Which do you prefer- FL or Reason?

[slimshdy425]

I now see that independent music producers are pretty split between music programs. Fruity Loops and Reason seem to be the most popular two, so I wanted to know which one most of you prefer. Vote here, and comments are appreciated.

**IMPORTANT- When I say FL, I mean FL 5 XXL, which includes sytrus, dx10, simsynth, drumsynth, wasp, and video player. I also mean Reason 2.5 (which is the latest version last time I checked) when I say Reason. This is because Reason 2.5 and FL XXL are sold for the same amount, $300, making the comparison fair.

[g0ldenSun11]

I've only gotten the reason demo, and that only lasts for 20 minutes, so I didn't understand it at all. So I guess I'd say FL, and Sytrus is awesome!

[slimshdy425]

That's partially because the Reason demo refuses to provide sound output -_-.

What does Reason do that FL can't anyway? FL effects are good and the synths are incredible as far as I'm concerned.

[Naeguro]

Reason lacks vst support.
Rewire is ridiculous. Why have 2 programs do the job of one?

[slimshdy425]

808=cool

How's Reason set up? FL has a simple and effective interface- patterns are made with a multitude of synths/drums/effects and then put together in the 'playlist' so each pattern triggers when needed. Channels can also be routed into one of 64 slots where sound effects (flange reverb etc.) can be added. FL also has a much higher resolution than Reason, allowing more objects to be viewed at once, which creates a smooth interface. From what I saw in the Reason demo, it is very bulk and a huge scrollbar is needed to see everything (as mentioned before I couldn't hear anything in the demo, but a friend is burning me a full copy of Reason soon so I can see for myself.)

[Naeguro]

I tried out reason once, I didnt like the interface, and lack of vst and dxi support just competely killed it for me.

I have nothing against reason or reason users, use what ever suits you best. Except for the "Reason is the best, everything else sucks shit" users.

[jewpinthethird]

Though it isnt an option, I vote Buzz.

[SuperGreenX]

Reason is unique software that isn't trying to be a full sequencer like FL is (vst, audio recording, midi out, etc). Its got a unique interface and every machine is made to interact with all the others in ways that let you be really really creative when routing the wires behind the rack. No other program gives this type of sound creation freedom. Lots of people who look at reason for 10 minutes don't see how awesome it can be. If you're all about getting zillions of plugins, then I guess you probably won't want reason. I personally like using a few quality synths, effects, machines and knowing how to use them really well rather than grabbing random plugins and using them once or twice.

If you can't learn how to use Reason pretty much completely within a few hours, there's gotta be something wrong with you. Reason 2.0 was pretty much my first experience with midi-type music sequencing and producing so I was a total newb coming into it(I had used a lot of Acid music 2.0 before that, which is strictly audio sequencing). I finished Contradistinction 7 days after I opened the Reason box.

Plus, reason uses amazingly low amounts of CPU, comes with an awesome library of sounds for the price, and 3.0 is coming out within a couple months.

oh, and EVERY song I've heard made in Reason by a newb sounds better than any song I've heard by a FL newb, if that means anything to you.

If you gotta have your VST, then prolly don't wanna go with Reason. But Rewire works well, so you could get both sometime down the line and use them together.

PS: if you like some VST's, you may want to check out Cakewalk Project 5. It's pretty much like FL, I think its cheaper by now. Its a pretty sweet program too. No one talks about it. not sure why, cuz its quite good. Comes with good plugins, too.

[SuperGreenX]

...firewire for what?

[slimshdy425]

[quote="SuperGreenX"] Its got a unique interface and every machine is made to interact with all the others in ways that let you be really really creative when routing the wires behind the rack. No other program gives this type of sound creation freedom.

Actually, Fl allows you to do this if I'm understanding you correctly. You can reroute effects to go to each other's slots, making synths interact. Synth A can got to slot 1 then route to slot 2, and Synth B can go to slot 3 then back into slot 2, making the synths interact in the same slot. Is this what you mean?

Oh and screw the newbs they don't count

Just kidding- I don't think we should judge audio software on how well newbs use it though.

[Draigun]

I don't think we should judge audio software on how well newbs use it though.

Quoted for laaaaaaaaaaarge emphasis..The main judging should be on how well you can put out a finished product. If you become highly skilled in either one, I say fuck whichever one is better, as long as the song is full of awesomeness. Take DMA's work, for example. DMA is very awesome with FL, and can probably put out much better stuff than most of the Reason people.

[QreepyBORIS]

FL can suck my cock.

Right when you hear the song, you KNOW it's a cheaply made FL production.

[slimshdy425]

I'm not familiar with DMA, but I know Toby Emerson is sick with FL.

http://www.ampcast.com/LST-79377-mus...Q/Phantoms.m3u (streaming)

Probably the best song I've ever heard, which Toby made on FL. This song showed me the true power of FL. This DOES NOT have a cheesy sound qreepyboris, and good fl songs will sound as good as anything else.

[Moogy]

That was a horrible song.

[Naeguro]

Fl is the most largely pirated music production software out there. Hence tons of retards just screwing around with it then going "omg omg i make the leet techno muzac"