Session 1: Reason 2.5 allows you to stack high quality virtual instruments and effects in a virtual “rack” like you’d see in a recording studio. The instruments can be controlled by a MIDI keyboard, or triggered by built in step sequencers. Both of these methods have been demonstrated in class.
The sound quality is fantastic, and the software with a decent computer could take the place of thousands of dollars worth of studio equipment (see www.propellerheads.se for more information). Although Reason has amazing capabilities, you shouldn’t rely on using it exclusively for your final projects. Reason does not allow you send MIDI to external devices, or directly record audio input. Today during the group lessons we’ll experiment with Reason and Rewire within Pro Tools.
Session 2: Mastering is something that ideally is done by a seasoned professional, however, it’s not always possible to afford to pay an experienced mastering engineer. We’ll discuss some of the basics of mastering in class, such as sequencing, sweetening, and loudness. For more information please see the article linked below.
In order to complete your final projects you will be required to mix down and render your audio to a two track master. This master will most likely be a .wav or .aiff file which can be transferred to either CD or DVD. This process used to be completely manual, but today we have the aid of computer automation allowing us to produce much more precise mixes in a fraction of the time.
Final Project Milestone #2
Also, today I’ll be asking each of you to illustrate your progress on the final project. The following is a list of what I am expecting you to show me during our scheduled lab time today.
1. Show an example of the visuals and sound combined for your final project.
2. Open and play a Pro Tools document that includes several tracks of audio for the final.
3. Show one example of automation in your document.
4. Demonstrate the use of inserts in your Pro Tools document.