Propellerhead has released version 6.5 of Reason and 1.5 of Reason Essentials. New in these versions is the introduction of Rack Extensions, the new technology from Propellerhead that opens up the rack to third parties, enabling developers to create their own instruments and effects for Reason and allowing users to expand their collection of instruments and effects with the Reason devices they want.

Propellerhead has also opened the doors to the Propellerhead Shop—the central location for all Rack Extensions. All Rack Extensions are full Reason rack citizens, delivering the same ease of use and total integration as all other devices in the rack, including automation, unlimited undo and cables on the back as well as integration with Reason's patch browser. In the Propellerhead Shop users can get fully functional thirty-day trial versions of all available Rack Extensions, downloaded and installed into the rack with a single click.

"Rack Extensions combines all the things that musicians love about Reason with the creativity and inspiration that comes from having tons of instruments and effects at your fingertips. And it manages to do all that without any of the drawbacks of old plug-in technology. It really is the best of both worlds," says Ernst Nathorst-Böös, Propellerhead CEO. "Reason 6.5 is an incredible update to Reason, changing the world of music making on computers, again."

Reason 6.5 and Reason Essentials 1.5 are available as free upgrades for all owners of Reason 6 or Reason Essentials version 1, downloadable from the Propellerhead web site today.

To get people started, Propellerhead offers the Pulsar Rack Extension—a dual LFO and mono synth with plenty of character—as a free download in the Propellerhead Shop to everyone who upgrades before September 30, 2012.

Pricing & Availability

Reason, Reason Essentials and Balance are available now for purchase worldwide at the following suggested retail pricing:

• Reason €405 / $449.
• Reason Essentials €120 / $129.
• Balance with Reason Essentials €429 / $449 (Includes a free upgrade to Reason 6.5 for any registered Record or Reason owner).
• Reason Upgrade €149 / $169 (From any Reason version, and Balance).
• Upgrade for Adapted/Limited/Essentials Owners €299 / $329.