RAW-2 Upgrade from RAW synth plugin interface by Rob Papen

RAW-2 Upgrade from RAW: Distortion-Focused Hybrid Synth by Rob Papen

RAW-2 Upgrade from RAW is a hybrid synthesizer plugin by Rob Papen for owners of RAW version 1. It builds on RAW's distortion-focused sound with 16-voice phase-distortion oscillators, a 32-step arpeggiator and an expanded FX section.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

RAW-2 Upgrade from RAW is meant for existing RAW version 1 owners who want the next version of Rob Papen's distortion-oriented synth. RAW was developed with input from two producers and became known for its edgy sound. The upgrade adds phase-distortion oscillators with XY control, a user waveform drawing tool, per-voice EQ, waveshaper, distortion and LoFi stages, and a 32-step arpeggiator. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Best for

Hardcore and hardstyle leads
Distorted bass sounds
Wobble bass design
Tempo-synced arpeggios
Edgy electronic pads

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
37 analog-modeled filter modes, including Comb, Ring Mod and AMP Mod
16-slot modulation matrix with two envelopes and two LFOs
Tempo-based LFOs and tempo-based recording in the oscillators
32-step arpeggiator with tune-per-step and ratcheting
Per-voice 3-band EQ, waveshaper, distortion and LoFi effects
FX section with chorus, phaser, ensemble, flanger, delay, reverb and gater

03In depth

Sound Design and Distortion Tools

Both oscillators use phase distortion and have their own X/Y field for shaping the waveform. You can also draw two custom waveforms and use them as LFO shapes, which allows for unique wobble movements.

Filters include analog-modeled types across 37 modes, among them Comb, Ring Mod and AMP Mod. Per-voice EQ, waveshaper, distortion and LoFi stages add grit at the voice level rather than only on the output.

Workflow, Modulation and Arpeggiation

The 16-slot modulation matrix uses two envelopes and two LFOs, and the LFOs can sync to tempo. A ribbon controller, carried over from BIT-2 and other Rob Papen plugins, changes the sound dynamically with a tempo-based spring-back feature.

The 32-step arpeggiator includes tune-per-step, modulation rows and ratcheting. The FX section covers distortion, chorus, phaser, ensemble, flanger, delay, reverb and gater, and flexible routing lets you set paths for oscillators and effects.

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

Is RAW-2 Upgrade from RAW for RAW version 1 owners only?

The product is described as an upgrade for owners of RAW version 1. Users without RAW 1 should check the purchase path on the developer's site before buying.

Which formats and operating systems does RAW-2 support?

RAW-2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS. It is 64-bit and the developer notes ARM processor compatibility on Mac.

What do I need to run RAW-2?

On PC it requires 64-bit VST3, AAX or VST support on Windows 7 or higher, with AAX for Pro Tools 12 or higher. On Mac it requires OS 10.15 or higher. Activation uses a serial/license system, which can be online or offline, and the software can be installed on two of your computers.