Is there a simple way to add a lane to a track?

I'm assuming that in this discussion you're talking about using lanes for different parts/instruments, yes, rather than multiple takes of the same part? If so, you might want to try using a folder with a separate child track for each part. Children are automatically routed to the parent folder, so there is no need to create sends, etc. Within the folder, pressing Ctrl T will add another track, broadly equivalent to what you're used to doing to add lanes. You can, of course, also add individual FX to individual tracks if you wish to.

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Not at all dumb, especially as folders in REAPER are different from much other software. Think of a folder as a container. Conceptionally and in overview: Vox Folder --1st Vox item --2nd Vox item --3rd Vox item --etc All audio from child tracks is automatically routed thru folder. You don't need to create sends. Folder FX are applied to the whole mix, individual FX can also be applied to individual tracks. Likewise automation. In this example, create 4 empty tracks (could be any number). Record on each except the first. To the left of track panel is the track number. Below that, a little + sign. Click once here for track 1 to make it a folder. Trick twice on this in track 4 (in this example) to make it the last track. I'd recommend you to check out also at least 5.12 and especially 5.13 of the free User Guide: Comparing this to what you're used to in Mixcraft, broadly speaking REAPER folder behaves like a track, REAPER tracks behave like lanes. In fact, you can even collapse folder tracks and display them as lanes - and open them out again whenever you wish! I'll hazard a guess that if you get used to this way of working you'll be very comfortable with it. One general comment, please don't take it as a criticism. When I first came to REAPER from Cakewalk Sonar twelve years or so ago, at first I wanted everything to behave like Cakewalk: of course I did, that's natural, it's what I knew! It didn't take long before I'd even forgotten how Cakewalk did things! I hope you'll find the same. -

Yes you can, but first you need to absorb a key feature of REAPER. It has literally thousands of commands and actions which you can assign to a shortcut key or add to toolbar or both. This list is opened from the main menu (Actions). There is an action: Item properties: Toggle solo exclusive. You can chain actions together into a multi-command action,eg, Toggle solo on. play, toggle solo off. You can do much more than that. You can assign the action chain as a mouse modifier, so that (say) ctrl alt left click on an item will solo it, play it, then unsolo it again. You can essentially tailor the program pretty to much to suit your own personal needs.

Also, remember, if using folders/child tracks each item is on its own track so you can use track solo!

If I had $10 every time I heard someone say that REAPER can't be any good because it doesn't cost enough, I'd be able to retire to the Bahamas ha ha. It just ain't so: if you search, you'll find plenty more like this: You don't walk away from maybe a $2k plus investment without good reason!

This is not a definitive answer, as this topic is out of my comfort zone: I don't know of any, but I'm wondering if there could be a difference in which FX are processed. Not saying there are, just wondering if ... But honestly, hardware issues are definitely NOT my strong point.

You're welcome. Oh, and don't forget that with folder/child tracks you shouldn't need item solo, track solo will do the same job.

You can set up mute buttons for items in preferences. Re the mind boggling thousands of actions: With SWS extensions installed go to action list> in the filter search for 'play cursor'. There's a few actions there for solo-ing items/tracks from/under mouse or edit cursor (can toggle or play till shortcut released). Assign action to a shortcut. That all might seem fiddly at first but once set up it's quick and very handy in any scenario.