The digital audio workstation REAPER is known for its efficiency and deep customisation, but it does not come with extensive built-in sound libraries. Consequently, many users seek external sources for samples and loops to integrate into their projects. The provided documentation outlines several platforms offering free or paid sound packs in formats compatible with REAPER, such as WAV, AIFF, REX2, and MIDI. These resources cater to various needs, from sound effects to musical loops, and many provide royalty-free licences for both personal and commercial use. This article details the available sources, their features, and how to access and utilise these audio files within the REAPER environment.
Understanding REAPER’s Workflow and Sample Integration
REAPER is celebrated for its flexibility, handling nearly any third-party plugin format from VSTs to AUs. This allows users to build a custom toolkit. However, this freedom also means sorting through numerous options to find quality sounds. The quest for suitable samples can be time-consuming, and the documentation highlights the importance of selecting sounds that fit seamlessly into a user’s workflow.
When considering samples, users should evaluate two main factors: workflow integration and sound shaping. For workflow integration, the choice often lies between browsing files through REAPER’s built-in Media Explorer or using a dedicated plugin that serves sounds directly within the session. Tools that live inside the DAW, such as the Arcade plugin mentioned in the documentation, can reduce file management tasks. For sound shaping, users should consider how easily they can manipulate samples using REAPER’s native tools, such as time-stretching or pitch-shifting, to match a track’s tempo and key.
Sources for Free and Paid Sample Packs
The documentation identifies several key platforms where REAPER users can find samples and loops. These range from specialised sample libraries to large marketplaces and user-upload communities.
Output and Arcade
Output is a company that builds instruments and effects designed to integrate with REAPER’s workflow. Their ecosystem includes the Arcade sample engine, a plugin that provides access to a library of royalty-free sounds directly inside the DAW. This eliminates the need to manage files externally, allowing users to find sounds without breaking their creative flow. The documentation notes that all Output packs are royalty-free, permitting use in both personal and commercial projects. While the primary focus is on their paid products, the context does not specify the availability of completely free samples from Output beyond the functionality of their main products.
Cymatics
Cymatics provides sample libraries and packs in standard WAV and MIDI formats. These universal file types are fully compatible with REAPER, allowing users to drop sounds directly into a project without a dedicated plugin. Cymatics packs can be managed using REAPER’s built-in Media Explorer. Once imported, samples can be time-stretched or pitch-shifted using REAPER’s native tools. The process involves downloading and extracting the pack to a folder, opening the Media Explorer in REAPER, navigating to the folder, and dragging sounds into the project timeline.
Regarding pricing, Cymatics offers both free and paid sample packs. The documentation cites an example of a free pack titled 'Reaper: Trap Hi-Hat Loops & MIDI'. Other premium packs are sold for a one-time fee. All samples from Cymatics are stated to be 100% royalty-free for use in commercial projects.
Producer Loops
Producer Loops operates as a large marketplace for sample packs. The sounds are delivered in standard formats like WAV and AIFF, which work directly in REAPER without special setup. As with Cymatics, users can manage these files using REAPER’s native Media Explorer. The documentation does not provide specific examples of free packs available through Producer Loops, but it confirms the availability of standard audio files. The general process for using such files involves downloading the pack, extracting it, browsing via the Media Explorer, and dragging files into the timeline.
Unison Audio
Unison Audio offers both free and paid sample packs. The samples are typically in standard formats compatible with REAPER, allowing for direct import and manipulation with native tools. The documentation advises users to review the specific licence agreements provided with each pack, as terms can vary. While samples are generally royalty-free, restrictions may apply. The process for using Unison Audio packs mirrors that of other standard-format providers: download, extract, browse via Media Explorer, and drag into the project.
ModeAudio
ModeAudio provides sample packs in formats such as WAV, AIFF, and REX2. REAPER supports these file types, enabling direct project integration without a dedicated plugin. ModeAudio packs can be managed using REAPER’s Media Explorer. A notable feature is REAPER’s ability to automatically adjust the tempo of certain loop formats, like REX2, to match project settings. The documentation indicates that ModeAudio sells sample packs individually, with occasional discounts and free packs available. The specific method for accessing these packs involves downloading and unzipping the pack to a folder, then dragging the audio files directly into the REAPER session.
Ghosthack
Ghosthack provides sample packs in WAV format, which are fully compatible with REAPER. Like the other standard-format providers, these files can be dropped directly into a project without a dedicated plugin. Ghosthack samples can be managed using REAPER’s built-in Media Explorer. Once in the project, users can employ REAPER’s native functions for time-stretching or pitch-shifting.
In terms of pricing, Ghosthack offers individual sample packs for purchase, along with bundle deals and occasional discounts. The samples are described as 100% royalty-free for commercial use. The documented process for using Ghosthack samples involves downloading and extracting the pack to a folder, opening the Media Explorer in REAPER, navigating to the folder, and dragging sounds into the project timeline.
Looperman
Looperman is a community-driven platform where users upload and share loops and samples. The documentation includes a list of free Reaper loops and sounds that have been uploaded by other users. These files are available for commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis, subject to the platform’s terms and conditions. The list shows loops that mention "Reaper" in the title or description, such as "Reaper" melody loops, "Grim Reaper" themed sounds, and loops created in REAPER or with specific plugins like Vital. Users are advised to check the specific licence granted by the creator and to contact the uploader for any questions. The platform’s help area and terms of conditions provide details on usage rights.
Practical Guidance for Using Samples in REAPER
The documentation provides clear, step-by-step instructions for integrating standard audio files (WAV, AIFF, etc.) into REAPER, a process that applies to packs from Cymatics, Producer Loops, Unison Audio, ModeAudio, and Ghosthack.
- Download and Extract: Download the sample pack to your computer and extract the files to a dedicated folder.
- Access Media Explorer: Open REAPER and launch the Media Explorer (typically found under the View menu or via a custom shortcut).
- Navigate to Folder: Within the Media Explorer, navigate to the folder where you extracted the sample pack.
- Drag and Drop: Select the desired audio files and drag them directly from the Media Explorer onto your REAPER project timeline.
For formats like REX2 (offered by ModeAudio), REAPER can automatically adjust the loop’s tempo to match your project settings. For any standard audio file, you can later use REAPER’s native tools to time-stretch or pitch-shift it as needed.
Considerations for Sample Selection and Usage
When building a library of samples for REAPER, the documentation advises a pragmatic approach. It suggests downloading only what you might need to avoid unnecessarily filling hard drives and to avoid spending more time collecting sounds than making music. The usefulness of specific packs depends on the type of projects you work on. While some users may be satisfied with samples from instrument packs they already own, having a few curated packs from the resources mentioned can add a unique element to productions.
A critical consideration is the licence. The platforms highlighted (Output, Cymatics, Unison Audio, ModeAudio, Ghosthack) all state that their samples are royalty-free for commercial use, though Unison Audio recommends reviewing the specific pack’s licence agreement. For community platforms like Looperman, users must adhere to the platform’s terms and the specific conditions set by the individual uploader. Always verify the licence before using a sample in a commercial project to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
For REAPER users seeking to expand their sonic palette, a variety of resources are available, offering both free and paid samples and loops. Platforms like Cymatics, ModeAudio, and Ghosthack provide standard WAV files that integrate seamlessly with REAPER’s Media Explorer, while Output’s Arcade offers a plugin-based workflow for direct access to a sound library. Community platforms like Looperman provide a source of user-generated content, though users must carefully check the associated licences. By following the straightforward drag-and-drop process outlined in the documentation, users can efficiently incorporate these external samples into their REAPER projects, enhancing their productions with quality, royalty-free sounds. The key is to select sources that align with your workflow and to use samples judiciously to fuel creativity rather than hinder it.