Electronic Sound July 2015 (Regular Edition) | Page 44

TECH
XXX

EXPLORER-III
ROB PAPEN
Dutch software developer Rob Papen offers up the
latest instalment of Explorer, the complete synth
and effect collection of plug-ins
Words: LUKE SANGER
Having been a fan of the now discontinued Albino software and its smooth
textures for a long time, I was keen to hear what its creator, Rob Papen, was
up to these days. A lot it would seem, judging by his latest collection of virtual
synths and effects plug-ins. There’s something in the Explorer-III package to
cater for all tastes, covering all manner of subtractive, additive, FM and even
drum synthesis. It’s worth pointing out that the bundle is also offered at various
discount prices, depending on your ownership of any other Rob Papen products,
so everyone should be happy.
Audio-wise, all the plug-ins contained in Explorer-III are top notch, leaning
towards modern and cutting edge sounds as opposed to vintage emulations
offered by Arturia and the like. For example, the new RAW instrument specialises
in what can only be described as face melting distorted sounds – it’s very EDM
and completely nails that in-your-face American stadium dance sound. Then there
is the excellent SubBoomBass synthesiser, which delivers super low bass and does
everything from 808-esque booms to warbling sine waves. All the old favourites
are included – Albino, Blue II, Predator and Blade – alongside a handful of effects
covering distortion, delay, modulation and reverb.
As far as interface design goes, I like uncluttered and simple layouts. Visually,
some of these are a little dated and ugly: the newest of the bunch, RAW, reminds
me of something that could have come with Cubase VST – it’s 2015, guys, not
1999!
Overall I have no doubts about the sound quality of all the instruments and
effects bundled with Explorer-III, and there is so much audio territory that can be
covered with them. My only gripe is that these plug-ins could do with a serious
graphics overhaul to bring them up to date with their competitors.
Explorer-III RRP €585. For more information, visit robpapen.com