The Vox DelayLab is a delay effect processor built by Vox, with a diecast metal body designed to stand up to hard use on stage1. It carries 30 rewritable preset programs, ready for immediate use, and Vox says it uses precision modeling of vintage delay effects such as analog BBD devices and tape echo1. Among its preset content are Classic Song Programs, including settings inspired by Welcome to the Jungle, Lateralus, Cliffs of Dover, Rope, Walking On The Moon, Where The Streets Have No Name, Run Like Hell, 2112, Lovers in Japan and Give It Away1.
Vintage Guitar described the range in more detail: the effects include vintage tape echoes, analog, tape, reverse and ambient delays, the lo-fi sound of early digital devices, and numerous original and modern delays2. The DelayLab is no longer in production and is listed by Vox as a legacy product1.
Thirty delay types in one floor unit
The DelayLab's core idea is variety with fast access. Ten delay types are chosen from a rotary switch, and each type has three variations, designated as standard, vintage and custom, scrolled through with an adjacent button. That gives 30 delay effects in total, which Vox arranges into 30 rewritable preset programs, ready for immediate use1.
MusicRadar's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, explained how the presets are organized for live use561:
"which not only gives you instant access to three different delays at any one time"
The pedal arranges these into 10 easily changed banks of three, so a player can set up three delays per song or section and switch between them with the footswitches5.
| Level | What it holds |
|---|---|
| Delay types | 10, chosen from a rotary switch5 |
| Variations per type | 3: standard, vintage, custom5 |
| Total delay effects | 301 |
| Preset programs | 30, all rewritable1 |
| Banks | 10 banks of three delays5 |
Classic Song Programs
Among the presets, Vox includes Classic Song Programs: delay settings modeled on well-known recorded parts. The maker's list includes Welcome to the Jungle, Lateralus, Cliffs of Dover, Rope, Walking On The Moon, Where The Streets Have No Name, Run Like Hell, 2112, Lovers in Japan and Give It Away1.
Controls, switching and connections
Vox says all of the delay effects can be controlled simply using five knobs1. The unit has four footswitches, which MusicRadar's reviewer noted makes it "by necessity a chunky pedal"5. Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, made the same point about board space: "it will take up some space on your board"4.
All parameters can be controlled using an optional expression pedal1. Vox lists the accessories for the DelayLab as:
- XVP-10 Expression/Volume Pedal
- EXP-2 Footswitch
- AC Adapter (sold separately)1
Connections are stereo on both sides: stereo inputs and stereo outputs, all 1/4 inch3.
Power and specifications
The DelayLab runs on six AA batteries, which Vox included for testing purposes, or on an optional 9V AC adapter sold separately1. Pedal of the Day lists typical current consumption as 200 mA at 9V DC4, which is high enough that an adapter is the practical choice for regular playing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Delay effects | 30 types4 |
| Preset programs | 30, rewritable1 |
| A/D conversion | 24-bit1 |
| D/A conversion | 24-bit1 |
| Sampling frequency | 48 kHz4 |
| Current consumption | DC9V 200 mA (typical)4 |
| Power supply | 6 x AA batteries, optional AC adapter4 |
| Body | Diecast metal1 |
| Dimensions | 260 x 164 x 66 mm1 |
| Weight | 1.5 kg1 |
An owner's manual dated November 14, 2014 is available in the product downloads on Vox's product page1.
Where it came from
The DelayLab was positioned by Vox as a stage-ready delay processor: a diecast metal body built to stand up to hard use, 30 rewritable preset programs ready for immediate use, and precision modeling of vintage delay effects such as analog BBD devices and tape echo1. Its Classic Song Programs point to the players it was aimed at, with settings inspired by songs including Welcome to the Jungle, Lateralus, Cliffs of Dover, Where The Streets Have No Name and 21121. Reviewers found the concept worked: the DelayLab "sets a new practical standard" for easy onstage access to a range of different delay times and types5.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review by Trevor Curwen found the DelayLab strong for live use, concluding5:
"If you want easy onstage access to a range of different delay times and types, the DelayLab sets a new practical standard"
The review's overall verdict was superb5. Writing in the same review, Curwen also noted that Vox "upped the ante with the DelayLab by providing 30 programmable memories"6. Pedal of the Day's 2014 review confirmed the 30 delay types and the unit's digital signal processing, and flagged the size as the main practical consideration for pedalboard builders4.
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Questions
Does the Vox DelayLab have a looper?
Yes. The DelayLab is a delay processor with a built-in 28-second stereo looper, announced by Vox at NAMM 2012 alongside its 30 delay effects and 30 preset programs. The looper is part of what made the pedal a full performance tool rather than a simple delay.
Can the Vox DelayLab run on batteries?
Yes. It runs on six AA batteries, which Vox included for testing purposes, or on an optional 9V AC adapter sold separately. Typical current consumption is 200 mA at 9V DC, so an adapter is the practical choice for regular use.
Is the Vox DelayLab still made?
No. Vox lists the DelayLab as a legacy product that is no longer in production. It was announced at NAMM in January 2012 and became available in May or June 2012, but it has since been discontinued.
Is the Vox DelayLab stereo?
Yes. It has stereo inputs and stereo outputs, all on 1/4 inch jacks. The looper is also stereo, recording up to 28 seconds across both channels.
What expression pedal works with the DelayLab?
Vox lists the XVP-10 Expression/Volume Pedal as the DelayLab's accessory, and the maker says all parameters can be controlled with an optional expression pedal. The EXP-2 footswitch is also listed as a separate accessory.
Sources (6)
- DelayLab, Vox Amps (voxamps.com), 2019-08-06
- Vox Launches DelayLab, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2012-07-02
- NAMM 2012: Vox DelayLab, MusicRadar, 2012-01-19
- VOX DelayLab, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2014-04-30
- Vox DelayLab review, MusicRadar, 2012-07-17
- TC Electronic Flashback X4 review, MusicRadar, 2012-11-14
