Reason 13.1 Update feature discussion

[two_tone]

Starting this thread to discuss the 13.1 point update for Reason since the main Reason 13 thread has largely gone off the rails at this point. 13.1 includes some small updates that *might* suggest some of the user feedback around Reason 13 has actually trickled all the way down into the very proscribed awareness of the random corporate suits running RS now.

The new browser introduced in 13 (now it does none of the things you've been requesting for years AND we broke the parts of it that no one complained about!) obviously had to be addressed as a priority, but I'm more interested the (very minor) rack and sequencer updates and what they suggest, if anything, about the future allocation of the apparently very scarce development resources available to RS management.

Personally I'm trying to decide whether to go back to Reaper for mixing and editing larger projects, give FL Studio a shot for the first time (all plugins version on sale for $314 right now), or try using Fairlight as my primary DAW since I do a lot of resolve anyway. If RS shocks everyone with a serious attempt to modernize the sequencer and implement some of the other non-negotiable feature requests (full VST support including midi io, MPE, track freezing, etc) I will be the first to acknowledge that and give it a shot before I move ahead with another host.

[twal]

You can also run FL in Reaper so that's a plus if you decide to pay the money. I get that if you produce perhaps if you own FL that may be better suit; but it can lean you more towards doing that. If you know Reaper might as well use it to produced is some advice I received on here...

[two_tone]

Finding someone (anyone) who actually makes sample based music and understands how samplers are used my most modern musicians to help them finish Mimic would also help demonstrate good faith to their existing userbase. After years of everyone agreeing that the one new device Reason actually needed was a modern sampler they excitedly released one only for it to become crystal clear within hours that no one that worked on Mimic actually makes sample based music or understands how samplers are typically used by people who do.

Mackie HUI (or any control surface protocol) is also in an extremely embarassing we started this but we got confused so we declared victory and released it as-is half finished state that doesn't even qualify as broken. It's been that way for over 15 years. The more you try to use recent versions of reason the more you begin to realize that none of the people working on the software actually have much experience making music with a DAW, nevermind using Reason itself...

[danny_d]

Hi two_tone,

former long time Reason user here. As much as I loved earlier versions of this DAW, and still see a lot of potential in it's approach/ philosophy, I would suggest moving away from it. If nothing else out of respect for us as users and the people that created this DAW. Maybe it forces them to make some personnel changes. At this point I see that as the only solution.

If you make sample based music and work a lot with midi FL Studio is a great choice.

[liquidsound]

I'm back to Reason after long journeys and, regardless of the usual DAWs shortcomings, Reason is actually capable in willing hands.



He's now adding Logic, as his next main tool, for his work.

Enjoying 13.1 and the new MIDI tools!

BTW: Some of those pianoroll notes feedback were addressed in 13.1

[SLiC]

Also back enjoying Reason at 13.1. Nothing else is as much fun to use. Other DAWs do more, just took me 20 years to work out I don’t need/use that stuff!

[liquidsound]

Other DAWs do more, just took me 20 years to work out I don’t need/use that stuff!

That's so true!

[SLiC]

Of course it is - and for me overall it's a joy to use - BUT: some stuff I need/use/do on a regular basis is an unnecessary PITA in Reason.

I would put no midi chase in that box..but most other things I can work around.

[danny_d]

Also back enjoying Reason at 13.1. Nothing else is as much fun to use. Other DAWs do more, just took me 20 years to work out I don’t need/use that stuff!

It's true that not many features are needed to make good music. The important thing is that the essential features meet high standards and work good in the context of making music. I feel this is something that was a strength of earlier versions of Reason and has been lost since the name change. Unfortunately, by now one has to hope that they at least don't break what works by adding some pseudo feature just to have a selling point for a future update.

Basically, my impression is that all what is good about Reason is the result of development prior to the name change and that the actual development team feeds off of that (and the problem of changing a DAW after putting substantial time into learning and mastering it), not the work they are doing.

[SLiC]

Basically, my impression is that all what is good about Reason is the result of development prior to the name change and that the actual development team feeds off of that (and the problem of changing a DAW after putting substantial time into learning and mastering it), not the work they are doing.

I'm not exactly sure when the name change was, but certainly my interest with Reason was re-kindled by the Hi Res and scale update (it was too small to use for me before on 4K)

Also I have to say that the recent players and superb instruments (Object, Algorytm etc) have been what made me keep using RRP in other DAWS...This is really a big deal to me as well as I will always use Live and PUSH 'as well' as Reason 'standalone' as they now seem to be calling it, so all in all the RRP, the new 'Hi Res' look, the high quality new instruments and players and now a better browser and piano roll is all welcome and the basic workflow remains largely unchanged (for better or worse!)

[vertibration]

I went from using Live for over 12 years to FL Studio, and Ive never been happier. Once you understand how to do things in FL, its actually pretty fast the same way Live is fast as far as workflow. Reason is just extremely exhausting in its workflow. FL has a lot of really, really nice plugins and tools. Free updates for life, and they keep busting out crazy updates. FL all the way, put reason in the rearview mirror

[SLiC]

I went from using Live for over 12 years to FL Studio, and Ive never been happier. Once you understand how to do things in FL, its actually pretty fast the same way Live is fast as far as workflow. Reason is just extremely exhausting in its workflow. FL has a lot of really, really nice plugins and tools. Free updates for life, and they keep busting out crazy updates. FL all the way, put reason in the rearview mirror

I own FL Studio all plugin edition (moment of weakness in a BF sale!) but I havent used it for years other than checking out the off update. I tried really hard to get on with it but it just never worked for me, all pop up windows and bits of stuff that have been added over the years but never really integrated in to the workflow (especially for audio stuff). I don't really care for the included instruments and fx either, they all seem pretty dated now. If I could sell it I would, that's FL worst feature!

Reason I was on and off as a DAW (although it works great for solo singer/guitarist, has everything including a nice integrated pitch correction and tuner!), but always used it as a rack- its its superpower- all of those great instruments/fx/players/tools under CV control in any DAW you like!

[jens]

Also back enjoying Reason at 13.1. Nothing else is as much fun to use. Other DAWs do more, just took me 20 years to work out I don’t need/use that stuff!

It's true that not many features are needed to make good music. The important thing is that the essential features meet high standards and work good in the context of making music. I feel this is something that was a strength of earlier versions of Reason and has been lost since the name change. Unfortunately, by now one has to hope that they at least don't break what works by adding some pseudo feature just to have a selling point for a future update.

Basically, my impression is that all what is good about Reason is the result of development prior to the name change and that the actual development team feeds off of that (and the problem of changing a DAW after putting substantial time into learning and mastering it), not the work they are doing.

Yes, unfortunately I think your assessment of the situation pretty much nails it.

[LaLivre]

@investors: a 2025 wish - please bring us a better product manager.

[vertibration]

Reason does have really great plugins. That's the highlight. Frankly, its not all that bad. It's just not as speedy as other DAWs