REAPER vs FL Studio

Do you want to learn how to create electronic and metal music using analog instruments? Read the review touching upon REAPER vs FL Studio stand-off, and choose the best DAW software for you.

REAPER is an open-source electronic music workstation and full-featured MIDI sequencer software developed by Cockos. It can load both soft and hard disk formats, supporting a wide range of plugins and standard audio interface devices.

FL Studio is an electronic music creation, audio editing and recording software developed by the Belgian company Image-Line. It can be used for creating all types of music including loops, songs, and synthesizers.

Final Verdict:

In addition to its features as a sequencing and editing software, REAPER has a powerful MIDI engine that allows one to control each of the software parameters through a keyboard controller. One can send midi data from a VST or software piano keyboard to any other software application or VST host for processing.

REAPER is the winner >

REAPER Features:

  • Customizable interface
  • Extremely stable, rarely crashes
  • Supports unlimited number of tracks
  • Multiple recording and playback formats
  • Comes with ~300 free plugins

What is REAPER?

reaper interface

With a simple drag-and-drop interface, users can create a new reaper instance, assign a variety of routing possibilities to tracks and edit existing ones. They can also generate new notes, midi data, chords, and effect results in real-time. To enhance recording and mixing capabilities, one can export audio to a number of different formats, such as AIFF, PCM, WAV, and more. An easy-to-use mixer control panel permits a user to mix recorded media as well as MIDI data from multiple sources.

Apart from standard features, the software comes with additional features, which some people might find useful. Features like VST plug-ins and midi control support are very useful for both training and testing purposes. Some advanced features, however, are more geared towards advanced auditing needs, and may not be useful for simple training.

The "MIDI Overlay" feature allows you to use your keyboard shortcuts for controlling the track. By clicking on the appropriate shortcut, you can switch from normal audio data to any other type of data, such as voice commands, incoming phone calls, or any other type of event you are currently handling in REAPER. By assigning certain keys to certain events, you can be much more effective when working with automation.

What is FL Studio?

fl studio interface

One FL Studio essential is the MIDI editing and MIDI sequence recording/playback engine. In addition, it has over 60 built-in sounds that can be recorded or played back. Its vast library of loops also provides the ability to make your own loops, which is useful for composing new songs.

A multi-track audio mixer is another essential feature of a studio. A FL Studio mixer has the ability to be used as a primary or non-primary source. Its mixer functions as a primary source, which sends audio to audio interface devices, like an audio interface or audio cassette deck. A mixer function as a non-primary source can be used when there is no direct signal to the audio interface device. You can send audio to any external source through a USB connection, or an audio interface.

An extensive library of virtual instruments is one of the many FL Studio features. It includes keyboards, pads, special effects instruments, drum machines, cabinets, effects racks, and more. You can arrange the playlist of your virtual instruments in any way you wish, and have them begin playing at the beginning of your session, or fade in and out as you work through your song's progression.

Comparison:

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REAPER
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FL STUDIO

Reaper & FL Studio Features:

  • Multi-channel audio recording
  • Heavily customizable
  • Fast mixing, and mastering
  • 100+ plugins
  • Easy learning curve
  • Multi-track audio recording
  • 80 plug-ins
  • Supports VST standards 1, 2 and 3
  • Can resize and rearrange the user interface
  • Easy to use

Reaper and FL Studio Price:

STARTING PRICE Free $107
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Cross-Platform:

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Support:

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FixThePhoto Choice:

One of the reasons REAPER is soaring ahead is its customizable interface.

FL Studio has similar MIDI instruments, plug-in support, but it is more expensive and I see no reason to overpay.

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