Reason vs Riverside

Reason is music-making software from Reason, a maker founded in 1994 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It is available as a full digital audio workstation (DAW) and as a plugin. The DAW supports recording, sequencing, and mixing, with multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing. In its virtual Rack, users can connect instruments, effects, and Player MIDI effects. The Rack plugin is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats and is described as compatible with major DAWs; tutorials cover Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.

Reason Free is a plugin with 15 devices and no trial, expiration, or watermarks; it requires a compatible DAW. Reason+ includes the latest DAW and Rack plugin, 93 devices, weekly sound packs, AI stem separation and mastering, and LANDR distribution. Reason runs on Windows and macOS, with minimum requirements of 4 GB RAM, 6.5 GB of free application space, and an internet connection. After login, Reason and Reason Rack can run offline for at least 30 days. Eligible subscriptions have a seven-day free trial.

Riverside is an online studio for recording remote podcasts and video interviews. It supports local recording, separate participant tracks, video, and automatic transcription through browser and desktop recording. The free plan includes two hours of multi-track recordings, video up to 720p, 44.1 kHz audio, and unlimited single-track recording and editing. Standard costs $19 a month, billed monthly, and includes five hours of multi-track recording monthly and 4K video. Pro costs $24 a month, billed $288 annually, and includes up to 4K video, 48 kHz audio, one studio, and 15 hours of separate-track downloads. Paid editing options include text-based editing, an AI editing and repurposing agent, Magic Clips, show notes, and audio enhancement. Pro also includes podcast hosting and analytics. Grow and Webinar have separate-track download limits of 20 and 25 hours per month respectively, although recording itself is unlimited. Webinar supports up to 100 registrants and includes registration forms, Q&A, live call-ins, polls, analytics, and HubSpot lead syncing. Riverside supports Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows; Linux computers are not supported for recording.