If you own Punch 1 and you're sitting on the fence about the upgrade, the answer is yes, but go in knowing exactly what you're buying. At $49, the Punch 2 upgrade from Punch 1 is a meaningful step up in synthesis depth and raw content, not a rethink of the whole concept. You're getting more drum models, a rebuilt main screen, a proper master section, and a library that's grown substantially. What you're not getting is a slick modern interface or a fixed sample browser.
This review is for Punch 1 owners. If you're coming in fresh without a Punch 1 licence, you'd be looking at the full version instead, and that's a different conversation.
What You're Actually Getting in Punch 2
Punch 2 is a 24-pad drum synthesizer and sampler. That part hasn't changed from Punch 1. What has changed is everything around it.
The main screen has been redesigned to make building custom kits feel more immediate. You get more drum synthesis models than before, plus the ability to import your own samples and REX files. Map a REX file to individual pads, apply granular synthesis to those slices, run them through filters, envelopes, and four FX modules. That's a real sound design chain for something marketed as a drum machine.
The new master section is genuinely useful. EQ, compressor, and limiter all live there, alongside a stereo/mono split filter and a layout mixer. That's not decoration. It means you can shape the final output without reaching for another plugin on the master bus.
The library is big. 900+ kits, 2500+ presets, 1300+ pre-installed samples, and 150+ loops and REX files. You will not run out of starting points. Owners describe the sounds as immediately impactful, which tracks with what this kind of plugin does best: punchy, production-ready electronic drums that sit in the mix fast.
Who Qualifies for This Upgrade
You need a registered Punch 1 serial to qualify. The upgrade uses a serial/licence system with activation at registration. You can register a second serial for use on a secondary machine, which is a straightforward perk if you work across two computers.
Format coverage is solid. VST on both PC and Mac. AAX on both platforms, though AAX on PC requires Pro Tools 12 or higher. AU on Mac. NI NKS compatibility on both. Windows 7, 8, and 10 in 32-bit and 64-bit. OS-X 10.9 through 10.15, 64-bit only.
If you're on a newer Mac beyond 10.15, check compatibility before buying. If you're on a newer Mac beyond 10.15, check compatibility before buying, as support past that version is not confirmed in the product specifications.
The Value Case
At $49, you're not gambling. The content alone is hard to argue against. The master section alone would save you CPU on a dedicated dynamics plugin for a basic drum bus.
Owners consistently report low CPU consumption, which matters when you're running a full session. A drum machine that sounds great but costs you 15% CPU per instance isn't actually a deal. Punch 2 doesn't do that to you.
The granular synthesis on REX pads is the wildcard here. Load up a drum loop, slice it, apply granular processing to individual hits, route through the FX chain. That's a level of sound design you wouldn't expect from a preset-heavy drum plugin. It won't replace a dedicated granular tool, but for drum work it's a satisfying addition.
Where the value argument gets shakier is the sample referencing issue. Owners call it a mess. If you bought this specifically to build kits from your own sample library, that workflow is frustrating and unreliable. Factor that in before you commit. For synth-based drums and preset kits, the value holds. For sample-heavy workflows, less so.
Who Should Skip the Punch 2 Upgrade
If you mainly want acoustic-sounding drum tracks, skip it. Owners are clear that the acoustic sounds lack convincing realism. The samples don't have the expressive nuance of a properly multi-sampled acoustic kit. Punch 2 is brilliant at electronic drums. It's unconvincing on brushed snares and room-sounding toms.
If you want a deep, flexible sequencer, this won't satisfy you. The built-in pattern sequencer is functional, but owners comparing it to alternatives say the sequencing capabilities are less comprehensive. Tremor is the name that comes up.
And if a cramped, dated interface is something you can't live with, that hasn't been fixed. The GUI is what it is. No advanced layout modifications. No resize. If you spend a lot of time inside your drum plugin's interface building patterns and editing sounds, the screen is going to annoy you.
The Verdict
Punch 2 at $49 is the right upgrade for Punch 1 owners who work primarily in electronic styles and want more synthesis options, a credible master section, and a genuinely large library to dig into. The low CPU overhead makes it a practical choice even in heavy sessions.
We'd steer you away if acoustic realism or deep sequencing is the main thing you need. And the broken sample referencing is a legitimate complaint, not a minor quibble. Know what you're buying, and it delivers. Go in expecting a complete overhaul and you'll be disappointed.
For the target buyer, the upgrade is worth it. For everyone else, the shelf of alternatives is wide enough to shop around.
Specs & Technical Details
| Developer | Rob Papen |
| Price | $49 |
| Plugin Format | VST, AAX, AU |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10 (32-bit & 64-bit), Mac OS-X 10.9–10.15 (64-bit only) |
| Activation | Serial/licence, activated at registration. Second serial available for secondary computer. |
| CPU Usage | Light (owners report low CPU consumption) |
| Trial Available | N/A |
| Version Reviewed | N/A |
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 4.0/5 | Impactful and punchy for electronic work; acoustic sounds are a weak point |
| Value for Money | 4.5/5 | Substantial content and new features at an upgrade price that's hard to argue with |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | Easy programming and good presets, but the cramped GUI and sample referencing issues drag it down |
| Features | 4.0/5 | Granular synthesis, master section, and REX file support are genuine additions; sequencer is average |
| CPU Efficiency | 4.5/5 | Owners consistently report low CPU draw across sessions |
| Overall | 4.1/5 | A meaningful upgrade for the right user, with real limits that keep it from being a universal recommendation |
Alternatives to Consider
Tremor (Rob Papen), If the sequencer is the thing holding Punch 2 back for you, Tremor is the name owners bring up. Its sequencing goes deeper and its sound design is considered versatile. The trade-off is higher CPU demand and a less intuitive workflow for straightforward drum programming.
uTonic, Owners say it sounds fantastic. The limit is scope. It's a focused synthesizer rather than an all-in-one drum machine, so you get more pure synthesis depth but less of the sampler/sequencer/master chain that Punch 2 wraps into one plugin.
NI Battery, The comparison that comes up for sample-focused drum work. Punch 2 is considered more versatile overall, but if your priority is working with your own sample library reliably, Battery's sample handling is more dependable than Punch 2's problematic referencing system.
| Plugin | Strongest Point | Weakest Point | Best Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punch 2 (upgrade) | Content volume + master section + low CPU | Sample referencing, cramped GUI | Electronic drum production, preset-based workflow |
| Tremor | Superior sequencing depth | Higher CPU demand | Pattern-heavy, sequence-driven drum work |
| uTonic | Synthesis quality | Too limited for all-in-one use | Pure drum synthesis, minimal sampler need |
| NI Battery | Sample handling reliability | Less synthesis versatility than Punch 2 | Custom sample library workflows |
If you're a Punch 1 owner making electronic music and you want more to work with at $49, this upgrade earns its place in your folder. If sample management is core to your process, or you hate spending time inside a cluttered interface, the alternatives above are worth a longer look before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own Punch 1 to buy the Punch 2 upgrade?
Yes. The upgrade is specifically for existing Punch 1 owners. You'll need a registered Punch 1 serial to qualify. If you're coming to Rob Papen's drum plugin fresh, you'd be looking at the full Punch 2 licence rather than the upgrade path.
Can I run Punch 2 on two computers with one purchase?
Yes. The serial/licence system allows you to register a second serial for use on a secondary computer. It activates during product registration, so you'll handle both installs through that process.
Does Punch 2 work in Pro Tools?
Yes, via AAX on both PC and Mac. On PC, AAX requires Pro Tools 12 or higher. On Mac, AU is also available alongside AAX and VST.
Is Punch 2 good for acoustic drum sounds?
Honestly, not its strongest area. Owners report that acoustic sounds lack the expressive nuance of multi-sampled drum instruments. Punch 2 is where you want to be for electronic and synthesized drum work. If acoustic realism is the priority, a dedicated multi-sampled instrument would serve you better.
How does Punch 2 handle REX files?
You can import REX files and map slices to individual pads. From there you can apply granular synthesis to those pads, run them through filters, envelopes, and FX modules. It's a flexible setup for loop chopping and textured drum design. Sample referencing more broadly has been flagged as problematic by owners, so test that workflow early if it's central to how you'd use the plugin.