Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the world of sound design with the Propellerhead SubTractor Reason Synthesizer, a staple in the virtual studio landscape. This analog-style polyphonic synthesizer is a key component of the Reason music production software, providing musicians with a versatile tool to craft unique soundscapes. Leveraging subtractive synthesis, the SubTractor is designed to emulate the warmth and character of vintage hardware while offering modern conveniences.

With its dual oscillator setup, the SubTractor offers a broad palette of sounds, from deep basses to shimmering leads. Its intuitive interface allows for quick manipulation of waveforms, filters, and modulation options, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned producers. The synthesizer's LFOs and envelope generators provide extensive modulation capabilities, putting you in full control of your sonic creations.

Whether you're experimenting with complex modulation routing or simply looking to add some classic analog flavor to your tracks, the SubTractor has you covered. Its seamless integration within Reason ensures that your workflow remains uninterrupted, allowing you to focus on what matters most—making music.

Key Features:

  • Analog-style polyphonic synthesizer
  • Dual oscillators for a wide range of sounds
  • Subtractive synthesis with comprehensive modulation options
  • Intuitive interface for easy sound manipulation
  • LFOs and envelope generators for advanced modulation
  • Seamless integration with Reason software
  • Ideal for creating basses, leads, pads, and more
Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

REASON SUBTRACTOR is a Classic Vintage Software Synth

Video thumbnail for REASON SUBTRACTOR is a Classic Vintage Software Synth by Woody Piano Shack

REASON SUBTRACTOR is a Classic Vintage Software Synth

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

Video thumbnail for Propellerhead Reason Workshop #6 - Subtractor Synthesizer (German) by Einhardovic

Propellerhead Reason Workshop #6 - Subtractor Synthesizer (German)

Einhardovic

Einhardovic

Video thumbnail for Reason 6.5, Subtractor Synth Tutorial (Part 1) by Reason Explained

Reason 6.5, Subtractor Synth Tutorial (Part 1)

Reason Explained

Reason Explained

Video thumbnail for Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Matrix with Subtractor by ProAudioEXP

Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Matrix with Subtractor

ProAudioEXP

ProAudioEXP

Video thumbnail for How To Program Reason's Subtractor Synthesizer 🔥🔥 by Prod By ThatGuyFace

How To Program Reason's Subtractor Synthesizer 🔥🔥

Prod By ThatGuyFace

Prod By ThatGuyFace

Video thumbnail for Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Subtractor LFO tricks by ProAudioEXP

Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Subtractor LFO tricks

ProAudioEXP

ProAudioEXP

Video thumbnail for Reason Tutorial #4: Using the Subtractor Polyphonic Synthesizer by Blitz City DIY

Reason Tutorial #4: Using the Subtractor Polyphonic Synthesizer

Blitz City DIY

Blitz City DIY

Video thumbnail for HOW TO MAKE AN 808 WITH THE SUBTRACTOR SYNTHESIZER IN REASON by Zombie Fights Shark

HOW TO MAKE AN 808 WITH THE SUBTRACTOR SYNTHESIZER IN REASON

Zombie Fights Shark

Zombie Fights Shark

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Propellerhead SubTractor Reason Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The Subtractor's Phase and Mode controls in each oscillator section are unique, influencing its distinct sound.

    Source
  • Subtractor offers 7 voices with 2 oscillators per voice, totaling 14 oscillators, more than typical analog synths.

    Source
  • The selectable filter type on the Subtractor provides diverse sound flavors, uncommon in analog hardware that usually has limited filter types.

    Source
  • Subtractor's LFO to phase modulation can create a chorus-like effect, ideal for retro pad sounds.

    Source
  • Modulating Subtractor's pitch slightly can achieve a Boards of Canada-style lo-fi tape flutter effect.

    Source
  • SubTractor's ability to create complex bass patterns is often praised, with users frequently utilizing it for bass patches on released tracks.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Subtractor is seen as a spiritual successor to the Nord Lead, influenced by the Prophet 5.

    Source
  • Subtractor's analog-style FM synthesis differs from the DX7-style linear FM, offering a unique approach to sound design.

    Source
  • Some users who transitioned from using the Redrum to Kong found SubTractor's integration with Kong beneficial, citing enhanced drum and synth synergy in Reason.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Subtractor is favored for game and film scoring due to its classic, nostalgic sound.

    Source
  • Running Subtractor's simple waveforms through the Scream4 on tape setting enhances harmonics, suitable for lo-fi or retro music.

    Source
  • Owners frequently combine SubTractor with the Scream4 to add body and overdrive to synths, enhancing the tonal depth and punch for various music styles.

    Source

User experience

  • SubTractor is favored by users who appreciate its straightforward interface and consistent reliability over years of use, making it a staple in their synth toolkit.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
lilythewolf

A really good synthesizer

This is the first synth I've really worked with that's able to do FM since Sytrus in FL (I don't do much FM in Thor). If you're an FL user like I used to be, you know that FMing a saw wave is pretty much the worst thing you can do. So, I was surprised when I FMed a saw by a square in SubTractor and it didn't sound like trash. While you can do more with Thor, I still prefer SubTractor for FM (at least until I get PX7). It's also good for sub basses and simple lead sounds.

C

I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog's content all the time along with a cup of coffee.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Mayth uses Propellerhead SubTractor Reason Synthesizer

Rob Mayth

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

We can see that he uses Reason Rack plugin and we're able to spot Subtractor as the right upside

Source (Second slide of the post): https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfWEQWqYU1/

See how Coki uses Propellerhead SubTractor Reason Synthesizer

Coki

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, Coki is showing him using Subtractor on Reason, this is also one the synthesizers he used for his iconic filthy bass sounds

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Propellerhead SubTractor Reason Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
1

More Synth Plugins

u-he Repro

$49.00 - $149.00

# 4

Rank

Madeon Disclosure The Midnight
11 artists using
u-he Zebra2

$49.00 - $199.00

# 10

Rank

Oneohtrix Point Never Hans Zimmer Armin Van Buuren
43 artists using
u-he Bazille

$108.50 - $129.00

# 14

Rank

Christopher Franke TehCarterPSpartan NxxxxxS
6 artists using
u-he Hive 2

$125.00 - $149.00

# 22

Rank

TehCarterPSpartan
1 artist using
FabFilter Twin 2

$139.00 - $154.00

# 24

Rank

FINNEAS Deadmau5 Patrick Stump
19 artists using
Roland Zenology

$229.00 - $247.00

# 35

Rank

Nick Mira emma essex Slushii
5 artists using
Arturia ARP2600 V

$119.00 - $149.00

# 38

Rank

Christopher Franke Hard Rock Sofa MOLECULE
6 artists using
See also: Synth Plugins

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides