Ever wondered about using Mac’s built in Instruments in Reaper?
This is primarily for someone who is used to the functions of reaper and a small knowledge of garageband as it is a bit convoluted and a bit of a niche workaround.
You will need Soundflower here – Download Link
Install and set up aggregate device to include your main device and soundflower.
Open ‘Audio MIDI Setup’
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Tick each audio device you want in aggregate device – make sure you select Soundflower (2ch)
If no aggregate device found create one by clicking ‘+’
Setup IAC Midi bus – call it ‘garageband’
Garageband will automatically see this new input as long as it is online.
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Double Click to Open
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Find the plus button
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Click ‘+’ to add new bus
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Right Click to rename bus
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Make sure ‘Device is online’ is ticked
Setup reaper’s midi –
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Options – Preferences
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Enable midi output
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Setup two tracks in reaper –
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Track 1 Midi Out – route midi out to ‘garageband’
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Select Garageband Midi – Ignore my spelling mistake
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Click I/O Button
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Look for MIDI Hardware Output and choose Apple Inc – IAC Driver – Garageband
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Track 2 Audio In – go to preferences and change audio device to aggregate device.
On track input choose sunflower stereo input, arm track and turn on monitoring
Setup a track in garageband and add an instrument. Garageband should already see your midi connections. We also need to setup audio out so that Reaper can hear it!
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Change audio output to Soundflower(2ch)
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Check that midi inputs are seen…
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Add instrument and test audio.
Now in reaper either play your attached midi keyboard or add a midi item to your garageband output track, add a long note and press play – you should hear something.
If not check all connections and try again.