Propellerhead Reason, Installation Manual

INSTALLATION

14

If you are using other audio hardware with your Windows PC

!

To run Reason with full audio in and audio out functionality under Windows, an ASIO 
driver is required for the audio hardware.

Reason can run with DirectX or MME drivers as well but this will only support audio out - and at con-
siderably higher latencies than with ASIO drivers.

1. Make sure you have the latest ASIO driver for the audio hardware!

Please check the manufacturer's web site for the latest versions.

2. Install the audio hardware drivers as described in its documentation.

3. Connect the stereo outputs of your audio hardware to your listening equipment (speak-

ers, mixer, headphones or similar).

For information about how to use multiple outputs (i.e. more than a stereo output), see the Operation 
Manual pdf. For now, we stick to standard stereo connections.

4. If possible, test that audio plays back properly with the audio hardware.

In the case of audio hardware with ASIO drivers, you will need some test application for this (often in-
cluded with the audio hardware).

About MIDI Interfaces

While it is possible to use Reason without an external MIDI controller (by only using the “On-screen Piano 
Keys” window for playing MIDI notes, or by manually drawing notes and automation in the sequencer), this 
would not allow you to use the program to its full potential. From now on we assume that you are using a 
MIDI interface and some kind of external MIDI controller (typically a USB-keyboard with a built-in MIDI 
interface).

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When installing the MIDI interface and its drivers, follow the instructions in its documen-
tation carefully.

•

While a MIDI interface with a single input is sufficient, you will benefit from having two or 
more individual inputs.

This is especially true if you want to manipulate Reason parameters with additional MIDI control sur-
face devices, or use the program in conjunction with an external, stand-alone sequencer, drum ma-
chine or similar.

•

For some MIDI interfaces connected via USB, no driver installation is required. Just plug 
in the interface and you're ready to go!

•

For other, more advanced MIDI interfaces (or at least to take advantage of more ad-
vanced features, like multiple inputs) you will need to install a driver.

Please consult the documentation that came with the interface for details.

MIDI Connections

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Simply connect the USB cable from your keyboard to your computer.

Or

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Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out on your MIDI keyboard (or other MIDI controller) 
to a MIDI In on your MIDI interface.

This is sufficient to be able to play and record notes and controllers in Reason from the MIDI keyboard.