I'd say it's the opposite. I think that we will see a more focused development of Reason as a platform in the following updates. RE imho was made so that props can focus on actual workflow and other core features in Reason rather than to be 'locked up' by developing new devices for each release. So I'm on the contrary quite hopeful to see what Reason 7 and the following versions will bring...

it was much simpler make reason out of a vst host and sell the racks in vst/au format, like The FL Imageline policy (see their beautiful plugins, sold both as vst/au and FL extensions). I guess many people would be happy to pay for subtractor vst, maelstrom vst etc. At the same time 99% of Reason users could play vsts in Reason (at their own risk... just a question of choice). RE cannot be compared to vst, alas.

They now have a menu of three part tariffs, as opposed to a menu of linear pricing. For those not familiar, your cell phone is a three part tariff. Fixed cost + Per Unit Cost + Free Allotment.

The fixed cost, of course, is the Reason software, the allotment is whatever comes with Reason, and, the per unit cost is whatever REs you buy. This facilitates more flexible price discrimination and allows the firm to capture more consumer surplus. Since, arguably, all of the basics are covered in Reason, new additions simply re-adjust expectations of consumers. Under the linear model Props must walk the fine line of innovation or raise prices to survive. On Edit: I agree with the above poster, this really does facilitate the development of Reason as a platform and allows other players to contribute their core competencies freeing props to focus on their own.

I think, from the firm's perspective, that it's a brilliant move. Further, I think that standards tend to stifle innovation somewhat, as can be easily seen in terms of the VST architecture. I hope that Ableton goes this route as well, and by that I mean, specialized SDK + marketplace.

Assuming that eventually the SDK is relatively available, expect to see a lot of competition in the marketplace including many free/low cost alternatives from independent developers, some of which, you probably have never heard of before.
Last edited by ghettosynth on Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:04 am; edited 1 time in total

Well I doubt future versions of Reason will include much in the way of new Rack devices, except that they will no doubt start to bundle RE devices that were previously sold in their store, so that they can take the money twice.

I would be very surprised if they do not churn out plenty more RE devices of their own too, first selling them as add-ons, then bundling them to "add value" to full upgrades.

As for the core programme... well now we're talking. Having added a dongle, audio recording and a plug in format, all they need now is MIDI Out and they will have succeeded in providing all four of the main things they promised Reason would never have, lol.

The modular powers of the Reason rack really opens up with RE in ways that the VST framework currently doesn't offer.

I don't mind paying for both VST and RE versions, separately. Reason just offers an integrated solution here that appeals to my workflow and preferences in many situations.

Sound designers and twiddlers undoubtedly love playing with the routing and cables, but some of us just want to get on with making music...

Can you perhaps list a few practical examples of how the CV routing in Reason rack devices makes life easier or better for musicians?... stuff that VST plugs in a host such as Ableton can't offer?

Guys i downloaded demo. I don't have key i use it in demo mode obviously.

Simple question: Is it possible to try RE extensions without ignition key (i searched in shop FAQ but there is no mention of it ATM)?

I am pretty baffled. I log in to shop, there is TRY button, i press it and all i get is product page. Nothing? How am i supposed to try this software in full potential?

Am i doing something wrong?
Last edited by kmonkey on Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:21 am; edited 1 time in total

That's all about communication!
And if not, people can still have 6(.5) different Reason versions

I see it as a modular hardware system. This is how we designed our REs, basically carbon copies of analog hardware modules: very few parameters, controllable via CV, same sound quality. Only difference, you get as many instances as you like, they can process stereo and due to the sandboxed nature, they can (in theory) last forever.

Now, this doesn't replace your current DAW at all. It's simply a different concept.

Richard

As I thought, and thanks for that explanation. So this is a paradigm that essentially appeals to the old-school synthesist/electronic musician who like to tweak and build their own sounds...?

[for the sake of context, I am a classical/jazz pianist who composes music for a variety of professional contexts, including educational publications, demo tracks, orchestral music...] meaning I need quick access to top end professional sound libraries, etc]

What I find is that many of the people I know who buy into Reason aren't remotely interested in the CV routing paradigm at all. They just want to have access to some good sounds and get on with composing tracks. I'm not sure that Reason's modular environment has much if any benefit to most users.

The beta did not allow you to try REs w/o logging in with internet verification (dongle doesn't work for betas). I haven't tried the release version though so I can't say yet.

The way it worked for the beta was you went to the shop, you clicked on TRY and Authorizer opened and downloaded the plugin there. Are you getting any browser pop-ups asking to run external applications?

If you ever use sounds from the Factory bank or 3rd party refills then you're likely using the CV/audio routing from others. If you open up most combinators and flip the rack around you'll often find non-standard cable routings. So even if you don't use it directly you're still benefiting from it in some way.

No, I can't. Each musician has to speak for himself.

My own concern with the Reason rack is exactly what you point out: sound design. The integrated, modular approach combined with the possibilities inherent in RE just happens appeal to my personal preferences in regard to experimenting with sound.

You can achieve similar -- or even better -- results with VSTs and other DAWs, if you have the time. Reason simply nailed down an integrated and nice solution to the problem of wasting my time.

Actually I don't agree with you. It means Propellerheads can now concentrate on new features when updating Reason instead of new rack devices. It means they can now prioritise stuff like audio quantize, mixer groups, midi out and improvements to the sequencer etc etc instead of new effects and synths.

And they will still concentrate on the Reason core because major Reason updates are all paid for updates. What you are suggesting is like saying Steinberg won't update Cubase because they make money from selling VSTi's. Yes, but they also make money from selling new versions of Cubase.

Also I'd doubt we're going to see many new RE devices from Props going forward, the RE shop is mainly about third parties.
Last edited by v1o on Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:54 am; edited 1 time in total

Sure, I can agree with you there. BUT ... it only ultimately benefits me if those sounds, with their behind the scenes routing - are equal or better than the ones that I can just as easily pull out of a VST plugin collection, so for example Kontakt libraries, Omnisphere, Alchemy, etc.

Do you think that CV routing enables sound-designers using Reason to produce more innovative high-end sounds that a musician such as I can use?