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Reaper

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Last updated on

Ratings

G2
4.4/5
(28)
TrustPilot
3.8/5
(13)

Reaper description

Reaper is a digital audio software for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio. Reaper is known for its flexibility, extensive customization options, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware and plugins. It's a powerful tool for anyone working with audio, from musicians to podcasters to sound designers. Reaper offers a free trial and an affordable permanent license.


Who is Reaper best for

Reaper is a cost-effective and highly customizable digital audio workstation (DAW) loved for its flexibility and active community support. Users praise its lightweight design and extensive plugin compatibility. However, some find the interface initially challenging. It's ideal for independent musicians, podcasters, and sound designers seeking a powerful yet affordable DAW.

  • Best for small businesses and individuals.

  • Ideal for audio professionals and enthusiasts.


Reaper features

Supported

Reaper supports simultaneous recording on multiple audio tracks.

Supported

Reaper allows splicing multiple audio tracks.

Supported

Reaper supports audio track trimming via manual and automatic methods.

Supported

Reaper supports MIDI recording.

Supported

Reaper supports various audio plugins, including stock and third-party options.

Supported

Reaper allows adjusting volume levels of audio tracks.

Supported

Reaper allows zooming in and out on the timeline for precise editing.


Reaper reviews

We've summarised 41 Reaper reviews (Reaper TrustPilot reviews and Reaper G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Reaper
  • Highly customizable interface and workflow.
  • Affordable price and flexible licensing options.
  • Lightweight and efficient, uses minimal system resources.
  • Active and helpful community forum.
  • Extensive plugin support and compatibility.
Cons of Reaper
  • Difficult workflow and interface can be confusing for beginners.
  • Lack of built-in virtual instruments and basic sampler.
  • Limited audio editing capabilities, especially for tasks like chopping and exporting small audio segments.
  • Some users find the routing audio between tracks complicated.
  • Lack of direct support and occasional unresponsiveness from the developers.

Reaper pricing

The commentary is based on 7 reviews from Reaper G2 reviews.

Reaper is praised for its affordability, especially its unlimited free trial and discounted license options. Users highlight the low cost for a fully functional DAW, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. The commercial license is also considered a great value.

Users sentiment

Strongly positive
+1

See the Reaper pricing page.

  • Reaper has a free trial.

Discounted License
$60

Discounted license for individuals for personal use, individuals or businesses with yearly gross revenue under $20,000, and educational or non-profit organizations.

Commercial License
$225

Commercial license for businesses.


Reaper alternatives

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    reaper vs FL Studio
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  • Logo of Cakewalk
    Cakewalk
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  • Logo of Mixbus32C
    Mixbus32C
    Analog-modeled mixing and mastering for warm, punchy sound.
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  • Logo of Logic Pro X
    Logic Pro X
    Pro music creation suite for recording, editing, and mastering.
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  • Logo of Nuendo
    Nuendo
    Advanced audio post-production for film, TV, and game sound.
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Reaper FAQ

  • What is Reaper and what does Reaper do?

    Reaper is a flexible and affordable digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio. Its customizable interface and extensive plugin support cater to audio professionals and enthusiasts, from musicians and podcasters to sound designers. Though it has a steeper learning curve for beginners, its features and price make it a strong alternative to other DAWs.

  • How does Reaper integrate with other tools?

    Reaper integrates with a wide range of plugins, both stock and third-party, expanding its functionality. It supports various hardware controllers and audio interfaces for flexible workflows. While it lacks direct integrations with other DAWs, it can import and export various audio formats for collaboration.

  • What the main competitors of Reaper?

    Reaper alternatives include Audacity, Cubase, Adobe Audition, GarageBand, and Mixbus32C. These digital audio workstations offer similar recording, editing, and mixing capabilities, catering to various user needs and budgets. Some, like Audacity and GarageBand, are free or more budget-friendly options.

  • Is Reaper legit?

    Reaper is safe and legitimate software. It's known for its affordable pricing, customizability, and active user community. However, some users find the interface and workflow challenging.

  • How much does Reaper cost?

    Reaper's pricing is tiered: a $60 discounted license for personal use or qualifying organizations, and a $225 commercial license for businesses. Is Reaper worth the price? This digital audio workstation offers robust features and flexible licensing.

  • Is Reaper customer service good?

    Reaper's customer service receives mixed reviews. While some users appreciate the helpful community forum and affordable pricing, others mention occasional unresponsiveness from developers and a lack of direct support. Despite this, users consistently praise the software's functionality and customizability.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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