DELAY TACTICS

The delay effect is the pro producer’s favourite effect. Here’s how to get creative and cost effective with your own set of delay tactics

Read any interview with professional engineers and producers and there will no doubt be mention of their favoured equipment, whether it be synthesisers, outboard equipment or more often than not these days, favoured plugin effects. Dig a little deeper and you might get an insight into some of the tricks of the trade, and among those who wax lyrical about the wonders of reverb, we would wager that there are just as many who will effervesce about their favourite delay.

DAWs are packed with them, or you can get them from classic gear like tape recorders. Step outside and shout in the right location and they are there! Yes, delays are everywhere! So how do you make the most of the delay in a musical context?

That’s where this feature comes in with workshops and tips to make the most of your delays. So if you’ve ever found yourself reaching for reverb before you add delay, we’re going to use some tactics which might make you think again!

The delay differences

Getting tactical

One of the most common questions that arises from this topic is: what is the difference between a reverb and a delay? The two effects are heavily related, and often distinguished by their behaviour, in terms of what we hear.