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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/4631
REVIEW
MacDirectory 101
PROPELLERHEAD RECORD
WORDS BY TREY YANCY
Fans of the highly popular Reason virtual
studio rack have longed for the ability to
record live audio. In response the makers
of Reason have introduced a companion
application, Propellerhead Record.
Available as a solo product or as part of a
Reason bundle, Record provides a lot of
power in a package that is easy for
beginners yet powerful enough for
seasoned pros and that capitalizes on the
features of Reason.
Unlike many popular audio workstation
applications, Record was designed for
musicians and not for audio engineers. It
combines audio and MIDI recording, high
quality effects (including Line 6 modeling),
mastering tools, and an advanced mixer,
and offers a working environment that is
both intuitive and expansive.
While Record operates quite well on its
own, if you have a copy of Reason
installed, it automatically captures all of
Reason's instruments, devices and effects,
makes them available within Record.
You can then take any Reason device (synth,
processor, sequencer, etc.) and drag it right
into Record's virtual rack. This automatically
creates a new ready-to-go track.
Record's interface consists of three flexible
and highly navigable sections: a
sequencer (tracks and track editor), a
multicolumn rack for mixer inputs,
instruments and devices, and
a first-rate mixer. A fourth
element is a floating tool
window for managing devices,
accessing tools and designing
grooves. All elements can be
detached for multi-monior
systems.
The 64 bit mixer, which is
based on Solid State Logic's
9000k, is far more capable
and flexible than Reason's
mixer. In addition to providing
far better control (including
inserts, a ton of sends and
remote control of signal
processors), you are free to
display only the desired
sections. The only thing
missing is the 9000k's support
for surround sound; although
it is possible to jury-rig a
surround system with clever patching.
Record's rack offers substantial
improvements over Reason, including
unlimited columns and a scrolling
navigation panel. When you create a track
Record inserts a device into the rack and
generates a new mixer channel. Audio
tracks are also represented in the rack in
the form of a mixer input with a
dedicated processor sub rack and a
combinator-style programmer section
that is automatically patched into the
mixer. If you own a copy of Reason,
all of Reason's instruments,
processors and other components
are available in the tool palette and
can be instantly added to the rack.
Hands-On
Record can be as simple or as
complex as you wish. You do not
have to bother with behind-the-desk
virtual wiring, but you are free to flip the
rack and make your own custom
connections. Record senses your MIDI
devices (including the integration of
effects from external Line 6 modules) and
automatically connects your MIDI
keyboard when you create an instrument
track. To record audio, simply create a
channel, select the device's input channel,
set the gain and you are ready to go.
Multiple takes can be automatically
recorded via the loop function and can be
easily comped together with crossfades
via mouse or keyboard. To save on the
processor load you can bounce any
combination of audio and MIDI tracks to a
new audio track or to an external file
(including tempo data) while muting the
source tracks, making it easy to change
arrangements at any point. Record's time
stretch feature makes it easy to change
tempo while keeping everything in tune.
While copy protection may elicit some
groans from the pirates among us, Record
handles this necessity with grace. It comes
with a USB "ignition key," but if can dispense
with this by activating the software on
launch via the Internet, or you can simply
run in demo mode, which allows you to
work and save, but not open songs.
Record is an excellent application that is
great for novices and professionals alike. It
is easy to use but offers many advanced
features and can be tweaked to create
some very elaborate setups. It does an
excellent job on its own, while its ability to
integrate with Reason makes it a no-
brainer for Reason users and a great
enticement for those who are looking for
a serious audio/MIDI bundle.
Product Record
Made by Propellerhead Software