DiscoDSP – Discovery Pro 9.5 (Windows)

discoDSP – Discovery Pro 9.5

Advanced Virtual Analog Synthesizer, Sampler, and Sound Design Instrument

discoDSP Discovery Pro 9.5 is a powerful virtual analog synthesizer and sampling instrument inspired by the iconic Nord Lead synthesizer series. Combining an expressive synthesis engine with advanced sampling, wavetable processing, PADsynth resynthesis, and extensive modulation capabilities, it provides a versatile environment for modern music production and experimental sound design.

With four independent synthesis layers, 12 oscillators, up to 128-voice polyphony, and 16 filter types, Discovery Pro can create everything from punchy basses and expressive leads to expansive supersaws, evolving pads, sampled instruments, and complex layered performances.

Designed for music producers, composers, keyboard players, and sound designers, Discovery Pro brings classic virtual analog synthesis together with modern sound-design tools, flexible sequencing, and polyphonic expression. Whether you produce EDM, trance, techno, cinematic music, ambient soundscapes, or contemporary pop, this synthesizer provides an extensive toolkit for developing distinctive sounds.

WHAT’S NEW IN DISCOVERY PRO 9.5

Version 9.5 introduces significant improvements to the Gate and Mod sequencers, making detailed pattern editing more accessible and precise. The enlarged editing windows provide clearer step numbering, beat divisions, and individual editing controls for a more efficient workflow.

The Mod sequencer now supports graphical curve editing, allowing users to add points, reshape individual segments, and convert custom curves into 32-step modulation patterns.

Key Improvements in Version 9.5:

• Enlarged Gate and Mod sequencer editors
• Numbered steps and clearer beat divisions
• Graphical curve editing for the Mod sequencer
• Bipolar modulation-sequencer mode
• New OSC1+2 pitch-modulation destination
• Additional Gate, Retrigger, and Note Off rows
• Shift-drag sequence rotation
• Nordic filter rebuilt from Nord Lead 2X hardware
• Filter menu reorganized into models and modes

These enhancements provide greater control over rhythmic patterns, modulation movement, and filter selection.

FOUR LAYERS AND TWELVE OSCILLATORS

Discovery Pro features four independent synthesis layers, each with its own sound-generation capabilities. Every layer contains three oscillators, providing a total of 12 oscillators across a complete patch.

This architecture allows you to combine multiple sounds within one instrument, creating complex patches with independent tonal characteristics and performance behaviour.

Layering Possibilities Include:

• Deep basses combined with bright leads
• Supersaw layers for energetic electronic music
• Atmospheric pads layered with sampled textures
• Rhythmic sequences combined with sustained sounds
• Split keyboard performances with different sounds assigned to separate zones

With up to 128-voice polyphony, Discovery Pro supports rich chords, layered unison sounds, and expressive performances. Its multicore voice engine distributes demanding processing across available CPU cores to help manage complex patches.

NORD LEAD-INSPIRED VIRTUAL ANALOG SYNTHESIS

Discovery Pro recreates the workflow and sonic character associated with classic Nord Lead hardware while extending it with modern software features.

The synthesizer supports Nord Lead 2 SysEx import and export, allowing compatible patches to be transferred between Discovery Pro and the original hardware.

Hardware-calibrated unison modes reproduce different Nord Lead 2 tuning characteristics, while a Custom mode provides additional control over voice placement across pitch and stereo position.

This makes Discovery Pro particularly attractive to producers seeking classic virtual analog sounds alongside a flexible software-based production environment.

SUPER 7 SUPERSAW OSCILLATOR

The Super 7 oscillator recreates the distinctive sound of a JP-8080-style supersaw by combining a central sawtooth waveform with six detuned voices.

Adjust the detuning range to move between subtle chorus-like movement and wide, energetic sounds suited to modern electronic production.

Super 7 also offers phase behaviour options, including randomized phase for variation between notes and consistent phase restarting for a more defined attack. Its parameters can be controlled through the modulation system for additional expressive possibilities.

Ideal for:

• Trance and EDM supersaw leads
• Wide melodic synth layers
• Energetic festival-style chords
• Cinematic synth textures
• Rich, evolving electronic pads

SIXTEEN FILTER TYPES FOR DETAILED TONE SHAPING

Discovery Pro includes 16 filter types covering a broad range of digital and analog-inspired responses. These filters provide detailed control over the harmonic content and tonal character of your sounds.

Available models and responses include:

• Nord Lead-style filters
• Nordic zero-delay-feedback filter
• Moog-style 12 dB and 24 dB ladder filters
• Oberheim SEM Classic and Raw models
• Low-pass filtering
• High-pass filtering
• Band-pass filtering
• Band-reject filtering
• Formant filtering
• Phaser filtering

The Adaptive Filter Slope feature adjusts the filter response according to note position and playing velocity. This helps maintain tighter low-frequency behaviour while allowing higher notes to retain brightness and definition.

From smooth analog-inspired sweeps to resonant, aggressive filtering, Discovery Pro offers flexible tonal shaping for basses, leads, pads, and experimental sounds.

SAMPLE AND WAVETABLE ENGINE

Beyond traditional virtual analog synthesis, Discovery Pro includes a versatile sampling and wavetable engine that expands its sound-generation possibilities.

Load compatible audio and instrument content in supported formats, then combine samples with oscillators, filters, envelopes, modulation, and effects to create original hybrid sounds.

Supported content formats include:

• WAV
• SFZ
• SoundFont
• DWB
• Bliss
• Compatible Nord sample content

High-quality interpolation helps maintain audio clarity when samples are played across different keyboard pitches.

This combination of synthesis and sampling makes Discovery Pro suitable for creating hybrid instruments, layered textures, custom keyboard sounds, and evolving electronic timbres.

PADsynth RESYNTHESIS FOR EVOLVING TEXTURES

Discovery Pro incorporates PADsynth resynthesis for transforming imported audio and waveform content into rich, evolving textures.

This feature is especially useful for sound designers and composers who want to develop atmospheric sounds that extend beyond conventional oscillator-based synthesis.

Create and explore:

• Expansive atmospheric pads
• Choir-like textures and ensembles
• Bells and metallic tones
• Cinematic soundscapes
• Ambient layers and evolving drones
• Experimental harmonic textures

Generated material can be exported in SFZ format with continuous-loop information preserved for compatible samplers.

FULL MIDI POLYPHONIC EXPRESSION (MPE)

Discovery Pro supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression, allowing individual notes within a chord to respond independently to supported expressive controls.

Depending on the controller and configuration, performers can apply pitch bends, pressure, and Y-axis modulation to individual notes without affecting the other voices in the performance.

This creates opportunities for expressive leads, evolving chords, detailed modulation, and more natural interaction with compatible MPE controllers.

Supported controller examples include LinnStrument, ROLI Seaboard, Haken Continuum, and Expressive E Osmose. Compatibility depends on the controller’s configuration and MIDI implementation.

ADVANCED SEQUENCING AND MODULATION

Discovery Pro provides a collection of sequencing and modulation tools for creating evolving performances, rhythmic movement, and dynamic sound transformations.

Included tools and capabilities:

• Arpeggiator
• Gate sequencer
• Step modulation sequencer
• Graphical modulation envelopes
• Pan modulation
• Aftertouch assignments
• Probability-based pattern generation
• Stereo delay and additional effects
• Saveable keyboard-zone presets

The graphical modulation envelopes allow you to draw custom shapes with the mouse instead of relying exclusively on traditional envelope stages. This makes it easier to design complex parameter movements, evolving textures, and distinctive modulation patterns.

DRUM AND PERCUSSION MODE

Discovery Pro includes a dedicated percussion mode that transforms a sound bank into 10 drum kits mapped across the keyboard.

White keys trigger drum sounds, while black keys select editable zones, allowing individual percussion sounds to be adjusted within the keyboard workflow.

This functionality makes Discovery Pro useful for electronic percussion, experimental rhythm creation, custom drum kits, and sound-design applications that combine synthesis with sampled material.

HDR AND SCALABLE INTERFACE

Discovery Pro features a high-dynamic-range interface designed for compatible HDR and XDR displays. Selected illuminated controls, meters, displays, and sequencer elements can produce a more pronounced glow on supported screens.

On standard displays, the interface uses conventional dynamic range. Multiple GUI sizes support different monitor resolutions, while Retina-compatible scaling helps maintain clear controls, text, and panel details.

KEY FEATURES OF DISCOVERY PRO 9.5

• Four independent synthesis layers
• Twelve oscillators per complete patch
• Up to 128-voice polyphony
• Sixteen filter types
• Nord Lead 2 SysEx import and export
• Nord Lead-inspired unison modes
• JP-8080-style Super 7 supersaw oscillator
• WAV, SFZ, SoundFont, DWB, Bliss, and compatible Nord sample support
• PADsynth resynthesis
• Full MIDI Polyphonic Expression support
• Gate and Mod sequencers
• Graphical modulation envelopes
• Arpeggiator and probability-based pattern generation
• Up to 16x oversampling
• Multicore voice processing
• HDR-capable interface
• Scalable, Retina-compatible GUI
• Dedicated drum and percussion mode
• Standalone application included

CREATIVE APPLICATIONS FOR MODERN MUSIC PRODUCERS

EDM, Trance, and Techno

Design wide supersaw leads, layered chords, punchy basses, rhythmic sequences, and evolving electronic textures.

Film, TV, and Game Scoring

Build cinematic pads, dramatic synth layers, atmospheric drones, and expressive melodic performances.

Ambient and Experimental Music

Use PADsynth resynthesis, sample-based textures, and complex modulation to develop evolving soundscapes.

Pop and Electronic Production

Combine layered oscillators, filters, and effects to create polished leads, rich pads, and distinctive synth hooks.

Sound Design

Transform samples, explore unusual filter responses, and combine synthesis engines to produce original sounds for music and multimedia projects.

WHY CHOOSE DISCOVERY PRO 9.5?

discoDSP Discovery Pro 9.5 combines classic virtual analog synthesis, extensive layering, advanced sampling, and modern modulation in one versatile instrument. Its four-layer architecture and 12 oscillators provide a strong foundation for complex patches, while the Super 7 oscillator and Nord Lead-inspired filters deliver distinctive electronic sounds.

With PADsynth resynthesis, MPE support, flexible sequencing, and extensive sample compatibility, Discovery Pro extends well beyond conventional subtractive synthesis. The 9.5 update further improves sequencer editing and filter workflow, giving producers more control over rhythmic patterns and modulation design.

Whether you are producing electronic music, composing cinematic scores, building custom instruments, or exploring experimental sound design, Discovery Pro 9.5 is a comprehensive synthesizer and sampling workstation for creative music production.

Explore more virtual instruments in our Synthesizer Plugins collection, or discover additional creative processing tools in our Audio Effects Plugins category.

Visit the official discoDSP Discovery Pro page for the latest specifications, demonstrations, supported formats, and compatibility information.