REAPER Basics - The Complete Beginner Tutorial in under 15 MINUTES

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hey All, Be sure to check out my FREE 7 Steps to a Pro Mix guide! You can get it right here: mailchi.mp/fa1f60bd66ff/7-steps-to-a-pro-mix

[@DavidKestler]

Just got my copy, Thank you Dave!

[@LiyaSwift]

A+ for overview, economy of words, & clarity. A godsend! Thank you!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thank you for your kind words and generosity. What would you like to see more videos about?

[@stevenlukasiewicz6305]

Thank you so much for doing this. Other REAPER help clips have too much "assumed" knowledge of already using a DAW. This broke things down in a very understandable step by step manner. This has been the best REAPER beginner clip by far!!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thanks a lot Steven. Glad it was helpful for you!

[@josephleininger7445]

I echo Stevens comment. It lays out a step by step process to create something…easily stop the DAW or the video to get a finished product. Hats off to you my friend. And a huge thank you.

[@theflare6306]

You, my friend, have saved my research paper

[@theultimatemixdown]

Haha, you're welcome. Sounds like a fun paper.

[@jeteague78]

You have explained this in a fraction of the time, other videos have taken longer. You have also done so more thoroughly, focusing on the key areas. Much appreciated!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thanks Jason! Glad it helped

[@gort2647]

this is the only tutorial that actually starts from the ground up, like you start off by just explaining everything, the setup, the buttons, which no other tutorial does because they expect me to just know how to use any DAW

[@theultimatemixdown]

Really appreciate the comment. Glad to know it helped! Let us know if you have any questions!

[@Yeebok]

A human voice on a tutorial. Yay ! Helpful and nice and clear, thanks - I can get started now ;)

[@TazzSmk]

this is perhaps one of the best, simpliest Reaper get-started-video-overview I've seen till now, been using Reaper for years, never hurts to get reminded how simple things just work :D

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thank you for the kind words. It's always good to stay on top of even the basics. For anyone new, REAPER is a great daw to get up and running quickly.

[@sharingmyfun8804]

Using the piano to illustrate what you were doing was very helpful to me. Great job. 14:45

[@theultimatemixdown]

Glad it helped! I'll be sure to use it in future videos as well

[@mikebooth9619]

I'm exploring Reaper as an experienced Ableton Live user and this video makes it seem very do-able. Thanks for the clarity and focus you put into this.

[@theultimatemixdown]

You're welcome. As a former Ableton and Pro Tools user myself, I find that some things aren't as intuitive right out of the box, but the learning curve isn't too bad and the ability to customize and make it your own is unmatched. It's also nice to have a piece of software that just loads quickly and works the way it was designed without crashing from time to time. Hope you enjoy!

[@mikebooth9619]

@@theultimatemixdown Just watched it again after a couple of days of working with Reaper and most of it seemed very basic, which is as it should be if I'm learning anything. Now on to your other Reaper videos🙂

[@LiyaSwift]

Thanks!

[@bernietajonera5359]

Thank you ..very helpful..you got right to it...

[@theultimatemixdown]

You got it! Glad it helped

[@DavidKestler]

Sweet, love how simple you make this feel. Going from Anolog to Digital has been a large learning curve, but must admit, still fun in so many ways. Thanks again Dave for posting and sharing this. You rock.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thanks David!

[@jonmessenger5621]

Thank you Sir for this great video on Reaper. I have been a Studio One user from version 1 to 6 but they are now changing the way they do business. So I am looking into other DAWs. Reaper was brought to my attention when I watched a video on how several DAWs responded to Mac M4 and to my surprise Studio One was one of the worst but Reaper was in the top two constantly. Most of the time being the very best. So I will be gathering information on a few DAWs in hopes of finding one close to the Studio One way of doing things. So far Cubase and Reaper look to be the ones that will work for me. Thank you again for the videos explaining all the details and I will be watching every one that I can. Have a great day. Take care and may GOD bless 🙏✝️🙏

[@theultimatemixdown]

Welcome to the family. Consider it a leg up that you're coming from another DAW because one of REAPER's biggest benefits is it's customizability, and knowing what you liked/disliked about Studio One will get you to where you want to be with REAPER in no time. Any time you have a question, feel free to comment under one of the videos so that I or a UMD community member can be sure to help you out. Happy creating!

[@jonmessenger5621]

Thank you for the reply. I am planning on making the move in the next few weeks. We have to finish the project we're working on first. I appreciate everything you do and I will contact you if I have any questions or issues. Thank you again and have a great day. Blessings to you 🙏✝️🙏

[@JohnnyRawks]

Excellent. I'm new to Reaper and this is by far the best primer I have watched.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thank you for the kind words John. Glad this video helped!

[@mondostrat]

cool! now my transport is on top, right where it ought to be!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Exactly

[@MOAB-UT]

me too but space bar works great. also Home and End buttons are my go to's. which buttons do you use all the time?

[@lorenvguitar614]

Thanks for your time, I am new to Reaper and you are making it easier.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Of course! Glad the video helped

[@sauldemize9998]

thank you!!! I'm switching from studio one to reaper and it has a learning curve for sure.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Of course! I've used many DAWs in the past, and I'm glad I've landed on REAPER for the time being. If you work with midi or produce beats, I just came out with this video: Producing Beats in REAPER - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKTYdJyCr5afitE

[@alanpwilk]

Very helpful tutorial. Thank you!

[@theultimatemixdown]

You're welcome!

[@bojanvidovic7183]

I started tu use Tracktion waveform few days ago and now tanks to you I learned how similar this daws are what are their main parts some basics and how they are not so hard to use as I thought they will be..

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm hoping these videos help many people realize that while the software is vast, it it a lot easier to get up and running than most think!

[@eli3568]

Very helpful and concise!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Glad it helped Eli!

[@jacobcontreras458]

where is preferences on windows pc?

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi, I believe it's under Options or Ctrl+P on a pc. Let me know if that works for you!

[@MOAB-UT]

I just got a Motu M4 so I needed a DAW. I am learning Reaper. I know nothing. It really isn't that bad. You just have to be willing to make mistakes and keep clicking until things slowly start to click. The Motu drivers are great and connect quickly. Slight issues integrating with Neural plug-ins but it usually works. I play guitar. To do the very basics is not too bad. One tip this newbie can share is that most changes do not require a SAVE. Most settings save automatically when you X out. That said, it is not super intuitive. Some things are frustrating like selecting sections. Sometimes actions work, sometimes magically they do not. Occasionally, you hit record and it does not- then do it again and it does. Strange. It's a fresh install too. I can, after a few days already see the great potential of this complex tool. Don't get overwhelmed. To do a basic recording is easy. That said, Audacity had a far more intuitive interface. It is not as capable but even for the basics it was easier. Tip HOME on pc gets you to the beginning of your track and END takes you to the end. Start and Stop recording with the spacebar.

[@theultimatemixdown]

MOTU makes some great stuff. I used to use Digital Performer to record and have used some of their pres in the past. Moving from any DAW has its challenges. REAPER definitely has a learning curve. The selection and playback issues don't seem like they should be happening though so I'm wondering why that is. I would definitely urge you to stick with it and get familiar. It becomes one of the best tools for recording after a little warming up to it.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@theultimatemixdown Agreed. My set up was acting up- PC was locking up randomly. I took a bunch of steps- reinstalled drives, etc. It still did it but then randomly, it stopped. So far, it seems to be working and not crashing. After spending a few weeks with Reaper I can safely say, it is very good. Could it be prettier and a little more intuitive? YES. That said, it is very powerful. To do the basics is honestly very easy. Anything else is simply a bonus. Over time, I will dig into it deeper. Whenever I am in it and wonder "Can I do X?" The answer is always yes and there are about 100 videos showing how. The user community is awesome. Question- is there a UI template that you like? Mine is stock and just OK. My mixers tend to undock and appear all over the place in the way. Also, my Neural Plug-In screen is unwieldy- even if I make it smaller and dock it with the pin. You can't easily one click over it. It's slightly annoying. The UI and integration to Neural DSP could be better IMHO.

[@Reapertips]

beautifully done!!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thank you so much!

[@davidlalremruata]

That was a very very useful instructional video with clear and precise explanations that aren't hard to understand at all. Nevertheless, please note that I will have several questions for you once my audio interface arrives from Amazon India. I've placed an order for the cheapest one on the planet, it's the SRK Cloud something here in India but is called Tayun Q12 or something like that elsewhere. The point is, though your video has given me some really solid understanding of the basic aspects of recording with Reaper I know the practical side of it will give rise to many queries. For the time being, thank you very much for your awesome video. Meanwhile, I'm going to help you learn patience 😃 when I return with my doubts😊

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thanks David. Definitely let me know if any questions come up while you're setting up or getting familiar with the audio interface and software!

[@BAEMsn.]

Nais video! No i have a question, when u selected the mixer, then all the fx seemed to appear above it in the blac bars, which seemed pretty practical to me. when i select a channel in the mixer, this doesnt happen. did i miss anything or do you have any idea to set this up? Greetings

[@theultimatemixdown]

I'm not sure if this is what's causing your problem but for me, I had to go to the Mixer, right-click on a blank spot on the mixer window (i.e. not on any of the tracks), and uncheck the option Show multiple rows of tracks (when size permits). This will make it so there is only one row of tracks. If you have lots of tracks, you'll have to scroll left and right a lot more, but you can see each track's FX inserts right in the mixer window without having to open each track's FX window first.

[@brownpunk1794]

heya..nice vid. a question..im trying to learn some basic recording and missing/mastering principle's. Long story cut short ,I create acoustic renditions on my guitar (recorded with a Scarlett solo interface)..I have different track files likes intro, chorus. Verse etc..is it best to add effects (reverb, delay etc) to each track or simply add the effects to the 'bounced' final file?..hope it makes sense. Cheers

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi there! If it's one guitar part, I would import the files into REAPER and arrange them on one track as they would play in the song. If you have more parts, say a second guitar, then you would use another track for that. Then I would level match the volumes of the files (in the event that they weren't recorded at the same level). Lastly, I would add the effects onto the track.This would apply the effect to all of the sections the same - i.e., the same amount of reverb on the guitar at the intro as it is in the chorus, etc. If you want to dial in more or less of any of the effects you could use automation to do so. I know it's a lot to take in so let me know if there's anything I can do to help you further.

[@billhinsperger8120]

Great vid man cheers

[@theultimatemixdown]

Glad it helped!

[@kaelanmcalpine2011]

I was trying to do a song cover but kept getting thrown off my groove for whatever reason. I think I later realized said reason was there's a delay between when I start singing and when it gets picked up. I wanna know if there's any way to fix it. It also provided vocal files of the original song as a reference sheet so I know where they're supposed to be hit, well except for any bits with screaming, I'm on my own on that part.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Most likely, latency is the issue. This is a common issue where there is a delay in your audio source (vocals going into mic) and what you hear back out through your headphones or monitors. This can happen for many reasons but two big ones are 1. high buffer size/block size set in your DAW and 2. not enough processing power for the software. For #1: Try to reduce the buffer size or block size in REAPER Preferences > Audio > Device. I use 128 when tracking but if you have lots of tracks with lots of plugins you will need a higher buffer size. For #2: Your computer most likely has the processing power to run REAPER but check to see if there are lots of plugins that are being used. This could be maxing out your computer's processor. If this is the cause, you would need to reduce the number of plugins you're using during tracking. Ideally, you would track with as few plugins as necessary i.e., only the ones that are required for the initial sound design of a virtual instrument or the ones required for a headphone mix while recording an audio source such as vocals. Any further mixing plugins should be introduced after all tracking is complete. Also note that not all plugins are the same. Some are much more efficient with processing power. Tldr: Reducing the buffer size / block size in the audio device settings can reduce latency (delay) when tracking. Too many plugins can slow down your machine and will eventually require you to increase the buffer size/block size, causing even more latency.

[@BB-ri6vf]

This is great. Thank you! I have a AKAI MPK mini do you know how I can make that work through reaper?

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi there! This can be different depending on the setup but if you're using an audio interface and plugging the AKAI MPK mini into the computer via USB, the following should work: 1. Plug in and turn on (if necessary) the AKAI MPK mini before opening REAPER 2. Open reaper and go to Preferences 3. Under Audio > Device, select a compatible driver in the Audio System dropdown, e.g. ASIO would work in this case 4. Under Audio > MIDI Devices, make sure the AKAI MPK mini has the Mode set to Enabled + Control 5. Create a new track and select Input > Input: MIDI > Virtual MIDI Keyboard < All channels This is assuming you 1. have an audio interface, 2. are connecting the MPK mini to the computer via usb, and 3. Are only using one virtual midi keyboard. If any of these assumptions are incorrect or you are still having issues after following these steps, shoot a reply below and I'll try to assist further. Best of luck!

[@LIONINKPRINT]

Hi, hope you can help me , i can't hear when i playback what i recorded

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi there! Are you recording audio or midi? Do you see the waveforms or midi notes in the arrange view for the track you recorded on? If so, it could be your output settings. Check under Preferences > Devices to make sure the output is set to whatever you are listening though - your audio interface, computer speakers, ear buds, etc.

[@theultimatemixdown]

For Mac, preferences can be found pressing Cmd + , and on Windows I believe it's under the Options menu

[@shviin]

1:05 ctrl , doesn't do anything but i noticed that clicking (audio device closed) at the top right of the screen opens up the preferences. Also I searched for piano but no option for piano showed up

[@theultimatemixdown]

My apologies, I just checked the user guide again and it looks like it's Ctrl + P on Windows. Oddly enough, the mac equivalent should be Cmd + P but it's actually Cmd + , (comma). Not sure why. Try Ctrl + P and let me know if it's still not working!

[@muensteronthebeat]

@@theultimatemixdown tysm

[@theultimatemixdown]

@@muensteronthebeat You got it!

[@isaacsilva8045]

My reaper has zero instruments. How do i get them?

[@theultimatemixdown]

REAPER doesn't come stock with instruments, aside from a sampler and maybe a few other things. I'm planning to do a video on the best third party instruments to use with REAPER (probably focus on the free ones to start). What types of instruments are you looking for?

[@skingdomnkingdom8861]

Can you make a beginner master class? Part 1,part 2 etc… I’m sure you will have tons of view

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thanks for reaching out! I have a 5 part recording series out and am working to put out a 5 part mixing series shortly. What in particular are you interested in learning?

[@7177YT]

cool thx!

[@johnby1]

Does it come with a library of prerecorded sound files?

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi John, REAPER doesn't come with any sample packs or libraries but there are tons of great, free, third party resources out there. Depending on what you're looking for, there are many free/freemium, third party virtual instruments that come with useful presets as well. What are you looking for in particular?

[@johnby1]

@@theultimatemixdown I am an amateur guitarist looking to enhance my playing with prerecorded backing music......folk,blues, light classical. If it goes OK, then try reaper at a later stage. I was not aware of backing being available

[@MOAB-UT]

@@johnby1 Did you quit guitar? I was going to suggest you get a looper or play along to backing tracks.

[@Tacitade]

When i open midi editor, how i open with no double click, Do you know open midi editor without double click?

[@theultimatemixdown]

The key command is Cmd+Opt+E on a mac or Ctrl+Alt+E on windows. I actually set my left, up, right, and down arrows to move through media items - left and right to go between media items on the same track, and up and down to go to media items between tracks. I can navigate quickly to the item and then press the key command Ctrl+Alt+E/Cmd+Opt+E to open the midi editor as necessary.

[@JeffAdamNetwork]

Is automation as easy as Garage Band?

[@theultimatemixdown]

The key commands and mouse modifiers may be different but the functionality for automating certain things like volume or more or less the same. GarageBand does a good job of keeping things simple while REAPER provides more flexibility and customization. Sometimes this means making tweaks in the Settings or Actions to get REAPER to behave exactly as you want it.

[@wsplatinum]

would love to have the mixer in a tab

[@theultimatemixdown]

I used to use tabbed windows all the time in Pro Tools and Digital Performer. One way to "lock" the Mixer to something that's kind of like a tab is to dock it in the Docker. In this way, you can open and close the docker to view the Mixer in a more fixed window (though the height is still adjustable). I put the steps below. Try it out and let me know if you have any further questions. To view the docker go to View > Docker or press Alt/Option + D on your keyboard. To dock the Mixer in your Docker: 1. Open the Mixer (Ctrl or Cmd + M) 2. Right click in the Mixer window and select “Dock Mixer in Docker” The Mixer will now appear in your docker when you open it vs. sitting in its own floating window.

[@wiseoldfool]

It's great to have the mixer in a second monitor!

[@masamune9082]

How to use neural dsp and reaper?

[@theultimatemixdown]

Unfortunately I don't have an answer. I've searched for this a few times and this is the best I could find - support.neuraldsp.com/help/reaper. May I ask, what are you looking to do with neural dsp?

[@music_freak21]

I don't have the reaper menu item, but preferences was in options and the short cut was ctrl+P for me(windows) Idk why that happened 🤷‍♀️

[@theultimatemixdown]

Strange that the REAPER menu item isn't there but Preferences does live in the Options menu as well as the REAPER menu. Not sure if Ctrl+P is a default shortcut for windows or not but I'm glad you found it.

[@theultimatemixdown]

What would you like to learn more about in REAPER?

[@dougvinkle716]

Hi. Not first time but lotsa holes in my Reaper education. How can I arrange how the rendered tracks are filed. I would like the latest file to show at the top but I always have to go searching and it’s usually near the bottom. Also how can I clean up, delete old projects. Thanks for the vid. Doug.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi Doug, How to store and maintain files for any daw can be a deep topic to cover. If you're just looking for the latest rendered files to display at the top of your folder, the quickest fix would be to sort the folder by date modified. For keeping projects clean, each project should be saved in its own folder wherever you save your reaper projects. Then there are ways to organize the backups, wav files, and peak files into their own subfolders. Stay tuned for a video that will cover all of this!

[@dougvinkle716]

@@theultimatemixdown thanks for the reply. I will look for more of your vids.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi Doug, I created a video that talks all about project folder/file organization as well as the associated configurations in REAPER. This should help with your question on organizing rendered files. As for cleaning up old projects, I tend to follow a manual approach because I may not remember what a specific project consisted of if a decent amount of time had passed since the last time I worked on it. If you have any further questions, just drop them in a comment on the video! Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ3IiKGjg5Kio9U

[@JonCFox333]

Your explanation of the basics was very helpful to me. What I'd like next would be what seems the next logical thing to do now that I've made a simple recording - how to edit that recording. When I start recording audio, inevitably there is wasted no-sound lead-in before my music starts. How do remove that? At the end of the recording, there will be some silence before I get to the mouse and click stop. How do I remove that silence at the end, so a loop will start and end with sound? How do I take a recording I've made and expand it to fill the screen, or shrink a long one to fit on the screen? When I click in a recording somehow the result is never what I expect. I don't need to change Reaper to be like another DAW, unless somehow that is more intuitive. I'm happy to learn how to do these things in Reaper just as it is 'out of the box,' but I keep getting frustrated trying to do these and other simple things.

[@Lenny4400]

How to record streaming audio on Reaper?

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi Lenny, is this so you can play back the audio with a recording of the stream? Or you are trying to use reaper to feed the audio of the stream as it's happening? When I record my screen, I use OBS Studio. This can also be used for streaming. There is also a way to use third party plugins on the audio sources in OBS but the process would require a whole separate video.

[@Supernatastic]

Off to a bad start...I dont have a REAPER dropdown and ctrl + , doesnt do anything :|

[@Supernatastic]

Ah I found it! on Windows (v7.01) its under Options -> Preferences...(literally all the way at the bottom) and the keyboard shortcut is ctrl + P

[@theultimatemixdown]

Yes! That's it. Let me know if you run into any issues, and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

[@TheSpitler812]

Can someone PLEASE tell me how to make a master track once I’ve finished my recording? What the heck am I doing wrong????

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi Mark, thanks for reaching out. Are you referring to a master track in the mixer where all of your individual tracks route to, or are you referring to exporting your project into an mp3 file to share? If you could give a little more information on what you're trying to do, I think I could help.

[@Noorontwowheels]

❤❤❤❤

[@oinkooink]

Do you have to sign up to your email list to get your FREE Pro mix guide?

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi! Yes, it's an automated way to distribute the guide to whoever wants it. I don't spam and you always have the option of unsubscribing if you ever find that the content no longer suits you.

[@GroupConglomerate]

100th like!

[@theultimatemixdown]

Thank you! I truly appreciate it

[@innervarium]

I've been a long time user of reaper and I never pay for it because it sucks. But I use it because it's free to use. Why does it suck? Poor design. Menus with obvious stuff hidden away. always starts off with snap on and I have to dig the menus again and again to turn it off. Envelope points are the same color as the envelope and you need an effin magnifying glass to see them. It's like what stupid nerd designed this thing? So long it has sucked and they never seem to get it. No sense of priority in where they place things. Cut copy paste delete should be at the top of a menu. Not somewhere in the middle. Stuff like that that a nerd brain will never understand. they know code, that's it. Don't bother.

[@theultimatemixdown]

I understand the frustration. It's not as intuitive as other DAWs off the bat but there is a way to customize most of these things to your liking. The thing is it doesn't come standard in some intuitive way and it does take time to go through each window and customize/optimize for your own liking. I hear you on that.

[@allensmith9312]

After just one minute I realised this program is awful...

[@Cholla51]

Your voice is so muffled. Hard to hear a clear explanation, sorry, not sorry...

[@Xenochavez]

Turn the volume up, I hear it fine.

[@andy-simmons]

It’s loud and clear for me too…

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Sounds perfectly fine

[@EricRedekop]

Folks keep recommending this software, but I've yet to hear anyone explain why I need it in the first place.

[@theultimatemixdown]

Hi there. REAPER is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that people use to record, edit, mix, and master audio (vocals, guitars, drums, etc.) as well as virtual instruments. It's fast, versatile, and highly customizable compared to many of the major DAWs out there. There are even capabilities for editing video in REAPER. That's just scratching the surface. This link from the creators has a great overview: www.reaper.fm/about.php