Propellerhead Announces Reason 7, Reason Essentials 2
Sonic adventurers, take heart! One of the best things ever to happen to music creation is about to get better.
Reason 7 is impending — and this is a good thing.
Propellerhead, makers of the indispensable Reason software suite, has just announced a major update with Reason 7.
Public beta testing for Reason 7 kicks off today, and the program will be available for purchase in Q2 of this year. At that point, prices will be $449 for Reason 7, $129 for Reason Essentials 2, $129 for any Reason upgrade, and $449 for Balance. (See below for more info about a grace period for purchasers of the current version of Reason.)
From the sound of it, there are some tasty updates on the way that should increase creativity, workflow and fidelity in the studio. Here’s more information, direct from Propellerhead:
With over 90 third party Rack Extensions expanding Reason’s rack of instruments and effects already available, Propellerhead has focused its attention on new creative and inspirational improvements for the mixer, the rack and the sequencer.
With Reason 7, users can integrate all their instruments into Reason with MIDI out, automatic audio slicing and audio quantize, and even convert their recordings into REX loops for further creative possibilities in the rack. For mixing, Propellerhead is introducing a spectrum analyzer with visual EQ controls; group and parallel mix channels; and many workflow improvements to help users sound better, easier. To inspire, Reason 7 makes it easier to import audio from users’ music libraries and the web with support for mp3, aac, wma and more. The enhanced Factory Sound Bank comes fully loaded with tons of new loops and drum kits, while the new Audiomatic Retro Transformer effect unit adds a futuristic-vintage sound to any tracks, never more than a mouse-click away.
See the intro video here:
Reason users are invited to sign up for the limited public beta testing at the Propellerhead web site: http://www.propellerheads.se
Pricing & availability
Reason 7 and Reason Essentials 2 begin limited public beta testing today and will be available for purchase worldwide in Q2 of 2013 at the following suggested retail pricing:
Reason 7 EUR €405 / USD $449
Reason Essentials 2 EUR €120 / USD $129
Reason 7 Upgrade (from any previous Reason version) EUR €129 / USD $129
Reason Essentials 2 upgrade from previous versions FREE
Balance (includes upgrade to Reason 7 for owners of previous versions of Reason) EUR €429 / USD $449
Propellerhead is also offering a grace period for purchasers of current versions of Reason, Reason Essentials and the Balance audio interface. Purchasing and registering a qualifying product today makes users eligible for a free upgrade to Reason 7. For details see: http://www.propellerheads.se/freeupgrade