Best Delay and Reverb Pedals: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

As seasoned players and gear enthusiasts, we understand the quest for the perfect tone. Delay and reverb are two of the most foundational effects in a guitarist’s arsenal, capable of transforming a dry signal into lush soundscapes, expansive solos, or rhythmic echoes. We’ve spent countless hours experimenting with a myriad of pedals, searching for units that offer both versatility and sonic excellence without compromising your core tone.

In this comprehensive roundup, we’ve put a range of pedals through their paces, from dedicated stompboxes to integrated amplifier solutions. After extensive testing, our top pick for its unparalleled versatility, robust build, and exceptional sound quality is the BOSS RV-6 Reverb Guitar Pedal. Its studio-grade algorithms and diverse modes, including the ambient “Shimmer” and practical “Delay+Reverb” options, consistently delivered inspiring results, a sentiment echoed by countless users who found it the missing piece in their pursuit of the perfect reverb.

Our Top Picks for Best Delay and Reverb Pedals

#1 BOSS RV-6 Reverb Guitar Pedal – Ideal for: Players seeking studio-quality reverb with versatile modes and robust build

The BOSS RV-6 Reverb Guitar Pedal quickly established itself as our go-to reverb. From the moment we plugged it in, the clarity and depth of its sound were immediately apparent. BOSS has truly outdone themselves with the newly developed studio-grade algorithms, delivering eight distinct reverb modes that cover everything from subtle room ambiance to expansive, ethereal soundscapes. We particularly gravitated towards the “Shimmer” and “Dynamic” modes, which offer lush, immersive textures that inspire creativity. The “Delay+Reverb” mode is also a standout, providing a seamless blend of two essential effects without needing a second pedal. Its intuitive control layout means we could dial in sophisticated tones quickly, even in low-light environments, a practical benefit highlighted by many gigging musicians who find it “easy to operate” and “more practical while gigging than other niche brands”.

The build quality, as expected from BOSS, is tank-like. We put it through its paces, and it felt incredibly robust and reliable, a sentiment echoed by users who praise its “superior build quality” and expect it to be a “reliable pedal like the rest of my boss pedals”. We also appreciated its mono and stereo operation, providing excellent versatility for different rig setups. While the included power supply is a nice touch, some users, like us, might wish it came with an adapter as standard. For bass players, we were pleasantly surprised that the pedal maintained excellent bottom end, a common concern when adapting guitar pedals for bass, with one user noting “The BOSS RV-6 has no bottom end loss, and the pedal sounded smooth and quiet when activated.” This pedal truly delivers high-quality, inspiring reverb effects that are both easy to use and built to last.

#2 JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb – Perfect for: Guitarists seeking straightforward, high-quality analog reverb at an accessible price point

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb really impressed us with its dedication to simplicity and analog warmth. In an era of increasingly complex digital reverbs, this pedal offers a refreshing return to core functionality without sacrificing tone. We found it exceptionally easy to dial in a wide range of reverberation effects, from subtle room ambience that adds just a touch of space to nearly infinite washes of sound. The EQ control is a fantastic feature, allowing us to sculpt the reverb’s texture from bright and airy to dark and brooding, ensuring it sits perfectly in any mix. The Pre-Delay knob further enhances its versatility, enabling everything from tight slap-back echoes to more expansive, spring-like sounds, proving that “less is more” can truly apply to effects pedals.

Our experience confirmed what many users appreciate: this pedal is “simple… Practical… Brilliant!”. The build quality is solid, and knowing it’s manufactured in Kansas City, USA, adds a layer of confidence. We found it to be a compelling alternative to more expensive options for players who prioritize essential, high-quality reverb without an overwhelming array of features. As one user aptly put it, it’s a “simple reverb that is perfect for me, set it and forget it. It has enough control for anything I need.” It’s an outstanding value for its price, offering lush, inspiring reverb that can easily find a permanent spot on any pedalboard.

#3 Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo – Ideal for: Practice and small gigs, offering solid-state tone with integrated reverb and tuner

While primarily a guitar amplifier, the Orange Crush 35RT Guitar Amplifier Combo is worth mentioning in this roundup for its surprisingly capable built-in digital reverb. We found this 35-watt solid-state amp to be a fantastic all-in-one solution for practice, recording, and even small gigs. The custom 10-inch “Voice of the World” speaker delivers a rich, responsive tone, making both the clean and dirty channels sound excellent. The high-gain analog preamp circuitry, derived from Orange’s Crush Pro series, provides impressive overdrive and saturation, which we appreciated for its dynamic response.

The integrated digital reverb, while not as deeply customizable as a dedicated pedal, offers a pleasant wash that adds depth to the overall sound. We found it to be a very musical reverb that complemented both clean and overdriven tones effectively. Our experience aligns with users who praise it as an “excellent and affordable amplifier” that provides a “solid foundation to their guitar tone”. The inclusion of a chromatic tuner is a practical bonus, and the CabSim headphone output is great for silent practice. We did notice a minor ground loop hum when attempting to link two units, which some users also encountered, but for a single-amp setup, it delivers clean, articulate sound. Overall, this amp is a “hidden gem” for players seeking a versatile practice companion with quality built-in effects.

#4 MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay – Best for: Musicians craving lush, warm, all-analog delay with a classic sound

The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay has long been a favorite in our studio, and for good reason: it delivers a genuinely rich, warm, all-analog delay tone that’s hard to beat. Using classic bucket-brigade (BBD) technology, this pedal provides up to 600ms of delay time, perfect for adding depth to solos, creating subtle echoes, or building atmospheric soundscapes. The three-knob layout (Delay, Mix, Regen) is incredibly intuitive, allowing us to quickly dial in everything from a short, slap-back echo to long, decaying repeats. We particularly enjoyed experimenting with the user-selectable modulation controls, which, accessed via internal trim pots, can emulate the charming wobble of vintage tape echoes. This feature truly sets it apart, adding a layer of character that digital delays often struggle to replicate.

In our testing, the true bypass switching ensured that our dry signal remained pristine when the effect was disengaged, which is crucial for maintaining tonal integrity. Many users agree, praising its “lush sound” and its ability to become “a permanent fixture” on their pedalboard. However, one consistent minor issue we encountered, which several users also pointed out, is the intensely bright blue “on” LED. In a dark performance setting, it can be quite distracting, making it difficult to see other pedal settings. Despite this small ergonomic quibble, the sonic quality and ease of use of the MXR Carbon Copy make it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking authentic analog delay.

#5 FLAMMA FS22 Stereo Delay & Reverb Pedal – Best for: Experimental players seeking a feature-rich stereo delay and reverb combo on a budget

The FLAMMA FS22 Stereo Delay & Reverb Pedal is a truly remarkable offering that packs an impressive amount of functionality into a compact, vibrant chassis. We were genuinely surprised by the quality and versatility of the combined effects. The pedal features three distinct pairs of combined effects: Reverse Delay/Swell Reverb, Analog Echo Delay/Mod Reverb, and Analog Delay/Shimmer Reverb. Each combination offers unique sonic possibilities, allowing us to dive deep into ambient soundscapes or add subtle textures with ease. The dedicated Tap Tempo footswitch is a fantastic addition, providing real-time synchronization that’s crucial for live performance and rhythmic precision.

The “Freeze” function is a standout feature, creating infinite sustain of the current effect, which we found incredibly inspiring for atmospheric leads and drones. Moreover, the “Trail On” functionality ensures effects fade out naturally even after disengaging the pedal, maintaining a smooth transition. Our testing confirmed that the true bypass architecture works effectively, preserving signal quality. Many users, like us, felt that this pedal holds its own against much more expensive units, with one calling it an “amazing reverb pedal” and noting its comparable quality to high-end options. The independent control over Delay and Reverb parameters is also a huge plus, giving us the flexibility to blend or isolate effects as needed. This pedal offers tremendous value, especially for those looking to explore complex ambient textures without breaking the bank.

#6 BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal – Crucial for: Maintaining pristine signal quality when using high-gain or multiple effects, including delay and reverb

While not a delay or reverb pedal itself, the BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal is an absolutely essential tool for anyone serious about their tone, especially when stacking multiple effects or using high-gain amplifiers. We included it in this list because without proper noise suppression, even the best delay and reverb pedals can be marred by unwanted hum and hiss. In our testing, the NS-2 performed flawlessly, effectively eliminating extraneous noise from our signal chain without “sucking” tone or affecting the attack and decay of our notes. Its unique noise detection circuit intelligently isolates and suppresses noise components, preserving the natural dynamics of the instrument.

We’ve found that proper integration, particularly using the “4-cable method” with an amp’s effects loop, truly unleashes its potential. With the Threshold and Decay knobs, we could precisely tailor the suppression effect, making it disappear silently behind our playing. Many users echoed our findings, stating it’s the “Best guitar rig investment I’ve made yet” and that it effectively makes “all the noise go away.” For players who rely on expansive, sustained delay and reverb sounds, a clean signal is paramount, and the NS-2 ensures that those beautiful effects shine through without interference. It’s a rock-solid, reliable pedal that every effects user should consider.

#7 TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal – Perfect for: Exploring diverse reverb textures with dynamic expression via the MASH footswitch

The TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering a wide array of high-quality reverb effects, but it truly shines with the addition of the groundbreaking MASH footswitch. We found this pressure-sensitive footswitch to be a game-changer, allowing for dynamic real-time control over various effect parameters – it’s like having an expression pedal built right into the stomp. This feature, along with the new shimmer effect, enabled us to create incredibly expressive and evolving soundscapes that would typically require more complex setups. The pedal offers ten selectable reverb types, from classic spring and plate reverbs to vast, cathedral-like halls, and our testing confirmed the “church reverb” setting is particularly beautiful and expansive, as one user also noted.

TC Electronic’s TonePrint technology is another massive plus, giving us instant access to a vast library of custom, artist-designed pedal tweaks. This means the pedal’s capabilities can be expanded far beyond its stock settings, offering endless sonic exploration. The stereo input and output provide enhanced flexibility for larger rigs, and the Analog-Dry-Through circuitry ensures that our core tone remains pristine. We appreciate its true bypass functionality for zero tone loss when disengaged. While some users might find the factory presets similar, we found ample sonic diversity, especially when diving into TonePrint. This pedal is a fantastic choice for players who want a versatile reverb with innovative expressive control and a solid, professional build.

#8 BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal – Best for: Guitarists requiring a powerful, compact digital delay with extensive features and stereo capabilities

The BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal lives up to its reputation as BOSS’s most advanced compact digital delay, offering an astonishing array of features in a small footprint. We found its eleven versatile delay modes to be incredibly inspiring, ranging from standard digital and vintage tape echoes to more esoteric effects like shimmer, modulation, and glitch. The three newly developed types—Warm, +RV (Delay plus Reverb), and GLT (Rhythmic Delay)—are particularly noteworthy, adding fresh textures and creative potential. The +RV mode, in particular, offers a harmonious blend of delay and reverb, perfect for ambient soundscapes, making it a powerful duo in one unit.

With up to 10 seconds of delay time accessible via tap tempo, we had ample room for expansive effects and rhythmic precision. The integrated looper, providing up to 40 seconds of recording with unlimited overdub capability, is a fantastic bonus, making it an invaluable tool for practice, songwriting, and live performance. The ability to use three-pedal looper operation with external footswitches further enhances its utility. Our experience confirms what many users rave about: this pedal is a “little tank with a bunch of different delay modes” and is “very intuitive to use” once you explore its capabilities. Its robust build and support for both mono and stereo configurations make it a versatile and reliable workhorse for any guitarist.

#9 BOSS DM-2W Delay Waza Craft Pedal – Ideal for: Purists seeking the classic analog delay tone with modern refinements and extended delay time

The BOSS DM-2W Delay Waza Craft Pedal is a triumphant reissue that captures the magic of the original DM-2 analog delay while adding thoughtful modern enhancements. We immediately fell in love with the warm, dark, and lush analog repeats generated by its premium all-analog BBD (bucket brigade delay) circuitry. In “Standard” mode, it delivers the authentic 20-300ms delay range that made the original a legend. However, the “Custom” mode truly impressed us, offering a cleaner analog tone and more than double the available delay time, extending its usability for a wider range of musical contexts. This switchable versatility means we can effortlessly move between vintage charm and more contemporary analog echoes.

Our experience confirms the “consistent Boss quality” that users expect. The pedal felt incredibly sturdy and reliable, designed for years of heavy use. We also appreciated the inclusion of dedicated Wet and Dry outputs, which provide enhanced signal routing options for studio recording or more complex live setups. The expression pedal capability for controlling delay time is a fantastic touch, allowing for dynamic, on-the-fly adjustments that open up new creative avenues. While some users noted the settings can be sensitive, we found that with a little finesse, we could achieve truly inspiring analog tones. For those who prioritize the unique character and warmth of analog delay above all else, the DM-2W is an undisputed champion, delivering that “dark characteristic tone of an analog delay” in a meticulously crafted package.

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

Key Factors to Consider

When diving into the world of delay and reverb, several critical factors will guide your decision. First, consider the type of effect you’re after: do you prefer the warm, decaying repeats of an analog delay (like a tape echo simulation) or the pristine, high-fidelity repetitions of a digital delay? For reverb, are you chasing the vibrant spring of a surf rock classic, the natural decay of a room, the expansive wash of a hall, or the ethereal shimmer of ambient music? Many modern pedals offer multiple types, while others specialize in one or two.

Connectivity and signal path are also paramount. Will you need mono or stereo inputs and outputs? Stereo can create immersive soundscapes, especially when paired with two amplifiers or a stereo effects loop. Look for features like true bypass (which keeps your dry signal untouched when the pedal is off) or buffered bypass (which can help maintain signal integrity over long cable runs). Finally, consider control and versatility. Do you prefer a simple three-knob layout for quick adjustments, or do you crave deep editing, tap tempo, looper functions, and expression pedal inputs for dynamic control? Your musical style and technical comfort level will dictate the ideal balance.

Understanding Signal Chain Placement

The order of your effects in the signal chain significantly impacts your sound, and delay and reverb are no exception. Generally, we place delay before reverb. This allows the individual echoes of the delay to bloom and decay within the reverberated space, creating a sense of depth and dimension. If reverb comes first, the delay repeats will be reverberated themselves, which can sometimes sound muddy or overwhelming. For both effects, we typically recommend placing them in your amplifier’s effects loop (if it has one) rather than directly into the front input. This is because high-gain preamps can distort delays and reverbs in an undesirable way, making them sound harsh. By placing them in the loop, they process the amplifier’s already-overdriven signal cleanly, allowing them to shine with clarity.

However, experimentation is key! Some players intentionally place delay or reverb before gain stages for unique, sometimes chaotic, textural effects. Understanding how each pedal interacts with your amplifier and other effects will unlock new sonic possibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdoing the Effects: It’s easy to get lost in the lushness, but too much delay or reverb can quickly muddy your mix and make your playing indistinct. We always recommend starting subtle and adding just enough to enhance, not overpower, your core tone.
• Ignoring Power Requirements: Many modern digital delay and reverb pedals draw significant current (mA). A common mistake is using an underpowered daisy chain, which can lead to noise, hiss, or inconsistent performance. Always check the pedal’s current draw and ensure your power supply meets its needs, ideally with isolated outputs.
• Not Considering Pedalboard Space: Some powerful delay/reverb units can be quite large. Before purchasing, measure your available pedalboard real estate to ensure it fits comfortably alongside your other essential stompboxes.
• Buying for Features, Not Sound: It’s tempting to opt for the pedal with the most modes and blinking lights. However, if only a few of those sounds are genuinely inspiring or usable for your style, you might be better off with a simpler, dedicated unit that truly excels at those core sounds. Trust your ears over the spec sheet.
• Neglecting Stereo Potential: If you have a stereo amplifier setup or record in stereo, failing to utilize a stereo-capable delay or reverb pedal means missing out on a vast, immersive sonic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between delay and reverb?

Delay is essentially an echo, taking an input sound and repeating it after a short period. These repetitions can be singular, multiple, or decaying. Reverb, on the other hand, simulates the natural reflections of sound in an acoustic space, creating a sense of “room” or “space.” While delay creates distinct repetitions, reverb blends these reflections into a complex wash of sound, often with no discernible individual echoes.

Should delay go before or after reverb in a signal chain?

Traditionally, delay is placed before reverb in the signal chain. This allows the individual echoes of the delay to be processed by the reverb, creating a more natural and spacious sound. If reverb is placed first, the delay repeats themselves will have reverb applied, which can sometimes sound muddy or overwhelming. However, sonic experimentation is encouraged, and some artists deliberately reverse the order for unique, atmospheric effects.

Are combined delay and reverb pedals worth it?

Absolutely, combined delay and reverb pedals can be incredibly worthwhile, especially for players looking to save pedalboard space and simplify their setup. They often offer seamless integration between the two effects and can be a great value. High-quality combined units, like the FLAMMA FS22, prove that you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality for convenience, providing a wide array of inspiring tones in a single enclosure.

What do the main controls on a delay/reverb pedal do?

For delay pedals, common controls include: Delay/Time (sets the time between repeats), Mix/Level (adjusts the balance between wet/effected and dry/unaffected signal), and Feedback/Repeats (determines how many times the delay repeats). Reverb pedals typically feature: Decay/Time (sets the length of the reverb tail), Mix/Level (balance of wet/dry signal), and Tone/Damping (adjusts the brightness or darkness of the reverb reflections).

Can you use a delay and reverb pedal for instruments other than guitar?

Yes, delay and reverb pedals are incredibly versatile and can be used with a wide array of instruments, not just guitar. Synthesizers, vocals, bass guitar, drums, and even acoustic instruments (with proper amplification and pickup) can all benefit from the depth and ambiance these effects provide. Our testing with the BOSS RV-6 Reverb Guitar Pedal, for instance, showed it works wonderfully for bass guitar without losing low end.

How much should I spend on a good delay and reverb pedal?

The price range for quality delay and reverb pedals can vary significantly, from under $100 to several hundred dollars or more. For a solid, dependable pedal, expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $200. Pedals in this range, like the JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb or the TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal, offer excellent sound quality and features. Higher-end pedals often provide more complex algorithms, extensive programmability, and wider connectivity options, justifying their higher cost for professional use or specific sonic demands.

What are some iconic songs that use delay and reverb effects?

Delay and reverb are integral to countless iconic tracks. Think of the expansive delay on U2’s “Where The Streets Have No Name,” the atmospheric reverb of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” or the classic surf rock spring reverb on Dick Dale’s “Misirlou.” The subtle room reverb on countless jazz recordings, or the lush plate reverb often found in classic rock ballads, also highlight their pervasive use. These effects are foundational to shaping mood and space in music across genres.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After thoroughly evaluating a range of exceptional units, from versatile stompboxes to innovative amplifier integrations, our final recommendation for the best delay and reverb pedal firmly rests with the BOSS RV-6 Reverb Guitar Pedal. This pedal consistently impressed us with its remarkable balance of sonic fidelity, user-friendly design, and robust build quality.

Its eight diverse, studio-grade reverb modes—including the captivating Shimmer and the practical Delay+Reverb—offer an unparalleled palette of sounds for any musical context. We found its intuitive controls allowed for quick and precise tone shaping, a critical advantage for both live performance and studio work. This sentiment was strongly echoed by many users, who praised its ease of operation and the ability to finally achieve the “perfect sound” they’d been searching for. Whether you’re chasing subtle room ambience or expansive, ethereal soundscapes, the BOSS RV-6 Reverb Guitar Pedal delivers with unwavering quality and inspiring versatility, making it an indispensable addition to any guitarist’s setup.

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