Using Delay

[tvolhein]

I record acoustic music (singer/songwriter, bluegrass, folk). I have about 13 song that I can use to experiment with and I want to learn to use a delay effect.

Which instruments and where could I used the delay effect most appropriately?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[miroslav]

The short answer...wherever it works for you.

It's an echo(s)...you have to decide where/what it sounds right on and in which quantity/degree...there is no "most appropriate".

 

[TripleM]

Delay can create a surprising number of different sounds. A very short delay can thicken up a sound. A very long delay can make you sound like you're in a gym. A stereo delay can make something sound "bigger" or "wider." The one thing I'd say to watch out for with singer/songwriter type stuff is not to over-do it. Keep your delays, especially if they're longer ones (beyond 40-50 msec), on the dry side. Too much delay (i.e., too wet and/or too long) can ruin an intimate song sometimes.

edit...

Oh yeah, the short answer is, "Whatever works for you." (as stated above).

 

[bouldersoundguy]

On anything traditional probably the most appropriate use of delay is not to use it at all, or at least to keep it subtle and realistic.

 

[WeissSound]

Delay shows up in folk style music pretty frequenty. It's a good alternative to reverb on vocals. Good on clean electric guitar as well. The key is subtlety. A lot of artists just use a nice sounding space for ambiance though. Real room sound.

 

[Over Dose]

I use delays on just about everything, especially rap vocals, guitar, and piano. I prefer it over reverb most of the time.