Some of the functions work without the controller.
For example recording can be started and stopped with these commands:
pimpctl recording-start front
pimpctl recording-stop front
But first connect to the Disco wifi then with adb or telnet:
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb
adb connect 192.168.42.1:9050
telnet 192.168.42.1
Recordings will be in
ftp://192.168.42.1/internal_000/Disco/media