REAPER DAW Tutorial
Introduction
REAPER (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) is a powerful and affordable digital audio workstation (DAW) that offers extensive capabilities for audio recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. It is widely appreciated for its customizable interface, efficient workflow, and high compatibility with third-party plugins.
Key Features
Affordable and fully functional with a free trial
Supports VST, VST3, AU, DX, and JS plugins
Highly customizable UI and workflow
Multi-track audio and MIDI recording
Non-destructive editing
Low CPU usage
Setting Up Your Audio Device
Go to Options > Preferences (Ctrl+P).
Select Audio > Device from the menu.
Choose your audio system (ASIO for Windows, CoreAudio for macOS).
Select your input and output devices.
Click Apply and then OK.
Creating a New Project
Click File > New Project.
Save your project by clicking File > Save Project As... and choosing a location and name.
Adding Tracks
Go to Track > Insert New Track or press Ctrl+T.
Double-click the track name to rename it.
To arm the track for recording, click the red Record Arm button.
Recording Audio
Make sure your track is armed for recording.
Click the Record button on the transport bar or press Ctrl+R.
Perform your audio recording.
Press Stop or the spacebar to end recording.
Save the recording when prompted.
Recording MIDI
Create a new track.
Click the Record Arm button.
Right-click the Record Arm button and select Input: MIDI > Your MIDI device > All Channels.
Press Ctrl+R to start recording MIDI.
Press the spacebar to stop recording.
Editing Audio and MIDI
Splitting Items: Place the cursor where you want to split and press S.
Deleting Items: Select an item and press Delete.
Moving Items: Click and drag items to move them.
Trimming Items: Click and drag the edge of an item to trim it.
Adjusting Volume: Drag the volume handle on each clip.
Adding Effects (FX)
Click the FX button on the track you want to apply effects to.
Select a plugin from the list (VST, VST3, AU, etc.).
Adjust parameters as needed.
Mixing
Open the Mixer view by going to View > Mixer or pressing Ctrl+M.
Adjust track volume, pan, and effects.
Use buses and folders for better organization.
Exporting Your Project
Click File > Render....
Choose your desired output format (e.g., WAV, MP3).
Select the rendering range (Entire project, Selected items, etc.).
Click Render to export your project.
Tips and Tricks
Save presets for your plugins to save time.
Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
Customize the interface to suit your needs.
Make use of ReaScripts for advanced functions.
