Session 1: A great way to learn how to use software is by analyzing how experts use it. This is particularly true for Reason. Propellerheads include a selection of demonstration documents with Reason that illustrate the capabilities of the instrument suite. Each document is produced by an artist who has learned how to exploit the features of Reason to produce a distinct result.
Reason Demo Analysis Exercise
Choose a Reason demo song and try to understand how the artist achieved the results. Look carefully at how the instruments are connected and processed. Examine the sequencer window to see how automation was applied. Switch to edit mode (command+E) to look at the data up close. Try adding your own data to a control that has not been automated. Be prepared to discuss what you have learned from your analysis.
1. Pick one of the included demo songs for your analysis
2. Look at specific instruments and how they’re programmed and connected
3. Examine the processing applied to the song
4. Analyze the automation with the sequencer and edit mode
5. Manipulate automation, processing, and instrument programming for audible results
6. Add automation to an un-automated control for audible results
7. Be prepared to discuss what you learned by session 1 of week 4
Session 2: Reason one of thousands of applications perform MIDI sequencing. It is important to understand how to use other sequencers. This includes setting up, recording, and editing MIDI in Pro Tools. The next projects is designed for learning how to use Reason, or other virtual instruments as a sound source and Pro Tools as a MIDI sequencer.
Pro Tools MIDI Sequencer Project
Use Pro Tools to compose a multitrack project using the built in MIDI sequencer. MIDI tracks can be created in Pro Tools along side audio tracks, but for this project we will focus on layering MIDI tracks. Some of the concepts presented in this project include quantization, transposition, virtual instruments, velocity, and CC data. Consider sequencing outboard, MIDI hardware in conjunction with the virtual instruments.