Delay is one of the effects for guitar that more easily lends itself to creative use. On top of that, it works well with pretty much any other effect, from modulation to reverb, pitch-shifting, filter, and even distortion and fuzz, combos that often produce inspiring results.
Aware of that, pedal builders haven’t been shy about mixing it up with other circuits in ways that range from the subtle to the “out there.”
Today’s Most Inspiring Delay Pedals
In this article, we look at 6 of the most inspiring delay pedals of the last generation that do an amazing job of providing the modern guitarist with creative options. For a more in-depth look at this kind of device, we recommend reading our article about experimental and psychedelic delay pedals, or our all-encompassing buyer’s guide to all types of delays.
Here’s an interactive gallery of the featured pedals in alphabetical order, linking to more in-depth videos of each.
Chase Bliss Audio Habits
Not “traditionally” multi-mode, this experimental 60-sec. echo/looper can do so many things that it’s de-facto multi-mode: from regular echo to pitch-shifted trails to modulated delay and looping. The key feature is a 3 min. memory that records everything you play and that can be replayed and fed back into the effect and mixed with the live signal – so it’s also a sampler.
Eventide Micropitch
A versatile effect machine with a unique combination of dual pitch-shifters with fine-resolution de-tuning, delay and modulation – including new positive envelope and negative envelope modulation sources. Tap Tempo and Midi-enabled, it can store up to 127 presets in memory, with 5 loaded for immediate access. It also offers multiple Bypass options: Buffered, Relay, DSP+FX or Kill dry.
Keeley Halo Dual Echo
A compact dual echo with a true stereo path, delivering up to 1500ms per channel with a ton of features for its size, including presets, tap tempo, 5 delay rhythms (i.e. modes), optional modulation, and a high degree of tweakability. Built with Andy Timmons, it features a preset that recreates his modulated dual-echo sound. The Saturate knob simulates the compression and warm saturation of tape.
Meris LVX Modular Delay
A fully featured stereo multi-algorithm delay/looper with a host of other effects, a modular heart, and deep internal routing – including two FX Loops that can be activated through dedicated footswitches. Spectacular and user-friendly UI interface with animated color LCD screen. It inherits algorithms from other Meris pedals but also introduces new ones like Granularize, Casette, and Poly Pitch.
Red Panda Particle V2
This feature-packed, stereo granular delay/pitch shifter chops your signal into small grains and rearranges, shifts, and mangles it. Five delay modes (random, density, LFO, random pitch, and reverse) and three pitch modes (detune, density, LFO) with shifting capabilities of +/-1 octave. V2 adds Tap Tempo and Presets.
Walrus Audio Lore Reverse Soundscape Generator
The only multi-mode reverse pedal on the market with five different programs, each utilizing different combinations of delay and reverb that feed into each other for time-warping ambient creations. Using two DSP chips running in series, each with its own analog feedback path, the Lore takes you on an adventurous journey rich with themes of reversing, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and vast ambiance.
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Related Delay Pedals Guides
- Best Analog, BBD-based Delay Pedals
- Best Tape-Style Delay Pedals
- Best Multi-Mode Delay Pedals
- Best Experimental and Psychedelic Delay Pedals
- Best Binson Echorec-Inspired Pedals
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