Reverse delay with enhanced stereo delay, ping pong and low pass filter. Extremely low resources taken! Unique and original delay. Features: Delay play on alternate left right. Stereo enhanced by Pan Width knob. Low pass filter. Host sync delay rate and free. The 8 best free VST plugins for vocals in 2020. A vocal mixing secret before you go. Did you know that both Ableton and FL Studio has all the effects necessary for proper vocal mixing? It's true — within your DAW, you have access to everything you need to mix vocals to perfection. Downloading free VST Plugins is often not necessary to mix vocals.
- Reverse Delay Vst
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- Vst Reverse Delay
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Choose your free VST plugin here!
Ambience
Free VST plugin AmbienceAmbience is a reverb that rivals the quality of the best commercial reverbs. You are free to decide yourself how much you want to pay for it, and when.
THIS IS A DONATIONWARE. Go to the author's site to make your donation.
See the author's/host site: Magnus/Smartelectronix
Download the plug-in Windows Version (403,34 Ko) or OSX Version (420,17 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Analog Delay
Free VST plug-ins Analog Delay It consist in a delay unit followed by a 2nd order lowpass filter with saturation. The delay-time can evolve between 0 and max-delay which lets you be very accurate. You can also synchronise the delay to the tempo with different resolutions from 1/128 to 1 bar and control the way the delay-time is interpolated with the kind of interpolation and the time-constant.
Copyright © 2004, Rémy Muller. All Rights Reserved
See the author's/host site: mdsp/Smart Electronix
Download the plug-in Windows Version (775,13 Ko) or OSX Version (617,01 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Analogic Delay
Tape delay&noise / Analogic DelayOld magnetic delay simulator.
See the author's/host site: Echo Chamber
Download the plug-in HERE (722,4 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
Anechoic Room Simulator
Free VST plug-in Anechoic Room SimulatorIncredible Room Simulation Plugin...
This plugin is so high fidelity you won´t believe your ears.
DONATIONWARE - Please go to the author's site to make a donation
See the author's/host site: Bram/Smart Electronix
Download the plug-in HERE (123,96 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Room
Bionic Delay
Analogic / Bionic DelayThis enhanced version of the Analogic Delay gives you separate control over the delay times on left and right channel. suitable for ping pong delays and drifting delays
See the author's/host site: The Interruptor
Download the plug-in HERE (856,32 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Analogic
Bouncing Ball Delay
Spatializer / Bouncing Ball DelayNow YOU can bounce like an Aphex Twin ;-) (for those who didn't get it : this was a sarcastic comment ok? go innovate, not copy. there's a zillion uses for this plugin and none of them sound like aphex twin.)
DONATIONWARE - Please go to the author's site to make a donation
See the author's/host site: Bram/Smart Electronix
Download the plug-in Windows Version (80,17 Ko) or Mac Version (49,96 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Spatializer
Chime Machine VST Effect
Spatializer / Chime Machine VST EffectThe Chime Machine effect started life as a spatial enhancer, and then mutated into the comb filtering delay machine it is today. There are four comb filters/delay units inside Chime Machine, and a novel automatic dynamic routing system. As the name suggests, Chime Machine specialises in producing chiming, spatial effects.
See the author's/host site: Broken Gadget
Download the plug-in HERE (597,41 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Spatializer
Chimecho
Free VST plugg-ins ChimechoSpectral delay which splits the signal into 16 bands and applies a different delay to
each individual band.
See the author's/host site: ConcreteFX
Download the plug-in HERE (298,3 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Classic Delay 1.02
Tape delay&noise / Classic Delay 1.02The Classic Delay emulates three of the most commonly used delays / echo sounds types: Tape, Analog, and Digital, but without the introduction of noise.
See the author's/host site: Kjaerhus Audio
Download the plug-in HERE (399,1 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
Classic Reverb
Free VST plug in Classic Reverb Classic Reverb is a nice and smooth reverb that does a good job on almost any instrument. It can be adjusted to sound like most any acoustic space, ranging from a small shower to a large concert hall. With the 'Hi-Damping' control, it is possible to change the sound from bright and sibilant to a more natural / warmer sound.
See the author's/host site: Kjaerhus Audio
Download the plug-in HERE (375,43 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
CurveEQDelay Compensator 1.1
Free VST plug_ins CurveEQDelay Compensator 1.1This VST PlugIn works as a delay compensation module which you can use on tracks that don't have CurveEQ installed.
See the author's/host site: Voxengo
Download the plug-in HERE (187,71 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
DB Audioware Bundle
VST effects DB Audioware BundleIncludes the original tempo delay, the innovative sweep delay, a mono compressor, and the classic tremelo effect.
See the author's/host site: DB Audioware
Download the plug-in Windows Version (156,16 Ko) or Mac Version (122,34 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Delay
Reverb DelaySimple stereo delay with feedback tone control. The file available for download includes 30 plugins including this one.
See the author's/host site: maxim digital audio (mda)
Download the plug-in HERE (1242,02 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Delayer
Delay DelayerDelayer uses 32 delay line (all tempo-synced), you set only the basic delay time. The first delay is at that the time, the second delay at twice that base time, the third at three the basic time and so on . You set the volume of these delays using a bar display type thing and you can alter the global wet/dry , feedback ,coarse/fine delay length and tempo
See the author's/host site: ConcreteFX
Download the plug-in HERE (231,4 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Dual Delay
Spatializer / Dual DelayAnother incredible free plugin, maybe the ultimate stereo delay out there. Powerful and easy to use.
Dual Delay is a DonationWare. Go to the author's site to make a donation.
See the author's/host site: Big tick Audio Software
Download the plug-in Windows Version (140,57 Ko) or OSX Version (111,63 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Spatializer
Dub Box
Echo Dub Box Cool Dub Box Emulation
See the author's/host site: Hues
Download the plug-in HERE (815,05 Ko) See other plugins in the same category: Other
Dubb box
Tape delay&noise / Dubb boxA virtual tape delay, loosely modelled on my venerable Roland Space Echo. Does a fairly good job of emulating the tape saturation, unpredictability and wild self-oscillation of the real deal.
Features main echo and 'second-tapehead' sub-echoes, as well as adjustable vintageness (tape hiss, motor inertia, tape and motor age).
See the author's/host site: ArcDev Noise Industries
Download the plug-in HERE (1078,66 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
DubDelay
Free VST plugins DubDelayDelay with feedback saturation and time/pitch modulation. The file available for download includes 30 plugins including this one.
See the author's/host site: maxim digital audio (mda)
Download the plug-in HERE (1242,02 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
DuckDelay
Free VST plugin DuckDelayThis is a delay whose output is compressed when there is a certain amount of signal present on its input. It allows to use a lot of delay on a voice without loosing too much intelligibility.
Copyright © 2004, Rémy Muller. All Rights Reserved
See the author's/host site: mdsp/Smart Electronix
Download the plug-in HERE (84,06 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
EchoLive
Tape delay&noise / EchoLiveDeveloper description: I built this plug-in for a live performance at the Bazillus Club in Zurich. It features a tap tempo function which makes it easy to create echoes that fit the timing of a live band. Features : the delay time can be defined by tapping the tempo with the mouse or on a midi keyboard or midi controller. Alternatively the delaytime can also be set manually or synchronized with the host application.
Latency compensation: you can compensate your soundcard's latency for perfectly timed echoes in live applications. Tape model including tape saturation, tape hiss, wow & flutter, low and high pass filtering, smooth parameter for continuous delay time changes like on a real tape delay.
See the author's/host site: The Interruptor
Download the plug-in Windows version (1220,95 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
Echomania
Tape delay&noise / EchomaniaBesides being a CPU hog this plug-in goes further than most (all?) real tape delay machines. It's capable of stereo delays, ping pong delays, multitap delays and complex delay textures
See the author's/host site: The Interruptor
Download the plug-in HERE (1474,89 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
Echotank II
Analogic / Echotank IIAnalog-style delay. Born of a love of old delay fx bordering on the illegal (or at least immoral), ET2 is an attempt to capture some of that dub-fueled fire in a virtual form. Syncable modulation, resonant feedback, signal decay. Loosely based on the Boss DM-100.
See the author's/host site: ArcDev Noise Industries
Download the plug-in HERE (791,4 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Analogic
Echotank XL
Free VST plug-ins Echotank XLThe long awaited follow-up to the Echotank II, the XL consists of three ET2's feeding into a freely routable serial / parallel feedback matrix.
Allows for endless modulated loops, multitap delays and heaving feedback in the safety of your own home.
See the author's/host site: ArcDev Noise Industries
Download the plug-in HERE (858,73 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Elottronix
Free VST plug-in ElottronixVST processor which emulates the famous Robert Fripp's effect called 'Frippertronics': Two Revox B-77 making a continuous loop (2-8 seconds delay).
See the author's/host site: Elogoxa
Download the plug-in HERE
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Elottronix XL
Tape delay&noise / Elottronix XLEmulates the famous Robert Fripp's effect called 'Frippertronics': two Revox B-77 making a continuous loop. This enhanced version adds many new features: 80 seconds maximum delay, Delay and LFO Pan now syncable to host, Biquad X filters, Tape noise generator...
See the author's/host site: Elogoxa
Download the plug-in HERE
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
Ferox
Tape delay&noise / FeroxVST vintage tape modeller plugin
JB Ferox is a free tape saturation modeller VST plugin. It has separate controls for saturation and hysteresis effects. Feedback with variable tape speed is provided to simulate vintage tape echos.
See the author's/host site: Jeroen Breebaart
Download the plug-in Windows version (186,17 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
FreeReverbToo 1.6
Free VST plugg-ins FreeReverbToo 1.6- freeze mode
- adjustable gate for gated reverb
- direct visualization of reverb parameters
See the author's/host site: Sinus Web
Download the plug-in HERE (246 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
GlaceVerb
Room / GlaceVerbGlaceVerb is a very particular reverb VST. RVM is a proprietary algorithm developed to calculate the deformations, the vibrations and the acoustic response of surfaces and materials. Imagine a big orchestra playing in a giant box builded with thin metal sheets. As the panels are not very rigid, the box will vibrate according to the energy of music and produce an audible spectral deformation. RVM algorithm is able to simulate such deformations and vibrations and apply them to the original signal. GlaceVerb is the only VST reverberation plugin able to modelize liquid acoustic spaces like water. Unlike other reverbs with presets named Room, Cathedral, Stadium etc., GlaceVerb is very easy to use and comes with 64 hi-quality presets designed for real musical situations (including presets for final mix, strings, piano, vocal tracks, drums, percussions and ultra transparent presets for high-end masterings). Maybe your next main Reverb !
See the author's/host site: Dasample
Download the plug-in Windows version (1390,36 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Room
Karlette
Free VST plug in KarletteA Smart Delay from Steinberg. It can be synchronised with the tempo.
See the author's/host site: Steinberg
Download the plug-in HERE (132,24 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
KarmaFX Deelay
Free VST plug_ins KarmaFX DeelayA tempo controlled stereo delay featuring: Two independent delay lines.
- Coarse delay (0-16 beats/4) and fine delay (1 beat/4) adjustment.
- Up to 4 second delay time (per channel) at 96kHz (8s at 48kHz).
- Dry out, wet out, tempo sync control (auto/or 60-200 BPM)
- Adjustable cross delay feedback mixer (pingpong).
- Feedback gain and tap level adjustment.
- Lowpass filter with adjustable frequency (-6dB/oct).
- Highpass filter with adjustable frequency (-6dB/oct).
- Resonance with adjustable freq and Q.
- DC block in feedback (-3dB at 30Hz).
- 5 ready made presets.
THIS IS A DONATIONWARE. Go to the author's site to make your donation.
See the author's/host site: Karma FX
Download the plug-in HERE (128,94 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Metal Mickey
VST effects Metal Mickey Metal Mickey is a sequenced, synced delay unit. An 8 step sequencer drives the delay time. This is the matrix of red LEDs at the top. The delays are synced to host tempo. Changing the matrix values changes delay time for the given sequencer step. A second sequencer, running at the same speed, controls the delay feedback. This is the row of 8 sliders underneath the Delay time matrix. The sequencer has a number of features... random stepping, mulitplication and division of speed, adjustable slide (from one value to the next) and a an adjustable loop point. The higher delay times can be tuned using the Tuning slider. The wet signal then passes through a multimode filter, a low pass filter and a high pass filter (this allows you to really 'shape' the delay line). Finally the dry and wet signal can be mixed as required. There are also 2 dedicated LFOs.
See the author's/host site: Rozzer
Download the plug-in HERE
See other plugins in the same category: Other
MjRotoDelay
Analogic / MjRotoDelayMjRotoDelay is a delay featuring tempo sync, modulation, bandpass filtering and stereo image transformations. This makes it a very versatile unit which can do everything from cozy analog delays to choruses filling the stereo image, flangers and lofi effects. It can even do some crazy pitch shifting if you set it up right. No gui.
THIS IS A DONATIONWARE. Go to the author's site to make your donation.
See the author's/host site: Magnus/Smart Electronix
Download the plug-in HERE (103,21 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Analogic
Multi Delay
Reverb Multi DelayMulti Delay is a Multi Channel Filter Delay VST & AudioUnit Plugin.
- Up to 10 individual Channels with a Delay and a Filter
- Notch, Lowpass, Highpass and Bandpass Filter
- Every parameter can be modulated by one of the 10 LFOs or by steps (in sync with the host app)
- works on mono, stereo or multichannel tracks
- altivec optimized
See the author's/host site: arne.knup.de
Download the plug-in For OSX Only (949,53 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
NBM-StudioVerb 2.6
Reverse Delay Vst
Delay NBM-StudioVerb 2.6NBM-StudioVerb is a simple VST reverb effect, although the results are absolutely stunning.See the author's/host site: Thiago Born and David Cao
Download the plug-in HERE (197,97 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Neutronium 1.03
Echo Neutronium 1.03BPM-synced lowpass filter with its own LFO.
See the author's/host site: Spirit Canyon Audio
Download the plug-in Windows Version (36,37 Ko) or Mac Version (19,43 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
OldSkoolVerb 1.1
Free VST plugins OldSkoolVerb 1.1This is a reverb unit PC VST plug-in suitable mainly for instruments and sounds which do not have sharp percussive elements to them, otherwise this reverb sounds too edgy. This reverb is great at creating additional ambience.
See the author's/host site: Voxengo
Download the plug-in HERE (425,65 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Omniverb
Room / OmniverbVST Reverberation plugin
Omniverb is a reverberation plugin with separate control of the reverberation time, echo density, room size, and early reflections. It can also be used as a gated reverb.
See the author's/host site: Jeroen Breebaart
Download the plug-in Windows version (210,59 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Room
Palancare Empire 1.05
Free VST plugin Palancare Empire 1.05Unobtrusive but deep reverb effect, combining reverb and a sidechain compression scheme.
See the author's/host site: Spirit Canyon Audio
Download the plug-in Windows Version (38,44 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
PSP PianoVerb
Free VST plug-ins PSP PianoVerbReproduces special kind of reverberation originally provided by piano strings
See the author's/host site: PSP audioware
Download the plug-in HERE (1127,43 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Random Pattern Delay v1.01
Free VST plug-in Random Pattern Delay v1.01A pitched (i.e. very short) delay effect, with a pattern sequencer to control it. Not the most useful plugin, but you might find a place for it if you like weird electronic noises.
See the author's/host site: NDC Plugs
Download the plug-in HERE (225,3 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
RE-201 Space Echo
Free VST plugg-ins RE-201 Space EchoConvolution impulses made for use with SIR, or similar plugin.
See the author's/host site: ArcDev Noise Industries
Download the plug-in HERE (802,43 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Refero 1.03
Spatializer / Refero 1.03A BPM-synced delay line combined with user control-auto-panning.
See the author's/host site: Spirit Canyon Audio
Download the plug-in Windows Version (35,75 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Spatializer
Retro Delay v1.03
Free VST plug in Retro Delay v1.03Retro Delay is a flexible allround delay effect in VST format.
It has the character and sound of a vintage delay unit but features many modern options.
Besides delays, it can produce a wide range of modulation, chorus, flanger and phaser effects.
See the author's/host site: E-Phonic
Free Stereo Delay Vst
Download the plug-in HERE (271,46 Ko)See other plugins in the same category: Other
rgcAudio
Free VST plug_ins rgcAudio A very good and simple reverb.
See the author's/host site: RGC audio
Download the plug-in HERE (370,31 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Rhythmic Metalisation Delay v1.01
VST effects Rhythmic Metalisation Delay v1.01A fairly simple delay plugin which also has a 'Rhythmic Mode'. Basically this alters the delay time in a sequence using very short delay times, which gives a characteristic 'metallic' sound, and effectively allows you to turn previously un-pitched sounds (such as a drum loop), into pitched sequences. Also syncs to the host's tempo, although it should be noted that some older hosts do not support this feature of the VST specification.
See the author's/host site: NDC Plugs
Download the plug-in HERE (483,77 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
RoomMachine 844
Reverb RoomMachine 844Already a classic and in a class of its own. Simulates rooms the physical way. Two virtual loudspeakers and two virtual microphones can be positioned freely. RoomMachine 844 takes care of the rest. RoomMachine 844 is a real time, digital audio room simulator capable of capturing the characteristic spacial sound of natural rooms.
See the author's/host site: Silverspike
Download the plug-in HERE (270,87 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Room
Skutterbug
Delay SkutterbugFollow-up to the Stutterbug, a buffer randomizing delay-type effect. Feeds incoming audio into up to eight delay buffers, the length of which are randomized at adjustable intervals.
Sounds somewhere between a glitchy granuliser and a skipping cd..
See the author's/host site: ArcDev Noise Industries
Download the plug-in HERE (741,86 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Sputnik 1.02
Echo Sputnik 1.02BPM-synced delay line combined with a high-pass filter
See the author's/host site: Spirit Canyon Audio
Download the plug-in HERE (36,5 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Tape Delay
Tape delay&noise / Tape DelayDelay from the DUB SIREN available as a separate plug-in.
- highpass and lowpass filter in the feedback path.
- adjustable simulation of tape hiss (useful for endless delays at high tape saturation levels).
- all parameters are controllable by midi controllers. the assigned midi cc numbers are written on the front panel beside each pot
See the author's/host site: The Interruptor
Download the plug-in HERE (684,1 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
Tape Delay
Tape delay&noise / Tape DelayTape delay emulation. It can do a range of sounds from simple delays, dubby space-echo type effects, to distorted feedback sounds.
Left / right delay line , these can be joined (i.e. the same) or independent of each other - Cross delay / ping pong between these two delays - Delay time in qb which can be auto-synced to host and also fine delay time in milliseconds. Smoothing of delay length changes - Automatic delay ducking and noise gate for reducing the clutter in the mix - Two filters built in the feedback loop, each filter can be one of ten different types (12/24 lo/hi/bp/br + ring mod & comb) , which can be used serially, in parallel or around the distort - Two types of saturation / distortion with hard / soft limiting - Tape flutter emulation using double delay LFO's (can also be used for chorus / vibrato type effects) - Tunable static and variable degrading of the signal.
Midi control of the parameters - PDF manual & 16 presets
See the author's/host site: ConcreteFX
Download the plug-in HERE (301,41 Ko)
Delay Plugin Free
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noiseTempoDelay 1.5
Free VST plugins TempoDelay 1.5This VST PlugIn is a 'packed-with-features' delay module based on tempo, incorporating EQ and tremolo sections with separate controls for each output channel. Instead of a single 'length' control this plug-in implements two separate 'delay' and 'length' controls which allows you to create evenly sounding 'ping-pong' echoes
See the author's/host site: Voxengo
Download the plug-in HERE (542,38 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
Transverb 1.3
Tape delay&noise / Transverb 1.3Transverb is like a delay plugin, but it can play back the delay buffer at different speeds. Think of it like a tape loop with two independently-moving read heads. There are lots of parameters to control and a parameter randomizer for the impatient.
See the author's/host site: Destroy FX
Download the plug-in Windows Version (171,46 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Tape-delay-noise
VNoPhones
Spatializer / VNoPhonesVNoPhones is supposed to counter-act the absolute stereo you get with headphones. (why-o-why I hear you ask...) When we hear stuff under normal enviromental conditions, sounds from any location in our auditory field reach both ears, the contralateral (opposite side) ear receiving a somewhat attenuated and phase-shifted version of the signal that the ipsilateral ear receives (There is also the head-related transfer function, the wierd spectrum adjustment due to lumpy body bits resonating, cancelling and bending various frequencies in various ways, but whoah-ho-ho, we'll just leave that for the moment...!)
See the author's/host site: Vellocet Software
See other plugins in the same category: Spatializer
VPingpong Delay
Spatializer / VPingpong DelayAs it stands the effect is really a stereo delay with separate initial delay time and feedback time for each delay. There is a switch to force it to be a ping-pong delay. The total delay buffer time is 3 seconds (at 44100Hz) for the left and right buffers (about 1.0mb total), which provides a ping pong time delay time of 1.5 seconds between left and right taps.
I have added a filter to the feedback stage so that so sound will progressively get duller(LP)/brighter(HP)/narrower(BP) with each feedback. Be careful with the resonance because with each feed back the resonant frequency gets amplified so the delay will feed back on itself. You can bypass the filter section (and save CPU) by setting the filter type to Thru.
See the author's/host site: Vellocet Software
See other plugins in the same category: Spatializer
WhirlPool
Free VST plugin WhirlPoolA single-tap bpm-linked delay with adjustable delay time (down to 1/16), feedback and filter. Also features three LFOs that can be used to modulate cutoff, resonance and pan of the delay independantly of each other.
See the author's/host site: Audiose
Download the plug-in HERE (776,17 Ko)
See other plugins in the same category: Other
SEE ALSO:
Delay is a crucial audio effect for creating space while mixing music.
Alongside reverb, delay plugins are key tools for crafting the ambience of your songs.
But there are so many different delay plugins out there. Searching for the best one for your session can take you out of your creative flow pretty quick.
Luckily, If you know a bit about the different types of delay and the classic hardware that they’re modelled on, it’s much easier to choose the right one at the right time.
In this article I’ll go through the 4 main types of delay, where to use them in your mix and the best delay plugins for every mix scenario.
But first…
How does delay work?
All delay effects are based on the same time-based principle.
The input of a delay effect goes to a recording medium that makes a copy of the signal. That signal is then played back later in time after a variable duration or delay time.
A portion of the delayed signal is routed back to the input (feedback) and the two signals are blended together (wet/dry mix) to create the illusion of cascading echoes.
No matter how complex a modern delay plugin might be, all delay effects are based on this simple concept.
Here are the 4 main delay types:
Tape Delay
Engineers realized early on that tape based recording systems could be adapted into echo units.
Delay was originally intended to mimic the natural reflections of acoustic echo. But tape delay effects didn’t exactly get it right.
To save space, the tape passed by the heads in a closed loop instead of spooling on a reel. That left limited delay time available and caused the tape to wear out faster.
The “wow and flutter” or subtle speed fluctuations of the tape caused the delayed signal to have a subtle, natural modulation.
The “wow and flutter” or subtle speed fluctuations of the tape caused the delayed signal to have a subtle, natural modulation.
Worn tape and improper biasing added saturation and blurred the repeats together slightly.
What were considered imperfections at the time are highly sought-after today. Engineers jealously covet tape delays for their warm, musical repeats.
Tape Delay Uses
Tape delay is perfect wherever you need a warm but detailed delay with subtle modulation.
There’s something magical about the way a great tape delay sits in a mix. Try out hi-fi studio tape models on vocals and grittier, worn tape styles on electric guitar.
Best Tape Delay VSTs
Free Plugin: E-phonic Tape Delay
E-phonic Tape Delay is a simple but effective plugin for getting started with the sound of analog tape.
Cheap Plugin: IK Multimedia Tape Echo
Tape delay is perfect wherever you need a warm but detailed delay with subtle modulation.
IK Multimedia’s Tape Echo is a quality tape emulation from a respected brand.
It’s a great option If you’re looking for a simple, good-sounding tape echo at an affordable price
Pro Plugin: Soundtoys EchoBoy
Soundtoys EchoBoy is an industry-standard delay for classic tape sounds. It’s a super versatile and incredible sounding delay.
The various tape models are spot on in terms of accuracy and sound—great in any mix.
Analog Delay
As analog technology advanced in the mid-seventies, non-tape based delay alternatives began to appear.
Tape delay units sounded good but they were bulky, impractical and required lots of maintenance.
Musicians wanted a compact delay solution that was consistent and easy to work with live…
So engineers pioneered electronic delay with BBD chips.
The dark, murky repeats of analog delays were an instant hit and the much smaller form allowed delay to make it into guitar pedal format.
A “bucket brigade device” works exactly how you’d imagine. A voltage is passed along a series of capacitance sections like a line of people dumping water into the bucket of the person next to them.
Just like in the analogy, the process works well enough, but there’s inevitably some loss down the line.
The repeats of an analog delay are already fairly dark and indistinct. But each successive feedback pass further degrades the integrity of the signal until it blurs into feedback.
The dark, murky repeats of analog delays were an instant hit and the much smaller form allowed delay to make it into guitar pedal format.
Analog Delay VSTs
Free Plugin: Smartelectronix AnalogDelay
Smartelectronix AnalogDelay is a simple, no-nonsense analog delay plugin.
It’s a great way to get started with analog style delay.
Cheap Plugin: Waves H-Delay
Waves H-Delay is a great workhorse delay that features highly tweakable analog styles great for getting the characteristic murk and feedback of BBD delay.
Pro Plugin: Soundtoys EchoBoy
Soundtoys EchoBoy wins again here for its fantastic analog models. With presets for specific classic units like the Boss DM-2 and EHX Deluxe Memory Man, you can’t go wrong with EchoBoy.
Analog styles can work great for gritty distorted vocals or dirty percussion sounds.
Analog Delay Uses
Use analog delay wherever you need a stylish lo-fi delay with lots of character. Analog styles work great for gritty distorted vocals or dirty percussion sounds.
Digital Delay
You’ve arrived at digital delay—sounds like the end of the line right?
While modern digital delays are nothing short of pristine, it hasn’t always been this way. The first digital delays had severe limitations due to the high cost of processing power in the early digital era.
Effects designers had to resort to programming tricks to cram everything in, giving early digital delays a distinct character.
The first digital delays delivered a character that’s especially evocative of classic records from the 1980s.
The subtle compression and artifacts of the early AD/DA converters used in the first digital delays delivered a character heard often on classic records from the 1980s.
Best Digital Delay VSTs
(Almost) Free Plugin: HoRNet Deelay
HoRNet Deelay is fully functional delay plugin with a satisfying model of the early digital units. At 4,95 € it’s not quite free, but it’s close enough to make it to our list.
Cheap Plugin: Native Instruments Replika
The Native Instruments Replika series is new to the delay plugin scene.
The basic (and most affordable) version of the plugin packs some powerful features including a great vintage digital model.
Pro Plugin: D16 Repeater
D16 Repeater is another fantastic full-featured delay plugin.
It has two separate stereo delay lines for interesting multi-tap effects and has convincing emulations of early digital designs.
Digital Delay Uses
Use digital styles when you want a clear, realistic delay that fits nicely into a mix but still has recognizable character.
The modulation parameters on these types of delays can help you create a depth-enhancing, slightly chorused sound that’ll take you straight back to the best sounds of the 80’s.
Reverse Delay Plugin
Plugin Delay
In today’s DAW era, hardware effects units aren’t the only option anymore. There are a staggering amount of delays that aren’t based on any classic gear at all.
The best thing about pure plugin delays is how powerful and flexible they are. Plugins are capable of creating almost any kind of delay you can imagine—and some that you can’t!
Here’s the best ones…
Best Plugin Delay VSTs
Free Plugin: ValhallaDSP FreqEcho
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho is a simple but powerful free tool for creating off-kilter delay sounds.
With just high/low cut filters and a pitch-shifter on the repeats, the FreqEcho can conjure a inspiring amount of delay weirdness.
Cheap Plugin: ValhallaDSP UberMod
ValhallaDSP UberMod is the full realization of the FreqEcho (see above).
With 32 modulated delay taps and extensive modulation and diffusion options, there’s no shortage of interesting textures you can create with UberMod.
Pro Plugin: FabFilter Timeless 2
FabFilter—The reigning champs of modern DSP engineering—are back with this sophisticated plugin delay.
The filter and modulation options available in Fabfilter Timeless 2 are incredibly versatile and creative.
Reverse Delay Vst Plugin Free Mac
Plugin Delay Uses
The sky’s the limit for how to use plugin delay. Modern delay plugins are outstanding sound design tools. So get creative and come up with something new and exciting.
Delay time is a flat circle
Delay is an incredibly musical effect for creating atmospheres and ambience. It’s an essential mixing tool for every engineer.
Picking the right delay plugin out of sea of options can be a daunting task. But knowing a bit about the kinds of delay that are out there will help you get there faster.
Vst Reverse Delay
So, to recap:
The 11 Best Delay VSTs
Free Delay Vst Plugin
Now that you know a little bit about the different kinds of delay and how to use them, go try out some the different styles on your own tracks.
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