What hardware is like the software? (Reason)

[Uncle Screwtape]

I really like the interfaces of the modules in Reason, and have been on the lookout for actual hardware items with similar layouts. I've found that the Subtractor's qualities can be found in items like the Korg MS2000 & Radius, novation KS Rack & Roland JP-8080.

But...

The thing I am less familiar with is the capabilities of units similar in appearance to the Redrum. I'm guessing that it is modeled after units like the famed 808, but is there anything else I could consider that is affordable? Affordable being under $400 (new or used). Preferably around $200. The high points to me are the individual tracks with faders, tonal controls and 16 on/off step controls.

The cheaper the better. I'm not necessarily looking for a full-on Groovebox (though it would be a plus). It looks like the Roland MC-505 has that capability and then some. Am I on the right track? Suggestions?

Oh! And in my search for the perfect Reason-esque "rack," I am looking for MIDI capable items.

[JSRockit]

Nothing is going to give you everything reason has in one box... but look into the Korg EMX-1.

[synapsecollapse]

do you want sampling like the REDRUM module gives you the capability of using for programing drums? i used to use that specific module for a whole lot of stuff, from drum programing to weird sounds to even synth lines, so i guess it depends on exactly what you want it to do. for me a devices with onboard sequencers helped me walk away from reason, most noteably the RS7000, but also the dx200 and the er1. im still thinking about something like a sp303 or an ESX1 for a little bit of really straightforward sampling. it never really ends, does it?

it sounds like some reasonable contenders without samples could include:

MC505
emu command stations
RM1X + the sounds of something else (potential to add a chep sampler in there too) or the RS7k (i think they have been getting cheaper lately but this might be out of your price range)

[Uncle Screwtape]

I'm actually not looking for an all-in-one solution. Just individual MIDI components that have interfaces like those in reason.

i.e. Subtractor = MS2000, Radius, KS Rack or JP-8080.

I'm specifically looking for a drum machine at this point, but any other items that people can note would be interesting to see.

[mistercooper]

You might find an ES-1 up your ally for a sort of redrum.

[Yoozer]

Mixer: Obviously ganked from Mackie
Subtractor: programmed by whoever did the Nord Lead, but for the spectral waveforms you just might want to get a Virus B.
Maelstrom : Wavetable with extras, try a Waldorf XT
NN-19: it just screams Akai S3200
NN-XT: color scheme has changed, but guts haven't - Akai S5000/6000
ReDrum: few X0X machines sample, but try an Electribe S or SX.
Matrix : no such thing (except for a Doepfer MAQ 3/16 or something I guess or a Schrittmacher)
Vocoder: just pick anything that gets close to the character.
"Gold" Mastering Class EQ and stuff - try SPL gear
Default reverb : really, you do not want this because it sounds like c**p
RV7000: anything with convolution will do - just how much money do you want to throw at it?

[JSRockit]

You might find an ES-1 up your ally for a sort of redrum.

Yeah, that or the ESX-1 has to be the closest for the cash.

[Uncle Screwtape]

Thanks for all of the input so far.

Sampling isn't much of a requirement for me if I can edit the dynamics of even a small library of preprogrammed drum sounds. I forgot that the Redrum even had the ability to load samples, actually. I'm at work and am just going on memory. It's the interface that really has me on the hunt, though. And so far, the closest thing I've found in my range is the MC-505 (does more than I'm looking for, but that's fine).

I'd like to be able to fade individual components (kick, snare, etc.) in & out on the fly without any menu diving. Seems like the ES/ESX has everything the Redrum has to offer, except for the ability to do just that.

I guess I'm looking for a basic drum machine with a built in pattern sequencer and on-board mixer. A modern day TR-808, of sorts (without the multiple outs)? As I've previously stated, if it does more, that's fine.

[gryphon]

the oberheim DX has a mixer (AND indiv. outs), can't sample but you can change the EEPROMs out to put whatever sound you want in, and you can transpose each drum tone a few semitones. My bandmates just found one for $250. Later ones (most) are MIDIfied. Unfortunately no x0x-style sequencer, but you can sequence, quantize, etc. in the box. And the individual outs do come in handy sometimes.

[23]

First off, a NEKO with Reason is just like a hardware version of Reason. Why? Because it would be just that........a hardware version of Reason.

Next I would say something like the Korg Oasys and to a much lesser degree, something like a MOTIF filled up with plugin cards.

But really, if you want a hardware version of Reason, I'd say just grab a NEKO and then throw Reason on to it.

[hageir]

what I want to know is:
what hardware midi sequencer is *exactly* like reason's sequencer?
i.e. drag & drop, color groups, automation, linear tracks, etc.

because I want *that!*

[23]

what I want to know is:
what hardware midi sequencer is *exactly* like reason's sequencer?
i.e. drag & drop, color groups, automation, linear tracks, etc.

because I want *that!*

NEKO RUNNING REASON
[/img]

[hageir]

what I want to know is:
what hardware midi sequencer is *exactly* like reason's sequencer?
i.e. drag & drop, color groups, automation, linear tracks, etc.

because I want *that!*

NEKO RUNNING REASON

oh my god
is that thing real?
I saw one of those on ebay and it looked really fake

so what is it?
a dedicated computer for running music software?

[23]

oh my god
is that thing real?
I saw one of those on ebay and it looked really fake

so what is it?
a dedicated computer for running music software?

Is it real? Yes it is.
Is it a dedicated computer for running music software? Yes it is.....but it's also a controller.
Specs on a Neko can vary
In any regard...there's you're answer to a hardware Reason....just make Reason hardware.

[23]

I'm actually not looking for an all-in-one solution. Just individual MIDI components that have interfaces like those in reason.

i.e. Subtractor = MS2000, Radius, KS Rack or JP-8080.

I'm specifically looking for a drum machine at this point, but any other items that people can note would be interesting to see.

Subtractor is nothing short of a Virus Lite. Literally, I'm convinced the only Reason Propellerheads didn't straight jack a bunch of Virus patches to throw on to the Sub was doing such would have made it TOO blatant on where their idea for the subtractor came from. Anyhow, want a Subtractor equal in hardware, grab like a pre TI Virus.

The NN19 = Akai S series

NNXT is harder to pull as it's not such a blatant copy of something that already existed. Anyhow, a Yamaha A series will actually get you above and beyond the XT for the most part. An EUltra64 would launch you completely into a different universe.

RedDrum.....I've never come across a sampler designed for drum purposes that offered up as much hands on control as the RedDrum or offered TR styled programming. That all said I'd say head off with a MachineDrum UW or EMU P2500/CS loaded full of drum based samples. You'll be covered on your sequencing style, the MD will let you bring in waves you created, and though the P won't do the waves you created, it'll get you closer to the amount of hands on control.

Malestrom = Uhhhhhhhhh, yeah. I've never come across a synth like the Malestrom. However, the Virus TI took from Prop's graintable idea and incorporated it into the Virus. (go figure, Prop copies the Virus and makes a Virus lite; Access takes Props graintable idea).

Vocoder = I've never come across a 512 band Vocoder in anything other than Reason....end of story.

anyhow, there's my two cents on some of the things broken down.
I still say just get a Neko and throw Reason on to it though.