Best Plug-Ins for Rappers and Beatmakers
From trap to boom bap to lo-fi, these are the UAD plug-ins producers use to get it done.
Whether you're crafting a rap verse or mixing a crunchy lo-fi beat, using UAD plug-ins can make your productions sound radio-ready. Here, we show you which sounds you can use to elevate your tracks.
In rap and hip-hop production, every decision matters. By choosing the right mic for your vocalist and using UAD plug-ins in your mixes, you’re one step closer to studio-quality sound.
Plug-Ins for Rap Vocals
Rap vocals can be dry or heavily affected. Whether you're going for old school, in-your-face vocals like Nas or Kendrick Lamar, or a more spacious and modern sound like Drake or Travis Scott, this is what top producers are using:
Modern Auto-Tuned Sound
Avalon VT‑737 Channel Strip › Auto‑Tune Realtime X › Pultec EQP‑1A › Ampex ATR‑102 Tape Recorder
The Avalon VT‑737 channel strip is a staple in modern hip-hop vocal production. It’s perfect for adding smooth tube warmth and musical compression. When paired with Auto-Tune for those pitch-perfect melodies and a Pultec EQ for clarity, this chain can be used on nearly any style of rap vocal. Finally, adding the Ampex ATR‑102 tape plug-in at the end of your chain adds subtle tape saturation and warmth.
“The Ampex ATR-102 adds smooth, tape vibe that glues the groove together in a way that EQ alone can’t achieve.”
Karriem Riggins (Common, J Dilla)
Aggressive Rap Vocals
Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ › 1176 Rev A Compressor › API 560 Graphic EQ
This chain brings out the raw power in your vocals. For those aggressive, energetic performances — think Kendrick, J. Cole, or Meek Mill — a classic analog preamp like the Neve 1073 adds color, while the 1176 Rev A compressor delivers fast, punchy compression. The API 560 EQ lets you dial in midrange bite and top-end shine.
“UAD Neve plug-ins sound exceptionally good.”
Ryan West (Eminem, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z)
Vintage Flow Rap
UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ › Fairchild 660 Limiter › Pure Plate Reverb
If you’re looking for a sound that’s inspired by the golden-era of ’90s hip-hop, start with the UA 610-B preamp for tube warmth and character. Then smooth things out with the Fairchild 660 for that pillowy, musical compression. Finally, adding the Pure Plate Reverb on an insert gives you the space and dimension to make your vocal sit right in the pocket.
“I love the Pure Plate Reverb plug-in. It sounds and feels organic.”
RioTheyNeedaHit (Chance The Rapper)
Melodic Rap & Trap Vocals
Manley VOXBOX › Auto‑Tune › Lexicon 224 Reverb
When you’re crafting moody, melodic vocals à la Don Toliver or Travis Scott, this chain delivers lush depth and space. The Manley VOXBOX gives you a pristine preamp, EQ, and compression all in one unit, while Auto-Tune locks in your pitch. Adding Lexicon 224 or Galaxy Tape Echo on an insert gives your track stereo width.
“As far as reverbs go, I use the Lexicon 224 for the classic GOAT hall.”
Drü Oliver (Kehlani, Lil Tjay)
Budget-Friendly Setup
Century Tube Channel Strip › Precision De‑Esser › Galaxy Tape Echo
For artists recording at home, this chain keeps things simple but powerful. The Century Tube Channel Strip gives you fast EQ and compression with instant analog vibe. Add a de‑esser to tame harshness, and the Pure Plate Reverb to add dimension.
“The Galaxy Tape Echo adds dimension and that vintage feel.”
Grieves
Every detail counts when you're working in a studio using MIDI controllers, laptops, and plug-ins. Adding UAD plug-ins to your tracks can make them stand out and be more inspiring for your collaborators.
Plug-Ins for Making Beats
Great beats start with the right loops and effects processing. Chopping samples, programming 808s, or layering synths requires and arsenal of software instruments and effects. These are some of the plug-ins producers use to dial in punchy drums, warm textures, and head-nodding grooves:
Punchy Trap Drum Bus
API 2500 Bus Compressor › Helios Type 69 EQ › Fatso Jr. / Sr. Tape Simulator
For knocking 808s and crisp hi-hats, this drum bus chain gives you the glue and grit needed to make your beats smack. The API 2500 delivers fast, punchy compression, while the Helios EQ adds vintage top-end without harshness. Finish it off with the FATSO for analog-style tape saturation and subtle transient rounding that keeps your track fat without losing attack.
“The API 2500 is my all-time favorite drum bus compressor. The sound is unmatched. It’s a must-have in any studio.”
Grieves
Sample Sculpting and Loop Resampling
Moog Multimode Filter › Thermionic Culture Vulture › Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb
This chain is perfect for flipping dusty loops or dialing in vibey textures from vinyl samples. Start with the Moog Multimode Filter to carve out frequencies and movement, then drive it into the Culture Vulture for harmonic distortion and raw analog bite. Finish with the Lexicon 224 to add ambient space, perfect for lofi flips, intros, or vocal chops.
“I’ll throw the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb on rimshots or percussion and crank the modulation — it turns a dry pattern into something cinematic.”
Karriem Riggins (Common, J Dilla)
Simple Mastering Chain for Beats
Precision Multiband › Manley Massive Passive EQ › Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder
This streamlined mastering chain is perfect for finishing off your beats, or lo-fi instrumental albums. Use Precision Multiband to tighten dynamics and control low-end boom. The Massive Passive EQ sweetens mids and adds air with surgical precision. The Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder lends classic tape compression and glue that gives your tracks that “album” feel.
“The Ampex ATR-102 makes your mixes sound like finished records.”
Drew Mazurek, Technical Marketing Specialist, UA
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