Looking for a new all around Delay Unit

What do you guys like? I am putting together a board and am missing a delay unit. I have a Boss DD-3 which I will be using for slapback delay, but I want a nice versatile all around unit to do everything else. Looking to do some soundscaping, U2 style delays, etc. A looper function would be nice as well, but not necessary. I was looking at a Strymon Timeline, but even though everytime I see one or watch a video, I drool, it is such an expensive pedal.

So, let me know what you guys think.

Eventide Timefactor. It doesn't get any better... Take that, Strymon. ;-)

What about actual necessary functions? And how much can you spend on it?
Boss DD-7 has looper, tap-tempo, and nice modulated and analog mode.

Jerry McPherson (Nashville guy) has a tape Echoplex with a solenoid actuated/foot pedal controlled time function, and a volume pedal on the output (running parallel)...that's about as good as it gets I think.

In the real world, I prefer older analog stuff, but generally take Boss out on gigs - if it breaks down, it's easy enough to replace, and no one has complained about digititus in the echos yet....yet.

I personally have an Eventide timefactor. I got it before the timeline came out. If you are thinking about going with the timefactor, save the extra cash the timeline is well worth it.

I tried a DD-7 a while back, after having two DD-3s on my board for years. The DD-7 does a lot of cool stuff, but I ended up selling it. For live use, you really need the external footswitch or expression pedal. More important, with all those options, its lack of programmability makes it too fiddly for use on stage.

I ended up with a TC Nova Delay, which does all the stuff the DD-7 does, but is programmable, so I can scroll through 9 presets rather than mess with the controls. It also has a tap tempo switch built-in, including a play-tempo function.

I like my Line6 DL4 pretty well. It's fun to play around with the more exotic sounds, but it has very workmanlike sounds for digital and dynamic delays and models of analog, tape, multi-head delays, etc. And the looper is great. One problem for you might be it doesn't have a dotted-8th delay function for U2-style playing, though you can tap out a dotted 8th delay if you know what you're doing.

Hardwire DL-8.

Has a "Modulated Delay" for the Edge delay, has a looper, has a number of other serviceable delay options. I like mine...

The VFE Blueprint is really good.

Boss DD-20 is a great all around delay unit. It's my swiss army knife delay.

Flashback and carbon copy

Line6 DL4

+1,000,000 When you said "versatile" delay the DL4 came right to my mind. It's gotta be the most or at least one of the most versatile delay pedals out there.

Also the Akai Headrush has both digital delay and looping capabilities.

DL4

TC Nova

If you can live without actual tap tempo, tc flashback is the way to go - clear digital, nice faux analogs, modulated delays, slapback, stereo, looper, tons if toneprints. Never been a delay afficionado, but wanted a delay for gilmouresque. Now I would choose Deluxe Memory Boy for its tap tempo. Now I have GAS for second smaller board, so maybe one day I could compare these delays.

Flashback is relatively inexpensive and should work for you. It does have a tap tempo, but you "tap" the strings not a button.

I got to go with Bad Chile.

I have been using a Hardwire DL-8 for a couple years and I love the thing. The only drawback is that the writing on the selection knob is kind of small, so you have to memorize which setting does what.
For the money they are the cat's meow. (Don't ask me, I am on a 40's kick).

Which is better the TC nova or the Flashback? Nova seems to have more options.

Flashback is relatively inexpensive and should work for you. It does have a tap tempo, but you "tap" the strings not a button.

It uses a kind of "strum tempo." You press and hold the button (which mutes the output), then strum a tempo on the guitar. Clever idea.

Do you need multi-tap?

I have a TC Nova Delay and love it. You can set up 9 settings. Great U2/edge delays. Look on eBay for a used one. I got mine for $140.

Hardwire DL-8.

Has a "Modulated Delay" for the Edge delay, has a looper, has a number of other serviceable delay options. I like mine...


+1000

I have the tc flashback and really like it but I'm witnessing sometimes the volume drops out. I thought it was a patch chord but its not. Anyone have any idea what the problem could be? Sorry for hijacking.

I have the tc flashback and really like it but I'm witnessing sometimes the volume drops out. I thought it was a patch chord but its not. Anyone have any idea what the problem could be? Sorry for hijacking.

I found that the Flashback does indeed have a volume drop in the "Loop" mode. Haven't had any other volume loss issues other than that. Very cool pedal however & really great tones!

I have the tc flashback and really like it but I'm witnessing sometimes the volume drops out. I thought it was a patch chord but its not. Anyone have any idea what the problem could be? Sorry for hijacking.

Volume drops in the loop mode, but I compensate with my guitars volume knob.

I mean multi-tap is not essential, but is a very nice feature to have. I have been looking at the Nova, flashback and perhaps adding another delay in the chain to add even more depth. The Nova in comparison with the Eventide timefactor? Any major differences for what I am looking for?

Visual Sound Garagetone Axle Grease...half the price of most delay units, and sounds just as good if not better than most.

It's down to the Strymon Timeline and the Eventide Timefactor and right now the Strymon is what I have my eyes set on! Anyone have any reasons why I should not get this unit, besides the cost.

You might consider a Roland SDE-330? It's a rack unit which seems a real negative these days, but the reduced market value gets you amazing delays with near limitless possibilities!!!
The Strymon would be incredible for a delay junkie! But for the price you could pickup a pair of DD-20's. Adding them to your DD-3 would be an impressive setup!!

This is true I thought about maybe an eventide timefactor and a dd-20 or nova delay ib modified and dd-20. It's a tough call. I mainly want to cover all the basic "Edge" U2 type delays and then some ambient stuff as well. My one concern is that the Strymon while it sounds fantastic may be overkill.

I use a DD-3 for slapback and an MXR Carbon Copy for long delay. I don't need tap tempo, so this works for me. If you want presets and tap tempo though, you can go with the Boss DD-20, Line 6 DL4, TC Nova Delay, and there are so many others. I like to keep it as simple as possible though, so I just use two delays. It works for me.