Using the Matrix Pattern Sequencer in Reason

Reason’s Matrix Pattern Sequencer is often overlooked, but it provides a great way of extending the sequencing capabilities of your software. Hollin Jones shows you how.

Of all Reason’s modules, probably the most often overlooked is the Matrix Pattern Sequencer. This may be because it doesn’t actually generate sound, so it can’t be played directly from a MIDI keyboard. It is, in fact, an incredibly useful tool capable of performing a multitude of functions. It works by sending different types of CV (control voltage) signals to other modules. What it basically gives you is a kind of step sequencer within Reason. Hardware sequencers tend to have step buttons to enable you to program certain values at different points in a sequence. This is what the Matrix does, but it’s different in two fundamental ways: firstly, you can create as many separate step sequencers as you want; secondly, the output of the Matrix doesn’t have to control just the pitch of a note, but can be routed to any one of more than 100 different parameters.

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 23
Filed under Software Workshops, Reason Tutorials

/mtm/features/using-the-matrix-pattern-sequencer-in-reason

New users, please register here

Please enter your details below to set up your new account. Fields marked with a red asterisk * are required.

Your name
*First name:
*Last name:
Job title:
Company:

Account settings
*Email address:
	Please make sure your email address is correct, as we will send you an email with a link to activate your account.
*Username:
	Choose a username between 7 and 100 characters in length, without spaces or unusual characters. You may use your email address as your username, but note that it may appear in community areas of the site where others can see it.
*Password:
*Confirm password:
	Choose a password between 7 and 100 characters in length, without spaces.
	Remember me on this computer

Your address and contact info
Address 1:

Town or city:
County or state:
Postcode or ZIP:
Country:
Telephone:
Fax:
Website:

	By registering to use the Music Tech website you agree to allow us to contact you with our Music Tech email newsletters featuring news, competitions, exclusive content and special offers, as well as with communications from our carefully selected music technology retail and manufacturer partners. If you provide phone and post details we may contact you by those means as well with special offers relating specifically to Music Tech Magazine and our other publications. WE WILL NOT PASS YOUR DETAILS TO ANY THIRD PARTY. If at any time you wish to stop receiving our email newsletter, simply follow the Unsubscribe instruction on our newsletter. Contact us by email of post if you wish your post or phone details to be removed from our database.

MTM 105	Re-creating the Sound of Old-skool Dance Like fashion, music likes to nod to the past while moving it forward with elements of the new. Liam O’Mullane re-creates that old-skool vibe.	MTM 100	Performance controls for a live show Session View offers a liberating approach to both song creation and live performances. Liam O’Mullane explores the most simple but expressive tools in Live.
MTM 100	Making Beats with Kong Drum Designer Despite debuting only in Reason 5, Kong has already secured a reputation as one of the most powerful drum production tools around. Mo Volans digs in.	MTM 100	25 Tips For Audio Editing Audio edits are a vital part of the production process – and mastering them will help you turn imperfect tracks into perfect ones. Hollin Jones reveals the experts’ tips.
MTM 100	Make Dirty Bass in Massive When producers talk about dirty bass, Massive is the synth that’s mentioned the most. Liam O’Mullane shows you how to create an aggressive bass sound.	MTM 100	Lo-fi Sounds in Logic It’s time to get nasty! Mark Cousins explores various ways of adding some of the sonic dirt that’s typical of everyone from The Ramones to Justice...
MTM 96	Step-by-step - Sonar X1, The GUI and more... The latest version of Sonar has undergone a radical makeover, but there’s much more to it than just a new look. Hollin Jones digs deep.	MTM 96	25 Tips for...Cubase 5 Cubase is one of the longest-serving DAWs out there, but even experienced users can still discover new tips and tricks. Hollin Jones reveals its deepest secrets...

Sign in to download this article

New users, please register here

See also...

Menu