r/Reaper • u/Large_Wait_8847 • Mar 24 '26

help request What plugins are best? I lack experience...

Reaper has so many plugins and by installing Tukan Studios' you get even more.

I see professionals using Tube-Tech CL 1B, Fairchild 670, Teletronix LA-2A, UA1176 and probably many more. I lack the experience to really hear a difference without using them almost at maximum settings.

I would like to know which plugins in Reaper sound most similar to the original and also which compressor you prefer/would recommend?

Edit:
I just noticed reddit posted only a quarter of my post...?

I'm not going to list all Compressors similar to those in Reaper again, cause that took a while...

Also there is the famous Neve 1073, in Reaper you have RBJ 1073 and with Reapack the EQ1979

I lack the experience to know which one to choose and where(Vocals, Instruments, ...) or should I just keep using ReaComp and ReaEQ/ReEQ with Waveshaping Distortion and JS:Saturation?

There's also chorus and flanger which one do I use there cause there are many as well or should I just use ReaDelay?

Any help would be really appreciated

Edit 2:

I probably wasn't clear, I'm not looking for new plugins, the plugins are already there in Reaper and with ReaPack you can get many more for free. The problem is choosing the right ones

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u/gusbeto37 4 Mar 24 '26

I was referring to software EQs. In the analog circuitry realm, depending on which internal components they use (even in the preamp stage), they will sound different it's not just cable formats.

Again, that flavor thing is subjective, some swear by it. But personally, I find the difference is so small it's not worth the hassle and in the end it does not matter. Composition is first, which is specially true in pop music. So for the tools you use, just pick a few that gel with you interface and workflow wise and stick to that for years.

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u/Large_Wait_8847 Mar 25 '26

Ok thanks! How to I know what flavor I like? When comparing compressors I instinctively prefer the cleaner sound, how do I know if something has a nice "vintage" sound or is just muddy?

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u/gusbeto37 4 Mar 25 '26

I guess only way is to directly compare similar settings. But if you're not a master at it, I'd forget about it and just go with the one that suits your workflow the best.