Best Delay Pedal for 2024 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]
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If you’re a guitarist who wants to add that extra oomph to your music, then a delay pedal is exactly what you need. During a rapid playback, delay pedals produce a beautiful reverberation of the sound which creates an echo or surround sound effect. A delay pedal is highly versatile and lets you dial in the settings of whichever effect you desire.
Finding the best delay pedal for your guitar needs can be a daunting task given the dizzying array of choices. We’ve made your task easy by doing an in-depth analysis of the best delay pedals. Read our reviews to find a suitable delay pedal for you.
Related Article: Top 10 Best Tuner Pedals You Can Find in 2024
Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay [amazon fields=”B0016ZZKJO” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B0016ZZKJO” value=”button”] |
| 2. Boss DD-7 Digital Delay Pedal [amazon fields=”B00186L9X2″ value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00186L9X2″ value=”button”] |
| 3. Digitech OBSCURA Altered Delay Pedal [amazon fields=”B00XI1L5SO” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00XI1L5SO” value=”button”] |
| 4. TC Electronic Flashback 2 Delay Pedal [amazon fields=”B074JH6JCY” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B074JH6JCY” value=”button”] |
| 5. JOYO D-SEED Multi Pedal [amazon fields=”B00HB2ZEUG” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00HB2ZEUG” value=”button”] |
Our Best Delay Pedal – Reviews and Comparisons
1. MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay
Product Highlights
One of the most sophisticated delay pedals out there is the MXR M169 Carbon Copy. They have succeeded in packaging a very capable and authentic analog delay effect in a simple but extremely versatile box. The pedal is very minimalist, which is a characteristic feature of all MXR pedals.
Features
MXR’s Carbon Copy has traces of the old MXR Analog Delay (discontinued) as it uses BBD technology. Tonally, the repeats have precision mixed with dark warmth and a natural-sounding decay that seems to fit well between guitar and amp. The shiny, almost glittery, green finish on the Carbon Copy acts as a bonus in terms of its aesthetic value.
What We Like About MXR M169
The MXR Carbon Copy sits near the top of the price bracket, but it’s really worth every penny. This is particularly true if you need a delay pedal that won’t let you down in the studio or on stage. Great sound, a good amount of reasonable delay effects and a superb frame are the best attributes of this pedal.
What We Don’t Like About MXR M169
Some users complained that Carbon Copy caused feedback in the pedal chain. Also, it doesn’t have the best access to the battery.
PROS
- Minimalist and versatile
- Natural sounding decay
- Attractive body
CONS
- Feedback in the pedal chain
- Accessing the battery isn’t easy
2. Boss DD-7 Digital Delay Pedal
Product Highlights
Boss has a reputation for making their pedals sound like the hardware of military-grade. This is especially due to their great footswitch. Considering its built, it is certainly a pedal intended for professional use.
Features
You can produce virtually any form of delay sound you like, and it even does a very good job of emulating an analog’s warm sound too. Besides that, you get a wider range of excellent modes of delay like analog and vintage.
The entire pedal works like a Swiss clock, which gives you the type of quality that does not disappoint.
What We Like About Boss DD-7 Digital Delay Pedal
This model is a great mid-range approach capable of meeting a wide variety of applications. One great thing about Boss is that you can count on them to have a consistent performance at all times.
What We Don’t Like About Boss DD-7 Digital Delay Pedal
The only drawback of this pedal is that it’s quite expensive. So if you’re looking for delay pedals within a budget, this might not be the one for you.
PROS
- Different modes of delay like analog and vintage
- Meets a wide range of needs
- Consistent performance
CONS
- Expensive
3. Digitech OBSCURA Altered Delay Pedal
Product Highlights
This pedal has four types of delay-analog, tape, lo-fi and reverse, which are managed through tone and degradation controls (the latter change depending on the type of delay). The analog sounds are up there with the best digital emulation. Also, the repeat hold feature is a bonus.
Features
With a flick of a switch, delay tails can be easily controlled. And there’s also a Stomplock, ensuring the tone will be safe during live performances, as no accidental knocks will alter the settings. The tones themselves are also brilliant: the analog sounds and the warm digital echoes from the lo-fi environment that resembles early digital delays.
What We Like About Digitech OBSCURA Altered Delay Pedal
There are many qualities of this delay pedal that make it stand out. This includes its four unique delay types, Stomplock, vacuum style footswitch, 9V DC power supply, and a secure, high-density mount pad.
What We Don’t Like About Digitech OBSCURA Altered Delay Pedal
Despite all the plus points of this pedal, it does have some drawbacks. Its tap tempo control is laborious. Also, its reverse mode is wet-signal-only.
PROS
- Four unique delay types
- High-density mount pad
- Stomplock to maintain the safety of tone
CONS
- Strenuous tap tempo control
- Reverse mode is wet-signal-only
4. TC Electronic Flashback 2 Delay Pedal
Product Highlights
The Flashback 2 features three TonePrint slots, allowing you to import tweaked signature sounds into the delay pedal. TC Electronic updated the delay algorithm for Flashback 2 with eight different effects. It boasts the exclusive 2290, Analog, Tape, Linear, Modulated and Crystals effects.
Features
The Flashback 2 Delay pedal features a True/Buffered Bypass option and an on/off Kill-Dry that ensures you get the best tonal accuracy. Even if the pedal is on or off, the Analog-Dry-Through circuitry holds the dry sound true to tone. The Flashback 2 not only provides delay effects, but it also gives you 40 seconds of mono looping and 20 seconds of mono.
What We Like About TC Electronic Flashback 2
It is highly flexible, with more knobs than you’d expect. You can pick no fewer than eleven different types of delay, along with a knob that controls the degree of the particular effect you’ve selected. The standard delay and feedback controls are also in place.
What We Don’t Like About TC Electronic Flashback 2
The battery life of the delay pedal lasts for just about 3 to 4 hours, which is not sufficient for long jamming sessions or live performances.
PROS
- Option to choose from eight different effects
- True / Buffered Bypass option for tonal accuracy
- Highly versatile
CONS
- Average battery life
5. JOYO D-SEED Multi Pedal
Product Highlights
The device operates as a dual-channel delay, with the ability to dial to each channel in separate and independent settings. Apart from that, we’re looking at a single in and one out jack, along with an external trigger input that allows external devices to switch the pedal channel.
Features
The product features four control knobs, all of which are quite standard – Mix, Mode, Time, and Feedback. The sound is great, the build quality is top level and the overall impression is quite positive. It has a very powerful noise gate that doesn’t even allow in the slightest hum, while also utilizing the true bypass feature.
What We Like About JOYO D-SEED Multi Pedal
Given the strong metal casing which is slightly on the larger side, the pedal remains safe and protected. With a weight of 1.2 pounds, the pedal can be described as somewhat lighter.
What We Don’t Like About JOYO D-SEED Multi Pedal
Given the strong metal casing which is slightly on the larger side, the pedal remains safe and protected. With a weight of 1.2 pounds, the pedal can be described as somewhat lighter.
PROS
- Dual-channel delay with an option to switch the pedal channel
- True bypass feature and a powerful noise gate
- Strong metal casing gives protection
CONS
- Can’t be operated on batteries
- Problems with getting consistent tap tempo settings
Final Verdict
Our personal favorite on this list is Boss DD-7 Digital Delay Pedal. Capable of emulating any form of delay sounds and ideal for professional use, this pedal lives up to your expectations. If your price bracket is slightly larger, then you should seriously consider Boss DD-7 to be the best delay pedal for you.
You can even choose other models from the above-mentioned list if DD-7 is not for you. So pick one and amp up your guitaring skills!
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