Reason DAW: 12 Reasons Why It’s Still Relevant in 2023 🎧

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Video: "The DAW That Producers Forgot?" The History Of Reason Studios.







Remember that time you were trying to learn a new DAW, and it felt like you were navigating a labyrinth of menus and confusing settings? Well, Reason Studios Reason is different. It’s like a virtual studio, with racks, cables, and instruments that you can connect and manipulate just like in the real world. But is Reason still relevant in 2023, with all the new DAWs popping up? Absolutely! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 12 reasons why Reason remains a compelling choice for musicians and producers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

We’ll dive into its strengths, weaknesses, and how it compares to other popular DAWs. We’ll also explore how Reason can be used for songwriting, production, mixing, mastering, sound design, live performance, collaboration, and education. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Reason is the right DAW for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Reason is a powerful and unique DAW that excels at electronic music production and sound design. Its intuitive virtual rack workflow, extensive sound library, and VST support make it a sound designer’s dream.
  • Reason is still relevant in 2023, thanks to its intuitive workflow, powerful instruments and effects, and now VST support. It’s a great choice for beginners and professionals alike.
  • Reason’s strengths include its intuitive virtual rack workflow, powerful stock instruments and effects, excellent sound design capabilities, and ease of use. However, it also has some weaknesses, such as its dated UI/UX, limited features for certain genres, and reliance on the virtual rack.

👉 Shop DAWs on:

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts #quick-tips-and-facts

  • Reason Studios Reason (formerly Propellerhead Reason) is a digital audio workstation (DAW) known for its intuitive virtual rack-based workflow, powerful instruments, and effects.
  • Reason can be used as a standalone DAW or as a plugin in other DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro X.
  • It’s popular for Electronic music production, thanks to its vast sound library and intuitive workflow for creating and manipulating sounds.
  • Reason offers a subscription-based model called Reason+, which includes the full DAW, weekly sound packs, and access to their online collaboration platform.

The DAW That Started It All: Reason’s History #the-daw-that-started-it-all-reasons-history

white and teal metal motel signage

Back in the year 2000, a little Swedish company called Propellerhead Software unleashed a beast upon the world: Reason 1.0. This wasn’t just another DAW; it was a virtual playground for sound designers, a digital recreation of a hardware-packed studio, complete with racks, cables, and that oh-so-satisfying “patching” experience. 🤯

The Early Years: A Rack-Mount Paradise

Reason’s initial claim to fame was its virtual rack. Forget sterile piano roll interfaces; this was about connecting virtual instruments and effects like you would in a real studio. It was a sound designer’s dream come true! 🤩

Embracing the Plugin World: VST Support Arrives

For years, Reason lived in its own ecosystem. But the developers knew they couldn’t ignore the plugin revolution forever. In 2017, Reason 9.5 dropped a bombshell: VST support. This opened up a universe of possibilities, allowing users to integrate their favorite third-party plugins seamlessly.

Reason Today: A Modern Classic

Fast forward to today, and Reason has evolved into a mature and powerful DAW, while still retaining its unique character. With its intuitive workflow, powerful instruments and effects, and now VST support, Reason continues to be a popular choice for producers of all levels.

Reason 12: The Latest and Greatest? #reason-12-the-latest-and-greatest

Video: Reason 12 Review – Is Reason 12 Worth the Upgrade?







Reason 12 is the latest iteration of this iconic DAW, and it comes packed with new features and improvements. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • New Sampler (Mimic): This powerful sampler lets you create complex, expressive instruments from your own samples.
  • High-Resolution Graphics: The interface gets a much-needed facelift with high-resolution graphics, making it easier on the eyes.
  • Improved Workflow and Performance: Reason 12 boasts several workflow enhancements and performance optimizations, making it smoother and faster to work with.

But is Reason 12 the “latest and greatest”? Well, that depends on who you ask. 🤔 Let’s dive deeper into Reason’s strengths and weaknesses to find out.

Reason’s Strengths: Why It’s Still Relevant in 2023 #reasons-strengths-why-its-still-relevant-in-2023

Video: Reason 9.5 – 10 Reasons why it is AMAZING! =).







Despite facing stiff competition from other DAWs, Reason remains a compelling choice for many musicians and producers. Here’s why:

  • Intuitive Virtual Rack Workflow: Reason’s virtual rack remains a unique and powerful feature, allowing for a more visual and tactile approach to sound design.
  • Powerful Stock Instruments and Effects: Reason comes loaded with a vast library of high-quality instruments and effects, covering a wide range of genres and styles.
  • Excellent for Sound Design: The combination of the virtual rack, powerful stock plugins, and VST support makes Reason a sound designer’s paradise.
  • Easy to Learn, Fun to Use: Reason is known for its relatively gentle learning curve, making it a great choice for beginners.

Reason’s Weaknesses: What Could Be Better? #reasons-weaknesses-what-could-be-better

Video: What is Reason?







While Reason has a lot to offer, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some areas where it could improve:

  • Dated UI/UX: While the high-resolution graphics in Reason 12 are a welcome addition, the overall UI/UX still feels a bit dated compared to some competitors.
  • Limited Features for Certain Genres: Reason excels at electronic music production but lacks some features that are essential for other genres, such as advanced MIDI editing and notation capabilities.
  • Reliance on the Virtual Rack: While the virtual rack is a strength, it can also be a weakness, as it can sometimes feel cumbersome and less efficient than other workflows.

Reason vs. Other DAWs: A Head-to-Head Comparison #reason-vs-other-daws-a-head-to-head-comparison

Video: Which DAW Is The Best? (Surprising Answer from Pro Audio Engineer).







So, how does Reason stack up against the competition? Let’s compare it to some of the other popular DAWs on the market:

Feature Reason 12 Ableton Live 12 Logic Pro X
Price Subscription or Perpetual License Subscription or Perpetual License Perpetual License
Virtual Rack Workflow ✅ ❌ ❌
VST Support ✅ ✅ ✅
Stock Instruments & Effects Excellent Excellent Excellent
Sound Design Capabilities Excellent Excellent Good
Ease of Use Good Good Medium
MIDI Editing & Notation Basic Advanced Advanced
Live Performance Features Good Excellent Good

Verdict: Reason is a powerful and unique DAW that excels at electronic music production and sound design. However, its dated UI/UX and limited features for certain genres may make it a less suitable choice for some users.

Reason for Beginners: Is It the Right Choice? #reason-for-beginners-is-it-the-right-choice

Video: Reason for Beginners.







Reason’s intuitive virtual rack workflow and relatively gentle learning curve make it a tempting choice for beginners. However, its unique approach to music production may not be for everyone.

Pros for Beginners:

  • Visual and Tactile Workflow: The virtual rack provides a more visual and hands-on approach to music production, which can be easier to grasp for beginners.
  • Excellent Tutorials and Learning Resources: Reason Studios offers a wealth of excellent tutorials and learning resources, making it easy to get up to speed.
  • Fun and Engaging: Reason’s unique workflow and powerful sound design capabilities can make it a fun and engaging DAW to learn on.

Cons for Beginners:

  • Different from Other DAWs: Reason’s workflow is quite different from other popular DAWs, which could make it harder to transition to other software later on.
  • Limited Features for Certain Genres: If you’re interested in genres that require advanced MIDI editing or notation capabilities, Reason may not be the best choice.

Verdict: Reason can be a great choice for beginners, especially those interested in electronic music production and sound design. However, it’s important to be aware of its unique workflow and limitations before diving in.

Reason for Professionals: A Powerful Tool for the Pros? #reason-for-professionals-a-powerful-tool-for-the-pros

Video: Pros say: THIS is the best DAW for music production 2024.







Can Reason hold its own in a professional setting? The answer, as always, is nuanced.

Pros for Professionals:

  • Powerful Sound Design Capabilities: Reason’s virtual rack, extensive sound library, and VST support make it a powerful tool for sound design.
  • Fast and Efficient Workflow: Once you’ve mastered Reason’s workflow, it can be a very fast and efficient DAW for certain tasks.
  • Unique Sound and Character: Reason’s instruments and effects have a unique sound and character that can help your productions stand out.

Cons for Professionals:

  • Limited Features for Certain Genres: Reason’s lack of advanced MIDI editing and notation capabilities can be a dealbreaker for some professionals.
  • Dated UI/UX: The UI/UX, while improved in recent versions, can still feel a bit clunky and outdated compared to other professional DAWs.
  • Compatibility Issues: While VST support has improved, there can still be occasional compatibility issues with certain third-party plugins.

Verdict: Reason can be a powerful tool for professionals, especially those working in electronic music production or sound design. However, its limitations in certain areas may make it a less suitable choice for some professional workflows.

Reason for Songwriting: A Creative Hub for Songwriters #reason-for-songwriting-a-creative-hub-for-songwriters

Video: Why David Gilmour Won't Be On My Channel.







Reason might not be the first DAW that comes to mind for songwriting, but it can be a surprisingly inspiring tool for crafting songs.

Pros for Songwriting:

  • Intuitive Workflow for Building Arrangements: Reason’s virtual rack workflow can be surprisingly intuitive for building song arrangements, allowing you to easily experiment with different instrument and effect combinations.
  • Inspiring Instruments and Sounds: Reason’s vast library of instruments and sounds can provide a wealth of inspiration for songwriters.
  • Easy to Create Quick Demos: Reason’s streamlined workflow makes it easy to create quick demos of your song ideas.

Cons for Songwriting:

  • Limited Vocal Editing Capabilities: Reason’s vocal editing capabilities are quite basic, which can be a drawback for songwriters who work extensively with vocals.
  • No Notation Features: If you rely on notation features for songwriting, Reason won’t be the best fit.

Verdict: Reason can be a useful tool for songwriters, especially those who appreciate its intuitive workflow and inspiring sound library. However, its limitations in vocal editing and notation may make it a less suitable choice for some songwriters.

Reason for Production: A Complete Production Suite #reason-for-production-a-complete-production-suite

Video: Reason for Beginners | Beat making.







Reason has evolved into a comprehensive production suite, but does it have what it takes to handle your entire production process?

Pros for Production:

  • Powerful Instruments and Effects: Reason’s extensive library of instruments and effects provides a solid foundation for producing a wide range of musical styles.
  • Flexible Routing and Mixing: The virtual rack allows for flexible routing and mixing options, giving you granular control over your sound.
  • Excellent for Electronic Music Production: Reason’s strengths in sound design and electronic music production make it a top choice for producers in these genres.

Cons for Production:

  • Limited Features for Certain Genres: As mentioned earlier, Reason lacks some features that are essential for certain genres, such as advanced MIDI editing and notation.
  • Can Be CPU Intensive: Reason’s virtual rack-based workflow can be CPU intensive, especially when working with large projects.

Verdict: Reason can be a capable production suite, particularly for electronic music producers. However, its limitations in certain areas may require you to rely on other software for specific tasks.

Reason for Mixing and Mastering: A Powerful Mixing and Mastering Tool #reason-for-mixing-and-mastering-a-powerful-mixing-and-mastering-tool

Video: Mixing in Reason.







While not its primary focus, Reason offers capable mixing and mastering tools.

Pros for Mixing and Mastering:

  • High-Quality Mixer: Reason’s SSL 9000k-inspired mixer provides a solid foundation for mixing, with a familiar layout and powerful features.
  • Excellent Stock Effects: Reason includes a range of high-quality effects that are well-suited for mixing and mastering, including EQs, compressors, and limiters.
  • VST Support for Third-Party Plugins: You can expand your mixing and mastering arsenal by using your favorite third-party plugins.

Cons for Mixing and Mastering:

  • Not as Specialized as Dedicated Tools: Reason’s mixing and mastering capabilities are not as extensive or specialized as dedicated mixing and mastering software.
  • Workflow Can Be Cumbersome: The virtual rack workflow, while powerful, can sometimes feel cumbersome for mixing and mastering tasks.

Verdict: Reason’s mixing and mastering tools are suitable for basic tasks, but professionals may prefer dedicated software for more demanding projects.

Reason for Sound Design: A Sound Designer’s Dream? #reason-for-sound-design-a-sound-designers-dream

Video: The Reason Rack: a sound design dream??






Reason has a long and storied history as a sound designer’s playground, and for good reason (pun intended!).

Pros for Sound Design:

  • Intuitive Virtual Rack Workflow: The virtual rack is a sound designer’s dream, allowing for endless experimentation and creative routing possibilities.
  • Powerful Stock Instruments and Effects: Reason’s extensive library of instruments and effects provides a wealth of sonic possibilities.
  • VST Support for Third-Party Plugins: You can further expand your sound design palette by incorporating your favorite third-party plugins.

Cons for Sound Design:

  • Can Be CPU Intensive: Complex sound design projects can quickly tax your CPU, especially when using multiple instances of CPU-hungry plugins.
  • Limited Modulation Options: While Reason offers various modulation options, it may not be as extensive or flexible as some dedicated sound design tools.

Verdict: Reason remains an excellent choice for sound design, thanks to its intuitive workflow, powerful tools, and vast sonic palette.

Reason for Live Performance: Taking Reason on the Road #reason-for-live-performance-taking-reason-on-the-road

Video: The Bays on using Reason Live.







Reason might not be the first choice for live performance, but it can be a surprisingly capable tool for certain live setups.

Pros for Live Performance:

  • Powerful Instruments and Effects: Reason’s instruments and effects can bring a unique flavor to your live performances.
  • Flexible Routing and Control: The virtual rack allows for flexible routing and control options, enabling you to create complex live setups.
  • Reason Rack Plugin for Integration: You can use the Reason Rack plugin to integrate Reason’s instruments and effects into other DAWs or live performance software.

Cons for Live Performance:

  • Not as Performance-Focused as Other Tools: Reason’s workflow is not as optimized for live performance as some dedicated live performance software.
  • Can Be CPU Intensive: Running Reason live can be demanding on your CPU, potentially leading to latency or performance issues.

Verdict: Reason can be a viable option for certain live performance setups, but it’s essential to carefully consider your needs and limitations before relying on it for live gigs.

Reason for Collaboration: Working Together with Reason #reason-for-collaboration-working-together-with-reason

Video: How to Send Reason Collabs.







Collaboration is an essential aspect of music production, and Reason offers some features to facilitate working with others.

Pros for Collaboration:

  • Reason+ Collaboration Platform: Reason+ subscribers have access to a cloud-based collaboration platform that allows for online project sharing and collaboration.
  • Stem Exporting: You can easily export stems from your Reason projects to share with collaborators who use other DAWs.

Cons for Collaboration:

  • Limited Real-Time Collaboration Features: Reason lacks real-time collaboration features, such as those found in software like Ableton Live.
  • Collaboration Features Tied to Reason+: The collaboration platform is only available to Reason+ subscribers, limiting its accessibility.

Verdict: Reason’s collaboration features are decent but not as robust as those found in some other DAWs.

Reason for Education: Learning Music Production with Reason #reason-for-education-learning-music-production-with-reason

Video: Learn Music Production with Propellerheads Reason – Trailer for Reason Courses.







Reason’s intuitive workflow and powerful tools make it a viable option for learning music production.

Pros for Education:

  • Visual and Tactile Workflow: The virtual rack provides a more visual and hands-on approach to learning music production concepts.
  • Excellent Tutorials and Learning Resources: Reason Studios offers a wealth of tutorials and learning resources, making it easy to get started.
  • Affordable Educational Licenses: Reason Studios offers discounted educational licenses for students and educators.

Cons for Education:

  • Different from Industry-Standard DAWs: Reason’s unique workflow may make it harder for students to transition to industry-standard DAWs later on.
  • Limited Features for Certain Genres: Students interested in genres that require advanced MIDI editing or notation capabilities may find Reason limiting.

Verdict: Reason can be a good starting point for learning music production fundamentals, but students should eventually explore other DAWs to gain a broader perspective.

Reason for the Future: What’s Next for Reason? #reason-for-the-future-whats-next-for-reason

Video: What's New in Reason 13?







Reason Studios has shown a commitment to innovation, so what does the future hold for this unique DAW?

  • Enhanced UI/UX: A more modern and streamlined UI/UX would make Reason more competitive with other DAWs.
  • Expanded Features for Other Genres: Adding features like advanced MIDI editing and notation would broaden Reason’s appeal to a wider range of musicians.
  • Deeper Integration with Reason+: Further integrating the Reason+ platform into the DAW could unlock new collaborative possibilities.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Reason, but one thing is certain: this DAW will continue to evolve and surprise us.

Conclusion #conclusion

person playing guitar

Reason has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a virtual rack-based DAW. While it still retains its unique character and strengths in sound design and electronic music production, it has also evolved to become a more comprehensive production suite.

Reason’s strengths:

  • Intuitive virtual rack workflow: Reason’s virtual rack remains a unique and powerful feature, allowing for a more visual and tactile approach to sound design.
  • Powerful stock instruments and effects: Reason comes loaded with a vast library of high-quality instruments and effects, covering a wide range of genres and styles.
  • Excellent for sound design: The combination of the virtual rack, powerful stock plugins, and VST support makes Reason a sound designer’s paradise.
  • Easy to learn, fun to use: Reason is known for its relatively gentle learning curve, making it a great choice for beginners.

Reason’s weaknesses:

  • Dated UI/UX: While the high-resolution graphics in Reason 12 are a welcome addition, the overall UI/UX still feels a bit dated compared to some competitors.
  • Limited features for certain genres: Reason excels at electronic music production but lacks some features that are essential for other genres, such as advanced MIDI editing and notation capabilities.
  • Reliance on the virtual rack: While the virtual rack is a strength, it can also be a weakness, as it can sometimes feel cumbersome and less efficient than other workflows.

Recommendation: Reason is a powerful and unique DAW that excels at electronic music production and sound design. However, its dated UI/UX and limited features for certain genres may make it a less suitable choice for some users. If you’re looking for a comprehensive DAW with advanced features for all genres, you might want to consider other options like Ableton Live or Logic Pro X. But if you’re drawn to its unique workflow, powerful instruments, and excellent sound design capabilities, Reason is definitely worth exploring.

👉 Shop Reason Studios Reason on:

Recommended Books:

  • Reason 12: The Complete Guide: Amazon
  • The Reason Book: A Comprehensive Guide to Music Production in Reason: Amazon

FAQ #faq

greyscale photo of man playing spinet piano close-up photo

Can you use Reason as a DAW? #can-you-use-reason-as-a-daw

Yes, Reason can be used as a standalone DAW. It has all the essential features you’d expect from a DAW, including a sequencer, mixer, instruments, effects, and a comprehensive set of tools for recording, editing, and mixing audio.

Is Reason a full DAW? #is-reason-a-full-daw

Yes, Reason is considered a full-fledged DAW. It offers a complete set of tools for creating, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music.

Is Reason a DAW or VST? #is-reason-a-daw-or-vst

Reason is primarily a DAW, but it can also be used as a VST plugin in other DAWs. The Reason Rack plugin allows you to load Reason’s instruments and effects into other DAWs, giving you access to its unique sound and workflow within your existing production environment.

Is Reason 11 a good DAW? #is-reason-11-a-good-daw

Reason 11 is a solid DAW, but it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. It’s a great choice for electronic music production and sound design, thanks to its intuitive workflow, powerful instruments, and effects. However, it lacks some features that are essential for other genres, such as advanced MIDI editing and notation capabilities.

What are the benefits of using Reason 11?

Reason 11 offers a unique and intuitive workflow, a vast library of high-quality instruments and effects, and excellent sound design capabilities. It’s also relatively easy to learn, making it a good choice for beginners.

What are the drawbacks of using Reason 11?

Reason 11’s UI/UX can feel a bit dated compared to other DAWs, and it lacks some features that are essential for certain genres, such as advanced MIDI editing and notation capabilities.

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