Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Cubase VS Reason

Compare Cubase VS Reason and see what are their differences

Cubase logo Cubase

Cubase is one of the world’s most powerful music creation software packages. From first idea to finished recording, Cubase helps you to make outstanding music.

Reason logo Reason

Reason is a program that you can use to create music.
  • Cubase Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-12
  • Reason Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-13

Cubase features and specs

  • Feature-Rich
    Cubase offers a vast array of features and tools for music production, including advanced MIDI editing, a large selection of VST instruments and effects, and comprehensive mixing and mastering capabilities.
  • Stability and Performance
    Cubase is known for its robust performance and stability, making it a reliable choice for professional studios and large-scale projects.
  • High-Quality Plugins
    Cubase includes a range of high-quality VST plugins, such as VST Amp Rack and REVerence convolution reverb, which enhance its built-in sound design capabilities.
  • Excellent Workflow
    The software offers an intuitive and highly customizable workflow with advanced tools like the MixConsole for seamless navigation and project management.
  • Comprehensive Support and Community
    Steinberg provides extensive support through documentation, tutorials, and a user community, making it easier for both beginners and advanced users to solve problems and learn new techniques.

Possible disadvantages of Cubase

  • High Cost
    Cubase can be expensive, particularly the Pro version, making it less accessible for hobbyists or beginners on a tight budget.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive array of features and deep functionalities, new users might find Cubase challenging to learn and navigate initially.
  • Resource Intensive
    Cubase can be demanding on computer resources, requiring a powerful and well-equipped system for optimal performance.
  • License Management
    The eLicenser dongle required for Cubase's licensing can be inconvenient and presents an additional cost and point of hassle for users.
  • Limited Compatibility with Some Plugins
    Although Cubase supports VST plugins extensively, compatibility issues can sometimes arise with certain third-party plugins, requiring additional troubleshooting.

Reason features and specs

  • Comprehensive DAW
    Reason offers a complete Digital Audio Workstation environment with a wide range of built-in instruments, effects, and utilities.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The interface is intuitive and visually appealing, often described as having a 'rack of gear' and mimics real-world hardware setups.
  • Rack Extensions
    Allows the expansion of user capabilities through modular plugins, enabling users to customize their setup extensively.
  • Built-in Sound Library
    Comes with a vast library of sounds and presets, making it easier for users to get started right away and find inspiration quickly.
  • ReWire Support
    Reason can be used in conjunction with other DAWs through ReWire, enhancing flexibility and integration with other music production software.
  • Stability
    Reason is known for its reliability and stability, reducing the frustration of crashes and data loss during music production.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Available for both Windows and MacOS, Reason provides flexibility in terms of which operating system users prefer to work on.

Possible disadvantages of Reason

  • Learning Curve
    Although it's user-friendly, the extensive features and unique workflow can present a steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Resource Intensive
    Reason can be demanding on system resources, which might require more powerful hardware to operate smoothly, especially for large projects.
  • Limited Third-Party Plugin Support
    While the introduction of VST support has alleviated this, Reason is still somewhat less flexible with third-party plugins compared to other DAWs.
  • Cost
    Reason is a premium software with a relatively high price tag, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious individuals or hobbyists.
  • Closed Ecosystem
    The ecosystem can feel restrictive as it ultimately leans towards promoting its own Rack Extensions over other kinds of plugins and additions.
  • Limited Audio Editing Features
    While offering a wide range of instruments and effects, Reason's audio editing capabilities are considered less advanced compared to other DAWs.
  • MIDI Editing
    MIDI editing tools are somewhat limited and may not have all the advanced features that users of other DAWs might expect.

Analysis of Cubase

Overall verdict

  • Cubase is a highly regarded DAW with a strong reputation for its features and reliability. It is particularly praised for its extensive toolset and workflow efficiency, making it a popular choice among musicians and producers.

Why this product is good

  • Cubase is considered a robust and versatile digital audio workstation (DAW) with a comprehensive set of features that cater to both beginners and professional music producers. It offers a wide range of virtual instruments, effects, and a user-friendly interface that supports various music production tasks such as recording, editing, and mixing. Additionally, its advanced MIDI capabilities and audio engine provide flexibility and high-quality sound production.

Recommended for

  • Professional music producers looking for an all-in-one DAW
  • Beginners who want a comprehensive yet accessible DAW
  • Composers working with MIDI and virtual instruments
  • Audio engineers who require powerful mixing tools
  • Any music creator who values stability and extensive features

Analysis of Reason

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Reason is considered a good choice for both beginners and experienced music producers. Its intuitive design, comprehensive toolset, and flexibility make it a standout digital audio workstation (DAW) that can support a wide range of music production needs.

Why this product is good

  • Reason, developed by Propellerhead Software (now Reason Studios), is highly regarded in the music production community due to its unique interface, flexibility, and robust feature set. It offers a virtual rack of instruments and effects that users can manipulate freely, emulating real-world hardware setups. This allows for a highly customizable and creative workflow. Reason also includes a wide variety of synths, samplers, drum machines, and effects, making it suitable for diverse music production styles. Its powerful sequencer and compatibility with other music production software as a plugin or a standalone application further enhance its utility and appeal.

Recommended for

  • Music producers who appreciate a modular approach to music production.
  • Those looking for a wide range of virtual instruments and effects.
  • Producers interested in a DAW with a unique interface and workflow.
  • Musicians seeking a standalone music production platform that can also integrate with other DAWs.

Cubase videos

🔴 Cubase 10.5 New Features & Review - Is It Worth It?

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Cubase 10.5 Review, New features, Tutorial, Tip - The Protools Killer
  • Review - The New CUBASE 10.5 - Is it worth it? A look at my TOP NEW FEATURES!

Reason videos

Reason 11 DAW Review

More videos:

  • Review - Reason - THERE YOU HAVE IT ALBUM Review
  • Review - Reason - There You Have It Album Review | DEHH

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cubase and Reason)
Audio & Music
59 59%
41% 41
Audio
58 58%
42% 42
Audio Recording
63 63%
37% 37
Music
54 54%
46% 46

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Cubase and Reason

Cubase Reviews

15 Best LALAL.AI Alternatives 2023
Cubase users can use MediaBay to examine and edit projects, events, and tracks and search and arrange content. Cubase pricing starts at $128.38 per feature.
5 PRO TOOLS ALTERNATIVES FOR RECORDING AND MIXING AUDIO
CubaseCubase is another popular DAW among music producers and sound engineers. It has a wide range of features for audio recording and mixing, as well as a powerful plugin ecosystem.
Best FL Studio Alternatives In 2022
Thanks Chris.. I want to access orchestral instruments to work with my input.. I have Cakewalk and an intro Cubase and v5 of REASON along with interactive VSTs and a Akai mini.. but the Akai hasn’t been easy to get along with.. any suggestions.. ? Thanks for a great page, Jaye
10 Best Audacity Alternatives for Audio Recording and Editing
From the house of Yamaha Corporation, Steinberg Cubase audio editor is flooded with impressive features such as MIDI editors that allow creating beats and score layouts, etc.
Top 12 Audacity Alternatives You Could Use
Owned by none other than the Yamaha Corporation, Steinberg Cubase comes with a truckload of impressive features. It includes a variety of MIDI editors (e.g. Key, Score, Drum, and List), that let you create chords, score layouts, beats etc. in no time. Not only that, its award winning audio engine delivers 32-bit/192 kHz resolution audio, with true surround capability. Then...
Source: beebom.com

Reason Reviews

We have no reviews of Reason yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Cubase seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Cubase mentions (4)

  • Can I upgrade to Pro 11 from Elements 8?
    You should be good. It is included in that list. Source; https://new.steinberg.net/cubase/. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Steinberg Summer Sale - 40% off Cubase 11 Updates, Upgrades and competitive crossgrade. New users can buy Cubase Artist and get Pro until 1 August. eLicenser Required (for now)
    - Go to Steinberg's Cubase site and click the "Buy Cubase" button. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Upgrade from Cubase Elements 11 to Cubase Artist 11
    Click here on get it Https://new.steinberg.net/cubase/. Source: about 4 years ago
  • [GEAR] recording software
    If you are wanting to make complete tracks the answer gets a lot more complicated. You could still go with something like Reaper but I'm going to make two recommendations for DAWs to try based on personal experience. The first I'd recommend trying is Cubase which is the DAW I currently use and have been using for a decent amount of time. I love it for a vast number of reasons but I think that Cubase is great... Source: about 4 years ago

Reason mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Reason yet. Tracking of Reason recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cubase and Reason, you can also consider the following products

FL Studio - Image-Line's FL Studio, now on it's 12th version, is a well-known music production suite and the most popular beat processor on the market, due no doubt to its longevity. Read more about FL Studio.

GarageBand - GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio for Mac

Reaper - Reaper is a focused digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Cockos. In the creation of the software, the digital audio technology company intended to make audio editing accessible to the masses.

Audacity - Audacity is a free and open-source audio production software suite that includes a surprising array of editing tools and recording systems.

LMMS - Make music with a free, cross-platform tool

Ardour - Record, edit, and mix on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.