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Propellerheads Reason 2.0
Reason is a software program for both Windows and Mac platforms that emulates a rack of electronic
synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, FX’s and sequencers. Though only released in November 2000, Reason
has already received many prestigious industry awards and established itself as the most exciting music
software product of the decade.
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Malström Graintable Synthesizer
A new invention from Propellerheads that combines granular synthesis with wavetable synthesis. Graintables
are extremely flexible and expressive sound sources, which allow for comprehensive manipulation. This
includes being able to move through a sound by controlling the movement with real-time controllers,
velocity, modulators and finding exciting new possibilities by controlling the spectral harmonics of the
Graintable.
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To that comes the filter and crunch sections. Malström’s two filters both have 5 different modes including
12dB/oct low pass, band-pass, subtractive and additive comb-filters and an AM mode. A shared filter envelope
is also included which can control either or both of the filter sections at the same time.
As an integrate part of the second filter, the Shaper adds another dimension to Malström. It basically
shapes the input signal with either a sine wave, noise or can transform the sound using saturation, digital
distortion or bit-reduction. Furthermore the oscillators can be routed in many different ways to the two
filter sections providing a vast amount of sound manipulation options.
Malström also feature 2 modulators/LFO’s with a wide variety of curves available. Used in One-shot mode
these can be used to generate interesting attacks or envelopes and can also be used as tempo sync’ed LFO’s.
As you would expect from a Reason device, the most dynamic sound generating parameters can be controlled
using CV and Gate controls from the Matrix sequencer or other Reason devices. Malström even provides
audio inserts between oscillators and filters with the added benefit of being able to use both filters
as stand-alone devices. Malström’s truly unique and interesting sound is destined to make it a favorite
among Reason users.
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NN-XT Advanced Sampler
A new powerhouse sampler, the NN-XT is packed with useful features to build stunningly realistic
instrument patches. Where the existing NN-19 is a ”fast-track” sampler, the new NN-XT is for more
demanding sampling tasks. Powerful features include automatic pitch detection and mapping of samples,
graphical zone editing, loop editing, layering plus zone velocity switching, and crossfading.
Each selected zone (or zones, if multiple are selected) can furthermore be programmed individually using
the extensive synthesis facilities. These include filter with 6 different modes, 2 LFO’s, 2 envelopes,
micro tuning capabilities and routing to any of the 16 audio outputs.
The alternate function is another unique NN-XT feature. By randomly alternating between zones whenever the
same key is played repeatedly, the NN-XT makes sure the same sample is never triggered twice in a row.
The result is added realism.
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For all its power, the NN-XT is as intuitive and easy to use as any of the other Reason devices.
The graphical editing display can even be folded in or out depending on whether advanced editing
is required. Macro controls located on the front panel make editing of the most commonly used parameters
a breeze and keeps patch adjustment simple. The NN-XT also loads SoundFont 2 patches and samples providing
access to a huge existing library.
In Reason 2.0, the main sequencer breaks free from the rack and can expand fully across the screen or be
resized and moved, even to a second monitor. New tools also make this already flexible sequencer, even more
flexible. These include Zoom, Line and Eraser tools making day to day work straight forward in an
uncluttered environment.
And it's not just Malström and the NN-XT that feature tempo-syncable LFO’s. All existing devices in Reason
now also have this feature locking LFO’s tightly to the sequencer.
The Orkester NN-XT Sound Library
Reason 2.0 of course also comes with plenty of patch and library material for the two new instrument
devices. And if that isn’t enough an extensive orchestral ReFIll, created exclusively for the NN-XT, is
also included. Recorded in Stockholm, these sample patches feature live, classically trained musicians
and the samples are designed to blend in with the sounds from Reason’s other devices. The Orkester NN-XT
Sound Library spans from single woodwinds to complete string sections, and covers all essential playing
styles.
More information
For more information on Reason 2 visit http://www.propellerheads.se/.
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