Rap Vocal Chain in REAPER with Stock Plug-ins

Working in REAPER? Then you already have enough plug-ins for a solid rap vocal chain. They all start with Rea, like ReaEQ and ReaComp. Here's how to build your chain step by step. Treat the values below as a starting point and always adjust by ear.

Before you start

  • Start with a good recording: not too quiet, not in the red. Read how to record vocals in REAPER.
  • Give your tracks clear names: lead, double, ad-libs.
  • Mix with your beat playing. A vocal that sounds great solo can disappear in the mix.

You add plug-ins to a track with the FX button. They work from top to bottom: whatever sits at the top hits your voice first.

1. Pitch (optional): ReaTune

Want autotune on your vocal? ReaTune has automatic correction. Pick the key and whether it's major or minor, same as your beat. Don't know the key? Check it with the free Beat Lab.

2. Clean up: ReaEQ

Set a band in ReaEQ to High Pass. That's a low cut that removes rumble at the bottom, like desk noise or traffic. Start around 80 to 100 Hz and slide it up until your voice starts to sound thin. Then back off a little.

Does your voice sound dull or boxy? Use a Band to find that spot and pull it down a few dB.

3. Dynamics: ReaComp

The compressor evens out your voice, so quiet words don't get lost. A starting point:

  • Ratio around 3:1 to 4:1.
  • Attack and release in the middle.
  • Threshold down until you see a few dB of gain reduction on your loudest parts.
  • With Auto make-up, ReaComp makes up for the volume you lose.

Hear your voice pumping or sounding squashed? You're doing too much.

4. Harsh S sounds: ReaXcomp

Are your S sounds cutting through your ears? ReaXcomp is a multiband compressor. According to the REAPER manual, compressing only the high band works well as a de-esser. That tames the harshness without making your whole voice duller.

5. Space: reverb and delay through sends

Don't put reverb and delay directly on your vocal, but on separate tracks. Send your vocal to them with your track's routing button. Then you decide how much space each track gets.

  • Reverb track: ReaVerbate, with Dry all the way down. For rap usually short and quiet, so your lyrics stay clear.
  • Delay track: ReaDelay, with the length in notes instead of milliseconds, so it follows your tempo. Handy on the last word of a line.

Check your mix

  • Toggle your plug-ins at the same volume. Does it really sound better, or just louder?
  • Keep your doubles and ad-libs quieter than your lead.
  • Listen on your phone and in the car.

Grab the free vocal chain cheat sheet too. Working in another DAW? Read the rap vocal chain for Ableton Live or GarageBand, or FL Studio vocal chain: the perfect plugin order.

FAQ

Does REAPER have autotune?

Yes. ReaTune has automatic pitch correction. You choose the key and which notes it uses.

Do I need third-party plug-ins?

No. ReaEQ, ReaComp, ReaXcomp, ReaVerbate and ReaDelay get you a long way.

Why does my vocal sound thin after the EQ?

Your high pass is probably set too high. Slide it back down until your voice sounds full again.

Source: REAPER's Cockos Effects Summary Guide.

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