Cluster Delay by Minimal Audio delay plugin interface showing multi-tap display

Cluster Delay: Multi-Tap Delay Plugin by Minimal Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (1,278 ratings)

Cluster Delay is a multi-tap delay plugin from Minimal Audio that sequences up to eight delay taps and routes six built-in effects into the delay line. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

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01Overview

Cluster Delay is a delay effect built around a tap sequencer rather than a single delay time. You can ramp, space and scatter up to eight processed taps in time, and macro controls help you shape the pattern quickly. A multi-tap display shows how the delay will evolve over time, so you can see the rhythm you are building. The plugin also includes 100 presets and a set of routable effects for wobble, diffusion, chorus, flanger, phaser and frequency shifting.

Best for

Rhythmic delay patterns
Dub-style delay effects
Evolving stereo spaces
Ambient textures
Vocal and instrument delays
Creative sound design

Developer: Minimal Audio
Category: Delays
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Multi-tap delay sequencer with up to 8 taps and macro controls
Multi-tap display that visualizes delay evolution over time
100 included presets using the plugin's full feature set
Six integrated effects: wobble, diffusion, chorus, flanger, phaser, frequency shifting
Routable effects with send mode for dub-style automation
Mid-side mode, cross-feedback and diffusion for stereo effects
Analog modeling mode for modeled feedback
Automatic ducking of the delay against the dry input signal
Built-in tooltips for in-app learning

03In depth

Sound Design and Delay Character

Cluster Delay combines multi-tap rhythms with effects that change the character of each repeat. Each of the six effects, including wobble, diffusion, chorus, flanger, phaser and frequency shifting, can be placed where it sounds best in the delay line. Routing options let you choose the position of each effect, or use send mode for dub-style automation.

Stereo tools add width and movement. Mid-side mode, cross-feedback and diffusion can be used to build evolving spaces. An analog modeling mode adds modeled feedback inspired by vintage gear, giving the repeats a warmer, more vintage quality.

Automatic ducking lowers the delay in response to your dry input, which helps keep the mix clean while the repeats stay present.

Workflow, Presets and Learning Curve

The tap sequencer and macro controls are the main way to build patterns, and the multi-tap display makes it easier to check the result visually. The 100 included presets cover a range of sounds and make use of the plugin's full feature set, so they are a practical starting point before you adjust the taps and effects yourself.

Built-in tooltips explain controls inside the plugin, which can help when you are learning the routing and the sequencer for the first time.

04Specs