Making The Most Of REASON

Reason Notes & Techniques
We help you to bring your old Reason songs into the Record era.
Reason Notes / Ableton Live Notes
Reason and Ableton Live work well together — we offer some tips on running the two programs in parallel.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Not only can Reason’s Thor synth be used as an effects unit for other signals, it can also act as a hub for combining instruments and devices into true modular synth structures.
Reason Notes & Techniques
If you want the impact of heavily compressed drums but don’t want to sacrifice your dynamics, parallel compression is the way to go. This month we explore the best ways to achieve this effect in Reason.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Think computer music's got no soul? Think again! Join us as we explore Reason's ReGroove mixer...

Here's a collection of the most recent 100 Reason Notes articles from SOUND ON SOUND magazine. The most recently-published 5 workshops are locked and accessible only to subscribers, but the others are now free for all to enjoy.

(Use the SEARCH page to find even more past articles.)

Previous 100 Propellerhead REASON NOTES workshops (unlocked)

Reason Notes & Techniques
Side-chain compression can be the difference between a flat, lifeless mix and an adrenalised floor-filler. Learn how to capture the French house sound, and add an extra little twist.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Reason 4's overhauled sequencer is now more powerful but has caused head-scratching amongst users. If you're one of the confused, read on...
Reason Notes & Techniques
Delving beneath the surface of Reason 4's new RPG8 arpeggiator reveals a treasure trove of rhythmic modulations and variations.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Following last month's introduction to the Thor synthesizer, we embark on a patch-building project and explore several of the key features of Reason 4's new synth...
Reason Notes & Techniques
There's a lot to get to grips with in the latest version of Reason — but we begin by looking at the basics of the giant new semi-modular synthesizer, Thor.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Reason 4 may be nearly upon us, but there's still plenty of experimenting to be done in version 3 - creating your own effects devices, for example...
Reason Notes & Techniques
We go back to basics this month, with an in-depth look at how you can get the best out of Reason's Remix mixer.
Hints & Tips
To analogue synth fanatics, the Matrix Pattern Sequencer is one of the highlights of Reason's toolbox.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Reason's BV512 is pretty sophisticated as vocoders go, and is capable of much more than Sparky's Magic Piano-style voice effects. Find out more...
Reason Notes & Techniques
If Remote support has not been added for your favourite MIDI controller, consider doing it yourself.
Part 3: Live Looping With Dr:Rex
This month we look at a Combinator building project that allows you to mix and manipulate loops on the fly.
Part 2: Live Electronic Performance
In the second part in our series, we're exploring ways to use Reason in a live electronica performance, laptop DJ set or jam session.
Part 1: Replacing A Live Keyboard Rig
In the first part of a series on using Reason live, we look at using the Combinator and MIDI remote control to replace a live keyboard rig.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Mixer automation lets you create more dynamic mixes, but also provides a fast alternative to arranging all your tracks in the sequencer. We offer a simple guide to making the most of it.
Reason Notes & Techniques
The grey Spider devices look mild-mannered and unassuming — but they have super-powers that can unlock the hidden reserves of Reason's sound-making devices, as well as solving a host of more mundane problems.
Reason Notes & Technique
Last month we took a look at some basic applications of the Redrum module in Reason drum programming. Now it's time to move on to more sophisticated techniques for your rhythm parts.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Whether you need electronic beats or realistic acoustic drums, Reason is one of the quickest and easiest tools around for creating varied drum tracks.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Reason is more than just a MIDI sequencing environment; it can also be used for creating new pieces spontaneously from sample loops. We show you how...
Reason Notes & Techniques
In all the excitement about Reason 3's Combinator device, the powerful new Remote hardware control functionality has been sadly overlooked — so let's remedy that situation with this article...
Reason Notes & Techniques
Reason makes an ideal 'synth rack' for use with a variety of host software. We take you through the steps needed to Rewire it to 8 popular programs.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Reason can be a simple yet surprisingly sophisticated mastering suite — and not just for audio generated in the Reason environment.
Reason Notes & Techniques
Can't quite get your Reason rhythm section kicking with the rest of the track? If you've never considered tuning your drum samples and loops to help create a tight and harmonious mix, now may be the time to try it...
Reason Notes
ReBirth is dead. Long live ReBirth! We discuss the decision to discontinue this pioneering software and discover how Reason users can keep its spirit alive.
Technique
Reason 3 has several new tools for pumping up final mixes and creating that 'finished product' sound.
Reason Notes
Propellerheads have always had a rather unusual approach to beta-testing, routinely involving thousands of registered users. We talk to the Props about how it's done.
Workshop
Reason mixes can sound superbly fat and punchy, thanks to the array of tools the software puts at your disposal. We adapt some traditional mixing know-how to the Reason platform and offer device-specific tips to help you improve your mixes.
News & Updates
We report on a new release of Reason that fixes some bugs but also ups the system requirements for running the software, and examine the problem of achieving 'exclusive' drum assignments in the NNXT super sample-player.
Workshop
If you've never made a Refill from your Reason creations, now may be the time to give it a go. It's an easy process that can offer various benefits.
News & Tips
Tiger tussles with Reload, Propellerhead's Akai sample-management software; the excellent free Electromechanical Refill gets an update to show off the powers of the Combinator... and we've patch browsing and Stereo Imager tips to offer.
Workshop
The Malström device can certainly be used as a conventional synth, but behind its slightly bizarre green front panel there's a powerful graintable sound engine begging to be exploited to the full. We show you how...
Workshop
Reason‘s Combinator device isn‘t all about creating new sound sources and storing live setups — it also provides the way to build new and imaginative effects units.
Reason Notes
The new Combinator device can solve Reason problems you didn‘t even realise you had. We elaborate, as well as offering news and tips...
Reason Notes
With some clever programming, an Italian software house have created a program that claims to add an audio input to Reason. We take a sneak peek, as well as bringing you essential Reason news and quick tips.
Workshop
The most exciting addition to the new version of Reason is arguably the Combinator device, which greatly expands the flexibility and programming potential of everything in the Reason rack. We guide you through the creation of a Combinator patch to get you started with this great new device.
Reason Notes
This month: new Refills and tweaking techniques for Reason v3, plus the usual haul of time-saving tips.
Reason Notes
We've got a lot to look forward to with the imminent release of Reason v3, but there's still a world of exploration available in v2.5 - so don't stop creating while you are waiting.
Reason Notes
This month we present a closer look at the RV7000 Advanced Reverb, plus a handful of effect-related hints and tips.
Reason Notes
Version 3 of Reason is officially on the way, adding some high-spec new devices and improved operational features.
Reason Notes
There are more clever tips and techniques than you can shake a stick at in this month's Reason Notes, kicking off with yet another fun way to fake an arpeggiator effect...
Reason Notes
Ever loved the feel of a REX loop but disliked the drum sounds? Using Reason, you can steal the feel and substitute sounds of your choice... We show you how.
Reason Notes
Reason seems firmly fixed in a 4/4 time signature — but clever use of the Redrum and Matrix pattern-based devices allows you to explore more unusual signatures. This month we explain how, as well as bringing you the essential news and tips.
Reason Notes
Mackie's Tracktion sequencer makes an ideal budget Rewire host for adding audio recording and plug-in capabilities to your Reason setup, as we explain...
Reason Notes
We explore an advanced technique for creating "instant" tracks using Propellerhead's Reason software.
Reason Notes
A new Refill is reviewed and ways around some common Reason problems are offered.
Monthly column for Propellerhead Reason users
SOS's 2003 Reader Survey told us that you want our help in getting the best from this popular package — and we're happy to oblige with a new monthly column.
Practical guidance, tips and user advice

 

Friday 20th November 2009
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December 2009
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