Mimic Creative Sampler **I'm disappointed** 😔

[@jayephbee]

You’re so right, Reason could’ve put just about everything that has came out in the last 5 years in Kong or Thor as new modules. I also hate that I have to use a whole instrument just for an effect. 🤨

[@matthewstuartnz]

New modules would be awesome! I'm also concerned about what having seemingly unnecessary instruments is doing to my DSP... Kong and Thor are still awesome... but are starting to feel quite dated. But they are essentially Reason's flagship synths. Nothing they have released in the last 5 years (with the exception of possibly Europa) could be considered a flagship instrument imo.

[@gpr4eva]

Instead of making something new they should have been updating the older samplers. This is dope yet it feels redundant because a lot of it's features exist already in 1 form or another.

[@matthewstuartnz]

That’s it man. And I’m looking through some of the other devices I haven’t touched for a while as I was making this I was starting to notice how outdated they feel. It’s like Reason Studios doesn’t want to change anything, just add new stuff… but the stuff I get are adding isn’t really filling any meaningful gaps.

[@shadowstate552]

Technically the sequencer is one big sampler as well, you can dump audio files in there and change the pitch and all that, chop them up.

[@matthewstuartnz]

lol yup that’s true 😂

[@earthmike532]

I'm looking for a looper inside. Y sequencer though. It would be so awesome if they just mimicked a boss 505 loop Station that worked with and with out temp sync. So I could do advanced looping at different measures within my sequencer loop

[@matthewstuartnz]

That would be very cool!

[@dougroyce5784]

I think they have a rack extension for that. @@earthmike532

[@earthmike532]

@@dougroyce5784 its another player that has bunch of limits. Its not a bad thing, just not what I'm looking for. Out of all the things the program should mimic, is loop hardware. Reasons doesn't, but the sequencer its self is a great looper. Reason for life, but they need to upgrade the sequencer then to make each track on the sequencer fully midi automatable as well as tempo and loop measure independent.

[@mimikova390]

You can link your patch select in the combinator now. you don't need a new combi for that. just assign them to the same knob. then assign values to the pads on your controller for the changes. Not rocket science. you can then change them live with your drumpad triggers.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, thanks for pointing that out! Someone else did mention that as well. I kind of forgot about that 😅

[@Alfred_English]

I was really hoping their new sampler would be an extremely robust system build into the sequencer like Ableton has. It's a bit disappointing, but this module will probably still become my new go-to for sampling

[@matthewstuartnz]

Mimic is good. It just falls short with some basic functions especially when it comes to slice mode. I was never expecting it to be a part of the sequencer directly (as it wouldn't have worked with the VST), but I was definitely expecting a lot more!

[@2chrisward]

Did anyone need this? In one world, you could basically do this module and make it into a *BETTER* Serato sampler with more advanced Pitch/Key/BPM recognition and time stretching tools that would replace recycle to make the perfect hiphop or electronic style sampler, but they missed on that. The other option was do something way more advanced like Kontakt to replace NN19 or NNXT. They did neither.

[@matthewstuartnz]

That’s a good way of looking at it! It seems to be this weird kind of intermediary device that doesn’t excel at anything 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@2chrisward]

@@matthewstuartnz I'll take improvements where they come, and I'm not trying to complain. I just don't see the point of yet another basic sampler.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I hear you. I'm glad we have it, but I don't think it's anything special.

[@bdxfhsf]

You may know all of this but this is how I do it. KONG with UMPF Retro inside : Add device Kong, add device Umpf Retro Right click on Kong and RESET device Flip the devices around so you see the back Then KONG pad 1 CV Gate Out - to - UMPF Retro CV Gate In 1 and so on. You can now use Umpf Retro Sounds inside KONG with all of Retro's effects coming through and not only that, if you go to the drum module section in Kong you can add any effect on top of the incoming sample or simply drag n' drop a sample into the pad you're using for added texture to a bass kick or anything. Plus, Kong's FX 1 and 2 with the FX of Retro in one pad hit, although using Kong's FX will not affect the incoming Umpf Retro sample. So, for example if you want Delay on an incoming Retro sample then you can only use the Retro FX or go to KONG's Audio Output and make a Mix channel for the sample/sound and stick in a Delay of your choice. Not forgetting you can add 2 x Umpf Retro with it's limited 8 sample output for KONG's 16 channels/pads, too. It gets better, let's throw in a Redrum and right click on that and RESET device. Still looking at the back of the devices go to KONG pad 1 CV Gate In and connect it to Redrum Gate Out 1. You now can use Redrum as a player as well as it's drum sample options on top of the samples you're using in Retro and Kong but, if you hit the Kong pad you're using you will only get to hear the Umpf Retro and Kong. Hope that makes sense With this going on you can still add a Drum Designer to either the KONG or Umpf and it will play what is coming from Umpf through KONG Have a Good Day ;)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Wow this is awesome man, thanks for taking the time to write it out! 🙏🏻 I’ve definitely used Kong pads to trigger things in the past but this is a good reminder 👌🏻 I might use this an example for people in a future video.

[@bdxfhsf]

@@matthewstuartnz Thanks a lot, Bro. I forgot to mention to 'Combine' them and save as Combinator template. I know there are videos about on this but they're so buried away and probably 8 to 10 years old, some folks don't know where to look and like you say it's a good reminder. Ideally, Reason Studios(RS), should add a CV output/input demo video with each Device, just a quickie will do to get folks motivated using CV and I think some demo videos are on the RS website but again it's a right old fuss to try and locate them, initially. Thanks for your work, Easy

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea some basic demo videos showing the potential of devices would be really cool. Reason has the tutorial tab. They could show up in there where you drag in a device. Or be linked to Reason +.

[@bdxfhsf]

@@matthewstuartnz That would be excellent if one could just drag and drop a KONG with like a 1 minute tutorial video pop up quickly explaining some CV routes for a better experience and workflow. Nice one, David 👍

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea man, I don't know if you're familiar with Ableton, but it has this fantastic help tab that thoroughly explains literally everything you hover your mouse over. You can turn it on and off with a simple key command. It would be cool if Reason had something like that.

[@Astroducc]

you can bounce slice edited samples from the sequencer into rex loops. Its basically the easiest way.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I am ware of this. But you can’t do it when using Reason as a VST and the functionality of doing it like this is still limited compared to Recycle. REX loops are awesome. I don’t know why they don’t lean into it more.

[@niklev83]

@@matthewstuartnz ...Hi David, I was actually really expecting this Rex Export function in Mimic to be there as a button... But I agree with you completely, I am disappointed. ...I wanted Mimic to be integrated into the Reason program, but it turned out to be just another rack device.... which is not bad, but not good enough at this point. :)

[@matthewstuartnz]

@@niklev83 Yea, I was fully expecting a REX export button as well. It seemed so obvious given the slice mode and the fact that it's supposed to be a creative sampler. It's definitely not a bad device.. But it's not as great as I think it should have been.

[@earthmike532]

It doesn't sync to tempo?! Been using reason since 2.0. Im perplexed that after almost 20 years I can't sample and loop with ease in a tight organized way with the press of a pad. Please mimic the boss505 sampler. Dr rex should play both wavs and Dr rex files, which are outdated and shouldn't even have existed. You should be able to drag the new wav from mimic into Dr rex.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Nope.. no tempo sync. 🤦🏼‍♂️ I think REX files are pretty cool. But there's not enough of an ecosystem around them to make them useful. You should be able to drag a wav into Octo Rex and have it automatically turn it into a REX file that you can then adjust in real time using Recycle settings. Just combine Recycle with Octo Rex. 😂 What's frustrating is Mimic actually has a couple of really cool features but the things it's missing offset these.

[@VKJ85]

Well, Kong has Gate Outs so You could possibly have multiple instances of the other samplers and trigger them with Kong.

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's actually a good point! 👌🏻

[@chitlun]

The fact you can’t export slices as .rex files, from the company that basically invented them, is frankly half-arsed!

[@matthewstuartnz]

That’s pretty much my view in it 😂

[@hamtramckchronicles]

Yeah, and not only that, but you CANNOT load REX files into Mimic AT ALL! It won't accept them! That blows my mind coming from the company that INVENTED the REX file format in the first place!

[@machoman7655]

I just wrote them the other day why doesn’t the Reason Rack drum sequencer switch patterns with the bars. It’s seems like they left it out on purpose. I said the same thing they could have updated the NNXT. I feel the same way you do. Reason has so much potential they’re like the a friend that always let you down but you’re still friends with that person 😂😂😂

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol that's a good analogy 😂 What do you mean about the Drum Sequencer? You can automate it... Or do you mean that you're limited to only playing back like one bar without having to do that additional automation?

[@machoman7655]

@@matthewstuartnz Yeah limited playing back one bar. It should follow how many bars you have looped without having to use automation.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I agree. Most drum beats have variation over a four bar phrase for example. I don't think you can really do that in drum sequencer.

[@machoman7655]

@@matthewstuartnz You can’t they did it on purpose😂😂😂

[@matthewstuartnz]

🤦🏼‍♂️

[@guttahitz]

They don’t listen to consumers

[@matthewstuartnz]

I'm constantly baffled by this... like they are definitely hearing what people are saying. But do they just sit in the office, hear the feedback and then intentionally choose to ignore it?

[@hoagy_ytfc]

People who listen to customers make Homer’s car

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol is that from the live stream? 😂

[@hoagy_ytfc]

@@matthewstuartnz Of course not :)

[@matthewstuartnz]

😅

[@iamthefixr]

Rhythmic and Monotone are there for Reason Compact. When you start a song in Reason Compact and want to transfer it into Reason the song has to have the same modules available in Reason that is has in Compact. Also every sampler in Reason can be used with any standard pad controller, not just Kong.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I understand why they are there. I just don't think they are necessary. For example, back in the day the Figure app used the Thor engine and you could still open sessions in Reason. I think they should have done that. Or improved the compact app so it was not just a gimmick. Absolutely! I just prefer having the visual cues on screen when I'm working with pads. Minor detail but imo it just makes for a slightly more streamlined experience.

[@iamthefixr]

@@matthewstuartnz with Figure the export was audio.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Are you sure? I definitely recall opening a Reason session from Figure 🤔 Although, it was years ago, so I'm willing to accept I might be mistaken.

[@MillisecondFalcon]

Thanks for your thoughts, David. It's so good to hear from someone with your deep knowledge of Reason's instruments, about the newer ones. I'm not a professional musician, just a hobbyist and not as intimately familiar with Reason as you, so I'm waiting for news of the full feature set of 12 before deciding whether to stick with it. There's hints of some really incredible improvements, like the combinator overhaul, but we'll have to wait and see. Thanks for sharing your concerns, I just hope RS are listening and take note (pun intended!).

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻 Yea, I have high hopes for the combinator! I really hope it delivers. Which version are you on atm? Even if you don't stick with Reason as your main DAW (I didn't), I think there's a strong case for using it as a VST plugin in another DAW. Especially if 12 ends up delivering the goods.

[@MillisecondFalcon]

@@matthewstuartnz I am on 11 but haven't invested in it recently, as in I haven't bought Friktion or Algoritm yet. I backed the Joyst JV-1 MPE controller on Kickstarter last year as it's by an Irish team (and I'm Irish) so I've been trying out Bitwig which is good but quite different to Reason. TBH, I've not invested as much time in it as I should because I'd prefer if Reason supported MPE as I am more used to it. Friktion with MPE would be amazing! Though I doubt very much if that's going to happen in Reason any time soon.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I heard rumours that MPE isn't coming any time soon.. which is unfortunate for sure. How are you finding BItwig? Have you throught about subscribing to Reason+ or does that model not interest you?

[@MillisecondFalcon]

@@matthewstuartnz I picked Reason as my first DAW because it appeals to my visual brain and it seemed to have a good mix of instruments, effects etc. Bitwig is interesting and clearly very powerful, but I'm not a fan of node based workflows in any type of application. Yes, you can use Reason as a VST but it feels clunky somehow. Call me old-fashioned but I kinda prefer to do everything in one application. When I first heard about MPE I thought of it as a must-have that every DAW would want to add asap to remain current. I still don't "know" Reason very well (this became VERY apparent when watching experts like you, haha) but I now understand how much more difficult it must be to implement MPE in Reason compared to any newer DAW, so I'm not expecting support in 12 and maybe not even in 13. So I don't plan to join R+ just yet as, in doing so, you're committing to Reason longer term. I also just watched your earlier video and am not encouraged by the browser "improvements" in 12. I will probably wait until they add MPE and VST3 support before deciding whether to subscribe to Reason+. Maybe by then I will have gotten to know Bitwig much better ;-)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, for someone it your situation I don't think Reason+ is necessarily very appealing unfortunately. I'd just like Reason Studios to be more open about their roadmap. Like, it's not hard to see the browser updates kind of suck.. But if they told us we're doing 'this' and improving 'this' within the next 6 months, I'd be happy. Same with MPE. I understand there may be complications from a development point of view but it would be nice to know they are working on it. Conceptually, I think Bitwig is cool, but I also don't love working with node stuff either, which I think is probably why I chose Ableton.

[@KrishnaDiamesso]

@TheDavidAgenda I agree with you. Very limited. If they had released this 10 years ago... ok. but today there are just many options that it does not seem to make sense. I would say don't hold your breath on the Combinator either. 😞

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea 10 years ago it would have been awesome.. but when you release a new product that is significantly more limited than your competitors stock devices it’s a little problematic.. I’m going to be so gutted if the combinator is a let down

[@matthewstuartnz]

I’m sure they will add some new stuff to it that’s great. I’m just concerned they won’t go far enough with it or will over look features or design elements that should be obvious.

[@KrishnaDiamesso]

@@matthewstuartnz I have not really seen them updating their instruments. If they can do so that would be great. Actually let me correct myself here. They update their instruments......... but like 10 years later. combinator would be an example

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol yea I can’t think of an example other than the combinator 😅

[@KrishnaDiamesso]

@@matthewstuartnz Let s see what combinator is going to bring to the table. But I am pretty sure they R probably just going to change the color of it, and add 1 or 2 features.

[@dougroyce5784]

I think you have had so much exposure to other things that you have expectations that aren’t in harmony with what they intend to do or users like myself that don’t use anything but Reason. It works well for me. Tried Abelton. Don’t like it.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Fair enough. If it works for you that’s awesome! Curious what you don’t like about Ableton? I actually hadn’t had any exposure to anything else really when I started getting frustrated with Reason. It was only because of limitations I was starting to feel (in terms of the style of production I was into) that I started looking.

[@dougroyce5784]

Abelton just didn't resonate with me. I don't like all the devices at the bottom the way it is. I don't like the look of it. About the same reasons I cant get with FL studio. Reason just agrees with me. RS makes sense to me the way it operates and the way its laid out(for the most part). @@matthewstuartnz

[@KingoServicesHeatingandCooling]

Being a reason user since before they incorporated record and switching to ableton for 2 updates. I can say ableton was what I’ve been looking for in reason. When they added reason as a plug-in it was a match made in heaven. Now I just recently moved completely to AUD Luna only because of the way it sounds. And using reason as a plug in and ableton as to break through some of the limitations luna has. Which the gab is closing fast. I hope they make ableton into a plug-in or figure out a way to integrate it into Luna flawlessly.

[@lokologico]

Good point on the amount of samplers. I'm hoping for more effects devices and pattern devices. Like you , I also moved from Reason DAW, but to BitWig, not because I disliked the DAW, but I wanted VST3 support and my Touche controller would not work, plus the vst limitations. I do use Reason Rack often in BitWig (Bitwig + Reason VST + hardware/modular synths = loads of fun). Something to note though, limitations, are in some sense also rewarding. Just being Devils Advocate. :)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh I agree for sure regarding limitations! In fact, I actually really love a bunch of Reason's devices because of certain limitations. However, in this case it doesn't feel like there is any creative benefit to the limitations. They feel restrictive but not in a good way.

[@busywl69]

FInally got the 12 upgrade for $79 off sweetwater. Loaded up MIMIC and was shocked it doesn't play slices or have a slice out function nor does it have bpm pitch adjust which is just baffling. Pity, it had promise but the hype videos out there are looking kind of like shills because these are major features that are missing that other DAWs have had for years now. I have to use a VST to get this functionality and that's the wrong considering Reason created the .rex format. But the VST3 support and finally being able to save the master inserts as a combinator were worth the $79. Ok maybe not but I know Reason 13 isn't going to do much better. I'm 75% VSTs now in Reason. That's also rather shocking to my own head. But Reason's workflow is the best out there in my opinion.

[@umanoid1523]

Ive been using Reason since 1.0. Ive also been using Ableton since 1.0. I never try to use reasons DAW anymore . Its only become a plugin I occasionally use in Ableton. You have a lot of very valid points. Im not even sure im going to bother to upgrade this time. Im waiting and seeing. Mimic wont replace serato in my toolkit since it doesnt even have key detection. I do like that the synths are low cpu but to get them to sound great it’s a lot of work building racks. I Like the flexibility that i can go down that rabbit hole but i don’t always need that. Their synths always need a lot of processing or need to be doubled up in a rack.i hooe reason 12 has some of the new devices and players included. High rez graphics and Mimic alone wont cut it to spend the money.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol CPU? Mimic has be hammering my CPU.. I'm not entirely sure why either. But yea, Reason Studios are going to need to do a lot more than they have done to entice most people I think.

[@umanoid1523]

@@matthewstuartnz really? Oy. Im really talking about the older synths and drum machines. Some of the newer stuff gets a little heavy. Ive been using processed pianos and radikal pianos a bit and they aren’t great on cpu. I turn off some of the built in effects and they’re better. You might want to try that with Mimic and see how much it helps. Hopefully they’re still optimizing it but I’m not sure they care as much as they used to.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh yea, a lot of their older stuff is pretty good. At least it was when I was using it in the DAW. Have really looking specifically in Ableton. I'm making another video on Mimic atm where I show the CPU thing.. it's really weird. It's not just using a lot but it's like it's fluctuating.

[@Hazmat002]

I don’t understand the fact reason doesn’t listen to its users. All these great new devices are cool, but a little bit of integration and make it more streamlined. I still use reason and yes, mimic is my go to for sampling, but I get it do you like it more streamlined, integrated easy to use with other DAWs hence the reason rack. I wish they would take the end-user’s opinions into consideration, or else they are going to end up like garage band or something.

[@anzatzi]

Good Review. Mimic could have been Reason's 'Simpler' modularly integratable into Kong. But it is so big that would be unmanageable.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Exactly 👌🏻 I think Reason Studios needs to stop making new devices for a minute and start updating some of the ones they have.

[@whatareyouselling9811]

@@matthewstuartnz facts

[@jessegorteronazure7224]

Is it actually possible to drag a wav to reason audio track and have it sync to tempo? Like in ableton?

[@matthewstuartnz]

I don't think so. If you can, I'm not sure how to do it.

[@Professor_Pat]

You are right about having Mimic in Kong Drum Designer that would be great.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Right! I really hope that add that in the future!

[@matthewstuartnz]

These are fantastic points and would definitely make for a powerful update!

[@jaemarrs5189]

The New Mimic Sampler is just a new NNXT/Grain combo & already feels outdated. There is No tempo detect/tempo match, No key detect & key shift or precise time stretching. You have to MANUALLY adjust the sample speed and figure out the pitch first? It doesn't replace recycle or play rex slices. Limited slice controls & slice points unlike Serato Sample were it automatically detects slice points & you can save your Favorites slice points. Only 8 individual slice control slots & Kong is 16 which really makes it feels more like a free point update then a paid upgrade let's hope the new combinator doesn't fall short of expectations like these other updates...smh

[@matthewstuartnz]

You’ve summarised it perfectly 👌🏻 it really is impressive that they can release a brand new rack extension that feels so outdated right out the box 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@svdl3000]

Good review! I think in modern world Reason is lost. Using vst is not comfortable, no folder tracks, bad track editor, etc. Primarily Reason was a big rack for devices - real device's projection. It was great and cool. But now it's not the way for daw and Reason is trying to change something, but it's impossible, because the main concept is not "daw with tracks with devices", but "device rack with controlling midi tracks". There's no way to change, only reanalyze concept and change the way. I think I need to copy this comment to Reason's video comments:)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for checking it out! 🙏🏻 Yea that's a really good view. I like what you said about being a DAW with tracks and devices. I guess in that situation those three components would be equal and would all support and enhance the functionality of each other. But the device rack with controlling midi tracks... it's like the sequencer really just enhances aspects of the devices.

[@xavierxook5848]

I played some with Mimic. It's a new shiny toy but you're right it's not mind blowing or anything. It's just a bunch of stuff thrown into one device but still doesn't meet peoples wants or needs. I think Reason Studio is having an identity crisis or something. Even their website doesn't even talk about Reason 12 yet and it's 2 weeks or so away. Things just feel half heatedly done and the days of Propellerheads seemed to be a way different mindset they now. I feel like now it's just a buzz along with some cheesy teaser videos and this build up will be to disappointment. I hope Reason 12 comes out and it's awesome and they have all kinds of new stuff in there but I really doubt it. Reason Studios needs to change their course or people will just change their DAW.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I think you’ve hit the nail of the head man. I feel like I’m optimistic but if Reason 12 doesn’t deliver, I don’t know how long I can keep it up for! 😅

[@busywl69]

Reason Studios seems like its just a couple people doing all the work plus that webcam guy. People have screamed to them the stuff you have said over the years but they are more focused on other things.

[@matthewstuartnz]

The worst part is I know they know what everyone thinks...

[@masterstacker2833]

I liked Reason for a long time. Now I use Logic Pro and Luna.

[@matthewstuartnz]

How do you like Luna? I did NOT like it when I tested it out. It might have improved since then though?

[@masterstacker2833]

@@matthewstuartnz Luna has improved quite a bit since first release. Much more stable and a much better interface. I like it mostly for playing live as it has very low latency. You need some DSP power. I have an Apollo X6 with 6 hexacores, the minimum to do anything real. I also have 4 and 8 core "satellites" but I haven't needed them yet. For a richer development environment I use Apple Logic which has a lot of great stuff including Alchemy - a world class synth.

[@masterstacker2833]

@@matthewstuartnzIn Luna I use Neave Summing, Studer Tape Deck, and Oxford Limiter plug-ins on the master track. The "presence" enhancement especially in the mid-range is magic.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I might have to give Luna another look!

[@dimitrisgakis9206]

I said this many times since 7-8 years : I believe this software can not be fixed, its a Frankestein's monster. Reason needs to be re-designed from the ground up to a new software just like what they did with Rebirth. I talked to them many times and they ignored me, they keep ignoring their loyal comunity since years, this update should had been done in 2012 not 2021. i love Reason, but Reason is just a toy, its fun to waste time on the Racks but is not fun at all to be 10+ years behind.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, I think at some point they will need to overhaul it. I just hope it actually happens.

[@dimitrisgakis9206]

@@matthewstuartnz your constructive criticism makes it obvious you like Reason as much as I do, the concept of this software has the potential to be an amazing DAW only if they code it from scratch with a modern approach and ergonomics and rebrand it with a new name. This will never happen though, they seem to be comfortable with the income by users they are hooked to it, these users are Reason hardcore enthusiasts, they will buy Reason even if the only new feature is the number of the version.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol yea I think you're right 😂 we can always dream though!

[@michaelmoog1]

you could not be more DEAD ON POINT!!! the loyalty and investment are the only reason I've stayed so long. I think they are just LAZY AS FUCK, and continue to rest on their past laurels. [which is such a shame] its clear that they have very limited mindset on what REAL PRODUCERS AND MUSICIANS TRULY NEED!! everything you said are exactly my complaints that I have been putting up on their FB page for years. I think its sheer pride, and lack of SERIOUS CAPABLE PROGRAMMERS at REASON STUDIOS. THEY ARE SOOOO SOOOO SOOOOOO BEHIND THE CURVE. it's just so sad because, I think with just a few real adjustments, they could destroy every DAW out there. they really are content in being a device for BEGINNERS, and not PROFESSIONALS

[@matthewstuartnz]

This is exactly how I feel man. And it’s sad because I really like a lot of the people working at Reason Studios. But it really is starting to feel like a software for beginners to me. Obviously not everyone will feel this way and I’m aware there are still some hugely powerful things you can do with the rack. I’m talking more from a functionality point of view that would serve professionals across a range of job descriptions in the industry. But even as a VST I feel like they aren’t giving in enough love and optimisation to stay a competitor to the other players. I agree that Reason could become one of the greatest DAWs of all time. I just become less and less confident this could ever happen the more years pass and the more it falls farther behind 😭

[@dna598]

Man, recycle is still the undisputed best slicing experience. That they haven't cloned it into a plugin is one of my life's great disappointments. Everything is so half baked and toy like in reason.

[@dna598]

Except Algoritm which I proudly own.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I don’t understand how recycle hasn’t received more love from the devs. It would be great if they refreshed it!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Algorithm is great 👌🏻

[@timk.709]

You forgot the scenic hybrid!

[@matthewstuartnz]

As a sampler? I thought of that but left it out cause I felt like it was kind of a different thing 😅

[@timk.709]

@@matthewstuartnz Well you can load your own samples in it! So its pretty much Grain with two samples and a pretty big three way macro knob.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol you can load your own samples in Europa too. I guess you're right. I actually recreated Scenic using two grains when it came out so I totally get that analogy.

[@timk.709]

@@matthewstuartnz Yeah but hey by that amount of samplers inside Reason its no surprise one might forget one or two! ;D

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yup 😅

[@chefhomeboiardee4574]

"I'm disappointed"... no shyt.😆 But if you go to the video introducing this "new sampler", reading most of the comments, you'd think Reason Studios could suddenly walk on water.😆😆😆

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol yea I was a little nervous to post an unpopular opinion given the fanboys.. but I feel like my history with the software allows me to have a pretty objective opinion 😅 I feel like a lot of the people who think it’s the greatest haven’t actually had meaningful experience with the alternatives 🤔

[@dougroyce5784]

After tinkering with it I wasn’t impressed either. It’s a new toy but other than that it’s not exciting. Seems a bit unfinished. Criticism from you is a different because you don’t regularly “hate” on Reason. @@matthewstuartnz

[@matthewstuartnz]

Unfinished is a good way to put it. Thanks 🙏🏻 I actually love Reason and use it in pretty much in every session I make. My criticism comes from the perspective of wanting to hold Reason Studios accountable because I actually love the software, I want aspects of it to be better, and I don't believe that blind praise over every move a company makes is helpful in any way. If I can voice an idea or promote discussion that inspires Reason Studios to do something new or better with the software then it's a win for everybody. I mentioned to someone yesterday, if no-one ever spent time thinking about how things could be better, we'd all still be recording on tape. 😂

[@MattiMattiMatti]

"There's nothing new here" (3:11) - I don't agree with that. And you go on to show all the things that are new with Mimic, so. Maybe you hadn't had time to explore the stretch modes, the modulation options, and the "lofi" effects. On the surface, Mimic seems limited - I was disappointed at first by a few omissions - but I've come to realise that it adds a new flavour of sample treatment to the Reason stock devices.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I agree that it adds a new flavour of sample treatment. My point was that many of these new features already exist within other devices in Reason. And that putting these features here doesn’t make up for the particular features it is missing.

[@mblyster649]

What does Reason studios need to do going forward?.. Use other Daw's for 1 day and Whatever Awesomeness immediately stands out, implement those features into their own product.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol I'm sure they are all familiar with what's available in other DAWs. 😂 I just don't understand how they can have this knowledge and still decide Reason really doesn't need the features.

[@mblyster649]

@@matthewstuartnz Yep they Already know what the people want.. Presonus recently Sent me an email “Dear Valued Customer, your input & ideas are important to us.. how can we make Studio One better?”…. where as Reason Studio’s sent out an email “Hurry & $ave now before the Summer sale ends”.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol sounds about right 😂

[@dougroyce5784]

I think this is what other people don’t understand. There are legalities involved in software development. Some of these features that people want are “proprietary”. You can’t rip off every feature from others.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I get that. But what exactly are people asking for that's proprietary?

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

That beat was surprisingly dope.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I actually fixed the timing issues and adding some cool reason rack magic to the bass part at the end of my latest video if you want to hear it sound even more dope 😅

[@muralist_]

You should be on their list of paid advisors!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Honestly I would love to be! Product development would be fun

[@dougroyce5784]

WHAT IF: the new combinator has key and pitch detection as well as its own mod matrix NATIVELY! Too much hope???😂😂😂

[@matthewstuartnz]

I mean, that would be super dope... But would that work? At that point it's basically an instrument... it's an awesome idea though. I'm actually going to keep an eye out for that!

I have no idea why people complain about recycle , well see we been able to bounce to rex for years so why do we need it , also if your not feeling reason then you're more clinical in terms of production , not creative , to be honest I'd rather have stock reason because imagine starting ground up with ableton , somebody like you would just moan after 5 mins about its synths being shit etc etc etc , tbh this is what gives reason a bad name , people not actually being creative at all just focusing on moaning

[@matthewstuartnz]

I did start ground up with Ableton.. I’ve spent years using Reason and have done heaps of creative stuff with it. But I do hear your point.

[@TheMusicFactory_Channel]

I totally agree with everything u said

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for checking out the video! 🙏🏻

[@HelpUsBelieve]

I agree bro

[@matthewstuartnz]

🙏🏻

[@whatareyouselling9811]

I would probably only use this for 808s, serato sample is better. Like this thing still looks like and does the same shit as the other samplers

[@matthewstuartnz]

Exactly man. Other than the slice feature there is literally nothing new.

[@whatareyouselling9811]

@@matthewstuartnz fingers crossed for this update😩

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's right man 😅 I'm still actually hoping it's just been a clumsy roll-out and they are saving the best for last!

[@KozmykJ]

I loved the old Rebirth. The early Reason was fun. Dipped my toe into modern Reason Intro 11 then stopped, my plugins do more . Since 2016 my main DAW has been Presonus Studio One, previously a long time Cubase recordist (Atari ST & Falcon, PC) I tried Ableton for a while for synth work with a view to live jamming. Took that as far as Live 10 Standard until I discovered the joys of Bitwig 3. Now I'm S1 for general recording and Bitwig 4 for flights of synth fantasy ...

[@matthewstuartnz]

Bitwig looks good but I could never pull the trigger. 😂 Studio One is awesome! I’m only becoming more and more impressed by that software with every update they make.

[@KozmykJ]

​@@matthewstuartnz I know what you mean for the cost. I jumped for the full version when a deal came along. I already had Bitwig 8 that came free with some hardware. That got me a little extra discount. BTW The deals come along fairly regularly. It cost me a LOT less than upgrading Live 10 Standard to the full Live 11 Suite with Max4Live would have done ... 😉

[@matthewstuartnz]

True. How different is Bitwig to Ableton in your opinion? I know there are differences.. 🤔 I have Live 11 Suite so I don't thinkI could justify the cost of Bitwig. Also, many of the people I work with use Ableton (or are more familiar with it) so it helps for me to be using a slightly more mainstream DAW from that perspective.

[@KozmykJ]

​@@matthewstuartnz That's fair enough. Live is longer established than Bitwig. They're similar in appearence but Bitwig has the Grid as standard whereas to get fancy with Live you Have to have the Suite/Max4Live. There's even more of a family connection with the devs being ex Ableton ... As you have Live 11 Suite then you would Really have to WANT Bitwig to splash out more cash. For me, there's something in the workflow that suits me better, even though I'm still getting used to it. Some say that Max goes into finer detail than Grid, I wouldn't know. Grid is not short of detail that I can see. As I mentioned, Bitwig is my Secondary after Studio One but increasingly I'm reaching for it for 'synthy' ideas. The ability to insert plugins into the feedback loops of other plugins and just keep adding modulators to anything that moves is just mind-boggling ... all in the best possible tast of course .😜

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol yea it sounds like endless options! 😅 I’m thinking of checking out studio one and doing a comparison video so Reason users can see what is available 🤔

[@soguy]

Reason team should watch this video!

[@matthewstuartnz]

I'm pretty sure they have 😅 They've definitely seen my most recent one.

[@HelicopterRidesForCommunists]

Hey bro - I say this without the intent to be rude or offensive - looks like your hair is starting to thin. I've been there. You should look into getting a prescription for Finesteride (Propecia, generic).

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol thanks man. It's always been fine. I don't know 😅 maybe I'm in denial 😬

[@HelicopterRidesForCommunists]

@@matthewstuartnz lol no big deal bro it happens haha. That stuff works though no doubt.

[@jakubhladik5898]

Reason has unlimited options for creativity. If you can’t get a great, unique song out of reason, it’s not the DAW. I’ve seen a lot of KZbin Reason videos and heard what people make. It’s really basic, boring, and generic. Rather than get another device, I’d go take music lessons, take a course on mixing, and learn more music theory. A good well trained musician can make music out of a potato. I started making music in the 90’s with crappy hardware drum machines that were awful and 8 track tape and then digital 8 tracks that were awful (tape is still great). But I made it work. I agree with all the suggestions though. Of course it could always be better. But it’s still great. And limitations can be a good thing.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Limitations can be a good thing, but I don't think we should strive for them. I also think it's a fine line between the limitations inspiring creativity and just being frustrating. Love you points on people up-skilling as musicians instead of just buying another device though! Having a thorough knowledge of music theory is so helpful and I find it only enhances my creativity!

[@rjbush7955]

With RS bringing out Reason+ to me it was kind of obvious Mimic would be the next device they would bring out. It’s all to get users to start using Reason+ with all those sound packs they’ve made. Nope - not buying in to that. Although that Rytmik Drum Machine must be one of the worst looking devices I’ve ever seen RS produce, third party rack extensions aside.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Rytmik is a joke. I like the idea of Reason+ but they have yet to execute it properly in my opinion. The rest of 12 will give more of an indication of where they are at I think.

[@postman878]

Great vid

[@matthewstuartnz]

🙏🏻

[@diymusicbiz]

I'm going to call it what it is... a Sampler version of Reasons other samplers. It half asses a bunch of things. It's Computer Music Magware (basically)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol yup 😂

[@dougroyce5784]

You too! You’re jaded too! 😂😂 It’s a good device. I would say perfecting could export Rex files from slice mode!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol it is a good device and there are a lot of things I really like about it. It's the few very simple things it's missing for me that make it such a let down. But yea, I'm gutted there is no option to export REX files.

[@diymusicbiz]

@@matthewstuartnz it's a crime smh 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@matthewstuartnz]

One I really hope is remedied.

[@Slackboy72]

Reason Software only exists now to over charge for minor upgrades.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Feels that way 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@MastaPierogi]

I still use Recycle 😂

[@matthewstuartnz]

What do you use it for?

[@MastaPierogi]

@@matthewstuartnz to create rex files, either to slice sampled beats, or just to chop any sample I will use with Kong and my MPD226.

[@hasan7786]

So you're in ableton trying to use the mimic sampler? If an alternative exist that suits your needs, use the alternative. You're making this harder than it needs to be, especially when you already own ableton. When 95% of the internet uses its platform to talk about things they don't like, you should do something different. Ableton is better, its like a new car with Carplay and a booming stereo and heated seats. Even though you drove your honda civic for 8 years, im pretty sure you'd just drive the new car even if the civic was still in your possession. I like your vids, just skkiping through all the ones you dislike stuff which the algorithm keeps feeding me. I found some good stuff though.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Ah sorry man 🤦🏼‍♂️ I really like Reason and have a lot of thoughts.. Will be trying to make some less negative ones in the future though so hopefully you enjoy them more!

[@patwebb882]

🙄Sound Like You 😳or Do It😂😂😂

[@matthewstuartnz]

lol what?

[@dj2bklyn]

reason 12 is a disappointment

[@matthewstuartnz]

Lol yup I think a lot of people feel that way.

[@pablopassano7291]

stop crying and realese some music

[@matthewstuartnz]

😂

[@thegoodsherman]

I say it again..halfway done as always 🥱

[@matthewstuartnz]

That seems the be the theme recently 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@dougroyce5784]

Not as always. Let’s not exaggerate 🙄They hit it out the park with Algoritm and Friktion. At this point, if they gave the option to get either of those with the upgrade would be the only thing to convince me to upgrade.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Good point. Both of those instruments are fantastic.

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

What a cheap attempt to ripoff fxpansion's guru ha ha ha : guru did all that 15 years ago !!! All samplers need stretching option : You look good with short hair :-) Cheers

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks man 🙏🏻 I haven’t tried guru.. is that a vst sampler?

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

@@matthewstuartnz Yes and it's F'N wicked :-) Also they've renamed it to Geist 2 now Cheers

[@matthewstuartnz]

Sweet, I’ll have a look at it! 🙏🏻

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

@@matthewstuartnz Yes, you will like it :-)

[@matthewstuartnz]

👍🏻

[@amorfati6220]

Yeh mimic sucks big time not worth upgrading to me

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

It doesn't suck but it's nothing other samplers don't offer for over a decade : This should be free to all

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Also with stretching capabilities all other samplers are redundant :-)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea so far they haven’t done anything to justify the upgrade imo

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I agree. In and of itself, I think it’s actually a pretty cool little rack extension. But it doesn’t feel like a flagship product. Given that I’m used to using much more robust samplers (Maschine and stock Ableton) I hit walls almost immediately in terms of workflow.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Do you mean without stretching capabilities in Mimic it’s redundant compared to other samplers? Cause if so I agree.. that in itself is enough for me to probably never touch it again after reviewing it properly 🤦🏼‍♂️