REAPER

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REAPER
Basic data

developer Cockos Inc.
Current  version 6.13
(July 23, 2020)
operating system Microsoft Windows (from 98), Mac OS X , Linux / WINE and Linux native (unofficial beta)
programming language C.
category Music software
License Proprietary
German speaking Yes
www.reaper.fm

REAPER ( R apid E nvironment for A udio P rototyping and e fficient R ecording ) is a technology developed by the company Cockos software for digital audio workstations (DAW) music production.

Version 5 was released by the developers in mid-August 2015.

Functions

Reaper supports multi-track recording and editing, MIDI recording and editing, internal non-realtime downmix and track-by-track effects looping. The routing concept dispenses with special bus, aux and MIDI tracks; each track can contain audio and MIDI data at the same time. Multi- lane cutting is possible using object grouping, similar to Samplitude . Individual elements as well as complete tracks can be grouped. There is no editor for the direct manipulation of waveforms at sample level. As in other commercial DAWs, REAPER comes with standard effects such as EQs , compressors, and reverb .

Further properties are:

  • Support for common driver and plugin standards: ASIO , WDM , WASAPI , VST2 , VST3 , DXi , AU
  • internal 64-bit audio engine
  • Control commands via MIDI or OSC protocol
  • Reaper-internal modulation of instrument and effect parameters (through LFOs , audio or other parameters)
  • up to 64 audio channels per track possible
  • low storage space and resource requirements (download: <15 MB)
  • Portability (installation on flash memory possible)
  • active development with monthly updates
  • no copy protection
  • Online community

Supplied plugins

  • ReaComp (sidechain compressor )
  • ReaControlMIDI (real-time processing of MIDI data)
  • ReaDelay (multi-tap delay )
  • ReaEQ (parametric unlimited-band EQ with background frequency spectrum )
  • ReaFir (multi-purpose plug-in, including FFT-EQ, noise filter, etc.)
  • ReaGate ( gate with optional sidechain input)
  • ReaInsert
  • ReaNINJAM (plug-in version of the stand-alone application for making music live over the Internet)
  • ReaPitch (change of pitch, various algorithms can be selected)
  • ReaStream
  • ReaSurround (multi-channel surround panner)
  • ReaTune (pitch correction à la AutoTune, automatic or manual)
  • ReaVerb ( convolution reverb )
  • ReaVerbate (simple reverb )
  • ReaVocode (simple vocoder )
  • ReaVoice
  • ReaXComp (multiband compressor )
  • ReaSamplOmatic5000 (direct-from-disc-compatible sampler with round-robin function)
  • ReaSynDr
  • ReaSynth (simple signal generator)
  • various JS (Jesusonic) plugins (200+ including Limiter, Filter, Exciter, Deesser, Stereo Imager, Ring Modulator, Looper, Chorus, Sequencer / Midi-Tools etc.)

Extension of the basic functions

Reaper offers several ways of changing the scope of functions, the behavior, the control and the graphical user interface of the program , which differ in their implementation .

On the one hand, the program has a macro editor, which enables complex functional sequences to be combined into a macro by dragging and dropping individual commands ("Actions") and, if required, the user interface, a keyboard key, a mouse button or a MIDI - Assign / OSC command. On the other hand, it has an extension API that allows software to intervene deep in Reaper. Macros and extensions can be passed on to other users.

In the following, some options for expanding or changing the program are listed in the order from simple (limited) to advanced (comprehensive):

  • Actions that can be combined to create complex macros . Actions and macros can be assigned to MIDI / OSC commands, keyboard shortcuts and mouse buttons, and integrated into the menus and toolbars.
  • Extension API for Lua , Python and EEL scripts (internal, syntax is similar to C), called ReaScript
  • simple internal scripting language JS (Jesusonic, syntax is similar to C) with an integrated development environment , for creating your own audio and midi plug-ins without a time-consuming compilation process ( just-in-time ). They receive and send midi and audio streams. JS scripts are translated into machine code when they are loaded and allow access to high-performance library functions such as FFT . The graphics library enables the creation of user interfaces.
  • WALTER : a system that enables fundamental changes to the graphical user interface and with which various "themes" and "layouts" can be created. Diverse user topics are available.
  • Extension API for C ++

Various extensions that increase the range of functions to different degrees are available:

  • ReaPack: Tool for managing and installing extensions that are offered in various repositories.
  • SWS extension
  • Session View Emulator "Playtime"
  • HeDa Loudness Graph EBUR128
  • MIDI vel / cc tool
  • Spk77 Quantize tool for stretch markers

Most important innovations

From version 5.0

Extract from the change log :

  • VST3 support
  • Creation of virtual VCA groups
  • Automation and MIDI / OSC assignments for effect parameters on take level
  • Linking of attributes of several takes and items
  • Sample-accurate automation for Reaper internal effects ( JS ) and VST3
  • Revision of the MIDI clock
  • Lua support and integrated development environment for Reascript
  • Creation of scripts to modify videos in real time
  • ASIO support for up to 512 channels
  • Score editor (from version 5.20)

Missing functions

  • no integrated editor for non-linear editing of songs (such as "Session View" from Ableton Live). However, an extension called "Playtime" is available that covers part of this functionality.
  • no feedback for parameters manually assigned to MIDI controllers

License model

The program is sold exclusively on the Internet and is offered as a 60-day trial version. Two different licenses are available for purchase, one for private and commercial use with sales of less than US $ 20,000 per year, the other for unrestricted commercial use. The licenses do not differ in their range of functions. The 60-day trial version can be used without restrictions, but is no longer legal after the 60-day trial period. A license is valid depending on the licensing date

  • either for a complete version, if this was purchased shortly after the release of the new version,
  • or for two major versions (e.g. 4.xx and 5.xx).

The full price is due again for the following large version. A separate upgrade licensing is not offered.

Individual evidence

  1. Linux NATIVE . March 20, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  2. German language file . September 23, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  3. whatsnew . Retrieved September 26, 2015.

Web links