If you’re brand new to music production and you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get started, this post on using Reaper plugins is for you.
Let me just say — Reaper will always have a special place in my heart.
I love the open-source feel of the DAW, the company’s overall philosophy and generosity, and Reaper’s incredibly supportive and creative community.
I’ve used Reaper to produce video game soundtracks, record singer-songwriter tracks, and even edit videos from time to time.
But for all Reaper’s benefits, one thing it does not do is hold your hand. And opening up the software for the first time can be very overwhelming, especially for folks who aren’t natural tinkerers.
But if you’re willing to dig a bit, Reaper is home to some perfectly good built-in plugins that can give you everything you need to produce amazing music.
Heck, between you, me, and the rest of the internet, I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on mixing plugins, and sometimes I still reach for the stock Reaper alternatives.
In this comprehensive post, we’ll explore all the best plugins for Reaper, what they do, and how to find free alternatives for popular plugins so money is never an obstacle to your creativity.
We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
How to add plugins to Reaper
Before we get into the good stuff, let’s talk about the logistics of how to add plugins to Reaper.
Here’s the process:
- Open the Preferences window via Options -> Preferences
- In the left-hand pane, scroll down to VST
- The path field is where Reaper will search for plugins
- Make sure to extract your plugin files into one of those folder paths
- Click “Re-scan” to add the plugin to your Reaper plugin index
How to open plugins in Reaper
Once your plugins have been added to Reaper, you can now open and use them.
To do that:
- Right-click the Track area and click “Insert virtual instrument on new track…”
- Select your VST
- Alternatively, you can click the “FX” button on any track and delete or add VSTs to your liking
How to disable plugins in Reaper
In Reaper, you can disable all plugins on a track by clicking the power button on that specific track.
If you want to disable specific plugins, click the FX button to reveal the FX window and un-check the boxes of whatever plugins you want to bypass.
Best Reaper plugins
Alright, now that we’ve covered the logistics of manipulating Reaper plugins, let’s dive into some of the best Reaper plugins for producing music.
Reaper stock plugins
When you install Reaper, it will ask if you’d like to install Reaper’s stock plugins.
Reaper comes pre-loaded with some incredible stock plugins, including mixing plugins and some powerful utility plugins.
Here are some of the best ones:
ReaComp
ReaComp is a compressor-limiter plugin that’s perfect for taming dynamic range, controlling volume levels, and adding punch.
You can choose from several predefined compression styles or dig into the parameters to craft your own unique compression sound.
If you’re unfamiliar with compression, check out Saher Galt’s tutorial, which to me is the best explanation for beginners:
ReaControlMIDI
ReaControlMIDI is a powerful MIDI control plugin that allows you to easily map any knob, slider, or button on your MIDI controller to any parameter in the DAW.
With ReaControlMIDI, you can create custom mappings for any plugin or control surface and quickly recall them with just one click.
ReaDelay
ReaDelay is an incredibly flexible delay plugin with a ton of options. It can be used for everything from subtle ambiances to wild soundscapes, plus it even has built-in modulation and randomization controls.
Plus, with ReaDelay’s low CPU usage, you can use dozens of instances without bogging down your system.
ReaEQ
ReaEQ is a powerful equalizer plugin that’s perfect for mixing, mastering, and sound design. It has a ton of filters and modulations to shape any source into something unique and inspiring.
Plus, ReaEQ’s zero-latency mode makes it perfect for live performance or tracking vocals.
It’s also one of the Reaper plugins that can be docked in the track and adjusted on-the-fly.
ReaFir
ReaFir is a great-sounding linear phase EQ that’s perfect for delicate mastering tasks. It has high and low pass filters, plus a ton of other tools to refine any track.
Plus, with ReaFir’s fast processing time, you can get excellent results quickly with minimal CPU load.
One of the best features of ReaFir is its built-in noise reduction feature.
To access it, click the Mode drop-down and select Subtract. From there, check the “Automatically build noise profile…” tickbox and play a few seconds of noise.
From there, you can dial in your noise reduction and remove a lot of problematic audio from recordings. This comes in very handy when editing podcasts.
ReaGate
ReaGate is a great plugin for gating drums, vocal tracks, and more. It has several simple controls to quickly shape your sound with minimal effort.
A gate in audio production is a tool that automatically mutes a signal when its volume falls below a certain threshold. Gating is great for cleaning up noise, controlling dynamic range, and preserving the integrity of your sound.
ReaGate also has built-in sidechaining which makes it perfect for ducking effects or creating rhythmic stutters in the mix.
ReaInsert
ReaInsert is a versatile plugin that can be used for routing audio, sidechaining, and more. It’s incredibly useful for quickly setting up complex signal chains without fumbling through multiple menus.
For example, you could use ReaInsert to route all of your drums to one channel, then send that channel to a compressor and reverb.
You can also use ReaInsert to route a signal to multiple plugins at once or create complex sidechain setups for creative ducking effects.
ReaLimit
ReaLimit is an easy-to-use limiter plugin that can help you maintain a balanced signal and keep your mixes sounding loud and clear.
The attack and release controls are nice and simple, plus there’s also a ceiling knob to determine the maximum output volume.
With ReaLimit, it’s easy to get consistent results without having to worry about overloading your master bus.
ReaNINJAM
ReaNINJAM is a great plugin for creating real-time jams over the internet. It’s one of those lesser-known plugins that make Reaper so special.
It streams audio from multiple participants and combines them into one master track.
You can also record your jam sessions to quickly capture inspiration or export your finished tracks right away.
Plus, ReaNINJAM includes built-in tools for mixing, filtering, and EQing your audio.
Whether you’re jamming with friends or collaborating on a project from halfway around the world, ReaNINJAM makes it easy to capture the moment.
ReaPitch
ReaPitch is a great plugin for creating harmonies and other pitch-based effects. It can also be used to correct any off-pitched notes in a recording.
It has a simple control panel with all the essential controls, plus it comes with several creative presets that can help you jumpstart your creativity.
ReaPitch is also great for creating a variety of vocal effects including vocal doubling and robotic sounds. And with its zero-latency processing, it’s perfect for live performances.
ReaStream
ReaStream is another plug-in that makes Reaper so unique. It allows you to easily stream audio directly from your computer or other devices over the internet in real time.
You can use ReaStream for remote recording, podcasting, live streaming, and more.
Plus, it’s compatible with several popular streaming services like Twitch, YouTube Live, and SoundCloud.
ReaStream makes it easy to quickly get up and running with minimal setup time.
ReaVocode
ReaVocode is an easy-to-use vocoder plugin for creating classic robotic and voice effects. It has a simple user interface and comes with several built-in presets.
Plus, its low latency processing allows you to use it in live performances without any noticeable delay.
ReaVocode is great for adding character to your mixes and creating unique sound design elements. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something to add an extra sparkle to your tracks.
ReaVoice
ReaVoice is a MIDI-controlled multi-voice pitch shifter. You can use it in conjunction with a recorded vocal track to create pitch-shift harmonies.
Here’s a great video of ReaVoice in action by the legendary Reaper teacher, Kenny Gioia:
ReaXcomp
ReaXcomp is a multi-band compressor plugin that allows you to attenuate or boost frequencies in a particular range.
This is particularly useful when mixing vocals, as it allows you to reduce any problem frequencies that may be causing issues in the mix.
For example, let’s say you have a vocal take that has a lot of sibilance in the higher frequencies. With ReaXcomp, you can attenuate just those problem frequencies and make them less audible in the mix.
In addition to frequency attenuation, ReaXcomp also has features such as automatic gain compensation and look-ahead limiting, which allow you to further refine your mixes.
ReaSamplOmatic5000
ReaSamplOmatic5000 is a powerful sample playback plugin for Reaper. It includes all the key features of a sampler such as envelope controls, pitch shifting, and more.
I’ve built several custom drum samplers using SamplOmatic, especially for retro soundtracks.
Plus, it comes with several creative presets to help you quickly get started.
Whether you’re creating sound design elements or layering samples for your mix, ReaSamplOmatic5000 is a great tool for achieving amazing results.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to bring samples into your productions, this plugin is definitely worth checking out.
Reaper instrument plugins
Reaper synth plugins
One of the few downsides of Reaper is that it does not come with a lot of instrument plugins, so if you want to make noise you’ll have to find plugins from other sources.
ReaSynth is one of the few (if only) synth plugins for Reaper, but it’s extremely basic.
There are many things it cannot do, but for understanding the basics of synthesis and sound design, it’s a great start.
For more advanced sound design and synthesis capabilities, you’ll have to look elsewhere for instrument plugins.
TAL – NoiseMaker
This is a great virtual instrument from Togu Audio Line that is free to download and use.
It uses subtractive synthesis and contains several high-quality sounds.
It also has a simple user interface, so you can quickly create new sounds without having to dive deep into sound design theory.
Plus, it does not require any additional plugins or software.
Honestly, you could accomplish 99% of your synthesis needs using this plugin alone. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-use synth plugin, TAL – NoiseMaker is definitely worth checking out.
U-He TyrellN6
This is another one of those synths that just should not be free.
It’s an insanely powerful virtual instrument that comes with several high-quality sounds.
It contains two oscillators, flexible modulation, and several creative effects to help you shape your sound.
It also comes with a sub-frequency knob and noise maker, so your sonic possibilities are truly endless.
I love the design of emulating an old beaten-down analog synth, as well.
Reaper guitar plugins
As mentioned above, Reaper doesn’t have a lot of stock instrument plugins. Thankfully, there are a ton of great plugins out there for free (or very cheap).
Amplitube CS is one such example. It’s a great guitar plugin that contains several high-quality amp and cabinet models.
It also has an intuitive user interface and lots of flexibility for shaping your sound. Plus, it comes with loads of effects to help you get the results you’re after.
If you don’t have a guitar and you’re trying to emulate the sound of a guitar through MIDI, the Spitfire LABS series has a lot of incredible guitar sounds.
Just know that guitars are some of the trickiest sounds to emulate realistically, and you’re almost always better off investing in a microphone to get a good, live guitar performance.
Free drum plugins for Reaper
As I mentioned before, Reaper comes with a powerful sampler (ReaSamplOMatic5000), but it doesn’t come with any stock drum sounds.
Here’s a great blog post collecting some of the best free drum samples and VST.
Reaper autotune plugins
Reatune is a great free autotune plugin for Reaper. It’s designed to help you achieve realistic results, with an adjustable curve and several creative effects.
It also comes with a built-in MIDI editor, so you can quickly adjust your notes before processing them. This is especially handy if you’re working with vocal tracks that need a little help.
If you’re looking for a more advanced autotune plugin, Antares Auto-Tune or Melodyne are two industry standards, but both come with a price tag.
Reaper reverb plugins
ReaVerb
ReaVerb is a powerful plugin for adding depth and realism to your mix. It includes several controls for shaping your reverb sound, plus it comes with dozens of creative presets to get you started.
From classic halls to modern ambiances, ReaVerb has something for every situation.
Plus, its low latency processing is great for live performances and real-time mixing.
If you’re looking for a great reverb plugin for Reaper, ReaVerb is definitely worth checking out.
ReaVerbate
ReaVerbate is a unique plugin that allows you to combine reverb and delay in one.
It’s perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes and other sonic effects.
It includes all the key controls of a traditional reverb, plus additional parameters for shaping your delays.
Plus, its intuitive user interface makes it easy to quickly get the results you want.
Whether you’re creating cinematic soundscapes or crafting unique sonic textures, ReaVerbate is a great tool for exploring new possibilities.
Reaper JS plugins
Reaper has a stock collection of plugins known as JSFX plugins.
JSFX plugins are written in EEL2, a scripting language that is compiled on the fly and allows you to modify and/or generate audio and MIDI, as well as draw custom vector-based UI and analysis displays.
JSFX are simple text files, which become full-featured plug-ins when loaded into REAPER.
Because they are distributed in source form, you can edit existing JSFX to suit your needs, or you can write new JSFX from scratch.
Don’t let the simple GUIs fool you, these plugins can do some amazing things.
There’s a JS plugin for almost everything: analog compressor emulation, saturation, bit crushing, and a whole lot of utilities for audio routing, monitoring, and manipulation.
All these JSFX plugins come stock with Reaper, so take some time to play with them! You may discover some hidden gems.
Where to find free Reaper plugins
There are lots of great websites that offer free Reaper plugins.
KVR Audio and Plugin Boutique all have extensive collections of free and paid plug-ins to download.
You can also browse the official REAPER forum to find user-created plug-ins that weren’t included in the stock collection.
In my experience composing with a “just-in-time” mindset (I only get the sounds I need when I need them), I’ve had success with finding free/cheap plugins by simply Googling:
“free [sound/instrument/effect] vst.”
Troubleshooting issues and FAQs about Reaper plugins
Does Reaper come with plugins?
Yes, Reaper comes with a collection of stock plugins for mixing, mastering, and audio manipulation.
How much does Reaper cost?
Reaper costs $60 for a personal license and $225 for a commercial license for businesses or individuals making over $20,000 per year.
That said, the free version of Reaper does not lock any features behind a paywall.
What are ReaPlugs?
ReaPlugs are plugins made specifically for the Reaper digital audio workstation.
The ReaPlugs collection consists of several powerful tools including reverb, delay, EQs, compressors, and more.
All of these plugins are available with a Reaper license.
Where are reaper plugins stored?
Reaper plugins are stored in the “Plugins” folder which is located in the root Reaper directory.
On Windows, this is usually located at “C:\Program Files\REAPER\Plugins” or “C:\Program Data\REAPER”.
On Mac, it’s located at “Applications/REAPER/Plugins”.
Do Reaper plugins work on other DAWs?
Reaper plugins are not compatible with other DAWs.
The only way to use them on another platform would be to purchase a 3rd party plugin that is designed to bridge between different formats (such as VST and AU).
Alternatively, you can try using the ReaPlugs in stand-alone mode by creating separate audio files for each effect.
In short, Reaper plugins are not designed to be used in any other DAWs.
Final thoughts
Reaper is a powerful yet affordable digital audio workstation that comes with an extensive collection of built-in plugins and effects.
For those who are willing to do a bit of digging around, there are plenty of free and third-party plugins that extend Reaper’s capabilities even further.
Whether you’re creating soundscapes for film, crafting unique sonic textures, or just exploring new possibilities, Reaper’s plugins will help you get the job done.
In other words, you don’t need to spend a small fortune on plugins and VSTs.
If you’re looking for a powerful, community-supported, customizable recording solution, you can’t get better than Reaper.
With its vast array of plugins, effects, and tools, it’s easy to see why Reaper has become the go-to choice for many media composers.
Thanks for reading, and good luck!