Reason 13 is GREAT and I can't recommend it

[@sys.t3m]

I only got 13 this week as a free upgrade from 12 so haven't spent enough time with it. But as a lifelong reason user who has tried most other DAWs, nothing compares to the amount of freedom of creativity Reason enables.

[@bulagazibaggy1511]

I second that big time

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's awesome! Freedom in regards to what exactly? Cause I felt the same way with switching to Ableton from Reason 😂 I'm always curious how different people value different aspects of the software.

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

Totally agree

[@atetraxx]

Sure maybe. If you're talking about daws from 2005. Nowadays there are much more freedom daws

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

I don't care what anybody else thinks about Reason, I create music faster than any other DAW with Reason and ideas are realised much easier. I absolutely love Reason.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Love to hear it!

[@PaulOrtiz]

I say this as somewhat of a Reason fanboy but I still maintain there are no hard barriers to making music in Reason. A lot of things people wanna see from other DAWs are like, nice/impressive/whatever. But the actual business of composing, recording and editing notes and audio...you can do that, right now. I've made what I consider some of my best music in Reason despite having access to basically every other DAW. That said, I am in the process of moving mostly over to Cubase 13 Pro. 13 Reason versions in and I'm still waiting to be able to hear long notes without having to play the note-on message (note chase). Still waiting for some kind of means to organise my tracks (folders). Still waiting for user definable hotkeys. More colours. A dark mixer. Re-pitch time stretch mode. Audio pitch envelopes. MIDI note feedback on arrow selection + nudging. Punch in. I absolutely do not underestimate the work that goes into software development, but if we've waited literally years to get option/alt+click to collapse/expand all device vendors, I really don't know how much longer I'd have to wait to get these other things, especially if I don't even know if they're a priority to RS. I do hope that what they've done here is lay the groundwork for more significant changes in the future. It wouldn't make sense to implement X, Y and Z only to then change the sequencer layout/workflow and create more work for themselves. And I believe there was some hinting at that in their recent BTS video. And I will end by saying I'm still using Reason to compose. For certain styles of music, it's pretty hard to beat IMO. But for bigger projects where I need those kinds of industry standard QoL features that just aren't being requested by RS's focus groups...makes no sense to wait for em.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I think you're right about there being to hard barriers. At the end of the day making music isn't about what tools you are using. I guess I kind of view it the same way as recording to tape. Maybe not quite a perfect analogy but the idea being you could still record to tape if you wanted to. It's like how far behind does something have to get before it becomes redundant? I've also got plenty of music I'm really proud of sitting in old Reason sessions. If/when I ever revisit those projects now though I'll probably go through the arduous task of exporting everything to Ableton. I guess it kind of feels a little more futureproof.

[@ceed3d396]

Yep, long time Reason user. I’m staying at Reason12. Just updated an old Cubase AI license I got free with my Motif XF6 board. Learning Cubase AI Elements13 and UA’s LunaDAW. Next big DAW purchase, more than likely, will be Cubase Pro 13 🎼🎵

[@carlosp.1846]

No way I pay 200 for upgrading from 12 to 13, for a delay, a synth I don’t need and a browser update that should be free because it finally became what it was supposed to be in first place in Reason 12. 99$ max

[@matthewstuartnz]

Is it $200 to upgrade the perpetual license?? Oh man..

[@stephenroldan5107]

@@matthewstuartnz Bitwigs is good. But that's a DAW.. Reason since version 1 has always been like Reaktor a synth.but you can sequence stuff.i am surprised it's not the top daw. I just got it after many years of not using it. While good not like I think it should be.

[@ceed3d396]

@@matthewstuartnz Now they got it on a $119.00 upgrade “End of Summer Sale”

[@railwaycat]

i just payed 300 with the 40% instagram black friday, for the only purpose of having reason 12 AND 13 licenses, to share one of them with my friend :D

[@kultan2000]

I got it for 79.00 on sale...

[@soundsfromYYBY]

14:17 turn of snap to grid Or select blade then you can select any place on the grid

[@matthewstuartnz]

Isn't that just for cutting though?

[@soundsfromYYBY]

@@matthewstuartnz arent you trying to cut/slice a certain location?

[@matthewstuartnz]

No I want to click and move my curser to that location for playback.

[@reasonexperts]

As a Reason / Ableton user myself I can only say this: Reason has always been always a few steps behind the competition and therefor every update will have a mixed bag of feelings. Especially the new sequencer workflow got me frustrated at first. Now I kind of adapted to the concept (because I am partially a potato and I have no idea what I am doing... so that makes perfect sense for me). The click areas you mentioned, yes... that is spot on. I sometimes scream at my screen like 'wtf man'. Then I grow up again, and start clicking on the proper spot. I am still abit surprised that this wasn't mentioned during the beta test phase (or addressed). But this comes simply because the sequencer of Reason Pre 13 simply didn't have this issue at all. After some weeks I somehow got used to things as they are now. But I guess ReasonStudios already gets a lot of feedback related to this update. So they can address issues with patches / updates for Reason 13 now. At least lets hope. Anyway, awesome constructive critism. I am somewhere on the same lines as you mentioned. I adapted to be handicapped.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Mmm.. sometimes I feel like it's a fine line between working with the constraints (adapting to being handicapped as you put it) and having legitimate issues with the UI design. For example, there are a lot of constraints and things I don't like about the UI experience of the Rack Plugin I didn't mention cause I decided they were just suck it up and deal with it type issues.

[@reasonexperts]

@@matthewstuartnz still. You have a few good points that are mentioned in this video.

[@reasonexperts]

@@matthewstuartnz just for the sake of it, I also decided to throw stuff online about the last reason 13 update and things that kind of frustrate me at the moment. Just letting you know there are many users not really happy with the update, and I have listened in to the complaints. Since I have a big voice in the reason community out there, I thought like I would just use some of the pointers you made in this one and throw my own take next to it. Just to get the word out. They really need to step up their game when it comes to a 'sequencer update'. And especially the 'browser update'. Because these two simply do not resonate with the large amount of users that actually use reason. At least, that is what I got from looking around over the last 2 weeks now and gathering feedback from other users too.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, that's the feedback I've been getting from the vast majority of people too. I feel like all we can do is point things out to try and get the word out. Hopefully Reason Studios listen because a lot of things wouldn't be that hard to change. I like the the idea you mentioned in your video of making a bunch of the features optional. If they don't make bigger changes that would be a great way to make give the user more freedom. Also, what you said about letting the user define the settings rather than letting it be defined by the program.

[@reasonexperts]

@@matthewstuartnz 3 months later, there is this beta out there for the browser. I can't call them out because eula and what not else

[@RegYoungBeats]

I'm confused with the comment at 30:30. The Reason Rack plugin is available inside of other DAWs. You can use the instruments AND effects inside of Ableton just fine. Did I misunderstand the comment?

[@matthewstuartnz]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I meant that I would use Reason Standalone a lot more if I could open Reason Standalone as a plugin inside Ableton. And if the Reason Rack Plugin that already exists supported nested VSTs.

[@79halfnhalf]

Reason has gone from a second-rate DAW to borderline irrelevant. As a plugin, it's cool but as a DAW it can't compete with the likes of Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One or even Bitwig and Tracktion Waveform. New devices just don't cut it. It's not 2008 anymore. The aforementioned companies seem to add major quality of life improvements with each iteration. Reason adds a Poly synth like we don't have 500 synth plugins already. Reason has lost me because they consistently overprice and under deliver. If Bitwig doesn't get their s**t together , and start listening to user feedback, they'll be next.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Honestly, this is very well said! I would pin this comment but I can't seem to figure out how to do that... 🤔

[@Macacos]

Meh. I use Reason every day and I don’t want to switch to anything else, and I’ve tried cubase, nuendo, live and others

[@matthewstuartnz]

Love to hear it! Curious what it is about Reason that keeps you there rather than looking at other options?

[@Macacos]

@@matthewstuartnz I just love the way it inspires me to make music. The way you create devices and connect them together to quickly come up with a sound just makes it so much fun. It’s almost like you’re playing with hardware.

[@clearwaterentertainment]

A lot of people talk negative about Reason cause that’s how the get more views and streams and make money. Reason is a beat making tool and has been used to make a number hit songs for big artist, from 2pac, TI , French Montana, J Cole, and the list goes on and on. The things that Reason can’t dude like make movies and etc we can as music (Two Channel Stereo) Honestly we don’t need. Then you mention FL Studio, that’s like a kiddies toy and has the worst sound engine. In fact in South Africa FL Studio is mainly used for kids music. I have always said, if you don’t like the DAW, why not use the one that works for you. This is like comparing cars. One may find Toyota’s Atrractive and that’s good for you, another may prefer BMW. The best way to compare this is let’s compare music,mixing, mastering,sound design and let’s see who comes on top. I love Reason and Happy with it. I make all types of music and pays the bills

[@synaptyx]

100% agree with everything you said in this video. Reason as a DAW is done and their upgrade pricing and rental options are outrageous.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Their recent sale is pretty good.. But you shouldn't have to rely on sales to make something worth the money.

[@aunbowics]

i've been waiting for your opinion. you can say that again. i can't recommend reason13 either, but i still love reason.

[@matthewstuartnz]

It's a weird position to be in.

[@chocomalk]

Fl studio just released an update with a similar stereo tool, a new synth and more stuff than I care to list, not to mention the 20 other updates in the last few years. There is more stuff in the last update than the last two versions of Reason. Plus they got rid of fav lists for external VSTs and their thumbnails making it way slower for me, I don't search with tags very often. I'll stick with 12 for now lol

[@Mike_Benz_]

FL are always like this, adding so much stuff, it always amazes me. I'm in the same boat as you, staying with 12, I rely heavily on the device Favs lists I've created over the years, and the thumbnails to see what device I'm looking for. I hope they bring it back with the addition of the new patch/sample browser.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Fair enough. If you're already on 12, I can see why 13 might not be too attractive. Yea the other DAWs updates typically make Reason's look embarrassing. The last Ableton update had a similar amount of new stuff.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I didn't even notice they had removed that but that's a pretty big issue now that I think about it!

[@chocomalk]

@@matthewstuartnz It's a huge issue for me, not for others but they are working on a "fix". Looking at their financials vs FL is a revelation considering I bought FL full version and Reason Suite 11 for the same price and never gave Imageline another dime since but Reason got a few hundred more for version 12 and some RE's. They need new management. I was just on Reasontalk and found this quote: "it continues to boggle the mind that RS can be that utterly clueless about how close they are to having a world-class, first tier DAW capable of truly competing with the big dogs. they’ve been ridiculously close for years, yet keep putting that off in favor of dumb overhyped instruments and effects (seriously, no matter how good it is, who needed a new vocoder?) Reason was positioned perfectly in the sweet spot to make it as powerful as anything else out there without being bloated or unintuitive. instead, they’ve introduced enough problems that they have to constantly work on bug fixes and stability." ^ this

[@chocomalk]

@@Mike_Benz_ I really hope they do fix it and the other bugs, we'll see lol

[@MaestroRetardo]

Wasn't the main selling point of Reason 11 that the Browser was fully improved? They're selling that again as a main selling point only 2 versions later? What the...!? Sequencer Upgrade is another selling point on this upgrade...all they did was move the Edit Options from above the Piano Roll to the side of the Piano Roll. What the...!? Another selling point is "It looks good". Looks the same as Reason 12 to me. What the...!? Added Rack Extensions...those have nothing to do with Reason 13 update, hard pass. I'm sure they all can be used in Reason 12. What the...!?

[@matthewstuartnz]

I thought the browser was Reason 12 but there might have been something in 11?? I wonder if they will sell the new rack extensions by themselves (so they can be used in 12).. I suspect they won't and you'll have to buy 13 or sub to Reason+ (which would give you 13).

[@KentuckyPatriot1776]

It’s perfect for a hobbyist like myself. I have owned Reason since 2.0 and have invested heavily in ReFills and Rack Extensions through out the years. I originally used it with Acid Pro in early 2000s which was an affordable recording solution for a hobbyist. Now being a standalone DAW has been amazing for me… but that’s for me.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I love hearing about people who are super happy just using Reason Standalone. Ultimately I think it's still a really cool piece of software. If you can have fun with it without hitting any walls, it's amazing!

[@compteprivefr]

The new browser is so frustrating its ALWAYS IN THE WAY! I dunno why they did this and trapped it in the reason window, and they dont let you dock it like it used to be at all anymore. Even in reason standalone you have to constantly manage the browser size and position while you're browsing through patches. Overtime, this becomes absolutely INFURIATING. What a completely baffling decision i dont get it.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea that was my first impression. I ultimately decided I didn't mind it in standalone but then again I don't really use standalone so might not have spend enough time to get frustrated. I HATE it in the Reason Rack Plugin though. Incredibly lazy design.

[@romaindelaplace2962]

at 30'30, you say "[you] would like to use Ripley as an effect for [your] guitars but you can't do that because [you] work in Ableton". [...] "[You] would use Reason a whole lot more if [you] could open it as a plugin inside a DAW." Isn't it possible already? I thought it's been possible for quite a few years now. Confused

[@matthewstuartnz]

It's possible to open the Reason Rack Plugin inside Ableton. But you can nest VSTs inside the Reason Rack Plugin. I would like to be able to use the Reason Rack Plugin in Ableton and use my guitar VSTs inside the Reason Rack Plugin. Right now I have to use the RRP as a separate effect which limit's routing possibilities.

[@Iredidv]

What I also think they should do is renew the midi remote presets, not many people use a kontrol49 still, but not any NI keyboard has support for example , whilst it would be awesome together, make the lights work with the scale plugin etc. I got mine mapped, with remote override, but some buttons are just not available, as you have to do it in the plugin itself instead of also using the controller editor that they use for Maschine and other. Make up your mind use controller editor for everything or use the plugin for everything

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh yea that's a good call. The last time I tried to use my NI controllers with Reason I just gave up cause I couldn't be bothered making manual mappings.

[@leestanford2452]

I haven't even thought about reason since I switched to Bitwig a few years ago. Sometimes I open the rack just for nostalgia and maybe the RV7000 reverb for the awesome gate, but that's about it.

[@zer0tzer0]

The reason I gave up on Reason years ago was the noise floor. It was probably no worse than tape, but without Dolby.

[@soundsfromYYBY]

Sound like you had a personal issue that wasnt reason

[@matthewstuartnz]

Noise floor?

[@outerdarkness]

I used to teach Reason at a college.... but their customer service was horrific. They did not care at all about their customers and were absolutely no help when we had issues. For instance, we had purchased a multi-pack license which contained 10 licenses. The rub is rack extensions did not work with the multi-pack version. And when we asked about an upgrade path so we could get rack extensions their reply was there is none.... so to get access to rack extensions we would have to re-purchase Reason at full price. WTF?! We complained and they did not care.... so we stopped teaching Reason and took it out of our program.... Does Reason still save their audio files into the Reason song file? If so, that is crap. I love Reason but hate.... I detest the people that run the company.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh man that's a frustrating situation.. I've heard a lot of stories about people having bad customer service from Reason. That's never been my experience but maybe I just got lucky. I'm pretty sure Reason still does save audio files into the song file. Which I think is great if you don't know what you're doing. But not so much if you're a power user.

[@Dingdongbillybong]

@@outerdarkness I detest the people who run it as well .

[@matthewstuartnz]

Be interesting to know who's actually responsible for the direction.. or if it's really a team effort

[@joee.blessed1223]

At least you were able to reach their customer service! 😤 Ive been using Reason for years (from 5 to 12 at present)but you're absolutely correct about their customer service...or lack thereof. 😒

[@xkidmidnightx]

I really feel like they half A things. Take mimic as an example. It had time stretch, chopping, beat sync, but all of these are different t modes. You can’t auto stretch a sample you are chopping to the beat. Most importantly, you can’t affect slices individually. All the technology is in the device to do this, but it affects the whole sample instead of slices. I should be able to reverse, pitch and filter individual slices. I should be able to independently stretch slices. I should be able to tempo match the entire sample to the beat in slice mode. But no, they take the laziest possible implementation of it, which makes a potentially cool device pointless

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

It needs step separation.

[@xkidmidnightx]

@@HOLLASOUNDS that would be cool too, but I really just want the basics!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@xkidmidnightx Stem separation and independent zoom for the Rack.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I have a producer friend who loves Mimic.. But I feel the same way as you. As far as I'm concerned, both Maschine and the Ableton stock sampler are way more powerful than Mimic. I think I made a video pointing this out when they released it.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Honestly I would bet money this isn't coming any time soon 😔 I don't see how they could possibly be prioritising this when the rest of their workflow updates are so lazy.

[@MF_Plissken]

i updated. i hardly ever touched 12 or before cos the sequencerdesign was aweful. now its just eyepleasing and makes sense. the browser update is also good enough to update. the rack plugin usage is significantly higher since then, mostly in ableton. well i was lucky enough to get that update for a couple bucks over 100euros. thats fair enough. and the usage rate for reason will climb up for sure now. if they add now midi capture and a session view, it will be perfect, cos the vertical view of session veiws will fit very well to the mixer view. and i would let the brwoser DOCK on the right side of the rack plugin

[@Vinylistin]

Best Workflow, Sequencer and Rewire Modus was until Reason 4. Sadly its getting too complicated. Wish to have an upgrade for Reason 4 for Mac M1 ++ Chips! Would buy it asap

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha yea turns out there was a lot to like about rewire. Sometimes you don't realise how good something was until it's gone.

[@Ebbelboiz]

I feel like the new browser in an extra window and the fact that they decided to split the song area and the sequencer edit area into two seperate windows have both seriously slowed down my workflow in Reason and now I'm just like "why did I spend money for a slower and more cluttered workflow and user interface"? I'm honestly just about to go back to version 12, because I can definitely do without the new devices. It's not like they bring anything new to the table that I can't get with a third-party VST anyway.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Have you tried 13.1 yet? They fix a few of the issues you mentioned (that they created haha)

[@patwebb882]

It will be very nice if reason implemented into the slice detection feature where if the program noticed a slice on a track that you highlights it will automatically give you the option to John those clips without you having to click click and click one less click will make a world of a difference.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea there's a lot of little things like that.

[@machoman7655]

They use to have that with ReWire to be able to open stand alone with a different DAW. But for some magical reason they got rid of it 😂

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea ReWire is starting to seem real attractive recently.

[@xlilxillx]

this should be a free update... embarrassing

[@matthewstuartnz]

The day I dropped this video I got the email announcing Ableton's free 12.1 update.. It had waaaay more line items that the entire Reason 13 update

[@stephenroldan5107]

Most versions of plug-ins aren't

[@stephenroldan5107]

@@matthewstuartnz it's a whole new version from 12 to 13. Live .1 of that release(usually fixing bugs of version, etc).

[@clutterdust]

you should give me money

[@ohnoitsaninja]

"I think reason should change their business model: I've been thinking this since reason 5 and it hasn't changed.. I'm genuinely surprised it's still in business

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's one of the Reason's I struggle to recommend it.. even though I don't want it do I'm kind of expecting it to get absorbed by a bigger company at some point.

[@fishboisfo]

After discovering your channel and being a reason user myself since reason 3, I didn’t know if you had any experience with recycle and spectrasonics. One of your videos posed a transpose conundrum. I figured out away several years ago that allows me to take any recorded sound and turn them into rhythmic fodder that is completely adjustable not just by bpm but also pitch and meter- so, the recording of a vocal or guitar riff or what ever in the key of A for example in 4/4 time ar 122 bpm can be modulated in real time to C in 5/8’at 110 bpm. This can also be automated. I find this flexibility helpful - I compose for modern dance companies 8-20 min pieces of music and this technique allows for really great development

[@matthewstuartnz]

That sounds very cool! How do you do that? I had recycle but didn't use it a ton.

[@sockeye]

Upgrading from 11 to 13 worked out good for me. Initially, the $200 price tag had me raising an eyebrow until I compared it to similar plugins from 3rd parties. Most of the stuff on Plugin Boutique can easily cost $99 ea. There is value here, but I think it gets lost in the QoL focus of things that should be free like hi-res (normal) graphics. All that aside, Reason was smart to make the rack a plugin. The rack makes their DAW both unique yet awkward to use. It's an inspiring experience, for sure, and I may try to create something from start to finish, but the rack plugin is becoming a handy companion in almost all of my projects. Between the Reason Rack and Komplete 14 Ultimate + Maschine inside bitwig, I can make anything.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, I think I'm on Komplete 12 Collectors Edition + Maschine. I haven't felt the need to upgrade Komplete yet but I agree that Komplete and Reason is a powerful combination!

[@Macho_Beats]

My Reason Rack is crashing Ableton. 😢

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh dear.. Not sure what to suggest other than basic troubleshooting steps. If you haven't reach out already, Ableton's customer service is great. Could be worth asking them even if it is still ultimately a Reason problem.

[@danksie1]

I downloaded 13 not expecting to lose 12 which I was getting the hang of as a beginner. Im not happy now as feel totally confused and robbed 12 is no longer available.

[@matthewstuartnz]

What are you missing from 12? Honestly, I think if you're just finding your feet with the workflow, 13 is ultimately better. I'd take the time to get used to the differences.

[@danksie1]

@@matthewstuartnz Yeah you make a good point. Think I just preferred all the devices ready left of the screen to access my choices.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I get that. I like the new layout on 13 but I also wasn't using 12 regularly. I'm sure you'll get used to it though. Ableton changed their layout (and keyboard commands) a bit in their latest update and that messed with my head for a few weeks. I'm used it it now though haha

[@KordTaylor]

👏🏻 I agree. It’s unfortunate as I remember when they started and they were such a great team. But yeah.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yup. I remember havign arguments with producer friends over a decade ago because I was trying to convince them why Reason was better than Ableton back then.. No way I could do that now

[@JaXuun]

Reason 13.1 we ve improved the browser. Reason 13.0 we ve improved the browser. Reason 12 we ve improved the browser. Reason 11 we ve improved the browser.

[@matthewstuartnz]

What are the chances that one of the big features of the Reason 14 update is going to be browser improvements? 😂

[@LosPompadores]

I love Reason. It was my first. I have a special bond with it. But the workflow in standalone, as a proper DAW with arranger, the workflow just provides too much friction. It's not intuitive, not even after years of use. Workflow in Ableton Live is the opposite. Live is fast, easy, flexible.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I have had the exact same experience. The old Reason/Record box is still propping up the Push 2 on my desk 😂

[@beatsbywoods8388]

Blue cat has a plugin you get er that allows you to do everything you want the rack to do

[@matthewstuartnz]

What's it called?

[@thedjjudah]

You DO know you can switch between windows by pressing F5,F6, or F7, right? You don’t have to have everything clouding the window.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yup. I think I was doing this in this video? Back in the day I used to have the windows set to different gesture commands on mouse. Made switching between them super easy.

[@ewwitsantonio]

Personally, I just can't click with Ableton, but Reason standalone always makes perfect sense to me. Maybe it's because I started on Reason first, but ableton, everything blurs together and it's hard for me visually to make sense of the app, and I feel like I need to use it daily to be fluent in the app, which I just don't have time for. Reason visually works for me because of the virtual rack design. I see the device and my memory doesn't need to work hard. I don't know. The skeuomorphic design actually helps lift cognitive load for me, which I appreciate these days as my mind is consumed with so many other life details and skill sets.

[@matthewstuartnz]

True. I can understand that. I use Ableton everyday so I'm always in it but it would be interesting to see what it would be like to come back to after some time off.

[@ignite137]

The stand-alone version is far behind the current updates on DAWS. Now they force us perpetual licence people to the reason+ subscription model. That says me enough.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, I don't have a problem with subscriptions but I don't like how they seem to be forcing it on people.

[@Iredidv]

Viking 2 is a lot more analogue imo. Been my analogue workhorse since I got it. Compare the sounds and you will instantly get it.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I've never heard of it. Is that a plugin?

[@siphomthiyane7126]

I was so disappointed that they still haven't updated a simple thing like color swatches. It still comes with a bare minimum of color swatches.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Maybe that will be one of the big announcements in Reason 14? 😂

[@siphomthiyane7126]

@@matthewstuartnz 🤣lets hope so.

[@StephenTJames]

Absolutely the best video you've produced, sums everything up to a tee.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thank you! Appreciate you checking it out!

[@davidmcmillen9448]

After 20+ years as an exclusive user I'm now saying that Reason Studios deserves to fail. They're not listening to anyone anymore - not their faithful longtime users, or outsiders like yourself. Their sounds are subpar, everything requires tons of work to make them sound like stock sounds in any other DAW. Not to mention that as a DAW it's useless, completely unstable and piss-poor resource management (I have to guess how many hyperthreads to use to accomdate VSTs and I'm getting audio dropouts regardless of buffer settings on my RTX-powered gaming system with an I7, SSDs, and 32GB RAM?!?!?!?) Tech support is full of patronizing idiots who brag about how well Reason performs on their machines while telling me to update registry entries to disable G-Sync... How about you make your crappy program work with modern computers instead? The 13 update is their latest attempt to attract people migrating from other DAWs, but the "features" they've added have already been available for the last decade with most other software. They've been last to adopt VST, last to add scalable graphics support, last to add range selection, zoom, and the list goes on and on. Yet, in spite of their half-assedness, they still want to charge the same $$$ as other actually viable DAWs, and apparently consumed enough of their own Kool-Aid to believe that their garbage is actually worth subscribing to?!?!? Reason was toast when Propellerhead was done. RIP Propellerhead Reason.

[@matthewstuartnz]

You know.. I don't think I can disagree with anything you just said.

[@coldskoolbeatz]

I'm not sure about the new browser scheme. Plus, they got rid of favorites for devices which is a deal breaker for me despite using it as a plugin. Plus, they supposedly did a browser update in 11, I think. 2 "update" cycles later, and another browser "update"? Then most of these new tool ideas were taken from the RE store. So if you already own those tools, the new RS Rack Tools are useless. I'm sorry. I have to disagree that this is a good update. I think it's the worst in years since it fundamentally changes how you use the program.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Hmm.. fair enough. Those are some good points. I still think it's a good update. Although I think it's also an incredibly lazy update. Those deal beakers you mentioned aren't something something I use so I hadn't noticed it but you're not the first person to say that. I think it's crazy they got rid of it.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Good to see You back, and hear your opinions I dont lime the 12 sequencer I was always getting lost and the resize bar was annoying, so I think the split view in 13 is good and reminds Me of Ableton. The tools I never knew where they was in 12 and never used them either same as You, however I won't be switching DAWs. I want to be able to independently zoom the rack quickly but cant, I also want stem separation.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea the tool menu was hidden way in some random window. I was going to talk about stem separation but I decided not too.. I don't know where Reason Studios sits on AI but I don't really see them adding it in as a workflow feature. FL and Logic both have it and I suspect it will be added to Live in the next update. I think for people who are happy producing in Reason Standalone, 13 has some great quality of life improvements. Just nothing ground breaking.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@matthewstuartnz Do You think Reasons Studios should spend all there time on DAW improvements and not there REs? I thought part of the idea of making those 4K graphic changes was so that it would be bettler to code for?

[@matthewstuartnz]

I think Reason Studios should spend their time focusing rethinking what reason could be as a plugin (like I talked about in the video). I don't see any world where they will ever come close to any of the competition in terms of workflow functionality as a DAW. I think they should focus on making a Reason Plugin (that can also be opened and used in standalone) and continue to work on the Reason Rack Plugin that already exists.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@matthewstuartnz Ok what You describe is exactly like MPC beats the free DAW version of the MPC Main Daw (Which dont have a name and thats stupid) both work as Stand alone DAW or as a Plugin where the entire DAW can be loaded into another DAW exactly as You describe. The MPC DAWs work on there own or inside another DAW and can work in tandem with MPC Hardware, where the DAW on the Computer works in tandem with the software on the MPC hardware. Wow that was harder to explain then I anticipated lol but its basically exactly as You describe you want Reason to be.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that. I'm going to need to check that out

[@forestsunset9617]

R13 is basically a few plugins they could have sold as extensions and minor changes to the DAW. Absolute bullsh*t, do they think we are stupid? They need to employ some developers to transform the DAW instead of getting that Ryan dude to make annoying videos telling us how "cool" and "rad" it is, when it isn't.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha I think Ryan actually does a good job. But it's not like he's given much to work with. Has has to make the scraps he's fed look like something amazing.

[@forestsunset9617]

@@matthewstuartnz I don't shot the messenger, but like you said he needs actual good news to share, not pretend news. the guy looks like he's been held hostage.

[@matthewstuartnz]

That hostage comment is funny 😂 Do you remember his Ryan's Neat Beat Cheat Sheet videos or whatever? I actually thought they were great back in the day. I remember wanting other companies to make more tutorials like that but it's kind of flipped now.. I've actually been really impressed by the tutorials Native Instruments have been uploading on their main channel.

[@forestsunset9617]

@@matthewstuartnz I'm Reason user since v1 (I'm old) but think Ryan has produced some good videos. I just want the DAW to move on instead of pretending to!

[@matthewstuartnz]

I wholeheartedly agree

[@cmstrike]

I'd love it if they took Reason in the direction that you proposed here. It would keep me from moving away from Reason, which I've been doing more and more over the last few years. I'm a Reason user since 2005 and I can't believe that I prefer to do my creative work elsewhere at this point after all the time I've spent using Reason, but that's where I'm at personally. I doubt they'll go in this direction, but it would make so much sense and give Reason a whole new lease on life for both new and existing users.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Right! I think it would be a game changer and would make Reason exciting again. I think it would also remove a lot of the pressure to update workflow elements. I think you're right though. I doubt they will do it. But hopefully if people start talking about it it might make them reconsider

[@_boof]

Long time Reason user here. This is the weakest update I’ve seen in the last several years. You know what’s insane? You can’t drag and drop a wav file from the browser into a VST. You can do that in almost every other DAW. It’s crazy to me I’m waiting for such a basic feature. They’re lucky I use RE’s otherwise I would’ve let go of them a while back.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea there are a lot of things about their VST implementation that is just lazy.. including a bunch of things with Reason Rack Plugin in other DAWs. You think it's the weakest though? I think it's better than 12.. But that's not saying much cause I thought 12 was a complete mess of a rollout.

[@ytsm]

Hello, can I trouble you for some advice, please? I'm gonna be cheeky and assume that's cool! 😬 👍 I used Reason 12 (as Reason+ subscriber) for a couple of months and I'm a total newbie. Should I stick with Reason 13 or switch to Ableton and start from scratch? Does Ableton have everything "out of the box" like Reason or will I have to purchase numerous VST's and loops etc? I'm just going to use either as a tinkerer with a slow/steady approach to learning and producing house/D&B/ambient for my enjoyment and an audience of 1 (myself). I'm profoundly inexperienced in music production, but I have a strong background in VFX (Flame, After Effects, Divinci, 3DS) so I'm assuming/hoping I can pick-up either Reason or Ableton relatively easy. Thanks in advance!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Sorry, I only just saw this. Did you end up switching? Honeslty, I would say use Ableton. A lot more people make tutorials for it and I think it will be better long term. Ableton has a lot of great sounds and instruments out the box (especially if you get Suite) and there are plenty of awesome free VSTs you can get if you don't want to pay for any. You can always subscribe to Reason+ in the future if you miss the devices and use them in the Reason Rack Plugin.

[@Meteotrance]

I mainly using it stand alone, there in house sampler and virtual modeling synth are terryfic, i like the fact that the audio track are totaly sync and time stretched in real time with any rex looper or drum machine, it make my song writing easy especialy with BLOCK arrange function , it's also cool to use some of there RE and module as a VST 3 but it's not my cup of tea to use that in Ableton for me this one is not a DAW oriented software but a fancy DJ looper mixer sampler that you can control with the snap of a colored LED button , it was design for that kind of live loop bashing in real time, so pre made loop in reason to feed ableton is not a bad idea but those soft have different workflow and philosophie .

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, Ableton definitely leans toward the live workflow

[@THEROCKHARDS]

Thought I’d look at it, too test it. Now I can’t open my tracks on an older version of Reason. That sucks. Should have a huge warning. I want to go back to Reason 11 stand-alone , cos I don’t like Reason 13. However I can’t open my old projects.🤔 What happened to backward compatible?

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea that's frustrating.. I had this happen to me last week with a track I opened in Ableton's beta.. I was sure I hadn't saved the session in beta! Thankfully Ableton has backups I could revert to in the old version.. I'm not sure Reason has backups..

[@sleepmeditationyoutube]

I absolutely agree. Ive contacted Reason about similar issues.

[@matthewstuartnz]

You get any kind of meaningful response?

[@sleepmeditationyoutube]

@@matthewstuartnz Not at all, ive sent them videos of issues and let them know on multiple occasions certain things that could help but nothing from them to convince me that they will be doing anything major.

[@matthewstuartnz]

It's so frustrating.

[@sleepmeditationyoutube]

@@matthewstuartnz agreed. I’m contemplating if upgrading to the 13 is really worth it at the moment. Honestly I’ve always used Pro Tools for the main recording and editing and was hoping with the suggestions I had made to Reason that they would possibly borrow some ideas from its fellow competitors but I’ll be just using the 12 for now and edits on pro tools.

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Hey now, nice to see you back : I quit reason and never upgraded from 11 to 13 and a reason is the f*****g browser driving me absolutely bunkers, among other s**t like pricing REASON may R.I.P. I will use 11 as a plugin and nothing more .... Cheers 🥂

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks man! I don't blame you for quitting.. I think if I couldn't expense the subscription for my job I would probably have quit as well.

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Dude : if they just gave back an option to use old browser : f**k ! I am so so so pissed .. I'd do subscription ....... Cheers 🥂

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's a big call. I didn't use any of the browser features they got rid of so I didn't even notice but so many people have complained about it

[@Mike_Benz_]

I agree with a lot of what you have said, and I'm sure a lot of other people do too.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I hope Reason Studios pays attention. Honestly, I'd pretty much given up caring about what they were doing (which is partly why I hadn't made any videos for ages). Reason 13 has got me excited again with a couple of great rack extensions but tbh I don't think my interest will last unless they do something drastic.

[@Mike_Benz_]

@@matthewstuartnz 💯

[@djholla]

A good free daw is Universal Audio Luna. 😊

[@matthewstuartnz]

Have you used this much? I tried it when it came out but haven't looked at it since.. And do you still need an Apollo unit to use it?

[@djholla]

@@matthewstuartnz no you dont need a apollo anymore. the free version got no tape emulation, but i dont think you need it at the start. i tryed it and it feels realy fast and snappy. im a pro tools user and looking forwart to use it as my second daw :)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Interesting. I might revisit it then.

[@beatsbywoods8388]

Reason plus is on sale throughout the year for only 99 bucks for a year it’s a good deal

[@mygoogle1525]

Nah,it's not. Subscripction is never good

[@matthewstuartnz]

It's a good deal until the next year ticks over.. It's like Waves selling there plugins super cheap all the time. It's a great deal until you want to update your version.. then it becomes expensive.

[@kuhliloach8842]

even if this upgrade were free who the heck is going be launching this as a DAW? i used the exit door, which is the Reason v12 Rack Plugin in Ableton and Logic

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha yea the Reason Rack Plugin is what kept me using Reason.

[@Iredidv]

Oh and there is 50 percent off. Reason plus for 99 with all the reason rack extensions included.

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's a pretty good deal

[@tangente00]

Good video. I understand the critic that they did not add new midi tools on the new left side bar, but it is kind of not necessary since all these things you can achieve in Ableton you can do in Reason too by using players. It is just a different concept. And Reason is in a kind of difficult situation. If they add these midi tools then they devalue their player devices or make them redundant. I am Reason user since version 1, tried others Cubase, Ableton and Logic (and Magix Music Maker, haha) and updated every version and I love it. 13 is the first version I will not upgrade anymore. By owning a perpetual license I am now a second class customer for them and they block me from several devices they have. We long time users feel ripped off. So I act also as a second class customer and will not upgrade. just one more positive point, in the 24 years I used reason it never crashed even once, never had any problems of any sorts.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea it has always been very stable. And I don't blame you for not upgrading. I don't mind the subscription model but I think essentially penalising people who don't want to be on it is dumb. Especially if they are claiming to still offer it as an option. In regards to MIDI tools, I'm not even necessarily talking about the functionality the players offer. Rather better ways to interact with the notes in the piano role. Take the reverse function for example. That's super basic but is hidden away behind a right click. Or even thinks like better velocity control, not selection options. Or if they really wanted to get fancy, you could have a feature where it takes your MIDI you've written in the piano roll and imports it into one of the players for further processing. That would be really cool and would be a legit reason for users like myself to actually use standalone.

[@tangente00]

@@matthewstuartnz Actually you can do that. There is free rack extension device "CV Player Tap" from Lectric Panda that takes any midi input, external or your piano roll, to feed it back into players as much as you want.

[@woo1649]

The last version of reason I used that was rock solid was ver. 8. Didn't upgrade again until 10. 10 had some issues. 11 until a few point updates in was a disaster and 12 causes unexpected crashes that when they happen I can no longer open those songs not even saved back ups. I have a growing list of songs that I now throw into a folder called broken songs in reason 12. Reason has never been able to explain what's going on nor has anyone from the forums. I have a pc that is about 9 years old but its well within the specs to run reason. I agree with all the frustration regarding the Qol improvements. I have fl studio, acid pro, ableton 10, tried a 90 day trial of studio one but they just don't work for me. Maybe because I started with reason 4 and my brain seems to be wired for it now.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Really?? Okay I'm going to check that out. Thanks!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I think you put it well. If you started with Reason and love the workflow, nothing else feels the same. I paid for the suite version of Ableton before actually trying it out so kind of forced myself to take the time to get to know it. But it sucked for about two weeks while I was getting use to it.

[@brianmi40]

Just too much money for too little REAL functionality being added. Sadly, these days you have to wait out about 3-4 upgrades to justify the cost. 12 was even less being added, so 12 and 13 TOGETHER for $200 is STILL too much. I GET IT that between 12 and 13, they've fixed some WORKFLOW/APPEARANCE stuff: FINALLY being high res (that took TOO LONG), some usability, minor effects and tools... but that just IS NOT ENOUGH for the rest of us that want NEW MUSIC MAKING CAPABILITIES (with a tiny "not worth the cost" nod to Polytone and the new effects).

[@matthewstuartnz]

One of the things I think I said about 12 is that you don't get congratulations for doing the bare minimum that was expected from you in the first place. I think this kind of applies to 13 as well.

[@brianmi40]

@@matthewstuartnz Yeah sadly. I WANT to love Reason so bad, and DO for what it does, but without VALUE in the upgrades, just can't pull the trigger. It's a competitive marketplace. Always VSTs on sale (Black Friday, Prime Day, etc. etc. etc.), new products out, etc. So pulling the trigger on $199 just for some features I'd get little practical value from is down the LIST from all the other goodies drawing my attention. Right now, looking at Ujam's Vogue and Vibe, which, at HALF the price of the upgrade for the two of them together, would give me WAY MORE FUN and musical opportunities to say nothing of the $100 left over for other toys. These days you can't just fix some stuff that should have been done prior (e.g. 4K resolution -- the monitors were mainstream in 2016, so, yeah, support for them 5 years later is not an "upgrade" it's an embarrassing CATCH UP), and do some basic incremental advances, a couple minor plugins (didn't even toss in Objekt which might have got me there) and command the kind of money they want. These days you need something ATTENTION GETTING in your upgrade. Objekt COULD have been that, but Polytone and the other effects don't quite cut it, at least for me.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I think you're right on all counts. I like Polytone and I think Ripley is pretty innovative. But Objekt would have been a good thing to add to the official release. It's probably the most innovative thing they have done in a while.

[@mattaldridge]

Bro, a Matt video on Reason? Christmas came early!

[@matthewstuartnz]

😂😂😂

[@jenslempke7883]

There is no DAW that for me feels even close being as creative and fun as Reason. For creating music that is. I mix in UAD Luna and Studio One (depending on the mixing tools I use) since Reason is too cluttered for that. Also I want a classic channels - busses - mixbus setup. But the quality of the instruments and effects in Reason are amazing and they actually had proper mastering tools built in for years, which many daws hasn't had. Anyway, for me Reason is my songwriting tool since I can have full screen view of all instruments and just can unfold the one I'm working on. Also you find creative solutions by connecting cables on the backside.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I think this is where Reason excels. When you have a setup like that and turn to other tools for mixing, etc

[@garrettbrown1871]

You should start an AA meeting for Reason users. lol!!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha that would be fantastic 😂

[@avace917]

I subscribe, so I have 13 regardless. If I was doing perpetual, I'd probably skip it. It isn't necessarily bad, it's just not one of those "oh, I HAVE to have this or I'll never be able to breathe" updates.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea that's a really good way to put it.

[@avace917]

@@matthewstuartnz honestly, if more people just skipped instead of complaining, that would probably send a stronger message. My last perpetual license was 11 Suite because besides VST3, I knew 12 wouldn't be a big deal. I don't even remember what they added. Polytone is nice. It's good to have a quick stock retro synth for whenever I don't want to use the Arturia stuff for whatever reason. I skipped 8 and 9 because there was nothing in either that I needed. I knew VST integration would take awhile which is why I got 10

[@matthewstuartnz]

It's hard to skip when you have the subscription 😅 I do that with the Native Instruments Komplete stuff though. I think I'm on version 12 and they are up to 14 now. They just haven't added anything new I felt I needed.

[@VojnovMusic]

Thanks for great concise overview of this update. Sounds like a great option (if update is discounted) for people who already own older perpetual license. Still I think the subscription model is something everybody should avoid. I am just against subscription models overall if you are not using (software) Reason all every day and it is your primary tool. With that said I used Reason from 1.0 and early pc days and just can't get over it, like a old nostalgic love :D. Though I use Reaper which is mind-blowing for the price I still have a lots of old Reason projects I would like to revisit with new tools... Thanks again for a great video, keep it up! Cheers

[@matthewstuartnz]

I totally get what you're saying about a subscription if you don't use it every day. I actually don't mind subscriptions (and often prefer them).. but I also use them almost every day for work 😅

[@Rezonances]

I'm still not happy with their factory sounds for hip-hop genres. The developers are definitely not hiphop fans either. I saw a livestream today where Reason Trick Or Beat contest submission winners were announced, and the winners were all EDM genre and one pop track. The artist they featured for the contest is a rapper, so it was truly awkward that Reason chose all these non hiphop songs as winners. Those tracks also did not make use of Reason much. This top winner was using Rack+ within a host application, and you could tell there was not much Reason content at all. I wonder why they announced that. Is it to help promote a useless plugin that makes profit based on subscriptions?!! So the whole purpose of the contest was to make a BEAT (which as u know is a hiphop rooted term) for the rapper's vocal track, and they even brought the artist ONTO the livestream to have to endure pure EDM submissions. I was cringing the whole time. It must have been weird being the artist sitting there and being presented with winners who didn't really showcase Reason nor stick with the genre the artist herself is all about. You could read her body language. After the artist left (when she realized Reason's judges are heavily biased towards EDM and ear fatigue), she continued to listen to the stream as the community asked for theirs to be played. The artist even commented about one of the tracks being really good in the live chat. I heard this one track play which was mind blowingly good and radio ready, yet it was not even considered for even a runner-up. If Ian Kirkpatrick had heard that one, he would have been very impressed. I heard others which were better and used more production tricks, and actually veering into the correct genre of the artist. We were all watching this livestream because we are fans of the artist, and all of us were shocked at the songs the winners made. They were ok, but wow you should have heard some of the non winners. Anyway, that experience today definitely soured my feelings for Reason and how they cannot think outside their little EDM box. It is exactly that constrained way of thinking that prevents better software development imo. The host of the livestream seemed to cringe when the live chat community asked him to play one of the true hiphop beats, as if the host was somehow embarrassed to be playing a genre he does not agree with (the guy is an EDM guy with a banjo). After that, I really have a lot less respect for the developers. Or the judges.. maybe they're the same. You can still make an amazing track in the standalone prog btw... one thing I and numerous others want is MPE support. I mean, why on earth would they not put that in their standalone software? The EDM crowd would go NUTS over that. Roli just released the AirWave controller... and there are other MPE controllers out there. So we can't properly use MPE plugins inside Reason. What's that mean? It means we have to use Reason Rack+ plugins... multiple ones in our host program. And that sort of workflow is not good at all. I'd love if there was a way where the standalone Reason program could simply sync with a host application when you Play/Rec. Then you could have the best of all worlds because there are some nice effects in host programs.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I definitely think Reason has a bias towards EDM. That's a shame to hear about that livestream though.

[@Nostrum84]

This video is GREAT and I can't recommend it

[@matthewstuartnz]

😂

[@atmadsen]

Reason is a very special kind of sports car: made for a particular type of driver and defined by its limitations - celebrated, even. Those who dont understand this are missing the point of the DAW.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Honestly, I actually appreciate this point. And don't have any issue with that. I kind of feel that way about Maschine. The problem I have is when Reason tries to add features that other DAWs have (or moves in that direction), but just does an average job of it. A good example is VST implementation. If Reason didn't have VST implementation, I don't think I would be pissed at all that you can't use them in the Reason Rack Plugin. But they decided they wanted to add that feature so now it bothers me that it wasn't added well.

[@garrettbrown1871]

If Reason just released the Combinator as a VST plugin that allowed you host VSTs in your DAW. That would be a huge game changer. The combinator is hands down the best part of reason.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I agree. But wouldn't that mean you'd also need a Reason Rack? So... wouldn't that just be the Reason Rack Plugin but with VSTs?

[@garrettbrown1871]

@@matthewstuartnz Yes. But having the whole Reason rack is a lot. I'm talking about just selling the combinator VST for people who want nothing to do with reason and its instruments. If I could layer 5 different VSTs in the Combinator and make my own custom macro page in Cubase , that would be a dream!!! And save it as 1 combinator patch! If there is 1 thing that Reason has knocked it out of the park with. It's the Combinator. Absolutely amazing!

[@matthewstuartnz]

That would be sick!

[@thegoodsherman]

yes, it's always only half-finished and implemented...and it takes an eternity until something is integrated...if at all. I always wonder what they do all the time... not much comes out of it... always just the absolute minimum... we don't need any new effects and synth... there are 1000 and much better ones. I've been using version 2.0 for a while and at the moment I'm still on version 10.0. I won't update either. Maybe it's time to change the DAW

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea. I do like the simplicity and creativity of a lot of their instruments, but your right, I think there are a lot of objectively better options.

[@ChristopherJenkins73]

Maybe Reason Should give it up as a DAW!? Focus on making it a reason rack! I 100% agree! Ive thought this for so long now. You definitely are on the same page as me!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Right! I think a pivot like this could make them insanely cool and relevant again!

[@jonathanaxel9643]

Unfortunately. Scream distortion, and Malstrom are still best racks

[@matthewstuartnz]

Scream is one of my favourite plugins. I never really got into Malstrom though

[@Dougie-]

I decided to stop my subscription. Moving on. I'm tired of waiting for basic features. My two other DAWs keep getting fantastic updates so no point in pulling my hair anymore because of Reason Studios' weird focus. New browser? The last thing I wanted and needed. I was fine having my patches in folders, I don't need stupid tags. "Oh, I want something analog, evolving, boomy, lush.." 🙄Do you find this so useful? So much that you even tag your own patches? Which is a stupid cumbersome two-step workflow.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha yea I don't blame you. What other DAWs do you use?

[@absurdyellowdog9700]

100% agree everything in standalone should be a plugin. Thats how I used it years ago before Record. Would make my workflow with Protools ideal.

[@Rezonances]

100% agree! The BEST part of Reason standalone is the midi sequencer/editor, and you can't get that with the Rack+ plugin. You also are kinda stuck just having multiple dang Reason Racks in an Ableton project, and that just sucks, because that limits us bigtime.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Multiple Reason Racks in an Ableton project is so annoying. If that could figure out a robust routing situation where you could have one instance of the reason rack plugin and send stuff in and out that would be incredible!

[@alexandersorbas1881]

They fvcked up when they thought REs will beat Vsts and concentrated on that…I think they will always stay a small company with a small fan base

[@matthewstuartnz]

I agree. But I feel like they should own that instead of trying to compete with the big players.

[@thereal_ineedHelp]

18:12 lmao, that’s so bad it’s actually kinda funny

[@matthewstuartnz]

The browser update two times in a row or the fact that it's locked in the plugin window?

[@sectiondrecords4580]

Thanks for doing this but Ableton is not a good comparison in the midi area to almost any other Daw including Reason, Fl Studio, certainly not the king of midi daws - Cubase

[@matthewstuartnz]

I've never actually used Cubase, but I hear it's MIDI functionality is fantastic. I would describe Ableton as having simple MIDI input, but very well executed.

[@Rezonances]

I definitely dislike that tiny zone you have to click too

[@matthewstuartnz]

It's so annoying! 😅

[@Drum_Addikt]

Thanks a lot Reason Studios no entry level version Like they had Intro. Makes me mad. I’ve previously used it and it’s the best DAW I’ve ever used. Every other DAWs have entry level. I can’t afford this. I don’t have that budget for subscription or standalone I don’t need 1000s of rack extensions and unlimited tracks. Makes me mad.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I feel you. I really think they should have tiers. I'd love to be able to recommend a basic tier to people getting into music production

[@ChristopherJenkins73]

New Sub here! Thanks for the video.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for the sub! 🫶🏻

[@ohcibi]

Reason with multi monitors doesnt do shit. What you need is HUGE monitors because they waste SO much space while dedicating the smallest amount of space possible to crucial controls. I needed to laugh when you said 'thats a *little* wasted space here'. A fucking 'LITTLE'. One single reason device uses up at least 5x the amount of screenspace of an ableton or bitwig device while at the same time NOT A SINGLE CONTROL is easier to handle. In fact most controls are worse to handle. And those curve editing interfaces like in Grain or BV8. Its like them designers trolling us by saying 'yo guys we are trolling you and by the way: fuck you very much'

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha yea you're right. I haven't really though about size of the devices much cause I tend to view them the same way I would opening a VST in Ableton. But yea, unless you have big monitors, I can still see multi monitor being annoying.

[@cuarentathegame]

A lot of producers are broke, and $200 is nothing

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, but it's also comparative to what else is out there. Plus I still don't think it's cool to gate keep just cause people can't afford it. They could have cheaper versions too.

[@colindias4820]

I was more glad to see you Matt .. Good that REason 13 has come out .. i will stick to R 12 for the moment now ... Am looking at other DAWS speciifically LUNA, CUBASE PRO 13 , or maybe Logic pro .. i like the Feel of those DAWs as im more into Live Recording and more of a band production needing sampled instruments ... maybe you could also have a look at LUNA and give your thoughts on it .. Cheers and have a great day

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for the kind words! I'd definitely consider Logic if you're based on Mac. I haven't used Cubase so can't really comment on that but I know a lot of people swear by it. I tried LUNA when it came out and wasn't impressed. I think I made a video about that actually.. it's probably changed a lot by now. If I find some time I might revisit it. Be curious to know how you find it though if you check it out!

[@garrettbrown1871]

Have you tried Steinberg’s Halion Sonic 7? It is the free player version of Halion 7. There are a good amount of free libraries for it too. It also comes with a free virtual analog synth engine, which can be layered 4 times per program, and Halion Sonic 7 can run 16 programs at once. For FREE. Kind of crazy it’s free. The user interface has a steep learning curve though. The only downfall. I 100% agree with you. The reason rack should be offered separately without having to buy the DAW. And maybe have a free stater pack with like Subtractor , Redrum, line mixer and some simple effects.

[@garrettbrown1871]

Cubase’s stock plugins are phenomenal. Hands down the best mixer for live recording and mixing bands. And the Cubase channel strip setup is my favorite of any DAW.

[@colindias4820]

@@garrettbrown1871 I hear you buddy. I've tried recording in luna and I like it. ..for recording and mixing. It's quick . Cubase is a study programme altogether and a learning curve but I love that s it's a workhorse. And just have to get used to it with the trial first.... I love that it's got groove agent and the iconic sketch is something that's missing in reason. . Not that you can't get the sounds in reason in the combinators... .. but it's just out there in cubase as a plugin .. Thanks again for the advise. ..

[@garrettbrown1871]

Correct. Cubase has a steep learning curve. It is so complex .It is the weapon of choice for professional film composers for a reason. Once you get the hang of it though it is extremely powerful.

[@alainjulot3490]

Then $199? When logic is $199. They won’t get my money. It’s so disrespectful to me as a Reason 12 user. No special discount for current reason 12 users. I’m out!!!!

[@matthewstuartnz]

I only realised the update was $199 today.. It's ridiculous. I just uploaded a video comparing what is in the new Ableton Live 12.1 update (which is free) compared to Reason 13 (which is $199). Honestly, emabarrassing for Reason

[@allen394]

I have been a Reason user since R5, they have had a boat load of my hard earned money (I have bought a perpetual license for every update since R5. But I am finished with Reason for good now. The only truly good thing, is how Reason's virtual rack wiring can teach newbies and kids how to wire a hardware rack and mostly only big studios use outboard gear these days. Also AI is destroying the music business and will be coming for DAW'S, probably next week at it's current rate of acceleration. RIP Reason 😢

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea sure is an interesting time to be a musician with AI. Have you listen to Rick Beato talk about it at all?

[@allen394]

@@matthewstuartnz Yes I do watch his channel and Rick makes some very interesting points about AI.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, I'm not sure I agree with every point he's made but I think he's spot on with the overall sentiment.

[@ethannickerson1901]

That shrinking "cursor zone" thing is so annoying.

[@matthewstuartnz]

It feels like such lazy design. LIke it's a great feature to add but please do it in such a way that doesn't limit existing functionality 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Imaninternetuser]

If they're unable to offer anything new or at least something that is worthy of it being a reason to call it a whole new version then they should have just categorised it an update ie v12.8.0 NOT v13! But of course its a about the money and keeping up with cubase 13 and ableton 13 ... they were simply desperate and didn't really have a choice BUT there is no way they can justify the cost for this apparent new version. FAIL. They simply fell behind and needed to release v13 or risk being left behind.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea.. they could just do what FL did and change their naming convention 😂

[@anzatzi]

Reason 13 browser flattens preset list for RE's making them unusable!

[@matthewstuartnz]

I think they fixed this in 13.1.

[@meru_lpz]

I just want Reason Suite back :(

[@matthewstuartnz]

Was that not just additional plugins? Or you mean them do a suite update that has a bunch of the new stuff too?

[@UltimateMoralizer]

In my case, it’s pointless to get the upgrade as I’m still on Mojave haha. Besides, I mostly make AI songs nowadays. Suno AI is taking over.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Do you actually? How do you do that? Like just with a prompt?

[@blutheproducer9888]

Fl just took the biggest ish ever on Reason 13 biz model

[@matthewstuartnz]

Cause of free updates or did they do something I've missed?

[@Dingdongbillybong]

Bitwig ....no more money for reason . Crap company . They will fall

[@matthewstuartnz]

What do you like about Bitwig?

[@Dingdongbillybong]

@@matthewstuartnz multiple midi clock out . The synths are awesome . It's compatable with arturia controllers plus I can use reason as a vst . It's also Linux compatable . I got fed up with reason compatability issues . I'm done defending reason and it's marketing department . I'll keep 12 because I have projects still but I'm moving on to bitwig . Check it out . Cheers

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I'm kind of pissed Reason doesn't have any decent mapping for Native Instrument controllers.. My maschine and S49 are both useless when I try and use them in Reason and I can't be bothered setting them up manually. I've never tried Bitwig myself but have watched a few videos on it. Personally, I don't think it's for me. I'm pretty happy with Ableton. I do enjoy hearing why people choose it though. Linux compatible is a reason I've had a few people decide to use it.

[@alainthiry3965]

really well, great, awesome... not so much

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha yup

[@djshmul1]

I hate this update, its downgrade, browser nots new , we had it before, no more favorite devices and edit window gone, i don't use tool window and never did , there's more windows then it should be , it #Resondows now.Dont care about price , but this sn amature work and we don't have a choice to have an old interfaces with new Reason 13 , so ill stay on 12 or go for ableton or whatever

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea fair enough. The more I think about it, the more I think you could make the argument both ways for whether or not there sequencer/browser updates are actually improvements.

[@thegoodsherman]

2024 and no mpe Support 😤🤦

[@matthewstuartnz]

Don't hold your breath haha. You know how long it took them to add VST3

[@Gilles2010]

All DAWs can pretty much do everything these days … 99.9% of the problems have nothing to do with the DAWs … 🤓 …

[@matthewstuartnz]

I agree.. but also find there are a bunch of things I can do in Ableton that I just can't in Reason. And it definitely affects my workflow and the music I am able to make.

[@AJWISE41]

ThirDEEN!!!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Is it the accent? 😔

[@AJWISE41]

@@matthewstuartnz I just never heard anyone say it like that.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha I don't mean to 😅

[@jatari18]

Love your videos mate and great to see you publish another. Ive been using Reason since,...well, Rebirth lol. I agree with the overall sentiment in here and dind myself using it as a plugin rather than a standalone DAW - these days I frequent Bitwig as my main. Given your excitement over the new delay machine with guitar, I thought I'd share this gem with you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKKsY5KdqbqHsLs

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks! What made you choose Bitwig of Ableton (or any other DAWs)? And thanks for sharing that vid. That Bitwig delay sounds super cool 😍

[@jatari18]

@@matthewstuartnz So I have licenses to Ableton, Bitwig, Cubase and Reason and these days like most others, when I call on reason, it's typically through the Reason Rack Plugin VST. My main reason for adventuring away, is to draw inspiration through other software and their original ideas; what's kept me away, is how powerful some of these other DAWs are. I still love Reason, but like you, I'd find it incredibly difficult to recommend based on what you get for the price point. As for Bitwig, what I love about it above all, is the Modulators and how much flexibility it offers.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea I have Logic as and if I had to stop using Ableton, I'd probably prioritise getting really familiar with that before returning to Reason standalone exclusively.