Reason 2.0 Options

[wonx]

greetings,

I'm looking for a comprehensive set of soft synths and drum machines running on os x that will likely be compatible with what ever platform I eventualy decide to invest in (logic 5.3, cubase sx, digital performer) I have limited experience working with midi and am wondering if Reason 2.0 with a midiman usb keyboard would be a good way to go.

Thanks all,

W

[damann]

hi wonx,
what you're looking for here just dosen't actually exist yet!
it's what we're all looking for.
reason, although not representing this, is extremely good, and for now, along with logic, is basically, your only choice...

[wonx]

Thank you for your reply damann.

Say, I've been playing arround with the reason 2.0 demo and am growing to like it. I don't own a midi interface so I can't get the synths to work, but they sound great in the demos. How about the MidiMan USB key stations, namely the oxygen 8? I was happy to see they have 10.2 drivers. Will they work well with Reason on my PowerBook G4 550?

Can anyone give me their two cents on these product?

Thank's all! This Agora is such a great resource.

-W

[eyeMAJIC]

sounds like my thread!!

Ti book 800, OSX 10.2.1, Reason 2.0, Oxygen 8.

Runs like a dream.

A nice budget set up (if u don't include the Ti book!!).

Reason is great. Obviously no multitrack audio, but you can use some trickery to work in vocal etc.. I record live audio using either my Korg Triton or Deck LE 3.5 on the Mac. Then chop it up, & insert it into a Redrum module or two. Synch is hit or miss, but it works well.... Nice running vocals through Reason's effects.

Effects aren't much good for mastering, I run all my final mixdowns through IK Multimedia T-racks..... It's the daddy!! Especially for the kind of sounds that Reason produces.

Anything specific u want to know about the setup, ask away.

BTW...... best Ti book upgrade EVER.... IBM 40GNX 40Gb hard drive.... the speed difference over the standard PB G4 drives is amazing when working with apps such as Reason / Logic etc. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all Ti-based audio freaks!!

[damann]

hey eyemajic, welcome aboard and thanks for the advice, i'll check it out!
looks like you had a safe landing wonx!
good luck to you both and i look forward to future communications.
peace, later...

[rickenbacker]

Ah, go on then - I'll chuck in my two cents!

iBook 600MHz, OS X 10.1.5, Reason 2.0, Oxygen 8 - works fine (and sounds great). The only problem I've had is with USB conflicts, in that occasionally my Oxygen 8 drivers have "disappeared". This tends to happen if I unplug it and turn my Mac off at any time.

If I then download the drivers again and reinstall, everything's cool. Odd, but no big deal. Happens with my Edirol interface, too.

Just waiting for ReWire implementation now so I can hook up Reason 2.0 with Logic 5.3.0. Looking forward to that!

[StansHands]

I'm using Reason 2.0 on my Powerbook G3. I've got a midiman 2x2 USB interface to my Alesis 7.1 controller(via midi cables, of course). Everything works perfect. For the first time, I actually have everything working in harmony. Even my outboard USB diskette drive doesn't fight my USB stuff.
Reason is the balls. Every day I'm learning something new that it does. The keyboard sounds are excellent, and I love watching the tone wheels move on the screen when I move them on the controller. Doesn't seem to be much of a latency problem either, but I'll find out when I'm performing with my tight drummer who won't put up with any latency bullshit when I siwtch from "live" to "loop" so I can solo.

[wonx]

Wow! thank's for the info. Just a quick question.

Could someone verify that Reason's Rewire interfaces with logic audio 5.3. Is it truly"seemless".

Can you still change the parameters on each track from reason while in logic, or did i miss understand the promo material .

Basically what I'm looking for is a virtual band. Step by step I want to put Reason 2.0 w/ Logic 5.3 + Oxygen 8 + firewire interface.

Hope I'm on the right track



I apprciate the help.

-W

[Synthetic]

I did a little research on Reason 2 with Logic just recently. I asked my sweetwater rep about the two working together and was told that using Rewire... You could send audio tracks to Logic no problem but working with midi was another story. I was told that you could send midi tracks to Reason using the IAC midi bus but it was extremely slow and lots of latency. He claims its so bad that you might as well just keep midi sequences within Reason and tweak in Reason's sequencer

I was thinking about getting Reason 2 so I would have the new synth and sampler to use from within Logic but after my rep told me that... i opted to just get the ESX24 sampler for Logic instead. Less features but still love it.

[StansHands]

I don't know why you need any of the other stuff because Reason is my whole band. I hook up the midi, record tracks, play it back with all the istruments. Maybe I'm simplistic, but I think it's got to do with the music, not the technology. It's got a nice loop feature, great drums, editing of the notes, everything I need, but, hey, I'm not Stravinsky either.

[damann]

hi stanshands,
i think you'll agree that reason is pretty c#@p at recording vocals etc though, yes?
it does lack lots of the features that logic etc offer, and it tends to be best for certain types of music.
synthetic, the midi sync via the iac bus is absolute sh1t, couldn't be any worse really!
the only way, currently, to use reason with other more "pro" sequencers is to bounce your work in reason to audio and load this into the other sequencer! a waste of time for me i'm afraid...
horses for courses then.

[rickenbacker]

Basically, Reason 2.0 and ReWire won't really work with Logic 5.3.0 in OS X. I think it's a case of handbags at ten paces between Emagic and Propellerhead Software. On their website, Emagic claim that ReWire implementation is due, but is reliant on external developments. Talking to Propellorhead's technical support folk, they told me they've passed all the necessary info to Emagic and it's now up to them to integrate it into Logic.

Aah, computers.

[StansHands]

Vocals? What's a vocal? oh, you mean chick singer. I obviously don't do much recording. I like to watch the babe girate while I play - I call it insppiration. Guess the rest doesn't matter much. Sorry I'm not some bigwig recording producer with an attitude. Serves me right for offering a friendly suggestion.

[starfruitman]

MAC FRIENDS !!!! Hello, I am new here.

I also am using Logic 4.8.1 and Reason 2, but am doing it in OS 9.2 . This doesn't work well and i have massive latency. BUt i thought that maybe it was because I was using an PB G3 400. but it sounds like it's a Logic problem.

How i do things now is make a click track and basic tracks in Reason, export them as a sound file and then import that into Logic as a track. that is my hack. Is there a better way to do this?

My question is: I like Logic and want to use it, but only if they are committed to updating their Rewire problems? If not, I won't buy Logic 5+ ever. SHould I wait to see what they do, or go with another program which integrates Reason + digital audio better? ANy suggestions?

thanks ~ starfruitman

[D-plex]

My question is: I like Logic and want to use it, but only if they are committed to updating their Rewire problems?  If not, I won't buy Logic 5+ ever. SHould I wait to see what they do, or go with another program which integrates Reason + digital audio better? ANy suggestions?

I've never used Logic, so I can't speak to that, but I've had excellent experiences with Cubase and Reason via Rewire on OS9 on my G4 400.

Supposedly the Rewire implementation in the new Cubase (SX) for the PC is solid, so I expect that the Mac OSX version, due 10/10, will have strong Rewire implementation as well.

[taco6]

I am a big fan of Reason...though I have been using it on a Sony Laptop... I am buying an Apple soon (thank god for hybrid discs). I use mostly PC only programs...so now I am looking for replacements for my usual stuff that run in OS X. Peak or Spark and Deck seem ok... I don't use Midi so not a big deal. What are people using for mastering (limiting, reverb etc) in OS X? I will be using Reason 2.0, Live 1.5, Deck LE as well...which are fine in OS X...but as far as an editor with compression, limiting, decent reverb in OS X...I'm lost. Spark? Peak?

[damann]

Vocals? What's a vocal? oh, you mean chick singer. I obviously don't do much recording. I like to watch the babe girate while I play - I call it insppiration. Guess the rest doesn't matter much. Sorry I'm not some bigwig recording producer with an attitude. Serves me right for offering a friendly suggestion.

stanshands,
there's only one thing worse than a "bigwig recording producer with an attitude" and that's a newbie with "attitude".
thanks for calling me a "bigwig" on the basis that i actually record vocals, even MALE vocals god forbid!
have you thought about what you want to do when you grow up?

i guess from your response that.
1. you are "simple".
2. you ain't no stravinsky.
3. it serves me right for offering a FRIENDLY SUGGESTION...
don't worry, i won't be answering any more of your posts.
f. o. !

[eyeMAJIC]

I use mostly PC only programs...so now I am looking for replacements for my usual stuff that run in OS X.

Hi Taco6. I am in a very similar situation to you!!

Up until July 2002, was using a Dell Inspiron 8000 based DAW. USB conflicts, crap latency and spikes in all my audio when the fans kicked in and out. NIGHTMARE!!

Took the plunge & got a Ti Book 800 (never used a Mac before EVER!!)
Just fantastic. Here's a good example.... Reason 2.0 with Tascam US-428 on Windows 98SE with the Dell, P3 1.13Ghz?? Lowest usable latency was 26ms. YUCK!!

Reason 2.0 with US428 under Mac OS X?? Lowest usable latency is 3.6ms. I KID YOU NOT. Give Steve Jobs reason to grin and MAKE THE SWITCH NOW!!

I use IK Multimedia T-racks for mastering Reason tracks. It's the perfect complement: adds lovely tonal detail & subtle nuances that would be impossible with Reason's effects.

Only had the PC version..... which I now have running almost perfectly in a guest installation of Win 98SE through Connectix Virtual PC 5.0 in OS X 10.2!!
I say "almost", coz when you do a live preview, tweaking knobs etc while the audio is playing, you get a bit of crackling & breaking up. But, when you "process" the track, the resulting audio file is perfect. Must be something to do with the way virtual PC ports Windows-generated audio to Mac audio..... Perfrectly usable though, and better than shelling out another 300 USD or so for the dedicated Mac version (which I think may be OS9 only anway?!)

(sorry for the length!! )

[taco6]

I use mostly PC only programs...so now I am looking for replacements for my usual stuff that run in OS X.

Hi Taco6. I am in a very similar situation to you!!

Up until July 2002, was using a Dell Inspiron 8000 based DAW. USB conflicts, crap latency and spikes in all my audio when the fans kicked in and out. NIGHTMARE!!

Took the plunge & got a Ti Book 800 (never used a Mac before EVER!!)
Just fantastic. Here's a good example.... Reason 2.0 with Tascam US-428 on Windows 98SE with the Dell, P3 1.13Ghz?? Lowest usable latency was 26ms. YUCK!!

Reason 2.0 with US428 under Mac OS X?? Lowest usable latency is 3.6ms. I KID YOU NOT. Give Steve Jobs reason to grin and MAKE THE SWITCH NOW!!

I use IK Multimedia T-racks for mastering Reason tracks. It's the perfect complement: adds lovely tonal detail & subtle nuances that would be impossible with Reason's effects.

Only had the PC version..... which I now have running almost perfectly in a guest installation of Win 98SE through Connectix Virtual PC 5.0 in OS X 10.2!!
I say "almost", coz when you do a live preview, tweaking knobs etc while the audio is playing, you get a bit of crackling & breaking up. But, when you "process" the track, the resulting audio file is perfect. Must be something to do with the way virtual PC ports Windows-generated audio to Mac audio..... Perfrectly usable though, and better than shelling out another 300 USD or so for the dedicated Mac version (which I think may be OS9 only anway?!)

(sorry for the length!! )

Don't worry...I'm buying an Apple in three weeks. Also, I will continue using PCs as well. I'm not worried about not being able to do what I want...I will start to build my Apple software library up right away...it is an exiciting time with the big shots starting to make stuff for OS X. I just think it pays to own both systems if you can afford it. I like a few PC only programs still...so I need a PC...but I love the Macs reliability....and there are a few Mac only programs as well. I can't wait.

[StansHands]

Hey Damann,
I didn't mean any harm. I'm just trying to get involved. When I grow up I'll probably be dead. My apologies for not specifically justifying my sarcasm. It's also shows my wannabeeism. So, I'll stay tuned in so I can learn something, hopefully alot.

Newbie
"please be gentle; i'm still a virgin there"java script:emoticon(':-/')

[Odrec]

Well I use a Midiman Keystation 61 and Reason 2.0 on OS X and works like a dream... I use an iMac DV, probably one of the least powerful macs out there, but still works fine.

To link to a sequencer I would definitely recommend you to wait for Cubase SX, and link via ReWire: in OS X. (I have tried this in PC and works great)

If you're hung up on OS 9, use Reason 2.0 and link to ProTools (even the FREE version will do) via ReFuse... This will allow to do a good job at recording vocals or other instruments.

In OS 9 you can link via ReWire to Cubase 5.xx

Odrec

[wonx]

I was thinking about getting Reason 2 so I would have the new synth and sampler to use from within Logic but after my rep told me that... i opted to just get the ESX24 sampler for Logic instead. Less features but still love it.

Hey synthetic,

Does the ESX24 compare to Reason 2. I didn't get a whole lot of info needless to say a demo from Emagic. You said it had less features. What can and can't you do with it? Does it run in OS X?

Thanks,

Wonx

[sanfordmay]

I'm strictly an amateur, trying to create a small hobbyist's music workstation around a Quicksilver G4 on OSX.2.1. For reasons of economy, I am planning on Reason 2.0 and the Oxygen 8 midi controller from midiman.

What does the lack of multitrack recording in Reason 2.0 mean? From what I've read, it means I'll have trouble with things like recording full-blown vocal tracks. What if I just want to use a few vocal samples? I assume I will be able to record my songs, as in demo version there is a save song as audio option. But what if I should later add Deck LE or another multitrack recorder to this workstation? Will I be able to do multitrack work. For example, could I export song as audio and then use that audio file as a single track in a multitrack recorder while adding other tracks in the multitrack software?

[sanfordmay]

It dawns on me that things like a horn solo or whatnot would have to be added in the same way: by exporting the solo as a song to audio and then importing into a multitrack recorder like Deck LE. Correct?

[pimpdaddynash]

Don't underestimate the power of both the NN-19 samplers in Reason. I just finished a remix using nothing but 2.0 just to see how it would come out. All vocals and instruments were edited in Peak and then imported into the NN-19 and NN-19xt. Worked like a charm - kinda like the old days when I didn't have digital audio and had to use hardware samplers. Now if Propellerheads will give us a an osX version of Recycle I'll be really over the top...

The dust on my studio just keeps getting thicker...

_pimpdaddynash_

[Synthetic]

Reason is a great program... don't get me wrong... but it does how it's drawbacks. First, as much as I liked using Reason 1... I wasn't happy with the overall sound of my tracks that were completely composed in it. There is something to be said for variety in sound sourcing... meaning that I am beginning to think that using sound sources from more than one app, one synth etc... sometimes improves the unique and appealing sound of a track in my opinion. I can listen to many different electronic music songs and easily spot one that was made in Reason usually. I did actually decide to publish one of my tracks that was totally composed in Reason 1 but it was polished with a few ProTools plugs and T-Racks mastering app. If anyone is interested in hearing... click here. This was my best effort of breaking free from the over used Reason presets and sound.

Second, the only way to add vocals or sounds from other samplers, synths, guitars etc... is to convert them into audio files and import them into a sampler. You cannot record outside sound sources directly in Reason. This is why its not a true multitracker and instead only a midi sequencer for most part.

So yes Reason is great for what it does especially considering the price but I wouldn't recommend it as the center of a studio... it works better as a addition to a studio that already has a multi-track audio recording setup unless... all you plan on doing is making trance or other electronica and don't have lots to spend. If you plan on adding other outside instruments or vocals though... I suggest just purchasing Logic Silver and then add some VST instruments or samplers for more flexibility and options.

[Synthetic]

wonx... the ESX24 is just a sampler and no synths or sequencer and it is a VST plug instead of stand alone app. The ESX24 is not currently OSX compatible but should be soon. After having a EMU ESI2000 sampler for all of 6 months... I sold it because it was pain in the a$$ to use with a mac because it wouldn't read from mac CD-Rom and is not the best supported sampler in audio apps. I really wanted a good sampler and was about to get AKAI Z sampler for around $1300 and decided to go the soft-sampler route instead especially since I have a Tibook which becomes this awesome portable sampler that can output to 24 seperate tracks in Logic which is like having 24 cheap hardware samplers or 3 or 4 expensive samplers (with multiple outputs). Plus its much easier to program and setup the ESX24 compared to most hardware samplers I have seen.

[wonx]

Thanks synth tone. Liked what you did with reason 1. Let me know when you publish something with the ESX24.

peace
-w

[Synthetic]

Thanks synth tone. Liked what you did with reason 1. Let me know when you publish something with the ESX24.

peace
-w

thanks for the compliments... I try to create dramatic and exciting electro music that doesn't really fit into to many sub-electronic genres very well so I get lots of mixed opinions but always love the good ones. I am doing well on the charts at Broadjam.com too... WOOHOO!

I have a few tracks in works now using the ESX24... one being a soundtrack type of song, another industrial, and one that is a remix of a metal band I know here locally. The ESX24 opened up lots of new possibilities for me and can't say enough about it.

[Odrec]

Well importing samples via sound files into the NN XT is quite crafty, but I do think it is easier to limit the function of Reason and use another app to record tracks from an external source...
Deck LE will do just fine, and it allows you to use VST plugs.

I have used to record my bass for use with reason sequences, works just fine...

[twelve]

I use Ableton Live with Reason 2.0 and it Rewire's right in to Live and then i can record audio or jam alongside anything in Reason. With an Oxygen 8 this combo is deadly.

The Color TVs

[Synthetic]

sounds like a slick setup.. i tried a Live demo but had a hard time getting around in it and using it but I am used to the way Logic and PT works and they are much different... I have heard some good things about Live though.. one day when I get time... I will have to give it another try

[rickenbacker]

Twelve - I've actually got Reason 2.0 and Live (as well as an Oxygen 8) and you know, I've never actually tried recording that way. How stupid am I? I've been using them separately for specific tasks, but the idea of Rewiring Reason's output and then recording audio in Live alongside it sounds like a good one to me.

I listened to the song Canoe on your website - nice vibe. What software was doing what on that track? Just interested to know.

As to Sandfordmay's original question, I think everyone has covered the topic so far. Reason 2.0 is excellent for rhythms and synth sounds, then you can use the samplers to add other sounds (there's a massive orchestral sample CD included, if you want anything from a trombone to a string section). Synthetic got it right when he said it's a great program, but you will soon find yourself wanting other software to complement it. Personally, I'm waiting for emagic to sort out the Rewire issues in Logic 5.3.0. Then I'll be a happy bunny.

[twelve]

Twelve - I've actually got Reason 2.0 and Live (as well as an Oxygen 8) and you know, I've never actually tried recording that way. How stupid am I? I've been using them separately for specific tasks, but the idea of Rewiring Reason's output and then recording audio in Live alongside it sounds like a good one to me.

I listened to the song Canoe on your website - nice vibe. What software was doing what on that track? Just interested to know.

Thanks for listening -Canoe was recorded in Live with Drums from Reason via Rewire. The instruments you hear are electric bass, rhodes piano, and a minimoog (kind of underneath the track with a little white noise setting on the moog).

The Color TVs