I just got Reason... and it's the most complicated program I have ever seen or used. Despite it's complexity, I muddled through and made this:

[url=http://members.cox.net/vinmusic/Reasonable One.mp3]Reasonable One[/url]

It's not much, because I was mostly just trying to figure out how to use the software, but I think I'll expand it some... Nik said it reminded him of Doom.

As I was saying earlier, Reason is soo much more complicated that Fruityloops, but also a bajillion times more powerful. Maybe I'll just use it for its drum kits.

Reason mostly just looks so complicated because every time you load it up, it opens all settings windows for every instrument, so the first thing you see is a million knobs and sliders and you're not too sure what they all do. But if you opened a song in fruity, then opened up every window for every VST in there, it would seem equally as complicated.

Definitely Doom-like menu music. I like it.

I've got to figure out how to interface Reason with Sonar. I'm working on a techno version of the James Bond Theme, but I need some good electronic drums, and I don't feel like resequencing them in FL, since they're done in MIDI already.

How much have you actually used it though? There's more than just those knobbies... the arranger is a lot more confusing (though not really better) than fruity's. You can also turn the "rack" around and change all the connections around.

Front:


Back:


All those little connecters do stuff.

The first time I opened this, I added in the Redrum Drum Generator, and for some reason it didn't connect it, so I was very confused until I flipped the rack over and saw those connectors... and then I just got more confused.

You can import MIDI with FruityLoops.

Yeah but can I send MIDI tracks in FL through a synth or VST?

I don't use FL very much.

Yes you can. I've never done it though. But I know you can.

I've been trying to since earlier, and the Fruity DrumSynth Live doesn't seem to be GM compatible, the wrong sounds are being played.

/hijack

If I remember correctly, drumsynth allows you to change which instrument plays on which note, so you can adapt it.

Yeah, but that's a pain in the ***. :p

I really hope you didn't pay for reason, it's great to learn on but it's very limiting in the long run.

Basically, the sound engine is cheap. Very difficult to get a decent sound out of it.
Secondly, the lack of VST support is the most horrible thing ever. You're stuck with it's instruments and crappy EQ stuff.
Thirdly, it uses a proprietary sample system. Refills are way over priced IMO
Fourth, while the interface is much more intuitive than any other program out there....I just find it clunky to navigate.
Fifth, in order to get it sounding good and make it even decently functional you must REwire it into a program like cubase or FL and whatnot. What's the point, then? Then you have to pay for 2 programs, and you still mainly use the others interface.

Reason is like the degenerative parasite of music composing programs.


ALL THAT BEING SAID, it's great for beginners. Even though I consider it a crutch that will weaken your abilities in the long run, if you don't plan on taking it all that seriously then it's probably a good choice for you.

I've used it quite a bit, but can't remember much anymore since I was using 2.0 long before they realeased the updates. BUT I can help with general principles and stuff, basically anything that isn't a reason-restricted-question

Yes, for a reason.

Oh snap.