Timeless 3

Name: Timeless 3
Price: 112 USD
Author: FabFilter

by FabFilter · Delay · Tape-style, modular

vst3s Score 8.9/10 · rated #3 of 10 delays

A delay that behaves like a modular effect. Filters sit inside the feedback path, feedback can react to input level, and any parameter can be modulated with FabFilter's drag-and-drop system.

It shines when the delay is meant to be heard and to move.

Best for: Sound Design, Keys & Synths, Vocals. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: tape, sound design, modular, multi-tap, tape echo, classic, mixing, rhythmic, vintage, cinematic, freeze, mid/side, ping-pong, smooth, vinyl, vocals.

What it does

Timeless 3 is FabFilter's "versatile, vintage-sounding tape delay." It covers everyday delay needs, but its filters, effects and modulation make it a deep sound-design tool too.

Tape behaviour: choose analog tape delay or smooth time-stretching when you change the delay time.
Up to 16 taps: each can be controlled and modulated on its own, with ping-pong modes, feedback and cross-feedback, and a modulatable freeze.
Filters: up to 6, either the original vintage LP/HP/BP filters or Bell, Shelving and Notch EQ filters.
Modulation: drag-and-drop with a 50-slot matrix, including XLFOs, envelope generators and envelope followers.
Effects: optional Drive, Lo-Fi, Diffuse, Dynamics and Pitch for colouring the repeats, plus mid/side processing.

It's part of FabFilter's Total, FX and Mixing bundles.

Source: FabFilter product page

When to use it

Timeless 3 is the rated delay with the most control: its drag-and-drop modulation, six filters and 16 taps go well beyond EchoBoy and ValhallaDelay. EchoBoy has more classic styles and groove controls, and ValhallaDelay offers more ready-made modes for less money. For a plain, fast echo, Waves H-Delay or Baby Audio Comeback Kid get there quicker.

Best for: moving, modulated delays, filtered tape echoes, rhythmic multi-tap patterns, and sound design where the delay becomes part of the part.
Genres: electronic, EDM, techno, ambient, pop, hip-hop, cinematic and experimental.
Look elsewhere if: you just want a quick slap or throw; the depth can slow you down.
Standout: the modulation system: drag a source onto almost any control, and see the effect animated in the display.

What producers say

Reviewers praise how clearly it presents a very deep tool set; the main caution is that it's more than you need for simple delays.

MusicTech (Robbie Stamp, 2021) gave it 10/10, calling it an "easy-to-use interface for a deep and powerful toolset" with authentic tape tones and a modulation engine that reaches almost any parameter.
Rekkerd.org (2021) found the new interface and modulation engine "much easier to work with" and recommended it for sound designers who want to build unique effects.
Gripe: Rekkerd found some controls "a bit small and fiddly" and said text doesn't scale with the window; MusicTech warned the features invite endless tweaking.

Where to buy

Sweetwater: $112
Plugin Boutique: $112 (regular $149)
Best Service: $129
FabFilter: $149
PluginFox: $149
AudioDeluxe: $149

Tutorials and reviews

Introduction to FabFilter Timeless 3 (FabFilter (Dan Worrall))
The FabFilter Timeless 3 complete deep dive guide tutorial (XNB)
FabFilter Timeless 3: Vocal Delay Tricks (Kevin Ochoa)
Fabfilter Timeless 3 - Full Walktrough and Tutorial!
Fabfilter Timeless 3 - The Ultimate DELAY plugin?

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