Propellerhead Electromechanical 2.O

Presets for Reason’s NN-XT soft sampler include a Mk I Rhodes that was recorded through a Fender Twin tube amp, and a cleaner ’80s-era Mk II that has as much bark and bite in the low end as it does ballad-worthy tines up top. A mellower Wurly 100-series complements the brassier 200, and there are separate Clavinet patches for each way you can set a real Clav’s pickup switches. The Hammond organ deserves a nod — it’s sampled at slow and fast Leslie speeds, with crossfading on the mod wheel.

Splits, layers, and sounds that use Reason’s effects show up as Combinator presets. “Gig Clavinet” was a favorite — it had just enough phaser to be perfect for tunes like Talking Heads’ “Life During Wartime.” My only criticism is that the electric pianos needed more velocity layers in the middle of the range. When playing softly, then gradually digging in harder, I found myself wondering when I was going to leave the “ballad zone” — when I did, it was towards the top (velocities of about 90–100), and the transition seemed a bit sudden. Still, these sounds are a lot more expressive than anything you’ll get from a ROMpler.

Beyond the obvious use of adding authentic vintage keys to projects created entirely in Reason, I recommend this ReFill if you’re curious but hesitant about gigging live with your laptop and a controller keyboard. Why? Between the organic sound quality, the fact that Reason is super-stable, and the quick sample load times (two seconds was the most I could count), you’ll forget you’re playing a computer.

INSTRUMENTS
Rhodes Mk I and Mk II, Wurlitzer 100 and 200, Hohner Clavinet D6 and Pianet T, Hammond model A organ.

PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED
No.

SAMPLER FORMATS
Reason NN-XT.

PROS
Turns Reason into a fun, funky, totally authentic vintage keys machine.

CONS
Occasionally audible velocity-switching.

BOTTOM LINE
The best free ReFill since coffee.