Rob Papen eXplorer-11 Expands Bundle with RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField
Rob Papen has officially released eXplorer-11, the latest iteration of his comprehensive plug-in suite. This update significantly expands the collection, which now boasts 36 individual instruments and effects, while introducing two major new tools: RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField.
The bundle, priced at €499 or $499, offers a robust studio toolkit designed to cover everything from synthesis and sound design to complex drum processing and creative effects. Existing users of the eXplorer series and other Rob Papen products can take advantage of various upgrade paths to access the new content, which also includes updated presets for staples like Predator-3, Punch-2, and WirePluck.
RAW-Kick 2: Advanced Kick Drum Synthesis
The standout addition to the bundle is RAW-Kick 2. Building upon the foundation of the original 2018 release—which was developed in collaboration with Dutch Hardcore and Hardstyle producers—this new version is tailored for a broader range of modern electronic genres, including house, hip-hop, DnB, and EDM.
The instrument features a highly intuitive main page that allows producers to combine three distinct layers. Each layer supports dedicated kick synth models or sample-based playback, with full compatibility for factory samples and user-imported WAV or AIFF files. A new granular mode provides additional flexibility, allowing for precise control over grain length and size.
Under the hood, the synthesis engine is remarkably deep. It includes oscillator-based modeling with harmonic waveform drawing, the signature RAW-style distortion with recordable XY movement, and 48 filter modes. For those requiring granular control, the advanced page offers multi-stage pitch and amp envelopes, ensuring that sound designers can sculpt their kicks with surgical precision.
FilterField: Morphing Filter Movement
Complementing the drum-focused RAW-Kick 2 is FilterField, a creative filter effect designed to inject movement into static audio signals. It features 32 analog-modeled filter types, ranging from standard EQs and phasers to more experimental frequency-modulated and ring-modulated filters.
The core of the FilterField workflow is its XY Vector Filter Mode. This allows users to morph between different filter states and parameter ranges, with the ability to record XY movement for tempo-synced automation. This makes it an ideal tool for creating dynamic transitions, evolving synth textures, and complex rhythmic processing.
Beyond its filtering capabilities, FilterField includes a versatile distortion module with 21 types, flexible serial and parallel routing, and an extensive eight-slot modulation matrix. eXplorer-11 is available now for macOS and Windows, supporting AAX, AU, VST, and VST3 formats. RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField are also available as standalone purchases for €79 and €49, respectively.
