Rob Papen has officially released eXplorer-11, the latest iteration of his comprehensive plug-in bundle. The update marks a significant expansion for the collection, which now boasts 36 individual plug-ins, bolstered by the addition of RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField, alongside updated presets for staples like Predator-3, Punch-2, and WirePluck.
Priced at €499 or $499, the bundle remains a cornerstone for producers seeking a versatile studio toolkit. By housing synths, effects, drum tools, and sound design instruments under one roof, the eXplorer series continues to provide a robust foundation for modern DAW-based production.
RAW-Kick 2 Goes Deeper On Kick Design
The standout addition to the bundle is undoubtedly RAW-Kick 2. Building upon the original 2018 release—which was developed in collaboration with Dutch Hardcore and Hardstyle producers—this new version is designed for a broader spectrum of genres, including hip-hop, house, drum and bass, and EDM.
The new MAIN page allows for rapid layering of three distinct sound sources. Users can utilize factory presets or load their own WAV and AIFF files, with a granular mode available for further sonic manipulation. The synthesis engine is equally impressive, featuring oscillator-based modeling, RAW-style distortion with recordable XY movement, and 48 filter modes. Advanced users can dive into the secondary page to access multi-stage pitch and amp envelopes for surgical sound design.
FilterField Adds Morphing Filter Movement
Complementing the drum-focused RAW-Kick 2 is FilterField, a creative effect designed to inject movement into static sounds. It features 32 analog-modeled filter types, ranging from comb and phaser filters to frequency-modulated and ring modulation options.
The heart of the plug-in is its XY Vector Filter Mode. This interface allows producers to morph between filter states and parameter ranges, with the ability to record XY movement for tempo-synced automation. It is an ideal tool for creating dynamic transitions, risers, and evolving textures. With a built-in distortion module, serial/parallel routing, and an eight-slot modulation matrix, FilterField provides a deep, flexible environment for sound shaping.
eXplorer-11 is available now for macOS and Windows in AAX, AU, VST, and VST3 formats. For those not looking to purchase the full bundle, RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField are also available as standalone purchases for €79/$79 and €49/$49, respectively.