Reaper
Cockos
REAPER is a complete digital audio workstation for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It offers a full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering environment. REAPER is highly customizable, efficient, and supports a wide range of plugins and hardware.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Affordable price with full features
- Efficient performance and low CPU usage
- Extensive plugin support (VST, AU)
- Active user community and support
Top Dislikes
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Less visually appealing default UI compared to some DAWs
- Can be overwhelming due to extensive customization options
- Some users find MIDI editing less intuitive
Popular Comments
PCMag - Logan G. Zamora
2024-02-29
Despite its difficult-to-grasp interface, Cockos Reaper is an excellent value. It's one of the least expensive ways to get a full-featured DAW...Reaper doesn't need an upgrade path; you get the whole thing for $60.
Reddit User - Isotope7
2023-12-09
I use Reaper on Mac almost exclusively. It is extremely stabile and 'light'. I use it to record 64 channel multitrack audio (and sometimes more) on a weekly basis and have never had an issue.
kvraudio.com - pentapower
2021-08-02
REAPER is a great DAW. It did take a bit of learning coming from Pro Tools, but any DAW will do that. I keep coming back to REAPER because it is quick and flexible. I can do almost anything I can dream up in REAPER.
Capterra - Kevin, Producer
2024
Better Than Protools! It does everything I need it to do as a professional producer...It's not a RAM or resource hog, like Protools.
Reddit User - DwightSchrute_III
2025-02-23
For reaper, I just like its usability and versatility. I can make it do stuff other DAWs probably can't do...Especially for how other DAWs are priced, they should annihilate Reaper in every feature. But instead, Reaper often does better.
Loopy Pro Forum - auxmux
2022-06
The UI is a big blocker to get going still. I found it frustrating to get basics done. It's like the Linux of DAWs, there may be payoff if you put the time in but I don't have that or interest to devote it. Especially when there are easier and faster tools already.
Detailed Review
REAPER (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) is a powerful and versatile digital audio workstation (DAW) available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Created by Cockos, it's known for its efficiency, extensive customization options, and affordable pricing structure. Unlike some DAWs with subscription models, REAPER offers a discounted license for personal, educational, or small business use, and a commercial license for users exceeding a certain revenue threshold. A fully functional 60-day free trial is available, allowing users to thoroughly test the software before purchasing.
REAPER is praised for its comprehensive feature set, rivaling more expensive DAWs, including multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and video editing capabilities. It supports industry-standard plugins like VST and AU, and is compatible with a wide range of hardware. Its small installation size and efficient performance make it a favorite among users who value resourcefulness.
However, REAPER's interface, while highly customizable, can be perceived as less visually appealing and more complex compared to some competitors, leading to a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners. Some users also find its MIDI editing capabilities less intuitive than other DAWs.
Standout Features
- Comprehensive DAW Functionality: Offers a complete suite of tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI, as well as video editing.
- Highly Customizable: Allows deep customization of the interface, menus, toolbars, and workflows to suit individual user preferences.
- Efficient Performance: Known for its low CPU usage and stability, even in large and complex projects.
- Affordable Pricing: Offers a discounted license for personal and small business use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Extensive Plugin Support: Compatible with VST, VST3, AU, DX, and JS plugin formats.
- Active Community: Boasts a large and helpful user community providing support, tutorials, and custom scripts/extensions.
Conclusion
REAPER is an excellent choice for Mac users seeking a powerful, flexible, and affordable DAW. Its extensive feature set and customization options make it suitable for a wide range of audio production tasks, from basic recording to complex mixing and mastering. While its interface may require a bit more initial effort to learn and configure, the depth and efficiency it offers are well worth the investment for serious music producers, audio engineers, and sound designers. Its affordability, combined with its professional-grade capabilities, positions REAPER as a strong competitor against more expensive DAWs in the market.
