Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER

REAPER

  -  15.67 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.46 (64-bit) LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 64 / Windows 8 64 / Windows 10 64 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Cockos Incorporated / External Link

  • Filename

    reaper746_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    cf31182c1ef32399563c1610c1aab1fe

REAPER (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) is a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for professional and amateur music producers alike.

Developed by Cockos Inc., it offers a full suite of audio recording, editing, mixing, and mastering tools at an affordable price. Unlike many DAWs that require extensive system resources, REAPER is known for its lightweight footprint, flexibility, and customization options.

REAPER Screenshot 1

It supports VST, VST3, AU, and JS plugins, making it highly compatible with third-party effects and virtual instruments.

With its advanced scripting capabilities, REAPER for Windows PC is also a favorite among users who seek a highly customizable workflow.

Main Features

Multitrack Recording – Record multiple tracks of audio and MIDI simultaneously with non-destructive editing.

MIDI Support – Comprehensive MIDI functionality including piano roll editing, MIDI routing, and support for MIDI controllers.

VST and Plugin Support – Compatible with a vast array of third-party plugins and effects.

Scripting and Customization – Support for Lua, EEL, and Python scripting to automate workflows and customize functions.

Audio Routing Flexibility – Highly customizable signal routing for complex mixing setups.

Automation and Envelopes – Advanced automation tools for volume, pan, and effect parameters.

Low System Resource Usage – Optimized performance with minimal CPU usage, making it suitable for older computers.

Portable Installation – Can run from a USB stick without installation, making it a great option for users on the go.

Video Support – Basic video editing features for scoring and syncing audio to video.

Regular Updates – Frequent updates that introduce new features and bug fixes.

User Interface

REAPER’s user interface is designed for efficiency and workflow optimization. It features a clean and highly customizable layout, with a dark theme by default, but users can install custom themes to change its appearance. The main interface consists of:

Track Panel – Displays all active tracks with customizable settings.

Mixer Panel – Provides a traditional mixer view for managing volume levels, panning, and effects.

Transport Bar – Offers essential playback controls such as play, stop, record, and loop.

MIDI Editor – A separate window for detailed MIDI note editing.

FX Browser – A library of built-in and third-party plugins.

Installation and Setup

Download – Visit the official website or FileHorse.com and download the installer for Windows.

Run the Installer – Launch the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Select Installation Type – Choose between a standard or portable installation.

Customize Preferences – Set up the audio interface, MIDI devices, and buffer size.

Install Plugins – Add third-party VST instruments and effects as needed.

Start Using – Open a new project and start recording or editing audio.

How to Use

1. Creating a New Project
  • Open this software and select File > New Project.
  • Set up project settings such as sample rate and bit depth.
2. Recording Audio
  • Click Insert > New Track.
  • Arm the track for recording by clicking the Record Arm button.
  • Choose an input source from the dropdown menu.
  • Press Record on the transport bar to begin recording.
3. Editing and Mixing
  • Use the split, trim, and move tools to edit audio clips.
  • Apply fade-in and fade-out effects by dragging the clip edges.
  • Add VST effects by clicking on the FX button of a track.
  • Adjust volume and panning using the mixer panel.
4. Exporting the Final Mix
  • Click File > Render.
  • Choose the desired file format (WAV, MP3, FLAC, etc.).
  • Set render options and export the final audio.
FAQ

Is REAPER free?
It offers a 60-day free trial, after which users are expected to purchase a license. However, the software remains fully functional even after the trial expires.

What is the difference between the discounted and commercial licenses?
The discounted license is for individual users and small businesses generating less than $20,000 in revenue per year. The commercial license is for professionals and larger studios exceeding that income threshold.

Can REAPER run on older computers?
Yes, this software is highly optimized and can run on older hardware with minimal CPU and RAM requirements.

Does REAPER support third-party plugins?
Yes, this program fully supports VST, VST3, AU (Mac), and JS plugins, allowing users to expand its functionality with third-party effects and instruments.

How does REAPER compare to other DAWs?
REAPER is more affordable, lightweight, and customizable compared to major DAWs like Pro Tools, Cubase, and Ableton Live. However, it lacks built-in instruments and loops, requiring external plugins for enhanced production.

Alternatives

Pro Tools – Industry-standard DAW for professional studios and engineers.

Ableton Live – Best for electronic music production and live performances.

Cubase – Comprehensive DAW with a strong focus on MIDI and orchestral composition.

Studio One – A powerful all-in-one DAW with an intuitive workflow.

Pricing

Discounted License: $60 (for individuals and small businesses)

Commercial License: $225 (for professional use)

60-Day Free Trial: Fully functional, non-restrictive trial period

System Requirements
  • OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (64-bit recommended)
  • Processor: 1 GHz or higher
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for larger projects)
  • Storage: 100 MB for installation, additional space required for audio files
  • Audio Interface: ASIO-supported device recommended for low-latency recording
PROS
  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Affordable pricing
  • Extensive customization and scripting capabilities
  • Regular updates and active community support
  • Highly flexible routing and automation options
CONS
  • Lacks built-in virtual instruments and loops
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Outdated default UI (requires customization for modern aesthetics)
  • MIDI editing tools not as polished as competitors like Cubase
Conclusion

REAPER is a powerful and budget-friendly DAW that caters to both beginners and professionals. Its extensive customization options, low system requirements, and support for third-party plugins make it a versatile tool for audio production. While it lacks built-in instruments and can be intimidating for new users, its affordability and efficiency make it a worthy alternative to expensive DAWs.

Note: 60 days trial version and nag screen.

Also Available: REAPER for Mac

Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)
  • REAPER 7.46 (64-bit) Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    REAPER 7.46 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

Track pinning:
- support pinning individual tracks to the top of the arrange view
- pin master track to top of arrange view by default
- add actions to override or show all hidden or pinned tracks, pin selected tracks/unpin all others, show/hide all pinned tracks
- add preference to disable vertical zoom for pinned tracks
- ignore 'expand selected tracks, minimize others' for pinned tracks
- do not insert new tracks when drag-importing media into pinned track area

Mouse modifiers:
- auto-scroll MIDI editor when dragging in mouse modifier contexts that are set to 'no action'
- add contexts for fader, tcp fader, mcp fader
- add contexts for Track Control Panel, Mixer Control Panel mouse wheel and horizontal wheel
- add flags to not change selection and/or move edit cursor when using actions in various click contexts
- always allow recently-created copies of CC events to cross other events when using copy CC mouse modifier
- add edit cursor handle support for 'No action' and new 'Move cursor (no scrub)' mode
- better handling of clicking out of bounds in MIDI editor when click is mapped to insert note
- fix click-selects-track when drag is mapped to time selection, etc
- fix context menus when right-drag set to time selection or scrub/jog
- fix item deselection/track selection when left drag is mapped to marquee zoom/marquee
- fix item left-click action when left drag is set to 'No action'
- fix middle-click action when middle-drag is set to 'No action'
- fix more combinations of click/drag in MIDI editor
- fix running actions in take marker click context
- fix time selection in inline MIDI editor
- fix toggling selection on grouped items with certain drag options
- fix issues with MIDI editor context menu when right-drag is mapped to time selection
- fix right-click/drag modifiers in MIDI inline editor when right-drag is mapped to scroll/scrub/etc in arrange view
- fix context menu in MIDI inline editor when right-drag is mapped to handscroll (which is not supported in the inline context)
- fix click notation/score mouse modifiers when drag is set to select touched notes or time selection
- fix using piano roll click modifiers (rather than ruler) when clicking in notation/score empty staff areas and drag is not set to draw/paint notes
- mouse modifier in notation/score to insert note on left click does not move edit cursor, matching piano roll behavior
- improve click behavior when drag set to marquee/erase/scrub in piano roll and notation
- improve item cursor display when using razor edits
- improve label when moving envelope point vertically with fine adjustment
- improve MIDI editor preview when left click inserts note, left drag erases notes/selects time/scrubs
- improve MIDI editor mouse modifiers around scrub, don't move edit cursor until drag, play preview note if applicable before drag
- improve click behavior when using drag to move/copy existing notes
- improve option to set time selection in media item left click context
- do not change track selection when left click is mapped to marquee selection
- cursor in envelope lanes reflects the track mouse modifiers
- obey option to move edit cursor to time selection when setting time selection via MIDI editor modifiers
- properly support 'No action' in MIDI editor ruler, marker/region drag, take marker drag contexts
- support alt+click to delete fade in fade-intersection context
- support ignoring grouping for item left-click 'add items to selection'
- when razor edit click is set to 'No action', do not set cursor

ReaScript:
- add GetSetMediaTrackInfo('B_TCPPIN'), GetSetProjectInfo('PROJECT_TCP_UI_FLAGS')
- add GetSetProjectInfo('PROJECT_TIMEBASE') and 'PROJECT_TIMEBASE_FLAGS' (read-only)
- extend SetMouseModifier()/GetMouseModifier( APIs to support extended flags
- fix GetEnvelopePointByTimeEx()/SetEnvelopePointEx()/DeleteEnvelopePointEx() on automation items (the meaning of the 0x10000000 flag was backwards, this may break existing ReaScripts)
- improve documentation for GetEnvelopePointEx( full-loop mode
- improve performance of GetMediaSourceFileName() and other PCM_source APIs when used on sequential scans of large projects
- recalculate TCP display order when calling TrackList_AdjustWindows(false)
- fix FX_GetPresetIndex() for loaded video processors, better disambiguation between built-in and user presets of the same name

Timebase:
- add project setting to control whether MIDI items are affected by project timebase, to support MIDI items adjusting to tempo changes but not audio items
- improve import behavior when using Time timebase and a tempo map is present
- support setting project timebase to Beats with auto-stretch at tempo changes
- add stretch markers to preserve timing when setting timebase to Beats with auto-stretch at tempo changes
- optionally display media item button indicating item timebase
- support timebase Beats (position only) for MIDI items
- prevent adding unnecessary stretch markers at media item edges when applying timebase beats with auto-stretch at tempo changes
- when changing to Time timebase with auto-stretch at tempo changes, apply current transformation as a single media item play rate

Project bay:
- add option to copy media to project directory when importing to project bay
- improve FX idle status display/sorting
- support dragging media folders and groups into the project
- support dragging multiple media items into project while preserving original track/item spacing
- when dragging media items within existing groups into project, create a new group
- when importing multiple media items into project, support importing to one track, separate tracks, or fixed lanes

Batch converter:
- copying current settings to clipboard for command line use will list literal output filenames if possible
- fix window title
- support and document exploding stereo/multichannel to separate mono files when running from command line
- when run from command line, fix converting filenames with space in path (7.29 regression)

Tempo envelope:
- support entering tempo/time signature change location in time, beats, H:M:S:F, or samples
- add mouse modifier checkbox (enabled by default) for tempo envelope point edits to always use 'on one axis only' modifiers
- support curved and bezier envelope shapes
- improve behavior when pasting tempo envelope points and tempo envelope timebase is beats
- allow dragging tempo change points when envelope segments are linear or curved

Theme:
- add support for pinned tracks to default theme
- add theme elements for transport timebase indicator (trans.timebase, transport_timebase_time.png, transport_timebase_beat.png)
- add theme elements for item timebase indicator (item_timebase_time, item_timebase_on, item_timebase_time_beat, item_timebase_beat_on, _on displays when the item timebase differs from the project timebase)
- support theme images for pinned track divider (tcp_pinned_divider, tcp_pinned_divider_overflow)
- report trackpinned=1 to WALTER if the track is pinned but overridden, trackpinned=2 if pinned and not overridden, trackhidden=1 if hidden but overridden

Video:
- auto-detect factory preset when saving preset
- fix generative oscilliscope/spectrum analyzer presets when project time offset is used
- fix input_get_name with empty take names
- restore preset name when bringing video processor online
- support syncing to encoded LTC via 'Move to media source preferred position' action

Actions:
- add actions to move tracks up/down, similar to drag/dropping to position above/below selected tracks
- fix behavior of 'crop project to selection' with razor edits and fixed lane comp areas

CLAP:
- fix window destruction flow to be more compatible with iPlug2 GL plug-ins
- notify plug-ins when window DPI changes
- validate sizing using adjust_size if supported when creating UI

Custom menus:
- improve behavior when menus have been customized and switching languages (store English names in reaper-menu.ini, requires load/save of menus with language pack loaded to convert to English)•
- improve handling of menu titles and localization (do not save menu titles if they equal the current localized default)

Envelopes:
- add menu items to set envelope segment shape when right-clicking between envelope points (equivalent to setting the previous point shape)
- fix selecting all envelope points when automation items exist
- improve click-deselection logic, improve behavior when using left click marquee on envelopes in media lane

Managers:
- improve focus behavior after editing name field in track/region/group managers on macOS
- preserve column order/width in track/region managers when switching between REAPER versions going forward (existing customizations may be reset when running 7.46 for the first time)

MusicXML:
- export as blank, for compatibility with MuseScore 4.5
- fix export encoding of XML characters
- fix import of XML hex unicode character entities

Render:
- fix handling of filenames that end with many digits when testing for filename collisions
- obey 'Mix and process FX at project sample rate' setting when using 'Preserve source media sample rate if possible'
- 'Mix and process FX at project sample rate' will use the last hardware sample rate if project sample rate is not set

Ripple:
- adjust time selection/loop points when removing time from project
- add preference to insert or not insert empty space when importing media with ripple edit (if not inserting space, do not split overlapping items, just move later items to the right)

Solo:
- add preference to use a dedicated solo bus (master track hardware outputs can choose to bypass that bus)
- add preference to enable metering for unsoloed tracks when in dedicated solo bus mode

Toolbars:
- add toolbar for empty Track Panel space, give it a default "insert track" button
- make tooltips positioned similar to track panel tooltips
- allow creating empty toolbars

Consolidate:
- fix re-importing to project after consolidating MIDI to .mid files

Images:
- support reading CMYK .jpg files (though perhaps with not ideal colors)

Import:
- support dragging folders into project (will import all media files within the directory without recursing)

Marquee selection:
- improve behavior when envelope in item lane is active and marquee does not intersect its points

Marquee selection/razor edits:
- smoother auto-scroll when dragging past the edge of the arrange view

MIDI editor:
- improve auto-scroll behaviors

Pan law:
- make master track 'Gain compensation (boost pans)' checkbox consistent with processing behavior

PDF export:
- improve appearance of accidentals on grace notes, lyrics with a single clef

Peaks:
- fix possible display glitch when highly zoomed in and using stretch markers and take play rate

Phase aligner:
- respect 'use time selection' by ignoring reference items that are entirely outside the time selection

Project settings:
- do not save project play rate as part of default settings

ReaSurroundPan:
- support improved localization of various speaker names

Track meters:
- fix display when track panels are narrow

Windows:
- improve appearance when track-reordering indicator overlaps with metering