Propellerhead introduces Rack Extension subscription option

Propellerhead Software is about to offer an additional way to add Rack Extensions to your rack: RE Subscriptions. Some of you have been asking for this since the introduction of Rack Extensions. Well, finally your dream comes true! However, others might get worried when “subscription” is mentioned. To settle all doubt and worries we talked to Filip Carvell from Propellerhead about how the new subscription model will work. Hopefully, you all will be a bit wiser after reading the interview, no matter if you are anxious because you want to rent REs or you prefer to buy them one by one.

RT: Hi Filip! We understand Propellerhead Software has introduced a new way to purchase Rack Extensions – please describe the concept!

Filip: Hi! First of all I’d like to point out that the subscription service is not replacing the current purchases. Users will still be able to buy Rack Extensions the same way as before.

It’s a subscription model that is much more flexible than other plugin subscription plans, in that it gives Reason users control of what REs to subscribe to – they can freely pick their selection of plugins and change it every month, if they wish.

Many Reason users crave access to a multitude of instruments and effects in order to stay creative, but also experience that the threshold of purchasing often is too high – either because of budget reasons, or because they are unsure of what to buy. Subscriptions give users a low cost opportunity to play around with hundreds of instruments and effects far above what our current Trial and Purchase model allows.

RT: How will this work? Can you give us an example?

Filip: Users can subscribe to one of three plans, priced at $9, $19 and $29 per month. Each plan can be filled with Rack Extensions up to a value of $400, $1000 and $3000 respectively. You sign up for a minimum of 30 days. After 30 days, your Subscription is unlocked and you can get access to new plugins. Every time you exchange the plugins in your subscription, you have another 30 days until you can change again. If you want immediate access new products, you can always upgrade your Subscription to a bigger plan, even if 30 days have not passed since you last made a change.

RT: How did you come up with this specific model, it seems to be different than other models?

Filip: Did a lot of research, thinking and discussing. We felt that there was dissatisfaction with current plugin subscription models, and worked hard to achieve something better.

RT: Approximately what percent of the available REs will be available for the subscription offer?

Filip: In a few weeks, 100% of REs will be available for the subscription offer.

RT: How do you think this new feature is received and who is it targeted at?

Filip: The Rack Extension subscription model is mainly for Reason users who do not purchase Rack Extensions as of today. But there is also a group of professional users who need plugins for limited periods of time. They have shown interest in the model as well.

RT: How will RE sales prices be taken into consideration with this new model?

Filip: Sales prices will not be used in the calculation when a subscription pack is put together, only list prices. So it will not be possible to include more products in a Subscription Pack during a sale.

RT: What is the minimum subscription length/time?

Filip: It is 30 days.

RT: What happens if/when the list price of a device changes, or when the device goes on sale?

Filip: When the device goes on sale, it does not affect subscriptions at all. Only list prices are used to calculate the Subscription Packs. When a list price changes, it does not affect users who are already subscribing to the plugin, the calculation stays the same (the user does not have to do any changes for the products to still fit inside the chosen pack size). However, if a user removes a product and later adds it again, then the updated list price will apply.

RT: Thank you for the information and your time!

Filip: Thank you too! Reason users around the globe, enjoy this new way of acquiring REs!

Discuss this article!