Delay pedals are indispensable tools for guitarists across genres, adding depth, space, and rhythmic complexity to your sound. Whether you aim for subtle thickening or expansive, otherworldly echoes, the right delay pedal is crucial. From iconic tape echoes to pristine digital repeats, delay offers a spectrum of sonic possibilities. Think of legendary guitarists from U2’s The Edge to Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood – delay is integral to their signature sounds. It’s not just for creating vast soundscapes; delay can also enhance lead lines, adding warmth and removing harshness, or create a subtle widening effect for rhythm parts.
For guitarists seeking the ultimate delay experience, the Line 6 DL4 MKII stands out as our top recommendation. This powerhouse pedal boasts an impressive array of 30 delay models, spanning vintage classics to cutting-edge modern sounds, and even incorporates reverb and looping capabilities. If the DL4 MKII seems like a deep dive, the Boss DD-3T offers a more streamlined, yet exceptionally versatile digital delay, renowned for its pristine sound and user-friendliness, making it a long-standing favorite among guitarists.
To navigate the diverse world of delay, understanding the nuances between analog and digital delays is key. We’ve also compiled a helpful FAQ section to address common questions and guide you in your quest for the perfect delay pedal.
Our Top Picks
1. Line 6 DL4 MkII
The Line 6 DL4 MKII elevates the legacy of the original DL4, a pedal synonymous with the sound of modern guitar, by enhancing its strengths and adding even more versatility.
Boss DD-3T delay pedal2. Boss DD-3T Delay
An updated version of a true classic, the Boss DD-3T remains an industry benchmark for digital delay, offering iconic sound and enhanced usability for today’s guitarist.
Boss RE-202 Space Echo delay pedal
3. Boss RE-202 Space Echo
Capturing the magic of the legendary Roland RE-201, the Boss RE-202 Space Echo delivers authentic tape delay tones with modern features and reliability.
4. MXR Carbon Copy
For warm, organic analog delay, the MXR Carbon Copy is a top choice, loved for its rich tone and musical modulation, perfect for adding depth and texture.
5. Strymon Timeline
The Strymon Timeline is a powerhouse delay pedal for live performance, offering studio-grade sound quality, extensive programmability, and a robust build for demanding stage use.
TC Electronic Echobrain delay pedal
6. TC Electronic Echobrain
The TC Electronic Echobrain provides exceptional analog delay tones at an accessible price point, making it a fantastic entry-level option without compromising sound quality.
Best Overall
Line 6 DL4 MKII delay pedal angled view
(Image credit: Line 6)
1. Line 6 DL4 MKII
A Modern Take on a Delay Legend
Read our expert review
Specifications
Type: Digital delay
Bypass: Buffered
Tap-tempo: Yes
Modes/patches: 30
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional sound quality and versatile reverb effects
- Compact and redesigned chassis for pedalboard efficiency
- Enhanced looping capabilities with extended recording time
- User-friendly interface for intuitive operation
Reasons to Avoid
- Potentially overwhelming for players seeking simplicity
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for guitarists seeking a vast palette of delay sounds: The DL4 MKII is packed with a comprehensive collection of delay tones, alongside high-quality reverbs, encompassing both classic and contemporary delay styles.
❌ Not recommended for players prioritizing simplicity: If you prefer a straightforward delay with fewer options, the DL4 MKII’s extensive features might be more than you need.
The original Line 6 DL4 achieved iconic status, reshaping perceptions of digital delay pedals and revolutionizing the pedal market. Released in 2000, an update was highly anticipated, and the Line 6 DL4 MKII delivers, meeting and exceeding expectations. This revamped and more compact unit retains the beloved classic delays while incorporating valuable enhancements.
The DL4 MKII is loaded with 15 new MKII delay sounds and 15 Legacy settings, ensuring a wide sonic range. It also features expanded internal memory, boosting looper recording time to 120 seconds in mono or 60 seconds in stereo. Adding further value, Line 6 has included high-quality reverb sounds, effectively offering three pedals in one. This makes the DL4 MKII not just a delay pedal but a comprehensive sound-shaping tool for the modern guitarist.
EXPERT VERDICT: LINE 6 DL4 MKII
EXPERT VERDICT: LINE 6 DL4 MKII by Paul Riario
“Line 6 deserves high praise for maintaining the DL4 MkII’s intuitive nature and broad appeal. The simple pleasure of tweaking knobs and engaging footswitches unlocks a wealth of delay textures, avoiding the complexities of LED screens and menus.”
Read the full review: Line 6 DL4 MKII Review
Best Digital Delay
Boss DD-3T delay pedal on white background
(Image credit: Boss)
2. Boss DD-3T
The Enduring Reign of a Delay Classic
Specifications
Type: Digital delay
Bypass: Buffered
Tap-tempo: Yes
Modes/patches: 4
Reasons to Buy
- Enhanced version of a celebrated classic
- Delivers pristine and clear digital delays
- Added tap-tempo input for rhythmic control
Reasons to Avoid
- Minor price difference compared to the feature-rich DD-8
At a Glance
✅ Recommended for guitarists seeking straightforward, high-quality digital delay: The DD-3T, favored by professional guitarists, offers updated features like tap tempo and optimized output jacks, enhancing its usability.
❌ Not ideal for players desiring extensive sonic variety: While the DD-3T excels in its core digital delay sound, it offers limited tonal variations compared to multi-delay pedals.
The Boss DD-3 has been a cornerstone digital delay for three decades, celebrated for its exceptional sound. Its pristine delays, balanced timbre, and EQ profile are equally effective in live band settings and studio mixes, making it a reliable choice for musicians from beginners to seasoned professionals.
In its latest iteration, the Boss DD-3T improves upon its foundational design by incorporating a tap-tempo input. This crucial addition allows for external tap tempo control, enabling real-time synchronization with band tempos. Boss also relocated the direct output jack to the left side, streamlining pedalboard integration.
Beyond these practical enhancements, the DD-3T retains the revered sound and aesthetic of the original DD-3. It features the familiar millisecond-based delay times (50, 200, 800ms) and a short loop setting, alongside the classic Level, Feedback, and Time knobs. Staying true to the “if it ain’t broke…” philosophy, Boss has wisely preserved the core elements that have kept the DD-3 a pedalboard staple for years.
EXPERT VERDICT: BOSS DD-3T
EXPERT VERDICT: BOSS DD-3T by Chris Gill
“The DD-3T maintains the cherished sound quality that has made the DD-2/DD-3 a long-standing favorite among guitarists for nearly four decades. With updated features and a more logical output jack configuration, the DD-3T is a worthy successor to the DD-3, poised to extend its legacy for decades to come.”
Read the full review: Boss DD-3T and DD-200 Digital Delay Review
Best Tape Delay
Boss RE-202 Space Echo delay pedal on floor close up
If you want vintage tape echo tones with modern control, the RE-202 is the ultimate choice. (Image credit: Future)
3. Boss RE-202 Space Echo
The Iconic Tape Echo Reborn for the Modern Era
Read our expert review
Specifications
Type: Digital delay
Bypass: Buffered
Tap-tempo: Yes
Modes/patches: 12 echo, 5 reverbs
Reasons to Buy
- Authentic and highly accurate tape echo emulation
- Extensive tonal shaping capabilities and flexibility
- Expression pedal input for dynamic parameter control
Reasons to Avoid
- Some advanced features can be less immediately accessible
At a Glance
✅ Perfect for guitarists seeking classic tape echo sounds: The RE-202 captures the legendary Roland Space Echo’s vintage character with the reliability and features of a modern digital pedal.
❌ Not suited for those preferring pristine digital delays: Designed to emulate vintage tape machines, the RE-202 excels in warm, characterful echoes, not clean, transparent digital repeats.
Inspired by one of the most revered delay units in music history, the Boss RE-202 Space Echo brings the sought-after sound of the Roland RE-201 into a pedal format, eliminating the maintenance demands of vintage hardware. Meticulously modeled after a pristine RE-201, this pedal offers an unparalleled recreation of the original tape echo experience.
Tape delays are celebrated for their organic and sometimes unpredictable sonic textures. While original tape machines were known for their inherent quirks, the RE-202 provides precise control over parameters like Wow, Flutter, and Saturation. It also allows adjustment of individual tape heads—features unavailable on the original RE-201—offering a blend of vintage character and modern precision.
The result is arguably the most authentic Space Echo emulation available, solidifying its place among the best tape delay pedals. The RE-202 also offers extensive connectivity, including expression pedal input for parameter modulation, such as controlling feedback for oscillation effects, and stereo/mono operation, along with MIDI control, making it versatile for any setup.
EXPERT VERDICT: BOSS RE-202 SPACE ECHO
EXPERT VERDICT: BOSS RE-202 SPACE ECHO by Trevor Curwen
“Boss has truly excelled with the RE-202, accurately replicating the iconic Space Echo sound while surpassing the capabilities of the original Roland RE-201. For anyone who has dreamed of owning a Space Echo but deemed it impractical, the RE-202 offers the perfect solution with complete confidence.”
Read the full review: Boss RE-202 Space Echo Review
Best Analog Delay
MXR Carbon Copy delay pedal
The Carbon Copy is the definitive analog delay pedal for warm tones. (Image credit: Future)
4. MXR Carbon Copy
Pure Analog Delay with Lush Warmth
Specifications
Type: Analog delay
Bypass: Buffered
Tap-tempo: No
Modes/patches: 2
Reasons to Buy
- Integrated modulation for rich textures
- Distinctive warm and organic analog sound
- Stacks effectively with other effects pedals
Reasons to Avoid
- May not be ideal for genres requiring bright, crisp delays
At a Glance
✅ Best choice for authentic analog delay tones: The Carbon Copy is celebrated for its warm, enveloping delay trails, making it a favorite for guitarists seeking classic analog warmth.
❌ Less suitable for players needing bright, articulate delays: The Carbon Copy leans towards a darker tonal character, which may not suit styles that demand bright, cutting delay effects.
The MXR Carbon Copy, with its built-in modulation, delivers a uniquely rich and textured sound. While versatile, it particularly excels in genres like shoegaze, dream pop, and ambient music, and is also favored by post-rock guitarists for its atmospheric capabilities.
The Carbon Copy stands strong on its own and also enhances complex pedalboards, creating lush, pad-like echoes when placed after overdrive pedals. Though equipped with a bright switch to boost high frequencies, its inherent character remains warmer and darker compared to many digital delay pedals.
Engaging the mod switch unleashes stunning sonic textures, adding a chorus-like modulation to the delay trails. This modulation is both shimmering and substantial, perfect for subtly thickening tone in slapback settings or creating vast ambient soundscapes with longer delay times and increased repeats.
EXPERT VERDICT: MXR CARBON COPY
EXPERT VERDICT: MXR Carbon Copy by Paul Riario
“The Carbon Copy provides all the desirable analog warmth with its gently decaying repeats, adding dimension to your guitar tone, especially in the Bright voicing. In its standard mode, the CC Mini mirrors the beloved darker repeats of the original Carbon Copy, which I and many players appreciate for adding a layer of ambiance to solos and rhythmic parts.”
Read the full review: MXR Carbon Copy Mini Review
Best for Gigging
Strymon Timeline delay pedal
The Strymon Timeline is our top recommended delay pedal for live performances. (Image credit: Future)
5. Strymon Timeline
Uncompromising Quality for the Stage (and Studio)
Specifications
Type: Digital Delay
Bypass: Buffered
Tap tempo: Yes
Modes/patches: 12
Reasons to Buy
- Intuitive and efficient user interface
- Exceptional, studio-grade sound quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Feature set may be surpassed by newer units in specific areas
At a Glance
✅ Optimal delay pedal for live performance: The Timeline is packed with high-fidelity delay tones and extensive, stage-ready features, establishing itself as a modern benchmark for gigging guitarists.
❌ Not for players seeking absolute simplicity: The Timeline’s depth and range of features may be overwhelming for those who prefer a more basic delay pedal.
The Strymon Timeline revolutionized the delay pedal market by offering studio-grade sound in a pedal format, rivaling rack-mounted studio delay units. It has since become a modern classic, particularly favored for live performance due to its reliability and sonic excellence.
The Timeline’s user interface is well-designed, providing ample controls directly on the front panel. While some competitors have introduced firmware updates with more advanced features accessible through deeper menu diving, the Timeline maintains a balance of powerful capabilities with user-friendly operation.
The Strymon Timeline is a common sight on professional pedalboards worldwide, valued for its superior sound quality and extensive tweakability. For guitarists prioritizing top-tier sound and a streamlined interface, the Timeline remains an outstanding choice for live and studio applications.
Best Budget Option
TC Electronic Echobrain delay pedal
For quality analog delay on a budget, the Echobrain is highly recommended. (Image credit: Future)
6. TC Electronic Echobrain
Analog Warmth Without Breaking the Bank
Specifications
Type: Analog delay
Bypass: Buffered
Tap-tempo: No
Modes/patches: N/A
Reasons to Buy
- Unbeatable value for money
- Excellent entry-level analog delay
- Robust and durable construction
Reasons to Avoid
- Less versatile compared to more feature-rich delays
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for vintage-style delay tones on a budget: The Echobrain delivers classic analog tape-like echoes at a remarkably affordable price, making it accessible to all guitarists.
❌ Not for players needing diverse delay types: The Echobrain focuses on a single, analog-style delay, which may not satisfy users seeking a wide range of delay effects.
For guitarists seeking the warmth of analog Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) delay without a high price tag, the TC Electronic Echobrain is an exceptional budget-friendly delay pedal. True to TC Electronic’s reputation for value, the Echobrain offers impressive performance at an incredibly competitive price point.
The Echobrain’s sonic character is notably organic, and its controls are surprisingly responsive. From rapid, stuttering repeats to infinite feedback and oscillation, it offers a wide range of expressive possibilities. The repeats are rich in character, lending themselves well to psychedelic and lo-fi styles, adding vintage texture to your guitar tone.
While slightly larger than a standard compact pedal, the Echobrain remains pedalboard-friendly. Top-mounted jacks simplify setup, and the only minor drawback is the switch activation on release, rather than press. However, this can be easily adapted to with a slight adjustment in playing technique or switch replacement, making it a minor compromise for the value offered.
Spec Comparison
Explore a detailed comparison of the specifications for each delay pedal in our guide. This allows you to directly compare key features, aiding in your decision-making process.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Model | Type | Bypass | Tap Tempo | Sounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 6 DL4 MKII | Digital | Buffered | Yes | 30 |
| Boss DD-3T | Digital | Buffered | Yes | 1 |
| Boss RE-202 Space Echo | Digital | Buffered | Yes | 12 |
| MXR Carbon Copy | Analog | Buffered | No | 2 |
| Strymon Timeline | Digital | Buffered | Yes | 12 |
| TC Electronic Echobrain | Analog | Buffered | No | 1 |
Also Consider
Looking for more delay options? Here are additional top-rated delay pedals worth exploring. If our top picks didn’t include your ideal delay, these alternatives offer even more choices to consider.
Strymon El Capistan V2
Digital | Buffered | 3 sounds
With multiple tape-head configurations emulating classic tape echo units, along with controls for wow, flutter, and tape age, the El Capistan V2 excels in a range of tape echo sounds. From clean, forward echoes ideal for pop, to darker, grittier tones perfect for ambient and shoegaze, it offers versatility and vintage character.
★★★★★
Read more: Strymon El Capistan V2 Review
Boss DM-2W Analog Delay PedalBoss DM-2W
Analog | Buffered | 2 sounds
The Boss DM-2 and DM-3 are revered as some of the finest analog delay pedals ever created. The DM-2W, part of Boss’s Waza Craft series, delivers the classic, rich, dark echo tones of the DM-2, enhanced with modern build quality. Excellent for both recording and live performance, it pairs beautifully with other delay and drive pedals, offering hours of inspiring sound exploration and expression pedal control for added sonic depth.
★★★★½
Read more: Boss DM-2W Review
Electro-Harmonix Canyon
Digital | Buffered | 11 sounds
The Electro-Harmonix Canyon is a versatile multi-delay pedal offering a wide array of delay types, from tape echo to shimmer and octave delays. While its overall voicing is less pristine than some studio-focused units, it’s incredibly fun to use and excels at inspiring creativity, making it a great tool for sonic experimentation.
★★★★½
Read more: Electro-Harmonix Canyon Review
Universal Audio Starlight Digital Delay Pedal
Universal Audio Starlight
Digital | True & buffered bypass | 9 sounds
The Universal Audio Starlight, with its dual-processor design, authentically replicates the sounds and responses of legendary delay hardware. It features emulations of a 60s Echoplex, a vintage Deluxe Memory Man, and pristine digital delays derived from Universal Audio’s extensive history in audio processing, offering a blend of vintage warmth and modern clarity.
★★★★½
Read more: Universal Audio Starlight Review
TC Electronic Flashback 2 Mini
Digital | Buffered | 8 sounds
The TC Electronic Flashback 2 Mini is a compact yet powerful delay pedal, offering impressive features for its size and price. It delivers solid sounds across its various delay modes, with user-adjustable parameters and a consistently warm, organic tone, avoiding harsh digital artifacts.
★★★★☆
Read more: TC Electronic Flashback 2 Mini Review
Glossary
Universal Audio Starlight delay pedal controls close up
(Image credit: Future)
Confused by delay pedal terms? Our glossary clarifies key concepts, from bucket brigade devices to buffered bypass, helping you understand delay technology.
Analog delay – Analog delay pedals use analog circuits to create delay effects. They manipulate continuous electrical signals to mimic waveforms, typically using bucket brigade devices for a warmer, less pristine delay sound.
Bucket brigade device (BBD) – A BBD is an analog circuit composed of a series of capacitors. The audio signal is passed through, sequentially charging and discharging each capacitor, which slows down the signal and creates the delay effect.
Buffered bypass – Buffered bypass enhances the guitar signal as it passes through the pedal, maintaining signal strength, especially in complex pedalboards with long cable runs. It prevents signal degradation and tone loss.
Digital delay – Digital delay pedals simulate analog delay using digital signal processing. The incoming analog signal is converted to digital, processed using algorithms to create delay effects, and then converted back to analog at the output. Digital delays can achieve pristine, clean repeats and often offer more features and versatility.
Feedback – In delay pedals, feedback controls the number of repeats. Higher feedback settings result in more repeats of the delayed signal, creating longer and more sustained echoes, potentially leading to self-oscillation.
Repeats – The repeats control, often labeled ‘Time’ or ‘Rate’, adjusts the interval between delay repetitions. It determines the rhythmic spacing of the echoes following the original sound.
Tap tempo – Tap tempo allows manual synchronization of the delay time to the tempo of the music. By tapping a footswitch in time with the beat, the delay time is set to match the desired tempo, crucial for live performances and rhythmic precision.
Tape delay – Tape delay pedals emulate the sound of vintage tape echo machines from the 60s and 70s. Tape delays are known for their warm, saturated, and often slightly degraded repeats, due to the nature of tape recording and playback.
Time – Time, or ‘Rate’ or ‘Repeats’, is a control that sets the duration between delay repetitions, influencing the rhythm and spacing of the echoes.
Wow & flutter – Wow and flutter refer to pitch modulation artifacts in tape machines. Wow is a slow, low-frequency pitch variation, while flutter is a faster, higher-frequency modulation. These effects, often emulated in tape delay pedals, add character and unpredictability to the delay sound.
Analog or Digital?
Electro-Harmonix Memory Boy delay pedal front panel close up
(Image credit: Future)
Delay pedals primarily fall into two categories: analog and digital. Early delay units used tape loops, evolving to analog pedals using bucket brigade chips. Digital delays then emerged, offering new capabilities and pristine sound reproduction.
Analog delays use bucket brigade chips to slow down the guitar signal. This process results in a warmer, often darker, and less precise delay. The repeats degrade over time, becoming ‘warblier’, which many guitarists find appealing for its character and organic feel. Analog delays are also known for their ability to self-oscillate, creating unique, runaway feedback effects.
Digital delays, conversely, can replicate the guitar signal with high fidelity, producing clean and consistent repeats. While some perceive this as sterile, digital technology allows for precise control and emulation of various delay types, including analog and tape delays. High-end digital delays can convincingly mimic the nuances of vintage units, often making it difficult to distinguish them from the ‘real thing’. The choice between analog and digital often depends on personal preference and the desired sonic character.
How to Choose
Electro Harmonix Canyon delay pedal on wood table angled
(Image credit: Future)
Selecting the best delay pedal depends on your specific needs and musical goals. For basic delay needs, such as occasional use or simple experimentation, a single footswitch pedal with essential controls may suffice.
However, guitarists requiring more versatility might consider feature-rich delay pedals. Larger units often include multiple footswitches for preset switching, tap tempo for tempo synchronization, and extensive controls for detailed sound shaping. Tap tempo is particularly useful for synchronizing delays with song tempos in live settings.
Pedals with numerous knobs offer deep customization, allowing adjustment of not just repeats and level, but also delay tone, decay characteristics, and modulation. These advanced controls enable precise tailoring of the delay sound to match individual preferences and musical contexts, opening up vast creative possibilities.
FAQs
Boss DM-2w delay pedal on floor with cables plugged in
(Image credit: Future)
What does a delay pedal do?
A delay pedal records a copy of the played note and replays it, creating an echo effect. The pedal’s settings determine the timing and character of these repeats, ranging from quick, single echoes to long, sustained repetitions.
Where should I put my delay pedal in my pedal chain?
The conventional placement for a delay pedal is after drive and modulation effects but before reverb. This setup generally produces a natural-sounding echo that complements other effects. However, pedal order is subjective and experimental. Placing delay before modulation or reverb can yield unconventional, creative textures. For experimental music, placing delay early in the chain can create chaotic and unique effects.
Why do I need a delay pedal?
While not strictly essential, a delay pedal significantly enhances guitar tone. It adds depth and dimension, especially to lead guitar, creating a sense of space and fullness. Even subtle delay settings, like slapback, can thicken rhythm guitar parts. Delay is a versatile effect that enriches and expands the sonic possibilities of the guitar.
How We Test
Guitar World reviewers testing effects pedals
(Image credit: Future)
At Guitar World, our review team comprises experienced musicians passionate about delay effects. Many of us personally use delay pedals from this guide in our rigs, bringing extensive real-world experience from live performances, studio recordings, and in-depth sonic experimentation.
Our selection process for the best delay pedals involves evaluating delay types, versatility, build quality, and performance in diverse musical settings. We rigorously test pedals across various sonic landscapes, from ambient textures to rock riffs. Our recommendations are based on comprehensive testing and aim to meet the needs of both beginners and professional guitarists.
Each recommendation stems from meticulous testing and a dedication to providing valuable insights for guitarists at all levels. We aim to guide you through the vast world of delay pedals, helping you find the perfect sound for your musical journey.
Learn more about how we test products and services and how we formulate our recommendations.
