Session View - Production w/Regions in REAPER

Tutorial: Creating a Session View Workflow with Regions in Reaper

1. Setting up the Project:

   • Open Reaper and create a new project.
   • Add tracks for drums, bass, piano, and synth.
   • Change the input to MIDI and select all MIDI inputs and channels.
   • Set the record mode to 'Record M Overdub' for looping without creating takes.
   • Enable automatic record arm when track selected to streamline recording.

2. Navigating Tracks:

   • Use the up and down arrows or a MIDI controller knob to select different tracks quickly.
   • Ensure that only the selected track is in record mode to hear the corresponding instrument.

3. Creating Regions:

   • Select a range from bar one to bar five to create a four-bar region by pressing Shift + R.
   • Double-click on the region to focus on working within that specific section.
   • Duplicate the region to experiment with variations by holding Ctrl (PC) or Command (Mac) and dragging it.

4. Recording in Loop Mode:

   • With the region selected and loop mode enabled, record in three passes for drums, bass, piano, and synth within the four-bar loop.

5. Arranging Regions:

   • Copy and paste the regions to create multiple sections for arrangement.
   • Mute and unmute different sections to hear variations.
   • Double-click on a region to focus on working within that specific section.

6. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Regions:

   • Go to 'Actions' and create custom actions to switch between regions quickly.
   • Assign keyboard shortcuts to jump to specific regions for easy navigation and auditioning different arrangements on the fly.

7. Adjusting Arrangements:

   • Move regions around by dragging them to change the arrangement.
   • Duplicate regions to experiment with different combinations and structures.
   • Use keyboard shortcuts to jump between regions for seamless editing and playback.

8. Finalizing the Arrangement:

   • Once satisfied with the arrangement, play the entire composition by hitting the 'Escape' key.
   • Make any final adjustments by moving regions or focusing on specific sections using custom keyboard shortcuts.

9. Conclusion:

   • By utilizing regions in Reaper, you can create a session view workflow similar to Ableton Live for efficient music production and arrangement.

Follow these steps to set up a session view workflow with regions in Reaper and enhance your music production process.