Reason Studios Drum Sequencer

What MIDI-Rack Is For

MIDI-Rack is a Rack Extension for Reason designed to create, structure, and perform rhythmic sequences in a step-sequencer format. It targets electronic producers (techno, house, IDM, drum and bass) as well as beatmakers seeking fine control over groove and dynamics. Thanks to its track-based approach and step-level settings, it enables programming complex drum kits, evolving patterns, and "live" variations, while remaining quick to edit and easy to integrate into a project.

Beyond simple drum programming, MIDI-Rack becomes a true control center: it can drive virtual instruments, trigger MIDI events, or send CV signals per track to animate a modular environment within Reason. The result is an ideal workflow to transform a rhythmic idea into a sequence ready to produce, arrange, or perform live in the Rack.

Main Features

Multi-track sequencing and per-track pattern length

With up to 16 trigger tracks, MIDI-Rack allows clear separation of kick, snare, hats, percussion, and variation elements while maintaining a coherent view of the pattern. The configurable length per track (1 to 64 steps) opens the door to polyrhythms and offset cycles: for example, a 15-step hi-hat line against a 16-step kick to generate an organic evolution over several bars.

Step editing: groove, dynamics, and repetitions

Each step can be sculpted with musical precision: Gate length to manage short or sustained notes, velocity to work accents and dynamics, and note repetition to create rolls, stutters, and denser patterns without multiplying tracks. The global swing adds a natural playing feel, while the per-track timing offset facilitates micro-shifts (kick slightly ahead, clap behind) to achieve a more expressive groove.

Smart variations: chaining, randomness, and probability

To avoid overly static loops, MIDI-Rack includes dedicated functions for rhythmic movement: pattern chaining to build structures, random character to generate ideas or refresh a sequence, and probability to introduce controlled variations. This is especially effective for fills, ghost notes, unexpected percussion hits, or rhythmic textures that subtly evolve throughout the track.

MIDI and CV outputs: external control and modular environment

MIDI-Rack offers a MIDI output and a CV output per track, making it relevant both for controlling internal Reason instruments and for driving compatible external devices. The rear audio and CV inputs enable MIDI-to-CV conversion and setup of feedback loops for more experimental interactions. This approach enhances the software's appeal whenever you want to go beyond a simple drum machine and turn the Rack into a creative control system.

Full integration into Reason Rack

As a Reason RE Rack Extension, MIDI-Rack integrates naturally into the Rack: clear routing, access to rear connections, and smooth use within an existing project. It adapts equally well to studio production and performance-oriented setups, where precise, modular, and quickly adjustable rhythmic programming is sought.

Technical specifications

Type

Full software

Downloadable

Yes

Delivery type	E-mail	Windows	from version 10 (64-bit)
License validity	Unlimited	Mac OS (64-bit)	from 10.12
Copy protection	Online activation	Minimum CPU	AMD Quad Core, Apple Silicon, Intel Core i5
Simultaneous activation	1	Additional requirements	Internet connection for installation/activation, compatible from Reason 6.5