Example usage

As mentioned previously, the Matrix is a very flexible device. Here follows a few examples of how you can use the Matrix Pattern Sequencer.

Using the Matrix for modulation

You can effectively use the Matrix as a modulation source, much like an LFO. Just like the LFOs in Reason Essentials’ instrument devices, the Matrix can generate modulation that is synchronized to tempo, which has many advantages. Proceed as follows:

1.	Create a Synthesizer (e.g. a Subtractor).

2.	Create a Matrix Pattern Sequencer, or if one already exists, set it to an empty pattern.

3.	Flip the rack around and disconnect the Gate and Note CV outputs.

Gate/Note CV is not used in this example

4.	Flip the rack around and connect the Curve CV output on the Matrix back panel to the “Amp Level” Modulation input on the synthesizer.

This parameter is used for modulating the output level (volume) of the synthesizer. Volume modulation is often referred to as Tremolo. You can use a unipolar curve (see “About Unipolar and Bipolar Curves”) for this example.

5.	Flip the rack back again, and switch the Matrix to display the Curve pattern window.

6.	Draw a curve like the one shown in the illustration below.

If you use fewer or more steps than16 (as shown in the picture), just draw the curve so that it roughly matches the shape in the picture.

7.	Activate Click on the Transport Panel.

8.	Select the track that is routed to the synthesizer, so that you can play it from your MIDI keyboard.

9.	Activate Play on the transport panel, and hold a chord down on your keyboard.

You should now hear the volume being modulated by the Curve pattern.

10.	While still in play mode, you can use the Resolution knob to change the modulation “rate” in relation to the tempo.

For each clockwise resolution step the modulation speed is doubled and vice versa, but it will always stay in sync with the tempo.

Programming “Acid Style” lead lines

By “acid style” lead lines we mean patterns that use a combination of Legato and slide (or portamento) effects to produce the widely used hypnotic “wavy” sound produced by the original Roland TB-303, and recreated in the Propellerhead Software product ReBirth. To approximate this typical sound using Reason Essentials, proceed as follows:

1.	Create a Synthesizer (Subtractor).

2.	Create a Matrix Pattern Sequencer, or if one already exists, set it to an empty pattern.

3.	Make sure that the Note and Gate CV outputs are connected to the synthesizers Sequencer Control CV and Gate inputs, respectively.

4.	For Subtractor, select either Init Patch, or use the “TB Synth” patch in the Monosynth category of the Reason Essentials Factory Sound Bank.

If you use an Init patch, it is important that you make the following settings:

•	Set Polyphony to “1”.

•	Switch Trigger Mode to “Legato”.

•	Set Portamento to a value around “50”.

5.	Create a pattern in Matrix, and keep it playing back.

If “Tie” (see “Using Tied Notes”) now is activated for a step, the note will be tied to the next and the pitch will continuously “glide” to the pitch of the following step.

Please note that Tie should be activated on the note you wish to slide from, and not the note you slide to.

If you have several tied notes, one after the other, they will play as one long legato phrase. This can be used to create “wavy” lead lines with pitch bend effects.

6.	Experiment with different Note, Tie and Gate values.

If you have ever used a TB-303 or ReBirth, you should now begin to get the hang of how you can create patterns in that particular style by using the Matrix together with a synthesizer.

Adding a DDL-1 (delay), and a Scream 4 (distortion) effect device will make it sound even more “ReBirth”-like, but of course you are also able to get a much wider range of timbres by utilizing Reason Essentials’ other sound and modulation capabilities.

Triggering samples

The Gate CV output can be used to trigger samples, either in Redrum or in the NN-XT Sampler.

Connect the Matrix Gate CV out to the Gate (Sequencer Control) in on the NN-XT or to one of the individual Gate Channel inputs of Redrum.

Gate values will now trigger the sample on each step with Gate values above “0”.