Reaper is a scary program to look at when you first open it. Something about the simplicity of the design of the graphical user interface scares the user when the user begins to delve into the many contextual menus of the program. This is in keeping with the company's vision, of course. Reaper is a comprehensive suite with feature and features and features just jam packed into its little package. This makes someone who is new to recording extremely intimidated by reaper, unlike some of the more flowery digital audio workstation programs like Logic or Studio One or Pro Tools. All fantastic programs in their own right, and this review is not about them anyway. What was incredible about Reaper when I first opened it was that I was initially overwhelmed by how much information was punching me in the face, but then I started to set goals on what to do in Reaper. You do not just explore a program aimlessly. You have it because you want to use it for something specific, so go in with a goal in mind and you will be fine.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Once you figure out what you want from the program, Reaper just works. The thing about Reaper is that it is overwhelming to the explorer, not the goal setter. It is honestly baffling how intuitive Reaper actually is, because none of the intuition is presented to the user at first glance. The program is intensely scary when first opened, but everything just seems to make sense after only a few minutes of intensive goal oriented work.

OVERALL OPINION

Reaper rocks because nothing seems quite out of place. There are a few odd features that are left out, but the simple truth is you are getting a DAW the stands up to and often surpasses the big boys for next to nothing. And the fact that the DAW in and of itself is no nonsense, makes music making easy as pie.