Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER

REAPER

  -  15.91 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.66 (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

    reaper766_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    4a6629d0251ad911162fc826d4a5d8ca

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 7.66 (64-bit) Screenshots

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

    REAPER 7.66 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

Video:
- add support for FFmpeg versions 5.0-8.1
- add FFmpeg support for ALAC decoding (s32p sample type)
- add FFmpeg support for AV1 encoding (if supported, preferring libsvtav1 over libaom-av1 for speed)
- add FFmpeg support for H.265 encoding (if supported)
- add FFmpeg support for hardware accelerated decoding, opt-in by using ffmpeg_hw in decoder list
- add FFmpeg support for multiple audio streams, opt-in by using ffmpeg_mta in video decoder list
- add FFmpeg support for arbitrary encoders, use codec=xyz in FFmpeg configuration
- fix FFmpeg encoding of reported framerate for some format (e.g. AVI)
- fix incorrect use of .mov container when writing .mp4 files
- fix FFmpeg audio decoding as noise when when unknown sample format is encountered
- improve FFmpeg encoding file-format selection, adding new MOV, MP4 modes and deprecating old QT/MOV/MP4 auto-select mode
- improve FFmpeg loading, allow loading from more system paths (and REAPER UserPlugin path)
- improve accuracy of timestamps for Windows Media encoder with ND framerates
- add support for decoding AV1 via VLC
- allow encoding to arbitrary fractional framerates
- support entry of commas as decimal point in framerates when rendering
- support files with MXF extension, if supported by installed FFmpeg/VLC
- when changing video decoder priority list, prompt to re-open all media in order to use new decoders 

Ruler lanes:
- do not draw double divider line when there is insufficient room to display all lanes
- ensure that with default preference settings, ruler cannot be resized small enough to hide default ruler lanes
- fix intermittent display issue on undo/redo
- improve behavior when moving multiple regions/markers across hidden ruler lanes
- prevent creating regions or markers in locked ruler lanes
- prevent moving regions and markers to locked lanes 

Ruler:
- don't show region/marker editing guidelines until mouse moves
- fix skipped grid line display with certain tempo/time signature marker scenarios
- reword some items in time selection right-click menu
- when editing regions with contents, show editing guidelines at unedited position, because all project contents will move 

Console 1:
- deactivate tracks that are hidden in both TCP/MCP
- improve automatic device name detection to include future Softube devices
- support plugin/Console 1 requests from controller 

Region manager:
- add undo point after importing regions/markers from csv file
- support importing regions/markers from csv file by dragging into region manager window, hold shift key to merge 

Regions/markers:
- support assigning actions to region/marker click mouse modifier
- support importing regions/markers from REAPER project file (.RPP) 

Video processors:
- fix knob sizing with DPI changes/multimonitor
- display video processor CPU use as %v in FX chain, project bay, performance monitor 

Actions:
- actions to select item under mouse respect 'selecting item selects group' setting 

CLAP:
- fix transport flags when REAPER is recording 

Envelope panels:
- fix slight offset in readout of current value 

Free item positioning:
- preserve media item height when moving to a new track (7.60 regression) 

IDEs:
- syntax highlight built-in pow() function when editing JSFX/Video Processors/EEL2 ReaScripts 

Markers:
- when markers overlap, mouse targets the later (visible) marker 

Media item properties:
- fix behavior when enabling section source and project start time offset exists 

Mouse modifiers:
- fix descriptions of modifiers to set time selection or loop points to region 

Render:
- improve ordering of file-format modes, grouped alphabetically within logical groups (uncompressed, compressed, raw, CD, video) 

Take markers:
- always add marker when running quick-add actions, even if there is already a marker at that location 

Tempo/time signature:
- respect 'allow partial measure' setting when editing earlier tempo envelope points 

Time signature markers:
- when 'allow partial measure before this marker' enabled, display beat position in tempo marker editor based on previous time signature marker 

UI:
- improve responsiveness of UI when under very heavy audio-thread CPU load in playback/rendering