RAW-2 by Rob Papen synth plugin interface

RAW-2: Phase-Distortion Hybrid Synth by Rob Papen

RAW-2 is a hybrid synthesizer plugin by Rob Papen built around two phase-distortion oscillators, with 16 voices, 37 filter modes and a 32-step arpeggiator. It is available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

RAW-2 is the sequel to Rob Papen's RAW, a synth designed around gritty, distorted tones. Its two oscillators each have an X/Y field for shaping phase distortion, and you can draw your own waveforms to use as oscillator or LFO shapes. The synth adds per-voice EQ, waveshaper, distortion and LoFi stages, along with a ribbon controller with tempo-based spring-back. The plugin ships with more than 3000 artist-created presets, including contributions from several well-known DJs and producers.

Best for

Hardstyle lead sounds
Hardcore basslines
Distorted synth leads
Tempo-synced wobble bass
Experimental sound design
Arpeggiated sequences

Developer: Rob Papen
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

16-voice phase-distortion hybrid synthesizer with user waveform drawing
Two phase-distortion oscillators with XY control and tempo-based recording
Analog-modeled filters with 37 modes, including Comb and Ring Mod
16-slot modulation matrix with two envelopes and two LFOs
32-step arpeggiator with tune-per-step and ratcheting
3-band pre/post EQ, waveshaper, distortion and LoFi per voice
FX section with chorus, phaser, flanger, delay, reverb and gater
Bank manager with search, category and favorites

03In depth

Sound Design and Oscillators

The core of RAW-2 is its phase-distortion engine. Each of the two oscillators has an X/Y field that changes how the waveform is distorted, and both can be paired with dedicated LFOs and envelopes.

You can also draw two custom waveforms and use them as LFO shapes, which allows for unusual wobble movements. The filter section offers 37 analog-modeled modes, including Comb, Ring Mod and AMP Mod, so you can push a sound well beyond a standard subtractive patch.

Modulation, Arpeggiator and Routing

The 16-slot modulation matrix combines two envelopes and two LFOs, and the LFOs can sync to tempo. Play modes include poly, mono, legato and ARP.

The 32-step arpeggiator supports tune-per-step, modulation rows and ratcheting. Routing is flexible, letting you send oscillators and effects along different paths. The FX section covers distortion, chorus, phaser, ensemble, flanger, delay, reverb and gater.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Rob Papen
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05Upgrades

Upgrade and crossgrade options

Option	Store link
RAW-2 Upgrade from RAW	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does RAW-2 support?

RAW-2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

Which operating systems are supported?

On Windows, the plugin supports Windows 7 or higher. On Mac, it supports macOS 10.15 or higher and is ARM processor compatible.

What do I need to use RAW-2?

RAW-2 is a 64-bit plugin that needs a compatible VST3, VST2, AU or AAX host. It uses a serial license with activation, which can be done online or offline, and can be installed on two of your computers.