To disable monitoring in REAPER, open the ‘Options’ drop-down menu and select ‘Preferences’>’ Track/Send Defaults.’ Next, open the ‘Record config’ pop-up menu and de-select ‘Monitor Input.’ You can also disable monitoring on a track-by-track basis by toggling through each track’s ‘Record Monitoring’ button.
Disabling Monitoring In REAPER
Having input monitoring enabled while trying to record a track can distract some music producers. This will be different depending on the type of audio signal you are trying to record and what kind of track you are working on.
Knowing how to disable input monitoring is an essential piece of information for any competent music producer. It will allow you to have more control over your recording process.
I will show you how to disable monitoring in REAPER in this step-by-step guide!
What You Will Need
Thankfully, the only thing you will need to complete this tutorial is the REAPER DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) itself.
Step One – Changing Your Settings
To disable input monitoring in REAPER, all we need to do is change a few settings around.
First, open up your settings by selecting Options>Preferences.
Now that you have opened up the Preferences menu select Track/Send Defaults. This is where you will access a lot of your input signal and recording settings.
Click on the pop-up menu for Record config and de-select Monitor Input to disable monitoring.
With our input monitoring now globally disabled, any new audio track that we add to our project will automatically turn off input monitoring.
However, changing these settings will not affect any tracks already in your project, only the ones you add-in.
Don’t worry, though; disabling input monitoring for individual tracks in REAPER is also very easy.
Step Two – Disabling Input Monitoring For Individual Tracks
Now that we have input monitoring globally disabled in REAPER, any new tracks that we add to our project will have input monitoring turned off.
For example, let’s say that you want to disable monitoring for any tracks that were already in your REAPER project.
To do this, all you have to do is click the Record Monitoring button on any given track to toggle through the different input monitoring options.
Disable input monitoring on the track by toggling to Record Monitoring: OFF. This will disable input monitoring for that individual track.
Why Disable Input Monitoring?
The reason to disable input monitoring while working on a track is that it can be distracting to hear certain instruments through your headphones while recording them. These instruments can compete with and drown out the music you are recording to.
A good example of when this might happen is if you are recording an electric guitar in the same room as the guitar amp. This is because the guitar amp will be loud enough to hear outside of your headphones, so there is no need for more guitar in your headphones.
As you record, this will save room in the mix to hear the drums, bass, etc.
Another few instances where you might want to disable input monitoring are recording acoustic drums or vocals. This will, of course, vary depending on the producer or performer. Still, either way, it is essential to know how to disable direct monitoring in REAPER.
Related Questions
How Do You Mute a Track in REAPER?
To mute a track in REAPER, simply click the mute button located under the track name. The mute button is labeled with a capital M. You can also mute multiple tracks at once by selecting all of the tracks you want to mute and then clicking the mute button on anyone.
How Do You Solo a Track in REAPER?
To solo a track in REAPER, you have to click the solo button, which you can find under the track’s name. This button is labeled with a capital S. You can also solo multiple tracks simultaneously by selecting all of the tracks at once and clicking the solo button on any of the tracks.
What Is Digital Audio Latency?
Digital audio latency is a delay between what you are recording into your audio interface or computer and what you are hearing through your headphones/speakers. Digital audio latency makes it almost impossible to record on time and dramatically affects your music production. Click here to learn how to fix latency in REAPER.
Does My Microphone Need a Driver to Work Properly?
Most microphones will not require any type of driver to work with your computer. However, if you have a USB microphone that plugs directly into your computer, it may need a driver to work properly. If this is the case, the manufacturer should provide you with a download link for the correct driver.
Is an Audio Interface An Important piece of Gear for A Music Producer?
Yes, having an audio device that you can use to record a microphone, such as an audio interface, is very important for a music producer. In my opinion, some of the essential pieces of gear for any beginning music producer are a computer, an audio interface, a digital audio workstation, headphones or monitors, a microphone, and a VST plugin or two.
Not sure what audio interface to buy? Click here and check out our Top 12 Sound Cards for Music Production.
Not sure what plugins to use in REAPER? Click here to check out our Best Plugins For REAPER Guide.
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