Reaper - sensible choice?

I have very limited requirements for a "DAW" - I need a software based hard disk recorder capable of recording 8ch, playing back 8ch for mixdown, and very occasional track editing (nothing more than cutting out dead air, any bad feedback, etc.) I record live acoustic ensembles, from solo piano or acoustic guitar, to small choirs, chamber orchestras or acoutic jazz bands. In simple terms, I need a softare replacement for a 4ch or 8ch recorder. No samples, no synths, no heavy processing. Record, playback (mix and process in analog world) and archive, that's really all I need. How will Reaper work as a software replacement for a DA88 or a 1" 8 track Ampex 440? (FWIW, I already blew a ton of $$$ by investing in a hi tech "world class" dedicated hard disk recorder, but I made the wrong choice. The company produced an incredible sounding product, but they could not support it and went out of business. No more proprietary hardware for me; I just bought a hi-power HP laptop running 64bit Vista and want to find a reliable, not too complex DAW software to use as my multi-track recorder. Will Reaper work in this role? And is it the right choice?) Thanks.

Hi, I'm running reaper in a couple of different roles, one that is just as a 24 track live recorder (for grabbing Direct Out feeds from a FOH desk), and it works flawlessly for me. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it, albeit as long as you can get an 8ch interface that pays nicely with your laptop.

i think reaper would be a most sensible choice for your needs...you have 30 days to try it out for free too, so if you have already decided to get a daw of some kind, id definately try it out before i buy anything else...nothing to loose ;)

Here are some links that might help