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Simple Reaper Tutorial: Editing a DJ Mixtape (Beginner Level)

🟢 Step 1: Import Your Mixtape

Open Reaper.

Drag your MP3 file (the mix) into the timeline.

Press Spacebar to listen and check for any issues like volume dips or distortion.

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🎧 Step 2: Add Gentle Mastering FX

Click the FX button on the mixtape track.

Add two built-in effects:

ReaComp (for dynamics)

JS: Master Limiter (to prevent clipping)

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📉 ReaComp Settings (Control Loudness)

Ratio: 2:1

Threshold: Drag until gain reduction meter shows ~2–4 dB on loud parts

Attack: 10 ms, Release: 100 ms

This helps even out the mix and smooth track transitions.

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🚫 JS: Master Limiter

Add JS: Master Limiter at the end of the FX chain.

Set Ceiling to -1.0 dB – this avoids distortion on SoundCloud.

Leave other settings default unless mix peaks too high.

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📏 Step 3: Normalize the Volume (Peak Only)

Select your mix item → press F2 to open Item Properties.

Click Normalize. This raises the volume to max without clipping.

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🔈 Tip: Manual Gain Adjustment

If the mix is still too quiet or loud:

Hover over the top of the audio item and drag the volume handle up or down.

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📤 Step 4: Export Your Final Mixtape

Go to File > Render

Set:

Source: Master mix

Bounds: Entire project

Output format:

Or MP3 (CBR 320 kbps) — if you want smaller file size

Click Render.

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✅ Summary: DJ Mixtape Workflow in Reaper

Table 1

Table 1

Task

Action

Import Mix

Drag MP3 into timeline

Compression

ReaComp to smooth transitions

Limiting

JS: Master Limiter, ceiling -1 dB

Normalize

Use Item Properties > Normalize

Export

WAV (preferred), or MP3 (320 kbps)

There are no rows in this table

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