discoDSP has released OB-Xd 3.5, a major update for the “free” Oberheim emulation plugin with new features and a new iOS version (iPad only) with a catch.
One of the most downloaded free synths is the open source OB-Xd synth, which emulates the Oberheim OB-X. A lot has happened since discoDSP took over. The plugin has been constantly developed, which is nice to see, but it has also become more and more of a commercial plugin.
You can still download the latest version of the plugin for free, but restrictions apply: it can only be used for non-commercial projects and does not include VST3, AAX or LV2 (Linux) versions.
Why I'm talking about OB-Xd: There is a new version 3.5 and a new iOS version. The latter has a catch for existing users.
discoDSP OB-Xd 3.5
discoDSP has expanded and revised the OB-Xd plugin in many places over the course of the year. In version 3.0, the oscillator and filter have been expanded with new functions, such as pulse width offset for oscillator 2, extended filter with self-oscillation at high resonance, new attack envelope shape, LFO sync and more.
In version 3.2, discoDSP also added unison with up to 16 voices. OB-Xd 3.5 has been released and brings further improvements. First of all, a new theme (Ilkka Rosma Blue Theme) has been added, which is inspired by the classic Oberheim OB-Xa and gives the synth a new look.
It also has new MIDI features, including virtual MIDI-out support for macOS users. The MIDI-in channel retrieves its internal state and the MIDI-out configuration gets a makeover for bi-directional communication using an external MIDI.XML file.
Another new feature is only available to paying users. You can now work with automatic 4x oversampling for offline bounces, thus achieving higher sound quality. It's a shame that this is reserved for paying users.
discoDSP OB-Xd (iOS – iPad only)
Somewhat surprisingly, discoDSP also released a new iOS version (iPad only) yesterday with the features of version 3.5. As a reminder, the original iOS version is always suitable for commercial use, as there is no free version.
Instead of updating the existing app, discoDSP has released a new OB-Xd app, which is also available for purchase. So if you want to use the new features, you have to leave your €/$ in the AppStore. In return, you get the engine, features and look of the current VST version.
The new OB-Xd (AUv3) features the same updated DSP engine as the desktop version, cross-platform patch compatibility, MIDI keyboard improvements, a new user interface and other small optimizations. Like the previous version, it runs standalone and as an AUv3 plugin.
First impression
I have to admit that I had a bit of a stomach ache while writing this news. That's because the super popular, free, open source synthesizer plugin is getting more and more restrictions.
The plugin is still “free” but only for “non-commercial” users. All plugin formats as well as 4x oversampling are reserved for paying customers. You can see that discoDSP is slowly turning the OB-Xd into a more commercial synth. But I'm not sure how many people will spend $99 on it.
Conversely, the plugin is still available as a free downloader under the condition “non-commercial”, which must be proven. Thank you, discoDSP, for this.
The evolution of iOS makes me rather unhappy. While it's cool that the iOS version is now on the same level as the VST version, it's unfortunate that the original app is being dropped in favor of a new paid app that is basically a paid update.
I would have liked a bundle for existing customers who could upgrade for a small fee. Or even better, just a free app update.
I appreciate the work DiscoDSP put into the synth and the work should be paid for. But it can also make it a little more moderate than $99 for the VST or
Launching at $12.99. If you charge less, more people will upgrade and consider it a donation to your work.
Availability
discoDSP OB-Xd 3.5 is now available as a free download for non-commercial use or for $99 in a commercial version. The update is free for both versions. Both versions run on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel), Linux and Windows.
The non-commercial version offers a standalone app and VST2 and AU plugins, while the commercial version offers VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and LV2.
The new OB-Xd AUv3 is now available in the Apple AppStore for an introductory price of $12.99. There is no upgrade path or bundle option for iOS (iPad) users.
More information here: discoDSP
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