Making Your First Recording - Revision history

Freudian Split: /* Final thoughts */

2026-05-16T17:19:38Z

Final thoughts

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 16 May 2026
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	space to listen.		space to listen.

			<!--T:19-->
	=== Final thoughts ===		=== Final thoughts ===
	Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the		Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the

Freudian Split: /* Recording */

2026-05-16T17:19:04Z

Recording

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 16 May 2026
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	you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.		you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.

			<!--T:15-->
	=== Recording ===		=== Recording ===
	Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear		Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear
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	space to listen.		space to listen.

	~~<!--T:19-->~~
	=== Final thoughts ===		=== Final thoughts ===
	Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the		Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the

Freudian Split: /* setting the Metronome */

2026-05-16T17:17:33Z

setting the Metronome

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:17, 16 May 2026
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	instrument.		instrument.

			<!--T:13-->
	===setting the Metronome ===		===setting the Metronome ===
	If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome		If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome
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	you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.		you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.

	~~<!--T:15-->~~
	=== Recording ===		=== Recording ===
	Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear		Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear

Freudian Split: /* Monitoring Levels */

2026-05-16T17:16:32Z

Monitoring Levels

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 16 May 2026
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	A dialogue opens where you can set preferences for watching levels of a track. I suggest that		A dialogue opens where you can set preferences for watching levels of a track. I suggest that
	your first watcher be on the “current track” and your second watcher be		your first watcher be on the “current track” and your second watcher be
	on the master track. A detailed guide to setting up watchers can be found in [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|~~The~~ monitoring levels when you can't see the meters]] article. You don't have to set watchers on two tracks. You can just put a watcher on the current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.		on the master track. A detailed guide to setting up watchers can be found in the [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|monitoring levels when you can't see the meters]] article. You don't have to set watchers on two tracks. You can just put a watcher on the current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.

	<!--T:10-->		<!--T:10-->

Freudian Split: /* Monitoring Levels */

2026-05-16T17:14:28Z

Monitoring Levels

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:14, 16 May 2026
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	A dialogue opens where you can set preferences for watching levels of a track. I suggest that		A dialogue opens where you can set preferences for watching levels of a track. I suggest that
	your first watcher be on the “current track” and your second watcher be		your first watcher be on the “current track” and your second watcher be
	on the master track. A detailed guide to setting up watchers can be found in [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|. You don't have to set watchers on two tracks. You can just put a watcher on the current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.		on the master track. A detailed guide to setting up watchers can be found in [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|The monitoring levels when you can't see the meters]] article. You don't have to set watchers on two tracks. You can just put a watcher on the current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.

	<!--T:10-->		<!--T:10-->
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	<!--T:12-->		<!--T:12-->
	Stop playing, and press alt~~/f9~~ to hear Osara report the highest peak,		Stop playing, and press alt+F11 to hear Osara report the highest peak,
	in DB, which the meter reached. Pressing alt~~/f10~~ will give you the		in DB, which the meter reached. Pressing alt+f12 will give you the
	level of the second channel of that same track. If you are recording a		level of the second channel of that same track. If you are recording a
	mono source such as a mono microphone, then these levels should be the		mono source such as a mono microphone, then these levels should be the
	same. You can reset the peak watcher by pressing alt~~/f8~~ so that you		same. You can reset the peak watcher by pressing alt+F10 so that you
	can recheck the level. A peak of around -9 DB is a safe place to be.		can recheck the level. A peak of around -9 DB is a safe place to be.
	You can adjust your input level with your audio interface or your		You can adjust your input level with your audio interface or your
	instrument.		instrument.

	~~<!--T:13-->~~
	===setting the Metronome ===		===setting the Metronome ===
	If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome		If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome

Freudian Split: added the shift f10 shortcut as an alternative to the applications key

2026-05-16T17:06:52Z

added the shift f10 shortcut as an alternative to the applications key

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 16 May 2026
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	==== Assigning Record Input on Windows ====		==== Assigning Record Input on Windows ====
	For now we'll assume that your source is mono. Select your track by pressing		For now we'll assume that your source is mono. Select your track by pressing
	up or down arrow. [[Useful Links and Resources#numpad emulation and applications key script\|Press your applications key,]] and arrow up to where you hear “input mono.” Hit enter, or right arrow, and using your		up or down arrow. [[Useful Links and Resources#numpad emulation and applications key script\|Press your applications key]] or shift+F10, and arrow up to where you hear “input mono.” Hit enter, or right arrow, and using your
	arrows, select the appropriate input from your interface which		arrows, select the appropriate input from your interface which
	coincides with the source you are recording.		coincides with the source you are recording.
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	<!--T:7-->		<!--T:7-->
	Pressing f7 arms and unarms the track. You will hear your screen reader announce whether the track is armed or unarmed. You can check which tracks are armed by pressing ~~control~~+shift+F7. You can unarm all tracks with ~~control~~+F7.		Pressing f7 arms and unarms the track. You will hear your screen reader announce whether the track is armed or unarmed. You can check which tracks are armed by pressing ctrl+shift+F7. You can unarm all tracks with alt+F7.

	<!--T:8-->		<!--T:8-->
	Pressing f8 lets you choose your		Pressing f8 lets you choose your
	monitoring settings. The three monitoring settings are, “normal” (which means you will hear the audio coming into any armed track), “record monitor off” (where you won't hear the sound coming into your armed tracks) and “not when playing” (which is where you hear the audio coming into any arm track, unless the project is playing, in which case you will just hear the playback). Take care to have your monitor speakers, or your		monitoring settings. The three monitoring settings are, “normal” (which means you will hear the audio coming into any armed track), “record monitor off” (where you won't hear the sound coming into your armed tracks) and “not when playing” (which is where you hear the audio coming into any arm track, unless the project is playing, in which case you will just hear the playback). Take care to have your monitor speakers or your headphones at a low level so as not to create feedback if you will be
	headphones at a low level so as not to create feedback if you will be
	using a live mic to record.		using a live mic to record.

	<!--T:9-->		<!--T:9-->
	=== Monitoring Levels ===		=== Monitoring Levels ===
	Press ~~ctrl/shift/~~w to open the peak watcher. This ~~dialogue~~ allows you to		Press alt+w to open the peak watcher context menu. This menu allows you to set a watcher on the current track. Press up and down arrows to navigate to the first or second watcher and press enter to select.
	~~specify two tracks~~ to ~~“watch” for levels~~. ~~By tabbing through the~~		A dialogue opens where you can set preferences for watching levels of a track. I suggest that
	dialogue~~, You~~ can ~~tell Osara which two tracks to watch~~. I suggest that		your first watcher be on the “current track” and your second watcher be
	your first ~~track~~ be ~~set to~~ “current track” and your second ~~track~~ be		on the master track. A detailed guide to setting up watchers can be found in [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|. You don't have to set watchers on two tracks. You can just put a watcher on the current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.
	~~set~~ to ~~“master.” The rest of the dialogue contains other advanced~~
	~~settings which will~~ be [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|~~covered in another article]]~~. You don't have to set two tracks. You can just ~~select~~ current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.

	<!--T:10-->		<!--T:10-->

Ultraleetj: Marked this version for translation

2023-06-02T19:31:18Z

Marked this version for translation

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 2 June 2023
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	<translate>		<translate>
			<!--T:1-->
	= Making Your First Recording =		= Making Your First Recording =
	You may be saying to yourself, “I just want to record a song already.		You may be saying to yourself, “I just want to record a song already.
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	create tracks.		create tracks.

			<!--T:2-->
	Press CTRL/t to create a track. You will be placed in an edit box		Press CTRL/t to create a track. You will be placed in an edit box
	where you can type a name for your track, then press enter. You are		where you can type a name for your track, then press enter. You are
	now back in the track view. You don't need to type in a track name if you don't want to. You can simply press Control+T and then press enter. This will create an unnamed track. You can name the track later simply by pressing F2 on that track, typing a name and pressing enter.		now back in the track view. You don't need to type in a track name if you don't want to. You can simply press Control+T and then press enter. This will create an unnamed track. You can name the track later simply by pressing F2 on that track, typing a name and pressing enter.

			<!--T:3-->
	=== Assigning an Input for Recording ===		=== Assigning an Input for Recording ===
	By Default, your track will record from Input 1 of your Audio Interface. The default recording path for new tracks can be changed in preferences, under Track/Send Defaults. You can assign a different input for your track at any point as well.		By Default, your track will record from Input 1 of your Audio Interface. The default recording path for new tracks can be changed in preferences, under Track/Send Defaults. You can assign a different input for your track at any point as well.

			<!--T:4-->
	==== Assigning Record Input on Windows ====		==== Assigning Record Input on Windows ====
	For now we'll assume that your source is mono. Select your track by pressing		For now we'll assume that your source is mono. Select your track by pressing
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	coincides with the source you are recording.		coincides with the source you are recording.

			<!--T:5-->
	==== Assigning Record Input on Mac ====		==== Assigning Record Input on Mac ====
	Use Voice Over to Navigate to the track number of the track you are recording on. Note, at this point you are navigating the native UI of Reaper with Voice Over, not using the Up or Down arrow with Osara to select the track. VO+Left Arrow once from the track number and you will find a button that states Record input: Input 1, where input 1 is telling you the current input source. VO+Space on this button and you will have a popup menu from which you can choose a different input channel.		Use Voice Over to Navigate to the track number of the track you are recording on. Note, at this point you are navigating the native UI of Reaper with Voice Over, not using the Up or Down arrow with Osara to select the track. VO+Left Arrow once from the track number and you will find a button that states Record input: Input 1, where input 1 is telling you the current input source. VO+Space on this button and you will have a popup menu from which you can choose a different input channel.

			<!--T:6-->
	=== Arming and Monitoring A Track ===		=== Arming and Monitoring A Track ===
	When you are ready to record, you will first need to arm your track. Arming basically means that you are telling reaper which tracks you would like to record on when you start recording.		When you are ready to record, you will first need to arm your track. Arming basically means that you are telling reaper which tracks you would like to record on when you start recording.

			<!--T:7-->
	Pressing f7 arms and unarms the track. You will hear your screen reader announce whether the track is armed or unarmed. You can check which tracks are armed by pressing control+shift+F7. You can unarm all tracks with control+F7.		Pressing f7 arms and unarms the track. You will hear your screen reader announce whether the track is armed or unarmed. You can check which tracks are armed by pressing control+shift+F7. You can unarm all tracks with control+F7.

			<!--T:8-->
	Pressing f8 lets you choose your		Pressing f8 lets you choose your
	monitoring settings. The three monitoring settings are, “normal” (which means you will hear the audio coming into any armed track), “record monitor off” (where you won't hear the sound coming into your armed tracks) and “not when playing” (which is where you hear the audio coming into any arm track, unless the project is playing, in which case you will just hear the playback). Take care to have your monitor speakers, or your		monitoring settings. The three monitoring settings are, “normal” (which means you will hear the audio coming into any armed track), “record monitor off” (where you won't hear the sound coming into your armed tracks) and “not when playing” (which is where you hear the audio coming into any arm track, unless the project is playing, in which case you will just hear the playback). Take care to have your monitor speakers, or your
Line 38:		Line 46:
	using a live mic to record.		using a live mic to record.

			<!--T:9-->
	=== Monitoring Levels ===		=== Monitoring Levels ===
	Press ctrl/shift/w to open the peak watcher. This dialogue allows you to		Press ctrl/shift/w to open the peak watcher. This dialogue allows you to
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	settings which will be [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|covered in another article]]. You don't have to set two tracks. You can just select current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.		settings which will be [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters\|covered in another article]]. You don't have to set two tracks. You can just select current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.

			<!--T:10-->
	Now, tab or shift/tab back to the ok button, press enter and you’ll be back		Now, tab or shift/tab back to the ok button, press enter and you’ll be back
	in the track view.		in the track view.

			<!--T:11-->
	With your track armed, play your instrument or sing or speak in to		With your track armed, play your instrument or sing or speak in to
	your microphone. Be sure to play at the same level and with the same		your microphone. Be sure to play at the same level and with the same
	intensity that you’ll be playing or singing during your recording. You want to make sure that you're not going over 0DB, which will distort your audio and spoil your recording.		intensity that you’ll be playing or singing during your recording. You want to make sure that you're not going over 0DB, which will distort your audio and spoil your recording.

			<!--T:12-->
	Stop playing, and press alt/f9 to hear Osara report the highest peak,		Stop playing, and press alt/f9 to hear Osara report the highest peak,
	in DB, which the meter reached. Pressing alt/f10 will give you the		in DB, which the meter reached. Pressing alt/f10 will give you the
Line 62:		Line 74:
	instrument.		instrument.

			<!--T:13-->
	===setting the Metronome ===		===setting the Metronome ===
	If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome		If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome
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	your recording later with more precision.		your recording later with more precision.

			<!--T:14-->
	Turn the metronome on by pressing ctrl+shift+m. You will hear Osara say		Turn the metronome on by pressing ctrl+shift+m. You will hear Osara say
	“metronome on”. You can also turn the metronome off with the same keyboard shortcut: control+shift+M.		“metronome on”. You can also turn the metronome off with the same keyboard shortcut: control+shift+M.
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	you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.		you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.

			<!--T:15-->
	=== Recording ===		=== Recording ===
	Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear		Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear
	your source through your monitor by pressing f8.		your source through your monitor by pressing f8.

			<!--T:16-->
	When you’re ready, press “r”		When you’re ready, press “r”
	You will hear the click start, and Reaper is immediately recording.		You will hear the click start, and Reaper is immediately recording.
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	then you’ll be back in the track view.		then you’ll be back in the track view.

			<!--T:17-->
	You’ll notice now that your track will say, one item.” This means		You’ll notice now that your track will say, one item.” This means
	you’ve recorded one audio item.		you’ve recorded one audio item.

			<!--T:18-->
	Press w to make sure you’re at the beginning of your track and press		Press w to make sure you’re at the beginning of your track and press
	space to listen.		space to listen.

			<!--T:19-->
	=== Final thoughts ===		=== Final thoughts ===
	Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the		Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the

Ultraleetj: preparing page for translation

2023-06-02T19:31:10Z

preparing page for translation

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 2 June 2023
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			<translate>
	= Making Your First Recording =		= Making Your First Recording =
	You may be saying to yourself, “I just want to record a song already.		You may be saying to yourself, “I just want to record a song already.
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	preferred work flow. But, as promised, this article outlines a fast		preferred work flow. But, as promised, this article outlines a fast
	way to record your first track. Happy Reaping!		way to record your first track. Happy Reaping!
			</translate>

Ultraleetj: initial page migration

2023-05-17T22:38:13Z

initial page migration

New page

= Making Your First Recording =
You may be saying to yourself, “I just want to record a song already.
How do I do it?”
The following article should get you started. It is assumed that you
have Reaper and Osara installed. It is also assumed that you have
installed your audio interface. OK! Let’s reap!
=== Creating tracks ===
When you first open reaper, after escaping out of the splash screen,
you are in the track view of a new Reaper session. Arrow up and down
and you should hear Osara report “no tracks.” So, you must first
create tracks.

Press CTRL/t to create a track. You will be placed in an edit box
where you can type a name for your track, then press enter. You are
now back in the track view. You don't need to type in a track name if you don't want to. You can simply press Control+T and then press enter. This will create an unnamed track. You can name the track later simply by pressing F2 on that track, typing a name and pressing enter.

=== Assigning an Input for Recording ===
By Default, your track will record from Input 1 of your Audio Interface. The default recording path for new tracks can be changed in preferences, under Track/Send Defaults. You can assign a different input for your track at any point as well.

==== Assigning Record Input on Windows ====
For now we'll assume that your source is mono. Select your track by pressing
up or down arrow. [[Useful Links and Resources#numpad emulation and applications key script|Press your applications key,]] and arrow up to where you hear “input mono.” Hit enter, or right arrow, and using your
arrows, select the appropriate input from your interface which
coincides with the source you are recording.

==== Assigning Record Input on Mac ====
Use Voice Over to Navigate to the track number of the track you are recording on. Note, at this point you are navigating the native UI of Reaper with Voice Over, not using the Up or Down arrow with Osara to select the track. VO+Left Arrow once from the track number and you will find a button that states Record input: Input 1, where input 1 is telling you the current input source. VO+Space on this button and you will have a popup menu from which you can choose a different input channel.

=== Arming and Monitoring A Track ===
When you are ready to record, you will first need to arm your track. Arming basically means that you are telling reaper which tracks you would like to record on when you start recording.

Pressing f7 arms and unarms the track. You will hear your screen reader announce whether the track is armed or unarmed. You can check which tracks are armed by pressing control+shift+F7. You can unarm all tracks with control+F7.

Pressing f8 lets you choose your
monitoring settings. The three monitoring settings are, “normal” (which means you will hear the audio coming into any armed track), “record monitor off” (where you won't hear the sound coming into your armed tracks) and “not when playing” (which is where you hear the audio coming into any arm track, unless the project is playing, in which case you will just hear the playback). Take care to have your monitor speakers, or your
headphones at a low level so as not to create feedback if you will be
using a live mic to record.

=== Monitoring Levels ===
Press ctrl/shift/w to open the peak watcher. This dialogue allows you to
specify two tracks to “watch” for levels. By tabbing through the
dialogue, You can tell Osara which two tracks to watch. I suggest that
your first track be set to “current track” and your second track be
set to “master.” The rest of the dialogue contains other advanced
settings which will be [[Monitoring levels when you can't see the meters|covered in another article]]. You don't have to set two tracks. You can just select current track, and monitor the levels of the currently focused track.

Now, tab or shift/tab back to the ok button, press enter and you’ll be back
in the track view.

With your track armed, play your instrument or sing or speak in to
your microphone. Be sure to play at the same level and with the same
intensity that you’ll be playing or singing during your recording. You want to make sure that you're not going over 0DB, which will distort your audio and spoil your recording.

Stop playing, and press alt/f9 to hear Osara report the highest peak,
in DB, which the meter reached. Pressing alt/f10 will give you the
level of the second channel of that same track. If you are recording a
mono source such as a mono microphone, then these levels should be the
same. You can reset the peak watcher by pressing alt/f8 so that you
can recheck the level. A peak of around -9 DB is a safe place to be.
You can adjust your input level with your audio interface or your
instrument.

===setting the Metronome ===
If you are recording music, you may wish to set your metronome
before recording the first note. This will allow you to move through
the song accurately by measures and beats, also it will allow you to manipulate
your recording later with more precision.

Turn the metronome on by pressing ctrl+shift+m. You will hear Osara say
“metronome on”. You can also turn the metronome off with the same keyboard shortcut: control+shift+M.
Take a moment to rehearse your song and fix the tempo in your mind.
Now, place your finger on the “h” key and tap out the tempo. Then
press space to start playing. You will now hear the metronome. Play along with the click to make sure
it’s at the right tempo. Press space to stop. Press w or Control+Home to make sure
you’re at the beginning of the timeline. We’re ready to record.

=== Recording ===
Make sure your track is armed by pressing f7 and that you can hear
your source through your monitor by pressing f8.

When you’re ready, press “r”
You will hear the click start, and Reaper is immediately recording.
Count in an appropriate amount of measures and start playing.
When you’re finished, press space to stop the recording.
Reaper will ask you to confirm the saving of files. Press enter and
then you’ll be back in the track view.

You’ll notice now that your track will say, one item.” This means
you’ve recorded one audio item.

Press w to make sure you’re at the beginning of your track and press
space to listen.

=== Final thoughts ===
Reaper is rich with features. There are often several paths to the
same ends in Reaper. Each of the processes described in this article
have options which are further explored in other articles. In
addition, many of the procedures and features used in this article
have configurable settings which can customize Reaper to your
preferred work flow. But, as promised, this article outlines a fast
way to record your first track. Happy Reaping!