BLEASS Dragonfly

Name: BLEASS Dragonfly
Price: 29 USD
Author: BLEASS

by BLEASS · Modulation · Frequency-driven tremolo

Not rated yet

BLEASS Dragonfly is a tremolo that modulates a sound from its own frequencies or from a sidechain input.

It runs as a VST3 or AU plugin on Windows and macOS for $29, with a separate iOS version.

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

Keywords: tremolo, vocals, bass, sidechain input, simple, synths, pads, classic, experimental, AUv3/iOS, clean, extreme, harsh, MIDI-controllable, mixing, sound design, spacious.

What it does

BLEASS Dragonfly is a tremolo that can take its rate from the pitch of a sound rather than from a fixed LFO. The developer calls it "a completely new approach to tremolo effect": the volume can pulse in step with the input's own frequencies, a played MIDI note or an external bass or lead.

Manual source: a classic rate control from 1 Hz up to very high audio rates, with a Factor setting from 1/128 to 32 that multiplies or divides the rate.
MIDI source: incoming notes set the tremolo rate and velocity sets the depth, with Fine detune of ±50 cents plus Attack, Release and Smooth controls.
Self source: the plugin follows the frequency of the signal it is processing, so the pulsing tracks the melody.
Sidechain source: an external signal, such as a bassline, sets the rate, which can make a vocal or pad move with another part.
Simple and Wild modes: Simple gives a clean tremolo; Wild adds saturation and distortion for harsher, more synth-like tones.
Stereo and output: a Stereo dial offsets the phase between left and right, with an output level control.
Display and presets: an animated dragonfly shows the left and right modulation, and presets are sorted for vocals, bass and experimental use.

A demo is available.

Source: BLEASS product page

When to use it

Dragonfly works differently from most rated modulation tools, which treat volume movement as a shape in time: ShaperBox 3 and LFO Tool let you draw precise, tempo-synced volume curves, and Duck 2 is built for sidechain-style ducking. Dragonfly's rate can come from pitch, and in MIDI mode it can add overtones that follow the notes you play. It is also narrower than Portal and Movement, which are broader rhythmic multi-effects with more going on at once. Dragonfly is the cheaper, more focused pick when you want a tremolo with an unusual, musical twist rather than a drawn rhythm.

Best for: vocals, synth leads and pads that should pulse with their own pitch, a MIDI part or a bassline.
Genres: electronic, pop, hip-hop and ambient music.
Look elsewhere if: you want exact, drawn volume shapes or a sidechain ducker; ShaperBox 3, LFO Tool or Duck 2 fit better.
Tip: drive a vocal from a bassline on the sidechain input to get a pulsing effect that follows the bass; watch your level when you switch on Wild.

What producers say

Reviewers liked it as a fresh, good-value take on tremolo; the main warning is a sudden volume jump in Wild mode.

MusicTech gave it 8/10, saying it brought a classic effect "bang up to date" and calling it fantastic value. It praised the MIDI mode and the two characters of Simple and Wild.
MusicRadar called it a "vibey and effective tremolo" and liked the sidechain source, the presets and the playful interface.
Criticisms: both reviews found the gain jump when engaging Wild startling, MusicTech wished for a built-in limiter, and it found the dragonfly animation pointless at high rates.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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