Multitrack audio and MIDI recorder for your Windows PC

REAPER

REAPER

  -  16.25 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    REAPER 7.75 (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

    reaper775_x64-install.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    9c33eb1e160b2ca4a61ec27dda2b6093

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 7.75 (64-bit) Screenshots

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

    REAPER 7.75 (64-bit) Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

FX:
- add option to allow empty slots in TCP/MCP FX lists, allow moving FX to particular slots in mixer/TCP
- add actions to toggle selected tracks FX bypass for slots 1-10
- fix parameter linking from bypass/wet/delta parameter 

Sends:
- allow moving sends/hardware outputs in TCP/MCP list, allow empty slots
- tint send level indicator in TCP/MCP by destination track color, if set 

Sample edits:
- add spectral repair actions, to replace contents of time selection with content extrapolated from existing audio surrounding the time selection (useful for fixing pops/clicks/dropouts)
- support bias, scale, balance, DC, fades when applying spectral repair (bias weights the preceding or following samples more when repairing)
- add versions of all sample edit actions that apply to the first selected item within the time selection
- add preference to automatically zoom to time selection when running sample edit actions
- commit sample edit scale or spectral repair changes unless the user explicitly cancels the dialog
- fix intermittent peaks drawing artifact
- fix possible misbehavior when media item length is a fraction of a sample longer than the source file
- improve initial focus, keyboard accessibility of scale and spectral repair windows 

MIDI editor:
- auto-scroll view when running note navigation actions
- expose key snap root/type in options menu
- fix quirks with actions to move CC events to grid
- fix quirks with actions to move/resize notes to grid
- improve behavior of various 'edge of note to edit cursor' actions with looped items, extending items
- update pre-quantized start/end times of notes when moving/trimming via edit cursor actions 

MIDI overdub/replace:
- add undo points with each pass when looped recording
- auto-readd new MIDI item when removing the recording item during record
- better handling of recording notes at end of loop
- fix addition of new item when first notes are encountered after running 'stop recording after X' actions
- improve behavior when starting recording immediately following a looped item
- improve behavior of note-on/off recording following a loop 

Navigator:
- adjust length for project maximum length if set, otherwise include markers/regions, or obey =START/=END markers
- do not display master track when pinned to top
- display envelope lanes, visual spacers
- fix cursor blink when on macOS and Metal is enabled
- fix zoom behavior when visual spacers/envelope lanes/fixed lanes are used
- improve appearance on macOS Retina displays 

ReaScript:
- add chain_index_to_slot and chain_slot_to_index for TrackFX_GetNamedConfigParm
- add GetSetProjectInfo DIRTY, to allow scripts to query/clear project-modified state
- automatically close render dialog after running GetSetProjectInfoString('RENDER_STATS') with 'calculate loudness of selected items source media'
- extend various TrackSend APIs to allow accessing sends/hardware outputs with UI ordering
- update GetThingFromPoint() to return item hit for mcp.sendlist, tcp.sendlist, etc 

FLAC:
- update to libFLAC v1.5.0
- support read/write of 32 bits per sample integer format 

JSFX:
- apply pin changes immediately when changing track channel count via API
- sequencer_megababy: add 'hold to erase' mode
- sequencer_megababy: fix display glitch when audio thread interrupts drawing 

Localization:
- add missing 'untitled', '-imported', various MIDI splash screen text
- support localizing macOS none/default device names
- support localizing mouse modifier/key binding html generation 

Media explorer:
- add action to show column configuration menu
- add sort configuration to menus 

MIDI input quantize:
- fix issues with rapid duplicate notes
- fix potential sorting issues when recording in normal input mode
- fix issues with overdub/replace recording on looped items, items with non-1.0 playrate 

Peaks settings window:
- fix position restoring issues
- update toolbar state when closing window 

Performance:
- improve performance when drawing media items on very small or collapsed tracks
- improve performance when using theme images that have large areas of full transparency 

Pin connector:
- fix initial sizing sometimes being larger than display
- improve mousewheel scroll behavior
- reopen at the same screen position/size as when the window was last closed 

ReaSurroundPan:
- apply Z-shape when playing back automation
- save/restore Z-shape parameter with project and presets 

Regions/markers:
- fix csv exported length in certain situations
- auto-scroll to selected marker in Region/Marker Manager when marker selection changes
- add preference to select region/marker when navigating via action or Jump To Time dialog 

Render:
- fix preserving metadata when rendering media items or razor edits as one file
- retain render statistics after running 'Calculate loudness of selected items source media via dry run render' 

Insert tracks:
- fix incorrect handling of collapsed folders (7.74 regression) 

Keyboard:
- when 'Use alternate keyboard section when recording' enabled, Alt sections will only be used if they were engaged during recording 

MIDI buses:
- make MIDI message sorting on secondary buses consistent with primary bus 

MIDI inline editor:
- improve appearance during continuous scrolling 

MIDI learn:
- display last MIDI value when assigning, to allow easily determination of CC relative mode 

Notation editor:
- fix option to prevent Alt key from opening menu 

Obscure feature:
- allow tweaking individual dialog control styles/etc via e.g. reaper-dlgtweaks-win.ini [DLG_285] 3=s+1 

Project settings:
- do not mark project dirty when clicking OK but nothing changed 

Routing matrix:
- fix indicator for stereo loopback outputs 

RS5k:
- refresh sample list when using save-as with copy media 

Spectral edits:
- prevent adding a new spectral edit for time selection if time selection is too short 

Spectrogram:
- adjust spectrogram display to account for sample edits when zoomed in 

Splash:
- disable animation by default, it's not 2015 any more 

Stretch markers:
- action to reset stretch marker correctly updates arrange view 

Subprojects:
- improve handling of multiple selected projects when opening via double-click 

Timecode:
- add action to detect LTC in items and move to detected position 

Toolbars:
- update metronome button instantly when toggling 

Track reordering:
- improve ability to drag to the last track in a parent folder whose last track is a collapsed folder 

Visual spacers:
- add option in Preferences/Appearance to not constrain TCP visual spacer size to track lane height