PinkNoise Studio RAMA is a new Synthesizer Rack Extension that brings the sounds of the Korg Poly-800 to Reason.
Let’s move on to something a niche topic. Rack extensions. Yes, Reason’s plugin format still exists. Even without widespread adoption, new rack extensions are constantly being released. With the Reason Rack plugin, these are also accessible outside of Reason.
PinkNoise Studio, best known for its sample libraries, has released a new RE called RAMA. It’s a new Synthesizer or let’s say a virtual synth instrument for Reason.
PinkNoise Studio RAMA
RAMA is a new paraphonic/polyphonic Synthesizer that takes you back to the 80s. The core is based on the iconic Korg Poly-800 and its unique features for this time. It offered DCOs, polyphony sounds with a single filter known today as paraphony, and a six-stage envelope generator.
PinkNoise Studio has created a virtual instrument based on the architecture of this synth. It features three oscillators with raw waveforms from the P-800 but also 33 additional waves from other famous synths. These can be mixed as desired in three oscillators.
The oscillators go in a flexible mixer and then into a set of dual filters with classic cutoff and resonance controls. From here, it flows into a multi-FX section with three rearrangeable FX units with 12 FX types.
Modulation side, you get Korg Poly-800-inspired 6-stage envelopes for the amp and modulation and three multi-wave LFOs. You can freely map these in the dedicated modulation matrix. RAMA also features an XY control pad for macros and performance controllers. Great for quick sound changes.
Further, it hosts a versatile arpeggiator and step sequencer with individual step control and swing. RAMA is playable in five modes: poly, mono, chord, arpeggiator, or in a sequence.
First Impression
At first glance, a nice looking sample-based Synthesizer. Unfortunately, there is no sound demo where you can hear the sounds individually.
However, PinkNoise Studio is known for building high-quality instruments. So if you’re interested in Poly-800 sounds for Reason, this could be a good release. Positive about Reason is that you can test the Rack Extension for 30 days without any restriction.
PinkNoise Studio RAMA is available now for an introductory price of 54€ instead of 88€. It requires Reason as a host. There is a 30-day full-featured demo available.
More information here: Reason Studios Shop
Thanks for covering Rack Extensions!
It’s niche but i really enjoy Reason and Rack Extensions. It’s my only DAW. Recently i upgraded Reason to the latest version and everything worked right away. Even old REs that aren’t available anymore worked on my m1 mac.
Thanks for mentioning anything Reason-related, Tom!