Continuing the series on Propellerhead Reason, this article explains the programs within Reason that we use to create music. These programs are called "Devices", and they consist of devices that are sound generators (or Instrument devices) and effects (or FX Devices). By combining the use of these devices, we can make a rich arrangement directly in the Reason environment.
These are the types of devices in Reason:
1. Hardware Interface Device. The Hardware Interface is neither a sound generator nor an effects suite, but functions as a virtual soundcard. The Hardware Interface is always located at the top of the Reason Device Rack, and all the stereo outs from the instruments (or the master stereo out from the mixer) go to the stereo in of the Hardware Interface. From the Hardware Interface, the stereo outs are then virtually connected to the stereo outs of our soundcard or audio interface hardware, resulting in the sound that we hear. Sometimes, when we are arranging and the sound doesn't come out, it is best to first suspect the connection between the instruments or mixer with the Hardware Interface.
2. Mixer Devices. The sound generators by themselves are useless when not connected via a mixer device into the hardware interface (unless you plan on only using one instrument device, of which a mixer then becomes unnecessary). There are 2 mixers in Reason: a 14-in-2-out (or 14:2) and a 6-in-2-out (or 6:2). To combine the sounds coming from all the instrument and effects devices that we use in the project, we need to connect them to one of these mixers. The mixers are then connected to the hardware interface. It should be noted that the 6:2 mixer is a line mixer, meaning that it doesn't have EQ-ing on its board.
3. Instrument Devices (or sound generators). These devices include Dr. REX loop player; ReDrum drum machine; NN-19 and NN-XT samplers; and Subtractor, Malstrom and Thor synthesizers. Basically creating sounds in Reason is done in two ways: by generating sounds from waveforms (or synthesis) and by using sampled sounds (or sampling). Usually to create realistic simulations of acoustic sounds, producers tend to use the sampling facilities in Reason; else, the synthesizers are always fun to experiment with to create fresh and unique textures.
4. FX Devices. Sometimes to get the sound we want we need to be creative with effects. Or, when mixing and we want a coherent unified sound then we need proficient use of effects in order to create a good mix. This is where the FX devices come in handy, as Reason supplies the producer with an ample choice of available effects, ranging from the basic reverb and delay, to the more advanced filters and splitters. It is the creative use of FX (and unrestricted routing options in the Reason environment) that can lead a producer to create new and brave sounds.
By using the combination of sound hardware devices and the sound generators and manipulators, a home musician now has the power to create any kind of music his artistic vision aspires to. The only challenge is in learning on how to use it, and getting better at it.
To your musical aspirations,
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