Article updated on March 21, 2023
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A Guide to Delay+Reverb Pedal Combos
Echo (aka delay) and Reverb are often grouped as part of the same family of sound effects, and for good reason: reverb is nothing more than thousands of delays as they happen almost simultaneously in a contained space, a multitude of echo reflections that are so close to each other that we can’t distinguish the single repeats.
When combined, however, the two effects can create a spectrum of very interesting results, from washed-out soundscapes to eerie ghostly atmospheres that make this combo a must for guitarists with psychedelic and ambient leanings.
In this article, we gathered all the best dual-engine devices that offer you delay and reverb in one box. We didn’t include multi-mode reverb or delay pedals that don’t allow separate tweaking of each effect.
We divided them into two categories:
Best Stereo Delay+Reverb Pedal Combos
Best Mono Delay+Reverb Pedal Combos
Best Stereo Delay+Reverb Pedals with Extra Features
As usual, in our interactive galleries, a mouseover or first tap will get you a description of the pedal, while a click or second tap will open a video.
Best Stereo Delay + Reverb Pedal Combos
The stompboxes in this list offer a Stereo output, which is something that’s particularly intriguing for space-related effects like delay and, in particular, reverb, because Stereo reflections can convey a sense of 3d space placement that emulates what we hear in real life with our two ears. Also, Stereo can open up extra creative options in a studio or sound design environment, and it’s great for modulation, an effect often found in pedals simulating the wow and flutter of tape echo machines.
On average more expensive than their Mono counterparts, these pedals are often also larger, which allows them to have space for more knobs/functions and, in most cases, separate footswitches for delay and reverb, presets and Tap Tempo functionality.
THE TOP 3
- Source Audio Collider
Two popular pedals embedded in a stereo Delay+Reverb effect with Midi, Tap Tempo, and Freeze function. It includes a choice of 5 delay algorithms that can be combined with 7 reverbs for effects ranging from the subtle to the sci-fi.. 4 of the 6 knobs have a double function through a three-way toggle switch. Control knobs affect algorithm-specific settings. - EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run V2
With up to 2 seconds of delay and lush stereo reverb, Avalanche Run creates floating ambient tones through deep but still user-friendly functionality. It has modes for Both (standard delay and reverb) and Reverse (reverse delay and standard reverb), but the real prize here is Swell mode. Exp in is CV compatible. - NUX Atlantic
A super-compact, digital, stereo 3-mode Delay (’70s tape, ’80s BBD, and ’90s Digital mode) with an added 3-mode Reverb (Spring, Plate and Hall). Each effect has its own footswitch, with the left one also controlling tap tempo and the right one for Shimmer. Inside routing lets you decide what effects is first or whether to run them in parallel or series.
Full list and descriptions below (click/tap for video).
Best Mono Delay + Reverb Pedal Combos
Normally more affordable and compact than their Stereo siblings, these Mono Delay + Reverb Combo Pedals are great for those who plan on using them exclusively with their single amp. Tap Tempo and separate footswitch for each effect are becoming standard even for this category, while many include extras like modulation, EQ and flexible routing.
THE TOP 3
- Keeley Caverns V2
V2 combines reverb and analog-style tape delay with modulation options. It has three modes: Spring, a blackface amp-style spring reverb with Fender-esque tremolo; Modulation, which adds choral modulation to the reverb; and Shimmer, which emphasizes octave-up voices in the reverb trails. - Earthquaker Devices Dispatch Master
An evergreen delay + reverb with a character that’s luscious and haunting at once. Its dark and ambient quality doesn’t sound unnatural. It’s extremely simple to use, with only four knobs for Mix, Time, Reverb (length) and Repeats (delay). - Flatsons Time Effects
A remarkable, insanely affordable Chinese mini delay+reverb pedal with a LCD screen, an integrated tuner, a battery, and a headphone out! There are three reverb types (Hall, Spring and Room), while the delay only has one mode. The effects’ volume can be set separately, and they can be routed in series or parallel.
Full list and descriptions below (click/tap for video).
Best Delay+Reverb Pedals with Extra Effects
As it often, or rather, always happens in the stompbox realm, some manufacturers like to take things one step further, adding extra features to established effect formats. These efforts often end up producing some truly inspiring devices. The pedals in this list include both a delay and a reverb section, but integrated in a circuit that offers a lot more than that, from filters to synthesis to reverse.
THE TOP 3
- Hologram Microcosm
A multi-mode granular looper/phrase looper/delay with added filter and reverb. Features include: 11 unique granular and looping effects with 44 preset variations, Stereo In/Out, Expression In mappable to many controls, MIDI, 60 sec. Phrase Looper, Stereo Reverb, “Hold” function to freeze effects and patterns, pitch modulation, Resonant Lowpass Filter, presets, trails and Tap Tempo. - Collision Devices Black Hole Symmetry
A hand-built, textural and spacey pedal with Delay, Modulation, Pitch Shifting, Reverb and Fuzz. The delay (left footswitch) is modulated by two oscillators and its repeats can be pitch-shifted. The reverb (center footswitch) is long and atmospheric and the “Destruction Fuzz” (right switch) engages the big “Disintegrate” knob, which can drastically push the volume. - Keeley Loomer
A modulated reverb + fuzz pedal with Focus, Hall and Reverse modes and Flat, Full or Scoop for fuzz. Hall mode includes an octave in a feedback loop for “ascension shimmer” effects, while Reverse creates rhythmic reverse reverbs. Soft Focus features a dense reverb with two parallel delays. Knobs for Tone, Warmth, Depth (modulation), Filter and Fuzz let you sculpt a vast range of tones.
Full list and descriptions below (click/tap for video).
Videos about Delay and Reverb Combo Pedals
Here are some videos with advice on how to use delay and reverb pedals together.
Pedal order: Reverb into Delay or Delay into Reverb?
How to use ambient reverb before modulation and delay on your pedalboard
Shootout: Keeley Caverns vs. EQD Dispatch Master vs. Wampler Ethereal
