Reasons MClass devices, what are they and why should you use them? We take a look at these old favourites and see if they still have anything to offer the discerning Reason user. If you are new to Reason, you may have overlooked them due to the sheer volume and quality of the alternatives.
The MClass group of devices have been the workhorses of the Reason rack since they were introduced in Reason 3.0. Originally designed for mastering, they quickly gained traction as the go-to devices for everything else too. What say we take ’em for a spin and see what they’ve got.
Reasons MClass Devices Comprise Of An;
- EQ.
- Compressor.
- Stereo Imager.
- Maximizer.
For most Reason users, that is what a mastering chain looked like, for many old-timers it still does. Some also liked to tuck in an RV7000 in there somewhere too, the jury is still in session as to the pros and cons of this. Today we are going to deliver an overview of each device and see if they still have a place in the Reason experience.
What is the MClass EQ and why do I need it?
What: Like the other devices, the MClass EQ is an uncomplicated animal. It’s an incredibly clean four-band EQ that is capable of both broad strokes and fine detail work. It features a low cut switch, for clearing out any un-needed rumble below 30 hertz. There are Hi and Lo shelves and then two fully adjustable notching filters.
Why: It won’t colour your signal. It can deliver Notches, gouges, hills, troughs, gentle roll off’s, and also aggressive filtering. Anywhere you would consider using an EQ you can also consider this device. It’s not as fancy as a Pro-Q 3, but you’ll have it dialled in quickly and you can toss them around like confetti without worrying about overloading your machine.
The Reason User Verdict: I still use this EQ on a regular basis, especially during sound design. There is something comforting about having a task to perform and knowing what you need to do to this device to make that happen. Sometimes I’ll even use it as an effect. The controls can either be automated in the sequencer or assigned to a modulator in a combinator, either method then allows you to go as crazy or as subtle as you want to be.
What is the MClass Compressor and why do I need it?
What: If you are already familiar with compressors then you should feel instantly at home here. Like the EQ, it’s easy to use and light on CPU. It features the standard compressor controls plus a soft knee selector for smoother transitions. If you flip the rack around you’ll see you have a sidechain input and also a CV out.
Why: If you know what you are after, you can dial it in quickly with this compressor. It can gently even, tame a beast, and enhance punch/smack in things. It doesn’t have any analogue mojo to impart but sometimes all you want is compression without a Computer stress test thrown in.
The Reason User Verdict: Out of all of Reasons MClass Devices, this is the one that I use the most. I typically use it as an insert whenever I am creating sounds from scratch. I also still use it as the compressor of choice for ducking duties, when I’m not using pump anyway. That I use it all is a little surprising when I think of all of the options that I have available.
What is the MClass Stereo Imager and why do I need it?
What: This neat little device allows you to split your source audio into high and low bands. You can adjust the crossover frequency and then control the width of each.
Why: If you want to wrestle your bass/synths stereo width into submission, this is the device to reach for. Dial your low-end information down to mono and gently widen the upper frequencies. Then either decide where your cutoff is going to be or twiddle the x-over control until it feels right. The same applies when used on an entire mix.
The Reason User Verdict: I’ll admit to not using this device too often these days, as I like the alternatives so much. I still use it from time to time, mainly for narrowing the low end of a source without also narrowing the highs. It’s so quick it just makes sense sometimes. Even though I don’t use it often, I’d be more than a little sad if it were to disappear.
What is the MClass Maximizer and why do I need it?
What: Reasons MClass limiter is easy to use and understand. Choose what type of attack and release you require, then push the input gain to taste. It features a 4ms lookahead so it can handle transients better and also a soft clip for a more musical experience when clipping occurs. If you are going to push the Maximizer hard then 4ms lookahead and the soft clip should be engaged.
Why: It’s lean, mean, and will get the job done without any fuss. Use it on an entire mix to maximize your levels or use it on individual sounds to push things without artifacts and without squashing the life out of it.
The Reason User Verdict: Prior to VSTs, the Maximizer was my go-to limiter for individual sounds. I’ll be quite honest in that I’ve barely used it since. I have several options now which I prefer. I expect there are still plenty of people out there who still use this regularly but for me it has almost slid into history.
Reason MClass Devices Loading & Saving Presets:
The eagle-eyed among you might have noticed that there doesn’t appear to be any way of calling up or saving presets. Reasons MClass devices weren’t the only new toys in Reason 3.0, this update also heralded the arrival of the Combinator.
You might not be able to save a patch in the individual devices but you can toss them into a combination and save that. For some reason, this reminds me of the, “Actually I’m somewhat of a scientist myself” meme…
The proof, as they say. is in the pudding. Why not take them for a spin and then see how they work out for you. These handy old units get a definite thumbs up from us. They are quick to deploy, easy on the old CPU, easy to use, and also very transparent.
Let us know in the comments if and how you use these devices!
