Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER

REAPER

  -  15.68 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.48 (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

    reaper748_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    1d77b139e91822873396757574fc8707

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 7.48 (64-bit) Screenshots

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

    REAPER 7.48 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

Render:
- add render peaks display option to show file length in samples
- display basic histogram of short-term loudness in HTML render statistics chart
- fix garbage output when rendering stems to a higher number of channels than the track channel count (7.37 regression)
- fix possible 1-sample file length discrepancy when rendering media items on multiple tracks
- handle trimming leading silence when the first rendered sample is over the threshold
- improve tooltip on HTML render statistics chart (smaller, highlights which channel/polarity has the highest peak)
- support Low Pass Fades (low pass filter opens as volume fades in, closes as volume fades out)
- when both trimming and fading in render postprocessing, support applying fades either inside or outside the trimmed content
- support saving render presets with empty output directory

Automation:
- saved latch states are now stored in the project file
- add actions to save/load/clear 64 latch presets for envelopes on all or selected tracks
- add option to not automatically reset latches in write/latch modes
- always set latches for active envelopes when in write mode

Batch converter:
- fix applying trailing silence trim
- fix opening long paths in explorer/finder
- properly apply leading trim when the first sample of the file is over the threshold
- support applying fades outside of trimmed content
- support Low Pass Fades (low pass filter opens as volume fades in, closes as volume fades out)

Actions:
- restore 7.45 behavior of actions to go to previous/next track (stop when first/last track is reached, rather than cycling through)
- improve handling of first track selected with 'Move tracks up'
- improve handling of selected folder with 'Move tracks down'

CLAP:
- by default, do not delay automation by PDC amount (configurable via right-click of I/O button)
- treat plug-ins that do not support the audio port extension as MIDI-only

Envelopes:
- fix behavior when removing time from project and a square envelope point is at the start of the removed time
- when using mouse modifier to delete envelope point, dragging with mouse down will continue to delete envelope points

Fades:
- support Low Pass Fades (low pass filter opens as volume fades in, closes as volume fades out)
- display Low Pass Fade as a double line in arrange view
- restore crossfade menu order from pre-7.40 (equal power fade listed 2nd rather than last)

Fixed lanes:
- actions to insert new MIDI item, empty item, click source, timecode item, etc target the last clicked lane
- update active lane cursor when clicking lane play buttons
- actions to insert retroactively recorded MIDI respect active lane

Mouse modifiers:
- fix cursor not targeting empty fixed lane with certain combinations of custom mouse modifiers
- obey seek preferences when left-drag is mapped to marquee/etc (7.46/7.47 regressions)

Nudge:
- ignore snap when nudging contents
- improve behavior when nudging contents by beats with tempo changes

Screensets:
- include master TCP in track view screensets
- include TCP pinning state in track view screensets
- include visual spacer in track view screensets

TCP toolbar:
- fix left-click behavior when clicking in empty area next to toolbar buttons
- fix right-click menu positioning

Toolbars:
- add action to customize empty TCP area toolbar
- add right-click menu for 'add track' toolbar button

Track pinning:
- actions to toggle track height to minimum or default size affect pinned tracks
- disable track spacer menu items for pinned tracks
- more predictable vertical zoom

VST:
- add support for wide layouts (k90_4_W, k91_4_W, k90_6_W, and k91_6_W)
- when setting volume/pan via IContextInfoProvider3 interface, add undo point after edit
- by default, third-party plug-ins do not delay automation by PDC amount (right-click I/O button to configure)

Auto-stretch at tempo changes:
- improve predictability when using non-square tempo envelope points

Big clock:
- add wildcards for selected media item name/notes, position, length (blank if no selected items, or multiple selected items)

FX:
- rename VST/CLAP plug-in option (in I/O button right-click menu) 'Adjust automation' to 'Delay automation' for clarity

Item groups:
- add setting/action to display item group colors/names in arrange view instead of media item colors/names

JSFX:
- fix opening external editors for FX with filenames that contain spaces

Localization:
- optimize CPU use when using language packs

macOS:
- fix joystick support while MIDI learn/assign windows are open

Media explorer:
- fix playback rate after clearing time selection with escape key

Project bay:
- remove support for displaying little used old-style named take comps

ReaScript:
- fix opening external editors for very long script names

Stretch markers:
- allow AltGr+click to remove stretch markers on Windows

Windows:
- fix opening various paths in explorer when a file/directory similar name with .exe extension exists next to the path