How to Record Vocals in REAPER

REAPER is a DAW that a lot of home producers use. According to its makers, you can try it free with full functionality for 60 days. Here's how to set it up and record your first vocal.

1. Set up your audio interface

• Windows: go to Options > Preferences > Audio > Device. Set Audio System to ASIO and pick your interface's driver under ASIO Driver.
• Mac: go to Options > Settings > Audio > Device and choose your interface.

Hearing yourself with a delay while recording? Lower your interface's buffer. Also read how to fix latency when recording.

2. Bring in the beat

Drag your beat onto a track and put it right at the start. Set your project tempo to the BPM of your beat, so the grid lines up. Don't know the BPM? Check it with the free Beat Lab. More tips in bought a beat? How to set it up for recording.

3. Create a vocal track and choose your input

Create a new track with Track > Insert new track and give it a name, like lead. Click the track's record button to arm it. Then choose the input: Mono and then the input your mic is plugged into, usually Input 1. One mic is mono, so don't pick stereo.

4. Check your level

Rap or sing your loudest part and watch the meter on the track. Make sure you don't hit the red. You set the recording level with the gain knob on your interface. The volume fader in REAPER only changes how loud you hear yourself.

5. Hearing yourself

The monitor button on the track turns record monitoring on or off. On means you hear yourself through REAPER, including your effects. Does your interface have direct monitoring switched on? Turn record monitoring off in REAPER, or you'll hear yourself twice.

6. Record

Click the record button in the transport bar, or press Ctrl+R. Stop with the space bar. REAPER then asks whether you want to keep the recording. Record your verse in sections, say four or eight bars at a time. That way, if you mess up, you only redo that section.

7. Export your song or your stems

Done? Use File > Render to save your song as an audio file. Getting it mixed? Select your tracks and set Source to Stems (selected tracks). That gives you every track as a separate file.

Tips for a better recording

• Set up your mic properly first. Read how to set up your mic for rap recording at home.
• Use closed-back headphones, so the beat doesn't leak into your mic.
• Stay at the same distance from the mic.

Using a Scarlett Solo? Read how to set up the Scarlett Solo for vocals. Prefer another DAW? Read how to record vocals in Ableton Live or how to record rap vocals in FL Studio. Done recording? Read how to build a rap vocal chain in REAPER. Need a beat? Browse all beats.

FAQ

Is REAPER good for recording rap?

Yes. You can record tracks, edit takes and export your stems. Everything you need to record at home.

Why do I hear myself twice in REAPER?

Record monitoring is probably on in REAPER and direct monitoring is on on your interface too. Turn one of them off.

Where do I choose my mic in REAPER?

On the track itself, under the input. Choose Mono and the input your mic is plugged into.

Source: the REAPER website, and Focusrite's REAPER setup guide.