NastyDLA
Key Features
- Authentic tape-delay simulation with feedback-driven saturation that adds harmonic richness to every repeat
- Switchable input stage modeling with signal coloration and non-linearities for analog warmth on the full signal
- Two independent delay lines with up to 3 seconds of delay time, host tempo sync, and two modulation modes
- Built-in chorus and flanger effect that automatically adapts to the delay line configuration
- Comprehensive tape dynamics simulation derived from the award-winning FerricTDS compression engine
- Oversampling with ADAA and Zero Delay Filtering introduced in v3.5 for pristine audio quality
- Sophisticated tape hiss noise simulation and two feedback color modes for dialing in vintage character
Description
NastyDLA mkIII by Variety Of Sound is a classic chorus echo device built around tape-delay simulation. It combines analog-style delay, saturation, chorus, filtering, and noise generation into a single plugin that transforms weak guitar lines and synth patches into something rich and monstrous.
The input stage models authentic signal path coloration and non-linearities, adding harmonic warmth before the signal even hits the delay line. Tape-style feedback and saturation inject character into every repeat, while a built-in frequency balancing filter allows dead-easy tone adjustments in the feedback path.
Two independent delay lines offer up to three seconds of delay time each, with host tempo sync and two different modulation modes for movement and depth. The chorus section automatically adapts to the delay configuration, delivering classic chorus and flanger textures with dedicated amount and rate controls.
Version 3.5 introduced a refined audio transformer circuit in the input stage for harmonically rich detail, along with state-of-the-art oversampling using ADAA and Zero Delay Filtering for pristine audio quality. The interplay of compression and tape saturation has been further balanced for improved dynamics with reduced distortion.
NastyDLA has earned a devoted following among producers who praise its ability to rival paid tape delay emulations. Users consistently highlight how musical and versatile it sounds on vocals, guitars, synths, piano, and even across full mixes, with low CPU usage despite its deep feature set.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is NastyDLA mkIII available for macOS?
No, NastyDLA mkIII is currently Windows-only. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit VST and VST3 formats. The developer Variety Of Sound has not announced a macOS version.
What changed in the v3.5 update?
Version 3.5 introduced a refined audio transformer circuit in the input stage, oversampling with ADAA, and Zero Delay Filtering for improved audio quality. The compression and tape saturation interplay was rebalanced for smoother dynamics, and the stereo delay imaging was fine-tuned for more expressive modulation.
Can NastyDLA self-oscillate?
Yes. The feedback circuit supports resonance up to self-oscillation, which is useful for creating ambient textures, dub-style effects, and experimental sound design. The ducking mode can be engaged to tame runaway feedback by linking the compressor sidechain to the input.
How does the ducking mode work?
Enabling ducking switches the internal compressor's sidechain to respond directly to the plugin input rather than the feedback loop signal. This creates an audio ducking effect where the delay trails are pushed down when new audio comes in, keeping the mix cleaner while still allowing rich delay tails.
