This class will work like a lab. We will compare several third-party delay plugins, listen for what each one does well, and talk through the results together. The goal is not to find one “best” delay, but to learn how different plugins shape repeats, tone, space, and movement.

Use the project from the earlier delay lesson, or any short session with a few clear source tracks.

Download the delay project here.

Before Class

Download and install three delay plugins. Choose at least:

• One more straightforward mixing delay
• One analog-style or colored delay
• One more experimental or creative delay

Suggested plugins:

• Mixing delays:
  • Tempo Delay - Voxengo
  • Full Bucket Brigade Delay
  • GVST GDuckDly
• Creative delays:
  • Ursa DSP - Lagrange
  • Valhalla Freq Echo
  • Valhalla Supermassive
  • Chow Matrix
  • Glitch Machines - Hysteresis
  • Soundhack - Delay Bundle
  • Rift Feedback delay

If one of your plugins does not install correctly, choose another and keep going.

In-Class Exercise

We will work through three kinds of delay and compare how different plugins handle them.

1. Slapback / Blend Delay

Choose a vocal, snare, or guitar track.

• Create a delay send.
• Build a short slapback delay, usually around 30-80 ms.
• Filter the return so it blends into the source instead of sounding like a separate echo.
• Try the same setup with at least two different plugins.

As you listen, ask:

• Which plugin blends most naturally?
• Which one adds the most pleasing tone?
• Which one gets harsh or muddy fastest?

2. Tempo-Synced Sustain Delay

Choose a guitar, synth, or vocal phrase.

• Set the project tempo correctly.
• Create a tempo-synced delay using values like 1/8 or 1/16.
• Add a little feedback so the repeats fill space without taking over.
• Shape the repeats with EQ, filtering, or modulation.
• Again, try the same basic idea with at least two different plugins.

As you listen, ask:

• Which plugin feels most musical?
• Which plugin keeps the rhythm clearest?
• Which one adds interesting color or movement?

3. Tone / Creative Delay

Choose a track that can handle a more obvious effect, such as acoustic guitar, a synth line, percussion, or spoken word.

• For this section, focus on the more experimental plugins rather than the straightforward mixing delays.
• Start with plugins such as Ursa DSP - Lagrange, Valhalla Freq Echo, Valhalla Supermassive, Chow Matrix, Glitch Machines - Hysteresis, or Rift Feedback delay.
• Use the plugin to transform the source into something more textural, resonant, unstable, or spacious than a normal echo.
• Add feedback carefully.
• Explore filtering, modulation, frequency shifting, or unusual routing if the plugin allows it.
• Compare at least two different plugins.

As you listen, ask:

• Which plugin gives the most distinctive sound?
• Which settings feel musical rather than gimmicky?
• Where could this effect actually fit in a real production?

What To Keep Track Of

As you work, make short notes on:

• which three plugins you used
• which delay type each plugin handled best
• which plugin felt easiest to control
• which plugin you would actually use in a mix

End-of-Class Share

Near the end of class, we will compare results.

Be ready to play:

• one example of a delay that blended well in a mix
• one example of a more creative delay sound
• a short explanation of which plugin you preferred and why

Goal

By the end of class, you should have a better sense of the difference between a delay that helps a mix sit together, a delay that adds sustain or rhythm, and a delay that becomes part of the sound design.