7 Best Reverse Delay Pedals (For All Budgets)

• Hunting for the best reverse delay pedal?
• We rank and review the seven best contenders in the market today
• Also, check out our guide to the best mini delay pedals
• And our round-up of the best tap tempo delay pedals

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Love chilling out in a backward wash of atmospheric repeats? Co-blooming-sign! Reverse delay is one of those sounds that is as easy to fall in love with as it is difficult to control. It is a sound worth having, but one your pocket doesn’t want you to make.

The mooned applications of reverse delay effect pedals are seldom in the foreground of a pedalboard. But when they buttress a solo, everyone dives down off-piste slopes with you. Ah, but for that, you need a reverse delay pedal that can keep up with your ethereal mind.

Delay pedals are a dime a dozen, but some gloss over the reverse mode while others oblige with unworkable sounds. Even among the palatable pedals, reverse delay sounds vary from choppy to fluid. And, tape stop effects, loop functions, and other frills are an added bonus.

So, whether you want psychedelic freak-outs or are keen on inverted audio adventures, we’ve compiled a list of the best reverse delay pedals to get you your money’s worth.

Heck, some of them can even bake cookies for you. Sorry pocket, GAS away.

What Are The Best Delay Pedals with Reverse Delay?

Boss DD-8 is the best multi-use delay pedal with reverse mode among the ‘granddad’ stomps. It lacks custom-built graphics but is on the money in every other way.

The Nux Time Core Deluxe is a safe bet if you want a (relatively) cheap reverse delay pedal. The reverse mode is excellent for the price even though it can’t hold a candle to the boutique big dogs.

EQD’s Avalanche Run V2 is the best delay pedal to create evolving soundscapes and magical stereo effects. It’s an ace in the hole if you use a reverse delay to create droning, ambient sounds.

Here’s the complete list of the delay pedals with reverse delay for varying needs and budgets.

1. Boss DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal (Our Pick)
2. NUX Time Core Deluxe (Best Value)
3. EQD Avalanche Run V2 Delay / Reverb Pedal (Premium Choice)
4. Danelectro Back Talk Reverse Delay
5. TC Flashback 2 Delay Pedal
6. Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Pedal
7. EHX Memory Man with Hazarai 

1. BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal (Our Pick)

The DD-8 (its previous avatars included) has been around for a while. It has delivered echoes and repeats for many hyper-processed heroes in the past.

When all else fails, fall back on the Boss DD-8 – a delay effects pedal with a familiar face and reputable sounds. If ‘eccentricity’ isn’t high on your checklist, the could be the tried-and-tested stomp to bring home without regret.

Features

• True Stereo Delay Effect Pedal w/ 10 seconds of delay
• 11 delay modes including reverse delay
• 3 output modes – independent, panning, and wide stereo
• Tap Tempo + 2 footswitch inputs
• Carryover switch and Twist function

Review

The DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal sports the characteristic metal enclosure and rubber footswitch found in all Boss pedals. It boasts up to 10 seconds of delay, full stereo I/O, overdub capability, tap tempo, and 11 delay modes – including a dedicated reverse delay mode.

The pedal’s versatile connections are perfect for a wet/dry setup, allowing you to completely drown out the dry signal. The 40-second loop mode is ideal for sound-on-sound fun and on-the-fly backing tracks. A carryover switch allows trails to play out after the stomp is bypassed.

In use, the DD-8 is an expressive, versatile, and intuitive multi-delay pedal. Its reverse mode isn’t teeming with the delectable weirdness but expressive enough to paint organic, ambient, and warbling textures. You can hook up an expression pedal to manipulate effects when needed.

Verdict

The Boss DD-8 Delay is a multi-functional workhorse in tune with the modern needs of musicians. It will sit proudly on a pedalboard – steadfast and used often. More importantly, it is significantly cheaper than more out-there delay pedals with reverse delay options.

2. NUX Time Core Deluxe (Best Value)

The NUX Time Core Deluxe is your best bet if you don’t want to pay three figures for reverse delay effects.

This all-in-one guitar pedal is compact, user-friendly, and within the means of most. It offers an evenhanded variety of delay modes and effects to invite it to your pedalboard.

Features

• Compact sized delay pedal with stereo inputs and outputs
• 7 delay modes including reverse delay
• True Bypass, Buffered Tail Bypass, and Tone Lock
• 40 second loop function + onboard tap tempo
• USB firmware updates

Review

This manageably-sized delay effects pedal is a cost-effective route to reverse delay. It offers the effect as a part of its seven delay modes, the other six being tape echo, digital, analog delay mode (bucket brigade), ping pong, pan, and hold (40-second loop).

The control panel features four knobs for Delay Time, Mix, Repeat, and Mode. The footswitch, when held down for two seconds, doubles up as a tap tempo to sync up. The reverse mode, though not Shoegaze-spectacular, is sufficient to dip your feet in the water.

A 3-way toggle allows you to select Tail, Normal, and T-Lock. This alludes to the two Bypass modes – True Bypass (normal) and Buffered Tail Bypass (tail). The third option – Tone Lock (T-Lock) – is a killswitch to protect parameter tweaks during a performance.

Verdict

The NUX Time Core Deluxe Delay pedal isn’t masquerading as the best reverse delay pedal. It’s not on par with the disorienting genius of boutique or high-end analog delay.

But, it’s a compact and reasonably good option pedal with reverse delay. If you want simple operation and cost-effective execution, this one is worth checking out.

3. EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run V2 Delay / Reverb Pedal (Premium Option)

Be it Grey Channel, Hoof Reaper, or Ghost Echo, EQD knows combo pedals backward. Hot on the coattails of the EQD Dispatch Master (another excellent delay pedal), EQD impresses with a more lush, versatile, and feature-packed pedal, one that sets the bar very high.

Features

• Tape echo-style delay and deep ‘verb in a custom-built enclosure
• Stereo imaging with stereo inputs and outputs
• 3-way switch for Reverse delay, Normal, and Swell
• On-board tap tempo + expression pedal control
• Ideal for ethereal and ambient use cases

Review

The Avalanche Run is a titan among delay pedals with reverse effects. It’s an eminently tweakable stereo-sonic pedal with a wide variety of tape delay, reverse delay, and reverb options. It goes a step further, tempting you into cavernous sounds with a 2-knob reverb.

The control panel features eight knobs to tweak – Time, Repeats, Tone, Mix, Expression, Decay, Mix, and Ratio. A 3-way toggle switch gives you quick access to swelling reverbs, ethereal reverse delay, and a surreal mishmash of both worlds.

There is a lot to unpack if we get into the nitty-gritty of this high-concept pedal. The delay sounds include tape emulation, bucket brigade, and lo-fi styles among others. There is little to fault with tap tempo, assignable expression control, and switchable true and buffered bypass modes.

Verdict

Overall, the Avalance Run V2 is bubbling over with superlative sounds and reverse delay.

From lo-fi loop mode to five different tales, your imagination is the limit. In the right hands, it can be an exhilarating toy, an expansive composition tool, and everything in between.

4. Danelectro Back Talk Reverse Delay Pedal

In 1999, Danelectro had yet another magic moment (as with their awesome baritone electric guitar). They conjured the Back Talk – a guitar pedal hailed for the feverish effects, rich sounds, and chewy character it spat out.

It went on to achieve cult status, a used market feeding frenzy when phased out, and a recent re-launch. Get it while it’s hot.

Features

• Recreation of 90’s Back Talk Reverse Delay Pedal
• Hybrid digital/analog delay circuit
• Repeats, dry/wet mix, and speed controls
• 1-sec max delay
• Relay Bypass

Review

The original Back Talk was famed for its lush, tape-like reverse delay. It flips the guitar phrase, letting it chime with a warm, organ-like tone. Plus, you can drown out the dry signal (100% wet) for seamless sounds with authentic mangling and pitch regularities.

Perchance, Danelectro caught wind of the huge demand for these pedals in the used market. In 2020, they launched a recreation of the original pedal that’s now available for under $200. For better or worse, they didn’t feel the need to include a tap tempo feature. Smh.

The good part is, the re-launched version features the original circuit in a more-robust-less-fun metal enclosure.

You can recreate the whole gamut of super authentic tones through different mix and repeat settings. If you want a dedicated stomp, this is the best reverse delay pedal to add to your ‘board.

Verdict

The Back Talk Reverse Delay pedal is two things a) a throwback to the melting reverse-tape textures of the late 90s and b) Danelectro’s opportunity to capitalize on the frenetic demand.

For Joe Guitar, who isn’t acquainted with this digital artifact, it might not make sense. But if you are enamored by the uniqueness and nostalgia of these sounds, don’t think twice.

5. TC Flashback 2 Delay Effect Pedal

If you don’t need intergalactic mind melt in a delay box, the TC Flashback 2 is a more palatable and versatile iteration of delay pedals with reverse delay.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t ridiculously feature-packed.  It only implies that it’s less boutique/quirky-sounding when it confounds you with its endless possibilities. Either way, it’s a great overall delay pedal for your ‘board.

Features

• 11 delay modes including reverse delay
• Old school reverse delay effect with kill-Dry on/off
• True and Buffered Bypass switch
• MASH expression footswitch with presets
• TonePrint technology with downloadable presets

Review

The Flashback 2 is a True Bypass delay pedal that packs everything TC Electronic has to offer in a compact enclosure. It includes the Crystal delay algorithm, TonePrint technology, MASH expression footswitch control, and the kitchen sink. Well, maybe not the kitchen sink.

The control panel has four knobs to tweak Duration (20ms to 7 sec), Feedback, Level, and FX. The FX knob gives you access to the modes – 2290, analog delay, tape delay, dynamic, modulation (ping pong), slapback, and reverse delay.

The eighth option is a looper-mode to overdub for 40 seconds in mono or 20 seconds with stereo sound. The MASH function is an expression pedal equivalent in the form of a pressure-sensitive footswitch. It’s the USP of the delay pedal, making it quite the toy.

Verdict

The TC Flashback 2 is a solid investment for delay effects. Reverse delay enthusiasts can download dozens of useable TonePrint settings from popular musicians or the community.

If you need a change of pace, bring on the MASH and indulge in some wild tape stop or quarter note chaos. Tones of useable and ear-bending cool with this one.

6. Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Pedal

The Line 6 DL4 delay modeler pedal is fully enabled to dive deep into reverse delay and sonorous reverbs with wide control ranges.

It’s a wet dream for musicians with science-fiction vocabularies and dreamy imagination. Fingers-crossed, the QA is better with the 2022 batches.

Features

• Vintage delay effects modeler with modulation
• Stereo I/O and 14 seconds of loop memory
• 16 delay/echo effects including reverse delay
• On-board tap tempo control and expression pedal input
• True Bypass with Digital Trails Bypass

Review

This deep, metallic green monster is nearly a foot wide. It offers 11 delay modes, three memory banks, and a scintillating modeled algorithm for reverse delay effects. There is a lot more to DL4 than reverse delay effects, but a dedicated reverse mode is the main reason we have featured it.

There is a lot to digest between the loop function, tap-tempo switch, expression pedal functionality, and never-ending bank of presets. But while you make sense of it, it gussies up with grandeur and lays out a thick patina of otherworldly textures.

The DL4 garnered a bad rep for fly-by-night QA and dying out on occasion. However, Line 6 seems to have pinpointed the issues and rectified the problem. Recent customer reviews seem to back up the claim. So, we’ll side with Line 6 on this one.

Verdict

The DL4 is not a cheap reverse delay pedal by any means. It sports the moniker of the ‘Big Green’ for a reason.  If you are committed to atmospheric sounds, reverse delays, and glitched-out loops, jump in with both feet.

There is a learning curve before operating the delay pedal becomes second nature. But from that point onward, Reggie Watts is the limit.

7. EHX Memory Man with Hazarai

EHX Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai has high-toned bucket brigade tech, killer reverse delay algorithms, and the ability to reverse in loop mode.

The guitar pedal is a programmable looper with tap tempo, echo, reverse echo, multi-tap tape delay, and reverse delay pedal. ‘Nuff said.

Features

• Multi-tap delay with reverse echo
• Vintage sounds with tape echo filtering
• 8 programmable presets
• Looper with up to 30 seconds of loop time
• 1 sec + Reverse and Loop modes

Review

The delay pedal is a DC-powered delay pedal with a Bypass footswitch, tap/record footswitch, and 5-knob control panel – Blend, Decay, Filter, Repeats, and Delay. The white Hazarai knob is a push-release button to load modes and presets within the currently selected mode.

This guitar effects pedal has two reverse delay modes (Déjà vu). One is the Loop mode and the other is Reverse Echo which plays a normal delay signal and reverses the dry signal momentarily when you press the footswitch. It also has a 1 Second + Reverse multi-tap mode.

Again, this is a stomp with overwhelming possibilities. It can do everything from tripped-out textures to tweezed tones wrapped in the warmth of analog delay.

In the reverse delay realm, it can be as subtle or staggering as needed. Keep the user manual handy, though. The EHX instructions offer helpful ideas on how to use the reverse delay function.

Verdict

Hazarai is Yiddish for ‘lots of extra stuff.’ True to the name, it’s a contender for the best reverse delay pedal due to the impressive cluster of features and sounds. If delay is your jam, it will excite you seven ways to Sunday.

Sadly, the price tag and learning curve don’t espouse it as a weekend toy. Then again, if you have deep pockets, maybe it does.

FAQ’s

How Does Reverse Delay Work?

Reverse delay is a sound effect created by a guitar effects pedal that takes a part of the signal and plays it backward. Generally, guitar pedals use a circuit or algorithm that passes the incoming signal through a memory buffer.

The signal is delayed briefly and sent out in reverse. Depending on the effects pedal, you can tweak the dry/wet signal, mix, and repeat to varying degrees.

How Do You Use Reverse Delay Pedals?

Reverse delay pedals are an excellent resource to create ambient sounds, atmospheric layers, and quirky guitar solos.

Ambient or atmospheric layers should be seamless, mixed low, and locked to the tempo. Start with a 100% wet signal, single-repeats, and a long delay time.

Tweak to satisfaction. Throw in some gritty reverb, octave-up harmony, and a volume pedal to create dreamy cello or organ-like textures with swells.

Additionally, you can use reverse delay in a guitar solo over spaced-out rather than busy passages. Space helps because it allows the trails to play out.

That being said, it takes practice to anticipate the space and create refined solos. You have to completely ignore what is coming out of the guitar amp, which takes some getting used to.

Do All Delay Pedals Do Reverse Delay?

All delay pedals do not offer a reverse delay function or dedicated mode. High-end stomps (read: do-it-all delay pedals) like Boss DD-8, Line 6 DL4, or TC Flashback 2 have several delay modes, including reverse delay.

Others, like the Boss DD-3T or MXR Carbon Copy, do not have a reverse delay mode or feature.

Up next, check out the Ninja Tune X Erica Synths Zen Delay.