Erica Synths Zen Delay Virtual £155 PC MAC
Computer Music|September 2023
Modelled on 2019's hardware delay, the virtual incarnation of the knob-packed atmosphere-carver surpasses its parent in more ways than one
Erica Synths Zen Delay Virtual £155 PC MAC

There aren’t many modern hardware effects units that could be said to have been instantly iconic, but 2019’s Zen Delay – a collaboration between Coldcut and Ninja Tune co-founder Matt Black with Erica Synths – had both the sonic clout and all-important aesthetic allure to captivate all who dared tinker with its (not insubstantial) knobs. Fitting then, that a scant four years on, a plugin version has been released that replicates the unit’s lush analogue and digital signal paths, as well as presenting a whole host of new abilities that take this delay and modulation monster into new frontiers.

Zen at work

Zen Delay Virtual offers five unique delay algorithms, a multi-mode filter and a fiery overdrive. Harnessed either in isolation or in tandem with each other, sounds can grow and sprawl in fascinating and satisfying new ways. A major facet of the virtual version is the all-new LFO page, wherein you can set and record modulations via extensive time setting and cutoff controls. More on that later.

This story is from the September 2023 edition of Computer Music.

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This story is from the September 2023 edition of Computer Music.

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