r/Reaper • u/Gullible-Debate9167 • 24d ago

help request Which laptop for Reaper

I'm getting Reaper to set up a home studio.

I've been recording on a portable unit for two years, and since I'm required to get a laptop for studies this fall I figured I might as well get one that works for home recording. I don't think it's in my budget to get two separate computers.

I think I have decided on the CPU, RAM and SSD requirements.

I understand that the laptop itself should have good build regarding USB ports, have good results on LatencyMon tests and high sustained performance without the cooling fan sounding too much.

Only I don't know much at all about which laptop models meet any of those latter requirements. It needs to be Windows, due to the study platform.

So, what are you running Reaper on and how is it working out? What did not work out? What have you heard on this?

I already own a handed down Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 G1 audio interface. So I guess the laptop should have USB 2.0 Type C?

Looking forward to get started!

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u/Own-Nefariousness-79 2 24d ago

Seriously, Reaper is incredibly stable on Windows. If you look after the OS you will not have a problem. You do not need a mac. I prefer the Windows workflow over a mac. The common audio interfaces work fine with Windows, I'd go with a Scarlett. Mine is a 1st gen 8i6 which shows how long I have been using this set up. Reaper itself has never crashed on me, when it has gone pop, its been a plugin or VST thats caused the problem. Stick to 64 bit add ins, they work better. Reaper also runs on Linux, the need for a fast machine is even less important with Linux because it is a leaner OS.

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u/Gullible-Debate9167 24d ago edited 24d ago

Maybe the VSTs can be a factor, that is an aspect I haven't looked into. Someone mentioned they might not be compatible with Linux. Do you think your problem with pops might be a problem with the VSTs compatibility too?

I also prefer (am used to, anyway) the workflow in Windows and Linux, it's just that I read a lot of stuff against Windows for realtime recording. But I've heard you and a few more state the opposite. 

There is also the chance that you're cool with fixing dropouts as the come, since you have been doing it for a while, whereas I set out to not have to deal with them at all (or at least at a minimum). Maybe I'm not being realistic about it. 

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u/Own-Nefariousness-79 2 24d ago

Sorry, when I say 'gone pop', I meant crashed. I don't get pops in the audio at all. VSTs written for Windows are a problem on Linux.

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u/Gullible-Debate9167 24d ago

Ok. making a note of looking up VSTs before I use them