Tyler Wynn
Reaper is a digital audio workstation software by Cockos Inc. that can be used to play piano sounds through a MIDI keyboard. While Reaper does not come with its own sounds, it includes a set of plugins that can be used to create piano sounds. Users can also download free or paid VSTs (virtual studio technology) that emulate the sound of different pianos. Some popular VST options include Spitfire Labs Soft Piano, Pianoteq, and Addictive Keys. Additionally, users can connect their digital pianos to Reaper using a USB connector, although some have reported issues with Reaper not detecting their piano.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Piano VST recommendations | Spitfire Labs soft piano, Casio CDP 135 digital piano, Pianoteq, Addictive Keys, Yamaha YC-30, VOX Continental, Jaguar, Farfisa |
| MIDI piano | Casio CDP 135 digital piano, Kawai ES110, HP302 Roland digital piano |
| Reaper piano track | Assign a VSTi to the FX on the piano track, record arm it, use Reaper's built-in ReaSynth |
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What You'll Learn
Reaper has built-in piano sounds
Reaper is a digital audio workstation (DAW) software by Cockos Inc. that can be used to record and edit audio. While Reaper does not come with built-in piano sounds, it can be used to record audio from a physical piano or MIDI keyboard.
To use Reaper with a digital piano or MIDI keyboard, you need to connect the device to your computer. Some digital pianos, such as the Casio CDP 135 and Kawai ES110, can be connected via USB or Bluetooth MIDI. Once connected, you can use Reaper to record and edit the audio from your instrument.
If you want to use piano sounds within Reaper without recording from a physical instrument, you will need to use a virtual instrument plugin. Reaper does include a built-in virtual instrument called ReaSynth, which can be used to create a basic 8-bit synth sound. However, for more realistic piano sounds, you may want to explore third-party VST plugins.
There are several free and paid VST plugins available that offer a range of piano sounds. For example, Spitfire Labs offers a free soft piano VST that has been recommended by Reaper users. Other options include Addictive Keys, which has a demo version, and Pianoteq, which also offers a free demo.
It's worth noting that using VST plugins may require some additional setup and configuration within Reaper. You may need to assign the VST to your FX on the piano track and ensure you have the proper output device selected in the Audio Devices settings.
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Using a digital piano as a MIDI keyboard
Reaper is a digital audio workstation software that comes with some stock plugins, but users have to bring their own sounds and additional plugins. While it is possible to play the piano through Reaper, it is unclear whether it comes with any piano sounds.
Digital pianos can be used as MIDI controllers, and this is a common practice among musicians, especially pianists. MIDI is a language that allows one device to control another. By tapping into the MIDI capabilities of a digital piano, you can connect it to external devices and software. This enables you to control and combine hardware and software synths, forge efficient workflows with sound libraries, and access recording opportunities with synth emulations. For example, you can connect your digital piano to a computer via Bluetooth MIDI, as one user did with their Kawai ES110.
To use a digital piano as a MIDI controller, ensure that it has MIDI capabilities. Once connected to an external device, pressing a key on your piano will send a message to that device, specifying the pitch and velocity. You can use tools like Audio MIDI Setup on Mac or MIDI OX on Windows to configure your MIDI implementation and for troubleshooting.
If you are a producer or multi-instrumentalist, a dedicated MIDI controller may be a better option as it offers features that a digital piano does not, such as drum pads, knobs, faders, and assignable controls. These allow for more control over various aspects of your DAW and virtual instruments. Additionally, a MIDI controller is usually more portable than a digital piano.
Some recommended MIDI controllers include the Arturia Minilab Mk 2, which includes a drum pad, and the AKAI MPK 225, which offers a mod wheel, pitch bend, aftertouch, and knobs. If you are looking for a full-sized weighted keyboard, the Korg digital piano and the Yamaha DP can also be used as MIDI controllers.
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Free VST piano plugins
There are a variety of free VST piano plugins available. VST plugins are virtual studio technology used to record and create music. VST piano plugins can be used to digitally replicate the sound of a piano.
Reaper is a digital audio workstation software that supports VST plugins. While Reaper does include some stock plugins, users have noted that they are basic and that they need to bring their own sounds and plugins.
- Spitfire Labs Soft Piano: This VST plugin is noted for its warm and subdued sound, recorded with a felt-tipped piano and high-end Scheps microphones. It is available in VST and AU plugin formats.
- Upright Piano by 99Sounds: This VST plugin is based on a set of samples recorded by Rudi Fiasco. It can sound realistic or lo-fi depending on user preference.
- Grand Piano by Audiolatry: This VST plugin features the sound of a Yamaha C5 Grand Piano, recorded using two AKG c414 condenser microphones. It reproduces sampled piano sounds and key release noises, offering a realistic and expressive musical experience.
- Attic Grand by The Crow Hill Company: This VST plugin offers a unique, intimate piano tone. The piano was recorded with the celeste pedal down, resulting in a dreamy and nostalgic sound.
- DSK Grand Piano: This is a classic free piano VST that is easy to use and gets the job done. It is available for Windows and Mac (32 and 64 bit). However, some users have noted that certain notes can distort and the low end can get jumbled.
- Versilian Upright: This VST plugin is praised for its realistic sound, with the option to add reverb and sustain. It is a simple download and is worth trying out.
- Pianoteq: While the basic version of Pianoteq costs €125, it offers a free demo with amazing piano sounds and expressiveness. It also works on Linux and Raspberry Pi.
These are just a few examples of the many free VST piano plugins available for Reaper. Each plugin has its own unique features and sounds, so it's worth experimenting to find the one that best suits your needs.
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VST piano recommendations
VST, or Virtual Studio Technology, is a software plugin that can be used with audio workstations to create music. VST plugins can emulate the sounds of different musical instruments, including the piano.
Reaper is a digital audio workstation that does not come with its own sounds or plugins. However, it is compatible with various VST plugins that can be downloaded and used to play piano sounds.
- Spitfire Labs Soft Piano: This VST plugin is free and has been recommended by multiple users. It offers a great piano sound that can be used in Reaper.
- Pianoteq: This VST plugin has a free demo version and is known for its expressive and realistic piano sound. The basic version is priced at 125€. Pianoteq uses physical modelling to keep the file size small while delivering a high-quality piano sound.
- Addictive Keys: This VST plugin offers a great-sounding upright piano and has been recommended by users.
- Noire: This VST plugin has been praised by users for its smooth and unique piano sound. It pairs well with the Raum reverb plugin.
- Ivory II Studio Grands: This VST plugin features two studio grand pianos: the Steinway B and the Bösendorfer 225. These pianos are multisampled and offer a detailed and accurate representation of the original instruments.
- Garritan's Abbey Road Studios CFX Concert Grand: This VST plugin delivers the sound of a legendary concert grand piano, offering an amazing and authentic piano experience.
When choosing a VST piano plugin, it is important to consider your musical style and preferences. If you are a classically trained pianist, you may prefer a sample-based VST that accurately emulates high-end pianos. On the other hand, if you are an electronic music producer, you may want a modelled piano plugin that offers a mix of traditional and non-traditional piano sounds. Additionally, some VST plugins are free, while others require a one-time or subscription-based payment.
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How to get a piano to be detected by Reaper
To get a piano to be detected by Reaper, you can try the following methods:
Using a MIDI Keyboard
Firstly, ensure that your piano is connected to your computer via MIDI. This can be done by running an audio cable from the line out or headphone out on your piano to the line in jack on your sound card. This will transmit the audio signal from your piano into your computer.
Next, open Reaper and go to Options > Preferences > Device. Select ASIO or another option under Audio System. Then, under Input Device, select your piano from the list, such as Casio Privia. Insert a track and set the input to MIDI.
Using a VST Plugin
Another method is to use a Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugin. You can download a free or paid VST plugin for piano and add it to Reaper's plugin folder. Then, create a new track in Reaper and assign the VST plugin to the FX on the piano track. Record-arm the track, and you will be able to hear the VST as you play your MIDI keyboard.
Some recommended VST plugins for piano include Spitfire Labs Soft Piano, Addictive Keys, and Pianoteq.
Troubleshooting MIDI Connection
If Reaper does not recognize the MIDI signal from your piano, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. Ensure that your piano is connected to your computer via MIDI and that the MIDI input is selected in Reaper's preferences. Check the settings on your USB audio interface to allow MIDI input.
Additionally, try disabling the "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth" output and changing the ID mapping from 0 to 1. Disable any power-saving options that may interrupt the MIDI connection.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your piano detected by Reaper and start creating music!
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Frequently asked questions
Reaper does not come with any built-in sounds or loops. However, it does include some solid stock plugins and a built-in virtual instrument called ReaSynth, which can give you an 8-bit synth sound.
You can use a MIDI keyboard or digital piano as an input device for Reaper. You will need to assign a VSTi (a virtual instrument) to your FX on the piano track and then record arm it. Alternatively, you can take a line out from your instrument to get the sound directly.
Yes, there are several VSTs available for piano in Reaper. Some options include Spitfire Labs Soft Piano, Addictive Keys, and Pianoteq. You can also use your existing piano as an external FX.
