Top 5 Delay Pedals on the Market

Originally, when I was going to write this post, I was going to do it a little differently. I was going to pull some various resources to figure out the top 5 delay pedals on the market today. The problem is.. this is quite subjective. Top 5 could mean the best, but best is often not realistic (Does expensive mean best? Is exclusivity best? Is workhorse best? Is popularity best?). I wanted to compile maybe the most ‘popular’ or possibly the best bang for the buck set of delays.

So, I thought I would do something different and post my opinion, but ask for you to supply your own opinion of your top 5 delays below in the comments. Please add some explanations of your choices to help others.

For this, I compiled this short list of common delays available today. I know there are delays missing, but wanted to include delays that I often see on Pedal Line Fridays, and see in recurring discussions on forums, etc. If you feel one is not in here… and should be included, comment or contact me, and I’ll update this post. This list is in no particular order.

Empress SuperDelay
Diamond Memory Lane 2
Pigtronix PHI Echolution
T-Rex Replica Delay
Eventide Timefactor
Strymon El Capistan Tape Echo
Strymon TimeLine
Fulltone Tape Echo
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy
Electro-Harmonix Memory Man
Akai Head Rush E2
Boss DD-20 GigaDelay
Boss RE-20 Space Echo
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
MXR Carbon Copy
Way Huge Aqua Puss Analog Delay
Boss DD-7 Delay
Boss DD-3 Delay
Maxon AD999 Delay

Okay, for my opinion of the Top 5 Delay Pedals on the Market.

1. T-Rex Replica Delay
2. Eventide Timefactor
3. Boss DD-7 Delay
4. MXR Carbon Copy
5.Â Electro-Harmonix Memory Man

T-Rex Replica Delay – I own this personally, and I think this is an awesome delay. Love the tone, love the tap tempo, very warm sounding

Eventide Timefactor – I’ve seen mention of this over and over. It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but there is no denying that this is a popular delay. It may be more complicated than what I like, but I would love to take it for a spin.

Boss DD-7 – I’m including this because it’s a work horse. I almost want to include all the DD series pedals. For the price, it’s a great sounding digital delay. I own a Boss DD-3 and it’s great for the rhythmic delay overlay. I always feel like I want to exclude it, but every time I play it, I’m impressed.

MXR Carbon Copy – I still wonder why I don’t own this. I’ve thought about buying it a ton. This is a perfect example of following Pedal Line Fridays. The amount of times I see this pedal on the line is ridiculous. Probably one of the most popular delays featured on Pedal Line Friday submissions.

Electro-Harmonix Memory Man – I would probably slap the Deluxe Memory Boy, Hazarai, etc. EHX makes some amazing gear, and this is a classic delay. Upper Mid-Range in price, but unbelievably solid. Love the tone. Jimmy Rolle (who does the demos) has an older Deluxe Memory Man, and the pedal is bad ass.

I have a feeling I’m going to change my mind in about an hour….

So let’s hear what your Top 5 is… and more importantly why. Remember, we’re not just picking the 5 most expensive pedals. I think showcasing ‘working man’ delays with the high end stuff is a good metric on the popularity and the effectiveness of the particular delays. Getting feedback from you guys is a great way to see what is hot or required for delay guys.

Nov 21, 2011admin

Comments: 27

Tim
13 years ago
I would bid for any of the TC Electronics Nova Delay/Repeater/Flashback, and the Boss DM series to be popular, especially the Boss DM and the DD3 and 5 among people with multiple delay pedals.
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hbombgraphics
13 years ago
Wow…………….. my top three didn’t even make the list.

1. Subdecay Echobox, optional trails best modulated delay I have played
2. Digitech Time Bender: Gets overlooked way to often, everything it does sounds great and the presets make it way more versitile than alot of twist the knob and do it all delays
3. EQD Disaster Transport (currently own a ghost disaster) But the EQD Delay is a monster.
4. VFE Blue Print: Sounds amazing modulation is awesome
5. Tech 21 Boost DLA: Answers alot of the real needs of delay users (volume dropouts clarity, trails)

Those are my top 5

And one you can’t purchase new but sounds great on every setting…. Ibanez DL10:
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Michael
13 years ago
I would actually substitute the VFE Blueprint for the Carbon Copy. The Carbon is great, but I returned it for the VFE which is like the Carbon on steroids (modulated delay and brightness of delay are more controllable.).
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Adam Parker
13 years ago
Nice pedal shoot-out here. I would have liked to see your opinion(s) of these when introduced into the mix of pedals above. These few extras are all “working musician” priced pedals:

VFE Effects Blueprint – GREAT all around delay
Catalinbread Montavillian – tape delay still (floyd’esque)
CMATMods Deeelay – slapback good comp to original aqua puss
Earthquaker Devices Disaster Transport Delay – Very unique sounding delay pedal (what isn’t unique by this company though?), and lastly:
Dr Scientist Sunny Day Delay (the best pedal builder out there IMO

Thanks. -Adam
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Keith
13 years ago
I was lucky enough to get a Strymon Timeline in the first round. Complete game-changer for me. Beautiful.
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Dave Jones
13 years ago
I was a Boss DD-3/6 user for many a year, and started to look at the Aqua-puss / Carbon Copy options for more warmth and atmosphere .. but what I actually bought was the T-Rex Reptile .. and I so love the tone of it … the shimmering warm, width and dimension it adds to the guitar, it is very rarely turned off. I like the modulation too from time to time as a subtle, natural chorus. It’s a definite long term keeper for me, and not as expensive as the Reptile.
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Stephen
13 years ago
Two of my favourites are the Hardwire DL-8 Delay/Looper and the Malekkko Ekko 616 Analog Delay. The DL-8 is so versatile with many awesome delay settings, and the Ekko 616 is like a Carbon Copy with more modulation power. It also works nicely as a chorus by setting the repeats to a minimum.
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kenstee
13 years ago
My favorite is still the Boss DD-2. With it’s old school large Roland chip (from it’s large rack delays of the ’80’s) it’s sound and performance is awesome! Sometimes I wish it did a bit more than 800ms. But, that’s the trade-off with it. Still can be found on eBay and the like. Prices vary hugely.
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Ferri
13 years ago
Akai Headrush !! Old school and Lo Fi – and there are many funny things you can do with 4 separate outputs …
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Matt Gnarly
13 years ago
I’m a bit surprised the TC Flashback/Nova/Repeater didn’t make the list. I’m not a delay expert, but I have a Flashback on the way and will be building an Echobase soon, and I’d love to try EQD’s delays.
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Brian Biggs
13 years ago
My delays are:
Boss DD3 (someone gave it to me, got me into delays, and I still turn to it often)
EHX Stereo Memory Man w/ Hazarai (mainly use it with synths, very sterile but in a good way. More than a delay with its looper and weird modulations)
Malekko Ekko 616 Lo-Fi (The proguitarshop.com version. Way analog and way warmer than the others. With feedback becomes almost an instrument in itself. Modulating LFO lots of fun to play with.)

I also have a Pittsburgh Analog Delay which is a synth module, but I run my guitar through it and it’s easily the best delay I have used.
http://pittsburghmodular.com/analog-delay/

I’ll be really surprised if I make it through 2012 without getting one of the Strymons — either the El Capistan or the Timeline.
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Saul Robles
13 years ago
I pride myself in being a delay addict so at some point in my short experience I have owned or tried most of the pedals in this list. In my opinion if your going for a Boss single pedal, my favorite is the Boss RV-3…two in one with beautiful colors. With that being said, my top 5 are in the following order from incredible to great:

1. Skreddy Echo
2. Strymon El Capistan
3. Empress Vintage Modified SuperDelay
4. Dr. Scientist Sunny Day Delay
5. Boss RE-20 Space Echo

My 2 cents people…
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Jon Patton
13 years ago
Man, I don’t think you could even cover every archetype of delay pedal with only 5 – there’s the minimalists like the DD3, the modulated minimalists like the 616 and Carbon Copy, stereo analog (Memory Man), tape simulators (El Capistan), true tape delays, dual delay, digital delay, digitally controlled analog (Memory Lane), all-in-one delays (Timeline/Superdelay), budget digital analog simulator delays (Behringer, Joyo, GFS), and man that doesn’t even cover beautiful role players like the Lo-Fi 616 or loop pedals.
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Brian Burdette
13 years ago
I am, by far, not a big delay aficionado, however, in terms of flexibility, tone, ease of use and of course price, TC Electronic Flashback Delay/ Looper is the smart choice + being able to reset parameters with my iPhone anytime and any where (like during a performance!) is insanely groundbreaking
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Marshall Bales
13 years ago
The best delays in my opinion are:
1. Strymon Brigadier
2. Boss DD-20
3. Deluxe Memory Man V1
4. Strymon Timeline
5. Eventide Timefactor

I have spent 7 years just trying out delay pedals and comparing them. I have owned most of the pedals he has listed above but I have used all of them. I have realized that when it comes to delay, you have to spend money. There is nothing you can buy under $180 for delay that is somewhat good. Also, Analogue is the best way to go. Digital delays are not studio worthy let alone big venues. And without tap tempo, your delay is worthless. On delays, go big or go home. You will not regret it and it will be a great investment.
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toetappinbob
13 years ago
Five best delays:
1. Akai Headrush 2
2. Strymon El Capistan
3. Boss DD7
4. Boss DD3
5. TRex Replica

These 5 were chosen because I have been lucky enough to use them all in live situations… and the ultimate delay test for me is “How Does It Fare In Live Mix?” – cause you can achieve almost anything with anything in the studio.
The Akai offers superlative vintage/tape echo, and the tap button is bullet proof.
Both Boss pedals made it because these little boxes just punch so far above their price tag, and honestly, with a DD3 and DD7 side by side you’d have all delay needs taken care of.
The Replica because it’s just fantastically warm.
But the badest horsie in the pack is the Strymon. Check out all of the Strymon pedals on line or in person if you ever have a chance.
Boss if $$$ are the incentive, Strymon if not.
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GS Guitar
12 years ago
I just want to know which is your perspectives if you compare the strymon timeline Vs Pigtronix Phi Echolution? I’m interested to get one of them but I’m not really sure about that and I don’t have the way to make a test of them. any suggestion??? waiting for them…..
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Jimbo
12 years ago
What about the Moog analog delay?
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CoOlCat
12 years ago
I gotta say Malekko EKKO 616. I didn’t like the carbon copy…too sterile.
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Casey Scott
12 years ago
Here’s my top 5:
1. Way Huge Supa Puss Analog Delay – it’s a bit on the pricier side, but it sounds FREAKIN’ AWESOME, and has lots of bells and whistles for an analog delay (w/ digital control). Too many amazing features to list, just look it up.
2. Digitech Timebender – I agree with the comment above, this gets overlooked too often. This pedal is so capable, it could have 40 presents (it has 4), and I’d still be finding new delay sounds.
3. Line 6 M5 – This has many of the great sounds from the Echo Park and DL4 pedals, crammed into a fairly compact box w/ tap tempo and stereo outs and expression control.
4. TC Electronic Flashback (& X4) – This is a great pedal – affordable and compact, and loaded with great delay sounds. The Toneprint feature rocks.
5. Eventide H9 – This pedal isn’t out yet, but it looks amazing! It has bluetooth control from an iPad! It will be able to employ any delay tone from the Timefactor pedal (as well presets from the Modfactor, Pitchfactor, and Space). As soon as this comes out, it’s going on my board!
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Jerry Freese
12 years ago
No TC Flashback?? This list is off!!
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Geo S
11 years ago
Love my DOD 680, DigiTech PDS2000, and DD7
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Intanto
11 years ago
Mad Professor Deep Blue delay (hand wired version)
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Matt
11 years ago
1) Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay
2) Diamond Memory Lane, Jr.
3) Diamond Quantum Leap
4) MXR Carbon Copy
5) BOSS DD-7
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BariTone
11 years ago
1) Eventide Timefactor
2) TC Flashback
3) Akai Headrush E2
4) CatalinBread EchoRec
5) Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay

I love the looper/delay pedals. These 5 I think have great features, nice tones & delays, and I don’t know if owning one will do it for me. I like the simplicity and ease of use of the Headrush. I like the dynamics of the EchoRec. All the Strymon pedals have wonderful tone. The Timefactor has so many awesome features and I think would be my choice if I could only have one.
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Mike
11 years ago
1) Eventide Time Factor (or the new H9)
2) Maxon AD999
3) Empress Effects Superdelay (The original)
4) Catalinbred Echorec (the New Belle Epoch Tape Echo is cool to)
5) Strymon TimeLine

I am what many may call a delay junky. U2 is my all time favorite band so thats where all the craze came from. but i just love the space and feel you can give a track with some Delay.

Eventide time factor is an amazing pedal. I had it early on and I really wanted an analog delay and i couldnt afford to keep the time factor if i got a nice analog delay at the time so I sold the time factor and then got very lucky bought an AD 999 used cheap….which was good and bad because I had already got rid of my Time factor. As organic true analog delays go the Maxon AD999 is my favorite and its simple and i love it! AS for the time factor years later i Ended up getting the NEW H9 which is crazy awesome because i now to production work and it has all the factor pedals built in to one please the new H9 effects that are great as well.

Let me also quantify this by saying I have spent many hours playing every delay i could get my hands on at all of the music stores. not to mention all of the demos on youtube that i watched but I definitey knew what I wanted.

Empress Superdelay is great. its so versitle. I had a vintage modified and anybody who has ever been around real tape echos know that the vintage modified is over the top with the tape echo modulation its too much its not a desirable tape echo sound. so i sold it and got the original which has a much more real tape echo effect. lost money on that transaction i got all caught up in the internet and every one saying get the VM superdelay its new and better….when i should have let my ears do the testing. But i’m happy i got the original now. my only complaint is. for such a versatile complicated delay that is digital and not cheap id love to have little screen panal to be able to truly dial in a specific delay time. doing production stuff now it does make life eaiser to be able to recall setting exactly.But i still love it. because of that shorfall I am strongly considering Getting the Strymon Timeline possible trading the empress but as a canadian I feel guilty getting rid of such a great product. If i can get a timeline at a good price I will probably keep them both. the timeline is a great pedal pristine sound tones of options high quality pro delay. So it will be added to my board.

Finally the Echorec. MY GOD i love this pedal its delay marvel! it is highly inspriational. the multi tap rhythmic delay really has drawn a few great new tracks from my head. great tool for writing. I just gave me new ideas right away. but make no mistake it sounds fantastic. has an organic feel and sound and if you watch the comparisons with the original echorec units of the 60’s its amazing how well it stacks up to it and can do more than the original.

So i own all of them on my list except for the timeline and that will change soon. Still itching for a standalone time factor but i do have it in the h9….but if i can get a great deal on a used one I might just grab it anyways. LOL

Honerable mention to the Catalinbred Belle Epoch, the Diamond Memory Lane 2. Earthquaker Devices Disaster Transport ( will have you one day as well), Anything Dr. Scientist Makes is Briliant. And of course the one that started it all for me the deluxe memory man the old big tin box version loved it but could never find a good deal on one. But I still do want to get one just to have.

Its a very subjective thing choosing a delay let your ears do the work. but depending on your application you might want something you can always dial in perfectly and not second guess it. so you might need more than one. I love Delays!
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James
10 years ago
My views on the best pedals are definitely confined to what I’ve tried and my subjective tastes.

1. Empress Superdelay. The original has beautifully sounding tape echo, and is very versatile. I prefer it to the vintage modified version, which sounds a little too “synthetic”, if you can tell what I’m getting at.
2. EHX deluxe memory man. Nothing beats this in terms of analog delay sound. It has those warm repeats and the chorus/vibrato is a cool bonus.
3. Boss RE-20 space echo. Really good sound quality, and you can dial in some wild effects. In all honesty, it may not be the best, but it’s the most fun I’ve had with a delay. Pretty sure Radiohead used this.
4. Mxr carbon copy. Everybody loves this pedal for the dark repeats, and the modulation allows you to add some little warbles to make it more “tape like”. Simple, but amazing in terms of sound quality.
5. Tc electronic flashback. Cheap and small, but very versatile. The settings do a good job of emulating analog, tape etc…

As you can tell, I’m a big fan of the dark analog sounds, and tape delay. I also have never played the strymon timeline, but can already tell that it is an amazing pedal, perhaps even cooler than the empress. I’ve also never tried the diamon memory lane, which everyone seems to marvel over. From what I can tell listening to demos, this is also a great pedal.
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