Ok I read some of the newbie posts on here and they're still over my head.. I don't yet understand any of the tools or lingo for this program yet (except redrum of course), I'm a very "self taught" kind of person but this stuff is just too complicated. Here are some questions I have though..

-Is it impossible to fully use reason without a piano keyboard? Is there any piano software that can be downloaded and used with reason?

-If a keyboard is required, could someone post a link to some bare essential keyboards for sale, I'll try and have a relative get one for me for xmas

-In redrum, how do I open multiple samples and use them together for a beat? I only know how to load one type of sample at a time..

-Once I eventually master Reason, will I have a good understanding of how to use Pro Tools? I want to someday be using that software since I heard it is what the majority of professionals are working with..

1 - Technically no, you don't need a keyboard to use Reason. You can draw notes in the key lane when you switch to "edit" mode. But believe me, a keyboard is an essential piece of hardware, so if you're getting one, it should have some controls on it. This means that when you use the Keyboard w/ controls with Reason you can record notes and assign certain control surfaces (e.g. Redrum master level) to one of the control knobs on your keyboard, so that when you turn a certain physical knob, it moves one of the knobs/faders/buttons in your reason rack.

2 - thomann.de is a great website for reasonably priced instruments, but if you're lokking for a starter midi device, then look for miditech midicontrol-2, which is a sturdy-enough keyboard w/ controls that works with Reason. I have always used this brand, as well as Behringer.

3 - The Redrum device is split into different channels, ranging from ch.1 to ch.10 (obviously). You can either load up each channel with the drum sound you want, or load up a kit from the bottom right corner. then you choose which channel you want to select by pressing the "select" button near the bottom of the channel, and choosing what step you want the drum to sound on.

4 - When you understand reason, you won't immediately understand all the features in protools, it might take some sweet time to get your head around it, but you will have come to terms with things like automation, step/note sequencer, piano roll, and so on.

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