MacDirectory Magazine

Winter-Spring 2009 (#40)

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

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118 MacDirectory REVIEW | MUSIC REASON 4 PREMIUM EDITION > YOUR OWN STUDIO One of the most powerful tools for music creation is the virtual MIDI performance and recording studio, Propellerhead Reason. Now at version 4, Reason is available both as a standalone package and in the form of a premium edition bundled with an impressive selection of sampled drums, basses and keyboards. New Devices Each iteration of Reason provides excellent new devices and instruments and version 4 does not disappoint. These include the 32-channel ReGroove groove mixer. In addition to various factory patches, you can also use snippets of REX files and recorded notes from the sequencer. The RPG-8 mono arpeggiator doubles as a 16-step sequencer and MIDI to CV converter, with highly facile parameter modulation and which accepts pitch and mod control from all Reason devices. The Thor polysynth is the most impressive new device. In addition to a ton of presets, it is infinitely editable. It features three oscillator slots, six types of oscillators, three filter slots, four filter types, four envelopes, a shaper, two LFOs that double as additional oscillators, and built-in effects. It offers custom routing, a 16-step sequencer and ample audio and CV connections for creating all sorts of elaborate and impressive leads, pads, textures and environments. Improvements There is an impressive array of tweaks and new features, a small sample of which includes vector-based parameter and tempo control, the ability to copy and paste automation track elements, the pop-up insertion of drum patterns, and a floating inspector with spin-down sections for various controls. Reason's transport interface also shows some improvement, including a precount, a resolution of 960 ppq, overdub and alternate take functions, and one-button recording among others. The Combinator now offers transposition by individual instrument, free source selection, individual device filters for modulation, pitch, filtering, and more. The NNXT sampler now supports simultaneous sample editing of multiple zones, a group mono function, and chromatic auto remapping of samples. There are also other tweaks and additions in the menus, and interface. Refill Bundle The Premium edition ups the ante with a WORDS BY TREY YANCY

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