Delays are an essential tool in electronic music production, helping to create width, depth, and fill space in a mix – and choosing the right delay plugin is key to getting the desired sound. In this article, we’ll take a look at our top 5 delay plugins for 2023. Each plugin offers a unique set of features and benefits, from vintage tape emulation to user-friendly interfaces and MIDI sync. Whether you’re looking for high-quality sound, versatility, or cost-effectiveness, our list has got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, these plugins will help you bring your delay game to the next level.
Why do we use delay?
You have probably heard of the terms stereo width, left, right signals, depth, and filling space. These are sonic outcomes that certain tools can achieve. A delay falls into this category. In the end, delays are essential components in creating amazing electronic music. Here’s our list of the top 5 you need this year.
Soundtoys – Echoboy – $199
Soundtoys EchoBoy is a delay effect plugin that emulates a wide variety of vintage and modern delay hardware. Here are some of Echoboy’s main benefits:
Versatility: One of the key benefits of EchoBoy is its versatility – it can be used for everything from subtle slapback echoes to long, swirling ambient delays.
High-quality sound: One of the main benefits of EchoBoy is its high-quality sound. The plugin uses Soundtoys’ proprietary “Radical Tape Emulation” algorithm to accurately emulate the warm, gritty sound of tape-based delays, and it also includes a number of other algorithms that emulate various types of analog and digital delays.
User-friendly interface: Another benefit of EchoBoy is its user-friendly interface. The plugin includes a number of intuitive controls for adjusting the delay time, feedback, and wet/dry mix, as well as a number of more advanced parameters for shaping the delay sound, such as the ability to adjust the tape saturation and low-end response.
Waves H-Delay – $179
Waves H-Delay is a delay effect plugin that provides a variety of different delay algorithms, each with its own unique sound and characteristics. Some of the key benefits of H-Delay include:
High-quality sound: Waves is known for producing high-quality audio processing plugins, and H-Delay is no exception. The plugin uses advanced algorithms to provide a wide range of different delay sounds, from classic analog delays to modern, digital delays.
Versatility: H-Delay offers a wide variety of different delay algorithms, including tape delay, tube delay, vintage digital delay, and more. This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to creating different types of delay effects.
User-friendly interface: The plugin has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, with simple controls for adjusting the delay time, feedback, and wet/dry mix. It also includes more advanced parameters for shaping the delay sound, such as a filter section and modulation options.
FabFilter Timeless 2 – $125
FabFilter Timeless is a delay effect plugin that offers a high-quality, versatile and user-friendly approach to delay effect creation. Here are some of the key benefits of Timeless:
High-quality sound: Timeless uses high-quality algorithms to produce a wide range of different delay sounds, from classic analog delays to modern, digital delays. The plugin has been designed to produce a minimalistic approach to coloration and distortion, providing a very clean and transparent sound.
Versatility: Timeless offers several different delay modes, including a classic delay, tape delay, and a ducked delay, allowing you to achieve a wide range of different delay effects.
User-friendly interface: The plugin has a simple and intuitive interface, with clear and easy-to-use controls for adjusting the delay time, feedback, and wet/dry mix. It also includes more advanced parameters for shaping the delay sound, such as a filter section and modulation options.
MIDI Sync: Timeless also includes a MIDI sync feature, which allows you to sync the delay time to your DAW’s tempo. This can be a very useful feature for creating rhythmic delay effects.
High level of customization: Timeless offers the ability to customize the plugin’s look and feel, including the color of knobs and the background and by saving them into user banks you can easily recall them.
Stock Ableton & Logic delays – Free/included with Ableton & Logic
Stock delay plugins are the built-in delay effects that come with most digital audio workstations (DAWs) and some other audio software. These plugins are generally included with the software at no additional cost, making them a convenient and budget-friendly option for those who want to use delay effects in their music productions. Here are some benefits of using stock delay plugins:
Convenience: Because stock delay plugins are included with your DAW, they are readily available to use whenever you need them. You don’t have to spend time searching for and purchasing additional plugins.
Compatibility: Because stock delay plugins are built into your DAW, they are guaranteed to be compatible with your software. This eliminates the potential for compatibility issues that can occur when using third-party plugins.
Cost-effectiveness: Stock delay plugins are generally included with the DAW at no additional cost, which makes them a budget-friendly option for those who want to use delay effects in their music productions.
Familiarity: If you’re already familiar with your DAW, you’ll likely find it easy to use the stock delay plugins, since they will have a similar interface as other stock plugins.
Good starting point: Stock delay plugins can be a good starting point for those who are new to delay effects, as they often have simpler interfaces and fewer features than third-party plugins. This can make them easier to learn and use.
Soundtoys PrimalTap – $29.00
Soundtoys PrimalTap is a delay effect plugin that is designed to emulate the sound of vintage tape delays. Some of the key benefits of PrimalTap include:
High-quality sound: PrimalTap uses Soundtoys’ proprietary “Radical Tape Emulation” algorithm to accurately emulate the warm, gritty sound of tape-based delays. It also includes a number of other features such as adjustable tape wobble, to add more character to the sound.
Versatility: PrimalTap offers a wide range of different delay sounds, from classic tape-based delays to modern, digital delays, and it also includes a built-in lo-fi effect, giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to creating different types of delay effects.
User-friendly interface: The plugin has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, with simple controls for adjusting the delay time, feedback, and wet/dry mix. It also includes more advanced parameters for shaping the delay sound, such as the ability to adjust the tape saturation, low-end response and tape wobble.
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