How to Use BV-X Vocoder by Reason Studios

At the end of April Reason Studios launched a new effect for Reason: BV-X. BV-X is being marketed as a vocoder, and yea, it does that pretty well. But as you'll hear in the demos below, it's actually way more powerful just a Vocoder, though. It works amazing as a gated filter that can transform the most boring sounds into something interesting!

BV-X is really great vocoder, but if you're not sure what you're looking for or don't own Reason, be sure to check out the best vocoder VSTs.

Note: this article may contain affiliate links, which mean that I receive a commission for any purchases you make, at no added cost to you.

How do you get BV-X?

If you are a Reason+ subscriber (you can start a free trial here), you can get access to BV-X instantly right now. Otherwise, you can purchase it here for $99.

In either event, you download it through the Reason Companion app.

What Does BV-X Do?

BV-X is a vocoder, so it does all sorts of fun voice manipulations. But it's way more than that. It has a lot of filtering capabilities, plus some stellar on board oscillators that make it into a hyper powered synth.

Whether you're processing your vocals through it, or turning a percussion loop into a evolving textures, BV-X is a turbocharged tool for making old sounds new and new sounds ... newer.

Some of the main features of the BV-X are:

Two vocoder modes (Vintage and Modern) mode for lo-fi vocoding or precise modulation
Built-in synthesizer for simple set-up and a great sound
Powerful modulation matrix for dynamic vocoding and creative sound design
CV and audio inputs and outputs connect to other devices in the Reason Rack

What Does BV-X Sound Like?

I've put together this in-depth tutorial and demo video to give you a better idea of what the BV-X sounds like. It also includes a detailed walk through of how to use the BV-X, walking you through the modulator and carrier sections, as well as some of its more advanced options.

Verdict

The BV-X is a great modern vocoder and filter effect. It's fun to use, super simple to setup, and sounds great. If I already owned some other high quality vocoders, I probably wouldn't buy the BV-X, only because I don't need ALL of the vocoders. But if I owned Reason and was seriously looking for a fantastic vocoder, this would be my top pick. It's way better than the built-in vocoders that come stock with Reason!

At least, those are my two cents. What do you think? Would you recommend the BV-X?

From a Frustrated Producer in a Ragtag Bedroom Studio to Major Placements on TV Earning $1,000s!

My name is Evan, and I've been making music since around 3rd grade. I'm from San Diego, California, but I've lived in Washington, DC for the last 20 years.

After 3 grueling years of grad school, though I had put aside serious attempts at making music. I found myself spending my days doing work that was dreadfully uncreative, with a ton of student student loan debt.

Which made me feel like my favorite parts of myself were withering.

But I didn't know what to do about it.

Being in my early 30s with tons of student loan debt, in a world where there is "no money in music," I felt like my youthful dreams of trying to "make it big" were dead. Like my music would remain unheard in my head and hard drive.

Frustrated by my inability to get my music heard, I started researching solutions.

Instead, I wanted to find a way where I could focus on making the music and let someone else deal with promoting it.

I realized the music licensing was the perfect opportunity for a solo artist like me to get my music heard, without having to do any promotion. I just need to focus on improving what I could control - my songwriting and my production skills.

While I still have a full-time day job, I have created systems that have allowed me to produce dozens of songs a year in my spare time.

My songs have been on Netflix, TV shows like the 90 Day Fiance, an award-winning indie film, and NPR’s “All Thing Considered.” They've also been streamed millions of times.

In addition to being a music producer, I am passionate about teaching people how they can make professional-sounding music and earn money licensing it, all in their spare time.

Thousands of musicians, like yourself, have trusted me to guide their musical journey. My YouTube videos have been watched nearly a million times. And my story has been in Forbes, Side Hustle Nation, and the Side Hustle School.

You Can Achieve Your Musical Dreams Too - Attend the Free Music Licensing Workshop!