At a glance
- Classic tape and analog echoes: Soundtoys EchoBoy
- Sound design and modulation: FabFilter Timeless 3
- Best value: Valhalla Delay
- Modern, with built-in ducking: Baby Audio Comeback Kid
- Simple and versatile: Waves H-Delay
- Free: Valhalla Supermassive
- The space around the echoes: Reverbia
Delay in 2027: depth without clutter
A delay does more than repeat a sound. Well set, it adds depth and movement without washing out the mix the way a long reverb can. The challenge is always the same: making the echoes audible where you want them and invisible elsewhere. That's why the best delays today combine character (tape, analog, digital) with tools to filter, modulate and duck the repeats.
The 6 best delay plugins for 2027
1. Soundtoys EchoBoy: the classic echo box
EchoBoy recreates the sound of famous echo units, from tape machines to analog and digital delays, with a rhythm section for grooves and swing. It's the delay you find in most mix sessions, because it sounds right immediately on vocals, guitars and synths.
2. FabFilter Timeless 3: the sound designer's delay
A tape-inspired delay with filters, drag-and-drop modulation and a very clear interface. Ideal when the delay becomes an instrument in its own right: rhythmic effects, filtered echoes, movement.
3. Valhalla Delay: lots of characters for a small price
Tape, bucket-brigade, digital, pitch and "ghost" modes in one inexpensive plugin, with Valhalla's usual musical sound. Hard to beat for value.
4. Baby Audio Comeback Kid: modern and fast
A delay designed for today's productions, with built-in ducking and character controls to dirty the repeats. Quick to set and very effective on vocals.
5. Waves H-Delay: the simple workhorse
A straightforward delay that covers slapback to ping-pong, with an analog mode and filters. Often found at a very low price during sales.
6. Valhalla Supermassive: the free giant
Huge delays and spaces that blur the line between echo and reverb. Perfect for ambient textures and long tails, and it costs nothing.
Delay and reverb: the pairing that changes everything
A dry delay can sound "stuck" in front of the mix. A classic trick is to send the delay return into a reverb so the repeats sit in the same space as everything else. Reverbia works well for this: its pre-EQ cleans what goes into the reverb, its sidechain ducking keeps the space quiet while the voice is singing, and its predelay and decay can be synced to the tempo so delay and reverb breathe together.
Reverbia
The all-in-one reverb: 25 reverbs, from realistic rooms to otherworldly spaces.
$79 $158 -50%
VST3 · AU · AAX · Windows & macOS
See ReverbiaTo add grit to the echoes, a saturator such as Anadrive on the delay return (TAPE mode, low MIX) gives that worn tape feel without muddying the lows.
Quick settings by source
| Source | Delay type | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Lead vocal | 1/4 or 1/8 note, tape | Duck under the voice, cut below 200 Hz |
| Rock vocal | Slapback 80–120 ms | Little feedback, almost no reverb |
| Guitar | Dotted 1/8, ping-pong | Light modulation for width |
| Synth lead | Filtered, synced | Automate the feedback in build-ups |
| Ambient pads | Long, diffuse | Into a large reverb, low level |
2027 verdict
EchoBoy for classic echoes, Timeless 3 for creativity, Valhalla Delay for value and Supermassive for free. The real difference comes from how you place the echoes: filtered, ducked and blended with a reverb like Reverbia, a delay adds depth without ever cluttering the mix. See also our guide to the best reverbs of 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best delay plugin in 2027?
Soundtoys EchoBoy remains the reference for classic tape and analog echoes. FabFilter Timeless 3 is the most flexible for sound design, and Valhalla Delay offers the best value. For free, Valhalla Supermassive is excellent.
Should I put delay before or after reverb?
Usually delay first, then reverb: the echoes are placed in the same space as the rest of the mix. Many engineers also send the delay return into a reverb such as Reverbia so the repeats sit further back.
How do I stop a delay from cluttering the mix?
Filter the repeats (cut lows and some highs), sync the time to the tempo, and duck the delay under the vocal with sidechain compression so the echoes appear between phrases.