News of Propellerhead Software‘s recent announcements have already been spreading through the music production world like wildfire.
In case you haven’t heard, they’ve been developing a technology called Rack Extensions, which will allow third-party DSP developers to create and sell new devices to fit into Reason’s “virtual hardware” rack, with all the same routing functionality and other workflow benefits of Propellerhead’s own built-in devices.
To go along with that exciting news, I’ll be designing some device interface mockups and posting them up here this week. Not devices to actually make sound, mind you, but device interfaces to demonstrate the work I’ll be doing as a graphic designer for developers looking to get involved in the Rack Extension market. In this first mockup, I’ve created my own realistic, high-quality knobs, sliders, and buttons that feel right at home among the existing Reason devices:
Rack Extension art mockup: "Amateur Home Mixdown" by Michael Mancuso (Click for fullsize)
Rack Extension technology will open the floodgates for countless new synths and effects in Reason, filling every imaginable niche. Major companies including Korg, GForce, and Sonic Charge are already on board creating Rack Extensions, along with smaller developers like Peff.
There will be more options (and toys) for Reason users than ever before, and all of them will be able to fit seamlessly into the rack with the same level of inter-device control users are accustomed to in Reason already, via the CV and audio routing ports on the back of every device.
Their interfaces, as well, will be held to the same high standards of quality and consistency as Propellerhead’s own creations. For smaller developers seeking to find a place in the new Rack Extension market, this can create a new entry barrier that — fortunately — can be very easily overcome through the involvement of an experienced interface graphics designer.
Throughout the week I’ll be creating and posting more device interface mockups, showing different visual directions that fit within Reason’s paradigm. I look forward to working with new developers as the Rack Extension market takes off, and I’m confident that my years of hands-on experience in Reason and in-depth understanding of its look and feel will be of great benefit to any developers needing an interface that complements the work they’ve put into their sounds.
For inquiries about commission work, contact me via email at esselfortium@