In this article we’re going to be discussing the best vocal delay pedals that exist in October 2023.
Delay is one of the most essential effects in music and for a long time, these effect pedals were reserved for guitars, so singers were forced to use these products to get the desired effect. These days are long gone, as many manufacturers now offer delay pedals that are designed for vocals. The delay effect can come in a traditional stompbox form, or as a built-in effect in the multi-effect processor unit.
What Is A Vocal Delay Pedal?
A delay pedal provides a delay effect, which is one of the most important effects in music, whether it’s about vocals or instruments. It works in a pretty simple way – it saves the original signal and repeats it after a certain time. In that way, it creates an echo effect. Delay pedals usually come with several controls that can shape this effect in different ways. There is usually a feedback control, as well as a time knob that lets you set the repeat speed. Many pedals feature a so-called tap-tempo function, where you can set the speed by tapping on the footswitch.
While delay pedals for guitars usually come as single units, vocal delay pedals are usually packed with a few more effects. They can come as a stompbox and in that case, they usually come together with reverb and similar effects that provide that ambient sound. Pitch correction is also a pretty common feature.
However, most delay effects come as a part of multi-effect units and vocal processors. These pedals offer a complete package, which usually includes a whole bunch of effects, along with a preamp, looper, audio interface and many other extra features.
Best Vocal Delay Pedals & Processors 2023
Boss VE-20
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Boss has been a real master when it comes to creating fantastic delay pedals and that doesn’t refer only to guitar and bass, but to vocal units as well. The VE-20 also features an excellent delay effect but it’s actually much more than that. It is a stompbox that packs loads of effects, starting from the classic ones like delay, reverb, pitch shifter/harmonizer etc.
Also, the unit offers modern effects like Distortion, Radio, and Strobe. Also, there is a built-in, 38-second looper, which makes this pedal even more versatile. Of course, it is hard to imagine a pedal of this type without pitch correction, as well as various connectivity features. There are XLR balanced ins and outs, as well as a headphone out. Also, the pedal offers phantom power, so you can use it with various mic types.
The housing features a typical Boss design, starting from a couple of recognizable, massive footswitches. The rest of the controls are pretty simple and straightforward, which in practice means almost no learning curve. The housing is bulletproof and looks like it will last for ages. As you would expect, the power comes from a 9V DC adapter, though you can also use 6 AA batteries.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This pedal is a great choice for live performance. It features a straightforward design and it is very easy to use, while the sturdy housing promises a high dose of reliability and durability. The delay sounds excellent, but there are several more effects that also sound great.
TC Helicon VOICETONE E1
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Just like guitar players, many vocalists like stompboxes that put a single effect type in a single housing. The TC Helicon VOICETONE E1 is exactly one of these, a pedal that’s all about delay. More precisely, this pedal offers a dozen of delay, echo and slapback effects. It may look simple, but the sound quality is impressive.
The pedal features a compact and nice-looking design. Of course, one of its main advantages is a simple layout with just three knobs. One of the left lets you dial different types of a delay effects, while the center knob sets the amount of feedback. Finally, the knob on the right side lets you mix dry and wet signals, to find a perfect balance. Of course, there is the On/Off switch, which also has a tap-tempo function.
The housing is sturdy and seems rock-solid, while the knobs feel durable as well. Also, it features phantom power, so you can connect various mics. Of course, there are balanced XLR ins and outs, while the small knob on the side lets you control the mic gain. The pedal runs on a 9V power supply, which is included in the price.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
If you are a kind of artist that likes to add a lot of ambient flavors, this is the pedal for you. This unit is designed for delay enthusiasts and offers an impressive spectrum of amazing echo and slapback colors, something that you won’t get from any multi-effect unit.
TC-Helicon Perform-VK
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The TC-Helicon Perform-VK is designed to add depth to your voice and for that reason, it comes packed with some of the most essential effects, such as echo, reverb and doubling. It packs many more effects than just a delay and it is actually a proper vocal processor.
The size may be small, but this unit has a lot of things to offer, starting from a smart engine that captures chordal information and transforms it into realistic vocal harmonies. Moreover, you may also count on pitch correction, as well as Megaphone, HardTue, µMod, Anti-feedback etc.
What we really like about this pedal is that, although the size is pretty compact, the controls are organized very well, which makes this unit pretty easy to use. Also, the pedal comes with a built-in 4-in/8-out USB audio interface for recording, as well as phantom power that allows you to use different mic types. You can also download the Perform-VK app, which gives you access to a large library of presets, as well as to the VoiceSupport app that brings the latest firmware updates. The pedal runs on a 12V power supply, which is included in the price.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The TC-Helicon Perform-VK is an excellent choice for singers who like to add a lot of ambient flavor to their voice and need a quality harmonizer, but also want portability and easiness of use. It is also a great tool for home recording.
TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play Acoustic
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play Acoustic packs two units into a single housing. It’s not just a vocal processor, but also a multi-effect unit for acoustic guitar. That’s the level of functionality you will hardly find in other places, especially if we consider that the pedal is optimized for acoustic singers and works great as a floor unit.
The vocal section is filled with pretty much everything you need as a singer. Of course, there is an excellent delay effect, along with other effects that can take your voice next level. There’s a low-noise mic preamp, along with various effects, harmonizer, pitch correction etc. You may also count on a USB connection for streaming tracks and recording live or in the studio, while the built-in looper is another important feature.
When it comes to the acoustic guitar side of the pedal, there are two well-known effects for a great ambient sound – Hall of Fame Reverb and Corona Chorus. The headphone output can be used for in-ear monitoring, while the VoiceSupport app gives you access to numerous presets, firmware updates and other things. The pedal works on a 12V power supply, which is included in the price. The USB cable is also included.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
If you are an acoustic singer, this pedal is a natural choice. This pedal packs everything you need for your vocal and your acoustic guitar sound processing and also comes at a pretty competitive price. The delay effect works great, just like the rest of the features.
FLAMMA FV01 Vocal Effects Processor
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The FLAMMA FV01 puts focus on essentials. This is a no-nonsense pedal that includes only those effects that are necessary for vocalists who like to add ambient flavor to their sound. There are three delay types, three reverb types and pitch correction. What’s particularly great is that you can use this pedal both as vocal and guitar effect, simultaneously.
The first thing you’ll notice about this pedal is its compact size and very simple layout that looks like a typical electric guitar stompbox. The housing is small and sturdy, and you can find no more than three knobs. The left one lets you pick the delay type and set the desired amount of effect. The middle knob does the same thing but for the reverb effect. Finally, the right knob lets you set the amount of pitch correction. The footswitch engages and disengages the pedal but also has a tap-tempo function.
As we’ve just mentioned, the pedal works great with guitars too, so there are both XLR balanced and unbalanced ins and outs. Also, you may count on phantom power which gives you the option to connect any mic you want. The pedal runs on a 9V power supply, which is included in the price.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is an affordable, quintessential delay and reverb pedal that also includes pitch correction. It is designed for vocalists who don’t need tons of effects and who like a smooth and easy operation. The pedal is great for singers who also play guitar and need a good delay pedal for their instrument.
Our Number One Choice
The TC-Helicon VoiceTone E1 is our first choice because it is a no-nonsense pedal that puts the focus on delay and similar types of effects that are essential for a proper ambient tone. It offers great sound quality, as well as a lot of connectivity features. Most importantly, it is super easy to dial great tones. The build quality is great too.
Our Premium Choice
The Boss VE-20 is an excellent choice for vocalists who also play guitar and need a comprehensive solution for both their voice and instrument. This unit has so many things to offer and it is strong in all fields. We like guitar features, while vocal features are even better. Despite the complexity, the pedal is super-easy to use, while the bullet-proof housing promises years of service.
Best Value For Money
Our ‘best value for money’ title goes to the TC-Helicon Perform-VK, a pedal that packs so many great things in a single, very compact housing. Despite the small size, the pedal comes with lots of controls and all of them are perfectly transparent. More importantly, the sound quality is great for all effects, while delay and reverb are particularly great. It is a fantastic tool for live performances but can work great for home recording as well. Also, the company offers frequent firmware updates and lots of downloadable patches.
That concludes this full buyers guide on the best vocal delay pedals. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyer guides such as the best Bass Synth Pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online with our Guitar Tricks Review.
FAQ: Best Vocal Delay Pedals
Q: What is a vocal delay pedal?
A: A vocal delay pedal is an effects pedal designed specifically for vocalists to add delay effects to their singing. It creates an echo-like effect by repeating and layering the vocal sound after a certain time interval.
Q: How does a vocal delay pedal work?
A: A vocal delay pedal works by taking the input signal from a microphone or vocal source, processing it, and then outputting the delayed signal. The delay time can be adjusted to control the length between the original vocal and the repeated echoes.
Q: What are the benefits of using a vocal delay pedal?
A: Using a vocal delay pedal can enhance your vocal performance by adding depth, texture, and ambiance to your voice. It can create a sense of space and add a professional touch to your live sound or recordings.
Q: Are vocal delay pedals different from guitar delay pedals?
A: While there may be some similarities between vocal delay pedals and guitar delay pedals, they are designed with different considerations in mind. Vocal delay pedals often have features tailored specifically for vocals, such as formant and EQ controls, to shape the sound in a way that complements the human voice.
Q: Can I use a guitar delay pedal for vocals?
A: In most cases, it is possible to use a guitar delay pedal for vocals. However, keep in mind that guitar delay pedals may not offer the same level of control and customization options for vocalists. It’s generally recommended to use a dedicated vocal delay pedal for optimal results.
Q: What features should I consider when choosing a vocal delay pedal?
A: When selecting a vocal delay pedal, consider factors such as delay types (analog, digital, tape delay), delay time range, tap tempo functionality, modulation options, additional effects (reverb, chorus), and connectivity options (XLR, TRS, effects loop). These features can greatly influence the versatility and suitability of the pedal for your vocal performance needs.
Q: Are there any vocal effects processors that include delay effects?
A: Yes, there are vocal effects processors available that include built-in delay effects alongside other vocal processing capabilities. These processors offer a comprehensive solution for vocalists who require multiple effects and advanced control over their vocal sound.
Q: Can I use a vocal delay pedal with other instruments besides vocals?
A: While vocal delay pedals are primarily designed for vocals, they can often be used with other instruments, such as guitars or keyboards. However, keep in mind that the sound and impact of the delay may vary depending on the instrument being used.
Q: How do I incorporate a vocal delay pedal into a live performance setup?
A: To incorporate a vocal delay pedal into your live performance setup, connect your microphone to the pedal’s input, and then connect the pedal’s output to your sound system or mixer. Adjust the delay settings according to your preference, and make sure to test and balance the overall sound with the rest of your setup to achieve the desired effect.
Q: Are there any tips for using a vocal delay pedal effectively?
A: Here are a few tips for using a vocal delay pedal effectively:
- Experiment with different delay time settings to find the desired echo effect.
- Utilize tap tempo functionality if available to sync the delay time with the rhythm of your performance.
- Consider using modulation or other effects in combination with delay to create unique vocal sounds.
- Practice and familiarize yourself with the pedal’s controls to make real-time adjustments during performances.
- Adjust the mix level to find the right balance between the original vocal and the delayed effect.
Remember, the best vocal delay pedal is subjective and depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API