Discovery Pro
by discoDSP · Synth · Virtual analog synth
Not rated yet
Discovery Pro is discoDSP's virtual analog synth with four layers, 12 oscillators, PADSynth re-synthesis and support for WAV, SFZ and SoundFont waveforms.
It can import and export Nord Lead 2 SysEx, ships with over 5,000 presets, and lists at $199 ($139.30 at KVR Marketplace until 15 Oct 2026).
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop.
Keywords: leads, analog, hardware emulation, preset-driven, virtual analog, basses, fat, polyphonic, subtractive, arpeggiator, AUv3/iOS, CPU-light, FM, monophonic, oversampling, pads, sound design.
What it does
Discovery Pro is a virtual analog synth modelled on the Nord Lead 2 architecture, with SysEx compatibility for that hardware's patches. discoDSP extends the design with four-layer stacking, sample and SoundFont oscillators and PADSynth re-synthesis.
- Layers and voices: 4 layers with 12 oscillators in total and 128-voice polyphony.
- Oscillators: two Nord-style oscillators per layer with FM and ring modulation, plus a third wave oscillator for loaded waveforms.
- Unison: modelled on the Nord Lead 2, calibrated separately for polyphonic and legato or mono playing.
- Filters: 12 filter types, including Nord Lead 2 and Moog models, with up to 16x oversampling.
- Waveforms and samples: load 16- or 24-bit WAV, SFZ, SoundFont 2.04 and DWB waveform banks, or render new tones with PADSynth re-synthesis of up to 24 seconds, with fade-in and fade-out.
- Performance tools: arpeggiator, stereo delay, gate and step modulation, a graphical envelope, time-synced modulation, pan modulation, octave key split and aftertouch.
- Control: Nord Lead 2 SysEx import and export, XML MIDI board templates, zone presets and a TouchOSC template for iPad or Android.
- Presets and GUI: over 5,000 sounds in 100 banks, and an interface that scales to 1x, 1.5x or 2x.
The current version is 9.5.3. A demo is available.
When to use it
Discovery Pro is the better pick for Nord Lead-style leads, basses and stacked chords, and for anyone with Nord Lead 2 patches to import. Compared with Sylenth1, it covers similar classic subtractive ground but adds four-layer stacking, sample and SoundFont oscillators and PADSynth tones. It is far lighter on CPU than Diva, but it aims at a digital VA sound rather than detailed analog circuit modelling. Against Serum 2 or Hive 2, its interface is more menu-driven and less visual, so deep editing takes more patience.
- Best for: layered leads, pads, basses and chords, and anyone with a library of Nord Lead 2 patches.
- Genres: electronic, trance, house and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want detailed analog circuit modelling (Diva) or a visual wavetable workflow with drag-and-drop modulation (Serum 2 or Vital).
- Tip: use the third wave oscillator to layer your own waveforms, samples or PADSynth renders under the two Nord-style oscillators.
What producers say
Users praise its fat Nord-style sound, low CPU use and huge preset library; the main complaints are about the interface and learning the layer system.
- KVR users rate it 4.8 out of 5 from 5 reviews, calling it a "monster synth" with a "fat sound" that is "easy on my CPU and wallet".
- MusicTech (2013, 7 out of 10) said it can "cut through or fill out a mix like a true Nord Lead" and praised the filter section and CPU efficiency.
- Criticisms: MusicTech found some buttons "far too small" and the menu-driven workflow slow, with only a delay for effects; two KVR users noted a learning curve with layer editing.
Where to buy
- KVR Marketplace: $139.30 (regular $199)
- Best Service: $199
- PluginFox: $199
- AudioDeluxe: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- Rated! - Discovery Pro by DiscoDSP (VST)
- Discovery Pro 8.0 by discoDSP (No Talking)
- Discovery Pro 9.3 What's New
- discoDSP updates Discovery Pro synth to v7.8
- I Spent 2 Weeks With Discovery Pro—This is What I Found
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