QDelay
by Tilr · Delay · Dual delay
Not rated yet
QDelay is a free dual delay with independent stereo times, ping-pong, tap mode, reverse, pitch shifting and tape-style saturation and wow/flutter.
It also has feedback EQ, diffusion and ducking. It is free.
Best for: Vocals, Guitars, Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: free, tape, ducking, ping-pong, pitch-shifting, wobble, flutter, low latency, reverse, rhythmic, vocals, open source, dual-mono, mixing, sound design, wide, zero-latency.
What it does
QDelay is a free, open-source dual delay from Tilr. The developer calls it "a dual-delay with more features than it should for a free plugin", made as an alternative to commercial delays without a paid tier or trimmed features.
- Dual delays: independent left and right times, a Ping-Pong mode with feedback width, and a Tap mode with offset time.
- Groove: Swing and Feel offsets of up to a 1/16 note, an Accent control for odd or even taps, and reverse delay.
- EQ: parametric EQ on the input and feedback path, plus a separate output EQ.
- Diffusion and modulation: diffusion placed before or after the delay, and modulation of the delay time.
- Pitch shifter: zero-latency pitch shifting, in the feedback loop or after the delay.
- Saturation and tape: saturation with Color, Bias and Dynamics controls, tape wow and flutter, and LoFi processing before or after the delay.
- Ducking: pulls the echoes down while the input is playing.
It is free and open source (GPL-3.0), from the developer's GitHub releases. Version 1.0 came out in January 2026. The developer is candid that its saturation is "probably nowhere near" commercial implementations.
When to use it
QDelay is the pick when you want a well-featured stereo delay for free. Compared with EchoBoy, it has a similar idea of swing, feel and accent on the repeats, but no library of modeled vintage units, and its tempo-sync handling is less refined according to one KVR user. Against Timeless 3 it has a simpler, fixed set of modules rather than a free modulation system, though it adds a pitch shifter and ducking out of the box. Compared with ValhallaDelay it covers ping-pong, tape wobble and diffusion, while ValhallaDelay offers more distinct delay styles for a modest price.
- Best for: everyday stereo and ping-pong delays, ducked vocal echoes, swung rhythmic repeats and tape-style or pitched feedback.
- Genres: any; it suits pop, electronic, lo-fi and ambient work.
- Look elsewhere if: you want faithful emulations of classic echo hardware; EchoBoy or Galaxy Tape Echo do that.
What producers say
Early users on KVR are very positive, and the developer has been adding features they asked for.
- KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from 2 reviews; one had not seen "such extensive wow/flutter, EQ, and saturation in any free plugin".
- Developer response: KVR feedback led to an output EQ, negative feedback and improved panning.
- Criticisms: one user reported pitch shifts when the host tempo changes during synced playback and asked for EchoBoy-style handling.
Where to buy
- GitHub: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- This FREE Delay VST Rivals EchoBoy?! QDelay by Tilr 🔥
- Free Delay - QDelay by Tilr (No Talking)
- New Free VST Plugin QDelay💥Tilr
- QDelay - Free Echoboy Alternative Plugin Test (4 Minutes)
- 【New Free VST!】Soundtoys’ EchoBoy Alternatives!? GREAT New Powerful Delay VST! QDelay by Tilr
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