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.

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:

   tonegenerator
   

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! ```

Video Demo