Reason 13 Review | New Features : Game Changers or Time Wasters?

[@fadatiko]

I'm not going to lie. These Reason guys frustrate me. The only feature that I have asked for since reason 9 or 10 is the midi out feature so I can use creative plugins you mentioned. I can't believe it was not included in the release. It is ridiculous. It almost feels like they try and pacify us with another synth we don't need every major release. Annoying!

[@KickbackCouture]

Haha they’re definitely catering to the synth heads then. The rack is building out nicely. Adding DAW functionality doesn’t seem to be a focus even though it’s been rearranged.

[@aikighost]

Yeah this is especially annoying when you consider they don’t give you the new and interesting synths like Objekt in the reason updates and hide them behind the reason+ subscription paywall.

[@juicerox]

The upgrade for me has been really really good. The changes to the sequencer and browser seem small at first but after using these features for a month my workflow is smoother than its ever been in Reason. Besides the new features I feel like at this point Reason is as stable and rock solid as its ever been. So far 13 has been one of my favorite updates in a long while.

[@PTguitars]

You are such a pro, young lady. Very comprehensive walkthrough and clear description. I love you are being real about we are using Reason for different things, and that some of us integrate into other DAWS as well. Well done and I will do the upgrade based on your walkthrough. Cheers

[@NothingLeftToDoButWin]

One thing I will say is that the new “F9” browser should at-least be able to drag to a 2nd screen. It’s huge and in the way of the instruments. I would love an option to revert to the classic browser. Kind of getting use to it now tho lol. Yielding. Respectfully.

[@sdotlaw75]

Everything they upgraded was useful but should have been free update. To come out with a new version with these small upgrades was not a flex for reason. Development should focus on some sort of hardware device that compliments the software. That would change the game and put them in an arena to compete again. I have mpc and maschine and they are both easier and more fun to work with . Imagine pulling up reason synths mixer and devices on a dedicated device 😮.

[@NothingLeftToDoButWin]

Looking forward to hearing this video. I’m returning after a 10 year hiatus, halting at Reason 5. Been back at it since February, just in time for reason 13!

[@KickbackCouture]

That’s a good amount of time to wait for an update. Great choice and good timing.

[@terenitup6916]

I absolutely hate the new changes to the layout, specifically that the browser is now a separate window no longer included in the device panel and I also absolutely hate the "Edit Area" being open at the same time as the sequencer, these changes do not align with how I have used the program for ages.

[@brickbreezy]

I moved on i hate to say it but i feel the developers are just out of touch with what modern music creators need, and want…the days of being excited about flipping and using a virtual rack are long gone… i have grown to work on larger projects and more professional projects that are more demanding and have deadlines and Reason just can’t keep up with my workflow sadly the lack of key commands macros and modern audio editing. Features is annoying just too many steps to do simple modern task.

[@dustyohms2645]

Ditto this sadly.

[@kjwworldwide]

Great review. I have not moved on as i'm too into the analog emulation. This upgrade is redundant for me though as i purchased the plugin alliance entire bundle and i don't need any new devices.

[@davidmorgan4147]

For 13.1 give us midi note chase AND ... ta-DAH --- Rebirth as an instrument. Oh. Rebirth. What fun.

[@KickbackCouture]

The Rebirth Revival!! 👏🏾

[@sparkzmentalz2]

From what I'm seeing R13 upgrade is not worth it. The floating browser and new tools look cool but there's no major change worth upgrading for. I'll stick with R12 for now. Still no midi outputs for VST3s or compatibility with Izotope RX. The stock Scale and Chords player is cool but the midi sequencer needs some serious updating so ghost notes or importing scales can be easy like I see in other DAWs.

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

Ive never used Reason exclusively tbh, I ve always used other Daws. Ive created many tracks in Reason over the years...going back to when I used to run Reason into Logic 9 via rewire. Right now besides Reason 12 Im using ProTools, Logic Pro 11, Ableton Live Suite and Mpc desktop software plus an MPC Live 2, not too mention Daws on my Ipad. Honestly I feel like $199 is asking too much for what we're getting. Can I afford it? of course...but is it worth it? Not in my opinion...as far as the new synth goes...I already have enough 3rd party synth plugins that sound just as good if not better to me. I don't see myself reaching for it at lot. If I'm being honest..Reason is far from being my main or go to Daw. I jump in it from time to time but out of the others daws I mention I use Reason the least. I probably wont upgrade..maybe when Reason 14 comes out it'll have something for me to get excited about.

[@JerMarMusicGroup]

Nice video explanation. I’ve been using Reason since ‘03. They came a long way from there. I would love to see them focus more on their mixer and audio editing. We all see it’s a “SSL” style eq. Let’s add a bit analog saturation or warmth in the mixer. I like Audiomatic but another tape reel option is needed with Reason. I would definitely pay for an upgrade if they focused on the sonics of the DAW. It’s not bad now, but we are at version 13! We need to get there. I want to do one stop shop but I guess I have to go to another DAW to do more in-depth audio editing.

[@KickbackCouture]

Adding to the mixer would be amazing. If they read this comment, maybe they can introduce the ability to swap mixer emulations. They could add more modern versions as well. That way we could control sonicality. Effects chains are extremely popular.

[@JerMarMusicGroup]

@@KickbackCouture Especially affect chains from well known producers that use Reason. Imagine choosing settings by Ian Kilpatrick, Skrillex, Dr. Dre, DJ Mustard, deadmau5, etc., for startup mix templates. I do hope they see this comment. I really feel if they focus more on the sonics, mixing and mastering. The other DAWs will probably get jealous. Lol! We all know that Reason is doing numbers with these synths! They have that in the bag. Now let’s take that same focus of the character and sonics of the synths to the mixer. Let’s get some dope preamps going at the gain. API, NEVE, and SSL SuperAnalog-like styled preamps. Color is definitely needed.

[@creame.mp4]

They should improve mixing vocals, especially alligning. I still must use ReVoice or Melodyne, this sucks :/. Anyway, great video as always.

[@KickbackCouture]

More vocal editing features would be nice!

[@309fliteschool]

Im still a fan of Reason. It seems like from DAW to DAW I get a subtle style change in my production. As for Reason and Studio 1 my style is more hip hop/pop while the MPC and its software brings a totally different bounce for me. 🤷🏾‍♂️ But dope vid as usual J. 💯

[@KickbackCouture]

Thanks for watching! What do you think of the MPC software? I’m trying it out this week.

[@BaddBadger]

The MPC software is like a hidden gem that not enough people know about. I should use that more than i do.

[@d.o.nmuzic3802]

The new browser , sidechain tool and clip edit window with features is what I needed. I came back to Reason. All ten toes down in it now 💯

[@razorfineart]

Sticking with reason

[@noisesbyjames]

This was a great video. We don't have endless money to spend on software so sometimes it's a tough choice. However, I'll upgrade at some point as I've been using Reason for so long. I don't even use VSTs, just REs. Reason Studios have always been slow and steady, it's just the way it is. Two things I really appreciate: backwards compatibility & stability. I also like the RE ecosystem. If you buy it, you can use it forever. The fact that all REs were converted to Apple Silicon without the original developer's intervention is really cool. I feel I can really get behind a company that works so hard to protect its customers investments in software.

[@bishopdanny2]

I have been looking for you since 13 dropped. You one of my favorite teachers

[@atlantaguitar9689]

Thanks for the breakdown. That said I'm not feelin' it for the $199 upgrade which is the cost of Logic Pro X (that has so many cool add ins thrown in). Some of the version 13 changes should have been made long ago. Doesn't mean I'll stop using Reason (Dr Rex is my fave device) but not gonna upgrade unless the upcoming holiday discount is attractive.

[@dornellcarr7611]

Great video. I like the R13 update I do understand a few of the complaints however I can do what I need to do all in Reason and Im happy with the results

[@KickbackCouture]

I understand your perspective! I use for a lot of different scenarios. I don’t think I’d drop it for good. It’ll always be in my toolbox. It’s great software.

[@hakeemadam955]

Started following you when Reason 12 dropped. Stopped using reason after about a year. Despite the great instruments like Friction and Object, the whole subscription business is not worth it for me.

[@KickbackCouture]

Thanks for the support! What software are you using now? Is the subscription the only Reason you stopped?

[@hakeemadam955]

@@KickbackCouture I used Ableton as a daw but UVI Falcon has replaced Reason for me. If I could have could just buy Objekt or Friction, I would be very happy.

[@minihilly]

Same for me, I switched to Cubase as it cost me LESS to migrate to Cubase 13 Pro as a brand new user, than it would cost to upgrade to Reason 13. Reason's pricing model is awful, especially when Reason 13 is this disappointing (imo)

[@PaulCylo]

Yep. Same here switched to cubase 13 👍

[@ceed3d396]

@@minihilly Cubase 13 Pro is definitely on MY radar.

[@GaioBardelle]

I think it’s good, many asked to focus on workflow and they listened and delivered a new solution. At this stage 12 keeps working out for me so not in a hurry to upgrade.

[@KickbackCouture]

Understood! We’ll see what 14 has in store in a few years.

[@7vensoundz851]

Ill be honest, you were my first youtuber when it came to understanding how to use Reason. I know you wait a bit before giving your review on Reason to let everything sink in, but i was surprised you reviewed it this time lol. I just started back up in studio one and their fans are mad at them too. Ill upgrade when the holiday sale matches the price. Salute.

[@KickbackCouture]

It’s impossible to make everyone happy. I wasnt going to cover this originally, but I got a lot of comments on older and irrelevant videos asking about Reason. It’ll be a very difficult pivot for me. Thank you for all of your support over the years.

[@7vensoundz851]

@@KickbackCouture Absolutely.

[@RomeAround]

I like it! I upgraded when it came out. The browser is what I needed. Made things faster for me.

[@KickbackCouture]

That’s good to hear!

[@seńor_t007]

I enjoy Reason and would hate to leave but I can’t help to wonder if I’d be more satisfied with an alternative.

[@KickbackCouture]

Reason is amazing software for music production. I’d only suggest something else if you were looking for something it doesn’t have.

[@BaddBadger]

No harm in experimenting. There's plenty of good alternatives these days. And IMO most of them have a better pricing model.

[@peeb_rewer]

I was looking forward to Reason 13. Recent upgrades have been disappointing, but this looked promising. At my age I don't want to waste any more time being distracted by shiny stuff. The idea of the browser upgrade is excellent but I have found that the search doesn't work too well. It's OK, but now frustrating in a different way. I love the Polytone though! Good rich sounds straight off. And Ripley takes the work out of achieving good quality delay/reverb. The downside I now have a rack accumulating legacy devices that I no longer use. It'd be a nice idea to be able to create a folder to put these in. Maybe they could call it the loft!

[@MaxPowersOfficial]

Now using Ableton, but still using the rack plugin. The only thing I miss from Reason is the mixer and quality.

[@BK-iw1zm]

Same here. I will just continue using Reason 12 as a plugin with Ableton for now. I can adjust the rack size nice and big to fill up a vertical monitor without the rest of the DAW looking like Godzilla size on the other screens!

[@7vensoundz851]

Im still trying to master operating the Mixer to make sure I get a loud solid sound after export. Its been challenging.

[@KickbackCouture]

In Live, I like using the glue compressor on the master bus. Turn on soft clipping and boost the makeup gain until it’s a good volume. Same process for Reason but with the MClass maximizer.

[@KickbackCouture]

I love Ableton Live!

[@user-uu2xy3se6c]

Hey. I just fall in love with Reason. I’m an FL studio user but I did start on Reason 4

[@KickbackCouture]

Reason 4 was monumental at the time! I love Reason too! FL Studio is amazing as well. I can't wait to master FL like I mastered Reason.

[@leggocrewtv2052]

literally went to MPC beats last week.. subscriptions killed it for me plus midi gear issues everytime

[@KickbackCouture]

Yooo! That’s dope! I just requested to try it out with the MPC controller. What do you think so far?

[@leggocrewtv2052]

@@KickbackCouture its tight! I borrowed a mpc 2000 yeaaars ago. Vsts can be loaded and the base tool is straight forward, already making mixes and tweaking that first loop. Run and gun and great for ideas!! Came with my mpd controller too. Set and ready!

[@bishopdanny2]

Im already use to it and truly it helps you flow faster

[@ded_ryder]

To answer your question; I decided to upgrade to 13 because of your helpful videos and the 40% off sale. So, I have yet to move on. I'm looking forward to learning more about Reason 13 through your videos. Cheers!

[@KickbackCouture]

I'm glad you caught it on sale! Let me know if you need help with anything.

[@ded_ryder]

@@KickbackCoutureI'd love to see you tackle making a UK Ragga Jungle track, or a soulful Liquid D&B song. I think the latter would be a smooth transition for you and a way to flex that gigantic brain you have. Cheers!

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

FL Studio 24 just trounced Reason 13 … Along with FL Cloud … Still got love for reason though but I can’t use everything..

[@KickbackCouture]

Ableton 12 did as well. Updates from other software companies usually tower in comparison.

[@avace917]

Ironically with all the hype behind the tags in the new browser, I still do it the old way. Open the browser, then Reason Library on the left, then it will lead me to either the factory sound banks or the same Rack Extensions folder we had before. It's maybe one or 2 extra clips but it works way better than the new browser. I'm subscribing now, so I don't really feel like it's a waste with all the extra devices I have. Polytone is pretty nice too. 13 definitely wasn't the game changing upgrade that everyone keeps waiting for. $199 is definitely a bit much

[@KickbackCouture]

Understandable. Browser efficiency should be free upgrade.

[@avace917]

@@KickbackCouture when I got 13 up and running, I tried Polytone immediately and went to browsing for pads. Pads isn't even a category in the new browser. I clicked strings and there was only one patch listed. Not only is the new browser not worth the upgrade, it's not even worth a free update. I haven't even tried the other devices yet.

[@fredrikw1447]

Reason for me=an occational go to

[@Wardog01Actual]

I have a question regarding time-stretch: I always thought Reason had a very good algorithm for this task. But what do YOU (or anyone reading this) recommend as the superior time-stretching program (or programs)? TYIA and happy music-making.

[@Annaklar]

Awesome Video! Thank you ❤

[@burt2599]

Yeah it's annoying pressing tab and distracting massively.. so front and back at the same time as an option be cool, even just a detachable window and have optional scroll lock to scroll together or not! A window, in a watt?

[@Adelasmart]

I brought 11 and... Tell um bring back 5.0 with a Mac update and, im in. ❤

[@KickbackCouture]

5.0 had a lot of potential to go a lot of places

[@Adelasmart]

@@KickbackCouture Yes. The one that got away. 😔🤷🏿‍♂️

[@soundsfromYYBY]

Every daw has pros and cons..and people complain about each on of them

[@sinewavedream]

Reason 13 just came out with a 40% discount....Even though it's a great discount I'm still not sure if it's really worth the upgrade still? I really don't need polytone

[@callmenepo]

I use rack like plugin inside reaper ❤

[@KickbackCouture]

The rack is definitely a great option.

[@duartecancela]

Me too. I emulate the SSL Reason channel in Reaper track I also use the mastering section in Reaper master track. Reason instruments sounds good they have some magic...

[@callmenepo]

@duartecancela that's crazy instruments. But I don't find refil or extensions for trap or hiphop genre

[@Nothingspeshalwaysfresh]

I was about to upgrade but that 50 dollar coupon off 200 for Native Instruments summer sale took that .. 150 for Komplete is too good to pass up. Played with the beta.. wasn't that impressed

[@KickbackCouture]

I don’t blame you. Native Instrument products are extremely enticing and always 200% usable.

[@Wilkins77]

100% agree with your thoughts. There's a complete lack of support for classic devices, but they keep re-introducing new functionality with an upgrade price. It comes off as lazy and dishonest on Reason Studios part. I really like Ridley though.

[@KickbackCouture]

It fills a bit empty as a fill upgrade, hopefully we can push for some free point updates that make it worthwhile.

[@LifeIsRythm]

Thank you very much. I moved on. Don't hear anything to make me move back. More candy from the pimp! They don't seem to go all the way! The rack was their best idea! Stile can't use vst multi's! The internet verification on all but one setup! I got in my way. The plug ins are the way for me. Bitwig, live and komplete blow it away. They free me from reason and Mac. Which can takes all your work away, when it crashes! Thank you Dear!

[@johnisrael5183]

If reasons would : make the Sequencer Part of its Production more Open and Faster is mind Boggling Add a Hover and Zoom Feature to the Mixer so you can see more of whats going on Update the Mixer to a Black SSL 4000 E And Add Drag and Drop for your Plugins right in the DAW instead of having to place them in Racks Add the Tool Bar to right side of your Procuction Screen like Cubase 12 and 13 And update all of the native Plugins in Reasons Add Multi Track Exporting as an Option and being able to send out a Mp3 and Wave at the same time I think these 7 or 8 Changes would pretty much make Reasons the DAW out there But they are way to busy trying to make the Program "Look like its been overhauled" instead of actually doing it You guys might have to loose some money for 2 years to then start making money to stop the business from running itself in the Ground and everyone leaving your guys for Ableton, FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase and Studio One....LOL

[@KickbackCouture]

Add stem exporting with bus effects applied 😮‍💨

[@PrimaudiaRecord]

For me the answer was simple, Reason 12 is missing many things I would like, but it has what I need, far more so than any other daw. I can practically use it blindfold, I dont have to think about how to do something, it's simply innate at this stage. That workflow is absolute Queen and no amount of tech innovation in other daws will make me depart from it. Sadly that includes Reason 13 as well.

[@KickbackCouture]

I’m glad to hear you’re happy with it. I have a really nice workflow in it as well. Actually, second to none. I do require more functionality, so I have to use other DAWs. If I didn’t need to, I wouldn’t.

[@Vinylistin]

Reason 4 was the best for the workflow and rewire modus was great. Sadly Reason do everything too complicated

[@KickbackCouture]

I know a lot of people who miss rewire!

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Hey now : can you help me with this? In REASON 11 in a side toolbar and in the pitch tab it clearly states transpose in semitones: but instead it's jumping whole octaves is this a bug? Thank you and Cheers 🥂🥂

[@KickbackCouture]

@@EBMZEQUENZER sorry for the late reply! It could be if the command and result don't match. I haven't tried that method myself. I use the key command.

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

@@KickbackCouture It's ok now but, it nearly drove me insane because Semitones would transpose in octaves .. but this is solved now : all good

[@KickbackCouture]

@EBMZEQUENZER good!

[@burt2599]

Dadadada so , here goes. Front and back panel view. At the same time OMG flipping workflow.. r what about splitting the cv to contoll 2 synths.. oops 2002 haha

[@jsmacks11]

Reason's updates always tend to feel small compared to other DAWs. Browser is a nice new feature but it feels like baby steps. Compared to Ableton which have bigger minor releases than Reason's major releases. It feels like they cant keep up with updates fast enough.

[@mrmaison4924]

I'm still on Reason 11 suite. I got R12 but immediately got a refund because it felt redundant to me for what I was doing. I want to get 13 especially for the effects but the upgrade price is too high. I still love Reason for it's unique fun character from other DAWs and glad I can also bring it into Cubase. RRP was one of the best things they did.

[@KickbackCouture]

I have a feeling Reason 14 will get a record amount of upgrades. If they play it right.

[@maveric_Reason]

Great video. Cheers 🙂

[@leftovercode]

Great vid. I love reason. But. Not to have the midi features is long long overdue. And i wont be paying for the upgrade when if they introduce it. I love love the rack. The browser should have been an addition, not a replacement imho. The biggest frictions for me are the overpricing charging so much all the time., forcing of the + model to get the "full" rack. Midi is a huge one for me. I open a reason sesh, but then switch to bitwig because of frustration in reasons editing, midi etc. Cpu for 3rd party is terrible, Again bitwig is superb. In short. Do I need Reason, no. Do I still love the rack, more than ever, will I continue to upgrade from thirteen upwards, probably not tbh. Im gutted how its being treated to be honest. This thing still has so much promise. Sorry for the novel. But Reason I kinda love. Bought Reason 3, hopped on again from 10 onwards lol. 😎 overall. They need to, for me at least. Make a decision as to what it is, but for me it hasnt been my DAW for a couple of years. Right now its expensive ideation tool. I hope that there feeling the pulse of the of the users cuz I dont think they do lol.

[@ChristopherJenkins73]

I think reason has failed us as a DAW. I think they should really focus on turning reason into a dedicated vst rack to use in other more advanced DAWS. I'd have loved to seen mimick more like serato sample + stems... a step sequencer, more like FL , update the racks that have been the SAME since 1.0 A 16-channel mixer, a more advanced kong since I'm dreaming....

[@BLINDIAN1995]

I think that focusing on the rack vst was their plan when the monthly subscriptions started. Even the new browser is only catered to reason sounds/patches. I believe the CEO also said they wanted to follow the model of companies like Netflix. Well see in a few years, but they're definitely making the rack vst a focal point of the company.

[@KickbackCouture]

Focus on enhancing current rack devices could serve them well. Maybe the DAW will be offered free someday and the rack plugin will be the main thing. Considering Record, Recycle, and their mobile apps were phased out, there’s no telling what they decide next.

[@jarueparr]

Major let down once again.... SIGH!

[@ucheattoh]

moved on. There has to be somebody or a bunch of people at reason holding this daw back. its pointless raising points on what should be basic features but missing in reason. even as a plugin, the annoying pop up loading window when you open reason as a plugin for the first time is very unnecessary...anyway....great video

[@BaddBadger]

Yeah, it feels to me like maybe one department isn't communicating with another very well. Like, they are given their orders, and each department gets on with their own stuff, with no care about the other factors, if that makes sense. Just a feeling though, i don't really have anything to back that up.

[@micromando4669]

I think Ludwig is one of the problems

[@timfuredi1000]

Nice sweater and watch 🔥🔥

[@KickbackCouture]

Thanks!

[@greymuzik]

Reason 13 browser is the worst. Literally slowed down my workflow so bad.

[@KickbackCouture]

That's why everybody is downgrading

[@sinewavedream]

@@KickbackCouturegood to know. I'm still on the fence whether to upgrade

[@callmenepo]

Don't different this v13

[@jobloggs6267]

MPE!! they keep avoiding it!

[@KickbackCouture]

Yes they do

[@S7V7N_SEAS]

After Reason 11 became a vst I moved to Ableton. Propellerheads is out of touch and way behind the power curve. I wish they got it together but using a Push 2 is way more fun for a sample based producer. Thanks for sharing

[@KickbackCouture]

I love the Push 2! It’s an extremely seamless process using the Push with Live. A lot of midi controllers are compatible with it. I even tried a Roland Fantom 6 and it had Live support. I absolutely love Reason as a VST, it’s really versatile.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Nawww.... I've been ok since Reason 11. The no MIDI out is a MAJOR problem for me.

[@CXtheproducer1]

The need Vst midi effect intregration ASAP

[@KickbackCouture]

Agreed! It’s stopped me from using Reason numerous times. Not just as a producer, but as a content creator. It doesn’t help if I can’t use popular plugins in it. That reason alone forced me into using other software.

[@PaulCylo]

Reason as a plugin is fantastic. Reason as a daw ... pricey and underwhelming. If the price of reason was half then I'd happily buy it. I don't like subscriptions tbh and the sound packs are ok but i started with reason to be able to craft my own sounds so I'm not interested in sound packs. Just my opinion. Great video 👍

[@kurtnelle]

I'm a fanboy for life so I'll always be upgrading.

[@jeanlg13]

People are ALWAYS COMPLAINING about no matter updates / upgrades Reason has come up with. For me THEY'RE. AMONG THE BEST DAWs on the market but you're so much focusing on some pointless details from other Daws, then it becomes almost impossible for you to notice that reason is AMONG THE BESTS

[@burt2599]

It's just the beginning.. dada dada

[@song23ministries]

Note chase...please Reason...add this in 13

[@robbarnett684]

Polytone morph is not like DJ cross fade, it morphs the settings of layer A to those of Layer B

[@309fliteschool]

🍅=Tomato

[@SameFaceProductions]

Cool video, I’ve watched a lot of yours and value your opinion. I’ve been using Reason for a long time and have made some bangers, but I’ve been eyeing up this other chick and I found myself cheating on Reason 😂

[@KickbackCouture]

Let's be honest, though. It's an open relationship. They do what they want and we do what we want. 😂

[@GRACFUL1]

FL GANG, 4 Life

[@KickbackCouture]

💯

[@MarcosCouncil]

Sad to say Reason is falling behind.

[@mogrizzly49311]

Reason Gang for Life…