Faq: 

–Which subjects do you actually treat?

Using the DAW Reaper, we will go through the basic settings to get a signal from the microphone, via the soundcard, into Reaper, and back to the speakers or headphones. We will explain and demonstrate the important windows and functions which are needed to make certain settings, record, edit and mix. We will discuss signal routing (track grouping), using effects as inserts on channels (such as EQ and Dynamics processing), using effects on aux channels (such as reverb and delay). We will go over equalising, dynamics processing, spatial processing, different types of microphones, microphone choice and positioning, editing, making a loop, making a tempo track with a recorded performance which was done without a click. 

-What is the language used?

Depending on the group, the lessons will be done in English, Dutch or Greek. However, a lot of the terminology is in English, and for those who will want to look up more details on a specific topic afterwards, there is an abundance of information available online on Reaper, and music production in general, in English.

-Do I need to bring any equipment for the workshop?

No, we have two computers with a soundcard, microphone, headphones and speakers. You don’t’ need to bring any equipment. 

-Will we work with midi?

Not really, there is nothing wrong with working with midi, but this workshop aims to explore the basics of AUDIO recording, editing and mixing. Many of these principles apply to virtual instruments as well, but that’s not within the scope of this workshop. 

-Why do I need to bring my instrument?

Since the workshop is aimed at musicians who want to record themselves, the lessons are set up practically: in a group of 3, each participant will take turns to play something in front of a microphone (musician role), or to place a microphone or operate Reaper (sound engineer), and in between one of the three will observe. Like this, everyone gets to do practically what we discuss at the introduction of each lesson, and everyone also has a chance to think about it and observe how the others do it. 
Playing something on an instrument is an important part of it. This will not be prepared (except for the final production), so it can be someone just plays some chords on a guitar in a rhythm, someone else plays an improvised melody over it. Someone else plays some percussion. 

-After the workshop, back at home, what do I need to do all that we learned on my own?

You need:
-a computer or laptop which can run Reaper, 
-a simple sound card (such as a Focusrite Scarlett, or an SSL2 or UAD Volt etc)
-a microphone (either a dynamic such as an SM57, or a budget pencil mic  like Lewitt LCT040 – or even a large diaphragm microphone such as Rode NT1A – there are many options these days.)
-a pair of studio headphones (Beyerdynamic DT770 is very popular, or Sennheiser HD600, but there are many more affordable options too)
-a small set of speakers – if the headphones are good then the speakers are less important. Headphones could be enough!
-some cables to connect it all

-Is Reaper free?

No and yes.. you can use it for free but will be asked at every startup to buy a license. Since their pricing is the best of any DAW manufacturer out there, I think they count on everyone buying a license at some point. A standard license is 60 euros. 
In any case, there is only one version of Reaper. Whether you buy the license or not, it all works with complete functionality. Reaper is not a ‘budget daw’ – it has some of the most sophisticated functions of any DAW, is not heavy on the computer (small installer too), works with any sound card, and doesn’t try to sell you other things. 

–Do I need to buy other effects or plugins than Reaper?

There are many plugins included in reaper. The one thing we are not very keen on is the basic reverb possibilities. 
The first thing I would advise people is to look at some extra reverb plugins. There are many excellent ones around, and not very expensive, for instance Valhalla Verb. 
Otherwise, some basic plugins we would advise are:
-Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR limiter GE6 (very useful compressor / clipper / peak limiter)
-Soundtoys Echoboy (nice vintage sounding delay / echo plugin)
-Liquid Sonics Seventh Heaven (reverb)
But excellent work can be done in Reaper without any of these. 
Some sound cards also come with some bundled plugins. Often they will include some guitar amp simulator, a version of Melodyne, a reverb, some channel strip or compressor. 

-Where can I stay?

Downtown Arta there are two hotels, they are both at walking distance of the studio: Picadilly House is one, Cronos is the other. There are a few more hotels outside of Arta but you will need to use public transport or Taxi service to get there. There are also several AirBnB places in Arta

-Is there anything to see around Arta?

Arta is a small town, with some historical buildings, an old castle wall from the 12th century and a historical bridge. Nearby is the small island Koronisia in the Amvrakikos sea. A bit further out is the Ionian sea, which has a beautiful coast with many great spots for swimming with clean deep blue waters. In the other direction are the mountains, within one hour of driving you can be at an altitude of over 1000 meters. 

We will arrange the program so that the morning session is done at 13:00 the latest, and the evening session starts at 19:00. This way you can take advantage of the environment, go for a trip, even go for a swim if you like, and get back relaxed and refreshed for the next session.