Power Tools for Reason 3.0: Master the World's Most Popular Virtual Studio Software (Power Tools)

By Kurt Kurasaki

Comprehensive sequencing, sound-generation capabilities, and intuitive interface make Propellerhead Software's Reason 3.0 one of the most powerful and popular production tools for music enthusiasts... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879308613
• ISBN13: 9780879308612
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Backbeat Books
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great Tips & Tricks!!

I got this book a couple a weeks ago and have to say that it is pretty cool. It is not for beginners. It will show you more advanced concepts of Reason 3.0. Still working my way through the book. Very cool.

Fantastic book

This book really covers the program in incredible detail. It's not a book that can be skimmed through. You really need to have your highlighter handy as you read it. There's a lot to absorb even for someone who has used Reason before. The chapters on "Essential Shortcuts" and "Control Voltages" alone are worth the price of admission.

Simply Excellent

This book is very well written, clear and informative. It consists of step-by-step examples, and concise explanations of audio engineering concepts, that are essential reading for anyone serious about making electronic music with Reason The text is laid out in a logical sequence, starting with sections on fundamental concepts such as keyboard shortcuts, and Control Voltage (CV) usage, both of which are required reading for the sections on effects, mastering, drum programming etc. The result is a text that builds upon itself, slowly re-enforcing the earlier information as the book progresses. I recommend treating it like a text book, following it from start to finish, and performing each example in turn. Considering the complexity of the subject matter, I find it remarkable how clearly the concepts are explained in this book. I've been using Reason for 4 years and am realizing I've only scratched the surface of what is possible. I wish I'd had this book from day 1. Note: For the full benefit I recommend using Reason 3.0 with this book as opposed to an earlier version

Lab Coat Not Included

Peff's (as Kurasaki is more widely known as) book is a great journey through Reason's deeper mysteries for those who have cut their teeth on the virtual studio software and want to see just how deep the hole goes. Beginners need not apply - read the very good documentation that comes with Reason first - but intermediate level users who have a song or two under their belts and know their way around Reason's virtual rack will find a wealth of information and techniques that will prove indispensible in their later music projects. Organized like a sort of 3000-level college laboratory class where the subject is Reason, each chapter of the book opens with theory explaining the chapter's topic (CV Routing, Reverb, Redrum Techniques, etc.) and then dives headlong into 15-30 minute hands-on exercises designed to illustrate the various techniques you can use to milk more of Reason than you ever thought possible. By the time you finish this very in-depth, well organized class, you will be able to do a great many, very wonderful things. Be careful, though. Many of the chapters build on lessons contained in previous ones. For example, many of the chapters dealing with effects such as Filter Techniques assume you have read the chapter on The Combinator, because most of the intricate filter effects you create will be housed within Combinators for easy access. Don't expect to jump in halfway and immediately understand perfectly everything that's going on. But of course, this should be self evident. Also, beware that this book will give you great powers. With great powers come great responsibility. Please do not use what you learn in this book for evil.

Full of great examples

This is a fun and stimulating book to read. The examples are very explicit and create interesting and even useful patches. I suppose the book is not a beginner's book but then the title sort of implies that, no? The Reason manuals are enough to get you started then this book takes off where the manuals end. I really enjoy working through this book. For people new to electronic music and recording, there are a lot of terms and concepts that can be daunting and confusing. This book does happen to explain most of the jargon as it goes along, but I would like to find a general reference for electronic music production.