- Propellerhead’s Record
Propellerhead’s Reason 4 is a robust and quite complex DAW that lacks the ability to record outside audio sources. Until now…
Propellerhead’s Record
Finally, you can add vocals, guitars, and other non-synthesizer instruments to your Reason 4 compositions. Record add audio channels for outside audio sources, and they can be treated as “clips” in the sequencer. Which means, you can splice, rearrange, add effects, and automate a wide assortment of controls to alter them during playback. So now you don’t have to use a sampler to use the vocoder to its fullest potential.
Package Options
Record comes in two flavors: for people who already have Reason 4 or a package bundled with Reason 4. Technically, you could buy Record alone (it has a few but limited built in instruments) but you would be missing out on all the features that Reason 4 has to offer. The cost for Reason 4 owners is only $149 plus shipping.
Time-Stretch Feature
One of the biggest surprises of Record is its algorithm for time-stretching audio clips. You can change the tempo, either faster or slower, and the audio clips sound as sharp and clear as if they were never altered. No grainy artifacts, pops, or phasing. It’s extremely handy if you want to record a complex piece: You can play the part at a slow tempo, then speed it up at a faster tempo to sound as if you were really that good of a musician. Cheating in the studio? In short, yep.
The Mixing Console
The mixer is modeled after the SSL 9000K mixer. It brings a new level of professionalism to the final mix. It makes Reason’s simple reMIX component seem like a toy in comparison. There are several levels of EQ features, effect returns, and each channel can have its own Mastering Suite. Entire posts could be devoted to the mixer alone. I am still learning all it has to offer.
VST Plugins?
For those who love VST plugins, I am sorry to say that neither Reason 4 nor Record supports them, other than those that can be controlled by Propellerhead’s ReWire program.
Piracy Control
One issue that has become somewhat controversial is the new anti-piracy feature for Record. The demo of the software (which you can download by clicking on the Record icon in this post) is fully-featured except you cannot open files nor export audio that has been saved. Once you purchase Record, you can access the complete program with all the features by logging into Propellerhead’s server. Once the software is shipped to you, it comes with a USB dongle that needs to be registered online. Many people do not like the fact that a spare USB port is needed for the dongle. But this is how Propellerhead is protecting their new program, like it or not.
Home Studio
People are divided up into two camps: Those who love Propellerhead’s programs and those who prefer other DAWs on the market. But if you are on a tight budget and want to create a home studio, I would definitely recommend the Reason4/Record combination. Its expandable mixer makes my 4-track recorder look antique. Plus the sound quality is superb.
Learning Curve
If you are new to Propellerhead’s software, it can seem very overwhelming and complicated. There is definitely a learning curve, and tutorials, tips, books, and DVDs are coming out all the time to teach users to take advantage of all Reason 4/Record has to offer. If you already use Reason 4, Record will be much easier to work with than for a beginner.
Final Analysis
Despite all the competing DAWs on the market, I will always go back to Reason 4/Record for my computer drums, synthesizers, samplers, and recording needs. If you are skeptical, please give the demo a try. Once again, just click on the Record icon in this post and it will take you to the site to download the demo.
Best wishes!
Shannon
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Shannon McDowell - One More Voice in Cyberspace 