Music Production with Reason 4

This groundbreaking release shows you how one of the hottest songs included in the new Reason 4 Factory Soundbank was created. Learn step-by-step how the awe inspiring track "Narrow Escape" was written and produced by the songwriter Josh Mobley (aka Neoverse), with comentary by Kurt Kurasaki (aka Peff).

Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction (02:10) - Video introduction by Kurt and Josh. Describes what will be covered and how this project came to be.
New in Reason 4 (06:15) - Get a basic introduction to the new features in Reason 4 and the basic layout of Reason.
Song Overview (04:25) - Get a basic introduction to the new features in Reason 4 and the basic layout of Reason.
Mixer Setup (01:26) - Explanation of typical rack setup when getting started with a new Reason song.
Josh Submix Setup (02:40) - Explanation of Josh’s use of Submixers within combinators.
Chapter 2 - Drum Arrangement
Drum Programming (05:18) - Josh demonstrates the basics of using the ReDrum Drum computer and Pattern Programming as well as drum sequencing techniques with the Reason 4.0 Sequencer tools.
Percussion (04:54) - Using Dr.REX Loop Players, percussive elements are added to the track in a dedicated Combinator submixer patch. The process of using loops in Reason is demonstrated as well as some advanced features of the sequencer.
ReGroove (02:51) - This video explains how to use the ReGroove mixer and browse for groove templates. The demo then shows how to apply a groove template to the drums to add a swing to the programming.
Chapter 3 - Sequencing and Arrangement
Setting up the Mixer (01:50) - Reason’s auto routing features are described in this section as a Mixer and Aux Bus effects are added into the rack. RV-7000 Patch browsing is explained.
Sequencing the Bass (02:18) - Josh loads up a customized synth stack combi in this segment, then records and arranges the bassline sequence. This is another demonstration of the sequencer, clips, and quantization.
Labeling the Bass (01:18) - Organizing the sequencer by using the track, lane, and clip labels is an important technique to keep the workflow moving. This section shows how to label and color clips and lanes.
Moving Lanes (01:29) - The sequence for the chorus is arranged in this segment, and the various lanes are reorganized in order.
Detaching the Sequencer (01:12) - Having already recorded a few more bass sequences, Josh shows more on labeling sequences. This includes a quick demonstration of full screen sequencing mode. The reason track uses separate lanes to indicate different sections of the song.
Vector Automation (02:12) - Demonstration of adding automation clips in the arrangement view of the sequencer. Editing Vectors and using the value editors for precise changes.
Divide & Mute Loops (02:45) - Use of the Razor Tool to divide clips, and the mute feature to create small musical drop out in the song before the chorus. Use of the Eraser tool to remove excess clips for the shaker loop.
Chapter 4 - Song Development
Guitar Distortion (01:32) - Procedure for inserting distortion effect between a sound module and loading a Scream 4 distortion patch.
Guitar Automation (02:02) - Josh demonstrates using multiple sequencer lanes to automate a pitch bend and organize automation clips.
Sequencing the Piano (02:54) - Using the browse instrument and search features of the browser, a piano patch is added to the track and Josh records a sequence.
The Bell (01:33) - Demonstration of adding a custom made Combinator patch to the song and sequencing it. A description of how the sound originated by Woody who layered a bell tone along with a falsetto vocal sample.
STOMPP (01:52) - Demonstration of the Drone Combinator patch called “Stompp – Deep Chord” and applying to the bridge of the song.
Nasty Sweep Intro (02:18) - Adding an intro sound with the Malstrom and adding an automation clip in the sequencer to modulate a filter sweep.
Nasty Sweep Arrangement (01:06) - Arranging the filter sweep sequence to enhance different transitions throughout the song.
Intro Drum Fill (00:41) - See how a Drum fill is added to the intro of the song.
Chapter 5 - Song Arrangement
Arranging the Second Section (01:11) - See Josh using the copy and paste features to quickly duplicate the base tracks for the second part of the song.
Adding a Dropout (00:41) - Learn how to use the Razor to create a breakdown for the transition into the second verse of the song.
Sub-Drop (02:18) - Learn how Josh uses a Thor percussion sound to add a sub-bass drop in the breakdown
Drum Fill (00:49) - Demonstrates recording a drum fill during the transition, to add movement and signal a change.
Crash & Context (00:31) - This tutorial walks you through adding a Crash cymbal hit, for excitement, and listening to the entire breakdown sequence.
Ambient Breakdown (02:51) - This tutorial demonstrates collapsing sequencer tracks to get an overview. Removing sequencer clips for Drums, Bass, etc. to create a dramatic transition for the final ending arrangement. Clip Manipulation by using the tempo change feature in the toolbar. Also listen through the entire breakdown and transitions.
Thor Programming (06:14) - This segment is a demonstration of programming the Thor Polysonic synthesizer to create a custom patch for the breakdown.
Organ & Fill (01:52) - Overview of the final touches added to the bridge before the third chorus. Description of adding parts to increase track intensity to bring the song to a climax.
Exporting the Song (01:04) - Brief overview on exporting a song out for burning, sharing or collaboration.
Chapter 6 - Vocals in Reason
Prep Vocals for ReCycle (02:11) - This video covers previewing the vocal tracks in a DAW and preparing them for use with ReCycle.
Vocals in ReCycle (04:12) - Demonstration of how to use ReCycle to cut up a vocal track for use in Reason.
Vocals in Reason (02:05) - Demonstrates the process of importing the vocal REX files into Reason through a Dr.REX loop player, and the process of loading REX files into the NN-XT.
Vocal Looping (02:17) - Special effect technique of looping samples in the NN-XT.
NN-XT Vocal Zones (05:32) - The process of consolidating multiple ReCycle loops into a single NN-XT sampler, and the procedure for adjusting the sequence.
Chapter 7 - Dynamics Processing
Vocal Submix (03:50) - Setting up the NN-XT Zone to route vocals through separate outputs into the vocal submixer.
Vocal Compression (02:52) - This video covers inserting Compressors on the vocal tracks.
De-Ess Vocals (03:22) - Inserting a DeEss configuration using the sidechain input feature on the MClass compressor.
De-Essing Explained (03:46) - Deeper explanation of what happened in the De-Ess video.
Compressing Drums (05:21) - Overview on how to use an MClass Compressor with drums.
Chapter 8 - Special Effects
Grain Vocals (07:39) - Building a custom granular sampler Combinator patch.
Grain Main Vocals (01:19) - This tutorial applies the granular triggering configuration to the main vocals and sequencing the effect through the breakdown.
Using a Vocoder (02:57) - Alternative approach to the Ambient Breakdown by adding a vocoded layer derived from the Stompp patch and the vocal effects.
Chapter 9 - Engineering a Mixdown
Mixing Sounds (06:05) - The process of going through and balancing levels for the mixdown.
Mix Automation (04:07) - This tutorial guides you through using the sequencer to automate mixer parameters.
Vocal Automation (04:00) - Take a look at the process of automating the Vocal mix and elements.
Chapter 10 - Mastering
Josh Mastering (06:16) - Using the MClass mastering suite as an insert between the group mixer and the the Reason Hardware interface. Selecting a MClass patch and adjusting the settings to apply equalization and limiting.
Kurt Mastering (11:55) - Take another look at mastering Narrow Escape with the use of all MClass devices plus some more detailed mastering tips.