If you are at least a tiny bit into digital music production, then that means that words like "Reason" and "Propellerhead" are no mystery to you. The Swedish software company Propellerhead is well-known for the actual ReWire technology and leading music program Reason; and if you are trying to reach past memories, I guess you'll gladly remember the Re-Birth series, the legendary sequencer once used by Antiloop.

Once with the yesterday's official launch of Microsoft's new OS, Vista, major software producers have also given press releases stating the "alignment" with the "new kid on the block". Propellerhead, after clarifying the developing of the next Reason version at the winter NAMM in Anaheim, California during this month, have also said that the existing and - even more important - the oncoming software bearing their logo will be fully compatible with Vista.

I can't tell if Vista will instantly take over the old XP (most likely it will not be that instant) but nevertheless, being ready with the Vista implementation routines at the same time with its launch is a good thing.

Reason 3.0.4 will safely run on Vista with only administration rights needed on the PC at the first run on the new OS. Upgrading to Vista will make Reason require a re-authorization so your base-CD with Reason will be dearly needed. So far, the Reason 3.0.4 will run on Vista without ReWire support, as in this matter, it will be dealt with like this: ReWire and Rex had to change due to the new security specs to be met in Vista. This is why new installations have been created and will have to be used; don't panic, they're already public and you can get them here.

ReCycle 2.1 will run smooth on Vista directly and on an upgraded-to-Vista Windows, it will require the original CD and license number again; as well, as expected, administrative rights will be needed. Reload 1.0.1 will need the admin rights on the first Vista run and license number on the re-authorization procedure for the upgraded OS.

Propellerhead has nevertheless clearly stated that all the work done for the Vista compatibility level is based on an earlier version of the OS so the present state of things may happen to have small bugs or slight imperfections. As well, besides the software component in your DAW and generally speaking PCs, Propellerhead advises you to check the hardware issues and specs and see if they comply with the Vista OS.

In any case, the present stage of development in what compatibility with Vista is concerned "must and will not be held as a warranty, express or implied," states Propellerhead.