LeMasque:Delay
by XILS-lab · Delay · Timeline-driven modulated delay
Not rated yet
LeMasque:Delay is a stereo delay from XILS-lab driven by drawn timeline "masks" that change parameters over time.
It has up to eight masks, a self-oscillating filter with drive, two envelopes, an LFO and four clock modes, for €29 on sale (about $32.93).
Best for: Sound Design, Keys & Synths, Guitars, Vocals. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: rhythmic, drums, samples & loops, live performance, beginner-friendly, cinematic, dual-mono, evolving, experimental, MIDI-controllable, mixing, modulation matrix, percussion, sound design, vocals.
What it does
LeMasque:Delay is a filter delay from XILS-lab built around a timeline of drawn "masks": zones on a synced grid where the delayed signal is let through and processed. The developer pitches it for "new and unusual effects" on loops, drums and live performance.
- Masks: up to eight custom masks on a synced grid, each with its own length and level, with Snap to Grid to quantize their positions.
- Stereo delays: a true stereo path with independent left and right delays, and a Groove control that offsets the delay time between the channels.
- Filter: one multimode zero-delay-feedback filter with drive that can self-oscillate.
- Envelopes and LFO: a loopable ADSR and an AR envelope with three trigger modes, and a syncable multi-waveform LFO with three reset options; envelope amounts modulate level and filter cutoff.
- Control: a modulation matrix, a mod wheel, and MIDI CC assignment for any parameter.
- Clock: DAW sync, MIDI In, Tap Tempo and Fixed clock modes, with real-time tempo analysis for live use.
The current version is 2.0.0. Demo versions can be downloaded.
When to use it
LeMasque:Delay is the better pick when you want delays that come and go in a rhythmic pattern, placed exactly on a grid, rather than a constant echo. It is closest in spirit to Timeless 3, but where Timeless 3 modulates almost anything with drag-and-drop routing, LeMasque's movement comes mostly from its masks, and its modulation only reaches level and filter cutoff. Compared with EchoBoy and Valhalla Delay, it has no tape or vintage echo models; its character comes from the warm, self-oscillating filter. It is also far cheaper than EchoBoy. Use it as a special-effect delay next to your main echo plugin, not as a replacement.
- Best for: rhythmic delay patterns on drums and percussion, filtered throws on selected hits, and evolving loop effects.
- Genres: electronic, techno, house, ambient and cinematic music.
- Look elsewhere if: you want warm vintage tape or analog echo (EchoBoy) or deep modulation of delay time and many targets (Timeless 3).
- Tip: raise a mask's level so only transients above it get the delay, which SonicScoop suggests for isolating hits in busy tracks.
What producers say
Reviews of version 1.5 liked the mask idea and the filter sound, with complaints about glitches, documentation and limited modulation.
- MusicRadar said the "mask concept is ace" and the "filter sounds beautiful", calling it something genuinely different.
- SonicScoop praised the visual time grid for placing delays "quick and easy" and recommended it for both pros and beginners.
- Criticisms: MusicRadar noted the odd glitch, a "pretty ropey" manual and an under-used LFO and envelope; SonicScoop found the Freeze/Dub feature underdeveloped.
Where to buy
- PluginFox: $29 (regular $59)
- AudioDeluxe: $29 (regular $59)
- XILS-lab: $32.93 (regular $89.70) (Listed at €29 (regular €79); converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
- Best Service: $59
Tutorials and reviews
- Le Masque Delay Overview
- Xils-lab Le Masque:Delay Tutorial : Operating the Masks
- LeMasque:Delay : Freeze Function
- Xils-Lab Le Masque Soul Funk Demo
- XILS-lab Oxium and XILS-lab LeMasque demo by SCD
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