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Description

Dive into the world of music production with Cockos REAPER, a versatile and comprehensive Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software that’s built for both seasoned professionals and budding musicians alike. Whether you're crafting intricate soundscapes or laying down a simple track, REAPER offers an intuitive and customizable interface that adapts to your creative process. Its seamless integration with a wide array of plugins and virtual instruments ensures that your studio setup can grow with your ambitions.

REAPER stands out with its robust audio and MIDI routing capabilities, offering you the flexibility to experiment with complex projects or maintain a streamlined setup. Enjoy real-time effects processing and automation that give you precise control over every element of your mix. With REAPER’s non-destructive editing and unlimited track count, your creativity knows no bounds. Plus, its efficient performance ensures your computer’s resources are optimized, making it an ideal choice for both home studio setups and professional environments.

Key Features:

  • Fully customizable interface with advanced audio and MIDI routing
  • Supports a wide range of audio formats and virtual instruments
  • Non-destructive editing with unlimited track count
  • Real-time effects processing and automation
  • Efficient resource management for optimal performance
  • Comprehensive plugin support, including VST, AU, and more
  • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows and macOS)
  • Regular updates and community support for evolving features and improvements

Product specs

Operating Systems Mac, Windows
RealHomeRecording.com

RealHomeRecording.com

Cockos REAPER 5 Beginner Basics Overview

Video thumbnail for Cockos REAPER 5 Beginner Basics Overview by RealHomeRecording.com

Cockos REAPER 5 Beginner Basics Overview

RealHomeRecording.com

RealHomeRecording.com

Video thumbnail for COCKOS Reaper 5 LE TUTO MAO GRATUIT by Tutoriels MAO

COCKOS Reaper 5 LE TUTO MAO GRATUIT

Tutoriels MAO

Tutoriels MAO

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly customizable UI with themes, layouts, and scripts for tailored workflows

  • Lightweight and efficient, runs smoothly on older computers

  • Affordable with a generous unlimited 60-day trial and low-cost full license

  • Supports unlimited tracks and powerful routing for audio, MIDI, and buses

  • Portable, can run from a USB stick without installation

  • Extensive plugin support including VST, AU, and JSFX scripting for custom plugins

  • Rock-solid stability with frequent updates and bug fixes

  • Active online community with extensive resources and tutorials

  • Great for various applications: music production, sound design, podcasting, and more

  • Excellent CPU/RAM efficiency, handles large projects without hogging resources

CONS

  • Steep learning curve, not ideal for complete beginners

  • Minimal stock plugins, requiring additional third-party purchases for best use

  • Interface can appear outdated and unintuitive to some users

  • Lacks built-in high-end features like integrated chord tracks

  • Not the best choice for live electronic music production without additional investments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cockos REAPER.

Features and functionality

  • REAPER's custom actions allow coding of custom features, significantly speeding up workflow, especially in tasks like sample replacement and database management for audio work.

    Source
  • REAPER's flexibility in creating custom actions can automate lengthy tasks that would take 30-60 minutes in other DAWs, showing its efficiency in professional settings.

    Source
  • Reaper's batch processing capability is highly valued in game audio, allowing for efficient handling of thousands of files at once.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In the video game industry, REAPER is preferred for creating new sounds due to its quick access and switching of audio samples and its integrated database feature.

    Source
  • Some users mention REAPER's suitability for music production due to its flexibility, although they prefer Pro Tools for broadcast and film mixing.

    Source
  • It's noted that Reaper is increasingly used for Front of House multitrack recording, with endorsements from major companies like Waves for SoundGrid Live recording.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The DAW supports LV2 plugins, which provides future-proofing against new plugin formats, ensuring longevity of use even if development stops.

    Source
  • Reaper's ability to be installed as a portable app allows for a highly customizable experience, but this can lead to potential stability issues in different studio setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Users praise REAPER's rapid release process, highlighting consistent upgrades without failures, enhancing reliability and user confidence.

    Source
  • Some users find Reaper's default setup lacking, requiring customization to reach its full potential, which can be daunting for beginners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The perception of Reaper as a "cheap" option can deter some professionals, despite its capabilities rivaling more expensive DAWs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike other DAWs, Reaper lacks bundled sounds and samples, appealing to users who prefer to customize their sound libraries rather than rely on stock options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Cockos Reaper Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

Cockos REAPER is a powerhouse for budget-conscious musicians, delivering extensive features like multi-channel audio recording and a highly customizable interface at an unbeatable price of $60. While it lacks built-in instruments and can be daunting for beginners with its unintuitive layout, the program offers immense flexibility and speed. With a dedicated community and regular updates, REAPER proves to be a capable DAW for serious recording and mixing tasks, rivaling more expensive alternatives. However, those seeking instant creativity may find the initial learning curve and minimal bundled content frustrating. Overall, it’s a fantastic investment for those willing to invest time and effort.

positive

Cockos Reaper - Review 2024 - PCMag UK

pcmag.com

Cockos REAPER is a powerhouse DAW that offers extensive features and unmatched flexibility at an incredibly low price point. While it excels in multi-channel recording and customization, the steep learning curve and lack of built-in instruments may deter beginners. The interface feels dated and can be unintuitive, but those willing to invest time will find a robust tool for professional results. With a supportive community and regular updates, REAPER stands out as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier options like Pro Tools, making it a smart choice for serious musicians.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 93 Reviews and 406 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
maxferro_dabromusic

Best DAW

REAPER (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) is a digital audio workstation created by Cockos. It is distributed with an uncrippled evaluation license with a nag screen explaining the license cost. It is currently available for Microsoft Windows (XP/Vista/7/8) and Mac OS X (10.4-10.10). Linux is not currently supported, but the program can be successfully run using Wine/Wine64.[1] Version 4 of REAPER was released on August 3, 2011

Version: Cockos REAPER 4
soloprosquad

Love it!

Wouldn't change it for the world! Anyone that's a fan of this DAW knows why we'll never leave it. Go check out the forum....that's all I have to say about it. #UtterPerfection

mixxxmastermac

It's my main.

This has been my main DAW for a few years now.

christheriault

DIE DIE DIE

reaper is awesome its a great daw especially for the price LOVE IT

Version: Cockos REAPER 5
matt_longpre

Excellent for beginners and seasoned producers

Excellent interface, intuitive and easy to use. Makes Getting from your effects to your instruments easy and straightforward.

cardiastro

Best one I've used

When making my first couple demos, I went through many DAW's, eventually I stumbled on this. I was immediately blown away, and haven't touched another one since.

scalenetracks

Have minimal experience with Reaper

It's seems like a great DAW that packs a punch, but I have not spent enough time on it to be able to give a true, thorough review. But for only $60, there is no going wrong with Reaper.

Version: Cockos REAPER 5
granja_de_cocodrilos

Best home daw

This is by far the best daw i used in my home studio.

Version: Cockos REAPER 5
Roles:
Genres:
cris_cuellar_b

Customizable

It's incredible, it's my firts DAW and i love it; the users upload updates for the program, new fx, etc; it's a great DAW.

bobguido7

"My favorite DAW for reliability, workflow and sound qualty"

"My favorite DAW for reliability, workflow and sound qualty"

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Cockos REAPER

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Twitch

In this video stream the item is seen all over the screen whereas on the top left corner is where it says "REAPER v5.40/x64".

See how Tim Henson uses Cockos REAPER

Tim Henson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

On this video he Is using Reaper (0:52)

See how Jacob Collier uses Cockos REAPER

Jacob Collier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this stream he uses REAPER to make sure he is audible throughout the stream, although Logic is his main DAW.

See how Tycho uses Cockos REAPER

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Facebook

"...I learned a lot touring with Alt-J and seeing their setup. Their production was beyond anything I've ever encountered as a musician and it was really inspiring to see such a complex system and so many people working to bring it all together and present a seamless performance each night. That's what initially got me thinking about rebuilding our set and the loss of the laptops and a month off seemed like a good opportunity to make it happen.

For the benefit of any other musicians out there I thought I'd outline the basics of the new system. For the audio portion we're running two Macbook Pros, each with a set of RME UCX interfaces running in tandem via ADAT connected to them (we were previously using 2 single RME Fireface 800's). The ADAT tandem mode allows for more inputs and outputs per computer in one rackspace. The first machine handles playback of automation, SMPTE timecode for video sync, MIDI sync, and our in ear monitoring system (Sennheiser G3 IEM). The second machine is linked to the first via MIDI sync and handles all input channels, virtual instrument hosting and effects processing. Both machines are running Reaper with each project in its own tab. We were running into a lot of resource limitations when the entire set was on one computer so the only way to open things up and allow us to expand the set was to distribute the load across multiple machines. I also just switched to an API 3124+ for the front end of the input laptop as it fits 4 preamps into one rackspace, and it sounds amazing. We run the bass, guitars, and synths through it which lessens the amount of plugins we have to use to get a good tone inside the box."

See how Mike Stringer uses Cockos REAPER

Mike Stringer

Guitarist

Spiritbox

...
Verified via YouTube

GEAR USED: Aristides Guitars 070SR (Lundgren Guitar Pickups M7'S) - Kemper Amps - Focusrite 18i20 - Reaper.

See how Thomas Bangalter uses Cockos REAPER

Thomas Bangalter

Guitarist, Music Producer

Daft Punk

...
Verified via Tumblr

Thomas Bangalter working on the music for Mirage [transitory] premiering September 27th in Fukuoka, Japan

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Cockos REAPER

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Tutorial: Home Recording On A Budget" by Riffs, Beards & Gear, Fluff demonstrates his long-term use of Cockos REAPER.

See how Tristam uses Cockos REAPER

Tristam

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Tristam uses the hashtag #reaper and shows a screenshot of a song he's working on in what looks like the interface of Cockos Reaper.

See how Awsten Knight uses Cockos REAPER

Awsten Knight

Singer, Guitarist

Waterparks

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:36 of the video, a fan asks the band what DAW they use to making music, Geoff answers the question with REAPER.

See how Glenn Fricker uses Cockos REAPER

Glenn Fricker

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At around 8:40 Glenn explains that he switched from his previous DAW to Reaper a couple of years ago.

See how Shawn Wasabi uses Cockos REAPER

Shawn Wasabi

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram photo, Shawn Wasabi can be seen using Reaper 4 to remix a song on June 26, 2015.

See how Teddy Riley uses Cockos REAPER

Teddy Riley

Singer, Keyboardist

Guy

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:24 in this video, he says "We switched to Reaper".

Album Usage

The Cockos REAPER has been featured on the following albums:

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 Cockos REAPER, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
6
Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
3
Steinberg Cubase
Steinberg Cubase Music Software
2
Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
2
Yamaha HS5
Yamaha HS5 Active & Passive Monitors
2
Linux
Linux Music Software
2
Neckup guitar support
Neckup guitar support Miscellaneous Guitar Parts
2

Community setups

Show yours
acoustic777

acoustic777

Gear IQ 1186

parhelia_0000

parhelia_0000

Gear IQ 10745

acoustic777

acoustic777

Gear IQ 1186

jakeainthere

jakeainthere

Gear IQ 250

B

bradys_riffs

Gear IQ 179

thedawnretreat

thedawnretreat

Gear IQ 148

10 alternative and related items for Cockos REAPER, curated by the Equipboard community.

Reason Studios Reason 12

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high-end alternative

Although this might seem to be a high end alternative, Reason is an amazing tool to understand how to write music properly before going on your own sound campaign. I've generally learned to use Reaper in approximately 3 months with my Reason music writing exp

Image-Line FL Studio

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similar sound high-end alternative

FL Studio isn't really a cheaper alternative for Reaper

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high-end alternative

Reaper is cheaper than Cubase. It doesn't make sense Cubase being a cheaper alternative to Reaper.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    yeenking
    yeenking

    Gear IQ 75