If you are fond of playing the guitar, enriching your sound is one of those things that can make you stand out as a guitarist. With a guitar delay pedal, you can create excellent echo effects and harmony which livens your guitar sound and style.
But finding the right effect pedal is not always the easy part. At least not with the many types of delay pedals on the market today. You’ll encounter three different categories including; tape delay pedals, analog, and digital delay pedals.
Digital delays are the most popular as they produce perfect echoes with long delay times. Analog delays produce natural sounds but cannot provide delays longer than 300 milliseconds with ease. Tape delays, on the other hand, are the most expensive mostly because of their large size and strikingly natural sound.
Whichever effects you want to create, we are here to give you some of the best options on the market. These brands are versatile. They are those that you’ll find on every pedal boards with some of the most sought features. They apply to a wide variety of genres, so buckle up as we find out what makes them unique.
10 Best Guitar Delay Pedals
1. Boss DD-500 Digital Guitar Delay Pedal
The Boss DD-500 is one of its company’s best sellers. It showcases some handy features including an incredible design. It explores digital circuitry with a triple footswitch.
Its controls setup also draws attention to what it has to offer. The 12 delay types, physical knobs, level tone, feedback, and mod depth are quick and easy to reach.
The DD-500 benefits from more in-depth editing controls which we can’t say about the older DD versions.
You’ll fall for the crystalline sound quality owing to the 12 delay modes. Apart from the first five which you may have experienced with the previous models, the DD-500 also has vintage digital, SFX, pattern, Slow Attack, Tera Echo, and Shimmer effects. With such a wide variety you’ll be able to explore as much as you’d like for your genre. It’s a delay pedal that makes your music memorable more so if you are an adept vocalist.
When it comes to the triple footswitch, you have a pedal that can control tap tempo, two patches, bypass, and delay back selection. The footswitch can be assigned different functions from the layering of different patches to producing unique sound effects like twist and warp. The footswitches are all metallic with a narrow design. They have an LED attached to them making it more useful for stage performances.
Pros
- All knobs and controls are well visible
- It uses a heavy-duty metal chassis
- Loop is extendable to 60 seconds
- It can run on AC power or 4xAAA batteries
Cons
- Most guitarists mention they won’t be using most of the parameters on this pedal
2. TC Electronic Flashback Mini Delay Pedal
If you are just getting into the world of delay pedals, the TC Electronic brand is regarded with esteem in the music industry. Their mini model comes with some unique properties among them audio tapping and TonePrint capability. It has a free TonePrint Editor which we’ll look at shortly. Just like many other compact pedals, it has a three-knob layout that makes it easy to dial in and be in control.
With audio tapping, you can set the delay time by strumming the guitar as you hold down the delay pedal. It gets you better at coordination so that you can mix and reverb on the pedalboard. If you wish to utilize some of your favorite artist’s delays, you can have access to the flashback-mini function. With the free TonePrint Software, you’ll be able to download and customize unique tones.
The TC Electronic model allows you to choose dynamic delays, analog, and even tape delay effects. You have an ultra-small pedal that can fit seamlessly into the most packed pedalboards. It does not have massive modulations, but you’ll love the sound quality. The tone is not only warm but also playable in the first instant you get to listen to it. It’s a quick way to start enjoying the perks of delay.
Pros
- It is beam enabled where you can use the TonePrint app to send TonePrints to this device
- It can cram many delay types
- It’s a small size but houses incredible delay sounds
- Creates tones using TonePrint
Cons
- You may need some time to master the strum-tempo feature
3. Boss DD-3T Digital Guitar Delay
With a full 800 milliseconds delay, the Boss DD-3T has slowly risen to the top of the music industry’s standards. First produced in 1986, this delay pedal is sturdy, compact, and simple to operate. Just fit it in your pedalboard and start enjoying the three delay time modes. You have a 12-bit delay that combines both analog and digital effects for unique stage performances.
On this stompbox design, you have four switches that control the modes, feedback, delay, and effect level. It meets most modern standards from the delay time to the volume on the FEEDBACK. With only four knobs, it means you have some limit on the tonal effects, but this pedal has improved sound quality. It is excellent for starter guitarists who don’t need to waste time mastering different controls.
This is a simple delay pedal, but it can apply to many music genres. For those who use acoustic guitars, it has a satisfying sound that takes your tones to a higher level. You’ll also love that it is shred-friendly, and it responds perfectly to overdriven sounds. Looking at the chassis, it is a rugged, metallic cover that protects it from damage. Not to mention, you can power this device using an AC adapter or a 9V battery.
Pros
- It uses rubber on the bottom surface to prevent slippage
- It has simple controls on the face of the stompbox
- It is great on a wide range of music styles
- Achieves outstanding sound quality
Cons
- It does not have tap tempo option
4. Line 6 DL4 Stomp Box Guitar Delay Modeler
The Line 6 DL is a notable delay pedal in the world of guitarists. It has over ten years on the market, and it remains as reliable as when it first appeared on the market. It has digitally modeled effects that include 16 vintage delay effects. But it has an inbuilt looper that has a 14-second recording time. It becomes more practical to use this looper to attain a longer recording time. This is achieved by setting the speed to half before you start recording.
The DL4 processes in true 24-bit stereo. This means that the right signals stay on the right while the left signals remain on the left. It lets you create a full stereo effect since you can run two different signals on two separate amps. The three programmable presets are perhaps the best for live performances. You can store different presets and also get real-time control of these effects through the expression pedal.
This delay pedal can run for 30 hours thanks to the four C batteries provides. Better still, you have the optional PX-2G adapter to use when you want to connect directly to a power outlet. You can take it just about anywhere from outdoor performances to road trips away from civilization.
Pros
- It provides three programmable presets
- It has tap tempo option
- It has stereo inputs and outputs
- It has an inbuilt looper
Cons
- There have been complaints about the footswitches being fragile
5. MXR-M169 Carbon Copy Analog Guitar Delay Pedal
If you love the sound of a real analog effect, then you will find the MXR-M169 irresistible. You should not expect any looping or tap tempo functions, but the sound quality is outstanding. It explores bucket brigade technology which produces a rich and warm delay. With this delay pedal, you get up to 600 milliseconds of delay time plus optional modulation through the top-mounted switch.
This model utilizes a three-knob layout which includes the delay time control, MIX, and REGEN functions. The delay knob controls the rate of delay; the MIX operates the delay level while the REGEN handles the number of repeats. All these operations are in a compact pedal, but the buttons are large enough for simple dialing in. It also has two inbuilt trim ports which help in controlling the rate and width of the modulation.
This model is stage-ready. It has blue LEDs for easy reading on the inputs, and it operates on 9V batteries. It also has the option of using an AC adapter. Its flexibility is a significant advantage for every professional and on-the-road guitarist. The Carbon Copy is available at a super-friendly price considering that incredible guitar experts like Billie Joe Armstrong have found room for it on his pedalboard.
Pros
- It’s a real analog delay pedal
- Three-knob layout is fast and simple to master
- It explores true bypass
- It has blue LEDs on the face
Cons
- The echo quality diminishes after making 4-5 repeats
6. Tom’sline Engineering Digital Delay Pedal
Michael Angelo is best known for his advanced music career. Appearing in top music magazines and even named as the world’s No.1 shredder by the Guitar Magazine, Michael Angelo uses one of the most remarkable delay pedals. Tom’sline Engineering is a 3-in-one design model. It utilizes one footswitch to toggle from echo, mode, and normal functions.
You can create the most desirable delay as it has endless sound repeat counts and a max delay of 838 milliseconds. With the time and level controls, it lets you balance out the effects creating pleasant sound. You’ll appreciate that it has a stop bar that prevents the accidental move of buttons. This way, you’ll be on top of your game even during live performances.
This delay pedal explores a very compact design. It is barely the size of an iPhone weighing in at about 4.6 ounces. You can stuff it in small places including your pockets. With the hard aluminum case, it is impact and shatter-resistant. So don’t mind the constant foot-tapping especially for hard rockers. It is a solid device that will be a worthy investment.
Pros
- It’s a simplified and practical design for beginners
- Takes very little space on the pedal board
- It produces fantastic sound with the endless sound repeat counts
- It has sturdy switches that are resistant to damage
Cons
- It does not have a stereo processor
7. Empress Tape Delay Guitar Effects Pedal
One of the most impressive aspects of using a tape delay pedal is the high flavor and quality of sound.
The Empress Effects model is a device that matches up to this expectation thanks to the rich and lush sound it produces.
Its signal-to-noise ratio is at around 103dB. It features tap tempo with ratios. This helps in setting the tap delay speed as well as make fast tempos through the ratio selection.
This delay pedal has a true bypass. It lets you have a crisp sound that’s unattained by many other delay pedals. You can also use buffered bypass with trails to help enhance the signal. With the buffered bypass, you can say goodbye to popping and even expect sustained quality on all your sounds. You can customize the tape delay to suit your specific needs with the advanced configuration setting that is pretty easy to use.
Weighing in at only 1 lb, this model has a dependable die-cast aluminum cover. It is resistant to rust and corrosion from regular use. You’ll notice that the knobs are well-aligned such that it becomes quick when choosing the different presets. Other controls include the four switches to help toggle through modulation, low/high pass filter, delay time, and the other presets.
Pros
- All features are accessible in the configuration mode
- It has an analog dry path
- Superior sound quality
- Sleek, black design with easy to read toggles and controls
Cons
- It is a bit pricey, but you’ll appreciate the many features it brings forth
8. Valeton Coral Echo Digital Delay 11 Types Guitar Effects Pedal
For all ambient musicians out there, the Valeton Coral Echo is one versatile delay pedal with 11 high-quality delay algorithms.
It is modeled with a digital circuit to provide an accurate delay in the purest form. You’ll like that it gives you many possibilities in a very practical sense.
If you are an experimental musician, finding your unique sound is fast and easy with the Valeton Coral Echo.
This model comes in a small stompbox design. It makes it easy for you when transporting it to different music locations. To select the various presets, you just have to use the big, white knob at the center of the device. It lets you choose such sounds created from analog and tape delay as well as lo-fi emulations and tube effects.
With an aluminum die-cast construction, this device boasts a heavy-duty construction. It is deemed to last in great condition over many years of use. The footswitch is a true bypass which means it is a top-end as it produces crystal clear echo signals. All the presets have an evident natural sound.
Pros
- It has a wide array of presets
- True bypass footswitch
- It is a budget-friendly model
- Easy and fast to control
Cons
- The writings on it are small, so you may need to concentrate more when making adjustments
9. Behringer VD 400 Vintage Delay Pedal
The Behringer VD400 is a model you definitely want to consider if you look forward to hyping up your sound quality. It explores the unique old-school bucket brigade technology to bring out effects you have not experienced with any other analog delay pedal. It has this unique ambiance that is clear and yet with some aura added to it. It provides you with up to 300ms recording time.
This is a little stompbox with dedicated Echo, Intensity, and Repeat Rate Controls. You’ll feel like going back in time when music was cool rock and roll. It gives you a clean signal thanks to the advanced noise reduction circuit. You can also run all signals through separate rigs through the dual outputs.
For stage performances, the blue LEDs will let you know when the unit is ON for seamless operations. Pedalboard integration is also effortless through an AC adapter or just a standard 9V battery. It promises durability seeing that the plastic case is extremely rugged for regular use.
Pros
- Comes with a low price tag
- It has an LED status indicator
- It has basic but efficient controls
- It features reliable noise cancellation technology
Cons
- The plastic case is not recommended for heavy stomping
10. Donner Yellow True Fall Vintage Pure Analog Guitar Delay Pedal
Donner Yellow has continued to win many hearts over. From its striking yellow exterior, it features dependable features that bring out a rich tonal quality. It has a PT2399 digital chip that steers it away from being purely analog, but you will appreciate the sound it brings along. It helps to counter the diminishing quality of analog delays.
You will like the build of the Donner Yellow. Although it is in a size that can go into any pedalboard, it packs some weight on it. This is because of the tough aluminum exterior that ensures it will not shatter with heavy stomping. You’ll also like the cute graphics that have large symbols. The three knobs allow you to take control of the echo, time, and feedback of the repetitions.
You may not like that the knobs are slightly small since it means that you need to be more precise on your footing. It has a single input and output with a true bypass mono pedal. It powers through standard 9V batteries or an AC adapter. The ON/OFF button is quite large, and you get to see the status on an LED indicator. You get no distortion and no hum with the Donner Yellow. No wonder it emerges as the most sought delay pedal on our list.
Pros
- Simple to use, and easy to adapt
- It produces clean delay effects
- It can manage up to 620 ms of delay time
- It’s small to fit on any pedal board
Cons
- The sound is not as natural as in other analog delay pedals
Conclusion
Creating your perfect tone is a matter of choosing the most efficient delay pedal. We hope you can find that one model that has the effects you desire to fulfill your music style. We think that these brands have great features that are easy to adapt and drive your music to greatness. Remember not to compromise on the features when buying a budget-friendly model. It’s always good to strike a balance when shopping for the best delay pedal.