Reason 11: Producing a Track

Reason master Paul Ortiz brings you awesome Reason 11 production video tutorials! See how to utilize many of Reason 11's new features and functions to build a killer electronic track from scratch, including effect and mixing tips & tricks. Reason Project session included! These videos are designed for intermediate Reason 11 users who know their way around the program.

Videos

• The Concept of Blocks & PolyStep (06:12) - To start with we'll look at the concept of blocks and how they can be used to create quick arrangements and re-usable song sections. You'll also get introduced to the PolyStep sequencer player device to input sequences that would otherwise be too fast to play in realtime.

• Bassline & Pads (03:28) - Next we'll move onto the bassline and pad elements, as well as how to use MIDI input to transpose the PolyStep Sequencer.

• Sound Design & Automation (07:41) - Now explore some initial sound design to create more inspiring bass and pluck sounds, as well as the Layers device for pads. I'll also touch on some creative use of automation to add filter frequency movement.

• Build Up & Melodic Piano (04:28) - Next up we'll move on to the pre chorus build up, as well as develop a melodic piano motif that can be used throughout the song.

• Programming the Drums (08:11) - Here we'll look at extracting drum hits from REX loops to build a kit in Kong, as well as using the Drum Sequencer to sequence Trap style hats alongside conventional note clips.

• Synth Parts & Housekeeping (04:47) - Moving on, we'll design a basic patch in the included West Coast Modular synth, Complex 1. I'll also do a bit of track organization and housekeeping as well as test out an arrangement using the Blocks lane.

• Working the Arrangement (04:37) - In this video, we'll adapt the intro section into a verse section, using stripped down and adapted drums from the chorus section.

• Beefing Up the Bass & Arpeggio (05:40) - Next we'll look at improving the sound of the bass in the chorus section using a Combinator to layer multiple devices as well as addressing some issues with the arpeggio patch.

• More Sound Design (05:27) - Now see how to use the Karplus Strong string model in Europa to design a punchy percussive bass sound. We'll also develop the transition section and start to create some ambiance using the Grain sampler.

• Arrangement Tips & Tricks (04:49) - Focusing on the final chorus now, see how to create the illusion of a tempo increase using increasing subdivisions of time and the multi-draw tool, as well as programming some new drums for the final section.

• Sidechaining & Multi-Outs (07:19) - Watch how to use Sweeper to build a CV triggered side-chaining machine for quick, no-hassle volume ducking with precise control of the shape of the effect. I'll also start to split the drums out to their own channels for further mixing.

• Vocals & FX (08:19) - Drawing to a close, explore inserting a short vocal phrase and using the Slice Warp functions to bring it onto the musical grid, as well as how to use Neptune to formant shift the sample for a more synthetic effect.