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’
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.40.43.png)
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.
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.32.32.png)
Double Click to Open
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.33.06.png)
Find the plus button
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.33.27.png)
Click ‘+’ to add new bus
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.33.20.png)
Right Click to rename bus
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.33.15.png)
Make sure ‘Device is online’ is ticked
Setup reaper’s midi –
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.22.38.png)
Options – Preferences
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.22.26.png)
Enable midi output
Setup two tracks in reaper –
Track 1 Midi Out – route midi out to ‘garageband’
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-09.42.56.png)
Select Garageband Midi – Ignore my spelling mistake
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.26.45.png)
Click I/O Button
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.29.20.png)
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!
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.39.02.png)
Change audio output to Soundflower(2ch)
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.39.07.png)
Check that midi inputs are seen…
![](https://untidymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-27-at-11.39.14.png)
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.