Reaper is one of the most reliable multi-track recording software (also known as DAW or Digital audio workstation software) that can run in Windows XP/7. The standard license cost only $60 and this is the discounted license. According to Reaper, you can use this for both personal and commercial use provided the gross revenue does not exceed $20,000.
Bear in mind that if you are using your Windows computer to do recording tasks, the hardware should at least be capable of doing multi-track recording. In this tutorial, it is tested using the following hardware and OS:
OS: Windows XP
RAM: 2GB
CPU: Intel 2.4GHz (Socket 478 technology)
Hard disk: 150GB
Of course today, you might have a computer that is 2 to 3 times more powerful than the above specs so it should work without any issues. To get started follow the steps below:
Installing Reaper
1.) Go to Reaper download page first.
2.) The latest version as of October 2011 is version 4.10. The Windows installer comes in two forms: the 32-bit version and the 64-bit version. In this tutorial, let’s use the 32-bit version.
Click the “Download” button for Windows 32-bit and then click “Save File”, it will be saved to your Downloads folder. The installer that is downloaded is only around 5.8 MB so it is not very heavy.
2.) Close all running Windows and programs (such as browsers, MS office applications, etc) before installing Reaper. Go to My Documents/Downloads and then double click the installer to click “Run”:
reaper410-install.exe
3.) Agree with the terms and select the path where the Reaper should be installed. It is recommended to be installed in your Windows program files directory.
4.) Then under “Choose components”, make sure all components are checked.
5.) Proceed by clicking “Install”.
6.) When it asks you to run Reaper now, click yes. Reaper will run the first time. It will then ask for a license key. Well just click “Still evaluating” if you still need to evaluate Reaper; otherwise proceed to the next section for purchasing and licensing Reaper.
7.) It will also ask to configure the default sound device drivers during the first launch. I will write a detailed tutorial on how to configure Reaper with ASIO devices such as Firewire audio interface. For the meantime just select your default devices (which may be a PCI sound card, USB or Firewire device). The instructions and menu are simple.
8.) Try adding a media file (Go to Insert – Media File).This is how Reaper looks like after adding a single media file (an MP3 file). Provided you have correct set your audio devices, you should hear a sound coming out from your nearfield monitors.
reaper on the first launch
Purchase and License Reaper
If you are ready to use Reaper for full-time, registering and purchasing a license is important. You will get the benefits of upgrades as well as supporting Reaper to continually develop its product. To do this, follow the steps below:
1.) Go to the purchase page.
2.) You have 3 options to pay, either by PayPal, FastSpring and Money order/Check.
3.) Let’s use the discounted license. Click “Discounted License $60” button.
4.) Again there are two options, either you use an existing PayPal account or Pay with a credit card. For convenience, let’s pay with a PayPal account. Click “Have a Paypal account?”
5.) You will then ask to login to your PayPal account; enter your login and password.
6.) Paypal will then present the payment methods based on the availability of funds in your account. If your Paypal balance is 0 then PayPal will get the payments from your credit card or bank account.
7.) If you see this confirmation message on the Reaper site (after clicking “Pay Now” button in Paypal): Thank you for your purchase! , you have successfully purchased a license and then check your email.
8.) You will be receiving two emails, one from Paypal confirming your payment and the other from Cockos containing your license. Open the email that contains your license key.
9.) After opening the email, download the attached file of the email. This is your license key file. It uses a .rk extension. The filename is reaper-license.rk; download it to your Desktop.
10.) Launch Reaper, in the opening window click the button: “Import license key”.
11.) Browse to the reaper-license.rk file in your Desktop. Select the file and then click Open. It will then show your name as well as the type of license you have, see screenshot below:
Reaper DAW license key
12.) Finally click the “Thank you” button. You have successfully licensed Reaper.
Content last updated on August 7, 2012