Reason Sounds or HIgh-end keyboard?

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slobizman

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My son has a ProTools LE setup with Reason Adapted installed. We are buy the full version of Reason 2.5 tomorrow (I know 3.0 is out soon, but this was only $199 at Guitar Center).

He also wants a new keyboard and we are discussing if he really needs a high-end one that has all the full library of various sounds. I figured that with Reason, it's not necessary since a simple keyboard controller, in conjunction with Reason, would make all the sounds he could ever want with what's in Reason and what he can add from third party samples.

I also figured the sound son the computer could even be better, and definitely more expandable.

Am I thinking correctly here. Isn't having Reason redundant with paying for sounds in a high end keyboard?
 
slobizman said:
My son has a ProTools LE setup with Reason Adapted installed. We are buy the full version of Reason 2.5 tomorrow (I know 3.0 is out soon, but this was only $199 at Guitar Center).

He also wants a new keyboard and we are discussing if he really needs a high-end one that has all the full library of various sounds. I figured that with Reason, it's not necessary since a simple keyboard controller, in conjunction with Reason, would make all the sounds he could ever want with what's in Reason and what he can add from third party samples.

I also figured the sound son the computer could even be better, and definitely more expandable.

Am I thinking correctly here. Isn't having Reason redundant with paying for sounds in a high end keyboard?
Click to expand...

My experience has been that Reason sounds like a toy when compared to real synths like an Access Virus or Motif ES.
 
slobizman said:
I also figured the sound son the computer could even be better, and definitely more expandable.

Am I thinking correctly here. Isn't having Reason redundant with paying for sounds in a high end keyboard?
Click to expand...

There is a lot of debate with respect to soft synths vrs hardware synths. TYhere are those of us (myself included) who believe that soft synths aren't quite up to standard with the big boys yet.

FWIW, I use both hardware synths and soft synths.

There are those who would argue with me, and that's fine - what it points out is that your son would have to make that call himself. What I can promise you is that they are not the same, each synth, soft or otherwise, should have its own character (otherwise, why bother?).
 
There are very few soft-synths / soft-samplers, that even come close to hardware synths. GigaStudio is one that comes close, but Reason doesn't even compete (Although Reason is OK if you want dance music type sounds i.e. old Roland beatbox sounds, etc.. But a real synth will do it better).
 
I beg to differ just a "tad bit".............
I think it is all about what you're out to accomplish. With me, Reason was just what I needed.....Very user friendly.........And it is NOT for only DANCE MUSIC. I have created Ballads, Jazz, you name it.....With the ability to tweak the sounds to what ever you want it to sound like is up to you. NOW, depending on your setup it will sound like CRAP unless you adjust things to your desire. You can buy a high end keyboard, and your recording will still sound like crap if you don't know how to use it.
I have a friend who has a Triton and guess what? His recordings are GARBAGE!!! He comes over to bang away with my Reason.........
Now don't think for a second I am comparing Korg Triton or Yamaha Motif to Reason software, I am showing how the user makes every bit of difference. I also find that it is easier for me to compose and record songs with Reason. I would love to use a high end board for Live performances, I never have, but would Love to. My friend jumped in the fire too quick with the Triton. He does primarily hiphop music, and he finds it is much easier for him to complete projects in Reason, then transfer to his other equipment and go from there!
 
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...And when he learns how to record his Triton, he'll realize it does stomp Reason. And I was generalizing on the whole Dance Music thing. Yeah there are other styles that Reason excels (Hip-Hop being one of them). Don't get me wrong, I'm not trashing Reason. I'm a big fan of software. But I'm a bigger fan of hardware, for the purpose of going from stage to studio, with minimal hassle (Especially if you're not running a laptop for live use). I think anyone who is serious about playing keys, should have at least one good mid-to-high-end synth in the collection.
 
Well, said - I gave up on responding to Trumpspade's post because I felt I would be coming across as rude - you stated it better than I could.
 
I actually wrote much more than that, but deleted a bunch in the name of good manners.

Another thing to consider is the quality of the controller. Very few actually have the feel and quality of a higher end board. No Radium 61 for example is going to touch the quality of the Fatar keys on a Triton. Better balance, better velocity, and aftertouch response curves. And most hardware synths have an interface that are designed to interface more flawlessly with it's sound engine (Joysticks, Ribbon Controllers, Knobs and Sliders which you don't have to program). Using controllers seems so generic and uninspiring (I'll warrant that staement because own 3 controller keyboards myself).

Trumpspade was right in saying it's easier to compose in Reason. Sequencing is so much easier on a PC. I sequence on the PC too. But I have my hardware setup to recieve MIDI from my PC. Best of both worlds.
 
I would suggest reason and a cheaper midi controller to start out with. Reason sounds great compared to most software in that price range (i'm not going to get into the hardware/software arguement on this one). That should do just fine for most. If you do decide to go out and buy some high end synth, a $100 midi controller won't set you back much more. Plus for just using reason, it would be easier to have both anyway. I use reason with an m-audio keystation 49 and I'm happy with what i got. Obviously i'd like a nice synth too but on my budget that isn't going to happen soon.
 
talontsiawd said:
I would suggest reason and a cheaper midi controller to start out with. Reason sounds great compared to most software in that price range (i'm not going to get into the hardware/software arguement on this one). That should do just fine for most. If you do decide to go out and buy some high end synth, a $100 midi controller won't set you back much more. Plus for just using reason, it would be easier to have both anyway. I use reason with an m-audio keystation 49 and I'm happy with what i got. Obviously i'd like a nice synth too but on my budget that isn't going to happen soon.
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This advice and what Trumpspade says assumes you have a decent computer with a good soundcard to begin with.

If your computer is not up to spec, you could end up spending just as much money as what a Motif Classic would cost.

How is that cheaper?
 
I vote for the hardware synth, but a good one. Your son will get a lot more use out of it than the soft synth and likely find it a lot less frstrating to use. It will also probably be more likely inspire him to keep on with his music. Since you already have the small Reason that comes with PT, and are buying Reason 2.5, you have the soft synth angle covered for very cheap. Now he needs a good hardware synth (not a controller) and he'll be in good shape.
 
brzilian said:
This advice and what Trumpspade says assumes you have a decent computer with a good soundcard to begin with.

If your computer is not up to spec, you could end up spending just as much money as what a Motif Classic would cost.

How is that cheaper?
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I assume he has a decent setup because he is already running the adapted version of reason with no trouble.

No with going with a synth verses controller, obviously a synth would be better. It will be conciderable more expensive. If money isn't a big issue, obviously go for the synth. You can run it as a controller in reason and on it's own. Obviously better. If it is only going to be used as a controller, i don't see the point though. Depends on the sons wants, needs, skill, etc.
 
A controller is good to have either way. But there are plenty of good synths to be had in the $500 range. Used N-Series Korgs, Used XP-Series Rolands, Yamaha S03, New Alesis QS 6.2, New EMU 61 key Synths. All decent. Not top-of-the-line, but a good balance of price-to-performance for someone just starting out. And any of these could function as a controller, and add plenty of good sounds for use in conjunction with Reason.
 
I am in no way comparing Reason to a Hardware synth.....It all boils down to the user and what he's out to accomplish. Atterion that was indeed very well put and I agree with you. Fraser I am not easily offended, this forum is mostly opinions anyway so I welcome open dialogue.
But don't think I am comparing the two, but I have heard compositions in Reason that will blow your mind! Brzilian You're correct too, having a pc that is prepared to handle the many functions of aprogram like Reason is key.
 
People tend to lean toward what is "known", but you'll be suprised by the many products out there that just haven't got the publicity yet....
Technology is a Trip!!!! It's amazing what some of these different plugins are capable of doing.................
 
Trumpspade said:
People tend to lean toward what is "known", but you'll be suprised by the many products out there that just haven't got the publicity yet....
Technology is a Trip!!!! It's amazing what some of these different plugins are capable of doing.................
Click to expand...

That may be so, but I certainly would not trust the OS behind the app, drivers, etc... - especially in a live situation.
 
Atterion said:
A controller is good to have either way. But there are plenty of good synths to be had in the $500 range. Used N-Series Korgs, Used XP-Series Rolands, Yamaha S03, New Alesis QS 6.2, New EMU 61 key Synths. All decent. Not top-of-the-line, but a good balance of price-to-performance for someone just starting out. And any of these could function as a controller, and add plenty of good sounds for use in conjunction with Reason.
Click to expand...

did´nt recognize emu´s new synths. Is there a link ?

PS:

as an masterkeyboard you could buy an CME -> www.cme-pro.com
 
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