discoDSP Corona 6.4, the latest update for its multi-synthesis oscillator Synthesizer plugin, now supports Synth1 and JP-8000/JP-8080 patches.
There are countless Synthesizer plugins on the market, some with a long history. One of these is undoubtedly the discoDSP Corona Synthesizer from 2011, which flies a bit under the radar of many. In 2023, the synth already received version 6 as a paid upgrade
A major plus of Corona 6 was a completely redesigned UI, Linux support, and more. Version 6.3 added more than 600 new presets. discoDSP has just released Corona 6.4 as a free download that brings more great new features to the synth.
discoDSP Corona 6.4
As a reminder, discoDSP Corona 6 is a powerful Synthesizer plugin that ships with a comprehensive set of synthesis features.
The three oscillators, for example, offer a unique FM-style operator concept that hosts various synthesis types: additive, subtractive, multiplicative, ring mod, phase mod, sync, and more.
They also feature so-called wave expansion with plenty of multi-layer sampled waveforms from hardware synths. Alternatively, you can import SoundFont 2 or wav files as oscillators. Of course, you can also find various filters, advanced modulation, and effects.
Corona 6.4 is a free update that further extends the engine. It introduces seamless integration of Synth1 (.sy1) presets via drag-and-drop. This iconic free Synthesizer plugin emulates the Nord Lead and has countless patches. These can now be loaded into discoDSP Corona 6.4.
Then, you can also import full JP-8000 and JP-8080 SysEx, which unlocks the classic supersaw textures and distinctive character of these classic Roland synths. I’m interested in seeing how well these imports work and how authentic the patches sound. Corona isn’t an emulation of these synths.
Another big new feature is the new MTS-ESP support for enhanced microtuning compatibility and the ability to import/export XML tuning functions. There are also other improvements and bug fixes:
- right-click and shift+click functionality for OSC 2/3 semitone lock.
- paste and store function for more efficient workflow.
- implemented mouse wheel scrolling in transpose dropdown for 12-semitone steps.
- added Edit menu Help > MTS status, check updates, build number.
- enhanced Mod Matrix popup menu with detailed descriptions.
- updated Arp button on/off/edit areas in GUI.
- redesigned Edit menu for improved usability.
- improved image caching for better performance.
- refactored confirmation dialog boxes for better user experience.
- Streamlined EDIT popup menu.
- updated AAX framework.
- …
First Impression
An exciting new update for the Corona 6 Synthesizer. It’s great to see that the feature set continues to expand. I’m curious to see if Corona synth will make it to iOS shortly, like Discovery synth in the recent past.
As much as I’m pleased with the news, it’s important to reiterate that with discoDSP, remember that full version updates (5-6 or 6-7) might cost money, even if they might be only minor additions. The recent v6 update and major Discovery Pro update weren’t free. At the developer’s regular prices, I would have liked free updates.
discoDSP Corona 6.4 is available now as a free update for existing users of version 6.0. Corona Synthesizer is out now for 199€ and runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel), Linux, and Windows. PluginFox has a 30% OFF sale on discoDSP plugins, including Corona synth.
More information here: discoDSP
Available at my partner
Their upgrade pricing policies leave a lot to be desired. However they make some nice software synths.
I believe Corona only had a single paid upgrade after over a decade. If that’s a lot to ask for, maybe you’re a bit of a cheapskate.
if discoDSP follows his actual policies, v7 will be again a paid upgrade.
Where exactly did you get the “v7 will be paid” info? That’s complete BS. DiscoDSP hasn’t announced anything official about pricing yet. Stop spreading fake news.
My assumption comes from the recent price strategy from Discovery Pro. The recent major version updates weren’t free. So I assume that the next major version for Corona might also not be free but hey discoDSP can communicate this more openely to new and existing customers and even press. Fake news would be when I said it’s the case and leave it like that. I wrote “might be”.
I don’t have Corona but I do have Discovery Pro.
Perhaps I am a cheapskate but then again I have all of U-He plugins so maybe it’s skewed my expectations. I also have the full paid for version of Vital which is option to pay for and yet no complaints. DiscoDSP would also only allow so many downloads before you had to pay a fee. I’m not sure if that’s still their policy. I bought a Nord A1 hardware synth so I stopped using the plugin. There’s also Nodal Red and I donated to the DSP56300 project which is an incredible project. And even when donating to that I still keep my hardware Virus TiII. I also use bitwig and pay for their updates but you get pretty good bang for your buck. So call me a cheapskate if you like but I’ll kindly disagree.
Look, I’ve got nothing against paying for quality software. Their synths sound great, but yeah, their pricing policies aren’t the best. Corona only had ONE paid upgrade in over a decade, which is pretty damn reasonable. If you think that’s “too much to ask for,” then maybe check your expectations.
a paid upgrade after all this years is indeed fair but looking at the recent update policy for Discovery Pro, it’s pretty wild and many people also wrote this on forums.
200 Euros is a joke
Quality comes at a price, my friend. If you’re looking for the McDonald’s of synths, you might want to consider the more affordable options or explore free alternatives.