I've been enjoying the sounds of Reason since discovering it's wonders in version 2.5. I haven't upgraded my personal version to 5 yet tho, but my friend recently joined the electronic music production scene and owns v5. So I have been using it plenty since it's release last year. I personally find it to be the simplest software to use when talking about an "all-in-one" program. The issue I have with it is the lack of VST/AU support. Thus requiring me to ReWire it to another program to use those expensive softsynths I bought oh-so-long-ago
And because money is so tight currently, anything worth spending money on is just TOOOO expensive for me. So I just use an older version of Sony ACID if I want to use any of those synths.
BUT, because Reason is soooo powerful, one does not "NEED" to use any other software, or hardware for that matter, completely make their own track.
Mind you, I've been an avid reason user for roughly 7 years now, so I know most of the ins and outs of it pretty damn well. And although I've only used Reason on Windows, from what I understand it's identical to the Mac version except for interfacing with your hardware.
So when I say that it is simple to use, I'm only speaking for myself. I guess it really depends on good your understanding of hardware is. And YES I did mean to say hardware. That is because I see Reason as "hardware emulator" when it comes to how each synth/machine/effect works with each other.
Now as far as "telling" each piece of "equipment" what to play, that depends on whether you are using actual hardware or not. At the moment, I'm not using any. I would love to have a small midi controller (such as the M-Audio Oxygen8) because you can not only use the "piano keys" for your notes, but you can assign the knobs/pads to control most any adjustable part of Reason.
BUT, this isn't a necessity, it just makes it MUCH easier. For now I'm using my trusty QWERTY keyboard and mouse.
As far as starting from scrtach and needing to learn Reason from the beginning, their are PLENTY of free online tutorial pages, and videos, that will show everthing you ever wanted to know about it. (and even some stuff you will never need to use
If your serious about your music production, and you're looking for a good place to start that will keep you satisfied even when you've gone platinum, then Reason would be my first recommendation.
If you're just looking to have some fun and don't really plan on taking it too seriously, you should maybe look into something a little more simple and less expensive, such as FL Studio or the 100% free total sound production software called LMMS. Actually, I would say try out LMMS for free and see if you catch on quick enough. Then if you're looking to move on further, go and buy Reason 5. It isn't all that cheap, but it's DEFINITELY worth the investment. Even if you're looking to just have a bit of fun, download the demo from the website and give it a try.
If you need a bit of help here and there, feel free to shoot me a message on here and I'll try to give you a hand.
Have Fun!
Tweedle
