How to Set Up REAPER (DAW): Preferences, Project Settings, Audio Devices and MIDI
To set up REAPER, install it with the SWS extension, choose your audio interface and enable your MIDI controller, set project and peak-file paths, turn on timestamped auto-backups, copy imported media into the project folder, and set the project to 48 kHz with 24-bit WAV recordings.
Key points
- Install REAPER plus the SWS extension; Windows users without an interface can use ASIO4ALL.
- Install drivers, choose your audio device and enable your MIDI controller, then press Apply after every change.
- Turn on timestamped backups every 2 minutes and copy imported media into the project folder.
- Keep peak files and backups in separate folders to avoid clutter.
- Use 48 kHz, WAV 24-bit and create a subdirectory when first saving each project.
This lesson from Jason Zac at Nathaniel School of Music walks you through setting up REAPER, a full-featured DAW for recording, editing, arranging, mixing and mastering. It is for anyone new to music production or switching from another DAW. The idea is simple: set the preferences once, properly, so you can focus on being creative.
Step 1: Install REAPER and the essentials
- Download REAPER from reaper.fm for your operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux). The full version can be used freely, with the option to buy a licence to support the developers.
- Also install the SWS extension, which adds extra tools such as auto-colouring and live performance features.
- If you are on Windows without an audio interface, ASIO4ALL drivers let your built-in sound card and laptop mic work to some level. A basic audio interface is still recommended for good-quality recording and playback.
Step 2: Audio and MIDI devices
On first launch REAPER asks you to choose an audio device. Install your interface's drivers first so the computer, and then REAPER, can see it. Note that sample rate and block size are settings you will revisit; when recording, the block size is generally kept lower. Always press Apply after changing a preference.
Under MIDI Devices, your controller (any MIDI keyboard, even a basic Yamaha with its USB MIDI driver installed) is disabled by default. Enable both its input and output options.
Step 3: Key preferences, tab by tab
General and Paths
- Open project on startup: choose Prompt, so you pick from recent projects.
- Set a default folder for new projects, for example one called Reaper Sessions.
- Tick store all peak caches in an alternate path and point it to a separate folder. Waveform files then stay out of your project folders, which helps especially when projects live on an external drive.
Project
- Link a project template so every new project opens with your plugins and settings.
- Turn on timestamped backups every 2 minutes, saved to a separate folder, so a power cut does not cost you your work.
Track and media item defaults
- Set default track height to suit your screen, and the default record input (a mic input, or a MIDI input with all channels).
- Jason prefers leaving record-arm unticked to arm tracks manually, and disabling automatic fades.
- Keep trim content behind media items when editing ticked.
Other useful tabs
- Audio: you can alias input names, such as renaming an input to Vocal.
- Mute/Solo: auto-mute tracks above a set level to protect your hearing.
- Playback: leave stop/repeat at end of project unticked, and reset MIDI CC and pitch on playback stop.
- Recording: untick the save/delete/rename prompt after each take.
- Appearance: show a per-item volume knob.
- Editing: tick move edit cursor to start of time selection; horizontal zoom can centre on the mouse cursor.
- Mouse: ignore mouse wheel only on track panel faders, so it still works in the mixer. Mouse modifiers are deeply customisable.
- MIDI Editor: one MIDI editor per track.
- Media: tick copy imported media to project media directory. This is very important.
- VST: make sure REAPER scans the folders where your plugins are installed, and rescan if needed.
Step 4: Project settings
- Sample rate: 48000 Hz. Set your project tempo, such as 120 BPM.
- Timebase: Jason prefers time for items, as he works mostly with acoustic instruments.
- Media: save recordings in a subfolder such as Audio Files, and record WAV 24-bit (16-bit is acceptable).
- Save these as your default project settings.
Step 5: Recording options and first save
In Options, Jason prefers tape mode for new recordings that overlap existing items, so new takes replace old ones, and he turns off auto-crossfade. When saving a project for the first time, tick create subdirectory for project so everything stays in one tidy folder.
Practising the setup
Create a test project, add a track, select your input, check the signal and record a short take. You can also import a configuration file in settings to load a ready-made set of preferences and shortcuts.
Questions about this lesson
Do I need an audio interface to use REAPER?
Not strictly. Windows users can install ASIO4ALL to use the built-in sound card and mic, but a basic audio interface is recommended for high-quality recording and listening back.
What sample rate should I use in REAPER?
A project sample rate of 48000 Hz is recommended by modern standards, with new recordings saved as 24-bit WAV files.
How do I stop losing work in REAPER?
In the Project preferences, enable timestamped backups every 2 minutes and save them to a separate folder, so a power cut or crash does not wipe out your session.
Why is my MIDI keyboard not working in REAPER?
MIDI devices are disabled by default. Install your keyboard's USB MIDI driver, then enable both the input and output options for it under MIDI Devices in Preferences.
Practise it
- DAW MentorExplore REAPER lessons, scripts and guided help for recording and production.
- All free music apps40 practice tools for harmony, rhythm, ear training and more.
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- The Top 10 Tools for All Musicians: Students, Performers and Recording ArtistsJason Zac's top 10 tools for musicians are a metronome, a tuner, drum loops, practice tracks, a recording app or DAW, notation software, a stem splitter, publishing tools, streaming services and a good listening environment, most of them free or usable on a trial.
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