Propellerhead Software has announced Reason 6, a major update to the award winning music software.

At the same time Propellerhead debuts Reason Essentials, the successor to Record, that packs all the recording, editing, effects, instruments, mixing and mastering necessary to sound great in a streamlined package.

New in Reason 6
Combining all the features from Record, Reason version 6 adds audio recording and editing, along with Propellerhead’s mixing console with masterfully modeled EQ and dynamics on every channel, multiple parallel racks, Line 6 amp models, new effect devices plus additional features.

New creative effects designed for inserting directly into instruments and tracks include:
—Pulveriser, a sound crushing effect with crunchy compression, dirty distortion and flexible modulation;
—The Echo, an advanced stereo echo with modern delay and analog tape echo emulation:
—Alligator, a three band pattern gate for complex rhythmic texturing. Interface enhancements, high definition audio transpose and true 64-bit compatibility highlight other new feature improvements.

Introducing Reason Essentials
Distilled from the core of Reason, Reason Essentials contains a great selection of instruments and effects in a virtual rack that builds itself, or can be infinitely customized—drum machine, loop player, sampler, synths, reverb, delay, distortion, mastering effects and more.

For guitar players, the built-in virtual guitar and bass PODs from Line 6 bring a wide range of top quality guitar amps, cabinets and effects.

The intuitive audio and MIDI sequencer makes recording and arranging music a breeze. Users never have to worry about track counts, latency issues or adding that extra reverb or effect.

Pricing & Availability
Reason 6 and Reason Essentials begin limited public beta testing this week and will be available for purchase worldwide on September 30, 2011 at the following suggested retail pricing:
Reason 6—EUR €405 / USD $449
Reason Essentials—EUR €279 / USD $299
Reason 6 Upgrade (from any Reason version and Reason Essentials)—EUR €149 / USD $169

Propellerhead will also offer special grace period offers for purchasers of Reason, Record and Reason-Record Duo this summer. For details go here.

Propellerhead Website