Managing effects and plugin chains in Reaper

Reaper Try it →Watch full video →Andrew Barr · Jun 2026

Demo summary

A walkthrough of adding stock plugins like a compressor and EQ to a track in Reaper, including how to bypass individual plugins or the entire effect chain using the UI overlays.

Step-by-step

Locate the track in the project window or the mixer channel fader
Click the FX button to open the effect window
Select and add a plugin, such as a compressor or stock EQ, to the chain
Toggle the entire effect chain on or off using the UI button to bypass all plugins
Open the effect window and use the checkboxes next to individual plugins to disable them one by one

Options

Add effects via the project window track controls
Add effects via the channel faders in the mixer

Tips

Use the red overlay on the FX button to quickly identify when an entire chain is disabled without opening the plugin window

Highlights

“It's extremely simple to use.”

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