10 Best Delay Pedals of 2024

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Who doesn’t love delay? A delay pedal is often the first pedal we get as a kid; they can do crazy and wacky stuff, are perhaps the most fun and most elemental effects available to us, and keep evolving exponentially year to year.

We have taken a look at what we believe to be the top ten delays on the market right now and hope we bring a few new delay pedals and flavors to your attention in the process.

We rounded up pedals, new and old, from top-rated brands such as Boss, Source Audio, and Mr.Black. Between vintage pedals and redesigns of classics, you'll have access to all kinds of effects, including tape, digital, analog, and more effects.

Best Delay Pedals

1. Best Analog Pedal – Digitech Rubberneck Delay

SPECS

• Type: Analog
• Delay Time Range: 1.5 seconds
• Controls: 5 Double concentric knobs & mini knobs

Sure, there are more complicated and feature-rich delays available, but none will be more well thought out and smart in execution within an apparent simple framework. Basically, a bucket brigade delay in the vein of the Deluxe Memory Man, the designers at DigiTech didn’t simply stop there.

Sure, it has the famed vibrato or chorus modulation, and yes, it’s an extremely solid, great sound BBD delay; indeed, they adopted the grit (gain) of the DMM.

But they weren’t simply content with that, and so they added a warping, “rubberneck” feature with the left footswitch that twists and warps your sound and also feedback regeneration via the right footswitch.

Both features are adjustable as well, from a little to a lot. Brilliant. They also included a send/return loop so you can put other effects in the feedback loop, and there’s an adoption for a separate footswitch.

What a masterpiece. It only does one type of delay but man; they sure nailed it. Customers say you get lots of features for the money; it's definitely worth investing in!

2. Best Modern Digital Delay Pedal – Alexander Rewind

SPECS

• Type: Digital
• Delay Time Range: 1.5 seconds
• Controls: 4 knobs

I know I’m gonna sound like a broken record with Alexander Pedals and the Rewind, but I’ve always thought Matthew Farrow of Alexander was a genius for his innovative and forward-looking devices.  His Leap series (which includes the Space Force reverb previously reviewed) IS a giant leap, pun intended. 

This Rewind delay is a veritable Swiss Army Knife of delays; anything you need is here: tape delays, digital delays, lofi delays, analog-sounding delays, whatever you need, and in stereo. The depth of tweak ability is a real highlight, and further, each of the delays sound really amazing. 

Again, I love the OLED display even though it’s small, and I had no problem at all programming several presets. I can’t imagine anyone not being able to create what you need with the Rewind and having many mono or stereo presets at the press of a switch. Magnificent.

3. Best 3-in-1 Pedal – Empress Effects Echosystem

SPECS

• Type: Digital/Tape/Analog
• Delay Time Range: 5 seconds
• Controls: 12 control knobs

The stereo Echosystem pedal is a tweaker's delight and the one to get if you want dual engines and many multiples of delay combinations, both in parallel and series.

The character can change drastically depending on which you choose and what combinations of delay are in each preset.  It’s really a wonderland of possibilities. 

The sound is clear, pristine, and hifi and a great deal of care obviously went into replicating some of the most classic delays.

It also is one of the rare multi-delays that can do 8 seconds of delay for true sound-on-sound Frippertronics as well as adding a completely different delay engine on top of that in series or in parallel.

Even if you have two delays at once, you can have not only two different delays at once but completely different settings for each. Presets are also available.

There are so many choices it may spin your head, but at the same time, it’s an absolute ton of fun. It’s not as large in size as some other delays with similar features, and it’s also built like a tank.

Very impressive. Customers love that there are so many possibilities. It's one of the coolest delay pedals for various controls.

4. Best Digital Pedal for Simplicity – Meris LVX

SPECS

• Type: Digital
• Delay Time Range: 2.54 Seconds
• Controls: 11 control knobs

The newest stereo entry to our list and easily the most impressive. This delay pedal is DEEP. Fortunately, Meris was thoughtful to include a very user-friendly screen with app-like graphic features that make parameter tweaking (and there are a TON of parameters) much, much easier. 

Meris also included many of the effects and their attributes from their other special devices, so there’s virtually nothing you'll be left wanting. Just set a lot of time aside to play with it!

It only has a few delay algorithms at its base (digital, BBD, and magnetic), but they sound truly wonderful and really come alive with the myriad of routing possibilities.

It also has a looper pedal which is very cool. My only beef with the delay pedal is that it could have more than 2.5 seconds of delay as it’s a digital device, but that’s a small quibble.

It’s an incredible delay workstation that leaves little to the imagination. Customers love the simplicity of the pedal and say it's one of the best digital delay pedals they've used.

5. Runner-up Analog Delay Pedal – Amplitube X-Time

SPECS

• Type: Analog
• Delay Time Range: 4 seconds
• Controls: 8 knobs, foot switch (3)

If you’re looking for a lot of different types of delays that are simple to program, easy to use, and uniformly sound great, look no further than the X-Time. I was extremely impressed with all the functionality of the X-Time and particularly the consistency from delay model to model.

Nothing I dialed in sounded less than stellar, and all of them were at least as good as some better-known delay models. Amplitube also has a very useful app for all their X-series models that’s very straightforward and logical to use.

You can also set your preset order here, and presets are easily accessible on the front switches of the pedal as well as switching between banks. Overall it’s killer, offers stereo operation, and is definitely a sleeper in this category and very affordable for the number of features. Strongly recommend.

Customers agree that it's simple to use.

6. Best Tape Pedal – Mr. Black Tapex 2

SPECS

• Type: Tape
• Delay Time Range: 600ms
• Controls: 8 knobs

Maybe a bit unheralded amongst its pricier competitors and feature-laded models, the Tapex 2 does simply an excellent job of tape emulation in a compact pedal while also featuring true stereo operation and a preset on the second switch.

If simple is your thing and you like tape delays but don’t want the maintenance and hassle of carrying them, then look at the Tapex 2. Beautifully voiced and very solid, it's a real winner that won’t break the bank.

7. Best Pedal for Long Delay Time – Strymon Timeline

SPECS

• Type: Digital/Analog/Tape Pedals
• Delay Time Range: -
• Controls: 11 knobs/switches

I love the Timeline delay pedal, and it’s no wonder it’s been so popular for so long: it offers just about every style of delay you could want, gives you excellent sound, many presets, and banks, and a good amount of tweaking options and it’s very solid and reliable.

While I prefer some of the delay engines in certain competitors, every one of the delays in the Timeline are at the very least solid and highly serviceable.

It’s also one of the very few delays currently that can be configured to set the max delay time at up to 20 seconds for really long Frippertronics (there are a few videos on YouTube about this). I also dig the tape age feature and lofi function. 

The Timeline also has a 30-second looper pedal on board which is a great plus. It’s not the newest in this category, but it’s certainly still one of the strongest and most solid. Let’s hope Strymon gives some consideration to a V2 sometime in the future.

Customers say it's the GOAT of delay pedals.

8. Best Pedal for 12 Delay Types – Source Audio Nemesis

SPECS

• Type: Analog, Digital, Tape & More
• Delay Time Range: 2 Seconds
• Controls: 6 knobs

The Nemesis is much like the Timeline in that it features just about every delay model known to date and even some features that weren’t available when those classic models were originally released.

This is thanks to their industry-leading and groundbreaking Neuro app, which allows you to adjust your sound in any way you wish, and the only limit is your imagination. 

Source Audio really believes in putting the power in the hands of the user, and the SA community continues to add an endless supply of shared presets which are via the app.

Every delay engine in the Nemesis sounds terrific, and nothing is left wanting. It’s smaller than some other big box delays and slightly more affordable.

If you’re not afraid of digging deeper and bigger delays won’t fit on your pedal board, the Nemesis could be for you.

9. Best Pedal for Acoustic Guitars – Boss DD-200

SPECS

• Type: Digital/Analog/Tape & More
• Delay Time Range: 5.2 Seconds
• Controls: 7 knobs

I chose the DD-200 over the DD-500 because it’s virtually the same unit yet more compact. I love all of the delays in the DD-200, and it even sounds terrific on acoustic guitar.

You have the options for presets like other big players in this category with, of course, the classic Roland and Boss delays that we all started out with and know intimately, like the DM-2 and the Space Echo, among others. 

One of my favorite features is the distortion/grit that can be added to the repeats of delays which really adds an extra layer of realism. Some of the wilder delays, like the Tera Echo and SFX, are included, so you probably will be covered for most of your needs. 

This pedal is built like a tank and is a very serviceable, professional delay unit you can count on for years. Customers love all the delay sounds and say they're easy to use.

10. Best Delay Pedal for Experimenting – Red Panda Particle

SPECS

• Type: Granular delay/Pitch shifting pedal
• Delay Time Range: 2.5 seconds
• Controls: 10+

Last but certainly not least, the Red Panda Particle pedal is one of the most fun, adventurous, and wild delays you’ll ever try.  It may or may not be your main, number 1, basic delay, but I guarantee it will be the most interesting and creative delay you’ll own. 

I often find myself creating entire songs out of the Particle, which is worth the price of admission alone. However, it also offers excellent, high-fidelity sound, endless options, presets, stereo operation, and up to 2.5 seconds of granular, pitch, and modulated delay, including reverse.

It’s a wild ride, but I bet you get lost for hours and create something new every time you use this pedal.

Best Delay Pedals Buyer's Guide

What to Consider When Shopping for a Delay Pedal

Type of delay: There are different types of delay, such as analog, digital, tape, and modulated delay. Each type has its own unique sound characteristics and advantages, so consider what kind of sound you are looking for and what suits your playing style. You'll also want to consider delay time range. Some are short, some are long.

You'll need to consider controls—make sure to go for something simple if you don't like a ton of settings and knobs. And, of course, consider price and size.

You could spend anywhere between $200 and $400 on a pedal. And the average delay pedals is travel-friendly, but some may get bigger depending on delay settings and knobs.

There are several types of delays—analog, digital, tape, and modulated delays. They all differ by sound, and you'll want to make sure your pick is going to provide you with the playing style you're going for.

Types of Delays

Analog Delays

An analog pedal creates an echo effect with an analog circuit to produce a copy of the original signal. Analog delays sound warm compared to digital delays. A few cons to note are the delay time, signal, and price.

They have a limited delay time compared to digital delays. Some guitarists also note that the signal can be distorted by noise. They are also more expensive than digital delays, usually due to manufacturing.

Digital Delays

A digital delay creates a delayed echo effect but uses digital signal processing instead of an analog circuit. Digital delays sound very accurate and can be subtle, but it also depends on the pedal for the most part.

Overall, very accurate—only con to note is that some players don't think they sound as organic or warm as an analog delay. Although, this is mainly preference. You may prefer it over a distortion-like sound.

Tape Delays

Tape delays use an analog circuit to simulate the sound of a vintage tape delay machine. They sound warm and organic (like an analog delay). Key differences to consider are how they work—analog pedals store the original signal in a capacitive circuit, and then it's released to make the delayed signal.

Tape delays use physical tape to store the signal. It makes a difference in the sound (a small one, but still noticeable).

Modulated Delays

Last, we have modulated delays. Modulated delays add modulation for more depth. They create complex sounds for guitarists wanting more movement to their delay. A few pain points include difficulty and tone.

They aren't too user-friendly for beginners. With multiple settings, they could be a nuance to play with. On the other hand, an advanced player may find all the settings and knobs a blast to explore. As for tone, your guitar's original tone may be altered, and you might not be a fan.

Controls

Common controls you'll see on a pedal are:

Delay time: Turn the knob to adjust the length of the delay time. Clockwise will increase it, and counter-clockwise will decrease it.

Feedback: This knob determines how many repeats or echoes are generated.

Mix/blend: You can increase the level of the delayed signal or decrease it.

Level/volume: Increase or decrease the volume of the signal.

Tone/filter: Adjust the tone or frequency of the delayed signal.

Modulation: Adds a chorus or vibrato effect to the delayed signal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of delay pedal does slash use?

We checked out Equipboard, and it looks like Slash has been verified to use a Boss DD-3 delay. This pedal. His tech, Ace Bergman, talks about Slash's live setup here in this video.

The Boss DD-3 pedal is one of the most popular delay pedals out there. It has controls for feedback, effect level, and more. You can sample and loop a section on it. It's been a classic for a while now. Get yours here.

What type of delay pedal does David Gilmour use?

Boss DD-2 Delay

The Boss DD-2 is an '80s classic—with up to 800ms of delay time, a warm, vintage tone, it's perfect for all music genres. Many of our favorite guitarists use it, including Eric Clapton, Tom Morello, and Eric Johnson. It's rare to find one in stores, so we recommend shopping Reverb for a used one.

T-Rex Delay

T-Rex's Delay Pedal has a warm tone and offers 1.2 seconds of delay time. There are also controls for feedback and level. John Mayer and Steve Lukather have also used this pedal! You can find used and new options at Reverb.

Free the Tone Flight Time Delay FT-2Y

The Free The Tone Flight Time pedal has been redesigned and is available brand new at Reverb. The pedal has undergone power supply and digital circuit improvements to improve sound quality. It offers a delay time of 1.35 seconds.

What delays do Arctic Monkeys use?

• "Do I Wanna know" is a great example of a slapback delay. The riff is rhythmic.
• "Fluorescent Adolescent" is a popular digital delay.
• "505" (one of their best songs) and also a great example of a tape delay that creates space.
• "Cornerstone" is a fantastic example of a modulated delay. Super cute and ethereal sound for sure.

Verdict

If you leave this list with any of the following pedals, we recommend investing in the DigiTech Rubberneck pedal. It's under $300 and features everything you need. With independent control of the modulation rate, depth, gain, and tone of the delay, the opportunities are endless.

Although, if you're looking for a pedal that does absolutely everything and more, go with the Source Audio Nemesis Pedal—tape, digital, analog, and a whole lot more. It has 12 delay engines, with an additional 12 available through the Neuro Mobile App.

Elevate your sound with precision! Discover and buy the best tap tempo delay pedals for accurate rhythmic control.