REAPER
reaper.fmBuild Difficulty: 4/5
A few focused days to build a solid replacement
Audio Production Without Limits
How to Replace REAPEROverview
Features
71 features across 23 categories
Automation(1)
Customizable macros for workflow automation
Control(1)
Open Sound Control (OSC) for remote control and integration
Customization(2)
Import and export configuration settings
Switch between multiple sets of fully customizable keyboard shortcuts and mouse modifier behaviors
Editing(2)
Surgically cut, split, move, copy, or stretch sections of media and automation envelopes individually or together
Select the best parts of multiple takes to create ideal composite takes with one-click A/B comparison and customizable crossfades
Effects(10)
Hundreds of studio-quality effects for processing audio and MIDI
Customizable per-FX auto-bypass to disable processing when input is silent
Build, store, and recall self-contained FX chains with complex routing and configurable parameter mapping
JSFX compile-time macros and configurable parameters
Built-in JSFX LUFS Loudness Meter effect
Built-in JSFX Multichannel Mapper-Downmixer effect
Built-in tools for creating new effects with JSFX
Per-FX oversampling to oversample any plug-in up to 768 kHz
Built-in brickwall limiter and loudness maximizer plug-in with multiple look-ahead modes and visual peaks display
3D surround panner plug-in with multiple room views, intuitive mouse-friendly interface, and customizable channel/speaker setups
File Handling(3)
Improved metadata support for media files
Import, record to, and render to many media formats at almost any bit depth and sample rate
Import/export support for raw PCM (.sd2) file formats
Hardware(1)
Support for hardware control surfaces
Installation(1)
Can be installed and run from a portable or network drive
Integration(1)
Audio Random Access edit pooling support
Licensing(4)
Evaluate REAPER in full for 60 days at no cost
Affordable, DRM-free licensing model
Single version fully featured with no artificial limitations across all use cases
New REAPER 7 license includes unlimited free updates through REAPER version 8.99
MIDI(5)
MIDI routing supports up to 128 buses with hardware support for up to 128 MIDI input and 128 MIDI output devices
Enhanced MIDI editor CC lane vertical zoom and scroll with pitchwheel snap
Improved MIDI editor coloring options
Complete MIDI recording and editing with thorough hardware and software support
Import played MIDI after the fact, even if track recording was not set up or armed
Metering(4)
Per-FX delta solo setting for comparing with/without effects
Per-track customizable LUFS loudness metering
Visual metering for plug-in gain reduction
Generate interactive, shareable, graphical HTML render loudness and clipping reports with real-time render statistics
Mixing(4)
Comprehensive automation capabilities for tracks and parameters
Modulation capabilities for dynamic parameter control
Full surround sound support with multichannel panning
VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) support for mixing control
Organization(6)
Lock media items with preferences for region edits, dialog edits, and copy prevention
Extensive Media Explorer improvements for file browsing and organization
Manage regions and markers with filtering and ruler lane assignment options
Support for ruler lanes with different timebases and locking capabilities
Group tracks for media/razor edits with up to 64 separately configurable groups
Use lanes to manage takes, layer sounds, assemble alternate track versions, or store playlists
Performance(1)
Efficient, fast to load, and tightly coded application
Plugin Support(3)
Full support for CLAP open-source plug-in format on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Full support for LV2 open-source, permissively licensed plug-in format on all OS platforms
Support for thousands of third-party plug-in effects and virtual instruments including VST, VST3, LV2, AU, CLAP, DX, and JS
Processing(8)
64-bit internal audio processing for professional quality output
Multi-core batch conversion for efficient file format conversion
Multi-core peaks calculation for faster waveform processing
ReaPlug support for multi-mono processing mode
ReaPlug support for multi-stereo processing mode
New built-in polyphase synthesis pitch shift modes
Built-in support for Voxengo's high quality r8brain-free sample rate converter
New built-in time stretch modes for quality time manipulation
Recording(1)
Full multitrack audio recording capabilities
Rendering(1)
Second-pass rendering capability for advanced output options
Routing(3)
Powerful audio and MIDI routing with multichannel support throughout
Tracks support up to 128 channels each
Route multiple plug-ins including FX containers in parallel
Scripting(1)
Comprehensive scripting capabilities with ReaScript for customization and automation
UI/UX(5)
Customizable animated toolbar buttons
Improved arrange view zoom and scroll capabilities
Customizable skins and layouts for personalized interface
Up to 48 customizable floating toolbars
Configure track spacing for improved organization
Video(3)
Vastly improved native video support for video editing workflows
Enhanced video colorspace improvements
Video playback support in background projects
Pricing
Standard License
Popular- ✓Full multitrack audio and MIDI recording
- ✓All effects and processing tools
- ✓All plugins support (VST, VST3, LV2, AU, CLAP, DX, JS)
- ✓All features - no artificial limitations
- ✓Unlimited free updates through version 8.99
- ✓60-day evaluation period
- ✓DRM-free license
Cost Calculator
Pricing data not available for REAPER. Check their website for current pricing.
Build vs Buy
Should you build a REAPER alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 71 features.
Buy REAPER
Better ValueBuild Your Own
Buying REAPER saves ~$92,400 over 3 years vs building.
Estimates based on 71 features and a BuildScore of 4/5. Actual costs vary.
Integrations
11 known integrations