Reason 13 Review: New Workflow, New Browser, New Devices

Reason 13: New workflow, new browser, new devices ·

Source: Gearnews

Reason 13 is here! The new version arrives with a new browser, an improved workflow, a new virtual analog synthesizer with a twist, and over a thousand new presets. How does Reason stack up against the competition? We had the opportunity to check out the update before its release. Here’s our review of Reason 13!

Note: This review was originally published in German on gearnews.de.

Reason Studios Reason 13: Quick facts

• New context browser with tags and floating window
• Slightly modified GUI for easier switching between workspaces
• New editing flow: It is now possible to edit MIDI and audio while using the sequencer
• PolyTone: a bitimbralic soft synthesizer with a unique morphing function
• Ripley Delay: delay with wide modulation possibilities
• New tools: sidechain, gain, stereo tool
• 1000 new presets
• From Reason 12: Support for VST3 plugins and Apple Silicon processors

What’s changed since Reason 12?

I admit I have a love-hate relationship Reason, more than any other DAW. In terms of instruments AND effects, this is definitely one of the best options available on the market today. However, the idea of ​​tinkering with virtual patch cords, the somewhat outdated workflow, and the slow adoption of important new technologies like MPE and VST3 have always been reason enough for me to avoid this software.

When Reason 12 was released in 2021, it reinforced the impression. While it brought some great new devices, it fell short of expectations in terms of workflow improvements and modern features. However, over the past three years, the Swedish developer has been working hard to implement some of the features that many users have been asking for.

Reason 12.5 finally introduced support VST3. Since many new plugin releases are no longer available in the VST2 format, the importance of this update cannot be overstated. The next update (12.6) added support Apple Silicone Macs. And let’s not forget about Object – one of the most exciting physical modeling synthesizers of the last few years, unveiled just in time for Superbooth 2023.

Reason 13 improves your workflow – a little

Exactly one year later – at Superbooth 24 – Reason Studios presented Reason 13. The presentation I received at the developer’s booth focused on the new Politon AND Ripley devices, but I also received a brief overview of the new workflow.

For me, the DAW now seems much more accessible. Thanks to the new one browser thanks to tag-based search (similar to what’s been available in Ableton Live, FL Studio, Bitwig, and many other DAWs for some time) that displays contextual information, finding sounds is much easier and faster than the old system.

The rack, sequencer and mixer still take up a lot of screen space. New toggle buttons for quick access to different areas may seem like a minor improvement. But I’ve lost count of how many times I had to look for them in older versions – thank you!

Reason 13 is taking its cues from Ableton – and that’s a good thing

While Ableton Live wasn’t the only DAW to make big changes to its workflow in the last update, it was probably the one that underwent the most drastic transformation. Some of the changes (like new shortcuts and a new way of organizing plugins) sparked so much community backlash that Ableton decided to give users the option to revert to older settings in the 12.0.5 update.

While Reason 13 seems to take cues from some of the changes in Ableton Live 12, it does so very subtly. Similar to Live, which now allows you to arrange and mix simultaneously, you can now edit MIDI and audio clips without taking your eyes off the sequencer window. MIDI batch processing is another example of a feature that seems inspired by Live 12. Random notes or velocities, partial quantization – all of this is no longer hidden in long-winded right-click menus.

Polytone and Ripley: Update Highlights

It goes without saying that the Reason 13 update also includes some new devices. Politon is a bitimbra software synthesizer focusing on analog sounds. While this may not seem particularly groundbreaking, and the modulation capabilities are surprisingly basic by Reason’s standards, working on synth sound design is a lot of fun. You can load or program two sounds and then layer them or switch between them. The morphing function seamlessly interpolates both sounds.

This can be controlled via the fader, mod wheel, global LFO or keyboard dynamics. The latter in particular makes the Polytone a highly expressive synthesizer – provided you have the right MIDI controller.

New Ripley’s delay it’s not boring. In addition to reverb, it includes five “mini effects” (noise, distortion, EQ, ducker, bitcrusher) providing extensive sound shaping options.

And here’s the best part: each of the five mini FXs can be inserted anywhere in the signal path. For example, you can modulate the feedback signal with noise and use a damper to dampen the reverb, while also applying analog saturation to the input signal and digitally manipulating the output signal with a bit crusher, before bringing out the midrange with an EQ for that classic lo-fi feel. Ripley is one of the most versatile and unusual delays I have ever used as a plugin – bravo!

One thousand new presets, three new tools

In addition, Reason 13 includes three useful new tools. Side chain creates the popular pumping compressor effect. You can apply it rhythmically (like the Cableguys Shaperbox) or point something like a kick drum at it to trigger it. Achieve allows you to adjust the track’s volume and pan independently of the mixer. New Stereo tool is a stereo extender that maintains mono compatibility.

While nothing to write home about – especially for a Reason outsider like me – they add some important features that were previously missing. To round out the update, Reason 13 includes more than a thousand new presets. Despite the new browser, it was a bit difficult for me to determine what exactly was new about devices like Kong, Thor and Europa.

Conclusion: Is Reason 13 the best Reason update ever?

I’ll admit that I’m not familiar enough with older versions of Reason to make that assessment. But I’ve been following the DAW closely since version 11. Personally, I don’t see myself switching from Ableton Live to Reason in the near future – the workflow is just too different.

With a nested and modular approach somewhere between FL Studio and Bitwig, the DAW’s user interface and workflow are too in-between for me. What’s more, Reason still doesn’t support either MPE or ARA and, most annoyingly, it still can’t import video files. In 2024, this seems a bit dated at best.

That said, Reason’s creators have always done their own thing – and so has the Ableton team. While Reason doesn’t reject new developments, it doesn’t jump on every bandwagon either. And when new features or devices are introduced, they often have a very unique and inspiring “style”.

Reason 13: Price and availability

Reason 13 is now available at Thomann for €499. Updates from previous versions or Reason Intro are also available, as well as a discounted version for students.

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Reason Studios Reason 13 Upgrade Legacy

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Introduction to the Reason Studios Reason 13 update

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Reason 13: Pros and cons

Pros

• New Polytone synthesizer with an inspiring sound design process
• The versatile and great-sounding Ripley Delay
• Workflow improvements
• The new browser makes searching for sounds much faster
• Audio and MIDI editors can now be displayed simultaneously with the sequencer

Cons

• No support for MPE
• No ARA support
• No video import

More about Reason 13

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