Replika XT

Name: Replika XT
Price: 29 USD
Author: Native Instruments

by Native Instruments · Delay · Multi-mode

vst3s Score 8.1/10 · rated #9 of 10 delays

A multi-mode delay with several delay models and single, parallel and serial routing, plus modulation, filtering and effects.

It is one of the most versatile delays for the money.

Best for: Sound Design, Keys & Synths, Drums. Genres: Electronic & EDM.

Keywords: parallel processing, creative, rhythmic, clean, mixing, tape, sound design, experimental, advanced, chorus, crunchy, dark, digital classic, dirty, dreamy, drums, ducking, flanger, modern, organic, phaser, ping-pong, pitch-shifting, simple, warm, wet.

What it does

Native Instruments describes Replika XT as "a creative multi-mode delay" with five delay modes and advanced options. It's the expanded version of the original Replika, adding more modes, effects and controls.

Five modes: Modern (clean digital), Vintage Digital (warm and crunchy), Analogue (dark and hazy), Tape (organic) and Diffusion (reverb-like, experimental echoes).
Routing: single, dual serial or dual parallel delay lines.
Patterns: rhythmic repeat patterns with shuffle and feel adjustments, plus accent controls.
Effects: seven extra effects: phaser, flanger, chorus, frequency shifter, filter, pitch shifter and micro pitcher.
Mixing tools: ducking, ping-pong and panning, with artist presets from sound designers such as Funkstörung and Richard Devine.

It's part of Komplete bundles.

Source: Native Instruments product page

When to use it

Replika XT sits between an everyday delay and a sound-design tool. Like Valhalla Delay, it offers several delay styles in one plugin, but its serial and parallel routing lets you stack two different delays, and its pattern controls and seven built-in effects push it towards creative territory. FabFilter Timeless 3 goes deeper on modulation, and Eventide UltraTap goes further on multi-tap patterns, but Replika XT covers a lot of ground in one screen.

Best for: rhythmic and patterned delays, pitched or modulated echoes, stacking a clean and a dirty delay, and reverb-like Diffusion washes.
Genres: electronic, techno, IDM, ambient, hip-hop and cinematic sound design.
Look elsewhere if: you want a faithful model of one specific tape or analog unit.
Tip: try parallel mode with Tape on one line and Diffusion on the other for echoes that bloom into a space.

What producers say

Reviewers were very positive at launch, praising the sound quality and how much depth hides behind a simple layout.

MusicRadar / Computer Music (2016) called it a "stellar creative delay plugin", highlighting the Tape, Analogue and Diffusion styles, precise rhythmic control and the single, parallel and serial modes. Its cons list read "Nothing - we love it".