dBlue

Also known as: Illformed, d-Blue

dBlue is the online alias of Kieran Foster, an audio software developer behind a collection of widely used VST plugins for music production. Operating under both the dBlue and Illformed monikers, Foster released a suite of freely available effects tools that became deeply embedded in electronic music production communities.

The flagship plugin is Glitch, a multi-effect sequencer that chops i...

5 Products · Used by 38 Artists

dBlue Glitch VST Plugin Multi-Effect Plugins

4.0 (120)

22 artists using

dBlue (Illformed) Glitch 2 Multi-Effect Plugins

4.5 (74)

11 artists using

dBlue (Illformed) TapeStop Plugin Pitch Shifter Plugins

4.5 (101)

^# 36

in Pitch Shifter Plugins Rank

6 artists using

dBlue Crusher Bit Crusher Plugins

4.5 (18)

^# 17

in Bit Crusher Plugins Rank

3 artists using

dBlue Stretch Granular FX Plugins

4.5 (8)

^# 21

in Granular FX Plugins Rank

The flagship plugin is Glitch, a multi-effect sequencer that chops incoming audio in real time and applies a rotating chain of effects — including retrigger, reverse, tape stop, bit crusher, gate, delay, and time stretch — in sync with a DAW's tempo. Producers can program up to 64-step sequences of randomized or manually placed effects, making it a foundational tool for breakbeat manipulation, IDM, and experimental electronic genres. The original Glitch 1.3 was released as freeware for Windows; the updated Glitch 2, sold under the Illformed name, added multi-effect layering, per-note scene triggering, and cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Additional plugins released under the dBlue name include Stretch, a granular time-stretching effect; TapeStop, which simulates a tape deck spinning down to a halt; and Crusher, a bit-depth reduction tool. These legacy plugins remain freely available as a bundled download and are frequently cited in production tutorials and forums as essential early tools in the glitch and experimental music production space.

dBlue has 5 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Multi-Effect Plugins, Pitch Shifter Plugins, and Bit Crusher Plugins. Their gear is featured by 38 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Pop, and Hip Hop. Notable users include emma essex, Jonas Aden, and TheLetterH.