It may seem obvious, but the first thing we can do is boost the low end a bit using an MClass EQ. To add it to the Subtractor, right click on the sub and choose Create -> MClass EQ. We’ll set Param 1 Frequency to around 275 and the gain between 5 and 8 db. We don’t want to change the character of the sound, just give it a little more punch.
NOTE: This tip probably makes more sense for polyphonic keyboard sounds, not monophonic sounds, like we have, but it does introduce using the CV connections in Reason, so I'll go through it anyway. It is one factor that made old analog synths sound that way.
- Create a second subtractor while holding the shift key so there is no auto-routing.
- Set LFO1 of the second subtractor like it shows above with the smooth random waveform.
- Flip the rack around.
- Connect LFO1 Modulation Output of the second sub to Osc Pitch on Sub 1.
- Turn the CV trim knob of Osc Pitch to the left and set it to 1, so only a small amount of modulation is applied. Experiment with the trim knob, and you’ll see how crazy this can get!
Like I said above, this probably makes more sense for when you play more than one note at a time - for a monophonic sounds it just throws you out of tune. Experiment and see if you like it.
For the final touch, we’ll add some analog tape saturation with the Scream 4 Tape algorithm. To add the Scream 4 device after the EQ, first click on the MClass EQ and select Create -> New Scream 4 Distortion. Load the “HalfInch" preset found in the Reason Factory Sound ank under Scream 4 Patches -> Warm Saturation -> HalfInch.sm4.
This will ‘de-digitalize’ our sound a bit.

ewireasonsounds-sublead_v2.cmb |