The 13 BEST Delay Plugins in the Game! (2025 Must-Haves)

Delay plugins are all about adding depth, space, and rhythmic excitement so you can transform a boring track into something mind-blowing.

Plus, they’re key for everything from subtle slapbacks on vocals to massive, evolving soundscapes for cinematic beats. 

The problem is, unfortunately, there are so many delay plugins claiming to be the best, and most of them don’t live up to the hype. 

That’s why I’m breaking down the absolute best delay plugins in the game. 

This way, you can pick the perfect one for your style and workflow because they’re all on point with unique features/functions, like:”

• Tape saturation and analog-style warmth ✓
• Multi-tap delays for complex rhythms ✓
• Stereo widening and ping-pong modes ✓
• Modulation options like chorus, flanging & vibrato ✓
• Built-in filters for tonal shaping ✓
• Freeze and feedback loop functions for sound design ✓
• Feedback knob for evolving echoes ✓
• Tempo-syncable delay times ✓
• Adaptive ducking for clean mixes ✓
• Much more ✓

Each of the best delay plugins we’re going to break down today are all versatile, inspiring, and packed with features that deliver high-quality sound. 

Plus, they’re designed for everything from straightforward mixing tasks to experimental sound design 一 and seriously, they’ll take your tracks to the next level. 

So, it really all comes down to which one you feel the most comfortable working with and comes with what you’re looking for.

But regardless of which one of the best delay plugins you choose, they’re guaranteed to be on point.

Side note: we’re not including any free delay plugins today (that’s for another article).

#1. Soundtoys EchoBoy

Soundtoys EchoBoy isn’t just another basic delay plugin… It’s like having a vintage echo museum right at your fingertips. 

With 30 unique echo styles, it absolutely nails the sound of iconic hardware like the Space Echo, Memory Man, DM-2, and even the CE-1 chorus. 

If you’re chasing the perfect vibe for your track, EchoBoy makes it easy to switch between warm analog delays or crisp, modern repeats all day long.

One feature that makes EchoBoy a favorite in the industry is the Rhythm Mode. 

With it, you’ll basically have access to a tape echo with up to 16 read heads (or taps) 一 letting you set rhythmic patterns for each repeat. 

You can go crazy with the timing and create anything from dotted eighth-note delays to syncopated chaos; dealer’s choice.

The Echo Style Editor takes it even deeper, letting you shape the saturation, tape flutter, and diffusion to give your delays more personality.

The Groove, Feel, and Accent controls are another game-changer:

• Groove 一 Lets you adjust the swing or shuffle of your delay.
• Feel 一 Gives you control over the push or pull of the repeats.
• Accents 一 Lets you emphasize specific taps.

They’re perfect for creating dynamic delays that stand out in any mix.

And, if you’re like me and always want even more options, it also has a 3-band EQ to help you carve out the highs, mids, or lows of your delay to fit your track perfectly. 

Multiple modes like Single Echo, Dual Echo, and Ping-Pong, are also included, so you can create everything from subtle stereo delays to massive, swirling soundscapes. 

The Shape control is the cherry on top, letting you add warmth or grit to your delay tone (this delay plugin isn’t just versatile, it’s seriously inspiring).

Whether you’re adding slapback to a vocal, rhythmic echoes to a guitar, or epic tails to a synth, EchoBoy gives you a way to make it your own. 

If we’re talking about the best delay plugins in the game, trust me, EchoBoy will always be part of the conversation.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• 30 echo styles emulating hardware like Space Echo, Memory Man, and CE-1 chorus
• Rhythm Mode with up to 16 fully adjustable taps
• Groove, Feel, and Accent controls for rhythmic shaping
• Echo Style Editor for custom saturation, flutter, and diffusion
• 3-band EQ for shaping the delay tone
• Professional music producers love this one
• Multiple modes: Single, Dual, and Ping-Pong
• Shape control for adding warmth or grit
• One of the best delay plugins around

#2. Waves H-Delay

Waves H-Delay is one of those delay plugins that won’t ever go out of style, for real.

It gives you delay times from 1ms to 3500ms, so whether you’re going for tight slapback or huge atmospheric repeats, it’s got you covered. 

The Analog Modes are what really set it apart in my opinion 一 there are four options (Mode 1 through Mode 4) that each add its very own unique character. 

For example, Mode 3 is perfect for a dirty, tape-like sound, while Mode 4 brings a smoother, slightly brighter tone.

The LoFi button is pure gold, too because it instantly adds some grit and crunch to your delays, which is perfect if you’re creating vintage-sounding effects. 

On top of that, the modulation section lets you tweak the rate and depth to get everything from subtle chorusing to full-on flanger-style effects with ease.

It’s especially great for making synth lines or pads come alive.

If you want stereo width, the Ping-Pong mode in H-Delay is epic 一 sending your delays bouncing across the stereo field in a way that feels dynamic yet natural.

Plus, everything stays in sync thanks to the host tempo sync option, and the feedback control lets you dial in anything from a few quick repeats to endless spirals of delay.

So, whether you’re looking for a little edge or to blow some minds, it’s perfect.

The interface is straightforward but doesn’t skimp on control, so that’s solid too, and you’ll get separate knobs for delay time, feedback and wet/dry mix.

Plus, even a filter section to shape the tone of your echoes so you can get super precise.

The high-pass and low-pass filters let you clean up or darken the delay, which is great for keeping your mix uncluttered and professional.

Bottom line, it’s a classic, simple, flexible OG, and it will always be one of the absolute best delay plugins around, period.

Key Features of H-Delay:

• Delay times from 1ms to 3500ms
• Four analog modes with unique character
• LoFi button for instant vintage grit
• Modulation section for rate and depth tweaking
• Ping-Pong mode for stereo effects
• Host tempo sync for perfect timing
• High-pass and low-pass filters for tone shaping
• One of the best delay plugins around

#3. FabFilter Timeless 3

FabFilter Timeless 3 is another powerhouse delay plugin that’s all about ultimate control and creativity, which is always what you want from delay plugins.

It’s built around dual delay lines that can run independently or be linked for some seriously flexible setups. 

The delay times range from 5 ms to 5 seconds, so whether you’re adding a quick slapback to vocals or building massive, evolving textures, it’s all here. 

What makes it really shine though has to be the extensive modulation system. 

You can modulate pretty much anything you can think of (feedback, delay time, filter cutoff), using XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers, and MIDI sources.

This opens up insane possibilities for knocking out delays that feel alive and dynamic.

One of the coolest features though, is the five feedback effects:

• Drive
• Lo-Fi
• Diffuse
• Dynamics
• Pitch

They can help you add some serious extra character to your delays.

For example, Drive gives you warm saturation types, while Diffuse smears the delay into a reverb-like wash that’s pretty sick.

I love using Pitch to subtly shift the delay tail up or down for dreamy, otherworldly effects, but feel free to play around and think outside the box.

Another winner is the multimode filters, which let you sculpt the tone of your delays with surgical precision. 

You’ve got low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and bell filters that can be modulated in real time, so that’s always a plus.

Mix that with the interactive delay display, and you got the perfect way to design intricate delay rhythms all day.

If you’re an EDM or ambient producer, I definitely encourage you to use this to create delays that pulse and evolve with your track; it’s sick.

When it comes to the interface, it’s sleek and user-friendly, so no complaints there 一 clean visuals that make even complex setups feel manageable. 

For detailed delay sound design, Timeless 3 is unbeatable, but it’s also perfect for quick, simple delays when you’re in the zone.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Dual delay lines with up to 5-second delay times
• Modulate parameters with XLFOs, envelopes, and MIDI
• Five feedback effects: Drive, Lo-Fi, Diffuse, Dynamics, Pitch
• Multimode filters for sculpting delay tone
• Interactive display for visual delay shaping
• Perfect for experimental delay sound design & clean delays
• One of the best delay plugins around

#4. Native Instruments Replika XT

Native Instruments Replika XT is like having five delay plugins rolled into one. 

The five delay modes (Modern, Analog, Tape, Vintage Digital, and Diffusion) cover a ton of sonic ground, you can’t even imagine. 

• Modern gives you pristine digital repeats
• Analog brings warmth and subtle distortion
• Tape gives you that classic wow and flutter
• Vintage Digital nails the crunchy, early-digital vibe
• Diffusion smears the delay into a lush reverb-like effect

One thing I love about Replika XT is the built-in modulation effects because you get a phaser, flanger, chorus, pitch shifter, frequency shifter, and micro-pitch options. 

I bet your minds already thinking of sick ideas, am I right?

For example, the pitch shifter can subtly detune your delays for dreamy textures or create wild pitch jumps for experimental tracks (the possibilities are endless).

Add in the dual delay lines, which you can run in series or parallel, and you’ve got the flexibility to build everything from subtle stereo echoes to full-on rhythmic chaos.

The pattern control section is legendary too because it lets you create rhythmic repeats that sync perfectly with your session’s tempo. 

You can pan each delay line independently, which is amazing for creating wide, immersive mixes as I’m sure you know.

The built-in ducking feature is a lifesaver as well — it automatically lowers the delay when your input signal is loud so everything is on point, clean, and punchy.

It’s easy to dial in quick delays when you’re in a hurry, but it also rewards digging deeper. 

I’ve used it on everything from lo-fi drum loops (Vintage Digital with a touch of LoFi modulation is killer) to massive synth pads (Diffusion mode + chorus takes = kaboom).

So, if you’re looking for the best delay plugins that are easy enough for beginners but complex enough for professionals, look no further.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Five delay modes: Modern, Analog, Tape, Vintage Digital, Diffusion
• High-quality modulation effects: phaser, flanger, chorus, pitch shifter
• Dual delay lines in series or parallel for flexible setups
• Pattern control for tempo-synced rhythmic repeats
• Ducking feature for clean, professional mixes
• Professional music producers love this one
• Perfect for creating everything from subtle echoes to lush soundscapes
• One of the best delay plugins around

#5. Valhalla Delay

Valhalla Delay is an absolute monster of a delay plugin that combines the best of classic hardware and modern DSP in one sleek interface. 

What really sets this one apart is its 12 delay modes 一 including Tape, HiFi, BBD, Ghost, Pitch, Lo-Fi, Digital, and more. 

Each mode has its own vibe:

• Tape is great for warm, vintage repeats with subtle saturation.
• Ghost blends delay & reverb into haunting, atmospheric tails.

One of the standout features is the Style control, which shapes how the delays interact. 

Modes like Ping Pong, Quad, Dual, and Ratio let you create complex stereo images and rhythmic patterns that sound massive. 

For example, Ping Pong mode is a go-to for wide, bouncing delays, while Ratio mode locks the left and right delays into mathematical subdivisions.

It can give your tracks an otherworldly pulse that people go crazy for.

Another killer feature is the Diffusion section…. This basically smears the delay into a lush reverb, perfect for ambient soundscapes or thickening up a vocal. 

Throw in the Era control, which lets you pick between modern delay, as well as 70s and 80s-inspired tones, and you’ve got even more control over the delay’s character. 

I’ve used the 80s mode on synth pads, and it’s like instant Blade Runner vibes, no joke.

The modulation options are incredibly powerful as well, with knobs for Wow, Flutter, and Drive, so if extra grit is your thing, you’ll love this.

There is also a fully adjustable feedback path and high/low cut filters, so you’ve really got endless ways to sculpt your sound. 

Whether you’re dialing in subtle slapback or completely mangling a delay signal into a swirling mess, this is one of the best delay plugins around.

Key Features of Valhalla Delay:

• 12 modes: Tape, HiFi, BBD, Ghost, Pitch, Digital, Lo-Fi, etc.
• Style control: Single, Ping Pong, Ratio, Quad, Dual
• Diffusion section for delay-to-reverb effects
• Era control: Modern delay, 70s, or 80s tones
• Wow, Flutter, and Drive for tape-like modulation
• Fully adjustable feedback knob and filters
• Perfect for subtle echoes to experimental textures
• One of the best delay plugins/tape delay plugins around

#6. Eventide UltraTap

Eventide UltraTap isn’t your typical delay; it’s a multi-tap delay on steroids. 

With up to 64 individual taps, this thing is a sound designer’s dream (and that’s coming from a professional sound designer). 

You can control the Spread, which is how far apart the taps are, and the Taper, which adjusts whether the taps fade in, fade out, or stay consistent in volume. 

The Chop function is where things get really creative. 

It lets you apply tremolo or volume modulation to the taps, with multiple LFO shapes like triangle, sawtooth, square, and random sample/hold. 

For example, using a square wave on the Chop gives you stutter-like effects that work great on vocals or glitchy drum fills.

Another standout is the Slurm control, which blurs the taps together 一 turning them into a smeared, almost reverb-like effect. 

This is incredible for creating lush textures or adding a dreamy quality to guitars or pads, and because you can stack up to 64 taps, the results can get wicked lush.

UltraTap also has a Mix Lock feature, which keeps the wet/dry balance constant while you play around with the other settings.

It’s perfect for music producers like yourself who do any live tweaking.

This delay plugin is also tempo-synced, and you can control each parameter with MIDI, making it perfect for on-the-fly adjustments.

And I have to emphasize that it’s not like some other of the best delay plugins that are strictly for traditional delays, it excels at experimental sound design (killer!).

I’ve used it to turn simple guitar lines into cascading waterfalls of delay sound and transform drum loops into rhythmic chaos, and it never disappointed.

It’s one of the most inspiring delay plugins in the game, so definitely go check it out.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Up to 64 individual delay taps
• Spread and Taper controls for spacing and fade effects
• Chop function with multiple LFO shapes for rhythmic modulation
• Slurm control for smeared, reverb-like textures
• Mix Lock for consistent wet/dry balance during tweaking
• Fully MIDI-controllable for live adjustments
• Perfect for rhythmic delays, creative effects & ambient soundscapes
• One of the best delay plugins around

#7. Slate Digital/D16 Repeater

D16/Slate Digital’s Repeater is one of those delay plugins that’s hard to beat when it comes to sheer flexibility. 

It packs 23 delay models into one intuitive interface, covering everything from lush analog tones to gritty, vintage digital sounds and everything in between.

For example, the Space Delay mode nails that swirling, tape-style echo you’d get from a Roland RE-201 (if you don’t know, it’s a legend).

On the other hand, the DM-2 mode replicates the warmth and degradation of an old-school bucket-brigade delay. 

You’ve even got quirky options like the TelRay Oil Can Delay, which adds a metallic, almost haunting vibe that I personally find super intriguing.

What I love most though, is the dual delay line setup…

You can set each delay line independently, meaning you could have one line doing a slapback at 80ms while the other creates a spacious echo at 400ms. 

The Spread control adjusts the stereo width of the delays, and the Color knob lets you fine-tune the tone, from clean digital clarity to warm, analog-style saturation types. 

So, it’s got you covered on that end as well.

Plus, with the built-in high-pass and low-pass filters, it’s easy to shape the delay’s frequency range to avoid muddying up your mix.

One feature I always end up using is the Ping-Pong delay, which bounces the repeats between the left and right channels, so definitely check that out as well.

Bottom line, it’s simple but powerful, and you’ll never feel like you have to dig for controls because it’s all right there for you.

Whether you’re building subtle delays or extreme rhythmic layers, this delay plugin delivers every time, no questions asked.

NOTE: It might not have the craziest modulation options, but what it does, it does exceptionally well: nailing the delay sound and feel of vintage hardware while adding just enough modern delay flexibility.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• 23 delay models, from analog (DM-2, Space Delay) to vintage digital (Digital 42, Oil Can)
• Dual independent delay lines for complex effects
• Spread control for stereo width
• Color knob for analog warmth or clean digital tone
• Built-in high-pass and low-pass filters
• Ping-Pong mode for wide, rhythmic delays
• Perfect for vocals, guitars, synths, and percussion
• One of the best delay plugins/tape delay plugins around

#8. Soundtoys PrimalTap

Soundtoys PrimalTap is a delay plugin that doesn’t just replicate vintage gear, it really understands and emulates its classic quirks as well (super rare).

Based on the 1980s Lexicon Prime Time unit, this delay plugin combines clean, early-digital sound with all the unpredictable charm of analog circuitry. 

The Multiply knob is the star of the show here. 

It doubles (or even quadruples) your delay time while degrading the sample rate, which gives you those crunchy, pitch-shifting repeats that sound raw and alive. 

I’ve used it on vocal ad-libs to create eerie, lo-fi textures, and it always brings something unique to the table.

The VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) section is another highlight because it lets you modulate the delay time for subtle chorusing or extreme pitch sweeps (dealer’s choice).

If you crank up the modulation depth and speed, you can even dive into full-on sci-fi territory with crazy, warbling echoes, which I totally recommend.

PrimalTap also has a Freeze button, which is a delay sound design playground 一 hit it to capture a slice of audio, and it loops indefinitely.

You can then tweak the pitch or modulation in real-time for trippy, evolving textures for stuff like building atmospheric loops from throwaway vocal phrases.

Unlike some other best delay plugins, PrimalTap doesn’t shy away from its weirdness, it freakin’ encourages it, which I totally love.

Whether you’re looking for gritty, lo-fi delays or evolving soundscapes, this unique delay plugin makes it happen.

Key Features of Soundtoys PrimalTap:

• Inspired by the Lexicon Prime Time unit
• Multiply knob for pitch-shifting, lo-fi repeats
• VCO section for modulation effects like chorus and vibrato
• Freeze button for capturing and looping audio
• Dual delay lines for stereo or layered delay effects
• Perfect for creating eerie, experimental, or textured delays
• One of the best delay plugins around

#9. Universal Audio Galaxy Tape Echo

Galaxy Tape Echo by UA is hands-down one of the most faithful recreations of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo I’ve ever used in my life.

It completely nails that analog tape warmth and unpredictability, from the subtle tape flutter to the spring reverb that defined the original. 

The delay times are adjustable from 65ms to 335ms, which you can push further by cranking the feedback into glorious self-oscillation.

It’s perfect for dub-style effects or atmospheric breakdowns. 

One of my favorite controls is the Tape Age knob, which lets you simulate everything from a fresh tape to one that’s been mangled over years of use. 

When I want something that sounds great, yet worn and dirty, this is the first thing I reach for, no doubt about it.

The spring reverb here is not an afterthought, so trust me when I say you’ll get that lush, metallic sound that sits perfectly in any mix.

Pair it with the Wow and Flutter controls, and you can add just the right amount of wobble to give your delays that organic, living quality. 

What’s even better is the tempo sync option like most of the other best delay plugins offer as well, which lets you lock the delay to your track’s BPM for tight rhythmic delays. 

I’ve also fallen in love with the feedback tone-shaping controls, which allow you to darken or brighten the repeats.

So it’s super easy to keep the delays from clashing with a vocal track or any lead elements, which is always appreciated.

What makes it so special is how much character it imparts… Even subtle use can transform a lifeless part into something full of warmth and depth.

If you don’t have this one in your arsenal, it’s certainly time to add it in.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Faithful recreation of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo
• Adjustable delay times from 65ms to 335ms
• Tape Age knob to simulate fresh or worn tape
• Wow and Flutter controls for organic tape modulation
• Built-in spring reverb modeled after original delay units
• Tempo sync for tight rhythmic delays that sounds great
• Professional music producers love this one
• Feedback tone-shaping controls
• One of the best delay plugins/tape delay plugins around

#10. PSP Audioware PSP 608 MultiDelay

PSP’s 608 MultiDelay is the Swiss Army knife of delay plugins, hands down.

With eight independent delay taps, each with its own delay time, feedback, filtering, and level controls, you can bang out some of the most intricate delay patterns imaginable. 

I’ve used it to create complex polyrhythms on percussion tracks that add depth without overpowering the mix, and I was blown away for real.

Each tap also has built-in modulation, with options for LFOs and an envelope follower, so you can add movement to individual delays for wild, evolving textures.

My favorite part: the feedback and drive can be placed at the beginning or end of the signal chain for even more sound design options!

The tape saturation simulation is solid to, so you can add analog character/warmth to any tap 一 giving the delays a natural, rounded tone. 

Blend that with the built-in filters (both high-pass and low-pass) and a killer vintage-style reverb module, and you’ve got a delay VST plugin that can double as a:

• Delay
• Reverb
• Tone-shaping monster

 

The delay times are indeed tempo-syncable, but you can also fine-tune them down to the millisecond, which is great for slapback delay effects.

The interface might look a little overwhelming at first glance, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a powerhouse (which doesn’t take long). 

I love how you can process each tap like it’s its own delay unit; it’s like having eight plugins in one, and I promise you’ll love it.

Bottom line, when it comes to the best delay plugins as of right now, I’d have to say it’s certainly one of the most fully-functional.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Eight independent delay taps with individual controls
• Built-in modulation options, including LFOs and envelope followers
• Tape saturation simulation for analog warmth
• High-pass and low-pass filters for tonal control
• Vintage reverb module for added depth
• Tempo-syncable or fine-tuned delay times
• Perfect for polyrhythms, slapbacks, and evolving textures
• One of the best delay plugins/tape delay plugins around

#11. u-he Colour Copy

u-he Colour Copy is one of the most creative bucket-brigade delay (BBD) emulations I’ve ever used, giving you analog-style echoes with a modern twist. 

The Colour control is its secret weapon, letting you morph between dark, warm tones and brighter, more digital flavors (it feels like multiple delays in one). 

You get delay times ranging from 1 ms to 1 second, which is perfect for everything from quick slapbacks to slower, lush echoes that melt into your mix.

The modulation section is where things get super exciting, with adjustable rate and depth controls that let you add anything from subtle detuning to intense chorusing or flanging effects. 

There’s also a Freeze button that’s incredibly fun… 

It captures the current delay buffer and loops it endlessly, making it a fantastic tool for ambient builds or sound design experiments. 

One of my favorite features is the Tap Map, which lets you fine-tune the placement and intensity of each echo tap, creating complex, rhythmic delays with precision.

What really makes Colour Copy stand out is the MIDI note tracking 一 letting the delay times follow MIDI notes for perfectly tuned rhythmic effects. 

You can even sync modulation to your DAW’s tempo so everything stays on point.

And yes, the interface is clean, modern, and resizable, so it’s a breeze to use on any setup, and for any level producer.

For anyone looking for a delay that blends vintage warmth with modern versatility, this plugin is a super solid choice.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Colour control for tonal morphing between dark and bright echoes
• Delay times from 1 ms to 1 second
• Modulation section with rate, depth, and tempo sync
• Freeze button for looping delay type buffers indefinitely
• Tap Map for precise rhythmic echo placement
• Professional music producers love this one
• MIDI note tracking for creative delay effects
• Resizable/intuitive interface for smooth workflow integration
• One of the best delay plugins around

#12. Pulsar Audio Echorec

The Pulsar Audio Echorec is a stunning homage to the Binson Echorec, one of the most iconic magnetic drum delays of all time. 

What makes it truly unique is its magnetic disk delay system, which creates a smooth, saturated delay tone unlike anything you’d get from tape-based systems. 

The Mode Selector lets you combine different playback heads so you can play around with some seriously complex rhythmic patterns that feel hyped up and dynamic.

A standout feature is the Disk Speed control, which lets you adjust the speed of the magnetic drum in real-time.

It changes the delay time and even the pitch of the repeats for creative delay sound design. 

The Stereo Drift parameter is another banger that adds subtle timing variations between the left and right channels 一 giving your delays a wide, immersive stereo image.

Also, there’s a built-in Saturation control which lets you dial in just the right amount of harmonic distortion to add warmth and character to your repeats. 

Pulsar also added tempo sync and tap tempo functionality, so whether you’re chasing a vintage-sounding tape delay or tight rhythmic variations, it’s all there. 

With its vintage aesthetic and modern flexibility, the Echorec is perfect for everything from recreating Pink Floyd-esque soundscapes to cutting-edge effects.

When it comes to the best digital delays, I wouldn’t put it super high up on the list (obviously), but it definitely deserves a spot.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Faithful emulation of the Binson Echorec’s a magnetic drum delay
• Mode Selector for combining playback heads and rhythmic patterns
• Disk Speed control for real-time delay type and pitch adjustments
• Stereo Drift for enhanced width and organic movement
• Built-in Saturation control for adding harmonic warmth
• Tempo sync and tap tempo for rhythmic precision
• Perfect for classic soundscapes and more delays that are experimental
• One of the best delay plugins/tape delay plugins around

#13. Arturia Delay TAPE-201

And last but not least we have Arturia Delay TAPE-201.

It’s an incredible recreation of the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo, but with all the modern features you didn’t know you needed. 

It comes with three tape heads and a lush spring reverb tank, which can be combined in 12 different configurations.

It gives you access to a massive range of delay and reverb combinations. 

The Mode Selector knob makes it easy to toggle between tape head setups, so you can quickly switch from short slapbacks to long, spaced-out echoes in seconds.

The Wow and Flutter controls are pure magic 一 letting you dial in that perfect amount of tape wobble for a truly analog character/feel. 

There’s also a stereo width knob, which is fantastic for spreading the delays wide or keeping them tight in mono; perfect for crafting both clean and focused delay effects. 

Another standout is the Input EQ, which lets you shape the tone of your incoming delay signal before it hits the delay so you can carve out space in a dense mix.

What I really love about the TAPE-201 though is how beautifully it balances vintage warmth and modern precision. 

The feedback knob can be cranked to create those glorious, self-oscillating delays that spiral into chaos without ever sounding harsh. 

The interface captures the retro aesthetic perfectly but remains intuitive enough for quick adjustments. 

Whether I’m working on lo-fi drum grooves or lush, cinematic pads, it always delivers, and just because it’s the last of the best delay plugins, don’t underestimate it.

Key Features of this Digital Delay Plugin:

• Faithful emulation of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo
• Three tape heads (multi-head tape echoes) & a spring reverb tank
• 12 tape/reverb configurations via the Mode Selector
• Wow and Flutter controls for tape modulation
• Stereo width knob for flexible spatial control
• Input EQ for tonal shaping before the delay
• Feedback capable of warm, self-oscillating echoes
• One of the best delay plugins/tape delay plugins around

Final Thoughts

And there you have it: the absolute best delay plugins in the game, no two ways about it. 

Any one you find on this list is versatile, powerful, and capable of transforming your tracks into something mind-blowing.

Plus, they can help you successfully add depth, space, and character every time, whether you’re crafting subtle echoes or massive, textured soundscapes. 

It’s just about choosing the one that matches your unique style and has everything you’re looking for, because any one you pick is solid.

And since I didn’t include any free plugins in today’s article, you can check out the best free lo-fi plugin in the game: Zen Master. 

With it, you can take any sound imaginable and make it feel lo-fi, warm, and vintage in like 3 seconds flat 一 no wonder it’s making major waves in the industry.

There are 5 knobs to help you play around with different vibes all day (Hypnosis, Imbalance, Electrify, Vinyl, and Ascend).

There’s also a gain slider, mix slider, and filter slider, so you can dial in anything from subtle tape warmth to full-on retro chaos. 

It can bring instant character to drums, soften synths, and add nostalgic magic to vocals that people will instantly be captivated by.

If you’re looking for the best free plugin in the game, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Circling back, when it comes to the best delay plugins, the options here are truly top-notch for mixing, advanced sound design, or just looking to up your skills. 

Just remember, the right delay can make all the difference in your tracks and bring unmatched emotion, groove, and polish to the table.

So, go it out for yourself and never be afraid to break the rules or think outside the box.

Until next time…