Rob Papen Unveils eXplorer-11, RAW-Kick 2 & FilterField

Rob Papen, a renowned name in electronic music production, has announced the release of eXplorer-11, an updated and expanded version of its flagship plugin bundle. This significant update also introduces two brand-new plugins: RAW-Kick 2, a versatile kick-drum synthesizer, and FilterField, an innovative filter effect plugin. These additions further enhance Rob Papen’s extensive software lineup, providing producers with advanced tools for sound design and music creation. Moreover, eXplorer-11 integrates these new offerings seamlessly into a comprehensive package.

eXplorer-11: An Expanded Plugin Suite

The eXplorer-11 bundle now encompasses an impressive collection of 36 plugins, providing a vast array of instruments and effects. Furthermore, users have the option to incorporate 11 legacy products, expanding its sonic palette even further. A key component of the bundle is Prisma, a powerful plugin designed to load Rob Papen instruments, enabling users to combine and layer up to four instruments in various creative configurations. Compared to its predecessor, eXplorer-10, this new version notably includes RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField. In addition, it features new presets for existing plugins such as Predator-3, WirePluck, and Punch-2, ensuring fresh sounds and starting points for producers. This update consolidates a wealth of tools for diverse production needs.

RAW-Kick 2: The Next Generation Kick Synthesizer

RAW-Kick 2 emerges as the successor to a popular kick-drum product, developed in collaboration with Dutch Hardcore and Hardstyle producers. Its versatile design, however, extends its utility to a wide range of contemporary music styles, including EDM, Hip Hop, R&B, House, and Drum & Bass. The main screen of RAW-Kick 2 has been redesigned, allowing users to combine three distinct layers using numerous layer presets. This facilitates rapid sound adjustments through access to crucial parameters. A notable new feature is the “Ribbon Controller,” which enables dynamic sound changes with a unique tempo-based spring-back mechanism. Each layer permits selection of a dedicated kick synthesizer model or a sample-based layer. For advanced users, deeper customization options are readily available. The ‘Kick Model’ and ‘Sample-based Model’ features have been expanded with multi-stage envelopes for pitch and volume. Additionally, a granular mode is now available for the sample-based model, offering unique modulation possibilities to dynamically alter ‘length’ and ‘size’. Finally, the Master section provides tools for fine-tuning and perfecting the kick sound.

FilterField: Innovative Filter FX with XY Control

FilterField introduces a novel approach to filter effects by combining four distinct filters with the XY field, a feature familiar from other Rob Papen plugins. This combination enables the creation of exciting and dynamic filter effects. The plugin offers an extensive selection of 32 analog-modeled filters, alongside Comb Filters, Vowel Filters, EQ Filters, All-Pass Filters, and Phaser Filters. Moreover, it includes a range of special modes such as Ring Modulation, Amplitude Modulation, Frequency Shift, frequency-modulated LP/HP/BP, and FeedBack LP/HP/BP Filters. A dedicated Distortion module has also been added, featuring 21 distortion types with options for PRE or POST filtering.

These four filters can be integrated and controlled within the XY Vector mode, allowing seamless transitions between filter types. Furthermore, users can “Morph” a range of parameters simultaneously. Parallel and serial modes are also available for these filter modules. The XY movements can be recorded and played back tempo-based in various ways, offering extensive automation possibilities. In Vector mode, the XY not only controls the mix between the four filters but also morphs selected parameters. Additionally, four free targets are available for the X and Y axes. An “Audio Follower” responds to input or other sources, facilitating side-chain control, for instance. Each filter includes a Follower amount control for streamlined workflow. Twin LFOs for the four filters and two free LFOs, with diverse waveforms and tempo-sync options, provide further modulation. The Modulation Matrix, with its eight slots, allows for additional modulation from FilterField or MIDI sources. The FX section features an additional HighPass Filter, Gator, and a Tape-Delay Stereo Delay with Rob Papen’s unique ‘Equal Feedback’ feature. Lastly, a bank manager assists in organizing presets, and a substantial collection of presets serves as useful templates.

Features

eXplorer-11: Includes 36 plugins, Prisma layering, RAW-Kick 2, FilterField, and new presets.
RAW-Kick 2: Kick-drum synthesizer with 3 layers, Ribbon Controller, multi-stage envelopes, granular mode.
FilterField: 4 Filters with XY Vector mode, 32 filter types, Distortion module, Audio Follower, LFOs, 8-slot Modulation Matrix.

Price
eXplorer-11: $499.00 (Upgrades available)
FilterField Intro: €39 / $39 (Reg. €49 / $49)
RAW-Kick 2 Intro: €69 / $69 (Reg. €79 / $79)