Reason Studios built their reputation on killer devices in their unique digital-rack work environment. With the release of Reason 12, Reason Studios focused on making their rack the best it can possibly be with new updates for both functionality as well as creativity. These features translate wonderfully into the Reason Rack Plug-in so producers, artists, and sound designers can utilize these new features in their DAWs of choice. Some features are available earlier with a Reason+ subscription.
Get new creative options and improve your workflow with Reason 12 — available September 1!
Main Updates in Reason 12
- Mimic: New Sampler Instrument
- Functionality Updates and Streamlined Browser
- High-resolution, Scalable Graphics
- Updated Combinator
Mimic
First, let’s take a look at Mimic, Reason’s newest sampler instrument. To be clear, this is not a replacement for Reason’s other samplers such as the NN-XT. Mimic is a different animal that can be added to your sampler arsenal.
At its core are Mimic’s four modes:
- Pitch: Maps the sample across the keyboard in classic sampler fashion
- Slice: Cuts the sample into slices, similar to a REX loop, with each slice mapped to its own key — perfect for vocal chops
- Multi Slot: Each slot within Mimic is mapped to its own key on the keyboard, making it easy to design your own drum kits
- Multi Pitch: Plays back all the slots with the pitch mapped across the keyboard, allowing for easy and creative sample stacking
Within each of these modes, the sample has a host of unique stretching algorithms.
- Tape acts similar to how the NN-XT or NN-19 reacts: the higher the pitch, the faster the playback
- Granular is like a mini grain instrument, dividing the sample into individual grains with parameters to control how the sample is divided
- Advanced, Melody, and Vocal all react very similarly. They all allow the pitch to be controlled by the keyboard but maintain the original timing of the sample. Each of these modes is a different algorithm, which produces slightly different results.
Mixing and matching the various modes and stretching algorithms can lead to some inspiring results with only a few clicks of the mouse. Coupled with some great built-in effects and filters, Mimic is sure to be a go-to for anyone wanting a unique and easy-to-use sampling solution.
Functionality Updates and Streamlined Browser
Reason Studios also included functionality updates with the release of Reason 12. The new and enhanced browser makes searching for samples and instruments a breeze. You can quickly search your entire drive or a specific location and populate the browser with options almost instantaneously.
High-resolution, Scalable Graphics
Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to see it more clearly with updated high resolution and scalable graphics. This will make tweaking the small knobs on the NN-XT or any rack extension (even third-party ones) a breeze.
Updated Combinator
Reason 12 introduces an update to the classic Reason utility, the Combinator. The Combinator has been an integral part of the Reason rack work environment since its introduction over a decade ago. If you’re not familiar with the Combinator, it allows users to combine multiple devices into a single instrument or effect with its own macros and to save its internal routing.
With Reason 12, the Combinator is revamped into a customizable creative engine. You can now have up to 32 knobs, buttons, and/or faders to control the devices housed within the Combinator. Users can also customize the layout of the unit to suit its function. If you only need two buttons on a 1U rackspace unit, then you can program that. Or, if you want a full-fledged 6U utilizing all 32 macro options, you can do that, too. At its core, the new Combinator is for creating customized devices to use in Reason and the Reason Rack Plug-in.
With updates for creativity, functionality, and overall workflow, the Reason 12 update is sure to become an instant hit for your workflow. Whether you are using Reason as a standalone DAW or as a plug-in inside your software of choice, the updates in Reason 12 will spark new creativity for your next music-making adventure. For more information on Reason 12 or Reason+, start at Sweetwater.com or contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700
Get new creative options and improve your workflow with Reason 12 — available September 1!