this feels illegal. it isn't.
REASON FREE
A powerful set of instruments, effects, and tools ready to patch and play as a single plugin in any compatible DAW. No trial, no expiration, no watermarks.
The Rack is out of the bag.
15 Iconic Devices in One Free Plugin
Synths, effects, MIDI generation, and beyond: The free Rack ships as a VST3/AU/AAX plugin with a stunning lineup of devices from all categories.
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Europa
Instruments
Instruments
Free wavetable synth
A powerful wavetable synth built around three spectral wave engines, advanced waveform shaping, spectral filters, powerful modulation, and effects. Plus, over 600 patches to explore.
Wavetable · 3 osc · spectral filter
Kong
Instruments
Instruments
Free drum device
Build custom drum kits with 16 pads, nine drum modules, 11 support generators and effects, plus automation, alternating groups and full sequencer control.
16 pads · synth + sample
ID8
Instruments
Instruments
Free instrument device
A quick songwriting sound source with 36 General MIDI-compatible presets across pianos, drums, bass, strings and more. Great for sketching ideas or playing imported MIDI files.
9 instrument types · GM sounds
Monotone
Instruments
Instruments
Free bass synth
A simple, powerful monophonic bass synth built for deep low-end, quick sound design and an intuitive workflow with hands-on controls.
Monophonic · analog filter · 2 osc
Scream 4
Effects
Effects
Free distortion device
A versatile distortion and overdrive effect with flexible shaping and EQ. Use it for warmth, crunch, bit crushing or full-on sound destruction.
10 damage types · body EQ
The Echo
Effects
Effects
Free delay device
A stereo delay that blends clean digital precision with analog and tape-style character. Trigger and Roll modes make it playable for stutters, repeats and performance effects.
Tape / digital · ducking
Audiomatic
Effects
Effects
Free character FX
A character effect that transforms sounds with colorful retro-inspired processing, from subtle polish to unpredictable lo-fi personality.
12 retro transforms · 1 knob
RV7000 MkII
Effects
Effects
Free reverb device
A professional reverb with convolution spaces, classic algorithms and easy front-panel controls. Add anything from transparent room ambience to rich, immersive depth
9 algorithms · EQ · IR load
MClass Maximizer
Effects
Effects
Free limiter device
Make your tracks louder with clean brickwall limiting, look-ahead processing and soft clipping for added level without unwanted distortion.
Look-ahead · soft clip · 4 ms
Scales & Chords
Player midi fx
Player midi fx
Free MIDI chord player
Keep performances in key and generate musical chords from single notes, with control over scale, chord color, note count, inversion and more.
30+ scales · chord voicings
Combinator
Utilities
Utilities
Free macro patch system
Build custom Reason instruments and effects by combining multiple Rack devices into one playable preset, complete with your own front panel, controls and mappings.
Macro knobs · device stacking
Pulsar
Utilities
Utilities
Free dual LFO
A dual-LFO modulation device for adding movement to any Rack parameter. Use it for evolving pads, wobble basses, filter motion, tremolo shifts and more.
2 LFOs · 16 waves · CV out
Spider Audio
Utilities
Utilities
Free audio merger & splitter
Route audio anywhere in the Rack by splitting one signal into multiple paths or merging several signals together. Great for parallel processing, layered effects and flexible Rack patching.
Audio · 1 split + 4 / 4 merge
Spider CV
Utilities
Utilities
Free CV merger & splitter
Combine or distribute CV signals to control multiple Rack devices from one source, or merge several modulation signals into one. Essential for advanced modulation and creative control.
CV + Gate · merge & split
MIDI Out
Utilities
Utilities
Free MIDI output device
Sequence, automate and control external MIDI gear, plugins or host instruments from the Reason Rack using the sequencer, Players and CV modulation
MIDI to hardware · DAW routing
Built for creative exploration.
Patch Your Ideal Sound
The free Rack plugin still has the flexible routing system that made Reason famous. Hit the Tab key and the whole Rack spins around to reveal patch points for custom signal flows, modulation, and more. Go deep and craft your sound with ease, one cable at a time.
Plays well with others.
YOUR DAW, NOW WITH THE RACK
Offered in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, the free Reason Rack works natively in all major DAWs on Windows and macOS, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Fender Studio Pro, Bitwig, Reaper, and GarageBand. Drop it into your plugin list, patch it up, and keep the workflow you already know.
frequently asked questions
What is the free Reason Rack plugin?
The free Reason Rack plugin gives you a free, independent plugin version of the Reason Rack, which runs inside any compatible host DAW as a VST3, AU, or AAX.
Is the free Reason Rack plugin really free?
Yes. The free Reason Rack plugin is free to download and keep forever. There is no trial period, no expiry date.
What Rack devices are included in the free Reason Rack plugin?
Reason Free includes the following 15 Rack devices:
- Europa Shapeshifting Synthesizer
- Kong Drum Designer
- ID-8 Songwriter’s Toolbox
- Monotone Bass Synthesizer
- Scream 4 Sound Destruction Unit
- The Echo
- Audiomatic Retro Transformer
- RV7000 Mk II Advanced Reverb
- MClass Maximizer
- Scales and Chords
- Combinator
- Pulsar Dual LFO
- Spider Audio Merger & Splitter
- Spider CV Merger & Splitter
- MIDI Out Device
What is the Reason Rack?
The Reason Rack is a virtual instrument and effects system inspired by studio rackmount hardware. It lets you combine instruments, effects, MIDI tools, and utilities to create sounds, patches, and full production setups. It can be used inside Reason or as the Reason Rack plugin in any compatible DAW, available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
How do I start learning how to use the Reason Rack?
One of the best ways to start learning the Reason Rack is to check out our Getting Started page. It will direct you to articles and videos that will help acquaint you with everything Reason. You can also read our article series on using the Reason Rack plugin in any compatible DAW. We of course recommend getting acquainted with the Reason installation and operation manuals, and finally, subscribing to the Reason YouTube channel.
Can I use the free Reason Rack plugin as a VST plugin in another DAW?
Yes. The free Reason Rack plugin loads as a VST3, AU, or AAX inside Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, and any other major host. In addition to the included 15 devices, you get every core feature of the Rack including the modular back panel, running directly inside your existing session.
What are the system requirements for the free Reason Rack plugin?
The minimum system requirements for the free Reason DAW and free Rack plugin are as follows:
macOS
- Fast and stable Internet connection
- Intel or Apple Silicon Mac with multi-core processor
- ⟨File/Content Size Specs⟩
- macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later (64-bit)
- Monitor with at least 1280 × 768 resolution
- CoreAudio compliant audio interface or built-in audio hardware
- MIDI interface and a MIDI keyboard recommended
- For using Reason as a plugin, a DAW host with VST3 and/or AUv2 and/or AAX support is required
Windows
- Fast and stable internet connection
- Intel or AMD multi-core processor — or a Windows on Arm computer with Prism emulation software
- ⟨File/Content Size Specs⟩
- Windows 11 — or Windows 10 (64-bit) 1607 (Build 14393) or later
- Monitor with at least 1280 × 768 resolution
- Audio Interface with ASIO driver
- MIDI interface and a MIDI keyboard recommended
- For using Reason as a plugin, a DAW host with VST3 and/or AAX support is required
Is the free Reason Rack plugin good for beginners?
Yes. The Scales and Chords player removes the need to know music theory, and ID-8 covers piano, bass, guitar, strings, and synth sounds in a single approachable device. At the same time, the depth of Reason’s instrument design and the modular back panel give experienced producers something real to work with. Everything sounds good fast, and you don’t have to lose time trying to land on your sound. The free Reason Rack plugin is designed to be accessible on day one and still rewarding years later.
Do I need to create an account?
You need a free Reason Studios account to download and activate Reason Free. Registration is free and takes under a minute.
What’s the difference between the free version of the Reason Rack plugin and Reason+?
The free Reason Rack plugin gives you 15 devices. Reason+ ($169 per year) gives you the full Reason DAW, over 90 instruments and effects, LANDR mastering and distribution, stems separation, and a growing library of partner plugins. Every device you would get in Reason+ is visible in the free Rack as a greyed-out slot, so you can always see exactly what you would unlock.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. The free Reason Rack plugin is the starting point of the full Reason ecosystem. You can upgrade to Reason+ at any time, and any presets or Combinator patches you create with the free plugin will be compatible with the Reason Rack as used in the full Reason DAW.