How To Export Multitracks In REAPER
If you’re sending a REAPER session off for mixing, the main thing you need is one clearly named audio file per track, exported in a format that will open cleanly and in sync when imported into the mix engineer's DAW.
Before exporting, make sure you have properly prepared your multitracks for mixing. If you need help with that first, read Preparing Your Multitracks For Mixing.
How To Export Your Multitracks
1. Select the tracks you want to export
In the Arrange View, select the tracks you want to send for mixing.
2. Make a time selection across the full song
Create a time selection that covers the full section you want to export.
This matters because it helps make sure all of the exported files line up properly when imported into another DAW.
3. Open the render window
Go to File > Render.
4. Set the source to Stems (Selected Tracks)
In the render window, set Source to Stems (selected tracks).
This tells REAPER to create one separate file for each of the tracks you selected.
5. Set the output format
Choose WAV or AIFF as the output format.
Either is fine for sending multitracks to a mix engineer.
6. Choose your bit depth
Select 24-bit, unless you explicitly recorded at, or only used samples that are 16-bit. If you are unsure, pick 24-bit.
7. Use the project’s native sample rate
This is usually 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but it can be other rates too, such as 96 kHz or even 192 kHz. The important thing is simply to export at whatever sample rate the project is already set to, so make sure Use project sample rate is enabled.
8. Include tails if needed
If any of the tracks need their reverb tail, delay tail, release tail or other natural ring-out to carry through properly, turn on 2nd pass render.
9. Leave Normalize off
Leave any normalization or limiting options off so REAPER does not automatically change the level of your exported files.
10. Choose where to save the exported files
Pick a folder location you can easily find again, then click Render.
What To Check Before Sending
Once REAPER has exported the files, open the folder and give it a quick check.
Make sure:
The expected tracks are all there
The file names are clear
Everything starts from the same point
Nothing has been cut off
If you are sending the tracks to a mix engineer, it is also a good idea to include a rough mix alongside the exported files.
Upload Your Multitracks
Once you have finished your export, you can upload your multitracks on my file upload page and I’ll have a listen and get back to you with the next steps.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to send me a message via the contact page.