Rearranging the clips, nesting several levels of track groups, or using keyboard shortcuts are just a few among countless editing features Ableton offers. In addition, it takes a single click to gain access to the automation data and you can also use the keypad to insert new values. Unlike other professional-grade DAWs that only let you apply automation to audio tracks, Ableton allows you to add automation directly to clips. Ableton is also famous for its sample warping capabilities which enables you to alter a song’s rhythmic flow or rearrange the notes. What’s more, you can alter pre-existing samples and recordings freely and use them to create something authentic. Melodies, sample beats, or harmonies you record in Ableton can be easily turned to MIDI. Quantization of the MIDI data is not possible unless you load the piano roll. Reaper can record several audio channels of live instruments at the same time, which enables you to record an entire band provided that you have the necessary equipment.Īfter you’re done recording, you can do virtually anything with your material because Reaper offers a versatile set of audio editing tools.
The software lets you use a variety of monitoring effects so that you can keep track of the input audio. VST3, JS, or Direct X are among the plug-in formats Reaper supports.
You should keep in mind that Reaper doesn’t come with built-in virtual instruments or loops, but there are plenty of plug-ins for this DOW you can install for free. Audio recording and editing featuresĬreating a recording of a real or virtual instrument with Reaper doesn’t require too much effort, as you just have to click on the red button to prepare the software for a recording session and then click on the Master Record button when ready to start the session. Tabs located at the bottom of the window change depending on the type of clip you selected, which enables you to have quick access to the tools you need to edit the sound clips you’re working with.ĭespite having lower technical requirements than Ableton, Reaper’s outdated interface makes this DAW a less attractive option for professional musicians. You just need to push the Tab key to switch between Session and Arrangement views while all navigational tools can be accessed quickly. This DOW requires an Intel Core i5 or AMD multi-core processor, as well as a minimum of 4GB RAM, although 8GB RAM is recommended.Ībleton’s interface is intuitive and modernly designed, so you won’t need too much time to get used to it.
You’ll need at least 3GB of free disc space for the basic installation on your PC or Mac and between 6GB and 76GB more if you want to install all sounds Ableton offers. What’s more, you can download additional themes that make the software’s interface more up to date from the manufacturer’s website for free. However, this can be easily fixed, since the software comes with a huge selection of preset skins and layouts. Reaper’s interface may seem underwhelming as the design of the menus, audio tracks and equalizers are outdated.
In addition, the software takes just 66MB of hard disc space, which means that you can install it on any computer or run it from a portable drive. Reaper’s system requirements for both Mac and PC are minimal as you won’t need a lot of processing power or an advanced sound card to start making music with this DOW. Let’s take a closer look at their features: Installation and interface
Reaper enables you to edit audio while the recording session is still in progress, whereas in Ableton you can only edit your material after you’re done recording it.Reaper sound collection is significantly smaller, whereas Ableton offers a large sound collection.Reaper is famously stable even while handling a demanding project, whereas Ableton can crush if you try to do too many things at the same time.Reaper is small enough that you can run it from a USB stick, whereas Abelton can occupy more than 70 GB of hard disc space.Reaper doesn’t have built-in instruments, whereas Ableton does come with some.