Best Delay Pedal – Digital and Analog Top Picks

delay pedals
Delay pedals

Regardless of genre or playing style, there is usually a delay pedal somewhere along the guitar signal chain. It is commonly used for adding texture, crafting complex trails to guitar lines, and conjuring exotic echo and ambiance. Here we look at the best delay pedal options, divided into two major categories: Analog and Digital.

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The Best Analog Delay Pedals - Single Switch
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MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal
93
2780+
Boss DM-2W Waza Craft Analog Delay Pedal
96
860+
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The Best Analog Delay Pedal - Multiswitch
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Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Deluxe Analog Delay Pedal
93
10+
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Budget Analog Delay Pedal
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Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay Pedal
89
2810+
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The Best Digital Delay Pedals - Single Switch
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Boss DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal
94
960+
Catalinbread Belle Epoch EP-3 Digital Tape Echo Pedal
95
230+
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Raphael's Recommendation
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Electro-Harmonix Canyon Digital Delay and Looper Pedal
93
970+
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The Best Digital Delay Pedals - Multiswitch
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Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal (Digital Delay)
95
660+
Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine Pedal (Digital Delay)
96
320+
Strymon TimeLine Multidimensional Digital Delay Pedal
95
1120+

Analog delay utilizes solid-state circuitry which results in warmer tones akin to vintage stompboxes.

Digital delay utilizes modern ADA (Analog to Digital to Analog conversion) via Digital Sound Processing (DSP) technology, which expands your options and parameter control.

In this edition, the main categories are sub-divided further based on the number of footswitches: Single and Multi-Switch. This way, you can see market favorites that fit your control preference and pedalboard space.

If you want more information to support your decision-making process, we discuss relevant matters in the “Things to Consider When Buying a Delay Pedal” section.

The Best Guitar Delay Pedals – Analog Single Switch

Best for Warm, Vintage Analog Tones
MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal

MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal

Street Price:
$149.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal combines the warm, vintage tone of analog delays with modern clarity.

GEARANK
Incorporating 2700+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • It has clear sounding repeats for slapback echo use
  • Can be warm enough for wide ambient soundscapes
  • Built-in modulation effect
  • Easy to get good analog delay tones
Cons:
  • Limited delay time
  • Not as dark sounding as vintage analog delays
  • Limited control options, no tap tempo

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MXR is a brand that straddles the line between mass production and boutique. The MXR M169 combines the organic and chunky tone of famous analog delays without the associated fragility. It was designed as a collaboration between MXR Engineer Bob Cedro and Way Huge pedals founder, Jeorge Tripps.

The delay times, while not competitive with digital delays, can dish out everything from country slapbacks to Gilmour-esque sonic landscapes. It has clear sounding repeats for slapback Echo use, and it can also go warm enough for wide ambient soundscapes.

Interestingly, the MXR M169 also allows you to enhance the unit’s repeats with a modulation effect. You can modify the modulation effect by two inner trim pots. The effect is subtle, but it helps to add an extra dimension of depth to your tone.

While the Carbon Copy is an analog delay, the tone lies somewhere in between vintage analog delays and more modern digital configurations. This helps increase the unit’s clarity, which helps to keep the modulation setting from washing out your tone. However, the unit doesn’t have the dark tone that defines many vintage delays.

Some people do think the repeats are still a little too dark but MXR addressed those concerns when they released the Carbon Copy Deluxe.

The MXR M169 combines the organic and chunky tone of famous analog delays without the associated fragility.

The MXR M169 Carbon Copy isn’t an emulation of anything that came before it but brings to mind the best qualities of vintage units in a compact and gig-ready pedal.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Regen, Mix, Delay, Mod Switch, Internal Trim Pots for Width and Rate
  • Delay Time: Up to 600ms
  • Switching: True Bypass
  • Power: DC Adapter and 9-Volt Battery

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Trevor Curwen

Kenny Rardin

*Rating Value

90/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

Best Delay Pedal for Classic Bucket-Brigade Sound with Modern Upgrades.
Boss DM-2W Waza Craft Analog Delay Pedal

Boss DM-2W Waza Craft Analog Delay Pedal

Street Price:
$159.99
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

The Boss DM-2W is a modern reproduction of the classic DM-2 delay pedal, featuring an expression input for adjustable delay timing, and a custom/standard switch that offers both the original dark tone and a brighter tone with extended delay times up to 800 milliseconds.

At publication time this was the Highest Rated Single Switch Analog Delay Pedal for the 5th Edition in a row

GEARANK
Incorporating 860+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Warm and Lush delay tone
  • Vintage style deep dark tone
  • Mode switching allows for different delay voicings
  • Reliable and durable
Cons:
  • Some may find it too dark sounding
  • Doesn’t have the clarity of digital delays
  • Limited delay time and functions

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The Boss DM-2W is a reproduction of a famous delay pedal that was made commercially viable due to the increased availability of a certain chip. The expression input and the custom / standard selection switch add more options on top of the original Boss DM-2 platform.

The expression input allows you to plug in an expression pedal and allows you to control the timing of the effect, so you can increase or decrease the delay time while playing.

The Custom / Standard switch is useful for those who have darker (more bass and mids) voiced gear. In standard mode, the pedal functions just like its predecessor, sporting a dark voice and a delay time of up to 300 milliseconds. However, in custom mode, the unit’s repeats have a brighter (though still distinctly analog) tone, and it boosts the maximum delay time up to 800 milliseconds.

More importantly, the pedal’s standard mode captures the warn and lush tonality of the original analog delay. It has a deep dark voicing that’s usually attributed to vintage analog delay pedals.

If you want a piece of the legendary DM-2 pie, the DM-2W is a great alternative to the constantly rising price of original units in the used market. The pedal is perfect for adding a nice, musical sounding wash behind your playing. If you’re after absolute clarity or more overall features, there are others on this guide that may be more of your liking.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Repeat Rate, Echo, Intensity, Standard and Custom Mode Switch
  • Delay Time: 20ms – 800ms
  • Switching: Buffered Bypass (Reportedly)
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: Direct Output (Dry Signal) and Output (Mix)
  • Power: DC Adapter and 9-Volt Battery

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Charles Saufley

Fletcher Stewart

*Rating Value

92.5/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

The Best Delay Pedal – Analog Multiswitch

Best for Versatile, Studio-Quality Analog Delays.
Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Deluxe Analog Delay Pedal

Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Deluxe Analog Delay Pedal

Street Price:
$229.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Deluxe offers rich, warm analog delay tones with extensive controls and a tap tempo footswitch, making it ideal for experienced musicians but potentially overwhelming for beginners.

GEARANK
Incorporating 10+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Rich, warm analog delay tones
  • Extensive control options
  • Tap Tempo footswitch
  • High-quality build and design
  • Stereo inputs and outputs
Cons:
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners
  • Higher complexity requires a learning curve

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The Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Deluxe is a superbly versatile analog delay pedal that seamlessly blends vintage warmth with modern functionality. This pedal is designed for musicians who crave the rich, organic tones of classic analog delays but also desire the flexibility and control that contemporary pedals offer. The Vapor Trail Deluxe’s ability to produce lush, ambient soundscapes and precise slapback echoes makes it a standout choice for any guitarist looking to add depth and dimension to their sound.

One of the key features of the Vapor Trail Deluxe is its extensive control set, which includes knobs for Mix, Rate, Depth, Delay, Repeats, and Modulation. This level of control allows users to fine-tune their delay effects to match their exact preferences, whether they’re aiming for subtle, rhythmic echoes or expansive, atmospheric delays. The pedal also includes a Tap Tempo footswitch, which is a fantastic addition for live performances, allowing players to sync their delay times on the fly without missing a beat.

The Vapor Trail Deluxe also excels in its build quality and design. Housed in a sturdy enclosure with a sleek, modern aesthetic, this pedal is built to withstand the rigors of both stage and studio use. The addition of stereo inputs and outputs expands its utility, making it suitable for more complex signal chains and stereo setups. However, the pedal’s complexity can be a double-edged sword; while its vast array of features is a boon for experienced players, it might be overwhelming for beginners who are new to the world of analog delay.

What can we take away from this? The Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Deluxe is a highly versatile and richly featured analog delay pedal that offers both vintage charm and modern convenience. While it might be a bit daunting for novices, its robust control set and high-quality construction make it an excellent investment for serious musicians looking to enhance their sonic palette.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Mix, Repeats, Time, Depth, Rate, Mode
  • Delay Time: Normal: 33ms to 1.6s; Micro: 8ms to 400ms
  • Switching: True hard-wire bypass
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: Wet/Insert Jack, TRS Expression
  • Power: 9V to 18V regulated DC adapter

Best Cheap Delay – Budget Analog Delay Pedal

Best for Affordable, Quality Analog Delay.
Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay Pedal

Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay Pedal

Street Price:
$38.88
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Donner Yellow Fall is an excellent budget-friendly analog delay pedal, offering essential controls and a compact, durable design perfect for minimalist setups.

GEARANK
Incorporating 2800+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Compact profile and affordable price tag
  • Good analog delay sound for the price
  • Intuitive and easy to integrate into different rigs and music styles
  • Solid and durable, does not feel cheap
Cons:
  • No extra effects or deep controls to play with
  • No battery compartment, runs on power supply

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The Donner Yellow Fall is an affordable analog delay pedal that comes in a compact “mini” stompbox profile. This makes it a great choice for guitarists with minimalist setups.

It sports an analog circuit with knobs that let you adjust the Echo (mix), Feedback (repeats) and Time. For its size, its impressive how it comes with the most essential controls intact.

Speaking of time, it lets you set the delay time from 20ms to 620ms, which falls within what is normally expected of analog delay pedals.

It comes with true bypass switching, which is important for many guitarists, especially those whose guitar signal has to go through a lot of other pedals, cables and other gear.

It is solidly built; housed in Aluminum alloy, in a pedalboard space-saving compact profile that doesn’t compromise durability.

While this pedal has mostly analog components, some consider it to be digital due to a sampling chip on board essentially making this an analog digital hybrid delay pedal. We reached out to Donner asking them about this and they said, “This pedal is (an) analog pedal. The chip is to allow our product to better simulate natural delays.”

Still, everything else on the circuit is analog, which gives it the expected warm sound of analog delay pedals.

The Donner Yellow Fall is the best budget delay pedal for those with limited pedalboard space. It is also a good entry way into the world of delay pedals and mini pedals in general.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Echo, Time, Feedback
  • Delay Time: 20 to 620ms
  • Switching: True Bypass
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: 1/4″ In, 1/4″ Out
  • Power: Not included (Requires 9V- 500mA 4.5W Adapter)

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Editor

Alex Kelly

*Rating Value

90/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

The Best Digital Delay Pedals – Single Switch

Best Compact, Feature-Rich Digital Delay
Boss DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal

Boss DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal

Street Price:
$189.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Boss DD-8 is a versatile, durable delay pedal packed with 11 modes, including digital, analog, tape, and exotic delays, exemplifying why Boss remains a favorite among guitarists.

GEARANK
Incorporating 960+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Multi-mode delay pedal
  • Great sounding Standard, Shimmer, Analog and Tape delay modes
  • Can double as a 40 second looper
  • Comes with tap tempo and stereo input/output
  • Gives you the option to control how delay trails carry over
  • Super durable and reliable
Cons:
  • Limited deep tweaking functions
  • Making full use of its features requires longer practice and familiarity

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Boss is a guitar pedal manufacturer that’s hard to miss given their popularity and worldwide market presence. They’ve been winning the hearts of guitarists with their efficient and durable designs, and the DD-8 is a good example of why they are doing so well.

This seemingly simple standard size pedal is packed with 11 different delay modes that cover everything from standard clear sounding digital delay, to bucket brigade warm, to vintage tape based sounds.

It’s like owning many different types of delays that can be easily switched over to via simple controls. It even has more exotic delay modes that include reverse, delay with reverb, delay with modulation, glitch type reverbs and more. But as expected, it sounds best when used in more familiar modes like Standard, Shimmer, Analog and Tape modes.

Being digital it is capable of providing up to 10 seconds of delay. Adding to its value is its ability to work as a looper, it lets you record and overdub up to 40-second loops.

Other noteworthy features include tap tempo, delay trails carry over switch and switchable stereo input/output modes.

It comes in the familiar tank-tough single switch profile that is widely considered as the standard stompbox design and size.

With Boss’ reputation for quality and durability, you can enjoy the DD-8’s versatile delay modes for a long time.

Specifications:
  • Controls: E.Level, Feedback, Time, Delay Mode
  • Delay Time: up to 10 Seconds
  • Switching: Buffered Bypass
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: Stereo In/Out, Footswitch
  • Power: 9-Volt DC Adapter (Not included)

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Paul White

Peter Honoré

*Rating Value

94/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

Best Tape Echo Emulation
Catalinbread Belle Epoch EP-3 Digital Tape Echo Pedal

Catalinbread Belle Epoch EP-3 Digital Tape Echo Pedal

Street Price:
$209.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch masterfully recreates the warm, modulated tones and unique quirks of the original Echoplex in a compact, user-friendly design, making it perfect for guitarists seeking vintage sounds without maintenance.

GEARANK
Incorporating 9850+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Authentic recreation of the Echoplex sound
  • Compact and user-friendly design
  • Versatile controls for detailed guitar sound shaping
  • True bypass switching
  • Multiple power options
Cons:
  • Limited to vintage-style tones
  • May not suit those looking for modern delay effects

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The Catalinbread Belle Epoch is a standout pedal, capturing the lush, saturated repeats and unique quirks of the original Maestro Echoplex without the hassle of maintaining vintage tape gear. It masterfully recreates the warm, modulated tones and random wow and flutter effects that made the Echoplex a classic, all within a compact, user-friendly design.

Unlike many modern recreations that rely on simple vibrato circuits, the Belle Epoch goes the extra mile to replicate the genuine tape modulation and preamp saturation of the original. This dedication to authenticity results in a pedal that can produce spacey soundscapes and complex noise oscillations, making it a favorite among musicians seeking vintage tones without vintage maintenance.

The Belle Epoch offers a range of controls including Echo Sustain, Mod, Rec Level, Mix, Echo Delay, and an internal trimpot for preamp level adjustment. With a delay time of up to 800ms and true bypass switching, it provides both versatility and high-quality sound. Power options include a DC adapter or a 9-volt battery, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any pedalboard setup.

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch masterfully recreates the warm, modulated tones and random wow and flutter effects that made the Echoplex a classic…

However, while it excels in producing classic tones, it might not be ideal for those seeking more modern delay sounds.

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch is a remarkable “tapeless” recreation of the Echoplex, perfect for guitarists who want the iconic sound without the upkeep.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Echo Sustain, Mod, Rec Level, Mix, Echo Delay, Internal Trimpot for preamp leve
  • Delay Time: Up to 800ms
  • Switching: True Bypass
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: none
  • Power: 9-18V DC Power Supply

Raphael’s Recommendation

Versatile Delay and Looper in One Pedal
Electro-Harmonix Canyon Review - Digital Delay and Looper Pedal

Electro-Harmonix Canyon Digital Delay and Looper Pedal

Street Price:
$176.00
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

The EHX Canyon is a versatile delay pedal with high-fidelity sound, intuitive tap tempo, and 11 modes, offering great value despite its mono-only output.

GEARANK
Incorporating 850+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Multiple delay modes
  • Surprisingly deep customization
  • Looper is a welcome addition
Cons:
  • Mono only
  • Some modes sound too “hi-fi”
  • Built-in tap tempo might be finicky

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Coming from a TC Electronic Alter Ego delay, I was looking for a substitute that was a bit more transparent and had tap tempo. Out of the box, the Canyon sounded very high-fidelity for all models, lacking that “smearing” effect I had on the Alter Ego.

Electro-Harmonix Canyon - Tap In View

This is where the additional parameters come in. For the Tape setting (the one I use the most), the hidden parameters can be used to affect wow and flutter and simulate tape age, essentially making the repeats more hazy like the Alter Ego that I used. That was the clincher for me despite it being a bit less organic sounding.

As an added bonus, the Canyon has an intuitive tap tempo where it registers the bpm by stepping on the single pedal on and off according to the tempo you want. It works for me but some people found it cumbersome because you have to tap the tempo and make sure it ends up activated instead of bypassed. During hectic live performances, this might be too much to keep in mind.

I rarely use the looper function but when I do, the 62 second looper is generous enough for riffing and improvising. It might not be enough for more complex layering. I don’t use the sample and hold feature but it’s there if you need it.

The pedal features 11 modes including 9 delays and 2 loop/sample and hold features.

Overall, the EHX Canyon is a great delay pedal with a lot of features under the hood to keep most delay lovers happy. While the mono only output might be a dealbreaker for some, for live pedalboard setups, it’s a great value pick especially considering most feature rich delays cost a lot more.

Specifications:
  • Controls: FX LVL, Delay, Feedback, Mode, Tap/Divide
  • Max Delay Time: 3 seconds
  • Loop Length:62 seconds
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (tap in)
  • Outputs 1 x 1/4″
  • Power: 9V DC power supply (included)

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Raphael Pulgar

Paul Kobylensky

*Rating Value

92/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

The Best Delay Pedals – Digital Multiswitch

Best for Realistic Tape Echo Simulations
Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal (Digital Delay)

Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal (Digital Delay)

Street Price:
$379.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Strymon El Capistan excels in delivering authentic tape delay emulation with extensive control options and a tap tempo footswitch, though it is limited to tape-style delays and comes at a higher price point.

GEARANK
Incorporating 9850+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Authentic tape delay emulation
  • Extensive control options
  • Tap tempo footswitch
  • Selectable true bypass or analog “trails” bypass
  • High-quality digital processing
Cons:
  • Limited to tape-style delays
  • Higher price point

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The Strymon El Capistan brings the coveted sound of classic tape delay and echo into the digital age with impressive accuracy. This pedal meticulously emulates the signal path of an analog tape echo unit, capturing every nuance of its rich, warm sound. The use of powerful processor chips ensures that the El Capistan can replicate the subtleties of tape delay with remarkable fidelity.

What sets the El Capistan apart are its extensive controls for Tape Age, Wow and Flutter, Tape Head, and Mode, in addition to the standard Time, Mix, and Repeats found on most modern delay pedals. This allows for detailed sound shaping and a high degree of customization, enabling users to dial in everything from subtle slapbacks to lush, ambient soundscapes. The inclusion of a tap tempo footswitch, a feature not possible on vintage units, further enhances its usability.

The El Capistan excels in delivering warm, tape-like echoes that are both rich and immersive. While it may not offer the wide range of delay types that some other pedals do, its strength lies in its ability to produce beautifully textured delays that add a unique character to your sound. The pedal also offers selectable true bypass or analog “trails” bypass, giving users flexibility in how they integrate it into their signal chain.

Overall, the Strymon El Capistan is a must-have for those seeking the warmth and complexity of vintage tape delay without the maintenance headaches. However, its specialized focus means it might not be the best choice for those in need of a more versatile delay pedal.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Tape Head, Time, Tape Age, Wow & Flutter, Tap, Mode, Mix, Repeats, On (Engages and bypasses the delay and reverb)
  • Delay Time: 1500ms
  • Switching: True Bypass (electromechanical relay switching)
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: EXP/MIDI (Multifunction communication jack for external control) USB-C
  • Power: 9V DC

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Jordan Wagner

David A. Evans

Alex Maiolo

*Rating Value

100/100

97/100

94/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

Top Choice for Magnetic Echo Machine Sounds
Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine Pedal (Digital Delay)

Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine Pedal (Digital Delay)

Street Price:
$429.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Strymon Volante is an outstandingly versatile pedal that masterfully combines drum delay, tape echo, and studio delay with extensive controls and MIDI integration, making it a dream for sound experimenters, though its complexity and size might deter those seeking a simpler, more compact delay solution.

GEARANK
Incorporating 320+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Versatile delay modes, parameters and rhythmic variations
  • Impressive sounding drum delay and tape echo emulation
  • Pristine-sounding studio delay
  • Tweaks to parameters behave much like the old school units they are based on
  • Noise free sound
  • Solid build quality
Cons:
  • Takes a lot of pedalboard space
  • Above the average budget allocated to a delay pedal
  • Steep learning curve to maximize the use of all its features

We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The Strymon Volante brings together three studio staple emulations in a floor pedal format: drum delay, tape echo, and studio delay. And it brings all of them to life in a single pedal that meets the high quality standards expected from Strymon.

The eight light-up buttons in the center lets you control the playback and feedback of four tape heads, you can use them to craft your own multi-head delay sounds

Engaging the feedback button below them brings back the signal into itself and makes the classic delay sounds we know and love. Each one of these “heads” is configurable for a multitude of rhythmic possibilities while the feedback button below them enables the creation of wide soundscapes. All these complex controls require a steep learning curve, which is worth the effort given the versatility and sound quality you are getting.

Additional features include post-echo Spring Reverb, individual panning and head spacing/play speeds, as well as MIDI I/O for integration with MIDI switching systems. All these features add up to make the Strymon Volante go beyond being an effect unit, turning it into a creative instrument.

On the flipside, this is not advisable for those who want a compact and simple delay pedal.

If you’re looking for cool delay pedals that let mod vintage tape echo units to achieve spaced out sounds, the Stryon Volante is a great launching pad into the cosmos of spacey experimental sounds.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Rec level, Mechanics, Low cut, Wear, Type, Speed, Repeats, Echo Level, Space, Spring
  • Delay Time: Up to 4 seconds
  • Switching: True Bypass
  • Power: 9V DC power supply required (included)

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Bob Thomas

Trevor Curwen

Huw Price

*Rating Value

100/100

90/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

Best Delay Pedal – Customization and Versatility
Strymon TimeLine Multidimensional Digital Delay Pedal

Strymon TimeLine Multidimensional Digital Delay Pedal

Street Price:
$449.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Strymon TimeLine is the ultimate versatile delay pedal, offering high-fidelity sound and studio-quality build with 12 diverse delay models, though it comes with a steep learning curve.

At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated Digital Delay Pedal along with the Strymon DIG and Strymon Volante.

GEARANK
Incorporating 1100+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Extremely versatile with 12 delay models
  • High-fidelity sound and studio-quality build
  • Excellent vintage emulations (dTape and dBucket)
  • Stereo input/output
  • True bypass switching
Cons:
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires thorough manual reading

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The Strymon TimeLine stands as the pinnacle of Strymon’s digital delay offerings, boasting high-fidelity sound, studio-quality build, and unparalleled versatility with deep controls. This pedal is designed for musicians who demand the best, delivering an impressive range of delay effects that cover just about any sonic territory you could imagine.

Its versatility is unmatched, offering 12 delay models including digital, dual delay, pattern, reverse, ice, duck, swell, trem, filter, lo-fi, dTape, and dBucket. Each model is meticulously crafted to provide unique and inspiring sounds, from pristine digital repeats to gritty, lo-fi echoes and everything in between. Special shoutout goes to the dTape and dBucket models, which brilliantly emulate vintage tape and analog delays.

However, the sheer number of features and controls means there’s a steep learning curve. You’ll need to spend some time with the manual to fully grasp all the parameters and settings, but the effort is well worth it. Once you understand its capabilities, the TimeLine becomes an incredibly powerful tool that can elevate your sound to new heights.

This pedal is designed for musicians who demand the best, delivering an impressive range of delay effects that cover just about any sonic territory you could imagine.

The TimeLine is widely considered the best digital delay guitar pedal. It is a great pick if you could only have one delay pedal. It compiles some of the best features from Strymon’s other top pedals into one comprehensive unit. Just make sure you’re prepared to dive deep into its manual to unlock its full potential.

Specifications:
  • Controls: Value, Time, Filter, Repeats, Mix, Grit, Speed, Depth, Type
  • Delay Time: 2ms to 2500ms
  • Switching: True Bypass
  • Additional Inputs/Outputs: Stereo Input/Output
  • Power: 9-Volt Adapter

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Youtube

Youtube

Source

DawJockey

That Pedal Show

*Rating Value

90/100

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Things to Consider When Buying a Delay Pedal

Luckily for musicians, the best delay effects are simple. Once you wrap your head around a few features like versatility, build quality, and impulse response, you will not be going in blind. While there is much more to learn beyond this, particularly creative uses for effects, we hope that this gets you on the right path for making a selection.

Analog Vs. Digital Delay

The differences between analog and digital are hotly debated. Some musicians swear by analog pedals, and others feel that digital is the way to go. So really, just like any other piece of gear one design isn’t objectively superior to another.

Analog delays use electrical components to achieve the delayed sound. Some of the components, aside from the delay circuit, may include filters, some compression or modulation.

A digital delay utilizes analog to digital conversion. This means your signal gets converted from an electrical signal to binary code to be processed with a microprocessor and then converted back to analog going out. Many modelling delays use digital technology to emulate analog gear in a smaller form factor.

Analog effects tend to sound more organic than their digital counterparts, but digital effects have more accurate reproductions of your input. Analog’s responsiveness (not that digital isn’t responsive to your playing, it’s just less responsive than analog) is a huge selling point with distortion and fuzz pedals, but many musicians prefer digital delays because they can be tweaked with greater fidelity.

Delay Time and Feedback Explained

Delay time is measured in milliseconds, which is 1000 milliseconds for every second. The higher you turn the delay time control the longer the time that the signal from your guitar will be captured. For example, if you dial in 500 milliseconds of delay time you’ll be capturing half a second of what you play. Some delay pedals come with sync-friendly features like tap-tempo to keep your repeats in sync with the song you’re playing.

Feedback is how many times the signal is reproduced. So, if you turn the feedback knob higher you’ll get more repetitions.

Another thing to know of is that companies label their controls differently. Every delay unit has a setting for feedback and delay time, and many have settings for the volume of the repeats. If you’re ever unsure what certain controls do, odds are you can find a description on the company’s website. However, most controls are self-explanatory.

The Pros and Cons of True Bypass

True bypass is a design configuration where your output and input are hardwired. This means that your signal does NOT pass through the pedal’s circuitry beyond input and output. Because of this connection, when you disengage the effect your sound passes through it unaltered.

There is a slight volume and high-end frequency loss once your signal path (your cord and pedals) reaches a certain length due to capacitance.

With delay pedals, the main tradeoff is that when you disengage a true bypass delay pedal, the repeats get cut off. Most modern delays, particularly digital delays offer a buffered bypass where your signal passes through the circuitry and gets conditioned to push the signal further without any high-frequency loss. This also enables the use of delay trails that persist even when the unit is turned off. The trade-off for buffered bypass is how your signal will interact with the amplifier. Many people experience a change in the responsiveness of the tone with buffered bypass.

Stereo Out

Delay pedals are available in two configurations, mono out and stereo out. Mono out means that your pedal only has one output, whereas stereo means that it has two.

The main benefit of stereo output is that you can run two outputs with your effect to send it through two amplifiers. This makes it sound “wider” and fuller. The trade-off here is that using a stereo setup is more expensive. A mono output is simpler than a stereo output, and while the sound is different to a stereo rig it isn’t inferior. You can use a Y plug or an ABY Switch to split a mono output into stereo.

The Differences Between Delay, Echo, and Reverb

Delay and echo are often confused with one another. Manufacturers often interchange the two terms. From a technical standpoint, Echoes are usually shorter in intervals, while delays have longer times. Another distinction that may apply to many of the best guitar pedals is the presence of modulation. Echo pedals are often paired with some form of modulation or frequency filtering on the repeats. Good delay pedals, particularly digital delays, have more fidelity, and can be used in conjunction with wilder modulation effects like phaser and flanger.

Reverb, on the other hand, is a different implementation of delay. Reverb is characterized as a random and blended repetition of a sound that is produced quickly after the sound is made. Your brain doesn’t notice that the sound is a series of repetitions, so it makes it sound like you’re playing in a room or space.

Delay’s Place In Your Signal Chain

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to the best delay effect placement because some musicians like the interaction that certain configurations can give rise to.

The way musicians used to use delays and echoes before the advent of distortion pedals, effects loops and a/b switching, was to plug their guitar into the input of the effect, then patching the output to the amplifier. This use is commonly heard from the 60s and 70s. Eddie Van Halen famously used an Echoplex in front of a roaring Marshall Plexi to get his signature “Brown Sound”. Jimmy Page used it to create psychedelic effects especially while using a violin bow on guitar. Settings for these usually involve having the delay signal low in the mix since overdrive distortion accentuates all the sounds from the repeats.

With modern circuitry and distortion pedals, it has come to be more accepted to put overdrive/dynamics pedals first before modulation and delay. Amplifiers during this time also started to implement effects loops that go in between the preamp of the amplifier and the power amplifier. Rackmount effects also came to be popular during the 80s and 90s. This results in a clearer, hi-fi sounding ambience commonly heard on 80s rock music and beyond.

Best Delay Pedal Selection Methodology

The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on July 31, 2024

We looked at all the delay pedals (excluding multi-effects) available from major online American retailers and put the 69 most promising on our short-list for detailed examination, including runner-ups like the TC Flashback, Walrus Audio Arp-87 and more. You can see all of them in the Music Gear Database. We then gathered feedback about each one from owners, experts, and users via online retailers, forums, YouTube, blogs, and major publications, and processed those data with the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100 for each pedal – over 27,600 sources were processed. Finally, we selected the highest rated analog and digital pedals to recommend above. This 2021 edition lets you better pin point the delay pedals that fit your preference by dividing the main sections into single switch and multi-switch. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.

About the Author and Contributors

Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.

Lead Author & Researcher

Contributors

Raphael Pulgar: Supplemental writing including his review of the EHX Canyon
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.

Media / Image Credit

Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Boss DM-2W and Strymon Volante.

The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.

The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for the additional photo of the EHX Canyon which was supplied by Raphael Pulgar.

Comments:

8 responses

  1. Avatar
    Jason Horton

    Today’s update resulted in us removing our recommendation for the Eventide MicroPitch which we had misclassified as an analog pedal when it is in fact digital. Its ratings weren’t high enough to go in the Digital Multiswitch section above, so it was removed from the recommended list.

  2. Avatar
    Anonymous

    The Donner Yellow Fall is not an analog delay AT ALL. It uses a very digital PT2399 delay chip. That is not a BBD. The fact that the Yellow Fall has some analog components does not make it an analog delay; ALL pedals, even those that use digital processors, have analog components. Please do not label delay pedals that don’t use BBDs as analog delays.

    1. Avatar
      Jason Horton

      We had some discussion over this when we published this edition. We decided to classify it as analog due to the Donner website saying, “This all-analog stompbox reproduces the warm and natural classic vintage analog delay sound” on the Donner Music website.

      I’ll have another chat with Alexander about this to decide if we should reclassify it as digital.

      1. Avatar
        Jason Horton

        I contacted Donner and asked them about it, this was what they said, “This pedal is (an) analog pedal. The chip is to allow our product to better simulate natural delays.”

        I added the (an).

  3. Avatar
    Jason Horton

    Publication of our October 2021 Edition resulted in the following delays coming off the recommended list above:

  4. Avatar
    Jason Horton

    Our November 2020 updated resulted in the following pedals coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:

  5. Avatar
    Jason Horton

    As a result of the September 2019 update to this guide the following pedals came off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:

  6. Avatar
    Jason Horton

    Today we removed the following delay pedals from our recommended list above, due to having been discontinued, but you can still read our analysis of them:

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8 thoughts on “Best Delay Pedal – Digital and Analog Top Picks”

  1. The Donner Yellow Fall is not an analog delay AT ALL. It uses a very digital PT2399 delay chip. That is not a BBD. The fact that the Yellow Fall has some analog components does not make it an analog delay; ALL pedals, even those that use digital processors, have analog components. Please do not label delay pedals that don’t use BBDs as analog delays.

    1. We had some discussion over this when we published this edition. We decided to classify it as analog due to the Donner website saying, “This all-analog stompbox reproduces the warm and natural classic vintage analog delay sound” on the Donner Music website.

      I’ll have another chat with Alexander about this to decide if we should reclassify it as digital.

      1. I contacted Donner and asked them about it, this was what they said, “This pedal is (an) analog pedal. The chip is to allow our product to better simulate natural delays.”

        I added the (an).

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