discoDSP updates Retromulator and Bliss Sampler and releases discoLink framework

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discoDSP updated Retromulator and Bliss Sampler and released the discoLink framework.

Bliss 3.8.4

New Features:

  • Akai MPC Keygroup (XPM) export with Export submenu.
  • Added 125% and 175% interface scaling options.
  • Active cue zone waveform highlight with hue-shifted colour during playback.
  • MIDI note labels displayed at top of cue zone markers.
  • Recall menu in Sample Editor for quick access to recent actions.
  • Cue button with smart playback-aware cue insertion.

Improvements:

  • Improved LCD font with corrected character alignment.
  • Incremental bank saving — reuses unchanged FLAC data for faster saves.
  • Optimized popup menu performance by eliminating redundant filesystem scans.

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed AKP importer failing to parse keygroups.
  • Fixed bank issues when overwriting an existing bank file.
  • Fixed lazy load flag incorrectly set on active program during bank load.
  • Fixed clear bank undo losing the bank file reference.
  • Fixed macro dialog transparency.

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Retromulator 1.3

Retromulator 1.3 features OpenWurli 0.3, a significant upgrade to the Wurlitzer 200A physical modelling engine. The analytical preamp model has been replaced with a melange-generated 12-node DK circuit solver for a closer match to real hardware nonlinearity. The sine LFO tremolo oscillator has been replaced with a Twin-T circuit tremolo oscillator running at a fixed ~5.6 Hz rate matching the original hardware. Post-speaker gain has been recalibrated from +13 dB to +10.5 dB to match Brad Avenson’s 2-7 mV measurement.

Additionally, the libresample library has been replaced with the Speex resampler (quality 5), improving SNR from 75 dB to 107 dB at the same CPU cost.

Improvements:

  • OpenWurli 0.3: melange-generated 12-node DK preamp circuit solver replaces analytical DkPreamp.
  • OpenWurli 0.3: Twin-T circuit tremolo oscillator replaces sine LFO — fixed ~5.6 Hz rate matching real hardware.
  • OpenWurli 0.3: recalibrated post-speaker gain from +13 dB to +10.5 dB.
  • OpenWurli 0.3: speaker tanh saturation bypassed at character=0 to prevent nonlinear coloration on polyphonic ff chords.
  • Replaced libresample with Speex resampler (quality 5) — SNR improved from 75 dB to 107 dB.
  • Added Disk Operations backup/restore app data (all ROM files and presets) on None machine core.

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed OPL3 preset navigation switching bank instead of stepping through patches.
  • Fixed Standalone preset not sounding on project reopen.
  • Fixed AU setCurrentProgramStateInformation overwriting DX7 voice bank RAM on state restore.

Retromulator emulates ten classic hardware cores: Access Virus A/B/C, Access Virus TI, Waldorf microQ, Waldorf Microwave XT, Clavia Nord Lead 2X, Roland JP-8000, Yamaha DX7, Akai S1000, Wurlitzer 200A, and Yamaha OPL3.

Retromulator is free with optional $29 USD support license.

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discoLink — Open Source Cross-Plugin Data Transport

discoLink is an open-source cross-plugin data transport library enabling real-time audio streaming and bidirectional MIDI/parameter control between independent processes via lock-free shared memory IPC.

Pure C++17 with zero dependencies, released under the MIT License. discoLink uses plugin instances (can be on the same DAW channel): a Host Plugin (e.g. Discovery Pro) that reads audio from shared memory and sends MIDI commands, and a discoLink Effect that writes audio to shared memory and receives commands.

Audio flows through lock-free ring buffers with near-zero latency. The same architecture works across separate OS processes — a standalone synth, effect, etc. can register as a device, and a DAW plugin can discover and connect to it automatically.

Key Features:

  • Lock-free SPSC ring buffer architecture with 16,384 samples per channel.
  • Cache-line aligned atomics — no mutexes, no blocking, no allocations in the audio path.
  • MIDI 1.0, MIDI 2.0 UMP (32-bit velocity/CC), and MPE support.
  • Parameter control, preset management, file exchange, and dynamic routing.
  • Device registry with 16-slot bulletin board and auto-discovery.
  • Dead process cleanup via PID validation.
  • Session recall via linkTag — save, reload, and discoLink reconnects automatically.
  • Three transport modes: Audio+MIDI, Audio-only, MIDI-only.
  • Up to 12 channels with link routing and multiple audio taps.
  • Cross-platform: macOS, Linux, Windows.
  • JUCE module available for drop-in integration.
  • Reference CLI tools included for testing without a DAW.

discoLink is free and open source under the MIT License. More information: discodsp.com/discolink / Source code: github.com/reales/discolink

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