10 of the Best Delay Plug-Ins in 2023
by The Press Desk
Arturia Delay Tape-201
While its user interface, name and main hardware modeling design clearly references the legendary Space Echo, Arturia’s Tape-201 also pays tribute to many different classic tape delays from that era such as the Echoplex and others. On top of the vintage vibes, the plug-in brings modern controls such as stereo capability, multiple delay modes, modulation control, dry/wet balance, mechanical effects, a parametric EQ and much more.
FabFilter Timeless 3
FabFilter continues to apply its world class technology in the third version of this award-winning plugin. Timeless 3 is an easy to navigate and rather complex plugin allowing users to shape and control arguably every aspect ever presented in a delay engine. The software has pretty cool features such as envelope generators, LFOs, parameter modulation, pitch shifting, feedback filtering and much more. A powerful tool that will certainly find a place in every producer, mixing engineer or sound designer’s collection.
Soundtoys Echoboy
The "classic" delay plug-in! This 15-year-old "dinosaur" arrives in 2023 relatively unscathed and still ranks high as a favourite in our community, which is a rare feat for a plug-in of its age in the ever-changing world of digital audio workstations. Soundtoys has done a great job on keeping it updated to support all formats, and in 2015 it received a meaningful overhaul that certainly helped it to keep its relevance. A "Junior" version was also introduced a few years ago, but instead of simply cutting features out to save $, it actually offers a few new elements as well - and if you have the Soundtoys Effects Rack you can have it alongside the "senior" version for a delay-family reunion!
Pulsar Audio Echorec Plugin
An emulation of the 1960’s italian made Binson Echorec 2 echo/delay hardware unit, widely used by legends like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. The original unit was equipped with a magnetic disk, which was said to be more reliable than the tapes which were used at that time for delay and echo effects. Pulsar Audio modeled three units in different operating conditions, giving users the ability to choose from the cleanest to the dirtiest. The plug-in also offers current-day features such as dry/wet control, variable drive, optional tempo sync and more.
U-He Colour Copy
Softsynth and software creator extraordinaire Urs Heckmann presents his take on the subject of delays with Colour Copy, a plug-in that sets its target on classic bucket-bridge devices (BBDs). This particular technique of repeat generation has captivated many with its unique characteristics, and besides bringing that sound to our DAWs U-He also seized the opportunity to further expand the options with modulation and tone controls - resulting in what is perhaps the definitive take on analog-style BBDs.
Unfiltered Audio Sandman Pro
Rising developer Unfiltered Audio has fast been building a reputable record, and adding to their resumé of quirky effects units is the Sandman Pro, a wild delay that follows their modular approach to effects processors. It's hard to think of a delay that favours creativity as heavily as this one, and sometimes it feels more like playing with a eurorack rig than a regular delay plug-in since there's so much to explore. Definitely worth checking out if experimentation is the order of the day. A smaller version with fewer features (and at a lower price) is also available.
Universal Audio EP-34 Tape Echo
As hinted by the name, the EP-34 emulates two legendary Echoplex units, the EP-3 and EP-4 tape echo units. This early form of analog delay presents a lively character that thrilled engineers and musicians across generations, making its way into many hit records from the 1970s right up to the present day. This exquisite plug-in is a staple of the UAD-2 platform, and it comes up in every discussion in the GS boards when DSP-powered delays is the subject. As we came to expect from Universal Audio, it faithfully captures that vintage flavour and it's certainly in the must-have list for all UAD-2 users.
UVI Dual Delay X
A fully-featured delay plugin that doesn't get in the way thanks to its streamlined interface and workflow. The dual-channel design allows users to process L and R signals separately or linked, and its unique "Rotation" control is capable of creating some neat swirling effects with the twist of a knob. It can get a lot more creative when used together with some feedback tweaking and/or by applying some offset to the left and right channels. The plugin also features Tape Saturation with warmth and drive controls, Digital Grit for bit crushed effect and much more.
ValhallaDSP ValhallaDelay
Just like their reverbs, ValhallaDSP's delay plug-in was extremelly well-received by this community and once again confirms the developer's stellar track record. Delay follows the Valhalla blueprint down to the letter, bringing many different delay models, their trademark uncluttered NASA-inspired interface, a preset system that greatly facilitates sharing, and as icing on the cake, a super friendly price tag of just fifty bucks, which certainly places it in the "no-brainer" category.
Waves H-Delay
Wrapping up our list is another long-time community favourite. H-Delay is arguably one of the most popular plug-ins to ever come from Waves and that says a tonne when we look at their gigantic catalogue! The "H" stands for "Hybrid", so this one is all about merging the grit of units like the Lexicon PCM42 with the precision and ease of use of modern plug-ins. The results speak for themselves, it has garnered lavish praise over the years and it's rightfully featured on this and many other best-of-delays lists.
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