eXplorer 11 Upgrade Review: 37 Plugins Worth $99?

Yes, the eXplorer 11 upgrade from eXplorer 6 to 9 is worth $99 if you already own one of those older bundles and actually use Rob Papen synths and effects.

It’s a mostly positive verdict with real caveats. You get 37 plugins, an optional set of 11 legacy products, and Prisma on top. That is a lot of sound for upgrade money.

It’s a great fit for Rob Papen regulars, hardstyle and EDM producers, and anyone who wants one big sound-design toolbox. It’s a harder sell if you only touched one or two plugins from your old bundle, or if you’ve never owned eXplorer 6 to 9 at all. Then this isn’t your purchase.

This review is based on the product page, the developer’s descriptions of each plugin and the documented feature set. No hands-on session is claimed here. Where something can’t be verified yet, it’s marked as such.

What Is in the Box, and What Are You Upgrading To?

eXplorer 11 is Rob Papen’s big collection of synths, drum tools and effects. The upgrade version, listed as eXplorer 11 Upgrade from eXplorer 6 to 9, is sold only to owners of those older bundles.

The developer lists 37 plugins. There is also the option to add 11 legacy products, including the original SubBoomBass, Blade and the original RP-Distort. Those legacy versions exist so your older songs and Prisma presets keep loading.

Prisma comes along at no extra cost. It loads Rob Papen instruments and lets you layer up to four of them, which is the glue for the whole bundle.

Formats on the product page are VST3, AU and AAX across Mac and Windows. The page doesn’t name a copy-protection scheme, so check the activation method on the store listing before you buy.

Who Is This Upgrade Actually For?

Think of the producer who bought eXplorer 6, 7, 8 or 9, loved a few of the instruments, and now has a folder of Rob Papen sessions to maintain. That person gets the new stuff without paying full price.

Picture a hardstyle producer who stacks three kick layers and wants a faster way to do it. RAW-Kick 2’s new main screen is aimed squarely at that job.

Or a sound designer who lives in Prisma and wants more engines to layer. This bundle is built for that.

It isn’t for the person who wants one great reverb and nothing else. Buy that reverb on its own.

Prisma: The Part That Ties It Together

Prisma is the quiet star of the package. According to the developer, it stacks up to four Rob Papen instruments, each with its own settings, into one combined sound source.

Each instrument opens individually and can be edited on its own. Prisma also has four built-in effects, and the developer says you can bypass the individual instruments’ effects to save CPU.

That CPU claim is the developer’s. We haven’t measured it here, so treat it as a promising design choice, not a number.

The developer’s own example is a dreamy Blue II pad, an arpeggiated Predator line, a wobble from Blade and a groove from Punch. That’s the pitch in one sentence, and it’s a clever one.

Prisma works with a single Rob Papen plugin too. But it only really earns its keep when you own the full range, which is exactly what this bundle gives you.

The Synths: Where the Bundle Earns Its Weight

The synth line-up is the heart of eXplorer 11. There’s overlap, and that’s fine. Each instrument takes a different route to a sound.

Quad-2

Quad-2 updates the original Quad, which started life as a Rack Extension for Reason. The new version refreshes the interface and adds a Ribbon Controller, more filter types and more effects.

Each oscillator gets Phase Distortion and a WaveShaper. Two XY pads per oscillator can be driven by the modulation matrix or by the new Ribbon Controller.

Filter modes are expanded, including the Albino-3 Legend Cream Filter. The arpeggiator now has ratcheting and a Free row, handy for steering the oscillator XY fields.

On the effects side you get a stereo tape delay, a reverb, 11 modulation effects like chorus and talkbox, and 33 distortion effects. That’s a complete synth with its own FX rack.

Predator-3

Predator-3 is the third version of a long-running Rob Papen synth. The developer cites over 6,400 presets on one page and 6,500 on another, so call it roughly 6,500 and expect the exact count to depend on the listing.

The interface was redesigned so the essential controls sit on the main screen. New arpeggiator features, multi-envelopes and an audio follower input for sidechain control are on the list.

The developer says it received the analogue-modelled sound code from B.I.T., aimed at analogue-style and hybrid wavetable sounds. We can’t verify that claim by ear in this source-based review, but the lineage makes sense.

Predator-1 presets are included too, in bank folders marked with a leading 1. Predator-2 and Predator-3 presets sit in folders starting with 0. That’s tidy, and good news for anyone with old projects.

BLUE-III

BLUE-III continues what the developer calls Cross-fusion synthesis, blending subtractive and FM. It adds a Karplus-Strong string model, new waveforms, new filter types and built-in samples.

You can load up to 6 samples inside each preset. The interface got an overhaul, and the XY pad now lives on the front panel.

The developer says it ships with 5,000+ presets. That’s a lot to wade through.

We like that it’s honest about its heritage. It isn’t a nostalgia trip, it’s an expanded engine.

BLADE-2

The first Blade controlled waveform harmonics through an XY pad (the Harmolator). Blade-2 adds an Additive mode that morphs between four additive waveforms on the XY pad.

There’s a wave-analyze section that turns sample data into a waveform. You can then use it in the Harmolator or the Additive section.

It also adds an analogue-type oscillator, a noise oscillator and 32 filter types. The arpeggiator gets two extra rows for X and Y position, plus ratcheting.

Three multi-FX processors close it out. It’s the instrument for people who like to experiment rather than recall a patch.

B.I.T. and BIT-2

B.I.T. stands for Back In Time, and it focuses on pure analogue-modelled synthesis. No spectrum waveforms, no samples.

It has no patch cables but is modular through its modulation matrix. An advanced panel under the oscillators gives quick LFO and envelope connections.

Oscillator 2 can be modulated by Oscillator 1 via phase, frequency or ring modulation. BIT-2 adds SuperSaw and SuperSquare waves, built from multiple oscillators inside Oscillator 1 and/or 2.

Having both versions is a plus for compatibility. It’s also a reminder that this bundle carries a lot of history.

Go2-X, Vecto, RAW-2, WirePluck and More

Go2-X keeps the idea of a synth where all controls are visible at once. New features include drawing and morphing your own waveforms, ratcheting and the Magic Mode borrowed from BIT-2.

It also lets you run the stereo delay and reverb at the same time. That’s a small change that matters in daily use.

Vecto is a four-oscillator vector synth with a central XY controller, over 1,000 presets and 28 filter slots. It came from Reason’s RE platform and is now available as VST, AU and AAX.

RAW-2 targets distorted, edgy sounds popular in hardcore and hardstyle. Each of its two oscillators has an XY field for Phase Distortion, and you can draw two waveforms to use as LFO shapes for wobbles.

WirePluck builds pluck sounds from three oscillator layers across four source types. The developer is clear it isn’t trying to copy acoustic instruments.

SubBoomBass 2 adds spectrum waveforms, samples and Karplus-Strong string synthesis to a bass synth. It also keeps the original SubBoomBass presets.

The Drum Tools: RAW-Kick 2, Punch 2 and Punch-BD

This is where the bundle gets punchy. Kicks are a big part of modern production, and Rob Papen has invested here.

RAW-Kick 2: Three Layers, One Screen

RAW-Kick 2 is the successor to a kick synth developed with Dutch hardcore and hardstyle producers. The developer says it also suits EDM, hip hop, R&B, house and drum and bass.

The headline change is a new main screen. You can combine 3 layers using layer presets, and it exposes the most important parameters for quick changes.

Each layer can be a dedicated kick synth model or a sample-based layer. If you want depth, an advanced panel opens all the editing.

There’s also a Ribbon Controller with a tempo-based spring-back. It lets you make dynamic changes to the sound and have it return in time.

The kick and sample models were expanded with multi-stage envelopes for pitch and volume. A granular mode for the sample model offers modulation of length and size.

The Master section adds finishing tools, and the plugin ships with presets from respected producers. The developer calls it the most powerful kick synth on the planet. That’s marketing, so file it as a claim, not a fact.

We like the layered approach. It’s how many producers already build kicks, now in one window.

Punch 2

Punch 2 is a drum machine with a pattern sequencer and a redesigned main screen for building kits quickly. It adds more drum synthesis models.

You can import your own samples and REX files, and map REX slices to pads. Granular synthesis works on REX and slice pads.

There’s a full Master section with EQ, compressor, limiter, a stereo/mono split filter and a layout mixer. Four effects modules handle the rest.

The developer says there’s almost too much to list. We believe it.

Punch-BD

Punch-BD is a bass drum module based on the BD module of Punch. It lets you stack up to 6 bass drums in total.

You can split the 6 pads across the keyboard or stack them in tuned mode. Each pad has its own distortion module and a 3-band graphic EQ.

Four effects units offer 31 effect types. Between this and RAW-Kick 2 you’ve got two different ways to build a low end. Expect overlap, and pick one as your main.

The Effects: Filters, Delays, Reverbs and Odd Ideas

The effects side is the most creative part of the collection. Rob Papen leans on one recurring idea: the XY pad, or its cousin the Disrupt Sphere.

FilterField

FilterField combines 4 filters with an XY field. There are 32 filter types, including analogue-modelled, comb, vowel, EQ, all-pass and phaser filters.

Special modes include ring modulation, amplitude modulation, frequency shift and FM filters. A distortion module with 21 types can sit pre or post filter.

The XY can be recorded and played back tempo-based. In Vector mode it mixes between the 4 filters and can morph a range of parameters at once.

An audio follower can respond to the input or other sources for sidechain-style control. There are LFOs for the 4 filters plus 2 free LFOs, and an 8-slot modulation matrix.

A tape-style stereo delay with the Equal Feedback feature is built in. We like that the presets double as templates.

XY-Transfer

XY-Transfer offers a filter bank with 36 filter types. It combines these with 2 other effects, each with its own recordable XY pad, plus a flexible stereo delay.

It’s a more compact cousin of FilterField. If you have both, you’ll need to decide which one you reach for first.

DelSane, RevSane and LowSane

The Sane family shares the Disrupt Sphere slider. It connects to multiple parameters and moves them dynamically, with a tempo-based spring-back to centre.

DelSane is a smooth stereo tape delay on one side and a creative tool on the other. Equal Feedback, distortion and frequency shift are on board, along with a Lazy Mode that automates the sphere movement for flanger or chorus-style effects.

RevSane is a dense reverb that you can also modulate with the Disrupt Sphere. The developer says it’s equally at home as a straightforward high-quality reverb.

LowSane is a lo-fi tool with a distortion module, band-pass and notch filter, lo-fi section, high and low pass filters and a noise gate. The Disrupt Sphere and an audio follower control the rest, and a 2-slot mod matrix handles the details.

All three share a workflow, which helps. Learn one and you’re halfway to the others.

RP-Verb 2, RP-Delay, RP-Distort 2, RP-AMod and RP-Reverse

RP-Verb 2 adds a Reverser section that reverses the reverb sound in a tempo-based way. It also has an envelope follower, envelope, LFO, mod matrix and a distortion module.

RP-Delay offers 6 delay lines with 8 active multi-mode filters. It has a reverser, 4 modulation sequencers, 4 LFOs and 4 envelopes.

RP-Distort 2 brings the Disrupt Sphere from DelSane. It has 52 distortion types, including lo-fi, 2-band distortions, amp and cabinet models, audio modulation and dual wave shapers.

Pre and post distortion EQs, a filter, a compressor and a widener or chorus module round it out. The order of these modules can be rearranged, and the interface shows it.

RP-AMod covers phaser, flanger, chorus, ensemble and tremolo, tempo-synced, with two effects in serial, parallel or filter-split routing. RP-Reverse reverses incoming audio in a tempo-synced way and can trigger recording in different ways.

RP-EQ and MasterMagic

RP-EQ is more than a basic equaliser. It includes a Mid/Side mode, a Mono/Stereo split filter, an Air section and the XY pad.

MasterMagic is meant for the end of your master chain. The developer says its Mono/Stereo section tightens the low end, and that the Air function is “sheer magic” even in small amounts.

That’s a strong claim, and we haven’t tested it. If you want our fuller thoughts, see our MasterMagic review.

RoCoder and UniMagic

RoCoder is a 32-band vocoder with extra modes: Additive, a combined Vocoder plus Additive mode, Noise, Tuned Noise and Tuned Comb. It also has stereo panning per band, an XY pad, a modulation matrix and built-in effects.

The developer warns that the combined mode is more CPU intensive and harder to use for tuned parts. It also says the Tuned Comb mode doesn’t work well on vocals but suits rhythmic sounds.

UniMagic is the opposite: minimal controls, a Ribbon controller and 50 presets. It’s a multiply effect for thickening vocals and instruments.

The developer’s own advice is to stop worrying about what kind of effect it is and just use it. We like that honesty.

PowerChord and Rhythm Guitar

PowerChord lets you create power chord grooves with its own sequencer rather than a sampled loop. It has 53 guitar models plus filters and effects.

You can also play strokes, long strokes and ghost strokes manually. The developer is realistic: it won’t replace a guitarist, but it makes sounds a guitarist can’t.

Rhythm Guitar (RG) plays chord grooves from single notes across major and minor keyboard ranges, each with A and B patterns. Sound sets are clean sampled guitars, plus power chord, distorted and muted banks.

SynFeX

SynFeX makes risers, drops and tempo-based audio effects. It includes built-in samples, lets you load your own and adds granular synthesis, filters and effects.

There’s a movement section for adjusting risers and drops, and a Ribbon Controller with spring-back. It’s a handy tool for transitions in any genre.

What's New Since eXplorer 6 to 9?

The product page doesn’t give a version-by-version changelog. So we can’t tell you exactly which plugin first appeared in eXplorer 10 or 11, or what changed between 9 and 11 bit for bit.

What the page does tell us is which products are described in their newest forms. That includes Quad-2, RAW-Kick 2, FilterField, Predator-3, BLADE-2, Punch 2, Go2-X and others.

The product page also mentions presets and features for Predator-3, WirePluck, Punch-2, Go2-X and BLADE-2 in the “new” section. The exact preset counts aren’t given.

If you own eXplorer 6 to 9, check your installed plugin list against this one. That’s the fastest way to see what you’d actually gain.

The Honest Caveat: What We Can't Verify

We haven’t measured CPU load, latency or sound quality for this bundle. Everything here comes from the developer’s descriptions and documented features.

The page doesn’t state a copy-protection method. It also doesn’t give a trial-version policy for the upgrade itself, although individual plugin descriptions mention trial downloads.

The upgrade-only nature is clear. It’s for existing owners of eXplorer 6 to 9, and other purchase options exist elsewhere.

We’d want to hear how Prisma behaves with four heavy instruments loaded, and how the bundle’s installer treats legacy plugins. Both are worth checking in your own setup.

Specs and Requirements

Spec	Detail
Developer	Rob Papen
Price	$99
Plugin Format	VST3 / AU / AAX
OS Support	Mac / Windows
Activation	N/A (not stated on the product page)
CPU Usage	Medium to heavy, depending on the plugin and mode
Trial Available	No (no trial for the upgrade bundle itself; some individual plugins list trials)
Version Reviewed	eXplorer 11 (Upgrade from eXplorer 6 to 9)

Where eXplorer 11 Wins

It wins on sheer breadth. 37 plugins plus optional legacy products is a lot of tools for upgrade money.

It wins on consistency. The XY pad, Ribbon Controller and Disrupt Sphere recur across plugins, so you learn a idea once and reuse it.

It wins on compatibility. Keeping the original Predator, SubBoomBass, Punch and Blade means older projects and Prisma presets keep working.

And it wins on the kick and filter side. RAW-Kick 2 and FilterField are, by the developer’s description, deeply featured. We’d try both first.

Where It Falls Short

It’s upgrade-only. If you don’t own eXplorer 6 to 9, this listing doesn’t help you.

It’s a lot of plugins. Some do similar jobs, such as Punch-BD and RAW-Kick 2, or XY-Transfer and FilterField. You’ll end up with favourites and a pile you rarely open.

Some features are CPU-heavy by the developer’s own admission. RoCoder’s combined mode is the clearest example.

The page doesn’t describe activation or give independent benchmarks. That’s a gap, and it’s the kind of detail we’d want before recommending this blind.

If you want a smaller, single-purpose tool, skip this and buy that tool directly.

How eXplorer 11 Compares to the Alternatives

The closest rival in spirit is Native Instruments Komplete, which bundles a far larger range of instruments, libraries and effects. It costs much more and targets a broader audience.

Arturia’s V Collection is another big synth bundle, focused on recreations of classic hardware. Rob Papen leans toward original sound-design ideas instead.

For effects, FabFilter’s bundles are the reference for clean, surgical processing. eXplorer’s effects are more creative and quirky, so it’s a different job.

None of these are upgrade-priced for eXplorer owners, so a direct price comparison isn’t fair. The real question is whether you want the Rob Papen way of doing things. Related reading: the eXplorer 11 upgrade from one Rob Papen product and the upgrade from three Rob Papen products.

Pricing and Value

The upgrade costs $99. For existing eXplorer 6 to 9 owners, that gets you the newest versions of the main instruments, Prisma and the optional legacy products.

The value case is simple. If you’d use even a handful of the new plugin versions regularly, the cost per tool is small.

The value case weakens if you never touched your old bundle. Then $99 buys you things you won’t open.

No discount is stated in the source, so we won’t mention one. Check the store for current offers.

Who Should Buy This

• ✅ Buy if you own eXplorer 6 to 9 and use Rob Papen synths and effects regularly.
• ✅ Buy if you make hardstyle, EDM or hip hop and want RAW-Kick 2's layered kick workflow.
• ✅ Buy if you want Prisma to stack and layer Rob Papen instruments.
• ❌ Skip if you don't own a qualifying eXplorer 6 to 9 licence.
• ❌ Skip if you only want one or two specific plugins, which you can buy separately.
• ❌ Skip if you want a polished, minimal workflow and dislike deep menus and many modes.

Score Breakdown

These scores are based on the documented feature set and the developer’s published figures. We’ll revisit them after longer hands-on use.

Category	Score	Notes
Sound Quality	4.5/5	Developer claims are strong, and the lineage is respected, but unverified by ear here
Value for Money	4.6/5	37 plugins plus Prisma at upgrade pricing is hard to beat
Ease of Use	4.0/5	Main screens look friendly, but depth means a learning curve
Features	4.7/5	Deep across synths, drums, filters and effects
CPU Efficiency	3.8/5	Some modes are heavy by the developer's own warnings
Overall	4.4/5	A strong upgrade for existing owners, with caveats on overlap and CPU

Alternatives to Consider

Native Instruments Komplete: a much broader collection of instruments, effects and libraries. It’s pricier and aimed at a wider range of producers.

Arturia V Collection: a large set of classic synth recreations. It’s better if you want vintage hardware flavours rather than new ideas.

Softube and Empirical Labs bundles: if effects are your priority, a polished mixing collection may suit you better. See our look at the Empirical Labs Complete Collection 2 upgrade and the Tube-Tech Complete Collection 2 upgrade.

The Verdict on eXplorer 11 Upgrade from eXplorer 6 - 9

Buy it if you own eXplorer 6 to 9 and live in Rob Papen’s world. At $99, 37 plugins, Prisma and the optional legacy products are a clear win.

We’d start with RAW-Kick 2, FilterField and Prisma. Those three alone justify a look.

It’s the wrong move if you don’t own a qualifying bundle, or if you only need one tool. In that case, buy the single plugin and skip the rest.

We’d still like to see activation details, CPU figures and a clear changelog from the developer. Until then, treat this as a smart, well-stocked upgrade, not a no-brainer. Pick the three plugins you’ll actually open and let the rest earn their place.