discoDSP Discovery 6.0 synth released

[george]

The latest version of the Nord Lead 2 inspired synth, Discovery 6.0, has been released. This update is packed with enhancements and new features to elevate the sound design experience.



What's New

• Enhanced oscillator resolution with a 2x increase, significantly improving sound quality, especially in the low and high ends, without aliasing.
• Upgraded framework for improved compatibility and stability.
• Introduced a new standalone app.
• Improved license activation process.
• New popup menu with a custom font based on the OS, featuring a sleeker black translucent look and a more modern design.
• Increased default voice limit values to 16.
• HQ distortion is now always on, and the setting has been removed.
• Added tick-to-grid value conversion on the LCD display.
• Streamlined config files. Unison presets now use a .txt extension for easier editing.
• Fixed several GUI repaint issues.

Free trials are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Updates for Discovery 4 and 5 customers can be found at the discoDSP Members Area.

[Neon Breath]

Thanks for the update on this fanatic synth

[Vortifex]

I get an error message when clicking the Windows demo download: "This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below."

[Delta Machine]

Does Discovery 6.0 finally sound like a Nord Lead 2? I've checked out earlier versions of Discovery and have been pretty underwhelmed. The only way I've been able to get decent sounds out of it is by layering 4 patches in "Performance" mode.

By contrast, a single patch on my Nord Rack 2 sounds significantly better even if there is a bit more aliasing in the top end. But honestly, who cares? That's no reason to use a significantly thinner-sounding plugin.

While the Nord 2 has never been known as a "fat" or "big"-sounding synth, compared to Discovery, the Nord 2 sounds huge and is much punchier (which the Nord is known for). Hopefully this new version of Discovery addresses the sonic deficiencies of the earlier versions. I'd love to have a great-sounding Nord Lead 2 running on my computer.

I'm downloading the Discovery 6.0 demo version now.

EDIT: I just checked out Discovery 6.0. It doesn't sound "bad" at all for a VA plugin. But it still doesn't sound like my Nord Rack 2 which is a shame. I'll pass on this one. I'd much rather use the real thing, add my own effects, and have a much better-sounding synth.

[JamminFool]

underwhelming. how does this warrant a full version number bump?

edit: and btw, why does the skin shown above say "Discovery R5" ? Interesting tell.

[Delta Machine]

I've seen some posts about a "DSP emulator" that allows you to run exact plugin versions of the Access Virus A/B/C and soon the TI along with the Waldorf Microwave II/XT, the Waldorf Micro Q, and other synths that used that particular processor. I believe there are plans to at least create a software version of the Clavia Nord Lead 3 as well. But I'm curious if the Nord Lead 2 (or the later Nord Lead 2X) uses that processor. Since I own a Virus TI2, a Microwave XT, and a Nord Rack 3, I think I would be able to legally use this emulator. But it would be great if the developers of this emulator also created a software version of the Nord Lead 2X because it would sound exactly like the original synth unlike Discovery. But maybe that isn't possible.

[george]

I get an error message when clicking the Windows demo download: "This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below."

This issue has been fixed. Please try downloading the Windows demo again.

[george]

Thanks for the update on this fanatic synth

You're welcome! Enjoy exploring the fanatic synth!

[george]

I just checked out Discovery 6.0. It doesn't sound "bad" at all for a VA plugin. But it still doesn't sound like my Nord Rack 2 which is a shame. I'll pass on this one. I'd much rather use the real thing, add my own effects, and have a much better-sounding synth.

Discovery doesn't include unison, which is a key part of the Nord Lead 2 sound. This feature is only available in the Pro release. Some NL2 users say the sound is close enough since we used a real Nord Lead 2 to model the filters, envelopes, and most of the sound. Try using 2x oversampling, as the real NL2 runs at 96kHz internally. Preferences vary, so it's understandable if you prefer the original hardware.

[george]

underwhelming. how does this warrant a full version number bump?

edit: and btw, why does the skin shown above say "Discovery R5" ? Interesting tell.

We've made significant enhancements in version 6.0 to improve sound quality, stability, and user experience. These aren't minor tweaks, they're substantial updates. We appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy the improvements.

The "Discovery R5" UX bitmap resource update error has been fixed in the 6.0.1 build, which was quietly released today.

[JamminFool]

underwhelming. how does this warrant a full version number bump?

edit: and btw, why does the skin shown above say "Discovery R5" ? Interesting tell.

We've made significant enhancements in version 6.0 to improve sound quality, stability, and user experience. These aren't minor tweaks, they're substantial updates. We appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy the improvements.

The "Discovery R5" UX bitmap resource update error has been fixed in the 6.0.1 build, which was quietly released today.

fair enough.

[jarkko]

Just bought and I don't mind the lack of unison but why the heck it does not seem to have fixed / free run setting? That is not a "pro" feature", it is almost a mandatory feature. Am I missing something here?

The sound is great tho but this really needs to be fixed, or page should clearly have "NOT FOR SUBS" sign in order not to mislead people to buy the wrong tool.

[jarkko]

In addition, I have one additional wish. It would be nice (not mandatory) if there was some even small permanent discount for Discovery Pro upgrade (like 15-20%).

I do want to support companies that actually hand-craft the code for their plugins, and not just add a fancy skin on top of crap made with some shitty plugin editor, i.e. companies like discoDSP and U-he for instance

[masterhiggins]

In addition, I have one additional wish. It would be nice (not mandatory) if there was some even small permanent discount for Discovery Pro upgrade (like 15-20%).

I do want to support companies that actually hand-craft the code for their plugins, and not just add a fancy skin on top of crap made with some shitty plugin editor, i.e. companies like discoDSP and U-he for instance

Did you mean to word it like that? It sounds like you’re saying discodsp and u-he have shitty interfaces.