All user reviews of 4/5 for the Cockos Reaper 4

It's light, effective and can be installed in two or three clicks.
Except for Linux users, everybody else is catered for from Windows 95 to Windows 8 32 or 64 bits, Mac OS 32, 64 bits or PPC.
Do note that it works better under Windows than Mac OS.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I've tried multiple options but this software is currently the lightest there is.
We could disregard the hardware because this software is really optimized.
Relatively stable and very powerful, Reaper can compare with the major players.
I was surprised with the Mackie Control support, it is excellent.

OVERALL OPINION

I couldn't tell when I started to use Reaper, but I have version 4 since it came out.
Its price/quality ratio is very interesting, but it depends on how much you earn and your plug-in collection.
It's a version stripped of all unnecessary features. It goes straight to the point, while allowing some unprecedented things in this type of product.
Reaper is an expert sequencer that isn't meant for everybody, but those who master it will have an unlimited world of possibilities at hand.
I would criticize its not very intuitive usage, due to its endless possibilities. It's not easy to make it simple when you offer so many things.
Its midi editor, while having evolved quite a bunch, is not the most user-friendly.
It is actually off-putting for beginners. It lacks certain options that would allow beginners to really get on with a comprehensive product.
But apart from that, it's really a performance beast. It's a unique product without equal.
I use it rarely, preferring Logic, Cubase and Sonar. Probably out of habit. But even if I'm not a regular user, its qualities do not need to be proven and must be recognized.
Reaper is a minor player in the sequencer world, like Linux in the OS world. It's a bit harder to get a grip of, maybe a bit less sexy in the beginning, but very powerful and customizable.
When it comes to price/quality ratio, I have mixed feelings: it costs $60, which isn't much, but if we want to use it for professional applications its $225.
For people who have a good plug-in collection, it's OK. But for those who don't, they have to buy everything, so it is a stiff price.

To summarize:
Reaper is the sequencer we end up using when we are disappointed by the rest and have already come a long way. Starting directly with Reaper is not as obvious nor advantageous.

Very easy and fast installation.
Rather simple setup, no ugly surprises.
No incompatibilities found.
I haven't read the manual yet, I have relied on the forums and videos for now.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Quad core 3 Ghz 8 G Ram SSD @ 64 Bit
I installed the 64- and 32-bit versions but I work in 32 bits for the time being since the differences are not noticeable.
The performance is all right, no sudden audio cracks, no slackening of the system, crashes only due to plug-ins that crash, very good responsiveness.

OVERALL OPINION

I started using reaper 4 several weeks ago, but I had already tried version 1 or 2 (I don't know anymore), and the difference with this version is impressive. This software evolves in the right direction.

At first, it can be a bit disconcerting, given the fact that you can modify absolutely everything (the mouse clicks according to context, all keyboard shortcuts, complex actions in the form of processes, and even internal plug-ins, etc.), but in the end you can easily find what you want to do in the action list. Menus are well thought-out.
Audio routing is simple but powerful. I also like the simple but effective plug-in management.

I tried FL studio before, which is awesome to write music but is very limited (at least in my opinion, but it might be that it doesn't suit me well) when it comes to effects routing (prefader, for example) and the actions on the automated playlist (like tempo mapping).

You have to try it out. You'll either love it or hate it, I guess.
The price of the software is ridiculous given its quality.

Installation: No remarks!
OS / VST / VSTi (and all other) compatibilities: No remarks!
Setting up a soundcard and other devices: No remarks!
Internal DAW setup: It depends on the workflow, but it's very adaptable: No remarks!
User manual a bit lengthy, but modeled on the flexibility of the DAW!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Computer: portable HP DV6 with 4GB RAM. CR 4 is light but it all depends on the complexity of the project.
So far I haven't reached the limits of my computer, so, no remarks!

OVERALL OPINION

Since version 3 it's a real pleasure, flexible routing above all, fast arrangement/composition especially given the tracks/Fx Chains templates. Flexible track organization (interlocking tracks folder, etc.), creative mixing according to your needs thanks to the flexible routing.

DAWs tested:
Samplitude, the best for audio and mastering
Sonar X1 (Cakewalk since 98...): yuk, very heavy!
FL Studio: excellent for patterns/loops!
Studio One: Reaper's most direct competitor, simpler but not less effective. Its advantage compared to Reaper is the processing suite, the mastering!
Cubase: yuk, I gave up on it, but basically because I almost never use it!

The + :
Routing flexibility
Internal track routing.
Track, effects and project templates.
The adaptability of the interface (customizable menus/buttons)
Track interlocking (track folders)
Like Samplitude, FX assignment by "clip" (items...).

The - :
Internal track routing a bit complicated.
Lacks direct and contextual tools, like Studio One, but it's customizable
Lacks a browser like Studio One or FL Studio

Otherwise, it's an excellent DAW. I prefer it over Cubase or Sonar, which are no longer among my DAWs

Hats off, Cockos Reaper, keep up the good work!

Extremely fast download and installation
accepts virtually all vsts, works perfectly with reason 5. very easy to use

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use a laptop with amd turion dual 1.6mhz 2gb ram
a yamaha i88x and a yamaha 01x via firewire
extremely stable system, almost no latency, I find its behavior clearly superior to cubase and even logic audio, the interface is well thought out and adaptable
it lacks only the eraser and razor tools
and it would be perfect

OVERALL OPINION

I've already done a project with reaper, I'm an audio engineer with lots of experience with computer music, the stability is unmatched in relation to other software programs. I give it 10/10
on the other hand, the internal plug-ins are its main weakness
really lightweight but that can be solved by integrating plug-ins that are a bit more pro. its value for money is unmatched