Punch 2 review
A deep hybrid drum plugin with strong sound design, but a high one-time price.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Punch 2 is a drum instrument plugin for music producers working with Windows or macOS hosts. It combines drum synthesis, sample playback, pattern sequencing, effects, mixer controls, and sample-slice workflows in one instrument. Its drum models cover bass drums, snares, hi-hats, toms, claps, and percussion, while 24 pads support custom kit creation. Producers focused on synthesized, layered, and punchy drum sounds will find the feature set especially relevant.
The pricing is straightforward but places Punch 2 above many entry-level drum tools: the full Punch 2 plan costs $149 as a one-time purchase, while existing Punch-1 users can upgrade for $49. A 30-day demo provides a trial period, but there is no free plan. The paid version includes Punch-BD, a pattern sequencer, drum synthesis and sample playback, and the broader sound-design toolkit. That toolkit includes four FX processors with 31 listed effect types, plus master EQ, filters, compressor, and limiter controls. Sample pads accept drag-and-drop loading and three sample layers, with granular processing and slice editing for additional shaping.
Punch 2 also supports eight sequences with four tracks each, pattern extraction, MIDI file export, and a bank manager for kits, drum presets, and patterns. REX files and sliced-pad workflows broaden its sample-based approach, although REX import is unavailable on Mac. The plugin is available for Windows and macOS hosts in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU formats depending on platform, with NI NKS integration. Choose Punch 2 if you want synthesis, layered samples, sequencing, and detailed effects in one plugin. Consider an alternative if you need REX import on Mac, a lower upfront price, or a demo that remains quiet after its trial period.
Punch 2 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines synthesized drum models with three-layer sample pads
- Includes eight sequences, four tracks per sequence, and MIDI export
- Offers 31 listed effect types plus master mixing controls
- Where it doesn't
- The $149 one-time price is high for a drum plugin
- REX file import is unavailable on Mac
- The 30-day demo emits regular noise after the trial period
Punch 2 fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update