"I use Reason" reaction

[EnochLight]

so the masses regarded it as a toy.

It's all about perspective. Every piece of music gear that any musician has every touched in history is technically a "toy" - we all play with them and have great fun. If you're not doing that, then you're doing it wrong, or it's time to move on to another toy.

[selig]

so the masses regarded it as a toy.

It's all about perspective. Every piece of music gear that any musician has every touched in history is technically a "toy" - we all play with them and have great fun. If you're not doing that, then you're doing it wrong, or it's time to move on to another toy.

So True - I don't WORK music, I PLAY music…

[crimsonwarlock]

I don't WORK music, I PLAY music…

Someone is going to steal that for a signature line

[avasopht]

I don't WORK music, I PLAY music…

Someone is going to steal that for a signature line

Could be the winning marketing message for Reason

[moofi]

Well said

[...]

So True - I don't WORK music, I PLAY music…

[plaamook]

Sure making music is a lot about play but I work to finish that music. I work on sound.
I don't think anyone ever argued against Reason as a playful platform.
It tends to get criticised for it's limitations and it's lack of full functioning features not it's lack of playfulness.

[moofi]

I feel like it is aswell a reference to playing an instrument emphasising the practical musical part.

Sure making music is a lot about play but I work to finish that music. I work on sound.
I don't think anyone ever argued against Reason as a playful platform.
It tends to get criticised for it's limitations and it's lack of full functioning features not it's lack of playfulness.

[selig]

Sure making music is a lot about play but I work to finish that music. I work on sound.
I don't think anyone ever argued against Reason as a playful platform.
It tends to get criticised for it's limitations and it's lack of full functioning features not it's lack of playfulness.

That is exactly why I said what I said. To explain my quote: I ‘play’ music so I find Reason to be well suited to that mentality.
I ‘work’ on fixing problems, then I play with sound. I work to increase my skill set then I am able to play my emotions in the form of music.

So yes, work is involved when you practice your instrument or read a manual. but I’ve never felt like a listener wants to listen to you work or watch you work, They want to watch you play, to listen to you playing music - not ‘working’ music.

Yes, this is word play to make a point, which is in my life’s experience the music I ‘worked’ on was not inspiring or satisfying to me like the music I ‘played’. And so far, Reason gives me that feeling better than other DAWs despite it’s MANY shortcomings. It is just a personal thing I’m sharing here, not something I’m trying to convince others of.

[mimidancer]

I wonder what the reason is for that rejection. Has it just lingered from those days when Reason didn't have VST support or audio tracks?

Groupthink syndrome.

I agree. People are sheep. The truth is no matter what DAW one uses there are limitations. I use reason's DAW because it is the same workflow as an actual recording studio. But I can actually play. If I were piano roll dependent and needed to copy and paste things because I lacked the ability to express myself with musicianship, I might like Live more. What gets me most about Live users is how they cry on reason forums. If you like Live, use it. Reason does not need to be like anything except reason. Its modular design allows the player to make it what they want. Limitations force innovation. Some people wonder why one would choose a eurorack system over a powerful polysynth. The reason is the same. There are gems in the constraints of a given media. Like sometimes I when I want an extra modulation in thor I add a Europa to the rack and, boom. There it is. Sometimes one has to do more than turn it on to get results. That is the fun of reason. And please don't get me wrong about playing and musicianship. There are many talented producers who cannot play. My point is I don't miss the features that other DAWs. and Groupthink syndrome plays a role in the hate reason gets. I also believe that makers of other software actively fuel the negativity. Lastly, some people feel they must tear something down to be cool. I call it the hipster factor. In the end they are still using reason. Why, because Reason is good. You know you would die of boredom if all you used were Ableton's synths and efx.

[bxbrkrz]

Groupthink syndrome.

I agree. People are sheep. The truth is no matter what DAW one uses there are limitations. I use reason's DAW because it is the same workflow as an actual recording studio. But I can actually play. If I were piano roll dependent and needed to copy and paste things because I lacked the ability to express myself with musicianship, I might like Live more. What gets me most about Live users is how they cry on reason forums. If you like Live, use it. Reason does not need to be like anything except reason. Its modular design allows the player to make it what they want. Limitations force innovation. Some people wonder why one would choose a eurorack system over a powerful polysynth. The reason is the same. There are gems in the constraints of a given media. Like sometimes I when I want an extra modulation in thor I add a Europa to the rack and, boom. There it is. Sometimes one has to do more than turn it on to get results. That is the fun of reason. And please don't get me wrong about playing and musicianship. There are many talented producers who cannot play. My point is I don't miss the features that other DAWs. and Groupthink syndrome plays a role in the hate reason gets. I also believe that makers of other software actively fuel the negativity. Lastly, some people feel they must tear something down to be cool. I call it the hipster factor. In the end they are still using reason. Why, because Reason is good. You know you would die of boredom if all you used were Ableton's synths and efx.

100%
I believe the term 'Borg' is more suitable than 'sheep' in some cases. There is an element of nudging coercion that a 'sheep' is not able to do.
I mean a real sheep seems happy

[mimidancer]

I hear where you are coming from and fully get the advantages of workflow improvements in a professional environment, where you potentially have to put out constantly.
Aswell on an amateur level it naturally makes things easier and also fun to work with. Then the question isn´t really about mere functionality. It´s asking to swap programs and that for at least here would mean a greater disadvantage compared to the so far lack of workflow improvements, simply because Reason is Reason and other DAW lack in its compartment. It´s similar to the difference between RE and VST.

I'm very much a hobbyist, but with aspirations of being more.

And you're right... it's always a trade-off... "Do I spend my X number of very limited music-making hours per week learning how to use a new tool, or do I plod on with what I know? What will I gain? Is it worth it?"

In my case, while I was less productive in the short-term using a new DAW, I'm far more productive now then I would have been if I stayed in Reason, making the investment of time well worth it.

For me it's been like this analogy -- I've been driving a bike for years for recreation, and I can even get to work on my bike. But man, the bike sucks when it rains and is impossible in the snow. And I can't take my groceries home on my bike. And if I bike to work, I get there all sweaty. Maybe my bike isn't the right tool. Maybe I should learn how to drive a car. Though learning something new will be a pain, maybe it will be worth it. And I can always use my bike for fun when I want to.


For me, Reason is the bike in this story, and Bitwig is the car, lol.

I get that. I have not used Bitwig. I do use Reason, Logic, Live, and Protools. For me, Reason is where I find magic. Or as you would say the road. What features make Bitwig your choice?

[SuperStellartones]

I get that. I have not used Bitwig. I do use Reason, Logic, Live, and Protools. For me, Reason is where I find magic. Or as you would say the road. What features make Bitwig your choice?

Some key things for me in Bitwig...

1) the browser is absolutely brilliant -- super fast, highly organizable
2) the modulation options are amazing
3) midi editing is fantastic
4) audio editing is great
5) track management features like grouping and freezing (muting/hiding) work flawlessly
6) template creation and track recall features (e.g. you can pull individual tracks out of a template) help save an enormous amount of time
7) it opens super quick, it hardly breaks a sweat even with a complex arrangement and is very stable
8) I find the clip launcher is great for working out arrangements.

[dakta]

"Reason does not need to be like anything except reason."

thats one totally reasoned way to shut down the topic

[mimidancer]

I agree. People are sheep. The truth is no matter what DAW one uses there are limitations. I use reason's DAW because it is the same workflow as an actual recording studio. But I can actually play. If I were piano roll dependent and needed to copy and paste things because I lacked the ability to express myself with musicianship, I might like Live more. What gets me most about Live users is how they cry on reason forums. If you like Live, use it. Reason does not need to be like anything except reason. Its modular design allows the player to make it what they want. Limitations force innovation. Some people wonder why one would choose a eurorack system over a powerful polysynth. The reason is the same. There are gems in the constraints of a given media. Like sometimes I when I want an extra modulation in thor I add a Europa to the rack and, boom. There it is. Sometimes one has to do more than turn it on to get results. That is the fun of reason. And please don't get me wrong about playing and musicianship. There are many talented producers who cannot play. My point is I don't miss the features that other DAWs. and Groupthink syndrome plays a role in the hate reason gets. I also believe that makers of other software actively fuel the negativity. Lastly, some people feel they must tear something down to be cool. I call it the hipster factor. In the end they are still using reason. Why, because Reason is good. You know you would die of boredom if all you used were Ableton's synths and efx.

100%
I believe the term 'Borg' is more suitable than 'sheep' in some cases. There is an element of nudging coercion that a 'sheep' is not able to do.
I mean a real sheep seems happy

I agree most sheep seem happy. Though I must disagree about Borg. Borg would easily assimilate reason. Then would have no choice but to drop stiff but sick beats. Can we agree on lemmings?

[mimidancer]

so the masses regarded it as a toy.

It's all about perspective. Every piece of music gear that any musician has every touched in history is technically a "toy" - we all play with them and have great fun. If you're not doing that, then you're doing it wrong, or it's time to move on to another toy.

The same people who are throwing reason away are the people that sold their prophet 5 for a DX 7. Cold and soulless creatures. They also pitched their TB303 in the trash because it did not sound like a bass guitar.

[bxbrkrz]

100%
I believe the term 'Borg' is more suitable than 'sheep' in some cases. There is an element of nudging coercion that a 'sheep' is not able to do.
I mean a real sheep seems happy

I agree most sheep seem happy. Though I must disagree about Borg. Borg would easily assimilate reason. Then would have no choice but to drop stiff but sick beats. Can we agree on lemmings?

I guess we could, but real lemmings are so cute.

[Seckin]

I get that. I have not used Bitwig. I do use Reason, Logic, Live, and Protools. For me, Reason is where I find magic. Or as you would say the road. What features make Bitwig your choice?

Some key things for me in Bitwig...

1) the browser is absolutely brilliant -- super fast, highly organizable
2) the modulation options are amazing
3) midi editing is fantastic
4) audio editing is great
5) track management features like grouping and freezing (muting/hiding) work flawlessly
6) template creation and track recall features (e.g. you can pull individual tracks out of a template) help save an enormous amount of time
7) it opens super quick, it hardly breaks a sweat even with a complex arrangement and is very stable
8) I find the clip launcher is great for working out arrangements.

Are some of these really "features" though? Like I cannot imagine a DAW company announcing a feature set saying "Our browser is absolutely brilliant. Oh and the modulation options are freaking amazing! Midi editing you say? Well of course it's just fantastic! And I can't even begin to describe how great audio editing is in this mighty fine piece of software we made! It's perfect!"

Would be better if you could elaborate a bit.

[bangaio]

Some key things for me in Bitwig...

1) the browser is absolutely brilliant -- super fast, highly organizable
2) the modulation options are amazing
3) midi editing is fantastic
4) audio editing is great
5) track management features like grouping and freezing (muting/hiding) work flawlessly
6) template creation and track recall features (e.g. you can pull individual tracks out of a template) help save an enormous amount of time
7) it opens super quick, it hardly breaks a sweat even with a complex arrangement and is very stable
8) I find the clip launcher is great for working out arrangements.

Are some of these really "features" though? Like I cannot imagine a DAW company announcing a feature set saying "Our browser is absolutely brilliant. Oh and the modulation options are freaking amazing! Midi editing you say? Well of course it's just fantastic! And I can't even begin to describe how great audio editing is in this mighty fine piece of software we made! It's perfect!"

Would be better if you could elaborate a bit.

A DAW company like this: https://www.reasonstudios.com/press/147 ... n-software

"For Reason 8, we’ve introduced a new creative flow that feels second nature"
"Reason 8 introduces a redesigned user interface, fresh new look and even smoother creative flow."

Or even this sort of detailed openness and clarity in developments to something dull like the sequencer:

https://web.archive.org/web/20020210145 ... index.php3

"I am mainly working on the sequencer. I'm going to finish the real-time recording and so on. I gotta figure out how to draw changes of the tracks in "real-time" while recording. When coding this kind of stuff you want to make sure the window never contains stale or invalid graphics, but you also want to redraw as little as possible and as quickly as possible. And without flicker. Challenge. I also have to get all this to work with our undo-system."


Bitwig's browser is mindblowingly good and makes all the other DAWs I have used look antiquated. Bitwig is definitely the sum of its parts and is such a slick and modern feeling environment. It is essentially everything Reason isn't these days. You may not like things like a brilliant browser being a "feature" but it really is just brilliant and contributes so much to the process overall.

[SuperStellartones]

Bitwig's browser is mindblowingly good and makes all the other DAWs I have used look antiquated. Bitwig is definitely the sum of its parts and is such a slick and modern feeling environment. It is essentially everything Reason isn't these days. You may not like things like a brilliant browser being a "feature" but it really is just brilliant and contributes so much to the process overall.

Amen, brother!

[EnochLight]

The same people who are throwing reason away are the people that sold their prophet 5 for a DX 7. Cold and soulless creatures. They also pitched their TB303 in the trash because it did not sound like a bass guitar.

Naaah, I was one of those people - almost 20 years ago. When I was deep in Reason 1.0-2.5, I sold my Ensoniq ASR10 and never looked back. Just didn't need it anymore. That said, I did keep my vintage Juno 106 (until COVID hit in 2020-2021, which prompted me to sell it since I already had a Roland System 8).

[himawari]

Was watching the new episode of The Cave (Producer Kenny Beats creates a quick track for the guest artist to sing/rap on) and got a big laugh from the reaction when Toro y Moi says he uses Reason watched this on youtube vanced

Had no idea he was a Reason user! Been listening to his stuff before and he is a very creative and talented artist

I believe that one of the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm for Reason is an authorization mechanism Propellerhead employed to prevent the piracy. Reason has been essentially unbreakable for more than a decade, unlike other DAWs could be easily compromised and distributed. This enabled every teenager who had a job to get their feet wet in music production. This resulted in flooding YouTube by providing tutorials as well as tutorials of these DAWs which led to the creation of large online communities around those platforms. Today, those young men are 25 and they are awed by Ableton as well as

[EnochLight]

Today, those young men are 25 and they are awed by Ableton as well as

..as well as?

[Tinnitus]

Was watching the new episode of The Cave (Producer Kenny Beats creates a quick track for the guest artist to sing/rap on) and got a big laugh from the reaction when Toro y Moi says he uses Reason watched this on youtube vanced

Had no idea he was a Reason user! Been listening to his stuff before and he is a very creative and talented artist

I believe that one of the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm for Reason is an authorization mechanism Propellerhead employed to prevent the piracy. Reason has been essentially unbreakable for more than a decade, unlike other DAWs could be easily compromised and distributed. This enabled every teenager who had a job to get their feet wet in music production. This resulted in flooding YouTube by providing tutorials as well as tutorials of these DAWs which led to the creation of large online communities around those platforms. Today, those young men are 25 and they are awed by Ableton as well as

I do agree to some extent. It didn't make sense getting rid of reason lite as it cut out many of the kids with no money. Ableton has their lite version for this reason.
It's a little shortsighted.