A hardware controller with a few faders is fast to touch but slow to navigate. Keep a phone or tablet next to it with the free MixSurface mixer: build a layer for each group of tracks, and set the visibility link to Drive REAPER’s mixer. Each layer tap then sets REAPER’s mixer to show only that layer’s tracks. A controller that follows REAPER’s visible mixer tracks then banks over that layer only.
- In the Mixer, tap + on the layer rail and choose New layer.
- Name the layer, tap the tracks you want in it, and tap Save. Repeat for each group: drums, vocals, FX returns.
- Tap Visible in the top bar and choose Drive REAPER’s mixer. The button reads Visible: Surface.
- Tap a layer on the rail. REAPER’s mixer now shows only that layer’s tracks.
- Bank and ride on the controller. Tap another layer when you need other tracks.
- Tap ALL to show every track in REAPER’s mixer again.
Each layer tap lands as one undo step in REAPER, so one undo at the computer puts the old view back. Only REAPER’s mixer changes; the arrange window is left alone.
If it doesn’t work
- The controller still shows every track. Not every controller follows REAPER’s mixer visibility. Check your controller’s REAPER integration for an option to skip hidden mixer tracks.
- REAPER’s mixer did not change. Nothing is written until you tap a layer. Tap the layer again to push it.
- The tap was refused. Tracks were added or deleted at the computer. The app refreshes; tap the layer again.
- Two tablets keep changing the view. Two devices in this mode fight, and the last tap wins. Let one device drive.