Plug-In Formats & Installation Guide

🎛️ Why Use Plug-Ins?

Reaper, like most DAWs, is an insanely powerful tool for working with audio. But even with all its built-in capabilities, sometimes you need extra features—this is where plug-ins come in!

A plug-in is a separate software program that runs inside a DAW, adding new features, effects, or instruments. Reaper (like all modern DAWs) can host third-party plug-ins, expanding your creative possibilities.

🔌 Plug-In Formats

Just like video or document files come in different formats, plug-ins also have various types. Some DAWs only support certain plug-in formats due to optimization, system architecture, or licensing issues.

What Plug-Ins Work in Reaper?

Reaper supports VST-based plug-ins.

• VST (Virtual Studio Technology) was developed by Steinberg Media Technologies.
• If a plug-in is available in VST format and is compatible with your operating system, you can use it in Reaper.

Note: There are two versions of VST you might encounter: VST and VST3. Reaper supports both!

🎯 Install Your First Plug-Ins

To expand Reaper’s functionality, let’s install some plug-ins! These are freeware plug-ins, meaning they don’t come with fancy installers, so we’ll install them manually.

Video Demo Mac

Please watch this short video on how to install the vst plugins. Two things stood out to me while making this video that might cause confusion.

1. when downloading from the website, right click the download bottom and select downloadlinked file. For whatever reason, when I clicked the download button–it was an empty file. Right click, save file.

2. Once in Reaper and when trying to add the plugin. If you search for tone generator in the VST tab, it may not come up–look for NEW and it is there. This will make more sense when you watch.

3. Make sure to “record enable” your track to hear the tone generator.

Video Demo PC

1. SocaLab Tone Generator (Sine Wave Oscillator)

Download link: SocaLab Tone Generator

🖥 macOS Installation:

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to Go > Go To Folder….
3. Type:/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/
4. Drag and drop ToneGenerator_64b.dll into this folder.
5. Restart Reaper.

🚀 Loading the Plug-In in Reaper

1. Open Reaper.
2. Add an FX to a track.
3. In the Add FX window, search for:
4. Select and load the plug-in.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

🔍 Can’t find the plug-in?

1. Open Reaper Preferences (Ctrl + P or Cmd + ,).
2. Go to Plug-ins > VST.
3. Click:
   • Auto-detect
   • Re-scan
   • OK
4. Try adding the plug-in again.

2. SoundHack Delay Bundle

This next set of plug-ins is from Tom Erbe’s SoundHack project.

Download link: SoundHack Delay Bundle

Installation:

Follow the same steps as the SocaLab Tone Generator installation.

🎶 3. Valhalla DSP Plug-Ins

These plug-ins come with automatic installers, making installation super easy!

• Valhalla Super Massive
• Valhalla Space Modulator
• Valhalla Freq Echo

Installation:

1. Download the installer.
2. Run it and follow the instructions.
3. Restart Reaper and enjoy!

🔁 4. ++Audio Rubbadub Delay Plug-In

Another great plug-in with an automated installer!

Download link: Rubbadub - ++Audio

Installation:

1. Download the installer.
2. Run it and follow the instructions.
3. Restart Reaper and enjoy!

Wrapping Up

Now you have an expanded arsenal of plug-ins in Reaper! If you run into any issues, double-check the installation paths and try rescanning in Reaper Preferences > VST.

🚀 Time to make some noise!