You can now update your version of Propellerhead Reason to version 5 and Record to version 1.5. These upgrades for Reason and Record introduce new instruments, effects, sequencing, sounds, patches, and more for composing, beatmaking, loop-mangling, treating vocals, songwriting, remixing, producing, and more.

Reason 5 features the new Kong Drum Designer and Dr. Octo Rex loop player, which adds rhythms, drum tracks, and beats to Reason's instrument collection; the ability to play new harmonies on a MIDI keyboard for instant backing vocals; live sampling into all sample capable devices; an expanded Factory Sound Bank; and multi core optimization, an onscreen keyboard, and tempo scaling of clips.

Likewise, both Reason 5 and Record 1.5 add a new method of sequencing called Blocks, which you can use to build song parts and string them together; arrange Blocked parts and patterns and go back and forth between pattern and linear modes.

Record 1.5 now features the new Neptune pitch correction tool and voice synthesizer, which can be used to correct and shift pitches, create backing harmonies, formant shift, and more.

Main changes and improvements to Reason and Record:

• Kong Drum Designer (Reason): Load, build, and tweak sounds with your choice of drum synthesis, sampling, REX loops, physical modeling, and effect modules for percussion on Kong's 16 pads
• Dr. REX octuples into Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player (Reason): Use it as a pattern sequencer for loops, or to mangle your REX'ed audio
• Expanded Factory Sound Bank with Signature patches (Reason): Reason's sound bank is now more than double in size
• Live sampling (Reason): Sample players become a sampler; record with a single click and further tweak with the built-in editor
• New Neptune Pitch Adjuster and Voice Synth Device (Record only): A new flexible processor to correct and shift pitches, create backing harmonies, formant shift, and more
• Block-based pattern sequencing mode (for Record and Reason): Go from pattern-based arrangements to linear to patterns again
• Other new features: Multi-core optimization, onscreen keyboard and scaling audio and MIDI clips, interface enhancements, and more

All full versions and upgrades are available through authorized Propellerhead dealers and Propellerhead's online store. Pricing is as follows:

• Record for Reason Owners Sidegrade (includes Reason 5 upgrade): $169
• Reason 5 Upgrade from any version: $129
• Record 1.5 Upgrade from any version: Free download
• Record Reason Duo bundle: $449
• Reason: $349
• Record: $299

Those who purchased a qualifying Reason product after May 24, 2010 can receive the upgrade for free. For more information about Reason 5 or Record 1.5, visit propellerheads.se.