Discovery Pro Users Manual
Discovery Pro Users Manual
Users Manual
Virtual Analog + Wave + PAD Synthesizer
http://www.discodsp.com/
Description
Discovery Pro is a virtual analog synthesizer emulation for Audio Units, VST and RTAS
hosts featuring multi-layering, parameter morphing, high-quality sound, WAV and SF2
support, PAD re-synthesis and straightforward interface.
Installation
Apple OS X
Run the installer and follow the instructions.
Microsoft Windows
Run the installer and follow the instructions.
Linux
Place discoDSP folder at /home/username/Documents/
Place DiscoveryPro.so at your VST folder, usually /home/username/.vst/
Demo version can load banks, but the host will be unable to store any current synth
state, save banks or use automation. Single presets can be saved using EDIT > File >
Export Preset function for later use.
Features
Discovery boasts the following powerful feature set:
Bank browser (by clicking arrows in display led and bank name).
2 Oscillators (Sine, Saw, Triangle, PWM, Square, Parabolic, White and Pink
Noise) with Ring modulation, Sync and Frequency Modulation.
1 Wave Oscillator. Can load WAV and SoundFont 2 (SF2) fles using high quality
interpolation with PAD re-synthesis generation. User banks are easily added
using EDIT > File.
ADSR for Amp & Filter. Amplitude envelope can switch between linear and
exponential curves.
2 LFOs.
Modulation Envelope.
Arpeggiator.
Limiter.
Poly/Mono/Legato modes.
MIDI CC control.
Basic Concepts
Channel Limiting and Oversampling
You may now determine the number of channels used in the instrument by left-clicking
the "voices" LED or at EDIT > Confg.
A dialog box will appear with the number of voices you wish to enable. Select the desired
voice number.
You can also select the oversampling mode. 2X will
make Discovery work internally at 88 Khz when your
host is set to 44.1 Khz. 2X oversampling is highly
recommended, however it will require double the CPU
processing power. It will afect all active Discovery
instances.
HQ Distortion will duplicate distortion's internal
frequency rate, depending of the oversampling mode mode and resulting into 4X in case
a global 2X has been confgured.
Bank browser
You are able to browse all the FXB banks by clicking the arrows in the status LCD or
clicking the bank name to display a drop-down menu. All banks are located at
Documents > discoDSP > Discovery Pro 6 > Bank folder. You can add your own banks
using EDIT > File > Import Bank function.
For easier preset and banks management, EDIT > File > Open functions will bring a
Finder or Explorer window.
There is a subfolder called User.dwb where WAV fles can be copied and recognized
instantly after each menu drop-down click, providing better workfow. There is a quick
access for this folder using EDIT > File > Open Data Folder.
WAV fles can also be imported using EDIT > File > Import Wave function.
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There is a secondary access located at EDIT > Switch > Aftertouch mode.
Edit operations
There are a set of editing operations, clicking EDIT button on your Discovery GUI ofers
the following options:
Key Split:
Custom: Plays a custom note range from from C0 to B9 for each layer.
Quick Stack: Allows active layer to navigate thru other presets and banks without
leaving the current program, loading frst layer from others. To exit this mode, click
any layer button. Flashing red and blue LED will stop indicating operation mode is
back to normal.
Tempo Sync: Quickly sync to host tempo LFO1, LFO2, Panning, Delay sections or
all of them at once.
GUI size: Switches window and all their elements between 3 sizes: 1x (400p), 1.5x
(600p) and 2x (800p).
Help: Opens tutorials, manual and MIDI CC tables. Also displays Release number.
Zone presets
Zone presets has been introduced with Release 4. It allows each section to have their
own presets based on the current state, so they can be stored for later use, allowing
quicker preset design and getting better overall workfow.
They are stored at Documents > discoDSP > Discovery Pro 6 > Presets folder using a
standard XML format. Such fles can be shared without the need of importing or
exporting, just copying them to their current folder.
Layers
Discovery Pro can hold 128 patches at any one time. Each patch may contain up to 4
layers. Combining layers can be used to create complex sounds that simple subtractive
synthesis cannot achieve.
Discovery Pro supports up to 128 polyphonic voices. If all 4 layers are enabled, a single
note will count as 4 individual voices, reducing the actual polyphony to 8 in these
instances. Fortunately, these are 8 extremely powerful sounds.
To select a layer, simply left-click the A, B, C, D buttons below the Program and Voice
number LEDs.
A is the default layer. When a layer is active the BUTTON directly above it turns
highlighted. Select any layer (B, C, D) to activate it.
When a program includes 2 or more layers, the selected layer button turns highlighted
and other active layers turn blue. If you wish to disable a layer simply left-click it twice, or
left-click the blue LED directly.
Discovery Pro allows you to copy and paste between layers or programs by using EDIT
menu.
The following documentation applies to a single layer unless otherwise noted. This
means feature (LFO's, Envelopes, Oscillators) are potentially quadrupled for each
Discovery patch.
Parameter Morphing
Each layer contains two internal states: morph source and morph sensibility. Each state
contains a unique set of all values. Morphing allows you to easily glide between these
values.
Morph sensibility state is seen using alpha blend, and can be modifed by using Ctrl key
while adjusting the knob. A 32-bit video mode is required to display this transparency.
You can easily toggle between both morph states by left-clicking the ASSIGN button,
located in the top left of Discovery Pro under the "Morph" label. When the ASSIGN led is
active, all parameter modifcations are being made to the MORPH state.
Once both states have been defned, you can easily morph between them by assigning
the Wheel MOD to MORPH mode. Once set, moving your mode wheel will morph
between both states.
EDIT > Reset > Layer Morphing sets all layer MORPH sensibility state to zero.
TIPS
MIDI velocity to Morph can be disabled by clicking the led above modulation wheel
or using EDIT > Swap > MIDI Velocity To Morph.
Knobs from four layers at once can be moved using Alt / KPdrag on
Windows / Mac or Right Click + drag on Linux.
Pitch Bend: Pitch bender allows you to drastically change the pitch of the current
patch in real-time. You can modify the pitch bend range from 1 to 48 semitones by
clicking the LCD arrows or clicking numbers for a drop-down menu.
CHR: Left-click the CHR button to enable Chorus, Phaser or both modes at once.
UNI: Enables Unison. 2 voices are used on POLY mode and 4 on LEGA/MONO.
Play Modes:
MONO: Only 1 voice of the synthesizer is used for the layer. In this mode any
note played will discontinue the previous note.
LEGATO: A monophonic mode in which envelopes are not restarted when new
keys are played.
Portamento: Portamento glides the pitch between the current note and a newly
played note. The higher the value, the slower the transition progresses.
Oscillator Section
Oscillators are the basis of sound generation in subtractive synthesis. Discovery includes
two primary oscillators, each with various modes and waveform types.
Triangle
Square
Parabolic
Noise
Saw
Pulse
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Oscillator 1 (OSC1)
OSC1 is the primary sound source in Discovery. This oscillator uses the pitch of the
incoming note and plays it in the specifed waveform type. OSC1 can be one any of the
following waveform types (shown from the top down):
Sine.
Triangle.
Saw tooth.
Square.
You can quickly switch between any waveform by simply left-clicking the button below
the waveform list. A blue or RED LED indicates the currently enabled waveform.
Frequency Modulation: Discovery features a true frequency modulation (FM) engine,
allowing the OSC1 carrier wave to be modulated by frequency of the OSC2 output.
FM Amount: Sets the amount of FM used to modulate OSC1 frequency.
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Oscillator 2 (OSC2)
Discovery ofers a second oscillator, which adds additional sound design capabilities to
your patches.
The second oscillator may be used in various ways
such as mixing with, or modulating the frequency
of OSC1.
OSC2 can be set to any of the following
waveforms:
Triangle.
Saw.
PWM (Pulse).
White Noise.
Square.
Semitones: This knob allows you to shift the pitch of OSC2 from -60 to +60
semitones. The following features apply:
When OSC SYNC mode is active OSC2 will reset each time OSC1 fnishes a
cycle. (Explained below).
When noise wave is selected, this control is used to determine the frequency
range of the noise (from low frequency to high frequency noise).
If noise wave is selected and OSC SYNC mode is active, the semitones control is a
digital noise wave selector, from a table of 8 diferent random sound shapes.
KBD Track switch: When on, the OSC2 will track pitch of incoming note.
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Oscillator Modes
Pulse Width: Determines the de-phasing amount between the two saw tooth
waves that build up the Pulse wave. This results in the pulse width of BOTH
oscillator pulse wave shapes (only works for PWM).
Lesser values (turned left) result in a square formed PWM. Higher values result in a
train of small pulses.
OSC SYNC: OSC2 phase will reset each time OSC1 completes a cycle, giving
harsh and fuzzy efects on the OSC2 sound. In this mode the OSC2 semitone
control will not determine the pitch shift, but rather the harmonic content of the
wave that will modify the pitch of the OSC1.
RING MOD: OSC1 output will multiply the OSC2 output. When this mode is turned
on, the FM control in the OSC1 will work as pitch tune (in the range of 0 to +12
semitones) for the OSC1. This mode can be used for special efects and ambience
sound shapes.
OSC MIX: Used to mix both oscillators output. Knob values follow:
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Wave oscillator can be edited by clicking the LED located at the right of WAVE label.
Sound banks and waves can be selected by clicking < and > controls or clicking at the
LED area to display a drop-down menu.
To add your own sound banks just zip a set of WAV fles and use .dwb extension, or
select a SoundFont 2 (SF2) fle. Then place it on Documents > discoDSP > Discovery
Pro 6 > Waves folder and they will appear next time Bank LCD is clicked.
Controls for Wave oscillator are:
PAD Button: For any active wave, Discovery Pro will render a new waveform set
using PAD synthesis. It will generate a perfectly looped and beautiful set of sounds,
no matter what the source is.
Since it's a very complex method, it will generate a cache fle in SFZ + 20 WAV fles
(or 1 WAV when ECO mode, displaying a green button) per sound at Discovery
Pro Data/PADCache or Discovery Pro Data/PADCacheEco folder.
Next time PAD is active, it will read the fle from cache, resulting in fast loading
time.
Semitones: This knob allows you to shift the pitch of Waveforms from a wide
range of semitones. The following features apply:
When Keytrack is selected, pitch changes will be applied across the keyboard.
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TIPS
OSC1 and OSC2 can be disabled by clicking the blue led located at the left of
OSCILLATORS label.
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Filter Section
Once oscillators are mixed, sound is next routed through the Discovery flter section. This
section will transform the frequency response of the signal.
A flter is a unit that changes the magnitude of a range of frequencies of the sound,
boosting or cutting these frequency values.
Frequency: or 'cutof' point. This value sets the frequency point afected by the
flter response.
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Filter Types
Discovery Pro has 12 flter types. You may toggle through these types using the buttons
below the LCD Filter Type section or by clicking flter name LED to make a drop down
menu appear. The active flter is also showed in the display.
Available flter types follow:
LowPass 12db: This 2 pole Lowpass flter will cut all spectrum range above
the Cutof frequency, with a rollof of -12dB per octave.
BndRjct 24: The Notch flter will cut the frequency range surrounding the Cutof
point, and will be processed thru the 24dB Lowpass flter explained above, but
using a slightly shifted Cutof frequency. Using this with high Resonance amounts
will result in interesting vocal formants efects.
LowPass 24db: A 4 pole Lowpass Filter with -24dB per octave rollof. This
functions similar to the LP 12db, but with a steeper frequency curve response.
BndPass 24: A Bandpass Filter, which allows only the frequency range
surrounding cutof point to pass through. Resonance controls the size of this
bandwidth.
HghPass 24: The opposite of the Lowpass flters, the Highpass will pass
frequencies above the cutof point and will cut all range below. This flter type has a
rollof of -24dB per octave.
HghPass 12: Will pass frequencies above the cutof point and will cut all range
below. This flter type has a rollof of -12dB per octave.
X 12: A Moog modeled 2 pole Lowpass Filter with -12dB per octave rollof.
X 24: A Moog modeled 4 pole Lowpass Filter with -24 dB per octave rollof. It
functions similar to X 12db, but with a steeper frequency curve response..
Y 12: Another Moog modeled 2 pole Lowpass Filter with -12dB per octave rollof.
Y 24: Another Moog modeled 4 pole Lowpass Filter with -24 dB per octave rollof.
It functions similar to Y 12db, but with a steeper frequency curve response.
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Filter Envelope
The Filter Envelope allows easy ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope based
modulation of the flter Cutof control.
Attack: Controls for the time in which the flter envelope moves from 0 (note play)
to full flter (based on the Envelope Amount, below).
Decay: Controls the time length between the end of attack and the sustain level.
Sustain: Sets the flter point at which envelope stays while note is continually
pressed, once attack and decay have completed.
Release: Begins once the note is released, controlling the time the gain will fall
from current envelope point (Sustain) until complete.
Env Amount: The Envelope Amount option controls the amount of the Filter
envelope applied to the Cutof frequency.
Vel: When enabled, the Envelope Amount will be scaled with the incoming note
based on velocity. This results in more dramatic envelopes for harder hit notes.
Keytrack: When active, Keyboard Tracking will increase the flter cutof frequency
based on incoming note pitch. Higher notes will add higher frequencies to the
current flter cutof point.
Tracking can be 1/2 (minor), 2/3, or Full (very drastic).
Asymmetric Distortion: This will apply saturation to the negative feld of the
signal. This will generate side harmonics, useful for tube distortion efects.
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Modulation Section
Low Frequency Oscillator 1 (LFO1)
Discovery Pro includes two LFO's (Low Frequency Oscillators), a Modulation Envelope
(with 2 stages and state variable amount control) and a Graphic Envelope Generator. LFO
oscillators operate much like the basic Discovery oscillators, only at much slower speeds
Rate: This control sets the speed (frequency) of LFO1. Smaller values result in slower
oscillations, larger values in faster oscillations.
LFO1 can use various waveforms (from top to bottom):
Lowpass Random: Like random waveform, but the value is a smooth curve.
Square: If LFO1 phase is above the half of the period length, the LFO will take the
highest value, otherwise the lowest.
Triangle: Also a ramp, but moves down to up, then back to down in a single cycle.
Primarily used for sweep efects.
Saw Tooth: Ramp shape; will move up to down, then instantaneously up when
cycle is completed.
Random: Each time LFO1 completes a cycle, it will select a new random value.
Re-triggered LFOs: By cycling through LFO waveform options a second time you can
enable Re-triggered LFO's. This means LFO will be restarted each time a note is played.
Re-triggered LFO's are indicated by red LEDs.
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Destination: To the left to the waveform selector is the LFO1 Destination selector. This
feature allows you to choose which control(s) this LFO will modulate. The following LFO1
modulation destinations are available:
Amount: LFO1 Amount control determines the amount of LFO output to use on the
destination control(s). Higher values will result in a more dramatic modulation.
Second LFO operates much like the frst, yet without a selectable waveform. LFO2 is
always a pure sine wave. In addition LFO2 has a powerful Arpeggiator (explained below).
Rate: Controls the speed (frequency) of LFO2.
Destination: The following destinations are available to LFO2:
Amount: LFO2 Amount control determines the amount of LFO output to use on the
destination control(s). Higher values will result in a more dramatic modulation.
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LFO2 Arpeggiator
ARP: You can enable Discovery's Arpeggiator by left-clicking the ARP button in the LFO2
section. When active, LFO2 operates in ARP (Arpeggiator) mode.
An Arpeggiator is basically a simple sequencer which continually plays notes
automatically as a note or notes are held. The notes played depend of the keys currently
pressed and the arpeggiator range.
Rate: When in ARP mode, the Rate control sets the arpeggiator tempo. Faster values
may be achieved with greater values (turning the knob to the right).
Destination: In Arp mode, direction in which the Arpeggiator will play notes. They can be:
U&D: Repeats playing highest lowest, then back from lowest to highest.
RND2: Play to the next or the prior note in the arpeggiator range randomly.
Arp Rng: Sets range in octaves for the arpeggiator, from 1 to 5 octaves.
Modulation Envelope
Modulation envelope is a simple envelope which includes 2 stages, attack and decay.
Attack: Changes the value of the destination (based on the Amount) from the time a key
is pressed until its highest point.
Decay: Changes the value of a destination (based on the Amount) from the highest point
until the sustain level is reached.
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Graphic Envelope modulation is located between GATE and WAVE sections. Just leftclick the blue LED close to MOD label for easy panel access.
Confguration is done in the same fashion as Gate, left-clicking the bars with your mouse
in order, with the only diference of being able to set individual amounts for each one.
Clicking and holding your mouse button will allow to easily draw custom modulations.
Destination: This feature allows you to choose which control(s) this envelope will
modulate. The following graphic envelope modulation destinations are available:
Amplifier
Discovery's amplifer applies an envelope to the output gain of the current layer of sound.
This is the fnal stage of synthesis. The following controls apply:
Attack: Controls for the time that envelope moves from note press (0) to full
volume. (Does not apply to legato mode).
Decay: This knob controls the time length between envelope gain goes from upper
point (end of Attack) to Sustain level.
Sustain: Sets the point at which the envelope stays while note is held. This state
is held until the note is release.
Release: Once the note is released, this knob will control the time in which the
gain will fall from current envelope point (Sustain) into complete silence, fnishing
the voice use.
Longer releases can result in many simultaneous voices, resulting in high CPU
usage.
Gain: Adjusts the overall volume for the current layer. Use morphing to add
dynamics.
Limiter: Applies a compressor with Inf:1 ratio for the current layer.
Discovery Pro can also switch from default linear
envelope behavior to exponential, which is usually
better for pads, by clicking the LED next to each knob.
Once LED is enabled, that particular envelope stage will
use exponential values instead linear.
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Panning
This efect can be used to widen a sound or give it interesting panning efects per layer.
You can sync Mod Rate to host tempo by clicking the led located next to Mod Rate knob.
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Delay/Echo
This efect can be used to add spacey echo efect, or widen a sound. You can sync
Left/Right Delay to host tempo by clicking the led located between Left and Right knobs.
Level: Controls the amount of the delay efect. No Level value (knob turned
completely to the left) will disable the delay efect. This control is morphable as
well.
Left / Right Delay: Controls the delay time of the unit for each channel.
Left / Right Feedback: Controls the time of the delay tail. Moving this knob to the
right will increase the tail.
Cross switch: Adds a cross-feed to the feedback output. This will result in a
stereo bouncing delay, useful for 3d-alike efects.
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Gate
To enable Gate page efect, do so by clicking the small blue led next to GATE.
NOTE: You can enable and disable multiple gate steps by left clicking and dragging the
mouse while moving on the pattern.
Level: Controls the amount of the gate foor efect. No Level value (knob turned
completely to the right) will disable gapper efect.
This control is morphable and layer independent, suitable for complex sound
textures.
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Unison Edit
Unison is a pretty simple edition command, able to be customized. It takes the values
from the frst layer (A) and applies it over all of them (A, B, C and/or D) depending of the
preset.
If we open unison.txt located at Documents > discoDSP > Discovery Pro 6 > Confg
using Edit > File > Open Unison we can see a list of default presets and the way how
new ones can be made. Let's take a look at the frst one: Double, which is the name
displayed.
Double
1 1 0 0
0.5 0.5 0 0
0.2 0.8 0 0
0 0 0 0
0.3 0.7 0 0
First four values mean that only Layers A and B will be afected 1 1 0 0 where A
(1) B (1) C (0) D (0).
Second values are gain. 0.5 in a 1 to 0 range means Layers A and B will have 50%
gain each.
Third values are panning. Layer A will be panned about 25% Left and Layer B
25% right.
Fourth values are osc2 octave pitch shift. Since values are 0 they will all remain
in the same octave.
Fifth values are the osc2 fne-tune. As we can see Layer A and B will be detuned
about 25% up and down respectively.
Adding and removing presets is as simple as removing or copy/paste a line and saving.
Edited Unison presets will take efect next time Discovery is instanced.
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Version History
Release 6.4.3
Release 6.4.2
Auto-loop for single cycle waveforms with less than 2048 samples.
Auto-tune for unlooped waveforms.
Enhanced voice stealing algorithm.
Wave oscillator .wav fne-tune support.
Release 6.4.1
Release 6.4
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Release 6.3.1
Release 6.3
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Release 6.2
Release 6.1
EDIT > Quick Stack. Navigate thru any banks and presets without leaving current
program.
DWB 2.0 supporting embedded SF2 and Corona Wave Expansion DWB fles.
Multi-out per layer (VST only).
EDIT > Paste > Layer to copies values from active layer instead memory.
EDIT > Key Split > Custom. Confgures A/B/C/D at any key range independently.
Key Split GUI graphics display on current mode (of / dual / custom).
Key Split Custom drop down menu switch / hide button (x).
Revised manual.
Bug fxes.
Release 6.0
New Nord Lead 2 modeled flters using Zero Delay Feedback technology.
Data folder now placed at Documents > discoDSP > Discovery Pro 6.
EDIT > Reset > Bank / Program / Layer will get values from Documents >
discoDSP > Discovery Pro 6 > Presets > Default.fxp fle.
EDIT > Paste > Layer to > All / A / B / C / D / A+B / C+D.
EDIT > Switch > PadSynth Eco Mode. Re-synthesizes a single octave instead.
EDIT > Key Split. Play Layers A/B from C0 to B3 and C/D from C4 to B9.
Revised and tweaked 45 banks also updated to ZDF flters.
Revised manual.
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Release 5.6
OS X 64-bit VST .
Data folder moved to Documents > discoDSP > Discovery Pro with categorized
folders.
EDIT > Reset > Program and Layer read the settings from Documents > discoDSP
> Discovery Pro > Presets > Default.fxp fle now.
EDIT > File > Import WAVE automatically places WAV fles at discoDSP >
Discovery Pro > Waves > User.dwb
EDIT > Reset > Program Undo will revert back to the original preset located on the
current bank.
EDIT menu restyled to white text over black background.
Added Paste to All, A, B, C, D at Zone Preset drop down menu.
Enhanced Morph values. Tick values are show when synced to tempo.
Bug fxes.
Manual revision.
Release 5.5
Release 5.4
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Release 5.3
Aftertouch support. EDIT > Switch > Aftertouch mode or Shift + Click ABCD
button.
Faster Sine Wave VA oscillator.
MIDI CC Switch to edit Layers A-D using #63.
EDIT > Help > Open HTML Manual.
EDIT > File > Open Presets Folder.
Drop down preset zone menus are alphabetically sorted now.
Drop down presets available for WAVE zone.
Wave OSC tabs order changed to WAVE DELAY GATE MOD.
Bigger click area for Wave tabs.
Optimized Program and Bank LCD display names.
Small GUI restyling.
Revised Manual.
Bug fxes.
Release 5.2
Release 5.1
Release 5
WAVE PAD Synthesis Button. Re-synthesis of any active Wave using PAD
algorithm, generating a SFZ fle (Data Folder/PAD Cache).
New Classic.dwb WAVE bank, including over 250 popular synthesizer waveforms.
New voice stealing algorithm.
24-bit wave fles support for User Bank (Data Folder/User.dwb).
Help > Tutorials screen shots, MIDI CCs and Manual access.
Edit > Smart Randomization.
File > Nord Lead 2 SysEx Export.
File > Open Data Folder.
File > Open Unison Confguration.
Edit > Confg > MIDI CC Buttons switch.
WAVE Active fle is now marked in the drop down menu.
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Release 4
Zone presets. Each section can save individual presets based on the current state.
It's available by clicking the white small drop down menu icon located at the top
left corner.
Gate values are now displayed at the LCD when mouse is over.
Engine fxes.
Host compatibility fxes.
Manual revision.
Mac DMG image now includes alias to Audio Units, VST, RTAS and Plug-Ins
folders for a easier installation.
Apple GarageBand 09 and Logic 9 compatibility.
RTAS version.
Release 1
Initial Release.
Copyright
Discovery Pro is discoDSP. All rights reserved.
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