Get with the programmers
Following the release of Reason 9.5, we quiz the Props on the task of building VST support into the software
What are the challenges in adding VST support into a mature DAW, rather than building it in from the very start?
MH “I think we have more advantages than challenges. Our experience with Rack Extensions and focusing the user experience means that we had the opportunity to think one step further about how we’d like Reason’s VST implementation to be done. It’s not all a walk in the park, though. We started fresh with plugin compatibility. This means a lot of time needs to be spent identifying plugin behaviors that other DAWs might’ve had a long time to create special solutions for.”
The VST standard has been around for a while. Considering your own Rack Extension format, what could be improved in the VST standard for users and developers?
MH “Every VST developer needs to solve copy protection, file browsing, undo and so on, which means less time to spend on the actual instrument or effect. I think the download and authorisation experience in particular is a sore spot. With Rack Extensions, there’s one single license, and all your downloads are available in one place, wherever you are in the world.”
You’ve managed to let users hook CV up to any open parameter in a plugin – why do you think this hasn’t been happening for years with other VST hosts?
MH “I think one reason is that most hosts don’t have the same concept of modulation as we do in Reason. Since we have CV signals, it comes natural to our users to connect an LFO from one device to control the filter in another. This is especially true with Rack Extensions, where there are tons of great CV generators and devices that offer unique modulation signals.
“I must say, though: Bitwig have done a great job with their new Modulators. I’m happy to see more companies exploring this type of interaction. As a modular synth fan, I think it’s something magical in that.”
What was behind to hosting plugins in their own windows? MH “There are so many different approaches to plugin interfaces that it felt nearly impossible to try to cram them into the rack. We also didn’t want to compromise the interface that the plugin developer had designed, so a window was a natural conclusion. This is an area where Rack Extensions really shine – it’s a more tightly integrated experience that Reason users still love!”
What are your personal favourite VSTs? MH “I love FabFilter’s creative plugins – Volcano is an amazing filter that keeps surprising me, and that works extremely well being controlled by CV from Reason. I’m also happy to have access to all the fantastic Kontakt libraries out there, especially since I have a background in writing music for video games. Another plugin I have to mention is Synapse Audio’s Dune 2. It makes it super easy to create huge sounds and I really like their design philosophy; it’s quite Reason-like.”
“Every VST developer needs to solve copy protection, file browsing, undo and so on”