Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Cockos ReaGate 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 gate. Sidechain filters, sidechain input. Lookahead for pre-open. Hold control. Hysteresis control.
— Cockos official site
What is ReaGate ReaPlugs?
ReaGate is the noise gate in ReaPlugs. The official page describes it as an ultra-configurable gate.
Besides the basic action of closing when the level falls below a threshold and opening above it, sidechain filters and a sidechain input let you choose the signal that decides opening and closing.
Controls include lookahead for pre-open, hold, hysteresis and variable RMS size. It is also listed as able to send MIDI events when the gate opens or closes.
A wet/dry mix and a noise mix (which can add noise while the gate is open) are included, so it may offer many options for handling quiet parts of your material.
Sidechain input and filters
A different signal can decide the opening, and detector filters narrow the reacting band. This may help with recordings that have a lot of bleed between drums.
Lookahead
Lookahead opens the gate before the sound arrives, which may help keep the start of transients.
Hold and hysteresis
Hold keeps the gate open for a set time and hysteresis gives a margin around the threshold. Both can help when the gate chatters.
Variable RMS size
The RMS window used for detection can be changed, letting you tune speed and stability for the material.
MIDI events on open/close
MIDI events can be sent when the gate opens or closes, which could trigger other plug-ins.
Wet/dry and noise mix
In addition to the wet/dry mix, noise can be added while the gate is open, giving another way to adjust how natural the result sounds.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Noise gate |
| Format | VST (ReaPlugs v2.36) |
| Main features | Sidechain filters/input, lookahead, hold, hysteresis, variable RMS size, MIDI events, wet/dry, noise mix |
| 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.
Room noise between vocal phrases
You could reduce noise in the gaps between sung phrases, tuning hold and hysteresis so the gate is not too aggressive.
Drum bleed
On snare or tom tracks it may help reduce bleed from other instruments.
Quiet parts of streams and narration
It may be worth trying to make noise less noticeable while you are not speaking.
Who it may suit
- People who want to try detailed gate settings for free
- People tidying drum bleed
- People interested in MIDI-linked uses
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.
GVST GGate
ReaGate has hold, hysteresis and sidechain controls besides the threshold, while GVST's GGate is operated with three knobs: threshold, fade and attack.
Price
Free to use (Cockos official site, checked 2026-10-27).
Part of the ReaPlugs VST suite, which is offered free of charge.
See ReaGate ReaPlugs on the product page
Sources: reaper.fm (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments