Propellerhead releases Rotor RE

Rotor is the latest Rack Extension from Propellerheads. Rotor is modelled on the Leslie 122 rotary speaker cabinet and it's perfect for bringing that vintage flavour to your instruments.

Rotor is now available in the Propellerhead shop for just €39.

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Propellerhead PX7 Rack Extension

Propellerhead has just released their PX7 FM synthesiser. It's a 6 operator synth that faithfully recreates the sounds of Yamaha's DX line of synthesisers. I have to admit it looks pretty cool and I've been waiting for a dedicated FM synth to hit the store since Rack Extensions were announced.

Although, I already own a Yamaha TX81z (Hardware) I'll be putting the PX7 though it's paces in demo mode until January. The addition of a dedicated patch converter is also good news as it means that we can convert older .SYX patches so that we can use them with PX7.



PX7 is now available in the Propellerhead shop for € 79.00.

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Advanced Polar Techniques - Propellerhead

I've brought a few Rack Extensions since the Reason 6.5 update, but one that didn't make it into my collection was Propellerhead's own Polar pitch shifter device. It's not that it isn't very good (because it is), it's more because I felt that I didn't really need a dedicated pitch shifter in my Reason rack. However, I did end up trying out the demo version of it when it first came out, and I can remember being pretty impressed with what it was capable of.

Anyway, Propellerhead has recently uploaded a new video (below) to their YouTube channel that shows off some of the more advanced and creative ways that polar can be used in your productions. It's got me wanting to try it out again but sadly my 30 day trial period ended quite a while ago. I might actually end up picking up a copy of this device in the future, but saying that there are still a few Rack Extension devices that I want to check out first.



Polar is available in the Propellerhead Rack Extension shop for € 55.00

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Rob Papen Rack Extension for Reason

 

I've been waiting for this one for what seems like forever and finally it's hit the Propellerhead Rack Extension shop. Rob Papen's Predator RE is a complete beast of a synth and it comes bundled with 4,000 presets! The sound of this synth is enormous, finally we have a synthesiser in Reason that is capable of creating some of those commercial Dance or "EDM" sounds that have previously been near impossible to create with the existing Reason devices.

It's worth checking this out for the bank of presets alone. With over 4,000 to audition you might find yourself spending hours (like I did) auditioning every one of them. These presets really show off the sheer power of this instrument.

If you flip to the back of the rack, you will find three audio inputs that allow users to route external audio into Predator's filters, vocoder and internal effects. This is a huge feature as Predator has a total of 27 different filter types and 15 built in effects.

However there is a downside which may be considered a deal-breaker for some; it's a bit of a CPU hog, aparantly this is down to the oscillators using x32 oversampling. This CPU drain is evident on some of the patches which use the chord hold function. So don't be expecting to be able to load too many of these into your Reason projects without your computer struggling.

That being said, this is only the first commercial build of the Predator RE and the good folks behind Rob Papen have assured us that they are working on a few tweaks (including an oversampling menu) that will help with the high CPU usage. So we can be sure that future updates to this beast of a synth will greatly improve the performance and usability of the synth.

Obviously, I haven't gone into a whole lot of detail about the Predator RE (because that would take all day) but it's definitely worth checking out. Like all of the other REs in the Propellerhead shop it's available as a fully functional thirty day free trail. But be aware, trial licences don't get updates. So if the synth is updated during your trial period you won't get any of the CPU fixes or any other updates (until you decide to purchase the full licence).

At €99 it's currently the most expensive instrument in the Propellerhead shop but still, it's fairly cheaper than the VST version (€149). Think of that €99 euros as an investment because I can assure you that once you have this in your Reason rack you won't make another piece of music without it. Rob has really upped the game for Rack Extension developers with this one.

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Free Polysix RE presets (pt.2)

The Korg Polysix RE is pretty much my new go-to synth in Reason. I've been playing around with it for sometime now and I've put together a small preset pack to share with you guys. I've used these patches in a few tunes already so I hope you lot can find a bit of use out of them.

The pack contains 36 polysix Rack Extension presets and 3 combinator patches.

Get the free Polysix preset pack HERE (.RAR)

NOTE: You will need ether Propellerheads Reason (6.5) or Reason Essentials (1.5) and the RE version of Polysix to use these. These will NOT work with the VST version of Polysix.

This isn't the first set of presets that I've uploaded to Voltage-controlled. I uploaded a set of 7 combinator files a few months back when the Polysix RE was first released. Here's a link.

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Synapse AP-12 Analog Phaser Rack Extension released for Reason

The latest addition to the Propellerhead Shop is a nice little phaser from Synapse Audio. The AP-12 is a 6/12 stage phaser designed to emulate classic analog hardware.

The AP-12 Analog phaser is priced at € 32.00 and it's available from the Propellerhead shop here. 

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Blamsoft REsampler Rack extension hits the Propellerhead Store

This Rack Extension has pretty much appeared out of nowhere. I saw a thread on the Propellerhead forum with a few mock ups but I honestly didn't think it would be released as quick as it was. Anyway, the REsampler by Blamsoft seems like a pretty cool bit crushing effect. I've not been able to try it yet as I'm away from my laptop (and Reason) for a couple of days.

It looks pretty useful for adding a bit of dirt to your audio tracks, but I can't really be sure what it's capable of until I can actually get around to trying it out. there's plenty of CV routing options though, around the back of the rack there's CV in for Wet/Dry, Depth and Rate. There's also CV out for Pitch and Level, which seems strange for a bit crusher. I'll probably put another post up about this when I've put it though it's paces and let you know the final verdict.

It's currently available in the Prop Shop for an introductory price of €12.00 (I have no idea how much it will be normally) until August 12th. 

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Guide to Reason Rack Extensions Part 3 - ProducerTech

Last week I posted a couple of videos from ProducerTech that looked at some of the Rack Extensions that are available in the Propellerhead shop. Here's the third video in the series, it looks at the Buffre beat repeater by Peff and Propellerhead's very own Pulsar Dual LFO module.

This movie gives an overview of two rack extensions from the last two groups - Creative FX and Utilities. The first device, Buffre, is a fantastic beat repeater, with totally customizable loop settings, which can be triggered easily with a MIDI keyboard or the onscreen piano keys. And the second, Pulsar, is Propellerheads' own device and is a really handy tool for allowing LFO modulation of any other rack devices, as well as also being a basic synth! Pulsar is also free till October so get it while it you can!

For more information, check out out online Reason school:http://www.reasoncourses.com

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First Look at the Rob Papen Predator Rack Extension

Rob Papen has recently uploaded a screenshot of the Rack Extension version of Predator. There's no further information about the RE at the moment although it does say that it will be available soon.

As far as I know there is no word on the pricing, but the VST version of predator is going for €149 so I suspect it will be about €99 for the RE version (Obviously this is a pure guess, I could be completely off the mark).

Anyway, I recently had the chance to play around with the VST version and I was really impressed. The thing sounds phenomenal, I can't wait to get it in my Reason rack and have a good mess around with it.

If these images (above) are of the final UI then it's missing the shiny knobs and buttons from the VST version (pictured below). But that could just be because of limitations of the Rack Extension technology and really, who cares what the thing looks like. At the end of the day, it's the sound and functionality that really matters and by the looks of the audio and CV routing options on the back, we could be onto a winner. Audio input for the filter section, vocoder and FX section is a clear bonus.

It's safe to say that Predator is going to have a home in my Reason rack.

 

UPDATE:

I've updated this post with a second picture of the back pannel of the Predator RE.  

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Guide to Reason Rack Extensions Part 1 & 2 - ProducerTech

Here's a couple of YouTube videos from ProducerTech, they focus on Rack Extensions for Propellerheads Reason. The first video focuses on the awesome Polysix synthesiser from Korg and the second one looks at the two compressors; the Rough Rider by Audio Damage and the FET Compressor by Softube.

I recently brought both the Korg Polysix and the Audio Damage Rough Rider and I've been using them religiously in my productions. I'm also working on a free Voltage-Controlled preset pack for Polysix that will be available to download soon.

Anyway, I found these videos very informative so I thought I'd share them on the site. Check them out and don't forget to take a look at the ProducerTech Youtube Channel while you're at it.

"Review of Korg Polysix Rack Extension for Reason

This movie is the first of a series of mini tutorials, exploring the range of instruments and effects available in Reason's new Rack Extensions feature. Korg's Polysix is the first instrument made by an external manufacturer to be included in Reason, so this is an exciting development! The movie takes you on a brief tour of the instrument, giving an outline of its controls and synth engine.

For more information about Reason, check out: http://www.reasoncourses.com"

"This movie gives an overview of two of the great new compressors available in the Reason Rack Extensions range - Audio Damage's Rough Rider and Softube's FET Compressor - showing how they cope in extreme compression situations, how they differ and their various merits.

For more information about Reason, check out: http://www.reasoncourses.com"

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Getting Started with the Pulsar Dual LFO - Propellerhead Software

Once again Propellerhead has provided us with another awesome tutorial video. It focuses of the new Pulsar LFO tool that's avalible in the new Propellerhead store. The video takes you through some of the basics of what pulsar can do, such as using it as a basic LFO to control other Reason instruments and even using it to build a basic modular synthesizer within the reason rack. As we've come to expect from the guys over at propellerhead software, the video is really easy to follow and actually quite humorous in some parts (That's if you enjoy cheesy synth jokes, which you should).



"NOTE: Reason 6.5 and Reason Essentials 1.5 users can and get Pulsar from the Rack Extension Shop for FREE until October 1st, 2012! Reason 6.5 and Reason Essentials 1.5 are free upgrades for Reason 6 and Reason Essentials 1 users and special upgrade pricing is available for users of earlier Reason versions.

Pulsar in the Rack Extension Shop:
http://shop.propellerheads.se/product/pulsar/

Also featured, the Synapse Audio AF-4 Filter:
http://shop.propellerheads.se/product/synapse-af-4-analog-filter/

The Pulsar Dual LFO, new as a Rack Extension in the Propellerhead Shop, is a flexible little powerhouse utility with tons of routing potential. Even though Pulsar is capable of some wild tricks, it also is one of the best places to start learning about modular synthesis and LFOs.

We put together this introductory look at how to use LFOs to spice up your existing sounds and how to get Pulsar making some sounds of its own."

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Free Korg Polysix RE presets

I've only just downloaded the trial version of the new RE version of Polysix by Korg but I know for sure that this is one that I'm going to purchase soon. While I was messing around I made a few Combinator presets using the Polysix RE.

There's only 7 combinator files all together but I thought I'd upload them here for you guys. In order for you to use these presets you'll need Reason 6.5 or Reason Essentials 1.5 plus a trial or full licence for the Polysix Rack Extension. These will NOT work for the VST version of Polysix.

Get the Presets here (.ZIP)

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Pulsar LFO tool Reason Rack Extension

I'm glad to see the good folks over at Propellerhead showing a bit of humor in this advert for the new Pulsar Rack Extension.

Pulsar is a dual LFO/Monosynth module that's currently avalible in the Propellerhead shop as a free download. If you're a reason 6.5 or Reason Esentials 1.5 user then head over and grab it while it's still free.

"For more information: http://shop.propellerheads.se/product/pulsar/

Pulsar LGM-1 is a dual channel modulation powerhouse for the Reason rack. We call it an LFO—but it's also a powerful little synth in its own right. For tweakers, Pulsar makes every single thing in the rack a little bit better. For back-of-the-rackophobes it comes with patches containing everything from lush evolving pads to the grittiest of wobble basses.

When the rate is turned up, Pulsar transforms from low frequency oscillator to high powered synth with plenty of character. The LFO waveforms when combined with lag and shuffle bring tons of tones."

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How to download, install and buy Propellerhead Rack Extensions

Propellerhead have uploaded a video to show users how to download, install and buy Rack Extensions for use in the Reason rack.

It's pretty simple but if you're unsure then check out the embedded YouTube video below.

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FXpansion reveals Etch RED Rack Extension for Propellerhead Reason

Yet another awesome Rack Extension that will be available for the Upcoming Reason 6.5 update. FXpansion Etch RED is an awesome analog modelling filter plug in. This is the stuff that makes me so exited for the update, this thing looks amazing!

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Audio Realism reveal ABL2 (TB-303 clone) Rack Extension

Finally, I've wanted a TB-303 module in my reason rack for years. Audio Reaslism have answered that prayer by transforming their popular ABL2 303 clone into a Rack Extension for the up and coming Reason 6.5 update.

That's all well and good, but I think that the classic TB303 style sequencer is what gives the VST version of ABL2 its charm. With that iconic sequencer missing from the Rack Extension version I'm still on the fence whether or not it's going to make its way into my reason rack. If the sequencer was included with CV note out and maybe a copy pattern to grid option (like the existing Matrix Pattern Sequencer has) then the ABL2 would make it into my rack without question.

Hopefully the pricing of this rack extension will reflect the missing features. The VST version is currently priced at €95 (Approx. £77) which to me is a hell of a lot of money for what essentially is a two oscillator (one voice) monosynth with extremely limited functionality. It's hard to estimate how much Audio Realism will charge for the Rack Extension version of ABL2 seeing as the iOS version (Technobox) is priced at just £2.99 and the full VST version is roughly around £77. I suppose a reasonable price for the Rack Extension would be about £15-20 but we'll have to wait to know the actual price of the thing for sure.

There's no word yet on what routing options that will be available around the back of the Rack. It would be interesting to find some of the more advanced modular possibilities that are present in Audio Realism's ABL pro synth but to be honest I'm not expecting anything major. Maybe a few ins for controlling the basics (like filter control). However, Audio Realism did mention on their Facebook page that they had been controlling it with the Matrix Pattern Sequencer so it's safe to say that it will have the basic Gate/CV sequencer inputs.

All in all it looks the part, and of course the synth engine will be the same as the VST version (Which to me is the best softwear 303 clone that I've come across). It all comes down to the price and what features live around the back of the rack.

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Propellerhead reveal Polar harmonizer Rack Extension

Propellerhead software have just revealed their second Rack Extension 'Polar'. Polar is a cool harmonizer effect perfect for injecting a little crazy pitch modulation madness to your tracks. This new Rack Extension isn't only capable of whacked out crazy pitch effects, it can be used to add some subtle modulation effects too. Check out the audio demos below.

"Polar is an old school harmonizer and pitch-shifter effect with a host of modern tricks up its sleeves. Use it for classic harmonizing, stereo-widening, and realtime pitch-shifting, or experiment with buffer looping and audio freezing to create otherworldly effects.

Load up Polar in the rack, and it will instantly make your sounds wider. Introduce slight pitch-shifting to make it even bigger. Turn the Shifters to add harmonics — up to two octaves above — or radically change the pitch down to two octaves below. Finish up your patch by turning on the filter, manipulated by the built-in LFO and envelope.

If you are a singer, producer, guitarist or remixer who is looking for transparent pitch-shifting, creative ways of turning bland recordings into wide, evolving soundscapes — or want to completely mangle a sound into an interesting mess, Polar brings all this and much more to your Reason rack."

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Propellerhead upload teaser video for Rack Extensions

It must be getting really close now to the official launch of Rack extensions for Reason and Reason Essentials, Just check out this teaser video that the folks over at Propellerheads have uploaded. It reveals loads rack extensions including Korg's Reason friendly version of Polysix! That's right, you'll be able to have Polysix in your reason rack.

Anyway, check out the video. What Rack Extension are you exited about getting your hands on?

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Audio Damage Rough Rider coming to the Reason rack

Yesterday Chris from Audio Damage posted pictures on Twitter of a Rack Extension version of their popular free VST compressor, Rough Rider. The Rack Extension is still being development so it's hard to say if we'll be seeing this in the new Reason store when the much awaited 6.5 update goes public.

On the back of the rack there is only one CV output and that's for gain reduction, but maybe there will be more routing options in the final version. An option for side chaining would be awesome but unlikely as the VST  version lacked that ability.

It's not clear on the price of the Rack Extension but it was stated on the Audio Damage Facebook page that it will not be a freebie. But still, it looks pretty cool.

Update:
Thanks to whoever posted in the comments section for the link to the more up to date screen shot. Here's what it now looks like. =]

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Full details of Propellerhead's new Pulsar LGM-1 module

If you've been following this post about propellerhead's awesome new LFO tool then you'll be pleased to hear that the guys at propellerhead software have released more details on the new Pulsar module. The best news, of course is that pulsar will be available from the propellerhead store for free for the first 3 months.

For more details on Pulsar and the upcoming 6.5 update to reason then check out this page on the propellearheads site.

I really cant wait for the Reason 6.5 update to hit so I can hit the Propellerheads store and fill my Reason rack with all sorts of cool Rack Extensions.

...But while we wait here's all of the awesome audio demos from pular.

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