Crafting Retro Vibes and Modern Precision with Reese90 2.0 in Ableton Live takes you on a journey of exploring the dynamic capabilities of this Max for Live instrument. Created by the innovative mind of AkihikoMatsumoto, Reese90 2.0 is a one-stop tool for Ableton Live producers drawn to the iconic music of the 90s, with a flair for contemporary precision and innovation.
What is unique and captivating about Reese90 2.0 is its design philosophy. Built around the fundamental principles of Casio's legendary Phase Distortion Synthesis, it promises deep, complex sounds in a monophonic synthesizer. The richness and character of sounds that you can create using Reese90 2.0 has a distinctive tonal quality that most of the modern-day wavetable and analog synthesizers often struggle to offer.
Whether you are a sound enthusiast experimenting with unique rhythmic elements or a club music producer wanting to unleash the essence of retro music, Reese90 2.0 can be your instrument of choice. Tailored to cater to a broad spectrum of music production styles, this plugin is unparalleled in its versatility. Whether you are shaping bulky basslines or crafting smooth leads, its range spans across sound design spectrum.
One of the most distinctive features is the Phase Distortion Synthesis that lends itself to creating audaciously bold and unusually intricate sounds. Coupled with flexible modulation options, you can mold your tone using envelope-controlled distortion and filters, add movement to your basslines and melodies with MPE pitch bend support, and offer a wider, more impactful sound maintenance with true stereo monophony. This feature ensures your sound design stands out maintaining clarity and depth.
Released on January 14, 2025, ver. 2.0 has added two significant features that take the Reese90 to another level. It now comes with overtones for wobble reese bass and enhanced stereo width that further adds depth and richness to the sounds you create.
So, if you are a music producer looking to step beyond the conventional, wanting to recreate the old-school vibes but with a mix of new sound exploration, Reese90 2.0 should be your go-to synthesizer. It empowers you to traverse the creative boundaries while adding unparalleled depth and character to your tracks.
Reese90 2.0 is available for a commercial license purchase at its official store. You can augment your music production skills and explore this device further at [Akihiko Matsumoto's official store](https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store/p/ableton-reese-90/).
Also, for more details about Reese90 2.0's specifications, you can visit its page on [Max for Live](https://maxforlive.com/library/device/11836/reese90) for an in-depth understanding of its functions and features. Go ahead and immerse yourself in this remarkable fusion of retro and modern music production with Reese90 2.0 in Ableton Live!
Example Usage
Let's dip our toes into using the Reese90 2.0 Max4Live device to create that iconic, old-school reese bass sound, perfect for adding energy and nostalgia to your tracks.
To get started, ensure you have the Reese90 2.0 device installed in Ableton Live on a MIDI track. Once loaded, begin by setting up the basics:
- Play a Single Note: Begin with a simple MIDI clip containing a long, sustained single note. This is important since Reese90 2.0 is monophonic, meaning it will only play one note at a time, giving you the classic, smooth bassline foundation.
- Explore the Phase Distortion Synthesis: Adjust the phase distortion parameter to start crafting the texture of the bass sound. By turning the knob, notice how the sound gains complexity. For a classic reese sound, aim for a tight, gritty texture that retains warmth.
- Use the Envelope Control: The Reese90 2.0 allows for intricate control over your sound's amplitude and filter via its envelopes. Start by shaping the volume envelope to have a quick attack and a longer decay with a sustained level. This will help in creating a punchy bass that effortlessly sits in your mix.
- Wobble with Modulation: One of the newly added features in version 2.0 is overtone for wobble reese bass. Use the modulation options to introduce a wobble effect. Try routing an LFO to the filter's cutoff frequency and adjust the rate to syncopate the wobble to your track's tempo.
- Enhance with Stereo Width: Although Reese90 2.0 is monophonic, it offers true stereo enhancement options. Use these parameters to widen your bass sound in the stereo field, adding depth and power while maintaining clarity.
- Experiment with MPE Pitch Bend: Use the expressive pitch bend controls if you have an MPE-capable controller, adding glissando effects and subtleties that can make your bass grooves more dynamic and engaging.
By following these initial steps, you can create a strong reese bass that serves as a solid foundation for your house, drum and bass, or even experimental tracks. As you get more comfortable, dive deeper into Reese90’s modulation options and develop your unique sound signature, bringing retro vibes with a modern twist to your productions.
To get the most out of Reese90 2.0, let's dive into an intermediate-level usage example: crafting a dynamic, stereo-enhanced Reese bassline that incorporates both the vintage warmth and modern clarity characteristic of this Max4Live device. This example will serve club music producers who want their basslines to stand out in both depth and stereo presence.
First, load Reese90 2.0 onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live 12.0.5. Start by creating a basic Reese bass sound. Set the initial oscillator to a low register by adjusting the base pitch to a setting around -12 semitones. This immediately lays the groundwork for a weighty bass presence.
Next, take advantage of the Phase Distortion Synthesis at Reese90's core by modulating the waveform's phase. Use the envelope modulation settings to create an evolving timbre. Set a long attack and a medium sustain to allow the bassline to swell into full texture before subtly fading, reminiscent of signature 90s bassline movements. Adjust the envelope amount to taste; subtlety is key to avoid overwhelming the mix.
For that newly added stereo width, engage the True Stereo Monophony feature. This is where the unique version 2.0 update shines. Spread the stereo field using the width control—aim for about 50-70% width to create a presence that commands attention but maintains clarity.
Now, let's add wobble and overtones. Use the overtone addition feature for a slight modulation that imparts rhythmic movement. Set a low to medium rate LFO (around 0.5Hz) targeting phase or filter cutoff to achieve a classic wobble effect without overshadowing the main bass frequency.
To integrate expressive elements, utilize the MPE Pitch Bend. Map subtle pitch bend movements for sections where the energy needs a lift or transition – maybe during a breakdown or build-up. Use this feature sparingly to add modern touch and responsiveness without overdriving the concept of a retro sound.
Finally, process these sounds in your mix by using Ableton's native EQ Eight and Compressor. De-emphasize any muddiness in the low mids and tighten the dynamics for a more focused delivery. Slight reverb might add spatial qualities without drenching the defined stereo image set by Reese90.
Through these manipulations, Reese90 2.0 not only reproduces nostalgic essence but also transcends into contemporary music production realms, allowing your basslines to maintain originality and punch on the dance floor. Happy producing!
Further Thoughts
In the world of electronic music production, creating an immersive soundscape that balances nostalgia with modern elements can be a nuanced task. Enter the Reese90 2.0, a Max for Live device crafted by Akihiko Matsumoto, renowned for its ability to evoke the thick, textured soundscapes of the 90s house and drum and bass scenes within Ableton Live. Specifically designed for monophonic play, the Reese90 2.0 synth utilizes the unique properties of Phase Distortion Synthesis, allowing unparalleled sound design flexibility.
To demonstrate the Reese90 2.0 in action, let's explore a way to harness its capabilities for a contemporary track with a retro feel. Begin by loading the Reese90 2.0 device on a new MIDI track in Ableton Live 12.0.5. You'll want to start by crafting an iconic Reese bassline, a staple in drum and bass music. Set up a single note repeating pattern in the MIDI clip—ideally around C3 to capitalize on the synth's resonant sweet spot.
In the synthesizer's interface, adjust the Phase Distortion knob to around 60%. This setting will give your bass a bold character, essential for replicating the growling energy synonymous with 90s soundscapes. Next, take advantage of the device's new overtone feature to introduce a dynamic wobble effect—set the overtone to moderate levels while subtly modulating it using the envelope-controlled filter.
For the track's main hook, you'll want to exploit Reese90's true stereo monophony to create spacious, yet clear lead sounds. Program a melody that sits between the bass rhythms to avoid frequency clashes. Utilize the pitch bend capabilities (MPE support) to add expressiveness and modern movement to your lead. This meticulous modulation allows the lead to seamlessly glide, giving your track an additional layer of intrigue.
As you sculpt your sound, keep an ear on Reese90’s envelope settings to tighten or elongate the tail of your synth’s output, essential for maintaining a balance between the aggressive attack and smooth release that retro vibes demand. Finish by adding some of Ableton’s in-built effects like reverb and delay on send channels to space out your mix without detracting from Reese90's punchy sound design.
With Reese90 2.0, blending retro vibes with contemporary sonic precision isn't just possible—it's practically effortless. Its versatile set of features invites experimentation, encouraging you to push past the ordinary confines of standard synthesizers. Whether crafting experimental electronic masterpieces or club-focused bangers, Reese90 offers a gateway to aural uniqueness and nostalgic familiarity.