BLEASS Alpha

Name: BLEASS Alpha
Price: 69 USD
Author: BLEASS

by BLEASS · Synth · Virtual analog polysynth

Not rated yet

BLEASS Alpha is a polyphonic stereo virtual analog synthesizer inspired by classic analog instruments.

It runs as a VST3, AU or AAX plugin on Windows and macOS, with an iOS version as well, for $69.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: analog, polyphonic, arpeggiator, CPU-light, simple, AUv3/iOS, classic, clean, inspired by, modulation matrix, sequencer, virtual analog, subtractive, AAX, analog-sounding, basses, FM, leads, pads, plucks, smooth, sound design.

What it does

BLEASS Alpha is a polyphonic, stereo virtual analog synth "inspired by classic analog synths", first released on iOS and later brought to the desktop. It keeps a simple three-oscillator layout with a clean, touch-friendly interface and very low CPU use.

Three oscillators: a stereo pair plus a mono third oscillator, each morphing smoothly between sine, triangle, saw and pulse. Oscillators 1 and 2 have coarse and fine pitch and a stereo phase offset; oscillator 3 has octave and pulse width control.
Extra sources: a noise mixer, ring modulation, frequency modulation and hard sync.
Two filters: dual multimode filters in series (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject), with cutoff and resonance set by dragging on a graph.
Envelopes and LFOs: ADSR envelopes of up to 16 seconds for amplitude, filter and an auxiliary target, plus two LFOs that run free or synced.
Motion Sequencer: a 16-step modulation sequencer with modes and a randomness control, for rhythmic, moving patches.
Arpeggiator and unison: an arpeggiator with rate, mode, octave range, gate and repeat, and up to 6 detuned unison voices.
Effects: drive, crusher, tremolo, delay and reverb, each switched on separately.
Presets: over 200 included, with more preset packs sold separately.

A demo is available.

Source: BLEASS product page

When to use it

BLEASS Alpha is the better pick when you want a big analog-style sound from a simple, light synth. Compared with Diva, it is far lighter on CPU and easier to learn, but it doesn't go as deep into analog modelling. Against Vital it has much less modulation routing and no wavetables, though its Motion Sequencer gives quick movement without setup. It covers similar ground to Hive 2 and Sylenth1 as a quick, efficient subtractive synth.

Best for: analog-style pads, basses, leads, plucks and arpeggios, stacked across many instances on a light CPU budget.
Genres: electronic, synthwave, pop and ambient.
Look elsewhere if: you want deep modulation routing or wavetables (Vital or Serum 2), or the most detailed analog modelling (Diva).
Tip: start from the presets to learn the engine; reviewers found them a good way in, and the low CPU makes running several instances easy.

What producers say

Reviewers rate it highly for its sound, clear interface and very low CPU use, with a simple modulation system as the main limit.

MusicTech (Adam Crute, 2021) gave it 9/10, calling it "a monster synth that's light on its feet" with a "big, rich analogue sound" and a clean, tactile interface.
Audio Plugin Guy (2024) gave it 4.5 out of 5, praising the "clear and consistent interface", the motion sequencer and the light CPU load.
Criticisms: no key tracking for filter cutoff and limited modulation routing (MusicTech); a look that won't suit everyone and some presets sold separately (Audio Plugin Guy).

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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