My son is becoming quite adept at using 'Reason' to compose electronic
music - mainly drum and bass. One of his compositions is shortly to be
used at a gig.

I want to set him up properly with good hardware and and the right
software tools for the job.

I'd like to know what different versions of reason there might be,
what hardware requirements it has, what software
additions/enhancements are available, whether reason is the best
package for electronic composition, whether it is
freeware/shareware/purchased/pirated and where the best learning
facilities are and who the acknowledged maestros are.

---

Request for Question Clarification by vinods-ga on 05 Jan 2003 08:37 PST

Hello david24, 

I have a feeling you want to surprise your son with this! Otherwise,
he may pretty much be able to figure everything out for you!

I am putting this up as preliminary to the complete answer to your
question.

1. REASON is a software by Propellerhead Systems. 

2. It is available for purchase. Version 2.0 is the latest. Can't tell
you on Google Answers anything about pirated software - it's against
rules.

3. Hardware requirements are pretty standard. I will suggest you stuff
after I know what your budget is. I may suggest some stuff that breaks
the budget line, and then you can decide whether to take it, or go for
a lesser-priced alternative that falls within your budget.

4. REASON has a number of reviews, but I am not sure as of now if i
can find you 'maestros' of Reason! I will surely check though...

5. Learning facilities - will have to check on this. It will most
definitely not be a 'Reason-learning center'! Music composition,
arrangement and performance are taught at schools of music, and that
is probably where he should go to get holistic education and exposure
to various genres of music and other musicians and students. This is
my humble opinion, as a musician and composer myself who unfortunately
did not have access to this kind of education.

6. Whether it is the best - always hard to answer this definitely.
It's always differing from musician to musician. And musicians use
multiple systems, software and tools.

Please let me know if you like my approach, and I will follow this up
with a comprehensive answer to your question.

warm regards
vinods-ga

---

Clarification of Question by david24-ga on 06 Jan 2003 13:58 PST

Hi Vinods,

Agree with your assumption and approach. Budget, to include laptop, up
to £1300 ($2K).

Thanks

Hello, 


-- Software-- 
Reason 2.0 is made by Propellerhead software. 
This is a site with frames and so I cannot give you URLs of individual
pages within the site.
[ http://www.propellerheads.se/ ]

Price: One Online store where Reason 2.0 is available for $279. Reason
is also sold through many distributors and online too. I have included
the details of a distributor in UK.

[ http://www.alternatemode.com/reason2.shtml ] 
This site also provides a trial download that has limited usage
capability.

-- Hardware --
PC versus Laptop

In my opinion, it is better to have a desktop for audio, rather than a
laptop. This is because many expansion capabilities are reduced on the
laptop or are much more expensive. The laptop itself is an expensive
proposition.
For example, this site features a laptop configured for music
composition and is bundled with various accessories and software. The
laptop is priced approximately $1500.

[ http://kellysmusic.mb.ca/productinfo.asp?id=960334313&aff=none ]

------------- 
MY PROPOSED COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for running Reason 2.0

INTEL PIV 1.4GHz or higher
256MB or 512 MB RAM
Hard drive - 1 x 40MB (system) and 1x80MB (This drive should be an
AV-rated 7200rpm drive, for audio data)
CD-Writer & CD-ROM (to make copying CDs easier) 
17" MONITOR 
With standard USB ports, KEYBOARD, MOUSE, ETC.
Operating System - Windows XP

A standard PC configuration should do well enough. You should be able
to get this easily in the UK and well within your budget.
-------------

ADDITIONAL HARDWARE:

CREATIVE AUDIGY 2 - 24-BIT SOUND CARD - approx. $200
This card is a good enough proposition for starting off. It has all
the inputs/outputs needed, including Microphone & Line inputs,
Headphone, Line out, SPDIF digital in/out, SPDIF Optical digital
in/out, Firewire In/Out and MIDI IN/OUT

[ http://www.soundblaster.com/products/audigy2/specs.asp ]

This too you can easily purchase in the UK. 
---------------

MIDI Keyboard

Now, I am not sure if your son plays a keyboard at all. If he does,
there are many MIDI keyboards available. The MIDI keyboard does not
store sounds or have speakers, etc. It is just a 'trigger' to let the
computer know that a particular note has been played, etc. Since this
is a stand-alone piece of equipment, you can always add it later.

From the Reason FAQ
"Do I need a MIDI keyboard to use Reason?
You don't absolutely need one, but we recommend using one for the best
possible Reason experience."
-----------------


--------- ABOUT REASON ---------
 
This is a frame-site so I cannot give you URLs of individual pages
within the site. Please look at the menu on the left side of your
screen.
[ http://www.propellerheads.se/ ] 

Under products select Reason 2. 

REASON - AWARDS
If you go to the 'Reason Awards' menu item, you will see a number of
awards from various magazines and sites.

REASON - TUTORIAL
This can be a good way to learn REASON. 
"Now you can quickly harness the power of today's most popular music
software with this comprehensive set of CD-ROM tutorials. It's just
like looking over an expert's shoulder as he shows you the tricks of
the trade. Mastering Reason has never been easier."


REASON - UK sales distributor

Midiman/M-Audio UK
Unit 5, Saracens Industrial Estate
Mark Rd
Hemel Hempstead
Herts
HP2 7BT
Tel: 0871 717 7100
Fax: 0871 717 7101
PC Support: 0871 717 7102
Mac Support 0871 717 7103
e-mail: sales@midiman.co.uk
Supt: support@midiman.co.uk
Web: http://www.midiman.co.uk


All this will fit well within your budget. Moreover, it is all
upgradable. For example, the Creative Audigy2 Card can give way to a
more expensive and advanced sound card later. The computer itself can
be upgraded with more hard drive space, memory, etc.


Please do write back if you need any clarification or further help!

warm regards
Vinods-ga