Punch 2
Punch 2 is a 24-pad drum synthesizer plug-in for PC and Mac that combines drum synthesis, samples, and a built-in pattern sequencer.
What Punch 2 is
Punch 2 is a 24-pad drum synthesizer plug-in for PC and Mac that combines drum synthesis, samples, and a built-in pattern sequencer. Pads can use modeled, sample-based, or slice/REX modes. The package includes more than 900 drum kits, 2,500 drum presets, 1,300 pre-installed HQ samples, 400 integrated HQ samples, and 150 loops or REX files. Sample pads support up to three layers, velocity splits, filters, pitch envelopes, LFOs, and granular mode. Slice pads can divide samples equally, automatically, or by tempo, and export MIDI. The pattern page provides eight sequences with four tracks each and can extract sequences to MIDI. Four FX processors offer routing options and 31 effect types; Punch-BD is included and installed with the product. It supports NI NKS and online or offline activation, with installation on two computer systems. Punch 2 costs $149, paid once and has a 30-day trial. REX file import is not available on Mac.
Good
- 24 pads offer modeled, sample, and slice/REX modes.
- Includes more than 900 drum kits and 2,500 presets.
- Eight sequences each provide four tracks.
- Four FX processors offer 31 effect types.
- License permits installation on two computer systems.
Watch out
- REX file import is unavailable on Mac.
- The demo becomes noise after 30 days.
- No free plan is listed.
Who it suits
Punch 2 suits music makers looking for drum synthesis, sample editing, and pattern sequencing in one plug-in. It is available for Windows and macOS, with format support varying by operating system.
Verdict
Punch 2 combines drum sounds, sample tools, sequencing, and effects in a single plug-in. Note the Mac restriction on REX import and the 30-day limit on the demo.
Plans and prices
From Punch 2's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Punch 2 | $149, paid once | Install on 2 computer systems |
The facts
Each one read from Punch 2's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Activation and device limit
- The serial/license system activates during product registration, supports online or offline activation, and allows installation on two computer systems.checked 4 Oct 2026
What it does
- Demo
- The demo is usable for 30 days total; afterward it emits regular noise, and bank and preset loading or saving are disabled.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Effects
- Punch 2 has four FX processors with routing options and 31 effect types.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Included content
- It includes 900+ drum kits, 2,500+ drum presets, 1,300+ pre-installed HQ samples, 400+ integrated HQ samples, and 150+ loops/REX files.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Included product
- Punch-BD is included and installed with Punch 2.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Punch 2 is compatible with the NI NKS system.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The maker lists Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.15 or higher, and states ARM processor compatibility for Mac.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Pad modes
- Each pad can use a modeled, sample-based, or slice/REX mode.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Plug-in formats
- Windows supports 64-bit VST3, AAX, and VST; macOS supports 64-bit AU, VST3, AAX, and VST.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- Punch 2 is a 24-pad drum synthesizer for PC and Mac that combines drum synthesis, samples, and a built-in pattern sequencer.checked 4 Oct 2026
- REX limitation
- REX file import is not available on Mac computers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Sample editing
- Sample pads support up to three layers, velocity split, mix and alternate play modes, filters, pitch envelopes, LFOs, and granular mode.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Sequencer
- The pattern page provides eight sequences with four tracks each and can extract sequences to MIDI.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Slice editing
- Slice pads can split samples into pads using equal, automatic, or tempo-based modes, and can export MIDI files.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker background
- Rob Papen says he began developing virtual synthesizers and effects for PC and Mac with programmers about two decades ago.checked 4 Oct 2026
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