14 Best Delay VST Plugins: Master Time Manipulation (2024)

Delay, an age-old technique, has been employed by sound engineers and producers for decades to add depth, space, and intrigue to their mixes. This crucial effect has seen its evolution from tape-based systems to modern digital platforms. Today, the realm of delay plugins offers immense possibilities, ranging from the classic analog tape sounds to futuristic and modulated delays. With the plethora of options available, it can be challenging to discern which delay plugins truly stand out and deserve a spot in your digital toolkit.

In this article, we delve deep into the best delay VST plugins that cater to a variety of needs and budgets. Whether you’re searching for a plugin to capture the vintage warmth of classic hardware units or an innovative tool that breaks the mold, we’ve got you covered.

Each review adheres to our comprehensive structure, ensuring clarity and providing essential information. So, buckle up, and let’s journey through the landscape of delays that can redefine the ambiance and dimension of your tracks.

Versatile & Multi-Mode Delays:

FabFilter Timeless 3

Crafting Pristine Delays with a Modular Approach

Overview:

FabFilter Timeless 3 is not just a delay; it’s a playground for sonic sculptors. This plugin effortlessly merges traditional delay functionality with a modern, modular design, enabling users to create anything from straightforward echoes to intricate rhythmic patterns, expansive soundscapes, and beyond.

At the heart of Timeless 3 is its versatile modulation system. The drag-and-drop modulation makes it incredibly easy to apply movement to any parameter, be it the delay time, feedback, pitch, panning, or others. This is bolstered by the inclusion of XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers, and other modulation sources, offering vast creative potential.

Another defining feature is the filter section, allowing for both subtle tonal shaping and extreme transformations. Paired with effects like pitch shifting and time stretching, the sonic possibilities are boundless.

Despite its deep feature set, FabFilter has maintained an intuitive and visually engaging interface, ensuring that both newcomers and experienced producers can achieve their desired sound quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts:

FabFilter Timeless 3 stands out as a powerhouse in the realm of delay plugins. Its modular approach, combined with FabFilter’s hallmark quality and user-friendliness, makes it an invaluable asset for any producer’s toolkit. Whether you’re after pristine echoes, lush reverberated spaces, or experimental sound design, Timeless 3 promises a rewarding journey. Dive in and let your creativity flow!

Soundtoys EchoBoy

Emulate Vintage Warmth and Dive into Contemporary Sonic Dimensions

Overview:

Stepping into the world of Soundtoys EchoBoy is like getting a passport to several eras of echo and delay greatness. The plugin beautifully encapsulates various historical echo devices, offering a rich palette of sounds that can be fine-tuned to perfection. From the warm, saturated sounds reminiscent of vintage tape delays to the more precise and modern digital delay tones, EchoBoy has it all.

The ‘Rhythm Echo’ mode is particularly notable. It allows for the creation of advanced multi-tap patterns and rhythms, making it not just a simple delay unit but a rhythmic creation tool. But what truly sets EchoBoy apart is its intuitive interface paired with profound depth. On the surface, you can quickly dial in a desired echo type and get fantastic results. Dig deeper, and you’ll find a myriad of options and controls, allowing you to shape and craft the delay to match your unique vision.

The seamless marriage between user-friendliness and advanced features ensures EchoBoy is apt for both beginners seeking high-quality delay sounds and seasoned pros who want to dive deep into sonic exploration.

Final Thoughts:

Soundtoys EchoBoy isn’t just another delay plugin; it’s an experience, a journey through the legacy of delays. If you’re looking for a delay plugin that offers a blend of classic sounds and cutting-edge features, EchoBoy might just be your go-to. Don’t just take our word for it – experience the sonic magic of EchoBoy for yourself!

NI Replika XT

A Versatile Delay Machine for Experimental Echoes and Beyond

Overview:

Native Instruments’ Replika XT is more than just a delay – it’s a comprehensive sound-shaping tool designed to cater to both conventional and avant-garde needs. With its five distinct delay modes, this plugin can authentically recreate everything from warm analog echoes to crystal-clear modern delays.

What sets Replika XT apart is its intuitive interface and the ability to intricately manipulate sounds. The modulation section allows users to add movement and life to the delays, making them evolve and transform over time. This is especially pronounced in modes like ‘Diffusion’, which can turn sharp transients into shimmering, reverb-like washes.

Adding to the versatility are the built-in effects. Producers can use them pre or post-delay, providing yet another layer of customization. Whether it’s the resonance of the filter or the swirl of the phaser, each effect adds a unique character to the sound.

Replika XT’s visual interface is both modern and straightforward, making it easy for users to dial in settings or experiment freely without getting lost.

Final Thoughts:

For producers and sound designers searching for a delay tool that offers both high-quality traditional echoes and experimental sound design capabilities, Replika XT by Native Instruments is hard to surpass. Its rich feature set, combined with an easy-to-use interface, ensures that it can be a go-to delay solution for any project. Dive into its sonic depths and discover a world of echo-filled possibilities!

D16 Group Repeater

A Versatile Echo Machine Inspired by Classic Analog Delays

Overview:

The D16 Group has a reputation for crafting meticulously detailed software emulations, and the Repeater is no exception. At its core, it’s a vintage modeled delay that echoes the spirit of classic hardware units. However, with 23 unique delay models ranging from analog classics to modern digital wonders, the Repeater is in a class of its own.

Each model in the Repeater offers a distinct tonal character, replicating the nuances of classic delay units from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. This immense variety ensures that users have the perfect delay sound for any project, be it a warm, tape-saturated echo or a crisp, digital delay.

With dual delay lines, each equipped with individual controls, users can craft intricate stereo effects with ease. The intuitive design of the Repeater allows for both simple, quick adjustments and in-depth tweaks, catering to users of all expertise levels.

Despite its vintage inspiration, the D16 Group Repeater boasts state-of-the-art sound processing algorithms. This ensures that while users can achieve nostalgic tones, the audio fidelity remains top-notch, with no compromise in quality.

Final Thoughts:

The D16 Group Repeater is a must-have for those who appreciate the charm of classic delay units but want the versatility of modern software. Its vast selection of emulated models, coupled with its user-friendly design, makes it a powerhouse tool in any producer’s arsenal. Whether you’re crafting ambient soundscapes or adding depth to a vocal track, the Repeater is up to the task.

U-He Colour Copy

Analog Warmth Meets Digital Precision: A Vibrant Delay for Every Shade of Sound

Overview:

U-He’s Colour Copy is a spectacular fusion of vintage charm and contemporary innovation. Inspired by the iconic Bucket Brigade Delay (BBD) units, this plugin manages to encapsulate the musicality and warmth of classic analog delays, all while offering a modern twist for contemporary music production.

One of the most distinctive features of Colour Copy is its color control, which stands at the core of its name and function. This feature provides a broad spectrum of tonal coloration options, enabling users to add anything from subtle shades to vibrant hues to their sonic palette. The result? A delay that can be as transparent or as colored as the user desires.

Another standout feature is the modulation section. Far from being just an echo machine, Colour Copy provides dynamic modulation controls that allow for chorus-like textures, pitch fluctuations, and other mesmerizing effects. It’s a feature that turns the delay from a simple time-based effect into a comprehensive sound-shaping tool.

U-He has always been known for their high-quality plugins, and Colour Copy is no exception. The attention to detail, from the quality of the algorithms to the user-friendly interface, is evident. This ensures that while users have a depth of options and controls at their fingertips, the learning curve remains accessible.

Final Thoughts:

U-He Colour Copy stands as a testament to how digital precision can beautifully marry analog warmth. For those in search of a delay that can provide the characterful echoes of yesteryears while retaining the versatility required for today’s diverse musical landscape, Colour Copy is a must-have. It’s not just a delay; it’s a palette of sonic colors waiting to be painted onto any mix.

Tape & Analog Emulation Delays:

Cherry Audio Stardust 201

Retro-futuristic Echoes with a Touch of Vintage Charm

Overview:

Cherry Audio’s Stardust 201 is a delightful nod to the golden era of tape echo units, bringing together the best of vintage charm and modern processing under one interface. Inspired by some of the most revered analog tape delay units of the past, Stardust 201 ensures that you can capture that iconic, warm, and wobbly echo in your modern-day productions.

At its core, Stardust 201 focuses on delivering an authentic experience. Users can control tape speed, inducing those characteristic pitch shifts, while the feedback control can let you steer between subtle repetitions and intense, self-oscillating resonances. The wow & flutter controls are the cherry on top, letting you introduce the right amount of ‘imperfections’ to your echoes, reminiscent of a well-worn tape machine.

Beyond its delay capabilities, this plugin also boasts a built-in reverb. This addition, while seemingly simple, offers the opportunity to add more space and dimension to the sound, making it possible to achieve spacious soundscapes or subtle ambiance with ease.

Visually, the interface of Stardust 201 is both nostalgic and intuitive, with its retro design cues making it a joy to look at and use.

Final Thoughts:

For those chasing the elusive character of vintage tape delays but with the conveniences of a plugin, Cherry Audio Stardust 201 is a compelling choice. With its user-friendly interface and the power to craft genuine tape-like echoes, it’s a must-have for any producer looking to add a touch of retro magic to their tracks.

Waves H-Delay

Vintage Vibes Meet Modern Precision in a Classic Delay Unit

Overview:

Merging the charm of analog delay units with the flexibility of digital design, Waves’ H-Delay has become a staple in countless music studios around the world. It effortlessly captures the saturated, warm sounds that vintage hardware delay units are renowned for, while providing the precision and versatility modern productions require.

A significant feature of H-Delay is its ability to switch between BPM and MS (milliseconds) delay settings, ensuring the perfect sync with your track. Paired with its intuitive feedback and modulation controls, the plugin offers a myriad of sound-shaping possibilities, from subtle spatial extensions to rich chorused echoes.

For those seeking more character in their delay, the high-pass and low-pass filters can be tweaked to refine the tone, ensuring it sits perfectly in the mix. Additionally, the variable pitch delay time provides a unique sonic characteristic, allowing for tape-style artifacts and sounds that can add an intriguing layer to any track.

While H-Delay may charm users with its vintage aesthetics, under the hood lies a powerful, feature-rich delay engine. It’s this blend of classic character and modern flexibility that makes it a go-to for producers across various genres.

Final Thoughts:

The Waves H-Delay is a testament to the power of merging the past with the present. For those who crave the unmistakable warmth of vintage delay units but need the adaptability of digital processing, H-Delay strikes a harmonious balance. Whether you’re after a touch of spatial depth or a swirling echo, this plugin delivers with authenticity and precision.

Softube Tape Echoes

Vintage Charm with a Modern Twist: Dive into Analog Delay Bliss

Overview:

Capturing the soul of iconic hardware, Softube’s Tape Echoes is an embodiment of vintage tape delay sounds in a modern plugin format. Designed to give producers and engineers the authentic warmth and musicality of tape echoes, this plugin has carved its niche for those seeking that elusive analog character.

Softube has always been recognized for their impeccable modeling techniques, and Tape Echoes is no exception. The plugin paints a vivid picture of the past, meticulously emulating the nuances and imperfections of vintage tape delay machines. The result is a rich, warm sound that can bring depth and character to any mix.

The interface of Tape Echoes, while visually reminiscent of older hardware, is streamlined and intuitive, ensuring producers can easily dial in their desired settings. Whether you’re after a subtle, ambient touch or a deeply saturated echo, the controls on Tape Echoes are designed to help you achieve your sonic vision with minimal fuss.

In the world of digital clarity, Softube’s Tape Echoes brings a touch of the past, offering a delightful contrast. The beautiful imperfections, the warmth of tape saturation, and the gentle wobbles are all here, making it an indispensable tool for those chasing vintage vibes.

Final Thoughts:

Softube’s Tape Echoes is not just another delay plugin; it’s an invitation to explore the captivating world of analog sound. For those looking to infuse their tracks with the timeless character of tape-based delays, this plugin stands out as a top choice. It’s a testament to Softube’s dedication to authenticity and quality, wrapped up in an easy-to-use package.

Waves Factory Echo Cat

Echoes from the Past: An Authentic Reproduction of the Legendary Tape Echo

Overview:

A nod to one of the most iconic tape echo machines of all time, the Watkins Copicat, Waves Factory’s Echo Cat brings the past into the present. This plugin isn’t merely inspired by the legendary Copicat—it’s a meticulously crafted emulation, designed to give producers and engineers the classic tape echo sound that has graced countless records.

The beauty of Echo Cat lies in its dual nature. While it’s an authentic reproduction, giving users the exact vibe of the original, it’s also infused with modern features to increase its flexibility in today’s production environment. This means you can enjoy the vintage coloration and quirks of the original Copicat while benefiting from the advances of digital technology.

The interface remains loyal to the Copicat’s vintage design, yet it is intuitively laid out to ensure a smooth workflow. With three playback heads, a lush reverb tank, multiple tape options, and even a stereo mode, Echo Cat allows users to craft intricate echo patterns and atmospheric soundscapes with ease.

For those who love the dynamic delay effects that react to the signal’s volume, the built-in ducking feature is a welcome addition. This ensures that the echoes won’t overpower the main signal, making it easier to achieve a balanced mix.

Final Thoughts:

Waves Factory’s Echo Cat isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a fusion of history and innovation. For those craving the undeniable charm of the Copicat, but with the flexibility demanded by modern music production, Echo Cat is the perfect echo chamber. The warmth, the nuances, and the unmistakable vibe of the tape echo are all present, making it a must-have for any producer’s toolkit.

Soundtoys Primaltap

Retro Delay Meets Modern Versatility: Dive into the Depths of Vintage Digital Delays

Overview:

Soundtoys PrimalTap is a sonic time machine, transporting producers to the era of 80s digital delays but reimagined with modern production needs in mind. Inspired by the Lexicon Prime Time Model 93, an early digital delay, PrimalTap captures its characterful, gritty, and unique textures that are as suitable for contemporary genres as they were for the artists of decades past.

What sets PrimalTap apart from its vintage counterpart is the infusion of Soundtoys’ knack for innovation. While faithfully emulating the original’s qualities, PrimalTap introduces a slew of additional features to cater to the versatile needs of today’s producers. The “Multiply” control allows users to tweak the sample rate, leading to pitch-shifting, glitchy, and garbled effects. Engage the “Freeze” button, and you can create mesmerizing soundscapes and loops, offering endless opportunities for sonic exploration.

A core quality of early digital delays was their distinct sound. These units lacked the pristine clarity of today’s digital effects but made up for it with character and warmth. PrimalTap harnesses this lo-fi charm, providing users with a sound that’s both retro and incredibly musical. The modulation capabilities further enrich the delay sound, resulting in textures ranging from smooth choruses to wild, modulating spaces.

Final Thoughts:

For the modern producer craving the charisma of vintage digital delays but not wanting to sacrifice modern-day flexibility, Soundtoys PrimalTap emerges as the perfect solution. Its impeccable emulation of the Lexicon Prime Time, coupled with the expanded feature set, makes it an indispensable tool for both subtle delay tasks and wild sound design adventures. If the aim is to stand out in a sea of sterile digital effects, PrimalTap promises to deliver in spades.

Unique & Character Delays:

Eventide Ultratap

A Multi-Tap Delight Pushing Boundaries Beyond Traditional Delays

Overview:

Delving deep into the realms of rhythmic delays, Eventide Ultratap is more than just a delay—it’s an instrument of its own. What sets Ultratap apart is its multi-tap mechanism that allows users to create intricate delay patterns, extending beyond the limitations of conventional delay units.

With the ability to offer up to 64 individual taps, producers can craft everything from short, glitchy chops to extensive spaced-out atmospheres. This, coupled with the plugin’s modulation capabilities, enables the crafting of unique spaces and textures, transforming simple sounds into complex landscapes.

A standout feature of Ultratap is “The Ribbon” interface. This tool lets users ‘morph’ between two sets of parameter settings, enabling smooth transitions and evolving soundscapes. Such functionality becomes especially beneficial during live performances or when seeking a touch of movement in a mix.

Furthermore, Eventide has infused Ultratap with a slew of onboard presets, which serve as an excellent starting point for both novices and seasoned professionals. These presets showcase the versatility and depth of the plugin, ranging from rhythmic enhancements to otherworldly effects.

Final Thoughts:

Eventide’s Ultratap is a testament to innovative design and how breaking away from tradition can yield exceptional results. It’s not just a delay but a rhythmic powerhouse that inspires creativity. If you’re seeking an avant-garde approach to delay and rhythmic patterns, Ultratap is a foray into uncharted territories waiting to be explored.

Pulsar Audio Echorec

An Authentic Emulation of the Iconic Binson Echorec

Overview:

The Binson Echorec is nothing short of a legend in the world of analog delays. Known for its unmistakable sound, it’s been a sought-after piece of gear for countless artists across decades. Pulsar Audio’s Echorec brings this classic into the digital domain, recreating its unique sound while adding modern flexibility.

At the heart of the Echorec lies a magnetic drum recorder, a technology that provides a distinct flavor compared to tape or digital delays. Pulsar Audio’s emulation captures this sound with precision, giving users the unmistakable character and warmth that made the original so revered.

Users can select between three playback modes, ranging from clean and precise to saturated and wobbly. This allows for a wide spectrum of sounds, from classic slapback echoes to deep, immersive soundscapes.

One of the standout features of the Pulsar Audio Echorec is its ability to simulate the age and wear of the machine. This provides an added layer of authenticity, enabling users to dial in the exact amount of vintage character they desire. Furthermore, by pushing certain parameters, the Echorec can enter self-oscillation, delivering otherworldly, almost reverb-like effects.

Final Thoughts:

For those seeking the character of the Binson Echorec without the hassle and unpredictability of vintage gear, the Pulsar Audio Echorec is a perfect choice. It flawlessly captures the essence of the original while offering modern enhancements that expand its potential. Whether you’re chasing the sound of classic rock recordings or seeking a unique delay for modern productions, the Echorec stands ready to inspire.

PSP Audioware PSP 42

Legendary Lexicon-inspired Delays: The Digital Precision Meets Vintage Charm

Overview:

PSP 42 is a magnificent digital delay emulation, deeply inspired by the legacy of the Lexicon PCM 42, one of the most revered digital delays of its time. PSP Audioware, known for their detailed and accurate emulations, has brilliantly captured the PCM 42’s character, ensuring that the PSP 42 is not just another delay, but a trip into the history of studio effects.

The combination of digital precision and a tape saturation algorithm gives the PSP 42 a unique quality. It carries the clarity and exactness of digital delays, while the saturation brings a tape-like warmth and roundness, making it incredibly versatile for various musical applications.

One of the standout features of the PSP 42 is its modulation capabilities. Flangers, choruses, and other modulation effects are easy to achieve, turning the PSP 42 into a multi-effect unit. Its phrase sampling and looping are standout features, allowing for intricate layering and sound manipulation that can be especially impactful in live situations.

The intuitive interface is a blend of retro aesthetics with modern design, ensuring users get both a visual and auditory treat. Knobs for feedback, mix, low-pass filter, and modulation depth grant immediate access to shaping the sound, making it a joy to tweak and explore.

Final Thoughts:

The PSP 42 is a love letter to the golden era of studio hardware, where the Lexicon PCM 42 was a stalwart. PSP Audioware has ensured that this legacy lives on in a format accessible to today’s producers. For those seeking a delay that offers both the precision of digital delays and the vintage soul of tape units, the PSP 42 stands out as a remarkable choice. Whether you’re layering ambient soundscapes or crafting precise rhythmic delays, it offers a character that is both nostalgic and relevant.

Digital & Modern Delays:

SSL X-Delay

A Pristine Digital Delay with the Soul of SSL's Signature Sound

Overview:

SSL, or Solid State Logic, is a brand synonymous with professional-grade audio equipment and software. Their X-Delay continues this tradition of excellence, offering producers and mix engineers a digital delay with the quality and soul of an SSL desk.

X-Delay stands out for its clarity and precision. Unlike some delay units that color the sound or introduce artifacts, X-Delay provides a clean and transparent effect, making it ideal for situations where the integrity of the original sound must be maintained.

While the core sound is pristine, X-Delay doesn’t lack in creative options. Users can easily manipulate the feedback, mix, and modulation parameters, diving into a plethora of sonic territories. From simple slap-back echoes to lush, expansive soundscapes, X-Delay covers a wide sonic range with ease.

Additionally, the plugin’s tempo sync options ensure that the delay times can be perfectly matched to the BPM of your project. This feature is indispensable for rhythmically tight mixes, especially in genres like electronic music, pop, or hip-hop.

Final Thoughts:

SSL X-Delay is a formidable tool for those seeking high-quality delay effects without unwanted coloration or artifacts. It combines the impeccable sound quality SSL is known for with the flexibility and convenience of a digital format. Whether used subtly to add depth to a mix or cranked up for experimental effects, X-Delay delivers consistently outstanding results.

FAQ Buying Guide: Best Delay VST Plugins

Delay is more than just an echo; it’s a creative tool that can transform the sonic landscape of a track. With a plethora of delay plugins available, understanding their varied features and applications helps in selecting the right tool for the desired effect.

• What is a delay VST plugin?

  A delay VST plugin is a digital tool that produces an echo effect by taking an audio signal and repeating it after a specified amount of time, creating the sensation of an echoing sound.

• Why is delay used in music production?

  Delay is a versatile effect that can add depth, space, and movement to a mix. It can make instruments or vocals sound larger-than-life, create rhythmic patterns, or add atmospheric ambiance.

• What distinguishes digital delay from analog and tape delays?

  Digital delay: Offers pristine and clear repeats with precise control over parameters.

  Analog delay: Introduces a warm and dark character to the echoes due to electronic components.

  Tape delay: Emulates the characteristics of vintage tape echo machines, providing a warm, saturated, and often wobbly echo.

• What is a feedback parameter in delay plugins?

  Feedback controls how many times the delayed sound will repeat. Higher feedback settings result in more repetitions, while a low setting might produce just one or two echoes.

• How do dotted and triplet delay times affect the sound?

  Dotted delays: Produce an echo that falls on every 1.5 beats, adding a syncopated rhythm.

  Triplet delays: Divide the beat into thirds, creating a shuffled rhythmic feel.

• Why do some delay plugins feature modulation controls?

  Modulation adds movement to the delayed sound, often mimicking the natural inconsistencies of analog equipment. It can introduce pitch variations or subtle chorusing effects to the repeats, enriching the overall texture.

• What is the importance of a 'ping-pong' delay mode?

  Ping-pong delay alternates the echo effect between the left and right stereo channels, creating a bouncing stereo effect that enhances the sense of space and width in a mix.

• How can filtering or EQing the delayed signal benefit the mix?

  Filtering the delays – like darkening the repeats or removing certain frequencies – helps to differentiate the original sound from its echoes, preventing muddiness and ensuring clarity in the mix.

• How do multi-tap delays differ from standard delays?

  Multi-tap delays produce multiple echoes at different time intervals, allowing for complex rhythmic patterns and textures. Each ‘tap’ can often be individually adjusted for volume, pan, and feedback.

• Can I use delay on my master bus?

  While delay is primarily used on individual tracks, subtle amounts can be added to a master bus to create cohesion or a specific vibe, especially in genres like ambient or psychedelic music.