DIRECTRE is an audio routing utility designed to work as a hub for a live performance using Propellerhead Reason. Directre’s audio switching synchronizes to the tempo of a song. With a press of a button, a channel switch is cued to open or close at the beginning of a measure, beat, or 1/8th note. DIRECTRE can function as either a 1×8 splitter device or as an 8×1 summing bus. In addition to the quantized switch capabilities, the switch can be adjusted to fade in and fade out with a touch of a button.
My latest Reason Refill project is a multi-sampled Roland TR-606 Drumatix drum machine. This unit belongs to a friend who was having issues with the 606 not powering up. As it turns out, it wouldn’t power up with batteries, but works fine with a power adapter. The problem was that a lead to the battery compartment was loose. Naturally, it couldn’t be returned without first being sampled!
The Sounds
The 606 has seven different drum sounds: A Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Lo Tom, Hi Tom, Closed Hi Hat, Open Hi Hat, and Cymbal. Also triggering Both a Closed and Open Hi Hat simultaneously creates another muted or pedal Hi Hat. All of these sounds can be accented, which alters the dynamics and tonal character. For this library, each drum is sampled eight times, and each accented drum is sampled 24 times (8 x three different accent levels 50%, 75%, 100%). In total there are 32 samples per tone for eight different drums. While each sample sounds very close the next one, there are subtle analog variations. Overkill? maybe… but it’s worth it.
The 606 tones are programmed in Kong Drum Designer via the NN-Nano Sampler. When triggered, the NN-Nano alternates between each of the eight samples, and the result has a nice realistic feel compared to single shot samples. Normal and accent samples are mapped at different velocity layers making it easy to edit dynamics in the Reason sequencer.
Refill
The P038 - Drumatix Refill contains several standard “realistic” kits which serve as 606 emulation patches. Three kits are dedicated to different accent levels labelled “Hard Accent,” “Medium Accent,” and “Soft Accent”. These correspond to the 100%, 75% and 50% knob settings on the 606. The library also includes several manipulated patches with different tuning, decay and Kong FX settings. The demo patterns from the video above are also included and can be used as building blocks for song ideas.
When we initially thought about organizing a Reason song production contest based around the Buffre Beat Repeater Rack Extension, we had no idea that the entries would achieve such a high level of quality. The real “challenge” was in the process of deciding the winners. We appreciate the efforts of all of the participants for their dedication to perfecting their craft with Reason and Buffre. Thank You!
Power Tools for Reason 2.5/3.0 by Kurt Kurasaki. Edited by Jim Aikin. Backbeat Books 2004/2005.
This material is only for Power Tools for Reason 2.5/3.0 and does not apply to more recent versions of the title, not penned by Kurt Kurasaki. Those missing the content CD-Rom can download archives from the links below. ReFills are provided for those already in possession of the CD-Rom content, who only need an archival version of the audio samples and patches.
ReFill containing essential custom content included with Power Tools for Reason 3.0. This archive does not contain material associated in other ReFills on the CD Rom
ReFill containing essential custom content included with Power Tools for Reason 2.5. This archive does not contain material associated in other ReFills on the CD Rom
The contest is now closed and judging has commenced! Winners shall be announced next week!”
The Buffre Song Challenge is a songwriting and music production contest of skill with Propellerhead Reason! Show us how you use the Buffre Beat Repeater Rack Extension in conjunction with the world class recording, mixing, and sound design features of Reason. The contest is now officially open, and ends at midnight December 1, 2012. Entries must use at least one instance of Buffre Beat Repeater processing an element in the track.
Peff 038 - Drumatix Refill
Power Tools for Reason 3.0 CD Rom Content
Power Tools for Reason 2.5 CD Rom Content
