David Bowie, Eric Johnson, and Eddie Van Halen. What do these three guitar legends have in common? Apart from being in the annals of rock history, each artist has used a similar tool to skyrocket their careers to stardom. Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Johnson’s “Cliffs of Dover,” and Van Halen’s “Cathedral” all feature the same pedalboard effect: delay (analog delay, more precisely). Despite being succeeded by digital delay effects in the early 1980s, modern musicians (including Sweetwater guitarists) continue to search far and wide for that classic analog tape sound. There’s something about analog’s reverberating, warm voice that many guitarists can’t get enough of. Thankfully, Sweetwater offers an arsenal of new age analog stompboxes, so you can take this prestigious effect to your next tracking or jam session. After conversing with our most esteemed guitarists, we’ve compiled a list of the best analog delay pedals the modern music world offers. Let’s take a look!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal
- BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay Pedal
- Electro-Harmonix Slap-Back Echo Pedal
- TC Electronic Echobrain Analog Delay Pedal
- Way Huge Supa-Puss Analog Delay Pedal with Tap Tempo
- J. Rockett Audio Designs Clockwork Echo Delay Pedal
- Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Analog Delay/Chorus/Vibrato Pedal
- T-Rex Binson Echorec Magnetic Disk Delay
MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal
Classic delay function with modulated trails
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true analog delay device, then the MXR M169 Carbon Copy analog delay pedal is your answer. For starters, it’s simple to use — its 3-knob layout provides delay, mix, and regeneration (delay repeats) controls for instant tonal modifications. Delay times of up to 600ms allow you to generate sounds that range from short, chicken-pickin’ tails to an ambient, echoing wash. The onboard modulation switch applies a chorus-like effect to your delay and offers width and rate adjustments via two internal trim pots. Topped off with stage-ready blue LEDs and traditional 9-volt battery support, the Carbon Copy is a great pedalboard addition for any guitarist or vintage tone seeker.
BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay Pedal
The rebirth of BOSS’s most esteemed delay
The BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay pedal presents the company’s most sought-after pedal in a compact, modern form. At first glance, you’ll notice the DM-2W’s mode switch, which allows you to switch between the pedal’s classic standard performance mode and an upgraded custom mode. This means you’ll get the warm tonal potential of the original unit bundled with the possibilities of modern modulation. Paired with the DM-2W’s three simple repeat, echo, and intensity controls, any analog delay tone is instantly within your grasp. Want to take control on the stage? An onboard expression pedal input will ensure you have ultimate authority over your delay, whether on the stage or in the studio.
Electro-Harmonix Slap-Back Echo Pedal
Authentic ’70s slapback in micro-sized form
Fans of the rare EHX 1970s delay pedal, rejoice! The Electro-Harmonix Slap-Back Echo pedal delivers the coveted doubling effect that many of our Sweetwater guitarists love — housed in a micro package! A 3-way time switch, a gain knob, and included blend control allow you to dial in the perfect rockabilly slap or quick reflection on the fly, and, given its 2-inch-wide form factor, it will easily fit on nearly any pedalboard. Slap on cool modern features, such as true-bypass switching and an included 9-volt power supply, and you’ll be closer than ever to achieving quintessential, dynamic analog delay tone.
TC Electronic Echobrain Analog Delay Pedal
An affordable delay addition in a recognizable chassis
It’s hard to beat the efficiency and simplicity of TC Electronic’s 3-way control pedal interface. The TC Electronic Echobrain analog delay pedal recycles this design to add up to 300ms of maximum echo to your pedalboard. Manipulating the Echobrain’s mix, repeat, and time parameters allows you to dial in any effect, from lush, wavy echoes to slapback-style reverberations. Best of all, the Echobrain’s metal housing and true-bypass signal design in true TC Electronic fashion make it a great addition to studio or stage environments. Ask any Sweetwater guitarist: the Echobrain is a one-way ticket to versatile, authentic analog delay tone.
Way Huge Supa-Puss Analog Delay Pedal with Tap Tempo
Echo with time divisions and ultra-long delay speeds
If you’re looking to simulate the acoustics of the Grand Canyon, then the Way Huge Supa-Puss analog delay pedal with tap tempo is your go-to device. With dialed-in delay times of up to 900ms and the addition of a tap tempo footswitch, you’ll have access to up to three seconds of delay — great for ambient, spacey drones and an excellent option for use with other reverb or delay effects! The built-in tone control also allows you to sand down bright or warm sounds to best fit your current project. There’s even a built-in gain control for adding some gritty character to your cycled output! Do you require a specific time-value repeat? No problem — four onboard note-division values will ensure you’ve got fluid, tempo-friendly effects for any track.
J. Rockett Audio Designs Clockwork Echo Delay Pedal
Summon analog echo from a digital palette
We’ve established that analog delay is a coveted sound here at Sweetwater. The same can be said about digital effects controls. Luckily, the J. Rocket Audio Designs Clockwork Echo delay pedal combines both to meet the needs of vintage-loving, modern players. True bucket-brigade delay combines with a digitally controlled tap tempo to allow locked-on analog echoes. Pair this with footswitchable modulation and boost to keep your signal clean and free for sonic experimentation in any performance situation. If you’re a fan of quick echoes, then turn up the tempo for a slapback-style effect. Conversely, utilize the Clockwork Echo’s true stereo output and deep repeat timing options to create wavy, coastal swells in seconds. With the Clockwork Echo, administering your favorite antique effects on a modern platform is remarkably easy.
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Analog Delay/Chorus/Vibrato Pedal
All-in-one classic effects interface
Analog delay, chorus, and vibrato — the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man pedal has it all. This classic stompbox provides up to 550ms of analog delay time, creating snappy to lengthy echoes in seconds. Its built-in chorus and vibrato effects are its standout features and are accessible by the Memory Man’s modulation controls. Mixing your DI and delayed signals is available with a blend control, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of your effect without overpowering your audience. Topped off with pitch-shift capabilities, simple direct out jack operation, and overload LED indicators, this pedal’s experimental analog delay possibilities are almost endless.
T-Rex Binson Echorec Magnetic Disk Delay
A legendary analog delay reborn
Last — but certainly not least — is the T-Rex Binson Echorec magnetic disk delay. A masterful re-creation of the iconic Binson Echorec unit of the 1970s, this analog hardware delay combines classic effects with modern controls. To start, four switchable playback heads offer several varying levels of adjustment, with +/-20% drum speeds. There are also options for repeats and swells, so you can dial in short echoes and ambience for your vintage-inspired projects. The Echorec’s “magic eye” vacuum tube indicator tops off its feature set, providing a handy visual of your input signal level. From Pink Floyd to Hank Marvin and everywhere in between, the Echorec provides the coveted delay sound of the ’70s with the same look and comfort as its timeless predecessor.
Don’t Delay!
In the world of analog delay, there are quite a few pedal options to choose from. Hopefully, this list has helped you determine the effect you’re looking for. Browse our entire lineup of analog delay pedals for even more sonic possibilities! From quick slapback echoes to wavy, ambient, and delayed wash, Sweetwater has effects pedals that will make your next project pop with color. For recommendations, guidance, and talking gear, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
