Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER
Report    Share

Browse by Company

Adobe, Apowersoft, Ashampoo, Autodesk, Avast, Corel, Cyberlink, Google, iMyFone, iTop, Movavi, PassFab, Passper, Stardock, Tenorshare, Wargaming, Wondershare

REAPER

  -  15.6 MB  -  Trial
Free Download

Security Status

  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.42 (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

    reaper742_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    beed044b804efd1ee244d1a797fc5350

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

Download REAPER Latest Version
Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)

  • REAPER 7.42 (64-bit) Screenshots

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

    REAPER 7.42 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

MIDI:
- apply timebase changes when changing timebase via media item properties dialog
- fix auto-loop-disable/extend of looped items in time timebase when overdub recording
- fix overdub recording into subsequent loop iterations of looped items
- fix overdub recording to items in time timebase (with item-loop enabled)
- fix pencil-drawing MIDI when timebase is set to time
- fix potentially incorrect chasing on looped items in time timebase
- reconform MIDI data when switching item timebases (requires item to be un-pooled and not actually looped)
- when pasting MIDI items, snap item position to PPQN, not item-source-start-position
- fix auto-extending start of non-looped items in the time timebase

Crossfade editor:
- actions to preview left/right/both do not restart playback if already playing
- actions to preview right-hand item start playback from start of right-hand item
- add actions to increase/decrease pre-roll or post-roll time
- add actions to preview left/right/both, not soloed
- add action to play/stop from start of right-hand item
- fix actions to set preview time to 50/100/500 ms

MIDI editor:
- always allow recently-created copies of CC events to cross other events when using copy mouse modifier
- fix 'move right by grid' when snap enabled and limit grid to visible is disabled
- fix auto-extend of MIDI items with negative start offsets
- fix event properties tick parsing clamping to file length for item in time timebase
- improve snap behavior when inserting text/lyrics/sysex events via right-click/double-click in lane

Scrub:
- add new preference for one-shot jog mode when moving edit cursor, add action to toggle it
- add action to play a single one-shot scrub loop
- add action to invert looped-segment range
- add action to prompt to set/update looped-scrub range values

Accessibility:
- improve edit field labels in GetUserInputs() API call
- improve take loop section labels in Media Item Properties window
- Actions
- fix corner case behaviors of move cursor by grid division actions added in 7.41
- open in editor works while recording, does not automatically close audio device for external editors

Preferences:
- fix searching of mouseover text on some preferences pages
- remove option from preferences/mouse that is no longer used

Render:
- fix possible blank samples added to start of mp3 render when render settings enabled to mix/process at project sample rate and rendering to a different sample rate
- fix possible dropped samples at start of render when render settings enabled to mix/process at project sample rate and rendering to a different sample rate

Click source:
- fix incorrect peaks display when resizing item

Control surfaces:
- fix mixer ordering inconsistencies when mixer is not open

EDL:
- when importing Vegas TXT, handle start offset/playrate correctly

JSFX:
- improve syntax highlighting consistency for sliderX: lines

Localization:
- increase size of Metering labels in ReaPlugs

macOS:
- better popup button initial positioning when rounded macOS controls are enabled

Phase aligner:
- allow setting maximum adjustment to 0 ms, to restrict alignment to inverting phase only

Pin mapper:
- fix potential crash when reopening media pin mapper/media explorer pin mapper (7.35 regression)

Project bay:
- fix initial focus when docked

Project settings window:
- increase size slightly to make room for future additions

ReaScript:
- support re-scanning JSFX list/metadata by calling EnumInstalledFX() with idx=-1

Region render matrix:
- menu item to enable rendering all regions ignores the 'entire project' region

Ruler:
- improve double-click behavior, restoring some 7.40 functionality lost in 7.41

Save as:
- ensure saving project files via save-as always have correct .RPP extension

Track I/O context menu:
- support adding send/receive to new tracks

Track list:
- improve auto-scroll of track list to match mixer when selected track is partially visible

VST3:
- fix bridging handling of legacy CC messages

Wildcards:
- $namecount wildcard does not count multiple instances of the same name in the same string

Windows:
- improve handling of MIDI hardware output errors, add midi_hw_debug=1 ini file option to enable win32 debug messages on error

Top Downloads

More Popular Software »