Best Delay and Reverb Pedal for Beginners: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Diving into the world of guitar effects can be both thrilling and overwhelming, especially when it comes to delay and reverb. These two effects are the cornerstone of atmospheric, professional-sounding guitar tones. After extensive testing of dozens of pedals and amplifiers, we’ve found that the best starting point for a beginner isn’t always just a pedal. For this reason, we’ve awarded our top pick to the Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo. It’s an all-in-one solution that provides a fantastic foundational tone, a high-quality built-in digital reverb, and an effects loop, making it the perfect platform for beginners to learn on before expanding their pedalboard. It simplifies the initial setup while delivering professional-grade sound and features that will grow with you.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Delay and Reverb Pedal for Beginners

#1 Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo – Ideal for: The Ultimate Beginner’s All-in-One Setup

While not a pedal itself, we chose the Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo as our top pick because it represents the perfect starting point for any beginner venturing into effects. This 35-watt combo amp is a tonal beast, delivering that classic Orange crunch and beautiful clean sounds through its 10-inch Voice of the World speaker. What makes it exceptional for beginners is the inclusion of a high-quality digital reverb. We found the reverb to be lush and versatile, easily dialed in from a subtle room feel to a more spacious hall sound. This built-in feature allows new players to understand and utilize reverb without the immediate need for an external pedal, simplifying the signal chain. Many users echo this sentiment, praising the amp’s great sound right out of the box. The high-gain dirty channel is fantastic, offering everything from light bluesy breakup to full-on saturation. Furthermore, its fully buffered effects loop is a critical feature, providing the perfect pathway to add delay, modulation, or more complex reverb pedals down the line. It’s the ideal platform to build upon. The built-in tuner and CabSim headphone output are just icing on the cake, making it a complete practice and recording tool.

#2 BOSS RV-6 Reverb Pedal – Perfect for: Studio-Quality Reverb and Sonic Exploration

For the beginner who already has a great amp and wants to dive straight into a dedicated reverb pedal, the BOSS RV-6 Reverb Pedal is an unbeatable choice. We were immediately impressed by the sheer quality of the sounds packed into this compact stompbox. It utilizes cutting-edge algorithms that genuinely deliver studio-grade ambiance. With eight distinct modes, it offers a vast sonic palette, from classic Spring, Plate, and Hall reverbs to more modern, atmospheric textures like Shimmer, Dynamic, and a combination Delay+Reverb. In our testing, the Shimmer mode was a standout, creating ethereal, swelling soundscapes that are incredibly inspiring to play with. This experience was confirmed by numerous users who, after trying countless other pedals, landed on the RV-6 for its superior sound quality. The controls are intuitive and powerful, allowing you to quickly dial in the perfect sound. Its rock-solid BOSS construction means it’s built to withstand years of use, a sentiment shared by many longtime BOSS users. The ability to run in stereo and connect an expression pedal for real-time level control adds a layer of professional versatility that a beginner can grow into.

#3 JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb – Suits: Simplicity and Boutique Tone on a Budget

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb is a testament to the idea that you don’t need a dozen knobs to get a phenomenal sound. We found this pedal to be refreshingly simple and incredibly effective. It delivers a wide spectrum of high-quality reverb sounds with just three intuitive controls: Verb, EQ, and Pre-Delay. The Verb knob takes you from a tight, small room echo to a vast, almost infinite ambient wash. What truly sets it apart for us is the EQ knob; it allows you to shape the character of the reverb from dark and warm to bright and shimmering, making it easy to sit perfectly in any mix. The Pre-Delay toggle is a brilliant addition, introducing a slight slapback effect before the reverb swells, perfect for creating space without muddying your core tone. Many users praised this straightforward design, calling it a fantastic “set it and forget it” pedal that sounds great no matter how you set the knobs. Made in the USA, its build quality is excellent, feeling sturdy and reliable underfoot. For any beginner who feels intimidated by complex pedals, the JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb offers an accessible path to professional-grade, boutique reverb tone.

#4 MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay – Ideal for: Classic Warmth and Analog Character

There’s a reason the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay is a modern classic found on countless pedalboards. As soon as we plugged it in, we were greeted with that rich, warm, and slightly dark repeat that only true bucket-brigade technology can provide. It’s the perfect delay for adding depth and texture without overwhelming your playing. The three-knob layout—Regen, Mix, and Delay—is as simple as it gets, making it incredibly beginner-friendly. We loved how the repeats naturally decay and melt into the background, a beautiful characteristic of analog delay. Pushing the “Mod” button introduces a subtle, tape-like warble to the repeats that is simply gorgeous for adding movement to your sound. Inside the pedal, there are even trim pots to adjust the rate and width of the modulation for further tweaking. A common sentiment among users, and something we definitely noticed, is the incredibly bright blue LED. In a dimly lit room, it can be a bit overpowering, but this is a minor quibble for a pedal that sounds this good. For beginners seeking that quintessential, vintage analog delay sound in a simple, compact package, the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay is an essential piece of gear.

#5 FLAMMA FS22 Stereo Delay & Reverb Pedal – Perfect for: Maximum Features on a Minimal Budget

If you’re a beginner who wants to experiment with a wide array of ambient sounds without breaking the bank, the FLAMMA FS22 Stereo Delay & Reverb Pedal is an absolute revelation. We were genuinely stunned by the amount of functionality packed into this affordable unit. It combines both delay and reverb into a single pedal with three distinct pairing modes: Reverse Delay/Swell Reverb, Echo/Mod Reverb, and Analog Delay/Shimmer Reverb. We found ourselves getting lost for hours in the lush soundscapes, especially with the Reverse/Swell combination. The controls are surprisingly deep, allowing you to tweak each effect independently. Features like tap tempo, a freeze function for infinite sustain, and stereo inputs/outputs are things we’d expect to see on pedals costing two or three times as much. Many users share our astonishment, noting that this pedal holds its own against much more expensive boutique options. The build quality is solid, with a vibrant metal chassis and silent footswitches. The only potential downside we found, which a few users also mentioned, is its higher power draw (300mA), so it works best with an isolated power supply to avoid noise. For the sheer bang-for-your-buck, the FLAMMA FS22 Stereo Delay & Reverb Pedal is a creative powerhouse for any aspiring ambient guitarist.

#6 BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal – Suits: Taming Unwanted Noise from High-Gain Setups

While not a delay or reverb, the BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal is an essential tool for any beginner who loves to use distortion or high-gain sounds. Unwanted hiss, hum, and feedback are the enemies of a clean, professional tone, and this pedal eradicates them completely. In our tests, we put it through its paces with several high-gain pedals and found it worked flawlessly, clamping down on noise the instant we stopped playing, while preserving every nuance of our guitar’s natural attack and decay when we were playing. The key, as many experienced users point out, is to use the “four-cable method” by utilizing the pedal’s send and return loop. This allows the NS-2 to differentiate between your guitar signal and the noise generated by your gain pedals, resulting in incredibly transparent noise reduction. The Threshold and Decay knobs give you precise control over how aggressively the gate engages and releases. For a beginner learning to build a pedalboard, especially one that includes overdrive or distortion, the BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal is a foundational purchase that ensures your delays and reverbs will ring out with clarity against a backdrop of pure silence.

#7 TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal – Ideal for: Creative Expression and Custom Tones

The TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal takes a legendary reverb pedal and adds features that make it even more expressive and fun for beginners. The standout feature during our hands-on time was the MASH footswitch. This pressure-sensitive switch acts like a built-in expression pedal, allowing you to swell the reverb, add modulation, or warp parameters in real-time simply by applying more pressure with your foot. It’s an incredibly intuitive way to add dynamics to your playing. The new Shimmer algorithm is also stunning, creating beautiful, octave-up textures that are perfect for ambient swells. Beyond the excellent onboard sounds—which range from subtle Room to massive Church reverbs—is the TonePrint functionality. This feature, lauded by users everywhere, allows you to beam custom reverb presets made by professional artists directly to your pedal using your smartphone. It’s an endless source of inspiration and a great way for beginners to try out professionally dialed-in sounds. With stereo I/O and true bypass switching, the TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal is a feature-rich, great-sounding, and creatively inspiring pedal that offers huge room for growth.

#8 BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal – Perfect for: The Ultimate Compact Delay Powerhouse

The BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal is arguably the most powerful and feature-packed compact delay pedal on the market, making it a fantastic investment for a beginner who wants a tool that can do it all. We were blown away by the versatility here; with eleven different modes, it covers an incredible amount of ground. You get pristine digital delays, warm vintage tape and analog emulations, modulated echoes, and even more experimental sounds like Shimmer, Reverse, and a rhythmic Glitch mode. The new +RV mode, which blends delay with reverb, is particularly useful for beginners, essentially giving you two effects in one. We found the 40-second looper to be robust and easy to use, making it a great practice tool for layering ideas. The stereo I/O options are extensive, offering smart routing capabilities for complex rigs. Our experience is backed by countless users who praise its amazing sound quality and the sheer number of creative possibilities it unlocks. Like all BOSS pedals, it’s built to last a lifetime. For a beginner wanting a single delay pedal that can cover any style and will never be outgrown, the BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal is the pinnacle of compact delay technology.

#9 TC Electronic FLASHBACK 2 DELAY Pedal – Suits: Creative Delay Effects with an Expressive Twist

Much like its reverb sibling, the TC Electronic FLASHBACK 2 DELAY Pedal brings a wealth of creativity and expressive control to the world of delay. It packs a huge range of delay types into its small frame, from the legendary 2290 digital delay to warm analog and tape echoes, and even a mind-bending reverse mode. During our testing, the new Crystal delay, which uses a polyphonic octaver algorithm, was an instant favorite for creating shimmering, atmospheric textures. The star of the show, however, is the MASH footswitch. We had a blast using it to ramp up feedback into self-oscillation or increase the modulation depth just by pressing down harder. It’s an intuitive feature that many users find to be a game-changer, eliminating the need for an external expression pedal. The TonePrint feature is also present, giving you access to an ever-expanding library of artist-created delay sounds. We also appreciated the built-in 40-second looper and the option to switch between true bypass and a high-quality buffer internally. For beginners looking for a delay that is both sonically versatile and incredibly fun to play with, the TC Electronic FLASHBACK 2 DELAY Pedal is a fantastic and inspiring choice.

#10 BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay Pedal – Ideal for: The Connoisseur of Pure Analog Tone

For the beginner with a discerning ear who craves the authentic, warm, and moody sound of vintage analog delay, the BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay Pedal is pure sonic bliss. This isn’t a digital emulation; it’s a 100% analog pedal using a true bucket-brigade device (BBD) circuit. From the first note, we were captivated by its character. The repeats are warm, dark, and beautifully imperfect, degrading naturally in a way that sits perfectly behind your dry signal. The “Standard” mode perfectly replicates the sound of the original, coveted DM-2 pedal from the 80s. Flipping the switch to “Custom” mode was a pleasant surprise; it cleans up the repeats slightly and doubles the delay time, offering more clarity and versatility without sacrificing that analog soul. It’s simple, with just three knobs, but the sounds are profound. As many users attest, it simply has a “vibe” that other pedals can’t replicate. The Waza Craft build quality is exceptional, ensuring this pedal is a premium piece of gear. While it doesn’t have tap tempo or a dozen modes, the BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay Pedal provides an unparalleled tonal experience for those who prioritize the character and feel of true analog delay.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When you’re just starting, it’s easy to get lost in technical specifications. Focus on these key areas:

• Simplicity vs. Versatility: Do you want a simple pedal with three knobs that does one thing exceptionally well (like the JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb or MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay), or a multi-mode unit that offers a wide range of sounds to experiment with (like the BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal)? For many beginners, starting simple is the best way to learn the fundamentals.
• Analog vs. Digital: Analog delays (like the BOSS DM-2W Waza Craft Delay Pedal) are known for their warm, dark, and slightly degraded repeats, which sound very musical. Digital delays and reverbs (like the BOSS RV-6 Reverb Pedal) offer pristine, clear repeats and can pack in more features like longer delay times, multiple modes, and tap tempo. Neither is better, they’re just different flavors.
• Combo Pedals vs. Dedicated Units: A pedal like the FLAMMA FS22 Stereo Delay & Reverb Pedal combines both effects, saving space and money. However, dedicated units give you more control over each effect and allow you to place them in different orders in your signal chain.
• Your Amplifier: Does your amp have a good built-in reverb? If so, you might want to start with a dedicated delay pedal. If your amp is very basic, a quality reverb pedal or an all-in-one solution like our top pick, the Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo, can be a game-changer.

Understanding Your Signal Chain

The order of your pedals matters. A common setup for beginners is Guitar -> Tuner -> Overdrive/Distortion -> Amplifier Input. Time-based effects like delay and reverb generally sound best when placed in your amplifier’s “effects loop” (if it has one), which is a set of jacks usually labeled “Send” and “Return” on the back of the amp. This places them after the amp’s preamp section, resulting in clearer and less muddy repeats and trails. If your amp doesn’t have an effects loop, you can still run them before the amp input, but you may need to use less distortion to keep the sound clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake for beginners is “option paralysis.” Buying a massive multi-effects unit with hundreds of sounds can be overwhelming. You might spend more time scrolling through menus than actually playing and learning how the effects work. Starting with one or two high-quality, simple pedals allows you to deeply understand what each knob does and how the effect interacts with your playing. Another mistake is ignoring your power supply. Daisy-chaining many pedals, especially digital ones with high power draws, can introduce unwanted noise. Investing in a good, isolated power supply early on is a wise choice for a clean and reliable pedalboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest delay and reverb pedal to use?

For sheer simplicity and excellent sound, the JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb is one of the easiest reverb pedals to use. With just three intuitive knobs, it’s hard to find a bad sound. For delay, the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay follows the same philosophy with its classic three-knob layout that is instantly understandable.

Should a beginner start with a simple pedal or a multi-effects unit?

We generally recommend starting with one or two simple, high-quality pedals. This approach encourages you to learn the fundamentals of each effect—how changing the decay time on a reverb or the feedback on a delay affects your sound. Multi-effects units can be fantastic, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming and distract from the core learning process.

What are the most essential controls for a beginner to understand?

For reverb, the key controls are Level/Mix (how much of the effect you hear), Decay/Time (how long the reverb lasts), and sometimes Tone (how bright or dark the reverb is). For delay, you’ll want to understand Level/Mix, Feedback/Repeats (how many echoes you hear), and Time (the speed of the echoes).

How do I connect a delay and reverb pedal to my amplifier?

The best method is to use your amplifier’s effects loop, if available. Connect a cable from your amp’s “FX Send” jack to the input of your first pedal (e.g., delay). Then, connect the output of your last pedal (e.g., reverb) to the “FX Return” jack on your amp. If you don’t have an effects loop, you can run them in front of the amp: Guitar -> Pedals -> Amp Input.

Are there good online resources for learning to use delay and reverb?

Absolutely. YouTube is an invaluable resource. Channels like That Pedal Show, JHS Pedals, and Andertons TV have countless videos explaining effects, demonstrating pedals, and offering tips on how to use them creatively. Many manufacturers also have tutorials for their specific products.

What are some simple settings to get started with?

For a subtle “always-on” reverb, try setting the Decay low and the Mix/Level around 9 or 10 o’clock. This adds space without being obvious. For a classic slapback delay, set the Time very short, Feedback to just one or two repeats, and the Mix fairly low. This is great for rockabilly and country styles.

Is tap tempo a necessary feature for a beginner?

Tap tempo, which allows you to tap a footswitch to set the delay time to the song’s beat, is a very useful feature, but not essential for a beginner. It’s more critical for playing live in a band. When you’re starting out, learning to set the delay time by ear is a valuable skill in itself.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After thorough testing and consideration, our final recommendation for a beginner looking to explore the world of delay and reverb is the Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo. While it might seem unconventional to choose an amplifier in a pedal roundup, its all-in-one design provides the most value and the best learning experience. It solves the “chicken-or-egg” problem for new players by providing a fantastic-sounding amp with a genuinely high-quality digital reverb built right in. You can immediately start experimenting with spacious tones without extra cables or power supplies. Crucially, the inclusion of a transparent effects loop means it’s not a dead end; it’s the perfect foundation upon which to build a pedalboard, allowing you to add pedals like the BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal or the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay when you’re ready. It’s a smart, powerful, and inspiring investment that will serve a new guitarist for years to come.

Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API