Rob Papen WirePluck is a new hybrid physical modeling Synthesizer plugin, featuring three oscillator layers for distinct, acoustic-like pluck sounds.
In March of this year, Rob Papen released the tenth version of his eXplorer bundle, which includes the new RAW 2 and SynFeX Synthesizer plugins. As with every new eXplorer bundle release, the content will grow over the coming months, free for existing customers.
The first new addition to the eXplorer 10 bundle is now available. Rob Papen has today released WirePluck, a new Synthesizer plugin featuring a hybrid engine with physical modeling synthesis.
Rob Papen WirePluck
WirePluck is a new 16-voice pluck-sound-specialising Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows. The core of the plugin is based on a hybrid engine that uses different synthesis forms.
Rob Papen WirePluck features three oscillator layers, each with a distinct set of features depending on the selected source synthesis. There are four different synthesis engines to choose from.
Wire is a newly developed sound source that produces a sound reminiscent of striking a wire. Then, String uses a custom Karplus-Strong-based physical modeling synthesis method that loops a short waveform through a filtered delay line to simulate the sound of a hammered or plucked string or some percussion.
Alternatively, you can work with a three-operator FM (phase modulation) Synthesizer engine featuring a pitch envelope or with a single-oscillator subtractive synthesis engine (Wave) that offers an array of 26 selectable filter types.
Alongside the engine-dependent parameters, each layer also hosts an independent pitch envelope for extra pluck to the sound, a high-pass filter, and an output stage. So you can mix them perfectly together.
If you want to delve deeper into the engine, you can activate the Advanced panel Mode and get access to more parameters.
Sound Refinements & Playability
Once mixed, your signals flow into a multi-FX processor with a multi-type distortion unit, modulation effects (chorus, flanger…), delay with unique feedback options, and a reverb based on the RP-Verb algorithm.
Each of the effects is customizable with different parameters that can also be modulated. An important note: the effect signal path can be adjusted in advanced mode.
There is also modulation. It features two multi-wave polyphonic LFOs, an ADSR envelope, and other modulators such as velocity and aftertouch, which can be mapped in the 8-slot modulation matrix. The latter is also accessible in the advanced mode.
That’s not all. Rob Papen WirePluck also includes a full-featured, sophisticated arpeggiator with ratchet mode and chord control per step. An extensive chord memory section is also onboard.
Furthermore, it features Rob Papen’s unique, proprietary ribbon controller section, which serves as a modulation source. You can use it as a traditional ribbon control, but also in a more special way. It has a unique tempo-based spring-back feature, usable in bipolar and polar modes.
Last but not least, WirePluck also ships with plenty of presets designed by RP and other professional sound designers.
First Impression
Rob Papen has a vast portfolio of excellent Synthesizer plugins. Even today, in my opinion, they remain underrated. Physical modeling has been missing so far, and WirePluck fills that role nicely.
It sounds excellent in the first demo, and I’m excited to try it out for myself. I hope that we will also get a dedicated physical modeling Synthesizer from Rob Papen in the future, where PM is the central theme and not part of a hybrid engine
Rob Papen WirePluck is now available for $49/49€ from the official website and authorized dealers worldwide. It’s a free download for owners of the Rob Papen eXplorer 10 bundle.
It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Rob Papen
Available at my partner
This looks very interesting, Rob Papen makes excellent instruments. Thanks for all your efforts too, they are much appreciated.