Blocks are one of Reason's most underrated features, so I always appreciate more videos demonstrating how to take advantage of it. A useful tip I learned from watching Andy Fielding's production streams for cutting out vertical slices of a song to paste into Blocks is to switch to the Razor tool, and then simply click & drag in the top section of the sequencer window (where the bar numbers are marked). It'll cleanly slice on either side of the measure range, but also select everything from top to bottom.
To all the pricks throwin shade....this guy is sharing his knowledge to help whomever may get some insights for people wanting to learn. This isnt a guy looking to brag on his work. Whatever . It takes hundreds of tracks to get that one that shines as well. At least he is moving forward and is generously trying to enlighten .
Rediscovering BLOCKS, lots of potential! At first I thought BLOCKS were like markers for song sections. Just saw a video where the artist starts his projects in blocks mode. Now diving deeper into ways of using it, insane possibilities. 🤩 Thank you for this cool experiment, really dug your soundscapes and groove. Aloha 🤙🏽 ✌🏽 🖖🏽 🙏🏽
Great so see you mention the keyboard shortcuts in your vids... great to reinforce their existence & usefulness for all level of Reason users and only takes a second to remind folks of them :)
Thanks for the reminder, actually. As I keep making videos It gets harder not to assume the viewer knows the small things. But it’s exactly the small things we miss! Thanks for watching!
Block mode was designed to take the headache out of arranging the sequences. You single handedly turned block mode into a calculus problem. Gonna have to reinvent yourself a little something there broski.
I think they will (cut them off)l. Anything that goes over the bar line goes in what I call the 3rd dimension. After you lay your blocks (patterns) out. You lay down stuff that will pass the bar line on the main timeline.
@@itsdjQuasar Hi--quick test shows fx tails do not cut off. :-0 I think would be fun to revisit this with a simple 4 instrument composition with obvious drum fill breaks. The idea would be to show the 'lost in a loop' musicians--ie, nearly everyone-- how to break out compositionally using Blocks. Thanks!
Yo quasar... That track sounds wavey bro 👍🏾 just listening now, gonna run it again when I get up tomorrowz.. Good. Looking out 😎hope all is well, speak soonz
i use block differently, i don't like i don't have everything in front, i use blocks empty as a colour code, but i writte everything in my song sequencer.. the only reason i would use blocks would be if i could use it in live mode, as a novation launchpad, do you know if i can mute or solo everything and switch among loops on tempo?
Just comin back from holiday, and this was a question I had thought in the past .. Do we really need to be using blocks in reason?? Thanks... Can't wait to watch 😎👊🏾
The first couple times but you get used to it. You mostly tweak things and listen anyway so you catch stuff as you go (ie. delay times or accidentally putting your snares in the regular, non-doubled spots). Thanks for watching!
@@bryanpegues6871 In this case: at 160 bpm instead of 80 it's easier to program the drums. Particularly the Hi-Hats. All those fast rolls and what-not make more sense to program at double speed. Also, from the standpoint of live playing if you were jamming drums to the same song but you counted 1/2 time on one pass (in your head) and counted double time on the second pass your syncopation would be different. You would "feel" those extra counts. Strange, though, it's so natural for me to double the BPM below a certain range it took me a minute to remember why I did so. I'm sure I'm missing another reason but I can tell you this: I remember that switching to doubling made my production at low bpm easier even if I can't remember all the reason's why (I know there was at least one more reason). Try it. 🖤
Thanks for this. Is it possible to copy/duplicate a block itself (so I can then rename and make changes within it)? I find it tedious to have to copy all the content from within a block into a new block, in order to create similar blocks with minor differences.
I see a potential problem working with Blocks, at least for my workflow. If you then want to bounce the tracks to audio, to start clean the mixing stage (which is what I do at least as it helps me mix much faster), ideally you want all MIDI clips joined ... how do you do that if you worked with blocks?
My man Daniel! So to solve that problem you may use the "Bounce Mixer Channels" command in the file menu. Use BLOCKS during the writing/arrangement phase for the power they offer there and then when you want to start the mixing phase once you have "locked" your arrangement and added effects you could bounce stems for a new session just for the mix. It gives you a ton of options of how you want the audio bounced (dry, wet and in between). Your CPU is wide open for effects and your mind is clear and focused. Make your mix phase its own session. I should do a video on how I do this, yeah?
@@itsdjQuasar Oh, thanks! I had not thought of bouncing that way instead of right clicking on the clips. Maybe a video on the different bounce options and when to use one or another!? I already always make a different session for mixing and also for mastering :)
this tutorial could have been much better by articulating which keys you are pressing. for example are you copying and pasting all the midi data to the blocks?
Thanks for the video..... for making all your data appear on a song mode and some other stuff he might have skipped.... check the reason studio video ua-cam.com/video/I6UFCdD4Lyk/v-deo.html, like Quasar said blocks are a good workflow option
To me it seems like a preference thing. I’m focused on your results. Doesn’t appear to be anything special about blocks.. I write and record in the same sequence window. I guess to each is own. Good video though..
I hear ya. However, the magic happens when you arrange a track and realize that you like verse 2 to come after the instrumental break (or whatever). Or maybe you aren't sure and you just want to hear it there real quick. Changing things around without blocks is a nightmare sometimes. Also, it's a mental shift. That's the real point. To get you to think in sections if you don't already. It's a problem for many new producers. Helped me immensely when it came to turning loops into actual songs. Also, you can bang out the radio version and extended mix with intro super fast using blocks as well. I don't use blocks every time but I will say that most of my best, catchiest, most memorable songs were ones that I did use blocks because the structure stays focused and I was able to try a bunch of different arrangements till I found the one that was the most effective. Also, I tend not to overdo it with instruments when I use blocks. I recommend making music all of the ways! You just never know where your next breakthrough will come from. Thank you for your comment! 🖤
It's a beat. It just nothing good. Do u honestly feel as if that beat could make it on an album? It sounds like an amateur beat at most but you're jamming to it as if it's a great beat. Its wak. Does nothing to the listener.
Become a member of my website and download the full session, my patches and songs here: www.djquasar.com/downloads 🥰
That's what i like about your videos: straight to the point, actual workflow tips (shortcuts included!); and some damn nice tunes. Thanks !
Thanks!
Means a lot!
Blocks are one of Reason's most underrated features, so I always appreciate more videos demonstrating how to take advantage of it. A useful tip I learned from watching Andy Fielding's production streams for cutting out vertical slices of a song to paste into Blocks is to switch to the Razor tool, and then simply click & drag in the top section of the sequencer window (where the bar numbers are marked). It'll cleanly slice on either side of the measure range, but also select everything from top to bottom.
That’s a good one! I have mentioned that one in one of my tips videos (arrangent tips, I think) it’s a real game changer! Thanks for watching!
To all the pricks throwin shade....this guy is sharing his knowledge to help whomever may get some insights for people wanting to learn.
This isnt a guy looking to brag on his work. Whatever . It takes hundreds of tracks to get that one that shines as well.
At least he is moving forward and is generously trying to enlighten .
Rediscovering BLOCKS, lots of potential! At first I thought BLOCKS were like markers for song sections. Just saw a video where the artist starts his projects in blocks mode. Now diving deeper into ways of using it, insane possibilities. 🤩 Thank you for this cool experiment, really dug your soundscapes and groove. Aloha 🤙🏽 ✌🏽 🖖🏽 🙏🏽
Great so see you mention the keyboard shortcuts in your vids... great to reinforce their existence & usefulness for all level of Reason users and only takes a second to remind folks of them :)
Thanks for the reminder, actually. As I keep making videos It gets harder not to assume the viewer knows the small things. But it’s exactly the small things we miss!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video! I've always been curious about Blocks and now I feel confident giving it a try
Block mode was designed to take the headache out of arranging the sequences. You single handedly turned block mode into a calculus problem. Gonna have to reinvent yourself a little something there broski.
I'm feeling that popcorn synth. I learned a few things, too. Subscribed!
This video is great! Please post more Reason stuff. Subscribed!
Appreciate the video and that you took the time to make this (:
This stuff looks quite useful
It’s great 👍 music it’s great. I very like. Good luck you. I work in Reason too. I guess it’s one of the best DAW.
Thank you very much! It very much is!
Very Cool ... Excellent Job Thank you for sharing
Very cool presentation! Subscribed because of this video!
The struggle is real! Are block transitions cutting off fx tails? Learned a lot--thank you
I think they will (cut them off)l. Anything that goes over the bar line goes in what I call the 3rd dimension. After you lay your blocks (patterns) out. You lay down stuff that will pass the bar line on the main timeline.
@@itsdjQuasar Hi--quick test shows fx tails do not cut off. :-0 I think would be fun
to revisit this with a simple 4 instrument composition with obvious drum fill breaks.
The idea would be to show the 'lost in a loop' musicians--ie, nearly everyone-- how to
break out compositionally using Blocks. Thanks!
@@anzatzi good idea!
i subscribe im holdin u accountable to deliver tricks n etc tips keep up the good vids
I like the way you groove to your track.
Hoping you're grooving too!
the thing i dont like about block is the block color shades over the the tracks then its hard to see your audio and midi
That beat is pretty tight. I've been using blocks since Reason 5.
I like Serato Studio's take on blocks. More intutitive. Propellerhead has never updated or refined Blocks, like everything else lol.
Can't wait to get back home now 😎
Yo quasar... That track sounds wavey bro 👍🏾 just listening now, gonna run it again when I get up tomorrowz.. Good. Looking out 😎hope all is well, speak soonz
i use block differently, i don't like i don't have everything in front, i use blocks empty as a colour code, but i writte everything in my song sequencer.. the only reason i would use blocks would be if i could use it in live mode, as a novation launchpad, do you know if i can mute or solo everything and switch among loops on tempo?
I'm not sure what you mean. Can you explain further?
I have never used blocks. wish there was more info on this stuff
Try this video from Propellerhead.... should get you started ua-cam.com/video/I6UFCdD4Lyk/v-deo.html
Love ur workflow talk "now where cooking wid gas" 😎 and a "little bit of massaging can fix"😎👍🏾
Subscribed
This is so hot, this the type of reason beat maker I wanna be.
Just comin back from holiday, and this was a question I had thought in the past .. Do we really need to be using blocks in reason?? Thanks... Can't wait to watch 😎👊🏾
you can never have too much knowledge
Great job
Good stuff. I always wonder why some producers double the bpm. Does that ever confuse you?
The first couple times but you get used to it. You mostly tweak things and listen anyway so you catch stuff as you go (ie. delay times or accidentally putting your snares in the regular, non-doubled spots). Thanks for watching!
@@itsdjQuasar what are the benefits of doing it?
@@bryanpegues6871 In this case: at 160 bpm instead of 80 it's easier to program the drums. Particularly the Hi-Hats. All those fast rolls and what-not make more sense to program at double speed. Also, from the standpoint of live playing if you were jamming drums to the same song but you counted 1/2 time on one pass (in your head) and counted double time on the second pass your syncopation would be different. You would "feel" those extra counts. Strange, though, it's so natural for me to double the BPM below a certain range it took me a minute to remember why I did so. I'm sure I'm missing another reason but I can tell you this: I remember that switching to doubling made my production at low bpm easier even if I can't remember all the reason's why (I know there was at least one more reason). Try it. 🖤
Thanks for this. Is it possible to copy/duplicate a block itself (so I can then rename and make changes within it)? I find it tedious to have to copy all the content from within a block into a new block, in order to create similar blocks with minor differences.
Yeah, the tedious way is the only way. A "Make Unique" command for duplicates would be awesome ...
What would you like to see in a video?
@@itsdjQuasar Thanks for your reply. I am using Maschine as a plug-in in Reason. If you have any tips on that, I'd love to hear them!
@@peterbillings unfortunately I know nothing about machine. Looks really cool, though.
I tried it but no matter which B key I hit on my keyboard it just makes a sound either lower or higher?
Hmmm... Make sure you have Blocks enabled (Options -> Enable Blocks) Also, in the same menu tab you can see the option to switch to Blocks mode.
more reason please
I see a potential problem working with Blocks, at least for my workflow. If you then want to bounce the tracks to audio, to start clean the mixing stage (which is what I do at least as it helps me mix much faster), ideally you want all MIDI clips joined ... how do you do that if you worked with blocks?
My man Daniel!
So to solve that problem you may use the "Bounce Mixer Channels" command in the file menu. Use BLOCKS during the writing/arrangement phase for the power they offer there and then when you want to start the mixing phase once you have "locked" your arrangement and added effects you could bounce stems for a new session just for the mix. It gives you a ton of options of how you want the audio bounced (dry, wet and in between). Your CPU is wide open for effects and your mind is clear and focused. Make your mix phase its own session. I should do a video on how I do this, yeah?
@@itsdjQuasar Oh, thanks! I had not thought of bouncing that way instead of right clicking on the clips. Maybe a video on the different bounce options and when to use one or another!?
I already always make a different session for mixing and also for mastering :)
@@itsdjQuasar Yes! Do a vid on that there!
this tutorial could have been much better by articulating which keys you are pressing. for example are you copying and pasting all the midi data to the blocks?
I am cutting and pasting them. Using the standard command+x and command+v that is OS wide. 😁
i agree a screenshot would be nice
...Thanks....
This video could have been 10 minutes.
Karra is the best example of great timing.
what a Beat Bro gimme that xd
Thanks for the video..... for making all your data appear on a song mode and some other stuff he might have skipped.... check the reason studio video ua-cam.com/video/I6UFCdD4Lyk/v-deo.html, like Quasar said blocks are a good workflow option
To me it seems like a preference thing. I’m focused on your results. Doesn’t appear to be anything special about blocks.. I write and record in the same sequence window. I guess to each is own. Good video though..
I hear ya. However, the magic happens when you arrange a track and realize that you like verse 2 to come after the instrumental break (or whatever). Or maybe you aren't sure and you just want to hear it there real quick. Changing things around without blocks is a nightmare sometimes. Also, it's a mental shift. That's the real point. To get you to think in sections if you don't already. It's a problem for many new producers. Helped me immensely when it came to turning loops into actual songs. Also, you can bang out the radio version and extended mix with intro super fast using blocks as well. I don't use blocks every time but I will say that most of my best, catchiest, most memorable songs were ones that I did use blocks because the structure stays focused and I was able to try a bunch of different arrangements till I found the one that was the most effective. Also, I tend not to overdo it with instruments when I use blocks. I recommend making music all of the ways! You just never know where your next breakthrough will come from. Thank you for your comment! 🖤
You're jammin as if that beat sounds good but it's not.
what dont u like about it?
It's a beat. It just nothing good. Do u honestly feel as if that beat could make it on an album? It sounds like an amateur beat at most but you're jamming to it as if it's a great beat. Its wak. Does nothing to the listener.
To me it sounds great, but that's not the point of this video...