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’
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.
Double Click to Open
Find the plus button
Click ‘+’ to add new bus
Right Click to rename bus
Make sure ‘Device is online’ is ticked
Setup reaper’s midi –
Options – Preferences
Enable midi output
Setup two tracks in reaper –
Track 1 Midi Out – route midi out to ‘garageband’
Select Garageband Midi – Ignore my spelling mistake
Click I/O Button
Look for MIDI Hardware Output and choose Apple Inc – IAC Driver – Garageband
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!
Change audio output to Soundflower(2ch)
Check that midi inputs are seen…
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.