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An introduction to Cockos ReaComp ReaPlugs, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Ultra-configurable compressor. Soft knee support. Sidechain filters, sidechain inputs. Feedback compression mode. Program dependent auto-release mode.
— Cockos official site
What is ReaComp ReaPlugs?
ReaComp is the compressor in ReaPlugs. The official page describes it as an ultra-configurable compressor, offered as a VST so it can be used in hosts other than REAPER.
It follows the usual compressor idea: the part of the input above the threshold is reduced at a chosen ratio. Soft knee, sidechain filters, a sidechain input and a feedback compression mode are provided.
On the detection side, the page lists a program-dependent auto-release mode and a variable RMS size. Oversampling anti-alias modes with optional limiting, plus optional lookahead, can also be selected.
Make-up gain and a wet/dry mix are included, and the meters let you see the action. Low CPU use is also listed as a feature, so it may be easy to place on several tracks such as vocals or drums.
Soft knee and feedback mode
Soft knee makes compression start more gradually, and a feedback mode lets the detector listen to the output side. Useful when you want to try different characters of compression.
Sidechain input and filters
An external signal can drive the sidechain, and detector filters can reduce low frequencies and similar content. It may help when the compressor reacts too much to bass.
Auto-release and RMS size
It supports program-dependent auto-release and an adjustable RMS window. This lets you adapt the recovery and the reaction speed to the material.
Oversampling and limiting
Oversampling anti-alias modes are available, with optional limiting. They give options when compressing harder.
Lookahead and wet/dry
Lookahead and the mix between processed and original sound are adjustable. It may suit parallel-compression style use.
Metering and low CPU use
Useful metering is included and CPU use is described as low, which is a point to consider when placing it on many tracks.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor |
| Format | VST (ReaPlugs v2.36) |
| Main features | Soft knee, sidechain filters/input, feedback mode, auto-release, variable RMS size, oversampling, lookahead, wet/dry, make-up gain |
| Price | Free |
What is included and system requirements
- Format: VST (distributed as the ReaPlugs VST FX suite)
- ReaPlugs VST v2.36 (January 2, 2016), 32-bit and 64-bit builds are offered
- Listed OS support: Windows 98/ME/2K/XP/Vista/7, and WINE
- No copy protection; the page says the installed files can be copied and run as a portable setup
- ReaPlugs also includes ReaXcomp, ReaDelay, ReaStream, ReaJS and ReaControlMIDI besides this plug-in
How to use it
- Download the 32-bit or 64-bit ReaPlugs installer from the official page, matching your host.
- Run the installer to put the ReaPlugs files in place.
- Rescan plug-ins in your DAW and reload the VST folder.
- After the scan, plug-ins starting with "Rea" appear in the effect list; insert the one you need on a track.
- Start with the default settings, play audio and move each control a little while watching the meters and displays.
- Once the setting is right, save it with the DAW's preset function so you can recall it in other songs.
Leveling a vocal
When you want to even out a vocal, the soft knee and auto-release settings may be worth trying while you watch the meters.
Gluing drums
On a drum bus, lookahead and the wet/dry mix may let you compress while keeping the original sound.
Talk and streaming voice
On narration or streaming voice, the sidechain filter may help reduce the reaction to low frequencies.
Who it may suit
- People who want to try detailed settings on a free compressor
- People who want REAPER's compressor in another DAW
- People who want to learn detection modes by using them
Good to know before you buy
- It is distributed in VST format, and the latest listed build is v2.36 from 2016. Check beforehand that it runs on your OS and DAW.
- The download page mainly lists Windows; Mac handling cannot be read from the official page.
- You do not need to buy REAPER itself; ReaPlugs is offered free of charge.
- It is described as a package of many of the plug-ins that come with REAPER.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
ReaXcomp ReaPlugs
ReaComp is a single-band compressor, while the same page describes ReaXcomp in ReaPlugs as a multiband compressor with an unlimited number of bands.
Price
Free to use (Cockos official site, checked 2026-10-27).
Part of the ReaPlugs VST suite, which is offered free of charge.
See ReaComp ReaPlugs on the product page
Sources: reaper.fm (checked 2026-10-27)
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