Reaper
REAPER is a powerful, affordable digital audio workstation (DAW) and multitrack recorder for macOS, Windows and Linux. It supports recording, editing, mixing and rendering of audio and MIDI tracks, with extensive built-in effects, routing flexibility, a large community-contributed plugin library (via ReaPack), and deep customization through JSFX scripting and ReaScript. REAPER is popular with professional musicians, podcasters, sound designers and home studio enthusiasts who value its lightweight footprint, low latency, and frequent updates. The app is distributed directly by its developer Cockos Incorporated and includes a 60-day unlimited trial before a one-time perpetual licence fee is required.
AI Recommendation
1 suggestionREAPER has shipped a native Apple Silicon (Universal Binary) build since version 6.42, released in late 2021, so you have been able to run the native ARM64 build on M-series Macs for several years now. If you are still running an Intel-only copy under Rosetta, updating to the latest version is straightforward: download the current Universal installer from reaper.fm/download.php — the site automatically detects your macOS version and serves the native build to Intel and Apple Silicon Macs alike. No beta channel or special settings are required; the default download is the Universal Binary. After installing, your existing projects, preferences and configuration carry over without any manual steps. If you use VST or AU plugins, be aware that the native REAPER build can also run Intel-only plugins through Rosetta for compatibility; check your plugin vendor's site to see if native versions are available, as mixing native and emulated plugins may introduce latency or instability.
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