Free DLYM Delay Modulator VST/AU Plugin Released By Imaginando

Imaginando has released DLYM, a freeware modulation effect in VST and AU plugin formats for compatible host applications on PC and Mac.

This is the first Imaginando plugin to be released after the successful DRC multi-platform virtual synthesizer (available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android). DLYM is actually inspired by DRC’s built-in chorus module. Unlike its predecessor, though, DLYM is free to download and use without any limitations. You can download it completely free of charge from Imaginando’s official website.

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Deceptively simple-looking, DLYM is an impressively versatile modulation tool. At its core is a delay module with the maximum delay time of up to around 300 ms (that’s my estimate as the exact value is not labeled on the interface) and up to a few seconds of feedback. The delayed signal is modulated by a host-syncable LFO which offers a choice of six different waveforms (Sine, Square, Saw, Triangle, S&H, and Filtered S&H), alongside adjustable modulation speed and depth. The final part of the signal path is the stereo widener module with adjustable stereo spread and crossover parameters. The user can also choose between Ang (cleaner sounding) and Dim (warmer sounding, possibly modeled after the Roland Dimension D hardware unit) modes.

So, a stereo delay with an LFO? That’s a rather bland looking feature set, but DLYM is actually a surprisingly capable modulation tool. The secret behind this, I think, is in the carefully calibrated control parameters which are set so that they cover several “sweet spots” which lead to great sounding results. DLYM can work as a standard slap-back delay, a phaser, a flanger, a chorus, or even a straight-up glitch tool. At certain settings, its sound reminds me of a spring delay. At extremely short delay values, it can also sound like a ring modulator. The tone can be set to anywhere between subtle and extremely gritty. I found that the effect can do wonders on snappy percussive sounds and drum loops, but you can also try it on pads, drones, guitars, and even vocals.

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If you liked DRC’s clean and streamlined user interface, you’ll love how DLYM looks. The GUI is nicely laid-out, with intuitive controls and large dials that are easy to use. The real-time waveform display on the top helps visualize the plugin’s effect on the processed audio signal.

The version I tested was a pre-release candidate, so maybe some of the features are changed in the final product. This early version only comes with eight presets, but they do cover a solid range of interesting sounds that could give the user an idea of what DLYM is capable of. However, being very easy to operate, this is the type of tool that I’d highly recommend to sound designers who like to experiment and come up with their own custom patches.

UPDATE: The final version comes with over twenty presets. Users can also save their current settings for future use with the built-in preset manager.

DLYM is available for free download via Imaginando (25.6 MB download size, ZIP archive containing EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & macOS).