Plugin Review: D16 - Repeater Vintage Modelled Delay

16's Repeater really is a treat. Created in co-operation with Slate Digital, it is a vintage modelling delay plugin of huge depth and range; there are 23 different delay models to get stuck into here, and each of them is beautifully realised.

Many of the delays are based on classic units, often with the names altered slightly to avoid any tricky lawsuits – Echoplex becomes 'Plexy Echo' for example! The wonderful thing about the plugin is how varied these various models are in tone. They are packed with character and can be used to achieve a staggering array of results.

There are four different tape delays, ranging from a 1940s style emulation through to a warm and lush modern sound. In addition, there is a cassette tape delay, modelled on a 1980s Japanese tape deck. There are various models of vintage digital delay units such as the rich sounding 'DM-2' (modelled on the Boss delay) which is great on synths, or the Lexicon emulating 'Digital 42' which is great on vocals. 

For guitars, there is a lovely TelRay delay for achieving that classic surf sound or Space Echo-style option which produces a crunchy, gritty tone. There are also units that can give you various vintage radio or telephone sounds and numerous options for adding pitch modulations to your delays too. 

All in all, if you're looking for a specific delay sound, you will probably find it here. Once you have selected the right unit for the job, there is plenty of flexibility in the controls to ensure that you can set the delay up as you wish. There are separate delay lines for the left and right channels – so in fact what you are getting here is really a flexible double delay line. This gives you maximum flexibility; allowing you to treat each channel completely differently should you want to.

As you would expect, you can synchronise delay times to the tempo set by your DAW, but you can also use the tap function to set delay times independently – particularly useful if you are not working to a tempo map in your session. 

As always with D16's plugins the interface is great to look at and intuitive to understand. Repeater is available from D16's online store (€ 89) for Mac or PC in both 32 and 64-bit versions. It is compatible with applications that use AAX, VST or AU plugins. 

If you like the sound of all this, then the good news is that SoundGym has partnered with D16 to give away their Repeater for free to the weekly winners of the Duels competitions!

Duels is a brand new feature on SoundGym that allows you to go head to head with other members. You pay two Soundcoins to enter and the winner takes the coins. At the end of each week the member at the head of the leaderboard will win D16's Repeater.