Propellerhead Software has released Reason 6, a major update to the music software, along with Reason Essentials, the successor to Record that packs recording, editing, effects, instruments, mixing and mastering in a streamlined package, and Balance with Reason Essentials, an audio interface for Mac and Windows integrated with Reason Essentials software.

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, seamless and pristine time/tempo stretch plus additional features.

New creative effects designed for using directly with instruments or inserting into 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.

Reason Essentials has the feel of a million dollar recording studio with the streamlined simplicity of a tape deck. Distilled from the core of Reason, it 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 POD 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.

Balance, a two-in by two-out audio interface for Mac and Windows, is designed for the single person operated home/project studio.

Fully USB 2 powered with separate volume controls for monitors and headphones, it contains eight input connections to keep all instruments, mics and devices connected and ready to record with the press of a button, without software pop-ups or control panels.

The included Reason Essentials provides a wide range of recording, editing, effects, instruments and mixing tools.

Owners of Reason or Record who purchase Balance will automatically receive the Reason 6 upgrade as a download for free.

Reason 6, Reason Essentials and Balance are available now for purchase worldwide at the following suggested retail pricing:

Reason 6: EUR €405/USD $449
Reason Essentials: EUR €279/USD $299
Balance with Reason Essentials: EUR €499/USD $499 (Includes free upgrade to Reason 6 for any registered Record or Reason owner)
Reason 6 Upgrade: EUR €149/USD $169 (From any Reason version, Reason Essentials and Balance)           

Reason 6 Upgrade from Record-Reason Duo before October 31, 2011 (“Pay What You Want”): Starting at €1.00/$1.00
After October 31, 2011: EUR €149 / USD $169

Propellerhead Software