REASON tutorials: "MIDI Control"
REASON tutorials: "MIDI Control"
REASON tutorials: "MIDI Control"
Some people asked me how to control Reason using MIDI controller information. With a little MIDI knowledge, it's reasonable easy. I'll tell you how to...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIDI Implementation Charts
During the installation of Reason, a MIDI Implementation Charts.pdf is copied to your system. It contains all MIDI Control-numbers in combination with all the parameters of the Reason devices which can be controlled by it.
For example:
Changing patterns on Redrum or Matrix, uses MIDI Controller 3 (ControlUndefined3). Changing the master volume of the Mixer 14:2, uses MIDI Controller 7 (ControlChannelVolume). And Controller 7 is also used for controlling the volume of NN19, Subtractor, Redrum and Dr.Rex.
So in most cases, the same MIDI Controller numbers control the same parameters. Propellerhead really did a great job on it. Here's why:
the MIDI Implementation Charts.pdf makes everything clear
all parameters of every device can be controlled using the same set of MIDI Controllers
almost every parameter in Reason can be controlled using MIDI Controllers.
Trust me, most software doesn't have such a huge Controller-list!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More specific: how to set it up?
First of all make sure you have MIDI In connected to Reason.
Now, using the MIDI IN DEVICE at the top of the Reason window, select a Device for Channel 1. In my case I used the Matrix. Looks a bit like this:
![]()
Now you're ready to send controller information to Reason. Let's try changing the pattern.
For changing Matrix' patterns, use MIDI Controller 3 (ControlUndefined3). Send a value of 1 for example and you'll see the pattern being changed to pattern 2. Most MIDI Controllers will start from value o, so because of this a value of 1 switches a pattern to 2.
By the way, pattern selections with a bank switch (A,B,C or D) is very simple, just keep on counting. Value 9 is needed to select B2 for example.
Simple isn't it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One more tip
If you really want to have total control over MIDI controllers, it's a good idea to download both MIDI-OX and MIDI-YOKE. These tools give you a virtual MIDI cable and the best MIDI monitor which you can imagine. Boths programs are totally licence free.
The nice thing about MIDI-OX is that it gives you information about the MIDI information you're sending and recieving. I've solved many problems with it.
Some people asked me how to control Reason using MIDI controller information. With a little MIDI knowledge, it's reasonable easy. I'll tell you how to...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIDI Implementation Charts
During the installation of Reason, a MIDI Implementation Charts.pdf is copied to your system. It contains all MIDI Control-numbers in combination with all the parameters of the Reason devices which can be controlled by it.
For example:
Changing patterns on Redrum or Matrix, uses MIDI Controller 3 (ControlUndefined3). Changing the master volume of the Mixer 14:2, uses MIDI Controller 7 (ControlChannelVolume). And Controller 7 is also used for controlling the volume of NN19, Subtractor, Redrum and Dr.Rex.
So in most cases, the same MIDI Controller numbers control the same parameters. Propellerhead really did a great job on it. Here's why:
the MIDI Implementation Charts.pdf makes everything clear
all parameters of every device can be controlled using the same set of MIDI Controllers
almost every parameter in Reason can be controlled using MIDI Controllers.
Trust me, most software doesn't have such a huge Controller-list!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More specific: how to set it up?
First of all make sure you have MIDI In connected to Reason.
Now, using the MIDI IN DEVICE at the top of the Reason window, select a Device for Channel 1. In my case I used the Matrix. Looks a bit like this:
Now you're ready to send controller information to Reason. Let's try changing the pattern.
For changing Matrix' patterns, use MIDI Controller 3 (ControlUndefined3). Send a value of 1 for example and you'll see the pattern being changed to pattern 2. Most MIDI Controllers will start from value o, so because of this a value of 1 switches a pattern to 2.
By the way, pattern selections with a bank switch (A,B,C or D) is very simple, just keep on counting. Value 9 is needed to select B2 for example.
Simple isn't it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One more tip
If you really want to have total control over MIDI controllers, it's a good idea to download both MIDI-OX and MIDI-YOKE. These tools give you a virtual MIDI cable and the best MIDI monitor which you can imagine. Boths programs are totally licence free.
The nice thing about MIDI-OX is that it gives you information about the MIDI information you're sending and recieving. I've solved many problems with it.