Reason 5

So I've had this software for a while now, sitting on my laptop (mac), and I've tried browsing a bunch of tutorials and I still have trouble trying to start something. Everything looks so goddamn complicated. Is there any other software that I could try to use or is this worth trying again? I've youtubed a bunch of tutorials but can't seem to find any decent ones.

 

Thanks for the help! I want to join in the music making world!!

 

ps: what is a good website for pads/boards/etc, just in case I do get into this and want to purchase some equipment.

lol, Reason is simple and intuitive. Reason is great for noobs unless they have no patience/shouldn't be electronic musicians

 

After typing in pads midi controller and looking at google shopping then look at reviews. Spend good time teaching yourself and gain pride in your personal discoveries

I have the patience totally, I just find it daunting when looking at all the little knobs and buttons with various names of which I have not the slightest idea of what it means lol.

 

Anyways, thanks for the confidence boost! I'll just keep trying to work at it.

  On 2/12/2011 at 5:10 PM, halisray said:

I have the patience totally, I just find it daunting when looking at all the little knobs and buttons with various names of which I have not the slightest idea of what it means lol.

 

Anyways, thanks for the confidence boost! I'll just keep trying to work at it.

then you're running before you can crawl.

 

get a book on the basics of synthesis, specifically start with subtractive synthesis.

 

then start playing around with music making

  On 2/12/2011 at 5:09 PM, Jonas said:

  On 2/12/2011 at 5:00 PM, halisray said:

So I've had this software for a while now, sitting on my laptop (mac), and I've tried browsing a bunch of tutorials and I still have trouble trying to start something. Everything looks so goddamn complicated.

 

maybe, making music on the computer isn't your thing? Look into hardware?

 

Yeah well I want to try to get an overall sense of what I'm doing then delve into the hardware.

I hear you use Renoise, correct? But is that more for breakcore kind of music or anything?

this is a great book for a beginner

 

i suggest you try to find it

The reason manual is great. I would start reading about the 'Subtractor' synthesizer. It will tell you exactly what every knob is and how it works while giving you a decent education in subtractive synthesis. I think Propellerhead really understand that their program attract a lot of people who are new to computer music and synthesizers and have consequently made a very intuitive interface with a great manual that spells everything out in a format that is engaging.

 

If I were you I would focus on the manual and on making a simple sequence in the piano roll with Subtractor. Or even easier, just hook it up to a Matrix sequencer.

hey tards.. why don't you check out my tracks if you think Reason is so 'simple' (i mostly use Reason, some hardware as well). it can be as complex as you want it.. trust me. if you're too feeble to realize that.. well, that's your problem.

Edited February 12, 2011 by mafted

LOL calm down capn insecure mcshameless, calling something simplistic and intuitive (in the context of first learning its basics) is not saying it doesn't have depth and versatility.

I like reason, haven't used it in years but I have fond memories...I might give it another go one day soon...

I know this may sound stupid, but I can make ambient/drone music using Reason? or is it just for like beats/breakcore, that sort of thing? I'd love to make ambient music :D

 

osc: thanks for the book, I'll check it out

WB: thanks, I downloaded the manuals (pretty big lol) and I'll read through them!

Edited February 12, 2011 by halisray

As with most new mothership audio software Reason is very dynamic you could literally make any style of music with the right approach (authentic sounding folk bluegrass, avante garde jazz grunge doom metal, braindance crunk pop, elevator nu metal etc. etc. etc.)

lol thanks Blanket! I've downloaded the manuals, one is 70 pages long and the other is 779 pages long.

i echo reading the manual. i never read manuals. but this one is so well done, it's a must read for anyone who wants to learn about how to make music generally, even if you don't use reason.

 

 

Also, take it one device at a time.

Sounds great. I got these ones: http://www.propellerheads.se/download/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=reason_doc

 

The Reason 5 "Getting Started" and "operations manual"

 

wooo :D

downloading this

http://www.groove3.com/str/reason-5-explained.html

i think using a sequencer/making music reflects iq and intellect

 

SON

GET WET ON THAT PUSSY REASON

IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO MAKE A SOUND FROM YOUR HEART AND SOUL YOU WILL FIND A-WAY

ASK ALL THE OTHER HAPPY TWIDDLERS

its the drive to ear it

Is this any good for the price?

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-pro-audio-recording-equip-Akai-Mpd-16-Midi-controller-W0QQAdIdZ260128282

Umm the MPD16 is quite older model right, I am pretty sure the pads on the MPD18 (which I have) are much higher quality and you can get it for like 10-15 dollars more than the 16.

MPD18, alright thanks!

 

Found one for $90.

Edited February 13, 2011 by halisray

I just remembered you stated you wanted to make ambient. It's good to get used to punching pads and tapping out stuff with one while the other learns how to make drum sounds. Especially when you have no idea what your doing it's really nice to have pads demonstrating what the drums are sounding like as your are tweaking them I realize way after the fact. You can use the MPD18 to play/punch/record and then edit melodies though as well. You can configure the pads to whatever notes you want. There quite a few presets on the 18 that you can select to be in certain scales so it definitely can be used strictly for melodies but you might want to think about whether you want to get pads before or after getting a 100-150 dollar 2-3 octave usb midi keyboard.

I thought when research pads that the more sensitive the better and didn't believe it when people said there is personal preference involved. After sometime with the MPD18 I really like how it's not extremely sensitive like my homies Axiom. The MPD requires you to really get into to it where the Axiom pads are so loose and sensitive that you can miss trigger shit all the time and have to play with such a light touch.

Thanks for all the help.. a keyboard like this?

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-pianos-keyboards-M-AUDIO-KeyRig-49-MIDI-Controller-W0QQAdIdZ260412052

or this

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-pianos-keyboards-Edirol-Midi-Keyboard-Controller-PCR-50-Cakewalk-Cable-W0QQAdIdZ260268135

Edited February 13, 2011 by halisray

Well the good news for you is that playing slower ambient stuff does not require expensive fully weighted keys or anything (you can be content playing slow ambient pads and the shittiest of midi keyboards). Like I was implying it's really nice having pads, keys, knobs and faders to assign to parameters and have a physical object to show you how your affecting the sound. It can make the process of learning electronic production much less about blind trial and error. So yeah in your case you would be fine with a cheap midi controller with less quality keys that also has knobs and faders over a keyboard with no knobs or faders and better keys.

Have I inspired you to compose ambient music, Mr. Ray? :sup: