Beginners guide to editing sound in Reaper.
Learn to simply edit speech, music or sounds, for podcast, radio and social media using Reaper (which has a free trial)

What you will learn
How to edit audio from recorded speech, interviews and music.
A working knowledge of a great program called 'Reaper' for editing pre-recorded sound files.
Insight into tips and techniques to stand out from the crowd.
Produce a final mixed down audio file ready for distribution and sharing.
Why take this course?
π§ Beginners Guide to Editing Sound in Reaper π
Welcome to the world of audio editing with Reaper β a versatile and powerful software that's accessible for beginners and robust for professionals. In this comprehensive online course, we'll embark on a journey through the essentials of audio manipulation using Reaper, which comes with a free 60-day trial for you to experiment and learn at your own pace.
Course Overview
π₯οΈ Download and Set Up: We'll kick off by getting Reaper up and running on your computer β whether you're on a Mac or PC, you'll find the process straightforward.
π Importing Sound Files: Learn how to import your audio files into Reaper with ease.
β Editing Techniques: Discover the art of slicing, cutting, and cropping your audio with simple-to-follow instructions.
ποΈ Making It Sound Great: Tips and tricks on enhancing the quality of your sound, including noise reduction and EQ adjustments to polish your podcast or radio segment.
πΎ Saving Your Project: Master the art of saving your work efficiently to avoid any unwanted surprises.
π₯ Exporting Your Final Product: Export your edited audio in the best format for your platform, whether it's a podcast, radio, or social media.
ποΈ What You'll Learn
-
Downloading and Installing Reaper: A step-by-step guide to getting the software ready for use.
-
Basic Navigation: Familiarize yourself with the Reaper interface and tools.
-
Editing Basics: Learn how to select, cut, copy, paste, silence, crossfade, and apply effects.
-
Sound Enhancement: Techniques for cleaning up your audio, applying EQ, compression, and other essential treatments.
-
Saving Projects: Effective project saving strategies to maintain your workflow.
-
Exporting Audio Files: Properly preparing your files for upload or distribution.
π§ββοΈ Advanced Tips
-
New Addition: Dive into the 'Preferences' settings for a deeper understanding of Reaper's configuration.
-
A bespoke, ready-to-use template designed specifically for radio and podcast production will be provided, giving you a head start on your editing journey.
π©βπ» Why Choose This Course?
-
Expert Tutelage: Led by Chris Bailey, with over 25 years of professional experience in radio and podcast production.
-
Real-World Experience: Chris has worked alongside giants like MSN, Ministry of Sound, SONY, Martin Garrix, and UEFA, to name a few.
-
Broad Reach: His productions reach millions every week across various platforms including BBC Radio One and Two.
π οΈ Who Is This Course For?
This course is tailored for absolute beginners looking to learn the ropes of sound editing in Reaper. It's perfect for podcasters, radio producers, social media content creators, or anyone interested in audio editing and production.
π Course Structure
-
Tutorial Videos: Visual guidance with step-by-step instructions.
-
Practical Exercises: Hands-on activities to solidify your newfound skills.
-
Downloadable Resources: Including a bespoke template and additional reference materials.
π‘ Important Notes
-
This course does not cover recording audio within Reaper β that's saved for a future, more advanced course.
-
The course price includes a fully working template with bespoke settings, tailored for radio/podcast work (not music composition).
-
The course is a short, complete beginner's guide to get you up and running fast.
π Reaper Software Details
-
Free 60-day trial available for all platforms β Mac/PC.
-
After the trial, opt for a one-time purchase starting at $60 (excluding any ongoing subscription models).
-
The course does not have an affiliate relationship with Reaper but offers the software as a practical tool for learning.
π Preparation Tips
- Before importing Chris's bespoke configuration, ensure you back up your existing Reaper settings if you're already using it.
Jump into the world of audio editing with confidence and style. Enroll in this course today and start crafting audio that will captivate and engage your audience! ππ
Screenshots




Our review
π« Course Review for Reaper Basics for Audio Editing πΆ
Overall Rating: 4.50/5.00
Course Content & Style
Pros
- Simplicity: The course is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, allowing new users to quickly get started with Reaper.
- Engaging Teaching Style: The instructor's teaching style is highly engaging, making complex topics accessible and easy to understand.
- Expertise: The instructor demonstrates a clear mastery of the subject matter, which adds credibility and value to the course.
Cons
- Limited Scope: The course is quite simplistic, focusing heavily on podcasting and importing audio without delving into more advanced recording techniques or other use cases like music production.
- Configuration File: The course introduces a configuration file that simplifies the process for users but lacks explanation on its inner workings, leaving students with questions about its functionality and how it's determined.
User Experience & Practical Application
Pros
- Clear Guidance: The instructor provides clear explanations and steps, making it easy to follow along and apply the lessons to real-world audio editing tasks.
- Simplicity in Setup: Chris has designed the setup process to be simple, which is particularly beneficial for small business owners or those new to audio editing.
- User-Friendly Approach: The course is structured in a way that holds the hand of beginners and provides them with the tools and confidence needed to proceed further.
Cons
- Repetition: Some users found the course to have some repetition, particularly in areas like evaluation and preferences, which could be streamlined for a more efficient learning experience.
- Platform Specificity: The tutorial is geared towards Mac users, which might cause confusion or inconvenience for PC users, especially regarding cursor settings.
Course Practicality & Limitations
Pros
- Real-World Application: The course content is practical and immediately applicable to audio editing needs.
- Versatility: While focused on podcasting, the skills learned can be applied to various audio editing tasks.
- Confidence Building: For beginners, the course serves as a strong foundation to build upon in their audio editing journey.
Cons
- Advanced Features Overlooked: Experienced users or those looking for more complex features may find the course too basic and might continue using simpler tools like Audacity due to familiarity or specific features not covered in depth, such as muting sections of audio without splitting files.
- Need for Advanced Content: Some users suggest that the course could be expanded to cover a wider range of Reaper's capabilities, including more advanced recording and editing techniques.
Note from the Course Reviewer: While the course receives high marks for its simplicity and engaging teaching style, it may not cater to all types of audio editors, particularly those seeking more advanced applications of Reaper. The inclusion of a configuration file adds convenience but also introduces questions regarding its functionality. A potential area for improvement would be to offer more in-depth sessions on additional features of Reaper and to address the needs of users across different platforms.
Final Thought: This course is highly recommended for beginners, especially those interested in podcasting or who are new to audio editing. For those with prior experience or who need more comprehensive training on Reaper's advanced features, additional resources or a more detailed curriculum may be beneficial.