RAW-2 — Free Download

Core Sound Engine

RAW-2 is a 16-voice hybrid synthesizer built around two phase-distortion oscillators. Each oscillator features an X/Y field that lets you morph and distort the waveform in real time, creating the edgy, abrasive tones favored in Hardcore and Hardstyle productions. You can also draw custom waveforms and use them as LFO sources, enabling unique wobble movements.

The sound is further shaped by an analog-modeled filter with 37 modes, including comb filters, ring modulation, and amplitude modulation, plus a separate high-pass filter with resonance and keyboard tracking. A three-band EQ is available both before and after the distortion section, giving you precise control over the tonal balance at the voice level.

Distortion and Effects

A key feature of RAW-2 is its per-voice distortion section, which includes a waveshaper, a classic distortion, and a LoFi distortion. These can be applied individually or in combination to add grit and character. The signal path also includes a dedicated EQ section with three bands both pre- and post-distortion, allowing for fine-tuned sonic sculpting.

In addition, RAW-2 provides a full effects rack with chorus, phaser, ensemble, flanger, stereo delay, and a high-quality reverb. A gater effect adds rhythmic chopping, and the entire FX chain can be routed in flexible ways. This combination of per-voice and global effects makes it easy to build complex, evolving textures.

Modulation and Control

RAW-2 offers a 16-way modulation matrix with two envelopes, two tempo-synced LFOs, and a ribbon controller. The ribbon controller, carried over from BIT-2, features a tempo-based spring-back option, quantized spring-back, and unipolar or bipolar modes. This allows for expressive, dynamic changes that snap back in time with your project.

The synthesizer also includes a 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer with per-step tuning, free modulation rows, and ratcheting. Play modes range from polyphonic and mono to legato and arpeggio, including MPE support. A 16-way modulation matrix provides ample routing possibilities, making RAW-2 suitable for both performance and complex sound design.

Presets and Workflow

RAW-2 comes with over 3000 presets, organized into bank folders and created by various DJ artists. These include contributions from well-known producers such as Promo, Ophidian, and Mad Dog, offering instant inspiration for hard dance genres. A built-in bank manager lets you find, search, and set categories for presets.

The interface includes an Easy Page for quick adjustments of main parameters, while the back screen provides global controls like MIDI settings that affect all instances. This design balances ease of use with deep editing, making RAW-2 accessible for beginners and powerful for advanced users. The original RAW presets are also included, preserving the legacy of the first version.

Key features

• Two phase-distortion oscillators with X/Y control and recordable, tempo-based movement
• Custom drawable waveforms usable as LFO shapes for unique wobble effects
• 37 analog-modeled filter modes, including comb, ring mod, and amp modulation
• Per-voice distortion section with waveshaper, distortion, and LoFi
• Ribbon controller with tempo-based spring-back, quantized spring-back, and unipolar/bipolar modes
• 32-step arpeggiator with tune-per-step, modulation rows, and ratcheting
• Over 3000 artist-created presets with bank manager and search functionality

Best for

Ideal for producers of Hardcore, Hardstyle, and other electronic genres seeking gritty, distorted synthesizer sounds. Its phase distortion engine and per-voice effects are perfect for creating aggressive leads, basses, and rhythmic textures, while the ribbon controller and arpeggiator add performance flexibility for live and studio use.