For years, an arpeggiator module has been one of the features most frequently requested by Reason users. No surprise, then, that when the Props finally responded they delivered something that goes well beyond the basics. As is often the case in Reason, you can use the RPG8 at two levels: you can let it connect itself to an instrument directly, and just start playing and adjusting the front panel controls. Then, for the tweakheads, there are many less-obvious possibilities for experimenting with advanced settings and creative CV connections. The main purpose of this article is to look at some of the latter, but as this is the first time we've covered the RPG8, let's start with a quick look at its main features.

If you select an instrument in the Reason rack, and then add an arpeggiator (Create / RPG8 Monophonic Arpeggiator) the RPG8 will be auto-cabled to the instrument. The RPG8 will also automatically become the live MIDI device in the sequencer, so will immediately start receiving input from your keyboard. The arpeggiator translates your played MIDI notes into an arpeggiated performance, which is sent to the connected instrument by means of CV and Gate signals. As well as the Gate and CV signals, you'll see that there are also Pitch and Mod Wheel connections between the RPG8 and its associated instrument. This is simply to pass through these controller sources, because your MIDI keyboard is no longer pointed directly at the instrument.

The main panel controls are mostly quite easy to understand, especially if you experiment with them to see what their effects are. The central Arpeggiator panel houses familiar controls found on most arpeggiators. The Mode knob selects the order in...