Ready to dive into Strata's multitrack sound effects library? This streamlined guide will walk you through the installation process step by step, to help you get started. If you prefer videos, be sure to check out the  step-by-step “getting started” video tutorial!

Preparing Your System: What You'll Need

Before you begin installing Strata, we recommend you have the following software and tools installed:

• REAPER DAW: Strata is built to work seamlessly with REAPER. If you haven't already, download and install the latest version from their website. Each Strata collection is compatible with the latest REAPER version, and the minimum required version for each collection is specified on each collection's product page. You can find this information on each collection's product page (e.g., to the right of the Physics collection product page, you'll see "REAPER Minimum Version").

• ReaPack (Recommended, but not essential): This package manager provides access to a wealth of third-party extensions and scripts that enhance REAPER's functionality, and Audiokinetic has some great ones (we'll talk about them later on in this article!) Download it here.
• SWS/S&M Extension (Recommended, but not essential): This extension is required for many of Strata's features. You can install it from within REAPER after ReaPack is set up (we'll cover this in Step 2).

Step 1: Configuring REAPER for Strata

Once you have REAPER installed, let's set up a recommended configuration for optimal use with Strata, to disable automatic subproject rendering:

1. In REAPER, right-click on the project tab.
2. Navigate to Subproject rendering.
3. Ensure Do not automatically render subprojects is checked. This prevents unnecessary rendering since pre-rendered sounds are already included in the main project.

Step 2: Installing Recommended REAPER Extensions

The REAPER extensions listed in this section are not essential, but we do recommend them because they add significant flexibility to REAPER and are useful when using Strata.

Install ReaPack:

• Go to ReaPack: Package manager for REAPER to download ReaPack. Refer to the ReaPack User Guide for installation instructions.

Why is ReaPack important for Strata?

ReaPack provides access to powerful third-party tools, including several developed by Audiokinetic specifically for Strata. These can significantly improve your workflow. We’ll go over them all just below.

Add the Audiokinetic Repository to ReaPack:

Once ReaPack is installed, add the Audiokinetic Repository.

1. In the REAPER menu bar, click Extensions > ReaPack > Import Repositories. A dialog opens.
2. In the dialog, insert the URL of Audiokinetic's REAPER Tools repository: https://github.com/Audiokinetic/Reaper-Tools/raw/main/index.xml.
3. Click Ok to complete the import.

Install Audiokinetic Extensions:

1. In the REAPER menu, go to Extensions > ReaPack > Browse Packages. 
2. Filter for “audiokientic” and you’ll see a handful of Audiokinetic-developed extensions and scripts. Install the ones you need. They include:

• ReaWwise: This REAPER extension offers a significant productivity boost for sound designers working with Wwise. Instead of manually transferring and organizing audio, ReaWwise automates the creation of complex Wwise hierarchies and leverages REAPER wildcards for intelligent naming, potentially saving hundreds of hours over the course of a project.
• Strata_Open associated Strata project from selected audio file: makes it easy to jump to a selected audio file’s associated Strata project with the click of a button.
• Open Associated REAPER Project: a script that lets you instantly open the associated REAPER project from Wwise, basehead, Soundly, Soundminer, or Media Explorer, and start playing & editing sound elements directly in REAPER.
• Strata_Copy selection to next project: a REAPER script package that makes it easy to copy items and tracks from one REAPER project to another. 

Filtering for "audiokinetic" will give you a list of all Audiokinetic-developed extensions and scripts.

Install SWS/S&M Extension:

• Once ReaPack is installed, go back to Extensions > ReaPack > Browse Packages.
• Search for "SWS" and install the SWS/S&M extension.

Why install the SWS/S&M extension? 

This extension enables core functionalities that Strata relies on. You can dive into specifics in our documentation.

Step 3: Getting Access to Strata via the Audiokinetic Launcher

Next, let's get you connected to Strata library itself. 

1. Ensure you have a Strata subscription: Whether you're on a free or paid plan, you'll need a subscription. You can subscribe here.
2. Install the Audiokinetic Launcher.
   • Download the Audiokinetic Launcher here.
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Open & Log into the Launcher:
   • Log in using your Strata subscription credentials.
   • Navigate to the Strata Tab. Being signed up as a Strata subscriber means that you will have access to everything you need for Strata from the Launcher.

The Strata Tab in the Audiokinetic Launcher

Step 4: Installing Strata Plug-ins

Strata utilizes specific plug-ins for optimal performance within REAPER:

1. In the Audiokinetic Launcher’s Strata Tab, navigate to Strata Resources > Install Strata Plug-ins.
   
2. Choose the installation option that matches your subscription:
   • Strata (for paid subscribers)
   • Strata Trial (for free subscribers)
3. The Launcher will automatically identify and install the necessary plug-ins to the default VST3 locations on your system.
4. After the installation is complete, rescan your plug-ins in REAPER to ensure they are recognized. You can usually do this in REAPER's Preferences under the VST tab.

In REAPER Preferences, re-scan VST paths for new/modified plug-ins

Strata Plug-ins Overview

This core set of plug-ins is all you require to use Strata. Every collection is designed using them. They are flexible and powerful and are used by different designers in unique ways. Here's a brief overview:

• ENRAGE by BOOM Library: Think of this as the Swiss Army Knife of effects plug-ins, designed by sound designers for sound design. Used extensively throughout Strata, ENRAGE is a mind-blowingly flexible plug-in that can replace 20 plug-ins - all controlled through powerful and intuitive Macro controls.
• IEM Plug-ins: These plug-ins are essential to Strata, playing crucial roles in the Ambisonic workflows of Ambience collections.
• Wwise VST3 Plug-ins: Simple yet efficient, these plug-ins are essential for Strata's operation and enable the simulation of runtime Wwise capabilities within REAPER.

Step 5: Installing a Strata Collection

Now for the exciting part - getting your hands on the sound libraries!

1. Select a Download Directory: Back in the Audiokinetic Launcher, choose a location on your computer where you want to store your Strata collections.
   

   

   In the Launcher, choose a Strata installation path

2. Choose Collections to Download: Select individual collections you're interested in or click Download All to get everything.
3. Monitor Download and Installation Progress: The Launcher will provide real-time feedback on the download and installation progress of each selected collection, clearly indicating when they are complete and ready to use. The downloads occur in the background, so you can begin working with a collection as soon as its installation is finished, even while others continue to download.
4. Access Your Installed Collection: Once the download is complete, click Open Containing Folder to explore the files.
   
   
   
   
5. Review Collection Documentation: You can find additional documentation specific to each collection directly within the Launcher.
   
   
   
   

Final Steps: Explore and Learn!

You’re now ready to explore Strata! 

To continue your learning journey:

• Dive into the official documentation: Strata Installation and Setup Documentation
• Learn more about Strata
• Have questions? Check out the Strata Q&A
• Prefer watching a video? Watch the step-by-step “getting started” video guide.

Check out our other Strata videos for more in-depth tutorials, and subscribe to our Strata newsletter email list to stay informed about the latest collection releases, features, and tips! To do so, on this page, just make sure you toggle the “Strata” email subscription “On”.