Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER

REAPER

  -  16.22 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.74 (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

    reaper774_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    9bf2352577b6dc9391906b1d8a6834fd

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 7.74 (64-bit) Screenshots

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

    REAPER 7.74 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

Sample edits:
- add mouse modifier (ctrl+drag by default) to draw vertically
- add mouse modifier (ctrl+alt+drag by default) to draw vertically (fine adjustment)
- improve display at medium zoom levels
- support setting sample edits for all channels at once
- support 'within time selection' actions regardless of whether the edit cursor is within the time selection
- draw bolder indicator when zoomed out and sample edits exist
- fix behavior after canceling sample edit scale dialog
- fix mouse editing behavior when mono media is modified by stereo per-take FX
- fix possible incorrect application of sample edits (neighboring sample edited)
- if attempting to run sample edit time selection action while zoomed out too far but time selection is short enough, zoom in automatically
- improve behavior when applying sample edits to items that use sample rate conversion
- improve hit testing
- show message box if sample edit action fails because media is incompatible or time selection is too long
- show sample value in dB in tooltip 

FX:
- support building multi-mono or multi-stereo FX containers
- multi-mono/multi-stereo containers process all channels in parallel via separate FX instances with linked parameters
- support multi-FX that do not exactly match the track channel count (for example, multi-mono FX on the first 2 channels of a 4 channel track)
- label non-primary instances as '(linked)' if all parameters are linked to the primary instance
- when creating multi-FX within a container, use the container channel count
- display multi-mono/multi-stereo FX in TCP/MCP/menus as "ReaComp *4" (for example) by default
- display parameter sections in TCP controls context menu
- fix auto-adding parameter envelopes after un-linking FX parameters within a container
- improve tab order in parameter modulation dialog
- support auto-adding parameter envelopes for previously modulated parameters
- support linking/unlinking FX parameters directly from Param dropdown menu 

ReaScript:
- add set_config_var_string
- do not require string parameter for Track/TakeFX_FormatParamValueNormalized when called via Lua
- extend Main_openProject to accept a fxoffline: prefix for project filenames, opens project with FX offline
- fix Track/TakeFX_FormatParamValueNormalized producing incorrect results with some FX parameters (e.g. ReaEQ gain)
- GetSetProjectInfo() can specify READONLY to change read-only state (does not affect filesystem, just temporary state)
- improve performance of ProjectMarker API 

Tracks:
- improve behavior when dragging a track to the end of multiple folders/subfolders, allow controlling which folder is used as destination
- improve behavior when inserting after last-touched track which is the last track in a folder
- improve behavior when pasting tracks and last track in folder is selected
- ensure all track contents are visible after running action to unhide a track that was hidden via track manager 

Action shortcuts:
- avoid displaying multiple overwrite prompts when assigning MIDI messages
- improve handling of extra MIDI messages when assigning (do not auto-close if recently opened or prompted, do not auto-close if message is not different) 

Linux:
- improve drag/drop handling when dragging from other applications to plug-ins
- use XDG_DOCUMENTS_DIR environment variable for default REAPER Media path 

Metadata:
- fix intermittent metadata reading failures for video/m4a files
- support displaying creation date when decoding using WMF or FFMPEG 

MIDI editor:
- fix new action to shrink item to last event when auto-extend option is off
- improve default scroll/zoom when opening for the first time after using the inline editor 

Notation:
- fix font sizes of PDF export on macOS/Linux (7.70 regression)
- fix display glitches when switching contexts 

Project settings:
- custom format for glue/etc obeys OK/Cancel buttons
- remove redundant render format configuration, render format should be configured via render window 

Projects:
- allow opening projects in read-only mode via open dialog, or by file attribute
- if loading a read-only .rpp file, display 'read-only' in title bar
- when running save action, if project is read-only, display save-as dialog 

Region manager:
- fix displayed start time when project start time offset exists
- fix exported length when displaying HH:MM:SS.SS 

Track panels:
- display metering options when clicking meter
- display recording options (input quantize, format, etc) when clicking record mode button 

Track templates:
- allow aborting load of track template from missing-media window
- ensure peaks are built when loading track templates with media 

Windows:
- improve font scaling of MIDI input configuration help text in HiDPI modes
- include estimated size in uninstall registration 

Actions:
- automatically select marker when running action to navigate to marker 

Actions window:
- add favorite/favourite synonym 

Command line:
- support '-fxoffline filename.rpp' option 

Embedded FX:
- fix focus/capture behavior when clicking (or alt+clicking) embedded FX headers 

Envelope manager:
- fix incorrect display of learn/TCP parameter status for collapsed sections 

Fades:
- preserve LPF fade attribute when gluing items 

FX browser:
- fix incorrect targeting of 'Insert Virtual Instrument' action (7.70 regression) 

FX parameter modulation:
- fix behavior with parameters that report denormalized values to host (mostly CLAP) 

Import:
- do not prompt to adjust project tempo when importing media if the displayed project tempo is within 0.0005 bpm of the media tempo 

JSFX:
- fix typo in badbussmojo/badbussmojo_aa 

Localization:
- fix AIFF/CAF format selection when format label is heavily localized 

macOS/Linux:
- fix incorrect buttons receiving default focus in certain dialog boxes 

Metadata/Comments:
- fix initial focus of multi-line edit window 

Metronome/click source:
- fix issues where later beats could incorrectly end up silent after switching multipliers 

OSC:
- fix FX_EQ_ feedback, other issues 

Pitch envelope:
- fix behavior when 'all takes play' is enabled (7.50 regression) 

Project bay:
- improve efficiency of reading metadata for files that are already in project 

Razor edits:
- fix display glitches after copying 

Render:
- add accessibility labels for render source options 

Retroactive MIDI:
- properly use device 'all inputs' flags when tracks have all MIDI inputs selected 

Ripple editing:
- add various ripple editing settings to new submenu of Options menu 

RS5k:
- fix rounding bug when calculating note names 

Spectrogram:
- zoomed-in spectrogram display previews sample edits 

Video:
- support user-supplied file extensions in decoder configuration string (for e.g. obscure formats) 

Wildcards:
- support $seltrack, which resolves to the first selected track, regardless of whether it is being rendered