Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER

REAPER

  -  16.27 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.79 (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

    reaper779_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    d23296c1fa3750ec6744ff5015406c71

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 7.79 (64-bit) Screenshots

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

    REAPER 7.79 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

Import:
- add informational text to tempo-match prompt when importing from Media Explorer with tempo-match enabled, but Preferences/Media/Import 'prompt to adjust media to project tempo' is disabled
- deprecate preference to prompt to adjust project tempo to imported media when media tempo is estimated
- prevent crash when importing file with more than 128 channels
- prompt to stretch media when importing from Media Explorer, when tempo-match preview settings do not match global import preferences
- regardless of preferences, automatically stretch media when importing from media explorer with tempo match enabled, and file contains tempo information
- when prompting to adjust empty project tempo to media, also prompt to stretch media to project tempo, regardless of other preferences 

Media explorer:
- allow renaming files with only upper/lower case changes
- do not allow creating/renaming files/folders with an initial dot (which would effectively hide them)
- fix potential UI issue at end of playback with some files/resampling combinations
- improve selection handling when renaming items
- notify of errors when renaming items fails
- preserve unwritten metadata when renaming files or folders
- when editing metadata, left/right arrows navigate text rather than navigating columns 

MIDI editor:
- copy more editor settings over to new instances when gluing, duplicating, etc
- display tempo correctly when beat basis is not equal to time signature denominator
- fix time selection when using alt+right-drag default mapping (7.77 regression)
- option 'Drawing or selecting a note sets the new note length' also affects inline editor
- if a floating MIDI toolbar is enabled and inline editor recently focused, target inline MIDI editor 

ReaScript:
- add GetSetTempoTimeSigMarkerBasis, to get/set the tempo beat basis
- GetSetProjectInfo supports VKB_NOTECENTER/VKB_LASTVEL/VKB_CHANNEL
- support high unicode codepoints in gfx windows via IME on Windows
- add Undo_GetNumEntries, Undo_GetCurEntry, Undo_GetEntryDesc, Undo_GetEntryTime, Undo_IsEntryAltTree, Undo_SetCurPos 

Actions:
- rename actions to reset meter peak indicators, for consistency
- check that media is online when running render item actions 

ARA:
- fix fades potentially being applied incorrectly when FX output is shifted early
- fix potential crash when switching takes, changing fixed lane playback, or deleting media items (7.78 regression)

FX browser:
- fix incorrect targeting of folders when dragging to an overlapping window
- improve selection behavior when renaming FX chains 

JSFX:
- Reset JSFX Loudness Meter when running actions to clear peak indicators or reset track meters
- support disabling tooltip for MCP-embedded FX via gfx_ext_flags & 0x400

Render:
- add actions to calculate stereo loudness of selected tracks via dry run render, regardless of number of track channels
- fix embedding project regions/markers when applying start pad in render postprocessing settings
- fix render statistics error when rendering multiple files at once to lossy format and normalizing as if all files play together

Timecode:
- reword 'BWF start offset' as 'BWF timecode start offset' in various places
- reword 'LTC' as 'LTC (linear timecode generator)' in various places 

Toolbars:
- fix closing toolbars via ESC key on macOS/Linux
- fix initial focus of 'open toolbar at mouse cursor' actions 

VST3:
- fix restoring window size for Melodyne and other plugins that implement Presonus::IPlugInViewScaling
- set kSmpteValid for VST3 process contexts 

Windows:
- fix unicode character input in various combo boxes/media explorer
- improve support for IME with various unicode characters
- support high unicode codepoint input via IME on JSFX/ReaScript IDEs 

Actions window:
- improve behavior when running actions in the MIDI editor section, with multiple editors open 

Arrange view:
- avoid accidental item moves across tracks/lanes when resizing track panels on click

Crossfade editor:
- allow selected items to be affected by both fade-in and fade-out edits

Crossfades:
- respect auto-crossfade setting when using mouse modifier 'move item contents and right edge'

Extensions:
- add Preferences/Plug-ins/Extensions page, support viewing/enabling/disabling installed plug-in extensions 

Item drawing:
- fix glitches when using faster-item rendering at non-100% scaling 

JSFX/ReaScript/Video IDEs:
- support high unicode code points 

License import:
- improve behavior of import button in About window, show more helpful error messages when license import fails 

Linux:
- remove various special handling for ctrl+W which was meant to be a macOS-only combination 

Localization:
- correct configuration setting when installing language packs via shell integration 

macOS:
- add option to disable retina drawing for arrange view (Preferences > Appearance > Media items) 

Marquee zoom:
- improve handling of pinned tracks, spacers

Media item properties:
- improve handling of case-change renames on macOS/Linux 

Meters:
- add action to reset meters for selected tracks 

Mixer:
- improve behavior of escape key when closing undocked mixer 

Mixer/track panels:
- modifiers to toggle FX bypass/send mute for all/selected slots do not affect master track unless context is master track 

Project load:
- when explicitly loading in recovery mode, ignore project setting to bring FX online after load

Ruler lanes:
- update ruler lane manager checkboxes when settings are changed via action

Theme tweaker:
- use synonyms in search field

Unicode:
- fix display of high unicode codepoints in various contexts (legacy text rendering enabled, video, etc)

Video:
- fix display of high unicode codepoints