb RAM (DDR2 800) ... The performance is pretty good, even if my setup is not state-of-the-art.

REASON's stability is no myth, it's a reality. When used as a slave with REWIRE it's a bit slower.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using REASON for 4 years. I love all the routing possibilities of the RACK. Granted, it's a closed system but it nevertheless offers a lot of freedom in terms of experimentation. I love the included synths: Thor/Malstrom/Subtractor.

Ever since versions 6 and 7, you once again have tools that allow you to work a mix decently and in a more user-friendly way, in my opinion: Mixer/ channel strip/ send/parallel channel/ group / Warp

The user-friendliness of the software is great for newbies because the menus are pretty straightforward. A quick overview of the software tools:
The software still has a lot of deficiencies when it comes to audio and, especially, Midi editing (still no punch in/punch out, a multi-midi editor like in Sonar or even Reaper is indispensable... the editing workflow needs to be improved)... I really miss importing files via drag and drop. The internal browser slows down the workflow when you want to look for a sound, for example.

I think the block system is not very practical for "loop" music, compared to the region system of REAPER, among others. Plus, it lacks an audio matrix to manage sample playback like with Sonar or Live.
Bottom line, it still doesn't satisfy me.

I love live sampling on all "sampler"-like modules: Kong/ Redrum/NNXT...
Its value for money is not bad because you get all basic tools to make "contemporary" music with this software... However, the sound banks are only average (even they get better with every version), you'll need to spend some money on Refills, for example (some are really good: BFD/Reason Piano...) and Rack Extensions to beef up your Rack.

What I like about REASON is that I can start from scratch and I always end up creating a sound: Good or bad, it doesn't matter, it's the kind of tool that inspires you and provides the foundations for your next song. The relation to the rack is almost physical.
That's what I love about this software, and that's why I can't do without it, even if I regularly use other DAWs, which I think are more "powerful" for editing and mixing. But Proppelerhead improves from version to version.

Installation is no problem

Having begun reason since version 4 I note that the configuration is always easier

Installed 64-bit I encountered no incompatibility, I have not added a module RE wanting first get familiar with the new

The manual is quite provided contains a good explanation is in my opinion one of the best tutorials to learn whether Reason or discover new old version when it comes from a


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

My machine is a hackintosh mounted nov.2012 with 16GB of ram, a ssd and i7 3770K associated with the Roland Quad-Capture Card

On a draft 30 tracks well loaded DSP effects indicator stays down from version 5 to 7 I find that reason is still very greedy (so well coded). In general preferences I set limits CPU usage to "No", I advise all users to do the same in order to avoid unnecessarily constrain the resource

The software works like a clock, bug 0, 0 latency with the buffer set to 256 no cracking (using a master keyboard Roland A-49)

No stability problems on Mountain Lion 10.8.4

OVERALL OPINION

I used to rewire Reason 5 in Logic to use the mixer but now with an emulation of the SSL 9000 (series G) provided this approach is no longer relevant. I outset of this real studio console have formed because it was in my opinion one of the most important aspects missing from Reason.

The +
- The easy navigation through the mixer divided by section, Input, EQ, effects, etc.. with the ability to collapse / expand sections of the console and quickly see which contain changes

- The signal flow in the insert section with several possible combinations

- Dynamics section with compressor and gate (on each slice)

- Spectrum Analyzer with the ability to directly activated a low pass filter, high pass or EQ (also on every)

- The control room of the master section that keeps the mix to 0 dB while lowering or raising the sound from the speakers (super convenient this feature), for attention against the cable switcher (watch out ---> ctrl room out) in the rack behind the master section modulus

- The EQ section with two filters (high pass, low pass), 2 parametric filters 2 / tray High Low (switchable bell) with four frequency ranges (high, medium high, medium low and low)

- 8 effect sends for each and the ability to switch to pre fader

- The fastest and intuitive general workflow than ever

- As hab super stable and controlled consumption processor

- Good understanding of RE

- The sleek but powerful sequencer with useful and easily accessible functions, the opposite of a gas plant

- The routing capabilities we never finished exploring


The -
- The list of RE nearly enough expanded and limited visibility into upcoming features

- Bugs regrettable in some RE

- Improvement needed for the Neptune pitch correction, it lacks precision

- The Combinator could probably be improved in terms of ergonomics

- Despite a screen 23 "1080p buying a second screen is really necessary, if you can have 3 is even better!


This new version is really the best version of Reason, not one second I regret this purchase!

I would do this choice with his eyes wide shut, I would stay true to the Propellerhead as upd will be honest prices, the stability will continue to appointment and the bugs are almost non-existent from one version to the other, as is the cases for years.

If there is a pleasant thing is that Propellerhead release after release is still the users instead of being beta testers as in some competitors where it has become the norm in recent years.

For those who believe that reason is a dedicated sequencer electro I invite you to watch this video:

Song made with Reason 5, you can imagine the possibilities with version 7 ...


I draw the attention of beginners that Reason is done to create your own samples / loops its own synth sounds, bass, etc.. this software primarily promotes creativity in the background with some complexity. Reason is not difficult to learn, but is important not to believe it is so easy to control to "sound". Of course some will say that we can obtain refills Reason but consider this angle I think is a mistake because it is deprived of the main force of the software.

Installation nickel on desktop PC by the updates from version 6 to 7.
Installation nickel laptop standard installation.
Taking into account its simple map.
Standard configuration laptop attended nothing to do but click.
Useful to know the new features if there is manual forums and video tutorials.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Intel Core i7 3770 with 8GB RAMs Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3 rev 1.3 and graphics card Sapphire Radeon HD 7770-1 GB
I work with Reason in Triple displays (3 screens) for better comfort and frankly, I really feel like a complete studio under the eyes.
This version is very well thought out and eliminates the need of any other audio production software unless or level plugin (VST, rtas ...) but there is necessarily equivalent to reason.

OVERALL OPINION

I spend 20 hours on average per week. I do not use any other software sequencer or other general. It is suitable for the composition, mixing, audio processing, sound ... Reason is the Swiss knife audio software at any skill level (novice, amateur, semi-pro and of course PRO ^ ^) on my new PC (fixed for triple display and portable for travel) I have also not installed Cubase and Protools as completely unnecessary.
For the price, whether man-studio or in a professional studio, reason is a very good basic software (because it is full) and are committed NO zm acquisition cost unlike other (extension plugin. ..).
Try it and adopt it.