Convert WAV to REX

Source format: wav

WAV (or WAVE) is a common uncompressed audio format used for editing, production, and archiving. It is widely supported and is often the best source format when you want to create a loop-based file because it preserves the original audio before slicing or processing.

Target format: rex

REX is a loop-oriented audio format created for Propellerhead ReCycle and used in the Reason ecosystem. It stores slice and timing information so loops can follow tempo changes without losing rhythmic alignment. In practice, you may see .rex or .rex2 files, depending on the version and the software that will open them.

How to convert wav to rex

The most reliable way to create a REX file from a WAV file is to use ReCycle, the original slicing tool for this format. A WAV file is not usually “converted” into REX in a simple one-step export; instead, the audio is analyzed, sliced, and then saved as a loop file with embedded timing data.

1. Open ReCycle.
2. Choose File → Open and select your .wav file.
3. Let ReCycle detect transients and create slice markers automatically.
4. Adjust the slice markers manually if the detection is not accurate.
5. Set the loop tempo and length if the source is a rhythmic loop.
6. Choose File → Save As or File → Export, then select REX or REX2 if available.
7. Save the output as .rex or .rex2, depending on the format supported by your target software.

If you work in Reason, you can also use Dr. Octo Rex and related devices to load loop material in a REX-based workflow. However, ReCycle remains the direct tool for creating REX files from WAV.

Online converter options

There are very few reputable online converters that output REX files. REX is a specialized proprietary loop format, so most web-based audio converters support only common formats such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, or AAC. If you need a REX file, a desktop application is usually required.

If you only need to prepare the source audio first, reputable online converters such as CloudConvert or Convertio can convert audio to .wav, but they generally do not create .rex files. After that, use ReCycle or compatible desktop software to make the REX loop.

Compatibility and limitations

REX is not a general-purpose audio format. It is designed for sliced loops, drum patterns, and rhythmic phrases, not for full songs or archival storage. The source WAV works best when it is a clean loop with clear transients and a steady tempo.

REX and REX2 are not identical. REX2 is the newer variant and is often preferred, but support depends on the DAW, sampler, or plugin you use. Before exporting, confirm that your destination software can read the version you create.

If your WAV file is not a loop, you can still open it in ReCycle, but the resulting REX file may not be useful. For best results, trim the audio to a rhythmic section first and make sure the loop starts and ends cleanly.