4 Awesome Delays that Include a Reverse Mode

We've narrowed down this recommendation to four delay pedals, all of which have a reverse mode or algorithm.

While there are others that have a similar reverse mode, we've had direct experience with these four and can recommend them from personal experience. Note that all four of these pedals are digital delays without any analog components.

In each case, the reverse delay sound can be created by one of several selectable modes that are digitally modeled. 

Delay Pedals with Reverse (top 4 picks)

1. Line 6 DL4 Delay (original and MKII versions)

One of the most versatile and feature-rich digital delay pedals on the market.

The tap tempo and 11 delay modes quickly make the DL4 ideal for studio work, live performing and almost any skill level.

The reverse mode is a digitally modeled algorithm that can be tweaked to where you only hear the reversed playback in the mix.

Read the full review: Line 6 DL4

IDEAL FOR: Recording, performing, lead and rhythm ambient tones

2. Boss DD-8 Digital Delay

The DD-8 has several delay modes, including reverse, and actually supports a tap tempo function as well.

For the amount of tools it provides, the price is extremely reasonable.

The usability isn't quite as good as the DL4 since the tap tempo is harder to use and there are no preset switches. Though it is a lot cheaper at only $160 retail.

IDEAL FOR: Recording, those who don't care about presets, budgets

3. EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run

The Avalanche Run delay has some boutique appeal with a true bypass circuit and a ratio selector for choosing delay subdivisions.

In terms of tone quality, it's closer to an analog mimic than most other DSPs.

The tap tempo switch also gives it a leg up in functionality over the DD-8. You'll also find that this is one of the more "tweak-friendly" delay pedals in this list, perhaps even more so than the DL4. If they could add a few storable presets, they'd be a lot closer to justifying the $300 price tag.

IDEAL FOR: True bypass fans, those looking for clear subdivisions, tweaking

4. TC Electronic ND-1 Nova Delay

In terms of tone manipulation and versatility, the ND-1 is one of the most tinker-friendly and dynamic digital delay pedals available.

We don't like the tone quite as much as the others on this list, but it's definitely the most customizable of the four pedals, with presets and tap tempo built into the bypass switches and interface.

I'd recommend buying if sound flexibility is your top priority.

IDEAL FOR: Recording, extensive customization, anyone who needs a lot of presets

The Process Used for Including Each Delay Pedal

What does reverse delay sound like?

We also based our inclusions off a number of reliability factors including first-hand experience with the delay pedals in question, consumer feedback/reviews, scope of models considered, and overall product value.

Of the four pedals recommended, we're most familiar with the DL4.

For a more broad list of options, checkout our parent guitar pedal buying guide.

Other Delay Pedal Features to Consider

What about other delay pedal features?

Which ones matter, aside from getting the reverse mode? There are few different things we would recommend considering as you shop.

1. Other Delay Modes

Most delay pedals that have a reverse mode will have additional modes like rhythmic delay, slapback, tape echo, and perhaps more.

The more modes you have, the more versatile your delay pedal is going to be.

So even if the reverse sound is your primary concern, make sure you check on other modes afforded to you for each pedal you're considering.

2. Tap Tempo

Not all pedals have a tap tempo control, yet it's one of the most important features to consider when buying one.

Tap tempo controls, usually in the form of a button, let you control the timing or "pulse" of your delay, allowing you to dial in with whatever song you're playing as you play it.

Some delay pedals are even divided into time divisions, allowing you to select a division and then fine-tune it with your tap tempo.

If the delay pedal has a MIDI connection, we'd consider that a bonus, because it'll give you a lot of extra control and tweaking capabilities.

3. Analog or digital?

Both analog and digital delay pedals can sound great, though some guitar players prefer analog circuits just because they're viewed as more "pure" and do tend to sound better. If a delay pedal doesn't specify whether it's analog or digital in the marketing copy, that usually means it's going to be digital or at least partly controlled by a digital signal processor.

This isn't necessarily bad, but we'd rather have an analog circuit (often wired by hand) than a cheaper, factory-produced delay algorithm.

While digital delay pedals tend to have more control and are more likely to provide the tap tempo, analog delay pedals often sound better and win the tone battle.

Tips for Using the Reverse Mode

How might you use reverse mode in a delay pedal context? Here are a few best practices to consider.

Tweak the Mix (wet/dry) Balance

You should be able to set the reverse sound to apply to the original (dry) signal, which means you'll only hear a reverse version of what you play. The alternative is to hear the original signal and then hear the reversed version after as an echo. This can likely be changed by the Mix knob or whatever controls the wet/dry balance.

Add Reverb

A lot of delay modes, including reverse, will sound really good with some reverb added. You can usually get this from a reverb pedal, or your amplifier. Some delay pedals even have a reverb effect included, since the two sounds are such a popular combination.

Don't over-use

A reversed delay requires some strategy and temperance when deciding where and when to use it. Even more ethereally-minded guitar players like Mike Einzinger (Incubus) only use it sparingly, when it makes sense. A well placed reverse delay can be a pleasing add-on to a song, or an over-saturated, chaotic mess.

Sources We Used

• Delay Dude's Reverse Delay Writeup
• Avalanche Run Product Page
• NOVA Delay User Manual
• Music Critic's 10 Best Digital Delay Pedal Roundup Article
• Best Reverse Delay Reddit Thread

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