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An introduction to Cockos ReaEQ 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.
Unlimited band IIR based equalizer. Support for any number of many types of filters (shelfs, bands, LPF, HPF, notch, bandpass, allpass).
— Cockos official site
What is ReaEQ ReaPlugs?
ReaEQ is the equalizer in ReaPlugs. The official page describes it as an unlimited-band, IIR-based equalizer.
You can add as many filters as needed, in types such as shelf, band, low-pass, high-pass, notch, band-pass and all-pass. Each band can be bypassed individually.
The display shows frequency response and phase response, plus the approximate note and octave for a frequency, which may help you place a band you noticed by ear.
A full-view graph is optional, and mouse modifiers or the mouse wheel change bandwidth. The page notes that v2.36 added a spectrum analyzer.
Unlimited bands
As an IIR equalizer it lets you add as many bands as you need, so you are less likely to run out on tracks that need fine shaping.
Many filter types
Shelf, band, LPF, HPF, notch, band-pass and all-pass are available, covering jobs from tidying low end to removing a specific band.
Frequency and phase display
Phase response is shown alongside frequency response, so you can check on screen what your settings are doing.
Note and octave readout
The approximate note and octave of a frequency are shown, which may help relate a band to the pitch of an instrument.
Per-band bypass
Each band can be bypassed, making it easier to compare with and without a band and avoid overdoing it.
Graph editing and analyzer
A full graph view and modifier/wheel bandwidth editing are supported, and v2.36 added a spectrum analyzer.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Equalizer (IIR) |
| Format | VST (ReaPlugs v2.36) |
| Bands | Unlimited |
| Filter types | Shelf, band, LPF, HPF, notch, band-pass, all-pass |
| 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.
Tidying low end on a vocal
When using a high-pass filter, you may be able to adjust while checking the frequency and phase display.
Making room between tracks
Watching the spectrum analyzer, you could reduce clashing bands.
Shaping narration and streaming voice
Using several bands, you may find and tame muddy or harsh areas.
Who it may suit
- People who want a capable free equalizer
- People who want to adjust without worrying about the band count
- People who like to think in frequencies and note names
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.
ReaFIR ReaPlugs
ReaEQ is IIR-based with an unlimited number of bands, while the official page describes ReaFIR as FFT-based (FFT sizes 128-32768) and usable as a linear-phase mastering EQ.
Price
Free to use (Cockos official site, checked 2026-10-27).
Part of the ReaPlugs VST suite, which is offered free of charge.
See ReaEQ ReaPlugs on the product page
Sources: reaper.fm (checked 2026-10-27)
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