When it comes to DAWs, you might argue that 2012 has promised more than it’s delivered - Bitwig Studio, Ableton Live 9 and even a new version of Logic Pro have all been trailed without being released - but this half update to Reason has changed the software forever.

With the launch of Rack Extensions you can now customise your Reason rack with specially prepared instrument and effect devices. It’s not quite plug-in support (Propellerhead would actually argue that it’s better than that; we’ll leave you to debate that one) but now that we have audio recording and REs, Reason can finally claim to be a fully comprehensive and expandable music production solution.

FULL REVIEW:Propellerhead Software Reason 6.5

Also in the running

Cakewalk Sonar X2

Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 6

BUY: Propellerhead Software Reason 6.5 currently available from:
UK/Europe:Thomann | Gear4Music
USA:Sweetwater