How To Set Up Reaper
- Kevin Kemp
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
So, you're ready to explore the wonderful world of REAPER and you’re wondering, “How do I get this beast up and running for audiobooks and voice over?” You’re in the right place. Whether you’re brand new or just want to fine-tune your setup, I’ll walk you through exactly how I do it — from installing the software to getting the perfect recording levels. No fluff. Just the good stuff.
What Is REAPER?
REAPER is a DAW — a Digital Audio Workstation. It’s a powerful, affordable piece of software that lets you record, edit, and export audio on your computer. It’s also lightweight, incredibly customizable, and super reliable — which is why many of us VO folks swear by it.
Most people start with Audacity, but I really recommend starting with Reaper. If you do start with Audacity, you will need to move on from Audacity eventually to increase the quality of your work and to speed up your production process. Reaper can feel daunting to start out, but it is so worth it, and will save you from learning two different DAWs in the long run!
So jump in, and I'll lead you every step of the way!
Step 1: Downloading & Installing REAPER
First, grab the latest version from the official site:
Here’s what to do:
Head to the site
Download the version that matches your operating system
Open the installer and follow the instructions
🧠 Tip: REAPER offers a generous free trial — use that to get comfortable before buying a license.
Looking for helpful REAPER tutorials?
Step 2: Adding Plugins and Extensions
Plugins and extensions add tools and effects to REAPER — and for audiobook/VO work, they’re gold. Just download and follow the instructions on the installer!
🛠 Essential: SWS Extension
Adds loads of editing shortcuts that make life easier.
🎛 Optional FX Plugins
These aren’t required, but they’re handy for shaping sound.
Dirty LA Compressor
A lovely little free compressor.
RX iZotope Standard
A pro-level suite for cleaning audio (especially breaths, clicks, background noise).
Installing .dll / .diy files?
If your download isn’t an installer, you might get a file ending in .dll or .diy.
Here’s how to install those:
In REAPER, go to Options > Show REAPER resource path in explorer/finder
Open the UserPlugins folder
Drop the .dll or .diy file in there
Restart REAPER
Step 3: Load The Audiobook Guy Config
This is the exact REAPER setup I use for audiobook and voice work — complete with custom actions to speed things up. (You will need the SWS plugin for this to work!)
To install it:
Click on 'Reaper Configs and FX chains'
Download the file:
Reaper Config The Audiobook Guy.ReaperConfigZip
In REAPER, go to
Preferences > General > Import Configuration
Select the file you downloaded
Restart REAPER
That’s it! You now have my exact layout and tools.
Step 4: Hardware & Audio Settings
Select Your Mic
Go to:
Preferences (Ctrl + P / Cmd + ,) > Audio > Device
…and make sure your microphone is selected.
Set Your Sample Rate
This controls audio quality. For voice work, here’s what you want:
🎧 Audiobooks – 44.1kHz
🎤 Voice Over – 48kHz
You can set this:
In Preferences > Audio > Device
Or per project:
File > Project Settings
🧠 Tip: You can also access these on the Playback Screen! Top Right > Click on the Sample Rate > Audio Device Settings or Media Settings (for Project Settings)
Set Your Bit Rate
Go to Project Settings > Media > Recording
Set format to WAV
Set bit depth to 24-bit PCM
Step 5: Set Up Recording Levels
This is so important for clean, professional audio. Don’t skip it!
Mic Placement
Keep your mic 6–12 inches from your mouth (for a quick distance check, put your thumb on your chin and your pinky on the microphone.)
Angle it slightly off-axis to avoid breathing directly into it. I like mine at 45 degrees just above head height.
Put noisy equipment behind the mic — most reject sound from the back
Set Your Gain
Read a sample aloud (include loud bits!)
Adjust mic gain so your peaks hit around -12 dB to -6 dB
Never let peaks hit 0 dB — no red!
Aim for RMS levels between -36 dB to -25 dB
Keep room tone under -60 dB
🎚 Adjust gain:
On your mic (if it has a knob)
Or on your audio interface/computer hardware settings
🧠 Remember: You can always move closer or speak louder/softer. Use your voice like an instrument.
That’s It — You’re Ready to Record!
You now have REAPER set up with all the essentials for audiobook and VO work — including my personal config, plugin suggestions, and optimal audio settings.
🎙 Got questions? Hit me up in the comments or in the Audiobook Guy forums.
💬 Got tips of your own? Share ’em! This community grows stronger when we help each other.
Happy recording!
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