Rob Papen eXplorer 11 bundle is out now with 36 plugins, featuring two new additions: RAW-Kick 2, a kick drum synth, and FilterField plugins
Software companies often bundle their plugins to make them more attractive to buyers. Examples include Arturia V Collection, Native Instruments Komplete, and others. There are also bundles that fly under the radar for many, like this from Rob Papen.
Rob Papen’s eXplorer plugin has now already reached version 11, with new major releases.
Rob Papen eXplorer 11
The new eXplorer 11 bundle now ships with 36 plugins for macOS and Windows and features two brand-new releases: RAW-Kick 2, a kick drum synth, and FilterField, a plugin.
As with every eXplorer bundle, that’s not all. Buyers of the new version will also receive two additional not-yet-released plugins during that period.
On top of that, Rob Papen also gives users a free option to add 11 legacy plugins to the bundle, including the original SubBoomBass, Blade, and the original RP-Distortion.
The bundle includes a huge arsenal of original synthesizers, drum synths, drum machines, and effect processors. It features Rob Papen classics such as Albino-3 Legacy, BLUE III, Predator 3, and more.
Also included are the plugins released during the eXplorer 10 bundle timeframe, including the WirePluck physical modeling Synthesizer, DelGrain granular delay, RAW-2 hardcore hardstyle distortion Synthesizer, and SynFeX, an FX Synthesizer.
Additionally, it includes Prisma, a powerful plugin that loads RP instruments, allowing you to combine and layer up to 4 in various creative ways. The new version also includes fresh presets for WirePluck, Predator 3, and Punch 2.
The Following plugins are included:
- Synthesizers: RAW-Kick 2 (kick drum synth), WirePluck (PM synth), RAW-2 (hardstyle synth), SynFeX (FX synth), Albino-3 Legacy (VA synth), Go2-X (VA synth), BIT-2 (analog modeling synth), BLUE-III (hybrid FM), Predator 3 (VA synth)
- More synths: Blade 2 (additive synth), Quad (phase distortion and waveshaper), Vecto (4-OSC vector synth), Go2 (VA synth), SubBoomBass 2 (bass synth), Punch-BD (drum synth)
- Drum Machines: Punch 2
- Others: PowerChord (Guitar PowerChord groove machine), RG (electric and acoustic guitar grooves)
- Effects: FilterField (XY filter), DelGrain (granular delay), UniMagic (vocal FX), LowSane (LoFi), ReSane (reverb), RoCoder (Vocoder), DelSane (delay), RP-Distort 2 (distortion), XY-Transfer (XY modulation FX), MasterMagic (mastering),
- More Effects: RP-VERB 2 (reverb), RP-Reverse (reverser), RP-EQ (EQ), RP-Delay (delay), RP-Amod (vocal)
RAW-Kick 2
The highlights of the Rob Papen eXplorer 11 are the two new additions. First, RAW-Kick 2 is the successor of the unique kick drum synth plugin developer in conjunction with Dutch Hardware and Hardstyle producers.
RAW-Kick 2 allows you to combine three layers, each featuring a dedicated kick synth model or a sample-based source. The new version comes with an expanded kick model and a sample-based model.
For example, there are new multi-stage envelopes for pitch and volume, while the sample model now has a granular mode. The latter includes unique modulation options to dynamically change the length and size.
You can also take the easy route and use the many preset layers to quickly create new kick drum sounds. Also new in RAW-Kick 2 is the ribbon control, which allows dynamic changes to the sound, with a unique temp-based springback feature.
To give your kicks the finishing touch, it also features a master section with a wide range of processors. RAW-Kick 2 ships with plenty of presets from the RP team, but also from these respected producers in various music styles!
FilterField
The second new plugin in the Rob Papen eXplorer 11 bundle is not a Synthesizer but a new creative FX. FilterField is a new, powerful yet fun filter plugin that combines four filters into the best-known YY field, as used in other RP plugins.
The plugin features a wide range of filters, including 32 analog modeled filters, comb filters, vowel filters, EQ filters, all-pass filters, and phaser filters.
To make it even more flexible, it also has special mode filters: ring mod, amp mod, frequency shift, FM LP/HP/BP, and feedback LP/HP/BP.
For additional character and crunch, FilterField also features a distortion mode with 21 distortion types that can be placed pre- or post-filters. Plus, you can use the filters in parallel or serial modes.
A key feature is the plugin’s XY vector mode. Choose four filter types; once activated, you can travel between them. You can activate a morph function that you can morph through a range of parameters at the same time.
Additionally, there are 4 free targets possible for the X and Y available. This blending function lets you create your own unique filter effects.
On top, you can record the XY pad and play back in different ways, including in sync with your DAW – a famous feature from other RP plugins. Alongside this, there is an audio follower that responds to the audio input, perfect for side-chain effects.
Not enough modulation? Okay, there are also LFOs for the four filters and two additional LFOs, with various waveforms and temp-sync options. These are managed by an 8-slot modulation matrix with various modulators, including MIDI sources.
To make it even more versatile, FilterField already includes a tape-delay stereo delay with the unique Equal Feedback feature. This can be placed pre- or post-filters as well.
Rob Papen eXplorer 11 First Impression
With version 11, the bundle has become even more comprehensive and versatile. The two new plugins are interesting additions. It’s surprising that they squeezed even more out of the initial RAW-Kick drum synth plugin. I thought it covered everything.
The new FilterField bundles several features already found in these RP plugins, but into a standalone plugin. This makes sense, and it looks like a very flexible yet fun filter plugin. Not to mention, two more new plugins will be added later this year. I’m curious to see what else is added.
The new Rob Papen eXplorer 11 bundle is available now for $499/499€. Existing eXplorerer 10 bundle users can upgrade for $79/79€ and the 6-9 bundle for $99/99€. There are other upgrade options available.
Plugins are available in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. Most of them also include NKS support.
More information here: Rob Papen
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