Version 2.19 marks a significant milestone as OB-Xd becomes fully free without restrictions, while introducing intelligent preset management and enhanced user experience refinements across all platforms.
License & Distribution
Fully Free - Allows commercial use, making OB-Xd completely free for anything.
All Plugin Formats Included - AAX, VST2, VST3, LV2 (Linux only), and Standalone versions now available without restrictions.
Universal Access - No registration or activation required for any plugin format.
Enhanced Preset Management
Smarter New Preset - "New Preset" menu option automatically disables when all 128 preset slots are full, providing clear feedback when users need to delete a preset first.
Intelligent Slot Detection - Added hasAvailablePresetSlot() method to check for available default preset slots in real-time.
Improved User Feedback - Menu state clearly indicates when preset bank is at capacity.
Workflow Improvements
Faster Preset Creation - Native macOS dialogs for creating new presets with instant confirmation using Enter/Escape keys.
Consistent Dialog Experience - Both "New Preset" and "Rename Preset" now use native macOS dialogs for seamless integration.
Platform-Optimized Dialogs - macOS users get native NSAlert-style dialogs while Windows/Linux maintain JUCE dialogs with full keyboard support.
Version 2.18 brings significant quality-of-life enhancements, focusing on seamless workflow, stability, and providing a modern, native user experience across all platforms, especially macOS.
Core Workflow & Stability
Improved Preset Renaming: Renaming presets now uses native dialogs on macOS for better system integration and supports instant confirmation via the Enter key (OK) and Escape key (Cancel) on all systems (Win/Linux/Mac).
Bank Loading Fix: Eliminated the spurious "Bank Not Found" error that could occur when loading FXB files that were previously saved under a renamed bank.
Preset Bar Visibility: The option to toggle the visibility of the Preset Bar has been relocated to the dedicated "GUI" submenu for improved organization.
Manual Access: The "Manual" item in the Help menu is renamed to "Open Manual" and now links directly to the latest online PDF documentation.
User Interface & Customization
Native macOS Menus: Replaced all custom-rendered popup menus (main menu, preset bar, and control dropdowns like Voices, Unison, Legato) with native NSMenu components for improved macOS integration and responsiveness.
Enhanced Readability (Small Font Option): The "Small Popup Font" setting is now fully functional across macOS, Windows, and Linux, ensuring consistent and optimized readability, especially on high-DPI displays.
Automatic Update Check: Added a "Check Updates" feature to the Help menu to notify users when a new version is available, including direct platform-specific download links.
Cleaned Menu Layout: Reorganized the Help menu structure and relocated the release version information to the bottom of the submenu.
Technical and Infrastructure Updates
Toolchain Upgrade: Migrated project infrastructure and binaries to support Visual Studio 2022.
macOS File Management: Switched application configuration file location on macOS to the standard ~/Library/Application Support/discoDSP/OB-Xd 2 directory to comply with modern OS standards and prevent recurring security permission dialogs.
Core Framework Update: Incremented JUCE projects version number to 2.18.0 and incorporated necessary module updates for native macOS dialog support.
OB-Xd 2.17 resolves critical pitch wheel muting issues, enhances cross-platform compatibility, and introduces smooth modulation improvements. This release focuses on eliminating audio dropouts and providing seamless performance across all platforms.
Critical Audio & User Experience Fixes
Normalized MIDI Pitch Wheel Values - Properly converts raw MIDI pitch wheel data (0-16383) to bipolar range (-1 to +1) preventing audio muting.
Scaled Filter Modulation - Reduced pitch wheel filter modulation intensity by 50% to prevent extreme filter shifts that cause audio dropouts.
Enhanced Audio Stability - Eliminates pitch wheel-induced muting while preserving expressive pitch bend functionality.
Corrected Double-Click Reset - OSC1 and OSC2 pitch knobs now reset to center position (0 semitones) instead of extreme low pitch.
Improved User Experience - Double-click reset now provides expected behavior matching visual knob position.
Resolved UTF-8 Display Issues - Fixed garbled program names in popup menus on Windows systems.
Platform-Specific Optimization - Windows-specific string handling prevents encoding corruption.
Cross-Platform Compatibility - Ensures consistent program name display across all operating systems.
Enhanced Modulation System
Micro-Interpolation Technology - Eliminates stepping artifacts during mod wheel vibrato sweeps with 64-step interpolation.
Ultra-Smooth Transitions - ~1.5ms interpolation window at 44.1kHz provides seamless modulation changes.
Enhanced Expression - Professional-grade smooth modulation matching high-end hardware synthesizers.
Per-Sample Mod Wheel Processing - Interpolated mod wheel values processed at audio rate for maximum smoothness.
MTS-ESP Status Display - Real-time display of MicroTonal Software connection status in Help menu.
Active Scale Information - Shows current microtonal scale name when MTS-ESP master is connected.
Professional Tuning Support - Enhanced integration with advanced microtonal workflows.
System Improvements & Product Evolution
Improved Help Menu Layout - Added separator and MTS-ESP status for better organization.
Real-Time Tuning Feedback - Visual confirmation of microtonal system connection status.
Professional Workflow Integration - Seamless integration with advanced tuning systems.
Efficient Interpolation Algorithm - Lightweight micro-interpolation with minimal CPU impact.
Enhanced MIDI Processing - Proper pitch wheel value normalization prevents processing errors.
Maintained Backward Compatibility - All existing presets and sound characteristics preserved.
Rebranded as OB-Xd Legacy - Clear identification as the classic OB-Xd line alongside future developments.
OB-Xd 2.16 delivers significant improvements to MIDI processing performance and resolves critical envelope issues that could affect sound output. This release focuses on bulletproof reliability and enhanced user experience.
Critical Performance & Stability Fixes
Resolved MIDI Processing - Eliminated inefficient MIDI buffer iteration that caused timing issues and potential hanging notes.
Enhanced MIDI Iterator Tracking - Proper incremental advancement prevents performance degradation with complex MIDI sequences.
Improved Real-time Performance - Dramatically better responsiveness during heavy MIDI activity.
Corrected Double-Division Error - Fixed critical bug where envelope detune would cause audio muting due to incorrect attack time calculations.
Preserved Original Values - Enhanced envelope system now properly stores original user values to prevent processing errors.
Maintained Sound Character - All fixes preserve the authentic OB-Xd sound and existing preset compatibility.
Enhanced MIDI Implementation
Safety Range Checks - Added validation for note numbers (0-127) to prevent malformed MIDI data issues.
Improved Note-Off Logic - Proper handling of note-on events with zero velocity (treated as note-off).
Enhanced Pitch Wheel - Added pitch wheel value validation for stable pitch modulation.
CC121 Reset Support - Added support for Reset All Controllers (turns off sustain).
Improved All Notes Off - Enhanced CC120/CC123 (All Sound Off/All Notes Off) handling.
Better Sustain Logic - Improved sustain pedal state management prevents stuck notes.
System Improvements
Clean Session Handling - Added MIDI state reset in prepareToPlay() and releaseResources().
Prevent Hanging Notes - Ensures clean startup and shutdown between DAW sessions.
Robust Reset Function - New resetMidiState() method for comprehensive state cleanup.
Formatted Program Numbers - Preset menus now display zero-padded program numbers (000: Default, 001: Bass Lead, etc.).
Consistent Menu Formatting - Both popup and main menu locations use unified "000: Program name" format.
Enhanced Preset Navigation - Easier identification of specific program slots for MIDI program changes.
OB-Xd 2.15 brings VST3 support to the free build, addressing one of the most frequent user requests. This update maintains our free non-commercial use policy while delivering complete professional functionality.
VST3 Support Now Available in Free Build
VST3 format now available in the free build for non-commercial use.
AAX and LV2 formats remain exclusive to registered users.
Completely Updated Framework
Incorporated the latest stability, performance, and compatibility improvements with modern DAWs.
Resolved numerous minor issues from previous versions.
Ensured better long-term operation across all operating systems.
Enhanced Analog Authenticity
Improved ADSR Response - Enhanced envelope generator with better stability under modulation.
Refined Key Tracking - More accurate key-follow behavior for authentic analog character.
Refined User Interface
Reorganized Menus - More intuitive workflow with modern popup menu styling.
Improved Consistency - Better visual coherence across all interface elements.
Direct Resource Access - Added OB-Xd resources through Help menu for easier support and community connection.
Technical Optimizations
Modernized Codebase - Cleaned and updated with comprehensive framework improvements.
Enhanced MIDI Handling - Better MIDI processing and responsiveness.
Improved Program Management - Enhanced program selection and restore functionality.
Stability Improvements - Eliminated compilation warnings and resolved potential stability issues.
General maintenance release focusing on quality of life improvements and stability.
GUI Menu Items Consolidation: An updated, user-friendly layout.
Reordered File Menu Items: Improved workflow with a more intuitive interface.
Bank Reset Option: Clear all settings to default, available in the File menu.
Customizable Default Preset Values: Delete and overwrite preset values in Documents > discoDSP > OB-Xd > Presets > Default.fxp.
Minor GUI Enhancements: Other updates for functionality and ease of use.
Version 2.13 introduces Universal Binary AAX support and addresses MIDI functionality issues.
ProTools AAX Universal Binary Plugin: Native support for ProTools on macOS Intel and Apple Silicon.
Linux Demo Bank Fix: Resolved issues making the Linux Demo preset Banks fully functional.
MIDI CC LSB Support: Added MIDI CC 32 LSB Bank Change functionality.
MIDI CC OSC2 Octave Fix: Corrected MIDI CC behavior for OSC2 Octave (#31).
Minor GUI Fixes and Stability Improvements.
Maintenance update improving Linux compatibility and GUI responsiveness.
MIDI Channel Support: Added MIDI Channel selection (All and 1-16) in the Config menu.
Save Functionality: Added Esc and Intro keypress support for Rename Preset and New Preset dialogs.
Save Preset Slot: "Save Preset" is now renamed to "Save to Preset Slot."
Export Preset: Added "Save Preset to Disk" function to export the active preset to the Documents folder.
Simplified Version Number display.
Maintenance update focusing on system compatibility and minor fixes.
MIDI Channel Support: Added MIDI Channel selection (All and 1-16) at Config menu.
Save Functionality: Esc and Intro keypress support for Rename Preset and New Preset dialogs.
Save Preset Slot: Save Preset renamed as Save to Preset Slot.
Save Preset to Disk: Exports active preset to Documents > discoDSP > OB-Xd > Presets folder.
Simplified version number display.
Version 2.9 introduces LV2 format support for Linux and improves GUI responsiveness.
Updated JUCE framework to 7.0.1 (Better GUI performance and overall stability).
Added AU parameter version hints for better GarageBand and Logic support.
Linux LV2 plugin support.
Linux installer now places VST3 and LV2 plugins in standard ~/.vst3 and ~/.lv2 folders.
Maintenance update addressing GUI and performance enhancements.
Updated JUCE framework to 6.1.6.
Tooltip menu for disabling standard display (shows tagged tooltips on XML theme files).
Alt/Option + Click on OSC knobs now locks semitones.
Fixed step tooltip display issue.
Fixed Linux libcurl compiler issue.
Fixed leaking voice and legato components.
Updated CustomStandaloneFilterWindow.h for native macOS menus and tweaks.
Improvements for MIDI control and Linux support.
Tooltip value displayed on knob mouseover.
Shift + Click resets full panning knob group.
Octave lock holding Shift on Oscillator 1/2 knobs.
Fixed MIDI folder not displaying on Linux.
Fixed MIDI learn function not working on Linux.
Linux build compiled with g++ 9.3.0.
Introduction of MTS-ESP support for microtuning.
Implemented basic MTS-ESP support by Natalia Escalera.
Maintenance update addressing dialog and font issues.
Fixed dialog windows color scheme issue.
Tweaked font scaling sizes.
Maintenance update fixing file dialog issues on macOS.
Fixed dialog windows color scheme issue.
Tweaked font scaling sizes.
Major update introducing GUI scaling and preset browser improvements.
Added Scalable GUI (1x, 1.5x, 2x) with HiDPI support for all platforms.
Added Luke's Soundhouse 80s & Synthwave Presets bank.
Preset Bar now uses bold font for better visibility.
Specific fonts used for each system (Helvetica Neue for macOS, Arial for Windows, DejaVu Sans for Linux).
Revised all XML themes for knob sizes and alignments.
Updated assets with 4x bitmaps (including Ilkka Rosma Dark theme).
Streamlined Menu layout.
Added program popup menu when clicking Preset Bar name.
Added Menu Help: Version and Open PDF manual (Windows and macOS).
Fixed miscellaneous issues and enhancements.
Update introducing the switchable Preset Bar and improved MIDI support.
Preset Browser Bar (switchable using MENU button).
Added drag and drop support for FXP / FXB / SYSEX / WAV files.
New MIDI CC XML config menu.
Enhanced MIDI learn functionality. Bindings saved to Custom.xml for all instances.
Enhanced Standalone app.
Fixed preset sync issue.
Fixed LEARN button LED click issue.
Update introducing new VIVOLATOR and BANK CANVAS themes, MIDI Program Change support, and minor fixes.
New Vivolator and Bank Canvas banks.
Added MIDI Program Change support.
Added Preset and Bank manager.
Dark edit menu.
Updated framework.
Update bundled with other products, focusing on core compatibility and stability.
Universal 2 Binary for Apple M1 Silicon chips.
AAX ProTools plugin support for macOS and Windows (registered version only).
Fixed Catalina and Big Sur documents folder crash.
Updated framework (JUCE 6).
Updated VST3 SDK.
Added ASIO and Jack support.
macOS deployment target set to 10.9.
Preset navigation using +/- keys (numeric too).
16 new presets by J3PO.
Maintenance update after the major 2.0 release.
Fixed buttons MIDI CC learn issue.
Fixed LFO buttons not working or reverted issue.
Fixed Voice and Legato bitmap issues with 1x assets in Windows and Linux.
Fixed Grey skin assets bitmap sizes.
Windows builds now use proper 1x assets bitmaps.
Changed macOS installer identifiers to avoid conflicts with 1.x.
Settings.xml changed to Skin.xml to avoid conflicts with OB-Xd 1.x.
2.1 now compatible with 2.0 format in Logic (AU).
Fixed AU issue with OSC MIX 1/2 setting to 0 on project recall.
Updated MIDI CC OSC1MIX and OSC2MIX to 77 and 78 to avoid conflicts in Logic Pro X.
Updated Themes folder dialog warning with proper path location.
Default theme set to Ilkka Rosma Dark.
Settings.xml installation fix.
Major release of OB-Xd with a complete overhaul.
7x faster GUI controls.
Linux build.
Standalone app.
Signed and notarized installers.
Updated JUCE framework to 5.4.7 for better stability and compatibility.
Updated Banks with 2.0 compatibility.
Ilkka Rosma Dark Theme.
macOS Catalina support.
MIDI CC Learn.
MIDI CC support.
Parameter refactor.
XML based skinning.
HiDPI (Retina) ready GUI themes.
Windows installer update for version 1.5, accompanied by the previous macOS 1.5 updates.
Updated banks folder.
Code signed AU, VST and VST3 plug-ins (macOS).
Notarized PKG installer ready for macOS Catalina (macOS).
Added AudioUnits presets collection (macOS).
Installer overhaul for all platforms.
Removed manual setup files to avoid placing files incorrectly.
Windows installer now 64-bit with VST2 32/64-bit folder selection.
macOS installer fixes GarageBand 10 issues.
Linux package includes a bash install script.
Introduction of preset and skin browsers.
Added bank and skin browser (right click GUI / Command click on Mac).
Included Japanese manual.
Included skins from KVR Audio members.
OB-Xd project takeover announcement.
The project, originally created by 2Dat and Soshi Studio, will remain freeware.