Freedom251 › Drum Machine Software
Punch 2
What Punch 2 is
Punch 2 is a 24-pad drum synthesizer plug-in for PC and Mac, combining drum synthesis, samples, and a built-in pattern sequencer. Pads can use modeled, sample-based, or slice/REX modes. The package includes 900+ drum kits, 2,500+ drum presets, 1,300+ pre-installed HQ samples, 400+ integrated HQ samples, and 150+ loops/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 files. The pattern page offers eight sequences with four tracks each and can extract sequences to MIDI. Four FX processors provide routing options across 31 effect types; Punch-BD is included and installed with Punch 2. The plug-in supports NI NKS and allows installation on two computer systems, with online or offline activation. It costs $149, paid once and includes a 30-day trial. REX file import is not available on Mac computers.
Who it suits
Punch 2 suits music producers seeking a drum plug-in with synthesis, sample editing, slicing, and pattern sequencing. It runs on macOS and Windows, with different listed plug-in formats for each.
What it does well
- Includes 900+ drum kits and 2,500+ presets.
- Offers eight sequences with four tracks each.
- Four FX processors provide 31 effect types.
- License permits installation on two computer systems.
What to know first
- REX file import is unavailable on Mac.
- Demo limitations apply after 30 days.
- No free plan is listed.
Limits
The 30-day demo is usable for 30 days total; afterward it emits regular noise and disables bank and preset loading or saving. The paid license costs $149, paid once and permits installation on two computer systems.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Punch 2 | Install on 2 computer systems | $149, paid once |
As robpapen.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Rob Papen Punch 2 product page.
- Check that your Windows or macOS version meets the listed requirement.
- Download and install the 30-day demo, or purchase Punch 2 for $149, paid once.
- Register the product to activate its serial/license system online or offline.
- Install Punch 2 on up to two computer systems and use it in a supported plug-in format.
Verdict
Punch 2 combines drum synthesis, sample tools, sequencing, and effects in a 24-pad plug-in. Mac users should note the REX import limitation and the demo’s restrictions after 30 days.
Questions
How much does Punch 2 cost?
The listed Punch 2 plan costs $149, paid once.
Does Punch 2 have a free trial?
Yes. The demo is usable for 30 days total. After that, it emits regular noise and bank and preset loading or saving are disabled.
Which computers and plug-in formats does it support?
The maker lists Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.15 or higher. Windows supports 64-bit VST3, AAX, and VST; macOS supports 64-bit AU, VST3, AAX, and VST.
Can Punch 2 import REX files on Mac?
No. REX file import is unavailable on Mac computers.
How many computers can use one license?
The license allows installation on two computer systems and supports online or offline activation during product registration.
Does Punch 2 work with NI NKS?
Yes. Punch 2 is compatible with the NI NKS system.
Facts from Punch 2's own pages
- Activation and device limit
- The serial/license system activates during product registration, supports online or offline activation, and allows installation on two computer systems. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Demo
- The demo is usable for 30 days total; afterward it emits regular noise, and bank and preset loading or saving are disabled. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Effects
- Punch 2 has four FX processors with routing options and 31 effect types. · robpapen.com, 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. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Included product
- Punch-BD is included and installed with Punch 2. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Punch 2 is compatible with the NI NKS system. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Maker background
- Rob Papen says he began developing virtual synthesizers and effects for PC and Mac with programmers about two decades ago. · robpapen.com, 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. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Pad modes
- Each pad can use a modeled, sample-based, or slice/REX mode. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Plug-in formats
- Windows supports 64-bit VST3, AAX, and VST; macOS supports 64-bit AU, VST3, AAX, and VST. · robpapen.com, 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. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- REX limitation
- REX file import is not available on Mac computers. · robpapen.com, 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. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Sequencer
- The pattern page provides eight sequences with four tracks each and can extract sequences to MIDI. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Slice editing
- Slice pads can split samples into pads using equal, automatic, or tempo-based modes, and can export MIDI files. · robpapen.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where Punch 2 stands on Freedom251
- Drum Machine Software#15 of 30