You must have a working Internet connection to be able to register on-line.
D If you click the Register Now button, your Internet browser will launch and take you to the registration page on the Propellerhead web site. Follow the instructions on the web page. After finishing the registration, click the Continue button in the installation dialog. D If you dont want to register at this point, click the Later button. You can register at any time by selecting Product Registration from the Contact menu (Mac) or Help menu (Windows) in Reason (or by going to www.propellerhead.se/register). This completes the installation and the program is opened, but a new dialog appears named Reason Setup Wizard which will guide you through the basic settings needed to use Reason. This is described in the Setting Up chapter so just leave things as they are for now and go to the next chapter.

About the Sound Banks

The first time you launch Reason, you will be asked to insert the Reason Factory Sound Bank and the Orkester Sound Bank. These each consist of one big file, containing a large number of patches, samples and loops, serving as your main supply of sounds (much like the sound ROM in a synthesizer). These are copied to your hard disk and are required to run the program.

Launching the Program

Now, the Reason files have been installed in a folder on your hard disk. Under Windows, all Reason related items have also been added to the Start menu and possibly you will have a Reason shortcut on the Desktop. 1. Check for any ReadMe files in the Reason folder or on the Start menu, and open and read these. ReadMe files may contain important last minute information that didnt make it into this manual. 2. Launch the program by double clicking the Reason icon (or by selecting the Reason item from the Start menu).

D Setting Up

About this Chapter
This chapter describes the settings you need to make before you can start using Reason. These are necessary in order to get any sounds from the program and to be able to play and control Reason via MIDI.
D If Reason can't find the keyboard you have connected, or if you clicked Don't Use, you will be asked to specify a master keyboard manually. This is done by first selecting a Manufacturer, and then a model. If your model keyboard isnt on this list select Other - see below.
For Reason to auto-detect a device you need two-way MIDI communication! Non-USB keyboard devices without a MIDI input can of course still be added manually. Note that your keyboard model is not necessarily one that Reason knows. This is especially true for older models. You can still use such a MIDI keyboard, by selecting Other from the Manufacturer pop-up.

Finally, lets try tweaking some controls on an actual instrument device, to change the sound. In this example we will use the Subtractor synthesizer device, but all devices have parameters that can be adjusted on the device panels in the same way. Unless you have a very large screen, the Subtractor device isnt visible right now. You could use the scrollbar to scroll the rack down, but heres a quicker way: 14. In the sequencer area (above the transport panel), click on the name Subtractor in the track list to the left. The rack is automatically scrolled to bring the Subtractor device into view. 15. Try adjusting some parameters while the song is playing. You may for example want to tweak the Filter 1 Freq slider, to change the brightness of the synth bass sound.
Normally when you create a new song, you would select New from the File menu. This command opens the default song (see page 105). The built-in default song contains a few devices, but if you have set things up so that the default song is Empty Rack.rns, you can just select New from the File menu, and ignore step 1 - 4 above. See page 105 for instructions on setting up the default song.
5. Pull down the Create menu and select Mixer 14:2. A mixer device is created in the rack.
The reason why you should start with a mixer device, is that all subsequent devices you add will then automatically be connected to a mixer channel.
6. Pull down the Create menu and select Subtractor Analog Synth, and then Redrum Drum Computer. You have now added two instrument devices to the rack. If you look in the sequencer, you will note that two tracks have automatically been added, one for the synthesizer and one for the drum machine. That concludes the first tutorial! Now, lets move on to creating a Reason song from scratch.
Now you could try playing the Subtractor synth live (provided you have a MIDI keyboard or similar hooked up): 7. In the sequencer, click in the In column for the synthesizer track (to the left of the name), so that a keyboard symbol is highlighted. This symbol indicates that incoming MIDI is routed to the track. And since the track is connected to the Subtractor device, any notes you play on your MIDI keyboard will be sent to the synth.
10. In the Browser Locations list to the left, click on Reason Factory Sound Bank. This is one huge ReFill containing a large number of patches and samples that are included with Reason when you purchase it. 11. Double click the folder Subtractor Patches. This contains a number of folders with different sound categories. 12. Open one of the folders, and select a patch. The patch is loaded in the background - you can try out the patch while playing you keyboard without closing the Browser. Try selecting other patches in the Browser to audition them. Click OK to confirm a selection and to close the Browser. D Once you have selected a patch this way, you can step between the patches in the same folder, by clicking the up and down arrow buttons next to the patch display. Alternatively, you can click in the patch name display to bring up a context menu with all the patches in the folder.

Redrum Drum Computer

Dr. Rex Loop Player
The Dr.Rex Loop Player plays REX files - audio files created in ReCycle, another Propellerhead Software product. ReCycle is a program designed especially for working with sampled loops. By slicing a loop and making separate samples of each beat, ReCycle makes it possible to change the tempo of loops without affecting the pitch and to edit the loop as if it were built up of individual sounds. After loading a REX file into the Dr. Rex Loop Player, you can play it back in virtually any tempo, make settings for individual slices, extract MIDI playback data and process the loop with the built-in filter, LFO and envelopes. You can also play the individual slices via MIDI or from the sequencer - each slice has a specific note number (C1 for the first slice, C#1 for the next and so on). A number of REX files are included in the Reason Factory Sound Bank.
The Redrum is a sample-based drum machine with ten drum sound channels. You can load samples (Wave, AIFF, SoundFont files and REX slices) individually for each channel, or open patches, which are complete drum kits (a number of which are included in the Reason Factory Sound Bank). Each sound channel has settings for pitch, level, velocity response, etc. There is a built-in pattern sequencer, allowing you to create classic drum machine patterns, complete with shuffle and flam options. It is also possible to use Redrum as a sound module, playing it live from an external MIDI controller or from the main Reason sequencer. You may for example have the pattern sequencer play a basic drum pattern, and add fills and extras in the main sequencer. As with the Dr.Rex loop player, each drum sound has a specific note number (C1 for drum sound 1, C#1 for drum sound 2 and so on).

MClass Mastering effects

MClass Mastering Suite Combi.
The MClass Mastering effects consists of four high quality sound processors, suitable for (but not in any way restricted to) use as mastering effects, i.e. to process the final mixed output from Reason. The MClass effects can selected as a Combi (with all four effects chained), or as individual effects. The Factory Sound Bank contains MClass Combi patches with settings optimized for various mastering and sound enhancement applications. The MClass series of effects consists of the following effects: MClass Equalizer

Record enabling several tracks
D In Overdub mode, the new recording is added to whatever was on the Track before. When you play back, you will hear both recordings. This is the mode to use when you want to add elements to an existing recording (e.g. add controller data to recorded notes). D In Replace mode, the new recording replaces any previously recorded notes. Only the notes in the actual recording area are replaced.
Although only one track at a time can have MIDI input, it is possible to record enable any number of tracks, by clicking in the Rec column for tracks. The purpose of this is to enable automation recording for more than one track at a time. This allows you to send controller messages from a control surface (or to tweak parameters directly on the front panel) to record automation for devices connected to these tracks even though they do not have MIDI input. Automation recording is described in the Operation Manual pdf.
Its probably best to use Overdub mode as your default mode, to avoid removing material by mistake. The Overdub/Replace switch affects notes only - not recorded controllers! See the Operation Manual pdf for details.

Playback and Positioning

If you are using ReWire, transport functions can be handled by either application. See the Operation Manual pdf.
D Adjust the song position numerically in the value display below the transport buttons. The song position is shown as three digits: bars, beats and sixteenth notes.

Play and Stop

D To play back from the current song position, click the play button or press [Enter] on the numeric keypad. D To stop playback, click the stop button or press [0] on the numeric keypad. If you click the stop button when the song is already stopped, the song position is moved according to the following rules: If the song position is to the right of the left locator, it is moved to the left locator. If the song position is at the left locator or to the left of it, it is moved to the start of the song. If the song position is at the start of the song, nothing happens.

The Snap on/off button.

About Snap to Grid

The Snap value pop-up.

This means you can always click twice on the stop button in stop mode, to return to the beginning of the song.

Positioning

The Snap to Grid function (from now on called Snap) restricts movement to specific positions. This is especially useful when you are editing in the sequencer (moving material, creating events, etc), but it will also affect the result of moving the song position in the ruler. To set up and activate Snap, proceed as follows: 1. Pull down the Snap pop-up menu and select a value. If you select Bar, you will only be able to move the song position to the beginning of bars. The other options restrict movement to the corresponding note values. 2. Activate Snap by clicking the button next to the pop-up menu.

Here, the track Redrum 1 is soloed (indicated by a green S button).
Several tracks can be soloed at the same time, in which case you can turn off Solo for all of them by clicking the master S button in the S column heading.
What else can I do in the sequencer?
This chapter has only touched briefly on the capabilities of the sequencer. In the Operation Manual pdf you will find detailed descriptions of the following sequencer functions and procedures: Recording pattern changes and control automation. Rearranging recorded material in the Arrange View. Editing recorded notes, controllers and pattern changes. Quantizing and using grooves. Manual creation of notes and controllers. Using groups. Importing and exporting MIDI files.
D Introduction to the Combinator
What is the Combinator device?
About the Combi patch format
The Combinator saves files in the Combi (.cmb) patch format. When you load a Combi patch, all devices included in the Combi, their corresponding parameter settings and internal audio and CV connections are instantly recalled. The Factory Soundbank includes many preset Combi patches, divided into various categories. There are two basic types of Combis; Instrument and Effect Combis. Effect Combis typically contain a chain of effect processors and are meant to be connected to devices outside the Combi as an insert or send effect. Instrument Combis contain one or several instrument devices, and are meant to be played like standard instrument devices. Instrument Combis can also contain effect devices.
How to create Combinator devices
There are several ways you can create a Combinator device: D By selecting Combinator from the Create menu. This will create an empty Combinator device. D By [Shift]-selecting several devices in the rack and then selecting Combine from the Edit menu. This will create a Combi containing the selected devices. The devices are removed from their original locations in the rack, into the Combinator holder. D By selecting the Create device by browsing patches menu item from the Create menu. This allows you to browse for Combi patches - if you select a.cmb patch a Combinator device will be created, containing the devices saved with the Combi.

The Combinator is special device that allows you to save and recall any combination of Reason devices (instruments, effects, mixers etc.) and their internal connections. A saved Combinator setup can be loaded as a patch, called a Combi. The Combinator device itself acts as a container for the devices in a Combi. The basic idea behind the Combinator device is simple, but very powerful. Being able to save multiple devices as a Combi enables you to instantly recall any type of setup, however complex, as simply as loading a patch! Some typical applications of the Combinator: D Create split or layered multi-instruments. Add any number of instrument devices (Subtractors, NN-XTs etc.) and play them as a single layered instrument. Instrument devices in a Combi can also be assigned to specific keyboard/velocity zones. D Save instrument/effect combinations. Save an instrument together with your favorite effect(s). D Create multi-effect devices. You can create and save complex effect chains as Combis.
INTRODUCTION TO THE COMBINATOR
About external and internal audio routing
Creating a layered instrument Combi patch a tutorial
In this step-by-step tutorial we will show you how to create a simple Combi patch, starting with an empty Combinator device. The objective is to create a layered instrument Combi that includes both instrument and effect devices: 1. To make things easy to follow, start with an empty rack. 2. Select a mixer device from the Create menu - either a 14:2 or a Line mixer - it doesnt matter. 3. Create a Combinator by selecting Combinator from the Create menu. An empty Combinator device is added to the rack, and a Combinator sequencer track is created.
At the back of a Combinator you can find the following audio connectors: D Combi L/R Outputs This is the output of the Combinator, which is internally connected to the From Devices connectors. This output connects with devices outside the Combi, normally a mixer device. D From Devices L/R inputs This is where outputs from devices in a Combi are connected. A mono or stereo output can be connected. D Combi L/R Inputs This is the input to the Combinator (used for effect Combis only). Internally connected to the To Devices connectors. D To Devices L/R outputs These connect to an input on a device in the effect Combi. D Normally, all audio connections to and from devices in a Combi should pass via the To/From Device connectors. While it is entirely possible to directly connect the output of a device in a Combi to the input of a device outside the Combi, this is called an External Routing connection and should be avoided if the Combi is to be completely self-contained. D If any device in a Combi uses external routing, this connection will not be saved with the patch. As a warning, an External Routing indicator will light up if such a connection is made. For example, if a Combi contains three Subtractors (but no mixer), there would be three mono outputs coming from devices in the Combi (the Subtractors). As there are only two From Devices inputs, there is a problem. The solution is to include a mixer device in the Combi and to connect the Subtractors to this. If the output of the mixer is connected to the From Devices input, all three outputs from the Subtractors (and more device outputs should you so wish) can be passed via the Combinator interface, without external routing.

In this picture, notes from C2 and up will trigger the Malstrm, whereas notes below C2 will not.
D By clicking in the Velocity Lo Vel/Hi Vel fields and moving the mouse up or down with the mouse button pressed you can assign a velocity range for a selected instrument device. By setting different velocity ranges for layered instrument devices you can determine which device(s) will sound according to how hard or soft you play.
All the parameters of a selected device are available by clicking in the Target column. Selecting a parameter assigns it to the corresponding Rotary knob or button. Buttons are used to toggle between two values (e.g. on/off), and the Rotary knobs can be assigned to generate continuous values over a specified range. The controls can be assigned multiple functions, e.g. a knob can change the filter frequency for one device and the master volume for another device etc. That concludes this introduction to the Combinator! Check out the included Combi patches in the Factory Soundbank for more ideas and tips on how the Combinator can be used. For a complete description of the Combinator, please refer to the Combinator chapter in the Operation manual pdf.

D Using Pattern Devices

As of this writing, Reason includes two pattern-based devices: the Redrum drum computer and the Matrix Pattern Sequencer (additional pattern devices may be added in upcoming versions). While these two devices are very different in most ways, they handle patterns following the same basic rules, as described in this chapter.
D You can also run a pattern device separately (without starting the main sequencer or other pattern devices) by clicking the Run button on the device panel. This starts the built-in pattern sequencer in the device. To stop playback, click the Run button again or click the Stop button on the Transport panel.
For details about the respective devices, see the Operation Manual pdf.
What are Pattern Devices?
A pattern device contains a built-in pattern sequencer. Unlike the main sequencer in Reason, a pattern sequencer repeatedly plays back a pattern of a specified length. The typical example in the real world (as well as in Reason) is a drum machine which plays drum patterns, usually one or two bars in length. Having the same pattern repeat throughout a whole song may be fine in some cases, but most often you want some variations. The solution is to create several different patterns and program pattern changes (automatic switching from one pattern to another) at the desired positions in the song.

For each pattern, you can specify a length, i.e. how many steps it should contain. The maximum pattern length is different for different devices.
D To select a pattern in the current bank, click on the desired Pattern button (1-8). If you like, you can assign computer key commands and/or MIDI messages to pattern selection. See the Operation Manual pdf. D To select a pattern in another bank, first click the desired Bank button (A, B, C, D) and then click the Pattern button. Nothing happens until you click the Pattern button. The pattern change takes effect on the next downbeat according to the time signature set in the transport panel.
The pattern length selector for the Redrum (left) and the Matrix (right).
The Pattern Enable switch

Pattern Resolution

The pattern resolution determines the length (note value) of the steps. When the pattern resolution is set to 1/16, each pattern step will be a sixteenth note, when set to 1/8, each step will be an eighth note, etc.
The Pattern Enable switch in the Redrum and the Matrix.
Next to the Bank and Pattern buttons you will find an additional switch, which is normally activated. If you click this to turn it off, the pattern playback will be disabled, starting at the next downbeat - exactly as if you had selected an empty (silent) pattern. For example, this can be used for bringing different pattern devices in and out of the mix during playback.
The Resolution control on the Matrix. As with the pattern length value, you can program different resolution settings for different patterns.
If you change the resolution of an existing pattern, the audible effect will be a change of pattern playback speed. This may seem strange at first, but if you think about it, its logical:
Lets say you have a 16 step pattern with resolution set to 1/16. The length of each pattern step is then one sixteenth note, and the whole pattern plays back over a whole 4/4 bar (16 sixteenth notes = one whole bar). Now, if you change the resolution to 1/32, each step will be a 1/32 note - half its original length. There are still sixteen steps. This means that the whole pattern plays back over half a bar (16 * 1/32 = 1/2). In other words, the pattern plays back at double speed.

The Shift functions move the notes in a pattern one step to the left or right, or transposes them one semitone up or down (depending on the device). This function can be used for interesting rhythmic or melodic effects, or as a way to rectify patterns for which the first step isnt on the proper downbeat.

Randomize

The Randomize functions create random patterns. These can often be great starting points and help you get new ideas.
The Alter functions modify existing patterns. Note that there must be something in the pattern for the function to work on - using an Alter function on an empty pattern will not do anything.

D The Browser

Background

About ReFills

A ReFill is a kind of component package for Reason which can contain patches, samples, REX files, Soundfonts and demo songs. If you like, you could compare ReFills to ROM cards for a synthesizer. On your computer, ReFills appear as large files with the extension.rfl. All sounds included with Reason are embedded in two ReFills; Reason Factory Sound Bank and Orkester, which were both copied to the Reason Program folder during installation. Additional Propellerhead ReFills are available for purchase. You can also download ReFills from other Reason users on the Internet, purchase them from other sample manufacturers, etc.

Reason File Formats

The following table lists the file formats that you can browse and open using Reasons Browser:

| File

| Extension

| Description

This is the main document format in Reason. It contains your music and the setup of the rack, along with references to any used samples and loops (or it can contain the actual samples and loops, if you have made the song self-contained). A published song is a self-contained song intended for playback only. It cannot be changed, its components cannot be extracted and it is not possible to export it as an audio file. The Combinator (see page 72 for an introduction to this special device) can store/recall combinations of Reason devices. Combinator patches (Combis) will save all panel settings (as well as sample references if used) for all devices that are part of the Combi. In addition, all routing (audio/ CV) between devices in the Combi are included in the patch. This is a patch for the Subtractor synth device, containing all panel settings. You store your synth sounds by saving Subtractor patches. This is a patch for the Malstrm synth device, containing all panel settings. You store your synth sounds by saving Malstrm patches. This is a patch for the NN19 Sampler device, containing references to and settings for all used samples, along with panel settings. This is a patch for the NN-XT Sampler device, containing references to and settings for all used samples, along with panel settings. This is a patch for the Redrum drum machine device. It contains information about which drum samples are used, along with all drum sound settings. In effect, a Redrum patch is a stored drum kit. This is a patch for the RV7000 reverb effect, containing all panel settings.

Cross-browsing - an example:
1. You are playing a Subtractor device but feel that the sound isnt quite what you had in mind, so you open the Browser to check out some other patches. 2. After browsing Subtractor patches for a while, you still havent found the type of sound you wanted, so you click the Show popup and select All Instruments from the menu. Now you can select instrument patches for any device. You decide to browse a folder containing Malstrm patches. You can use the Previous/ Next buttons to step through the files in the selected folder. 3. As soon as you select a Malstrm patch in the Browser, a Malstrm device replaces the Subtractor in the background (the Browser is still open). The sequencer track which was previously connected to the Subtractor is now connected to a Malstrm with the patch selected in the Browser loaded. D Note that the name of the sequencer track is not automatically changed to reflect the new device. This may or may not matter. If the track was named Bass (and it is a bass sound you are looking for), this obviously works fine. But if the track was named Subtractor 1 and you end up with another device connected, it might be better to rename the track to avoid confusion. 4. You can continue to browse patches and play your keyboard to audition them. Each time you select a patch type belonging to a different device, a corresponding instrument device is created in the background, replacing the previous instrument. 5. When you have settled on a patch - for whatever instrument device - click OK to confirm the selection and close the dialog. Clicking Cancel will return to the same state as when opening the Browser. D If you use cross-browsing for an effect patch it works in the same way - selecting an effect patch of a different format will replace the current effect in the background with a device of the selected format.
In cases where several selected files (e.g. patches or songs) cannot be loaded, the OK button in the Browser is grayed out.
Cross-browsing patch files
Cross-browsing patches is a powerful feature of the Patch Browser. It allows you to browse for any type of patch (instrument or effect - see below), regardless of which device you opened the Browser from.

When you click OK to open a file from the Browser, the file and folder list shown at that time is memorized for that device. This is called a browse list. For patches (and to a certain extent samples) this list provides a specific functionality: D The browse list is what applies when changing patches using the Next/Previous Patch buttons on the front panel of a device (or from patch selectors on a control surface). It is also the active browse list that is shown on the patch list opened by clicking in the patch name field for a device. D For samples, the browse list applies when changing samples using the Next/Previous Sample buttons on the front panel of a sampler device.
What can a browse list contain?
D When you confirm a patch or sample selection by clicking OK in the Browser, the resulting browse list will include the files contained in all currently open folders in the Browser. If you open the Browser again for the same device, the same file and folder structure is shown. D If you save the current song and reopen it, the items in the browse will be shown as a flat list, and the Where pop-up field will show Document Browse List. In such cases, the Browser will show the Parent column, listing the names of the containing folders. The Where pop-up will also contain the item Go to parent folder for a selected file. D A browse list could also be a Search result, or a Favorite list. Favorite Lists provide a way of controlling/filtering which patches or samples will be available on a browse list for a device - see below!
D By selecting the folder, the currently selectable contents of the Favorite list is shown in the Browser list. What is selectable/shown depends as usual on the current Browser mode. If you select a Favorite List folder that contains samples, these will only be shown if the Sample Browser is selected.
1. Set up a Reason song with a mixer device (and send effects if desired). 2. Create an instrument device, for example a Combinator. It doesnt matter which instrument device you choose at this point. Just make sure that MIDI input is set to this track in the sequencer. 3. Open the Patch Browser from the instrument device. 4. Click the New Favorites List button. A new folder appears in the list. Double-click it and type in an appropriate name. 5. Select to show All Instruments on the Show pop-up. Now you can start locating the patches you need by navigating in the Browser. 6. When you have located a patch that you need for the gig, drag it from the Browser into the Favorites folder. If this was a patch in a different format than the instrument you created, a device of this type will replace the original device.

The Missing Sounds dialog
Click one of the four buttons:

| Option: | Description:

This dialog appears if you clicked the Open Dialog button in the previous dialog, or if you clicked the Search & Proceed button but the program couldnt find all missing sounds. The main display in the dialog lists all missing files. The four columns show the following properties:

| Column | Description

Search & Pro- Reason will search for the missing files in all Locations added ceed by the user and in all known ReFills. If all files are found, the song or patch will be opened without further ado. If one or more files cannot be found, the Missing Sounds dialog will appear (see below). Note that the file search will look at the file names only - files that have been renamed will not be found! Proceed The song or patch will be opened, with sounds missing. This means that sampler patches, drum machine patches and/or loop players will not play back correctly. On the device panels, missing samples are indicated with an asterisk (*) before the file names:
The Intruder sample is missing.

Device Sound

Shows the name of the device in which the missing sound is used, along with a device type icon. Shows the name of the missing file.
Part of Re- If the missing file is part of a ReFill, or a Soundfont within a ReFill, Fill/Sound- this column shows the name of the ReFill/Soundfont If there is an font URL (Internet address) associated with a ReFill, you can download the necessary ReFill(s) from this dialog, as described below. Status When the dialog appears, all files will have the status Missing. Files that are found by the auto-search function or manually replaced will be indicated as Replaced.

Open Dialog Cancel

Opens the Missing Sounds dialog (see below). Cancels the operation, i.e. no song or patch will be opened.

Selecting

The Replace and Search Locations functions (see below) are performed on the files that are selected in the list. This allows you to replace some files manually (necessary if the files have been renamed or are outside the Locations), have the program find other files automatically and skip the rest of the files. D To select a file, click on it in the list. You can use the standard [Shift] or [Ctrl] (Win)/[Command] (Mac) selection techniques to select several files D To select all files in the list, click the Select All button. When the dialog first appears, all files in the list are selected.

, English
, What's new in Reason 3.0?
stand-alone music production instrument
, 14 Channel Expandable Mixer , Analog Polysynth , Graintable Polysynth , Digital Samplers , Mastering Tools , REX-loop Player , Drum Machine , ReBirth Input Device , Multiple Effects Processors , Combinator Device , Shelving and Parametric EQs , Master Song Sequencer , Pattern Sequencer , 64 Channel Audio Output , 64 Channel ReWire Output , 512 Band Vocoder , CV Processing Tools , Full Automation , Total Recall
Operation Manual by Synkron: Anders Nordmark
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Propellerhead Software AB. The software described herein is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to any other media expect as specifically allowed in the License Agreement. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Propellerhead Software AB. Note: Trademarks referred to within the Reason product are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademarks holders are affiliated with Propellerhead Software AB or our products. The referrals to these trademarks do not in any way constitute trademark use. Nor does the use of these trademarks intend to explore the goodwill associated with these trademarks. C 2005 Propellerhead Software and its licensors. All specifications subject to change without notice. Reason is a trademark of Propellerhead Software. All other commercial symbols are protected trademarks and trade names of their respective holders. All rights reserved.
D Whats new in Reason 3.0?

Welcome!

This document introduces the new features in Reason 3.0. For detailed descriptions, please make sure you read the corresponding sections in the Operation Manual as well.

Adding a control surface

The MIDI page in the Preferences dialog has been replaced by the Control Surfaces and Keyboards page. This is where you add your control surfaces - including the master keyboard.

New Remote support

In Reason 3.0, MIDI input from control surfaces (keyboards, remote control units etc.) is handled by a system called Remote. Here are some of the main features: D You can use any number of control surfaces at the same time. D The program supports a large number of control surfaces out of the box - knobs, faders and buttons on the surfaces are automatically mapped to the most useful parameters on the Reason devices. You dont have to change the settings on the control surface to control different devices in Reason - if you change MIDI focus from a Subtractor track to a Malstrm track, the control surface will automatically adapt. You just set up your control surface once and for all for use with Reason the program handles the rest! D For control surfaces that are not natively supported at this stage, you can use Reason 2.5 settings. This means that if your control surface model isnt available for selection in the Control Surfaces and Keyboards dialog (see below), you can use any templates or settings you have made for Reason 2.5. Note however, that Remote drivers for additional control surfaces will be added continuously - check our web page for more info. D By default, all control surfaces follow the sequencer MIDI input. This means that you set MIDI input to a track in the sequencer (like in 2.5) to route the control surface(s) to the tracks device in the rack. D You can lock a control surface to a specific device in the rack. For example, you could have a master keyboard that follows MIDI input, while another control surface is locked to the main mixer in the rack. This way you can control levels and pans at all times. D You can use remote overrides to map a specific control on a surface to a specific Reason parameter or function. For example, you could override-map a knob or fader on your control surface to the mixers master level fader. Or you could map buttons on your control surface to control Reasons transport (play, stop, record, etc.) at all times, regardless of which track has MIDI input in the sequencer. D Remote also supports some control surfaces with MIDI feedback. If you have such a control surface and it is supported by Reason 3.0, you can take full advantage of motorized faders, meters, displays, etc.

The first time you run Reason 3.0, a setup wizard will help you set up audio input and select a master keyboard. If you only have a single master keyboard and no other control surfaces, you should be good to go. However, to add other control surfaces, change which surface is the master keyboard or edit the settings, you need to use the Control Surfaces and Keyboards page.
1. Open the Preferences dialog and select the Control Surfaces and Keyboards page. 2. If your control surface is connected via USB (or if you have made a two-way MIDI connection), try clicking the Auto-detect Surfaces button. Reason scans all MIDI ports and tries to identify the connected control surfaces. Note that not all control surfaces support auto-detection.
All found surfaces are listed in the Attached Surfaces list.
3. To add a control surface manually, click the Add button. This brings up a new dialog.

WHATS NEW IN REASON 3.0?

4. Select the manufacturer of your control surface from the Manufacturer pop-up menu. If you cant find it on the menu, see below. 5. Select the model of your control surface from the Model pop-up menu. If you cant find it on the menu, see below. 6. An image of the selected control surface model is shown, often along with some information text - read this carefully. For some control surfaces, you need to select a specific preset to use the surface with Reason - this is noted here.
D Depending on the surface model, alerts may appear, reminding you to select a specific preset etc. In some cases, Reason can restore a preset in the control surface to factory settings for you - you are then informed of this. Finally you return to the Control Surfaces and Keyboards Preferences page, where your added surface is now listed.
If your control surface model isnt listed
Support for unlisted control surface models may be available for download from the Propellerheads website - check this first!
If you cant find your control surface listed on the Manufacturer or Model pop-up menus when you try to add it, this means that theres no native support for that model. However, the program supports generic keyboards and controllers. Heres what to do: D Select Other on the Manufacturer pop-up menu and then select one of the three options on the Model pop-up menu. or, if the Manufacturer is listed but not your specific model: D Select one of the three Other options on the Model pop-up menu: In both cases, the options are: Basic MIDI Keyboard Select this is you have a MIDI keyboard without programmable knobs, buttons or faders. This is used for playing only (including performance controllers such as pitch bend, mod wheel, etc.) - you cannot adjust Reason device parameters with this type of control surface. MIDI Controller Select this if you have a MIDI controller with programmable knobs, buttons or faders (but without keyboard). You need to set up your control surface so that the controllers send the correct MIDI CC messages, depending on which Reason device you want to control - check out the MIDI Implementation Chart in the Reason documentation. If your control surface has templates or presets for different Reason 2.5 devices, these can be used. MIDI Keyboard with Controls Select this is you have a MIDI keyboard with programmable knobs, buttons or faders. Again, you need to set your controllers to send the right MIDI CCs.

7. Use the MIDI Input pop-up to select the input port to which you have connected the surface. If in doubt, you can click the Find button and then tweak a control or play a key on the control surface to have Reason find the correct input port for you. D Some control surfaces may have more than one MIDI Input pop-up menu. You need to select ports on all MIDI Input pop-up menus. D Some control surfaces will have a MIDI Output pop-up menu. In some cases this is labeled Optional - then you dont have to make a selection. In other cases, a MIDI Output is required. This is the case if the control surface uses MIDI feedback - motor fader, displays, etc. 8. If you like, you can rename your control surface in the Name field. 9. Click OK to add the surface.
After selecting a model, proceed with selecting MIDI input as described above.
About the master keyboard
One of the control surfaces can be the master keyboard. This is like any other control surface, but it must have a keyboard and it cannot be locked to a specific Reason device (in other words, it always follows the MIDI input to the sequencer). This is the surface you use to play the instrument devices in Reason. D The first surface with a keyboard that is added (or found by autodetect) is automatically selected to be the master keyboard. This is shown in the Attached Surfaces list on the Preferences page. D If you want to use another surface as master keyboard, select it in the list and click the Make Master Keyboard button. You can only have one master keyboard. D If you dont want to use any master keyboard at all, select the current master keyboard surface and click the same button (which is now labeled Use No Master Keyboard).

The Combinator

Other functions
D To edit a surface, double click it in the list (or select it and click Edit). This lets you change its name and MIDI port settings, if needed. D To delete a surface, select it in the list and click Delete. D You can turn off a surface by deactivating its Use with Reason checkbox. This could be useful if the surface is connected to your system but you only want to use it with another program, etc. D There is still an Advanced MIDI page in the Preferences. This is only used for External Control MIDI buses and for MIDI Clock Sync input. All hands-on MIDI control is set up on the Control Surfaces and Keyboards page.

The Combinator is special device that allows you to save and recall any combination of Reason devices (instruments, effects, mixers etc.) and their internal connections. A saved Combinator setup can be loaded as a patch, called a Combi. The Combinator device itself acts as a container for the devices in a Combi. The basic idea behind the Combinator device is simple, but very powerful. Being able to save multiple devices as a Combi enables you to instantly recall any type of setup, however complex, as simply as loading a patch! Some typical applications of the Combinator: D Create split or layered multi-instruments. Add any number of instrument devices (Subtractors, NN-XTs etc.) and play them as a single layered instrument. Instrument devices in a Combi can also be assigned to specific keyboard/velocity zones. D Save instrument/effect combinations. Save an instrument together with your favorite effect(s). D Create multi-effect devices. You can create and save complex effect chains as Combis. The Combinator saves files in the Combi (.cmb) patch format. When you load a Combi patch, all devices included in the Combi, their corresponding parameter settings and internal audio and CV connections are instantly recalled.
How to create Combinator devices
There are several ways you can create a Combinator device: D By selecting Combinator from the Create menu. This will create an empty Combinator device. You can then add devices to the Combi by clicking within the empty holder at the bottom of the Combinator and using the Create menu. D By [Shift]-selecting several devices in the rack and then selecting Combine from the Edit menu. This will create a Combi containing the selected devices. The devices are removed from their original locations in the rack, into the Combinator holder. D By selecting the Create device by browsing patches menu item from the Create menu. This allows you to browse for Combi patches - if you select a.cmb patch a Combinator device will be created, containing the devices saved with the Combi. Creating a Combinator automatically creates a track for it in the sequencer. To play an instrument Combi, you direct MIDI to its sequencer track as usual - the Combinator passes on the notes to the devices within it.

Other features

Clicking the Show Programmer button on the Combinator shows the Programmer panel. There you can make the following settings: D Select a key range and/or velocity range for each instrument device in the Combi. This is the way to create splits and layered sounds. You can also decide whether a device should receive note and performance data from the Combi or not. D Assign parameters to the four rotary controls and four buttons on the Combinator panel. These can be assigned to control virtually any parameter on the devices within the Combi - a rotary can change the filter frequency for one device and the master volume for another device etc. You can also control the rotaries via CV, allowing for CV control of a huge number of Reason parameters! Note also that a Combi can contain pattern devices. Clicking the Run Pattern Devices activates the Run button on all pattern devices in the Combi. Finally, the Bypass All FX button turns off all effect devices in the Combi - useful if you have a Combi with instruments and effects and want to listen to the instrument sound dry.

A note on routing

Please refer to the Operation Manual chapter The Combinator for a complete description of the available features. Also check out the included Combi patches in the Factory Sound Bank for tips on settings, routings and techniques!
At the back of a Combinator you can find the following audio connectors: D Combi L/R Outputs This is the output of the Combinator, which is internally connected to the From Devices connectors. This output connects with devices outside the Combi, normally a mixer device. D From Devices L/R inputs This is where outputs from devices in a Combi are connected. A mono or stereo output can be connected. If a Combi contains several instrument devices (e.g. layered synths) you typically have a mixer inside the Combi - the output of that mixer goes to the From Devices jacks. D Combi L/R Inputs This is the input to the Combinator (used for effect Combis only). Internally connected to the To Devices connectors. D To Devices L/R outputs These connect to an input on a device in the effect Combi.

New Browser

D The new Search function allows you to search for files by name and/or type. You use the Search settings to specify a search location and a text string to search for. When you click Find, the Browser looks for all files with a matching name (or a matching parent folder name) and presents the search result in the main file and folder view.
This is a very powerful feature in combination with the crossbrowsing: If you e.g. want a bass sound, you dont need to decide which device type to use. Simply search for Bass and then set the Show pop-up menu to All Instruments. The search result will contain all patches containing the name Bass (or located in a folder or ReFill named Bass), regardless of the patch type. You can step through the patches in the Browser to audition them - the device will automatically be replaced in the rack when you select another patch type.
D The Favorite List area (in the lower left section of the Browser) can contain Favorite Lists with shortcuts to your favorite samples, patches or other files for instant access. To add files to a Favorite List, drag them from the main view to a Favorite List folder to the left. Clicking a Favorite List shows its contents in the main view - reorder files by dragging, remove files by selecting them and pressing [Backspace]. Clicking a file in a Favorite List selects and loads it as usual. D The files shown in the main view of the Browser are stored as a browse list for the device when you close the Browser. Using the patch up/down buttons or the patch pop-up menu on the device panel will select between the patches in this browse list.
The Browser for opening songs, patches, loops and samples has been completely redesigned. The new features are: D The Locations list (in the upper left section of the Browser) stores shortcuts to folders where you keep your important files. You are no longer restricted to four database paths - you can store your files anywhere. Apart from some fixed Locations (e.g. the Factory Sound Bank), you can add your own Locations by dragging folders or ReFills to the Locations list. Click on a Location to go there. D When you select a patch or sample in the Browser, it is automatically loaded in the background. If you have set MIDI input to the track for the device your are browsing from, you can play your master keyboard and audition the patches or samples, without closing the Browser. D You can use cross-browsing to search for patches belonging to any type of device. You can open the Patch Browser from one type of device and browse for patches of any type. If you select a patch for a different device, this will automatically replace the original device. You select which patches are shown and selectable with the Show pop-up menu at the top of the Browser.
This feature and Favorite Lists are very useful when playing live, because you can create a set list with all patches in the right order. During the gig, you can use the patch up/down buttons on the device (or on your control surface) to step from one patch to the next. If the Favorite List contains patches of different types, the device in the rack will automatically be replaced when needed!

D You can create devices directly from the Browser, by selecting Create Device by Browsing Patches from the Create menu. This opens the Patch Browser, allowing you to select any instrument patch or any effect patch (selected on the Show pop-up menu). Selecting a patch automatically creates a device for it in the rack. For instrument devices, a sequencer track is created and gets MIDI input, allowing you to audition the patch right away.

The MClass effects

Pump up the volume! Although a mix may be well balanced and sound ok, it can often lack the punch, clarity and volume present in professionally made mixes. The secret is that big studios have a rack full of high quality mastering tools that are used to spice up the final mix. Now Reason does too! On the Create menu, you will now find the following items:

MClass Stereo Imager

This is a two band stereo imager with independent width controls for the low and high frequencies and adjustable crossover frequency. Making the high end a little wider and the low end a little more mono will make your mix bigger and more alive, while keeping the bass end tight.
MClass Mastering Suite Combi

MClass Compressor

This is a single-band compressor capable of everything from subtle compression to raw squeezing and pumping. The features include a soft-knee option for a different, more musical compression mode, program-adaptive release time and a sidechain input for de-essing and other dynamics processing. And it has a CV output, allowing you to have the dynamics of a sound control other Reason parameters.

MClass Maximizer

Selecting this creates a Combi containing all four MClass devices (see below), configured as a mastering tool. Typically you would insert this at the end of the signal chain, between the main mixer and the hardware interface (select the hardware interface before you add the MClass Mastering Suite Combi - this will insert it at the correct place). You can use the rotaries and buttons on the Combinator to adjust the sound, or make settings directly on the devices within the Combi. Use the patch selectors on the Combinator to select between a number of different Mastering effect patches included in the Factory Sound Bank.
Loud and proud! The MClass Maximizer consists of a limiter (with switchable Look Ahead, for distortion-free brickwall limiting), a Soft Clipper for gently rounding the edges and a detailed level meter, switchable between Peak and VU mode. Just turn up the Input Gain and enjoy.

MClass Equalizer

Line Mixer 6:2
This is a basic mixer with 6 stereo channels and one stereo effect send/return. Ideal for mixing device outputs within a Combi, or for any situation where you need a few extra mixer channels.
This is a high-quality, sweet-sounding equalizer with shelving high and low bands, two full parametric bands and a low cut switch to remove subsonic rumble. All bands have on/off switches and you get instant visual feedback from the EQ curve display.

New Factory Sound Bank

The Reason Factory Sound Bank now features scores of new great sounding patches and samples, including a number of Combi patches. For backwards compatibility, all samples in the original Factory Sound Bank are still included.

New audio features

D Dithering in export audio dialog Dither is a type of noise added to a digital signal, which improves low level sound quality when exporting to a lower bit resolution. You can now choose whether to apply dither when exporting to 16-bits. D Faster loading of samples Samples are loaded much faster in Reason 3.0.

Sequencer improvements

Mute and Solo
Sequencer tracks now have proper mute and solo buttons in the track list, with global All Mute Off and All Solo Off buttons above. D If you mute a track for a pattern device (Matrix or Redrum) the pattern playback will be muted as well.
Record automation on multiple tracks
There is an additional column in the sequencer track list, called Rec. This allows you to record enable several tracks, for automation recording. Only one track will have MIDI input from the master keyboard (this track will also always be record enabled) - the other record enabled tracks will receive parameter changes from their respective devices in the rack. This is especially useful if you have multiple control surfaces, controlling different devices in the rack while youre recording.

Copying automation

It is now possible to copy and paste automation between controller lanes in the sequencer (for the same or different tracks).