NastyDLA mkIII

NastyDLA mkIII by Variety of Sound is the latest version of one of the most respected freeware delay plugins. The original NastyDLA appeared over a decade ago, and the concept has remained the same: take the classic chorus/echo combination, add some tape-delay simulation, and wrap it in a user-friendly interface. NastyDLA mkIII update brings improved compression, cross-feedback delay, and gain staging modes, along with oversampling and VST3 support (two features users have been requesting for years).

The interface remains the same as previous versions, which is a good thing. It’s a busy layout with plenty of controls, but everything is sensibly organized and makes good use of space. My favorite thing about NastyDLA is that it adds a ton of color and character to the signal. The feedback-driven delay adds extra harmonics and tape-style saturation that can turn a weak guitar or synth line into something much bigger.

I still use NastyDLA on vocals regularly. The built-in ducking allows the vocals to cut through the echo, and the Aged mode adds a vintage vibe that sounds great on more aggressive vocal tracks. The only downside is that NastyDLA mkIII is Windows-only. Mac users looking for a similar analog tape delay character should check out DelaySon by Sonimus, listed further down on this page. NastyDLA mkIII is available in 32- and 64-bit VST and VST3 formats for Windows.