Space Delay is a tape echo plugin from IK Multimedia that recreates the sound of a classic 1974 delay unit with three playback heads, rebuilt from a fully restored original and measured in detail.
Space Delay at a glance
| Developer | IK Multimedia |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Delay |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS 11 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| RAM | 8 GB or more |
| Disk space | 9 GB |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €118.99 |
What Space Delay does
Space Delay recreates that unit down to fine detail, so the echoes keep the organic character associated with tape-based systems, which the developer describes as highly complex to reproduce in a physical design. Each of the three playback heads can be panned separately, which supports stereo operation and a more immersive stereo field.
High-pass and low-pass input filters shape the sound before it reaches the tape stage, and dedicated lo-fi controls add unit noise and tape age when extra grit is wanted. A ducking function lowers the echoes under the main signal, so the repeats can stay clear even in a crowded mix.
Key features
- Three playback heads. Each of the three heads can be panned on its own, which spreads the repeats across the stereo field and creates an immersive stereo image.
- Input filters. High-pass and low-pass filters on the input shape the signal before it reaches the tape stage, so the echo starts from a defined frequency range.
- Ducking. The echoes are lowered while the main signal plays, which keeps repeats audible and clear in dense mixes.
- Lo-fi controls. Dedicated controls add unit noise and tape age, providing extra grit when the echo should sound more worn.
Space Delay compared with similar plugins
Several other tape delays in the catalog cover similar ground. Delay TAPE-201 from Arturia is a delay in the same type category, offered in VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS, and includes a Standalone build. Stellar Echo SD-201 from Slate Digital is another delay for Windows and macOS, available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX. Echo Cat from Wavesfactory is listed as VST3 and VST2 for Windows and macOS, and Galaxy Tape Echo from Universal Audio is offered as VST3, AU and AAX for the same systems.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Delay | IK Multimedia | Delay | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €118.99 |
| Delay TAPE-201 | Arturia | Delay | VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €98.18 |
| Stellar Echo SD-201 | Slate Digital | Delay | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €147.76 |
| Echo Cat | Wavesfactory | Delay | VST3, VST2 | Windows, macOS | €78.34 |
| Galaxy Tape Echo | Universal Audio | Delay | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €30.74 (regular €48.59) |
Price and availability
Space Delay was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €118.99. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Space Delay FAQ
Does Space Delay run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The developer lists native support for Apple Silicon processors, and the plugin runs on macOS 11 or higher.
Which formats does Space Delay come in?
It is offered as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX, with builds for Windows 10 and macOS 11 in 64-bit.
Is Space Delay available as a torrent or magnet link?
Yes, the release circulates as torrent and magnet link files, and the macOS build is searched as a .dmg crack.