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Record's interface features an arrange page, a mixer and a rack.

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The rack

As mentioned, Record features many processing effects, most of which will be familiar to Reason users, including the simple DDL-1 delay and CF-101 flanger, the MClass processors (EQ, Stereo Imager, Compressor and Maximiser), and the RV7000 Reverb and Scream 4 Distortion.

There are also various more functional 'rack' devices, including Audio Track, Mix Channel, Mixer 14:3, Line Mixer 6:2 and the Spider audio and CV merger/splitters. New additions are the Line 6 Guitar Amp and Bass Amp processors – which we'll get onto shortly – and, on the instrument front, the previously mentioned ID8.

Finally, there's the Combinator device, which lets you combine various effects and instruments in one shell, allowing easy patch design and advanced routing and modulation. The majority of Record's bundled effects and instrument patches come as Combinators, some with their own custom skins.

In use

All good DAWs attempt to combine complex, powerful features with usability, and Record approaches this is in a simple and visual manner. You won't find confusing sub-menus, hidden windows or too many indecipherable icons, and any extra functions are typically accessed by right-clicking over the area concerned.

The sequencer window employs a flexible lane approach (audio, note, parameter and pattern) for MIDI, audio and automation data, and its two modes – edit and arrange – switch between an 'all tracks' overview and a fully expanded, track-specific view. This is helpful for MIDI note editing or when recording audio in loop mode.

Incidentally, the latter creates multiple takes within the same track with 'comp rows' enabling quick comping in a manner not unlike Logic's, where you see all the takes stacked on top of each other and use a tool to swipe the sections you want to use. Also on the editing front, simple handles are used to crop, fade and level each audio clip.

As mentioned, Record has two devices featuring virtual guitar and bass amps courtesy of simulation wizards Line 6. Choose your amp and cabinet, set the drive level and amp EQ, dial in compression for the bass amp and use volume and wah pedals on the guitar one.

Furthermore, if you own a Line 6 product such as the POD Farm plug-in and/or one of their USB interfaces, you can call up additional amp models and tone presets that you already own. The Line 6 hardware works like a dongle in this case, and there are no extra editing functions, so you can't edit effects or advanced parameters.