The Ultimate Showdown: Pro Tools vs Reason – Which Is The Best Music Production Software? 2024

If you're a music producer, chances are you've heard of Pro Tools and Reason – two of the most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) on the market today.

But how do they stack up against each other?

Which one is best for your specific production needs?

In this article, we'll compare both software packages side by side, exploring their features, pros and cons to help determine which DAW reigns supreme in the ultimate showdown: Pro Tools vs Reason.

Let's get started!

The Ultimate Showdown: Pro Tools vs Reason – Which Is The Best Music Production Software? 2024
Table Of Contents
  1. What We Know About Pro Tools
  2. What We Know About Reason
  3. Pro Tools vs Reason: What's The Difference?
  4. Don't Have It Yet? Download Avid Pro Tools

What We Know About Pro Tools

PRO TOOLS

Pro Tools is a DAW used to create, record, edit, and mix audio.
It's professional-grade software that can record and edit multiple tracks, apply effects and processing, and mix and master audio.

Pro Tools is used in recording studios, post-production facilities, and live sound environments.

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It's compatible with microphones, interfaces, and control surfaces, and many audio file formats.

Pro Tools requires a supported operating system and hardware, such as an audio interface. You must also purchase a software licence, which comes in different versions based on your needs and budget.

After installing Pro Tools, you can start creating audio.

The software can record, edit, and mix audio, work with virtual instruments, apply effects, and collaborate with other users.

Pro Tools can create, edit, and integrate MIDI tracks and other software and hardware.

Pro Tools is a powerful DAW used by audio professionals. It offers features and tools for creating and working with audio and is compatible with hardware and software.

Pro Tools is a great DAW for musicians, sound engineers, and other audio professionals. Pro Tools is a DAW used to create, record, edit, and mix audio.
It's professional-grade software that can record and edit multiple tracks, apply effects and processing, and mix and master audio.

Pro Tools is used in recording studios, post-production facilities, and live sound environments. It's compatible with microphones, interfaces, and control surfaces, and many audio file formats.

Pro Tools requires a supported operating system and hardware, such as an audio interface.

You must also purchase a software licence, which comes in different versions based on your needs and budget.

After installing Pro Tools, you can start creating audio. The software can record, edit, and mix audio, work with virtual instruments, apply effects, and collaborate with other users.

Pro Tools can create, edit, and integrate MIDI tracks and other software and hardware.

Pro Tools is a powerful DAW used by audio professionals. It offers features and tools for creating and working with audio and is compatible with hardware and software.

Pro Tools is a great DAW for musicians, sound engineers, and other audio professionals.

Pro Tools Price: $29.99/month or $599

Don't Have It Yet? Download Avid Pro Tools

Pro Tools Specs: 

  • Pro Tools works on Windows and macOS
  • Offers audio recording, editing, mixing, and virtual instruments/effects
  • Supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, and MIDI
  • Uses non-destructive audio editing system
  • Includes Xpand!2, AIR virtual instrument suite, and Avid Channel Strip plug-in
  • Integrates with Avid Video Engine and Avid S6 control surface
  • Available in three versions: Pro Tools First (free), Pro Tools, and Pro Tools Ultimate
  • Minimum system requirements for Pro Tools on Windows:
    • Intel Core i5 processor or higher
    • 8 GB RAM
    • 15 GB free hard drive space
    • Windows 10 64-bit
    • ASIO-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card
  • Minimum system requirements for Pro Tools on macOS:
    • Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher
    • 8 GB RAM
    • 15 GB free hard drive space
    • macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher
    • Core Audio-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card

Pro Tools Official Site / Where To Download:  Pro Tools Official Website

They have many useful tutorials over on the  Pro Tools Official Youtube Channel

What We Know About Reason

Reason

Reason is a music software that allows users to create, edit, and produce music on their computer. It is known for its extensive collection of virtual instruments, effects, and other tools that make it easy to create professional-sounding compositions.

One of the main features of Reason is its virtual instrument collection, which includes everything from pianos and drums to synthesizers and guitars.

These virtual instruments can be used to add different sounds and styles to your music, and can be customized with different effects and settings to create unique sounds.

Another useful feature of Reason is its built-in audio editor, which allows you to edit and manipulate audio files. This includes cutting, splicing, and adding effects to your audio, as well as pitch correction and automatic timing tools for vocals.

Reason also has a number of helpful tools for recording and editing MIDI patterns and melodies, including a piano roll editor and a step sequencer.

These tools make it easy to create complex compositions and add different rhythms and melodies to your music.

Reason Price: $399

Specs: 

– Operating system compatibility: Reason is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.

– Processor and memory requirements: Reason requires a computer with a 2.0 GHz processor and at least 4 GB of RAM.

– Supported file formats: Reason supports a wide range of audio file formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, and Ogg Vorbis, as well as its own proprietary file format, known as the Reason Song File (.rns).

– Editing features: Reason includes a range of tools for editing audio, including the ability to cut, copy, and paste audio, as well as support for undo and redo actions. It also includes a range of audio effects, such as EQ, compression, and reverb.

– Recording capabilities: Reason allows users to record audio from various sources, including microphones and line-in inputs. It also supports the ability to record multiple tracks at once, allowing users to create multi-track recordings.

– Support for plug-ins: Reason supports the use of plug-ins, which are additional software modules that can be used to extend the functionality of the program. This includes support for VST and AU plug-ins.

– User interface: Reason has a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily navigate and use its various features. It includes a sequencer for arranging audio, as well as a range of controls for adjusting audio levels and applying effects.

– Other features: Reason also includes features such as support for MIDI and virtual instruments, as well as the ability to import and export audio in a variety of formats.

Reason Official Site / Where To Download:  Reason Official Website

They have many useful tutorials over on the  Reason Official Youtube Channel

Pro Tools vs Reason: What's The Difference?

Pro Tools and Reason are both popular music software programs used by musicians and producers.

Pro Tools is known for being more industry-standard and is good for recording and mixing audio, while Reason is popular for producing loop-based music like hip hop and electronic music.

Reason also has modular synths and effects that can be wired together to create unique sounds.

When it comes to price, Pro Tools offers flexible payment options such as yearly, monthly, or one-time payments.

On the other hand, Reason has a one-time fee of $199. While both programs have different pricing structures, they both have free versions to try out.
Pro Tools First is free, while Reason has a free trial available.

Reason is also known for being easy to use, with intuitive music-making gadgets and professional production tools that make it easy to get started with.

It is also powerful enough to be used as a plugin inside other DAWs like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase.

There is even a mobile version for iPhone and iPad.

While Pro Tools is generally considered to be the industry standard for recording and mixing audio, Reason is mainly used as a synthesis/rack tool for composers and producers.

However, both programs can be used together to create music. Pro Tools is also cheaper than Adobe Audition, which costs $600 a year for 5.1 sound output.

Overall, both Pro Tools and Reason have their own unique features and are great options for music production. It just depends on what you are looking for in a music software.

If you found this comparison useful, but are still undecided on what tool is best for you, you might want to check out my other Pro Tools comparison articles. A DAW isn't a small investment, so take your time and make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck!

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle