discoDSP updates OB-Xd Virtual Analog Synth to v3.21

discoDSP has updated OB-Xd to v3.21, a major MPE expansion that brings multi-destination Y-axis routing, automatic controller configuration, a hardware-named preset library, live LED modulation previews, and full-range timbral sweeps.

OB-Xd is a classic virtual analog synthesizer that recreates the Oberheim OB-X with enhancements such as micro random detuning, polyphonic unison, and bi-directional MIDI control. Version 3.21 turns it into a fully expressive MPE instrument. Connecting a LinnStrument, ROLI Seaboard, Sensel Morph, or Haken Continuum auto-configures the plugin from the controller, with no menu work required. The default aftertouch behavior now aligns with Roger Linn's "How to add MPE" developer notes.

Changes in OB-Xd 3.21

Multi-Destination Y-Axis (CC74)

• The Y axis can drive any combination of Pulse Width, PW Offset (Osc2), Cross Modulation, Osc2 Detune, Cutoff, Pitch, and Pan simultaneously.
• At 100% Y Depth a full Y excursion sweeps each destination across its full musical range.
• Factory default is Pulse Width plus Cross Modulation, the timbral combination recommended for MPE because it changes how the wave sounds without affecting pitch or apparent volume.
• Old presets and global MIDI.xml entries auto-migrate to the equivalent single-destination bit.

Automatic Controller Configuration (RPN)

• The plugin auto-enables or disables MPE when the controller sends RPN 6, with NULL RPN guard.
• RPN 0 updates the per-note bend range to match the controller (commonly 48 semitones).
• Both Lower Zone (Ch 1 master) and Upper Zone (Ch 16 master, used by LinnStrument) are auto-detected.
• Switching a LinnStrument, ROLI Seaboard, or Sensel Morph to MPE mode is enough for OB-Xd to match the controller.

MPE Preset Library

• Ships with hardware-named factory presets for LinnStrument, ROLI Seaboard RISE 2, ROLI Lightpad Block, Sensel Morph, Madrona Soundplane, KMI K-Board Pro 4, Embodme Erae II, Joue Pro, Artiphon Instrument 1, Haken Continuum, Expressive E Osmose, and discoDSP KeyPad, each with the correct bend range and Y-Rest convention.
• Native Save, Rename, and Delete dialogs with a self-documenting filename suffix.
• Tweaks auto-save as a Custom snapshot so the latest setup survives reopening the plugin.

Live LED Modulation Previews

• Every Y/Z destination knob shows a green LED dot that tracks live MPE modulation in real time.
• The Volume knob's green MPE dot takes precedence over the blue VU peak meter when Z is routed to Amp.
• The Cutoff knob turns green when MPE is modulating the filter, pan slots pick up MPE pan offset, and OscPitch and Detune show MPE presence as a green dot.

MPE Z-Axis (Aftertouch) Default

• Channel pressure now defaults to Amp (silence to full level, like wind pressure on a wind instrument), matching Roger Linn's MPE design recommendation.
• Cutoff, Pitch, and Off remain selectable.

MPE Setup Menu and Workflow

• All MPE configuration lives under MIDI > MPE Setup, grouped by axis with depth and range options for each.
• MPE Mode and MPE Preset sit just above as a contiguous group, with conditional visibility hiding options that are not relevant to the current routing.
• Auto-Enable turns MPE on automatically when any setting is changed.
• A new 3-semitone bend range matches the LinnStrument 128 hardware pad (range now offers 2 / 3 / 12 / 24 / 48 semitones), with per-axis depth of 5% / 25% / 50% / 75% / 100%.

LCD Status Feedback

• The bank-name area briefly shows MPE ENABLED or MPE DISABLED for two seconds when MPE mode toggles.
• Bend range notifications show the current range when it changes, with enable and disable messages taking priority.

Pricing and Availability

This update is free for all OB-Xd 3.x customers. OB-Xd is available as a free download with optional $99 registration to unlock additional features and get commercial use license.

Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, LV2, and Standalone for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Standalone and AUv3 for iOS.