There’s no software quite like Reason. For years, it’s been a total synth/sample/loop workstation with sequencing, mixing, and effects processing — all with amazingly flexible routing options using virtual patch cables. But it has always lacked one thing: the ability to record real audio tracks, DAW-style. You could (and still can) ReWire Reason into your DAW of choice (I did it for years with Logic and Pro Tools), but that’s not quite the same.
That has all changed with Reason 6. The new Reason incorporates the audio capabilities and modeled large-scale vintage mixing console from Record, Propellerhead’s previous DAW software package. The blend of Record into Reason is seamless, and moves it to an entirely new level.
I received a beta version of Reason 6 for this article. I’ve been a Reason user since version one (actually, I started with ReBirth before that) and also a Record user. So I can tell you this: if you’re familiar with the Prop-head software, you’ll have no trouble diving right into Reason 6. And if you’re new to Reason, the software is so straightforward and well designed, you’ll be able to get right to work making music.
Of course, the recording/audio tracks aren’t all that’s new. Pulverizer (distortion/sound mangling), The Echo (advanced stereo echo), Alligator (3-band pattern-based gate), Neptune (vocal tuning and voice synth), and a greatly expanded factory sound bank are also included, along with many creativity-enhancing features. There’s 64-bit support, comp editing, and so much more. Reason 6 is a huge update that builds on previous versions in so many ways. It is familiar, yet it’s still a quantum leap ahead.
You can probably tell that I’m very excited about Reason 6. Reason has been my “synth rack” for many projects. But now, with audio recording/mixing and all of the other new features, Reason 6 has jumped to a new level in my software pantheon. I expect I’ll be doing projects in all sorts of musical styles right within this one platform.
Powerful, fast, efficient, easy to use, flexible… with Reason 6, I predict many musicians and engineers are going to make the move to Propellerhead. Call your Sales Engineer or visit Sweetwater.com for more information!