14 Delay Pedals with a Built-In Looper

This is a list of delay pedals that include a built in looping function or "looper" as it's sometimes called, alongside the main delay effect. This should not be confused with some delay pedals that include an "effects loop."

That is not the same thing as a looper.

If you're looking for a delay pedal with an effects loop, I'll refer you to the following roundup article.

Read more: Delay pedals with effects loop

Otherwise, we'll start simple with a list of delay pedals that come standard with looping functionality.

Delay Pedals with Built-In Looper

What does a looper do?

A looper pedal, or a looping effect included in a delay pedal, allows you to play back a certain segment on repeat, which many guitar players use to create their own backing tracks.

These pedals allow you to control where the loops are cut from, when they start, when they stop and what you can play over them.

While functionality within delay pedals with loopers will vary, this is the basic outline of what they'll do.

Which delay pedal brands have loopers?

Generally speaking, it's not so much related to a particular brand of delay pedal as it is related to the size of the pedal and how much functionality it houses.

Larger delay pedals are more likely to provide looping.

Though there are several companies that produce these kinds of delays more often than others:

• Strymon
• Boss (the larger form stompboxes)
• EHX

These three builders often make larger delay pedals with a wider range of functionality that are more likely to include a looper.

Should I buy a "bigger" delay pedal with looping?

Does this mean you always have to go with the bigger delay pedal? 

Not really.

Even the smaller stompboxes can sometimes include looping functionality though, in these cases, single bypass switches often account for multiple layers of functionality.

We find the larger delay pedals easier to use if you're trying to also use them as loopers.

Having separate switches to control looping is certainly helpful.

Ideal Delay / Looper User

People who use looping sparingly could be ideal fits for a delay/looper combo, while those who plan to do a lot of looping might be better off with a dedicated looper pedal.

If you don't already have a delay pedal and that's your priority, get a delay pedal with a looper included so you can test the waters before perhaps adding a dedicated looper pedal later on.

Summary

Delay pedals with built-in loopers allow you to accomplish multiple layers of functionality within one pedal, and they may even save you some money. If you're not sure about looping, get a pedal that combines the two effects so you can test it out.

Like we said, it's always possible to land a solo looper pedal later, if you find the functionality in the delay/looper combos doesn't suffice. 

We'd also recommend going with one of the larger pedals in this list, just so you have more flexibility in the settings for both your looper and your delay.

If you have questions about the delay pedals in this list, or you'd like to mention a delay pedal with a looper that we haven't included, feel free to drop us a note in the comments section below.

We'll see you there.

Related Articles