A delay repeats a sound a little later. It adds echo-like space to a vocal or flavors a rhythm. A free delay is enough for adding space to a vocal. This page compares 2 free delay plug-ins offered by their makers (MDelay, REPLIKA) using official information only.
Disclosure: this site uses affiliate programs. The fact that each product is free, and its features and formats, were checked on the makers’ official pages around 2026-10-16. Terms of distribution can change, so please check the official page before you download.
The short answer: which one?
- MDelay (rank A): People who want to try both tape-style and clear delays for free.
- REPLIKA (rank A): People who want to switch between a clear digital delay and a smeared effect for free.
Free delay plug-ins compared
| Product | Rank | Tone character | Rhythm and width | Easy to blend | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDelay | A | Tape + modern | 2 taps + ping-pong | Filter + distortion | VST3, AU, AAX |
| REPLIKA | A | Modern + vintage | Ping-pong + tempo sync | Filter + saturation | VST3, AU, AAX |
Ranks use the same criteria as paid products in the same category (scored from the makers’ official information only). How scores and ranks are decided is explained in How we rate.
What to look at
- Tone character: Warmth that blends with a vocal, and the choice of coloration
- Rhythm and width: Ping-pong, multiple taps, tempo sync and so on
- Easy to blend: Controls that keep it from getting in the way of a vocal
MDelay (MeldaProduction) | Rank A
A free delay with three modes: tape, modern and ping-pong. The two taps can be adjusted separately, and it includes saturation and a filter.
- Tone character: You can switch between tape-style and clear modern modes, and add saturation.
- Rhythm and width: It has two taps and a ping-pong mode.
- Easy to blend: It has a filter and saturation.
Who it is for: People who want to try both tape-style and clear delays for free.
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (official information)
Score 4.0 / 5 (average of the 10 products compared: 3.9)
- Price
- Free
- Specs last checked
- 2026/09/25
- Tone character
- Tape + modern
- Rhythm and width
- 2 taps + ping-pong
- Easy to blend
- Filter + distortion
- Price (store, date)
- Not listed
Get it: MeldaProduction official site (free)
REPLIKA (Native Instruments) | Rank A
A free delay with modern (digital) and vintage digital delays and a diffusion (smearing) algorithm. A resonance filter and a phaser can move in time with the song’s tempo.
- Tone character: You can choose algorithms such as clear digital and vintage digital.
- Rhythm and width: It has a Ping Pong setting that returns the sound alternately left and right, and the delay length can follow the song’s tempo.
- Easy to blend: In Modern mode you can use Saturation and LoCut/HiCut, which cut the lows and highs of the delayed sound. A resonance filter and a phaser are also included.
Who it is for: People who want to switch between a clear digital delay and a smeared effect for free.
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (official information)
Score 3.8 / 5 (average of the 10 products compared: 3.9)
- Price
- Free
- Specs last checked
- 2026/09/25
- Tone character
- Modern + vintage
- Rhythm and width
- Ping-pong + tempo sync
- Easy to blend
- Filter + saturation
- Price (store, date)
- Not listed
Get it: Native Instruments official site (free)
Tips for using free delay plug-ins
- On vocals, mix the repeats in well below the dry sound, so the words stay clear and only the space is added.
- Sync it to the tempo so the repeats fit the rhythm of the song. Try note values such as 1/4 and 1/8.
- Too much feedback (number of repeats) gets muddy. Start with a setting that dies out after two or three repeats.
- Cutting the lows and highs of the delay with an EQ keeps the vocal in front while the delay blends in.
When to move to a paid one
When you need several taps, detailed modulation or ducking (the delay appears only in the gaps of the vocal), it is time to consider a paid delay. For a comparison including paid products, with ranks on the same criteria, see Delay plug-ins compared.
From download to first use
- Open the product page on the maker’s official site and press the download button. You may be asked to register an email address or create an account.
- Choose the installer for your computer (Windows or Mac) and download it.
- Run the installer. Choose a plug-in format (VST3, AU, AAX and so on) that your DAW can load.
- Open your DAW and rescan plug-ins.
- Load the plug-in on a track insert (the place where effects are placed) and start using it.
Always download free plug-ins from the maker’s official site. Files on third-party download sites may be old or altered.
FAQ
Q. What matters when putting a delay on a vocal?
Keeping the words clear. Mix it in at a low level and cut the lows and highs of the repeats, and the vocal stays in front while the space is added.
Q. How is it different from reverb?
Reverb blends sound together like the reflections of a room. A delay gives clear repeats of the same sound. On vocals, a little of both is common.
Q. Should I sync it to the tempo?
If you want it to follow the rhythm, yes. Choosing a note value such as 1/4 or 1/8 makes the repeats fit the tempo. Leaving it unsynced can also create a floating feel.
Q. How do free and paid delay plug-ins differ?
It depends on the product, but paid products tend to have more automatic suggestions and finer controls. A comparison that includes paid products is in Delay plug-ins compared.
Q. What should I check before installing?
Check that your DAW can load the plug-in format (VST3, AU, AAX and so on). Some makers require an email address or an account.
To see free plug-ins across categories, see Free plug-ins for music production.
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