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An introduction to Cockos ReaFIR 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.
FFT based dynamics processor. Supports FFT sizes of 128-32768. Subtract – can build noise profiles and subtract noise from the signal.
— Cockos official site
What is ReaFIR ReaPlugs?
ReaFIR is the FFT-based dynamics processor in ReaPlugs. The official page lists four modes: EQ, compressor, gate and subtract.
FFT sizes of 128 to 32768 are supported, with an input/output frequency response display. The response curve can be defined with any number of points or drawn freehand with the mouse.
The EQ mode is described as usable as a linear-phase mastering EQ or a surgical EQ. The compressor mode works at a fixed ratio with a per-band threshold.
The gate mode also uses per-band thresholds. In subtract mode you can build a noise profile and subtract that noise from the signal, which may be a way to start experimenting with noise reduction.
EQ mode
The frequency curve is drawn in the FFT domain and can be used as a linear-phase EQ, possibly for mastering or precise correction.
Compressor mode
It compresses at a fixed ratio with a per-band threshold, which may suit taming a specific band.
Gate mode
Components below a per-band threshold are removed, which may help tidy quiet parts of material.
Subtract (noise removal)
You can build a profile from a noise-only section and subtract it, which may suit experiments with room noise in home recordings.
Selectable FFT size
FFT sizes from 128 to 32768 are selectable, letting you change resolution and behavior to suit the job.
Curve drawing
Curves can be set with points or drawn freehand with the mouse, which makes complicated shapes easy to create.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | FFT dynamics processor (EQ/comp/gate/subtract) |
| Format | VST (ReaPlugs v2.36) |
| FFT size | 128-32768 |
| 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.
Reducing home-recording noise
Take a profile from a noise-only section and use subtract mode. Overdoing it can change the sound, so small steps are advisable.
Precise EQ before mastering
As a linear-phase EQ, it may be worth trying when phase shift is a concern.
Taming specific bands
Per-band compressor or gate modes may let you focus on one problem region.
Who it may suit
- People who want to try free noise reduction
- People who want a linear-phase EQ
- People interested in how FFT processing works
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.
ReaEQ ReaPlugs
ReaFIR is FFT-based with EQ, compressor, gate and subtract modes, while ReaEQ in the same suite is an IIR equalizer with no limit on band count.
Price
Free to use (Cockos official site, checked 2026-10-27).
Part of the ReaPlugs VST suite, which is offered free of charge.
See ReaFIR ReaPlugs on the product page
Sources: reaper.fm (checked 2026-10-27)
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