ReaKit Bundle v1.1.0 is out (ExpressBus + big under-the-hood upgrades)
ReaKit just got a solid update. Version 1.1.0 is live, and it’s a mix of “new toy” + “everything feels better now.”
New in the bundle: ExpressBus (SSL Bus)
The headline feature is a brand-new plugin:
✅ ExpressBus (ssl bus.jsfx)
An SSL-style bus compressor built with the ReaKit Grey Panel GUI and SSL 4000E-inspired controls. It includes:
VU metering
Sidechain input
Feedback + feedforward modes
Peak + RMS detection
Hard/soft knee options
Manual/auto makeup gain
ReaKit link-group support (for grouped control behavior)
If you’ve been wanting that classic “glue” compressor vibe inside the ReaKit look-and-feel, this is it.
Bundle-wide improvements (the “everything feels sturdier” part)
1) More reliable importing (folder-safe)
All plugins now use relative import paths, which makes loading more robust when ReaKit lives inside subfolders (especially Eon_JSFX/). This removes a common friction point when people organize their JSFX libraries.
2) Embedded detection fixed (proper bitmask)
A logic fix changed embedded detection to use a proper bitmask check instead of “nonzero means embedded.” That means fewer weird edge cases across setups.
3) GUI input standardization
Mouse state variables have been standardized (prev_LMB, prev_RMB)
Keyboard/modifier handling got more consistent via gfx_getchar() usage in multiple plugins
Small changes, but they make the UI behavior more predictable across the bundle.
The big performance win: meters got smarter
The shared metering library got a major tune-up:
Feature flags: only run what you use
Meter subsystems are now gated behind opt-in flags, like:
mtr_en_vu, mtr_en_rms, mtr_en_lufs, mtr_en_phase, mtr_en_gonio, mtr_en_wave, mtr_en_spectrum
So if a plugin only needs a VU needle, it doesn’t silently run a bunch of extra analysis.
Peak metering moved out of the audio thread
Peak envelope/hold tracking now stays linear, and the expensive log10() conversion is deferred to @gfx via a new mtr_update_db() function. Translation: less work per sample, better real-time behavior.
Expensive subsystems are gated
VU spring-damper behavior, true RMS, LUFS, correlation, goniometer, waveform, spectrum… all wrapped so they only run when enabled.
Per-plugin polish (lots of “feels better” fixes)
A few highlights:
Smoother parameter changes + better project reload behavior
Several plugins now use:
~5ms one-pole smoothing on gain-type parameters (less zipper noise)
A “snap on first sample after load” pattern so smoothers don’t ramp from zero when a project reloads
Denormal prevention improvements
Many plugins now include a cDenorm constant and add protection around filters / DC blockers / feedback paths. This helps avoid the classic “why is CPU spiking during silence?” issue.
Safety + edge-case fixes
Multiple divide-by-zero protections (notably in the Prism Comp)
Updated sample-rate-corrected constants in a few places (like sidechain HP behavior)
The_Best_DeEsser_GUI (DeBess) got real fixes
Notable fixes include:
A memory layout correction to prevent buffer overlap that could overwrite GUI knob memory
Buffer size updated to 8192 with a mask
A sample-rate-corrected sidechain HP filter coefficient
Extras in the package
Manual updated with a comprehensive changelog section
Cleanup: duplicate include directory removed (consolidated structure)
How to update
Download ReaKit v1.1.0/store
Replace your existing ReaKit files (keep the folder structure intact)
Restart REAPER (or re-scan JSFX) so the updated versions load
What’s next?
If you’re following Reaper Remix, this is where I’ll keep posting:
update notes
new plugins as they land
design/dev breakdowns
roadmap experiments and feature ideas
If you’ve got a request for the next ReaKit plugin (or want ExpressBus expanded with extra modes), reply or drop a comment and tell me what you’re after.