A Musician-friendly Music Production Environment
Reason 4 is far more than a virtual instrument or even a collection of virtual instruments, it is a complete music creation and environment loaded with powerful tools such as synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. Reason 4 has all of the effects, signal processors, and complex routing options of a full-fledged DAW and more. From its simplest subtractive synthesizer "Subtractor" to its complex "Thor" modular synthesizer, Reason 4 will inspire you to create the sounds, textures, and sequences you need to express yourself with music. Its analog-style, virtual rack environment is incredibly intuitive, and its flexible routing and automation options are nearly limitless. So, whether you're scoring films or making beats, add Reason 4 to your toolbox and let the inspiration begin.
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What makes Reason 4's user interface powerful is its sheer intuitive design. There are two parts to Reason 4's environment, a control section with all of the main transport controls and sequencer tracks, and the virtual rack. The control section is simple to navigate and as straight forward as possible, but the astonishing aspect of Reason 4's design is the virtual rack. Reason 4's rack appears to be an endless virtual 19" equipment rack, into which you load its devices. With the push of a button, you can flip the rack around and access these units' cables. The cables are color coded to keep them separate, and by simply dragging and dropping from one unit's output to another's input, you can rout Reason 4's signal paths.
Reason 4 is primarily a music production program (though it's a favorite amongst sound designers as well), so synthesizers and samplers make up the bulk of its devices. You get an impressive selection of sound modules, including subtractive, wavetable, granular, and modular synthesizers; simple mono-timbrel and complex multi-timbrel samplers; a loop-based sampler; and sample-based drum machine. You get an enormous library of sounds and preset options, so you never have to make your own patches if you don't want to. However, each of Reason 4's sound modules has advanced signal and control options to satisfy anyone who wants to go beyond the stock sounds.
When it comes to signal routing and effects, Propellerhead certainly doesn't hold back. You have access to an unlimited number of console-style and line-style mixers, allowing for sub-mixing and grouping with a clear visual distinction between groups. There are simple and complex versions of reverb and distortion units, as well as creative extras including a "Combinator" that lets you create advanced layers and splits between instruments, and a vocoder that lets you create some crazy sounds. On top of that, Reason 4 gives you a powerful set of mastering-grade dynamics processors that you can use to pump up your mix. Once you start exploring the endless possibilities of Reason 4, you'll never make music the same way again.
Propellerhead Reason 4 Music Production Software Features at a Glance:- Powerful and intuitive hardware-style environment
- Virtually unlimited number of instruments at once
- Vast libraries of samples and patch configurations
- Seven incredible synthesizers and samplers
- Full Effects Suite with over a dozen effects and processors
- New groove and arpeggiation tools for added flexibility
- Windows XP SP2,Vista or Windows 7
- Processor: Intel P4 / AMD Athlon XP or better
- Memory: 512 MB RAM minimum, 1 GB recommended
- Screen resolution: 1024x768
- 2 GB free hard disk space
- DVD reader
- 16-bit windows compatible audio card, preferably with DirectX or ASIO drivers
- Recommended: MIDI keyboard with built-in MIDI interface, or MIDI keyboard and MIDI interface
- Mac OS X 10.4
- Processor: G4 1GHz and up or Intel Mac
- Memory: 512 MB RAM minimum, 1 GB recommended
- Screen resolution: 1024x768
- 2 GB free hard disk space
- DVD reader
- Recommended: MIDI keyboard with built-in MIDI interface, or MIDI keyboard and MIDI interface