Rob Papen’s all-encompassing plug-in and virtual instrument collection has just been treated to another update, with two new additions bringing the total count to 36. Alongside the new arrivals, the update also introduces an array of additional content for three of the existing plug-ins: WirePluck, Predator-3 and Punch-2.
RAW-Kick 2
The first of the new additions is RAW-Kick 2, a new version of the company’s drum synth that’s been developed in collaboration with Dutch Hardcore and Hardstyle producers. Unsurprisingly, the new member of the eXplorer team focuses on hard-hitting sounds that’ll be at right at home in electronic music productions, and it’s been given a fresh new look along with its newly added functions.
Up to three layers can now be combined and adjusted from the main page, with an Advanced page offering more in-depth tweaking. Each layer can host synth or sample-based hits, and the latter features a granular processing mode that includes some unique modulation options that allow the length and size of the hit to be dynamically adjusted.
RAW-Kick 2 focuses on hard-hitting electronic kick-drum sounds.
FilterField
Next up is FilterField, which combines a set of four filters with the X-Y field control featured in a number of Rob Papen’s other offerings. There are 32 filter modes on offer, with the usual analogue-modelled suspects joined by like likes of ring modulators, amplitude modulators and frequency shifters, all of which can be freely combined and controlled using the X-Y interface — it’s possible to ‘morph’ between multiple parameter states to create interesting, evolving effects.
Other benefits include the ability to record and play back X-Y control changes, as well as an Audio Follower function that allows parameter changes to be linked to the incoming signal level. There’s also an eight-slot modulation matrix that can be used to set up modulation both internally, or from external sources via MIDI.
FilterField combines four filters — and 32 filter types — with a powerful X-Y modulation control.
What’s Included?
The new bundle includes a total of 36 plug-ins, and users can add 11 legacy products to ensure compatibility with older sessions. Here’s Rob Papens breakdown on what the collection has to offer.
- NEW — RAW-Kick 2: Ultimate kick-drum synthesizer.
- NEW — FilterField: X-Y field with four filters and more.
- WirePluck: Synthesizer pluck sounds and more.
- DelGrain: Granular delay effect.
- RAW-2: Cutting-edge EDM, hardcore and hardstyle music synthesizer focused on distorted sounds.
- SynFeX: Easy-to-use effects synthesizer.
- PowerChord: Ultimate guitar power-chord groove machine!
- Albino-3 Legacy: The legendary virtual synthesizer.
- Go2-X: Insane, easy-to-use power synthesizer.
- UniMagic: Effects plug-in to thicken your vocals or instrument tracks.
- LowSane: LoFi effects with additional filters and the Disrupt Sphere.
- BIT-2: The ultimate virtual analogue synthesizer.
- BLUE-III: Cross-fusion virtual synthesizer.
- RevSane: Algorithmic reverb with Disrupt Sphere.
- Predator-3: The hybrid powerhouse!
- RoCoder: Vocoder and much more!
- DelSane: The coolest delay in this galaxy!
- RP-Distort 2: Powerhouse distortion effect with Disrupt Sphere.
- Punch 2: Power drum machine with synthesis and sampling.
- BLADE-2: Cutting-edge additive synthesis and more.
- Quad: Phase-distortion and waveshaper synthesizer.
- XY-Transfer: X-Y modulation multi-effects processor.
- Vecto: Four-oscillator vector synthesizer.
- Go2: The power of limitations synthesizer.
- MasterMagic: Adds a touch of magic for your mix or master.
- SubBoomBass-2: The ultimate bass synthesizer.
- RG: Electric and acoustic guitar grooves.
- RP-VERB 2: Most intriguing in RP-VERB 2 — alongside the great sound — is the new Reverser section!
- RP-Reverse: Creatively reverses the incoming audio.
- RP-EQ: Silky smooth-sounding channel and mastering EQ.
- Punch-BD: Based on the BD module of the multi-award-winning Punch virtual drum synth,
- RP-Delay: Delay insanity. Reverser, six lines, eight filters, four LFOs and more.
- RP-Amod: Spice up your vocal track, liven an instrument and beef up your drums.
- Predator FX and Predator 1.6.
- Prisma: Get creative using Rob Papen's take on instrument layering.
Legacy Products
(Legacy instruments are needed for some of the older Prisma presets!)
- RAW-Kick
- RAW
- BLUE-II
- BIT
- Predator-2
- SubBoomBass 1.1
- BLADE
- RP-VERB
- RP-Distort
Compatibility
eXplorer 11 is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and above.
Pricing & Availability
eXplorer 11 is available now, priced at $€499. Upgrade prices for owners of previous versions are as follows:
- eXplorer 10: $€74
- eXplorer 6 – eXplorer 9: $€99
- eXplorer 1 – eXplorer 5: $€149
