Adding Space and Time with a Stereo Delay

Every delay processor allows you to enter a delay time manually, but newer processors will let you create a stereo delay where the first delay might be at 280ms, then the second could be half that (or even double that). Pan the first delay left and the second to the right and you can create a great rhythmic effect that’s also quite spacious and perfect for big, dramatic lead lines, particularly with longer delays. Even an inexpensive stereo delay/multi-effect processor or plug-in can be used to recreate the big stereo spread heard in songs like U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.” By adding in a stereo chorus effect and some lush hall reverb, you can achieve a hugely ambient sound with a spectacular left-to-right stereo soundstage.