How to Use Reaper’s Reagate and Reacomp for Vocal Processing

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Reaper is a popular digital audio workstation that offers powerful built-in effects for audio processing. Among these, ReaGate and ReaComp are essential tools for vocal processing, helping to clean up recordings and add professional polish. This guide will walk you through how to effectively use ReaGate and ReaComp in Reaper to enhance your vocals.

Understanding ReaGate and ReaComp

ReaGate is a noise gate plugin that reduces unwanted background noise and hum by silencing audio below a certain threshold. ReaComp is a compressor that controls the dynamic range of vocals, making them sound more consistent and polished. Using these tools together can significantly improve vocal recordings by removing noise and balancing levels.

Setting Up ReaGate

To start, insert ReaGate on your vocal track. Adjust the following parameters:

  • Threshold: Set this just above the noise floor to silence background sounds when vocals are not present.
  • Attack: Keep it fast to prevent cutting off the start of vocal notes.
  • Release: Set it so the gate opens smoothly after vocals end.
  • Ratio: Higher ratios (e.g., 4:1 or 8:1) create a more aggressive gate.

Configuring ReaComp

Next, insert ReaComp after ReaGate. Adjust these settings:

  • Threshold: Set so that vocal peaks are compressed without sounding squashed.
  • Ratio: Use moderate ratios (e.g., 3:1 or 4:1) for natural compression.
  • Attack: Fast attack to catch transient peaks.
  • Release: Adjust to match the tempo and feel of the vocal performance.
  • Make-up Gain: Increase to compensate for gain reduction and maintain consistent volume.

Final Tips for Vocal Processing

When using ReaGate and ReaComp, always listen carefully and make small adjustments. The goal is to achieve a clear, balanced vocal sound without artifacts or unnatural compression. Experiment with thresholds and ratios to suit the specific vocal character and recording environment.

Using these tools together can dramatically improve your vocal tracks, making them sit well in your mix and sound professional. Practice and experimentation are key to mastering their use.