Delay
Definition
An effect that records an audio signal and plays it back after a defined time interval, creating one or more discrete echoes of the original sound. Delay time is often synced to the tempo of the session.
In Simple Terms
An echo effect. Your sound plays, then repeats after a set time — once, twice, or many times, fading out. Sync it to the song tempo and it becomes rhythmic. Great for filling space between vocal phrases.
Common Confusion
Delay and reverb both add space, but delay creates discrete, identifiable repeats while reverb produces a continuous, blended wash of reflections.