PunchBox 2: D16 Group’s Kick Synth Hits Even Harder
A Hybrid Engine, Wavetables, and a Brand New FX Rack for the Perfect Kick
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D16 Group just released PunchBox 2, the second generation of its kick design instrument. The plugin combines synthesis, sample-based layers, wavetable sound generation, deep modulation, and a built-in effects section, all in one tool built specifically for kick sounds. So what does the new version actually bring to the table?
D16 Group PunchBox 2: Everything on the New Kick Synth
PunchBox 2: The Hybrid Engine Behind the Perfect Kick
At the core of PunchBox 2 are four flexible generators. Three universal sample-based layers handle the supporting elements of the sound, while the central kick generator brings five engine modes to the table: Sample, 909, 808, 606, and Wavetable. That setup lets you blend classic drum machine character, your own samples, and modern synthetic textures with surprising precision. Sound design at its finest.
Wavetables, Presets, and a Massive Sound Library
The wavetable engine is brand new and turns PunchBox 2 into something more than just another 808/909 clone. It lets you build synthetic, modern, and genuinely unconventional kick characters that have little left in common with classic drum machine sounds. On top of that, there’s a serious amount of content: 1,506 samples, 1,120 master presets, 243 kick presets, 66 wavetables, and dedicated preset banks for the effects.
FX Rack, Patchbay, and Pitch Detection
PunchBox 2 comes with a built-in effects section featuring a bitcrusher, distortion, filter, equalizer, mono bass, limiter, and soft clip. The new Patchbay Config system offers ten different routing topologies, letting you shape the signal flow inside the FX rack however you like. Real-time pitch detection makes tuning the kick directly inside the plugin a lot easier, and the redesigned Advanced Editor shows a real-time waveform preview along with multi-stage envelopes for detailed shaping over time.
Workflow: Sticky Sample Browser and Wave Export
D16 Group also put real thought into the workflow side of things. The new Sticky Sample Browser lets you browse, audition, and load samples quickly without ever breaking your flow. You can also drag and drop the current sound straight into your DAW as a rendered wave file. Sounds perfect for how I work, honestly. On top of that, there’s multi-output routing with five stereo outputs, handy if you want to process your layers individually.
Bottom Line
I’ll admit it, I’ve been a fan of the original PunchBox for a while now, it’s had a permanent spot as a drum module in my DAW for years. That’s exactly why I’m even happier that D16 Group didn’t just ship a preset update with this sequel, but actually backed it up with substantial new tools like the wavetable engine, the Patchbay system, and pitch detection. Anyone who’s already worked with the original should feel right at home here, while getting noticeably more to work with. Love it.
Price and Availability
D16 Group PunchBox 2 currently costs €79 (down from €99) during its introductory phase, and it’s available now at Plugin Boutique* or at Thomann*.
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