Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $600
High-end/Boutique
$100
$251+
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Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay is an extraordinary addition to the world of delay effects pedals. A collaboration with the English independent record label Ninja Tune, this device goes above and beyond to deliver the richest, dubbiest delay lines. It combines a tempo-synced stereo delay line with a 24dB multimode synth filter, and an analog tube circuit for that desirable overdrive. It is specifically designed to be used as a send/return effect from your console or DJ mixer.
Unlike other dub-style delay lines, the Zen Delay offers a fast and efficient send/return effect from your mixer. With an extreme feedback range, a rich multimode filter for tone shaping, and an analog tube drive circuit for harmonic enrichment, it provides all the tools you need for dub echoes without the need for complex routing schemes.
One key aspect of the Zen Delay is its hands-on control. It comes packed with high-quality knobs for input level, delay time, feedback, delay mode, dry/wet blend, filter cutoff, resonance, filter mode, analog drive amount, and more. The tap tempo button adds to its user-friendly features, making it easy to sync your effects with your mix as you perform.
Key Features:
- Dub-echo effects unit with stereo delay, analog tube drive circuit, and 24dB multimode filter
- Comprehensive hands-on control with high-quality knobs
- Tap tempo button for easy sync of delays with your mix
- Analog tube drive circuit adds vibrant harmonic richness
- Huge delay time range (1ms-5,000ms), with 1/8 to 8x clock division, for up to 50 seconds of delay
- Full stereo signal path
- MIDI and CV inputs for external control from other hardware, your DAW, Eurorack modular synthesizers, and other devices
- Five delay modes include tape, tape pingpong, digital pingpong, digital, and crossover
- Delay Off mode allows you to use the filter and tube drive for processing signals without the delay
Owner's manual
Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay User ManualProduct specs
| Processor Type | Delay, Tube Overdrive, Filter |
| Number of Channels | Stereo |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" (CV in) |
| MIDI I/O | In |
| Power Source | 12V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 1.96" |
| Width | 8.26" |
| Depth | 5.9" |
| Weight | 1.91 lbs. |
FAQs
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What types of delay effects can the Erica Synths Zen Delay produce?
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The Erica Synths Zen Delay offers a variety of delay effects, including tape, digital, and ping-pong delays. These options allow users to create diverse delay sounds suitable for different musical styles.
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Does the Erica Synths Zen Delay include a tube overdrive feature?
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Yes, the Erica Synths Zen Delay features a tube overdrive, which adds warmth and saturation to the delay signal, enhancing the overall sound character.
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Can the Erica Synths Zen Delay be used in a stereo setup?
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The Erica Synths Zen Delay is designed for stereo use, with two 1/4" analog inputs and outputs, allowing for rich, immersive stereo effects.
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Is the Erica Synths Zen Delay compatible with MIDI devices?
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Yes, the Zen Delay includes MIDI input, enabling users to sync the delay time with other MIDI-compatible equipment for precise timing and integration.
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What power supply does the Erica Synths Zen Delay require?
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The Erica Synths Zen Delay operates with a 12V DC power supply, which is included with the unit, ensuring easy setup and use.
Videos
Telekom Electronic Beats TV
Stimming reviews the Erica Synths Zen Delay (Electronic Beats TV)
Reviews
PROS
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Transforms thin sounds into warm, thick tones
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"Drive" adds tube warmth, enhancing electronic drums
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Creates dreamy, airy stereo echos and sharp, punchy distortions
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Versatile, with tape and digital delay modes
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High build quality with a performance-oriented interface
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Unique color box feature for sonic transformation
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Analog filter and overdrive provide classic effects
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Fun and interactive, designed for manual sound shaping
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Can handle a wide range of audio sources effectively
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Encourages creative experimentation with soundscapes
CONS
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Audible pops/clicks when using bypass or changing modes
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Some delay algorithms described as "meh" or underwhelming
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Filter can produce noisy, unsatisfactory resonance
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High-pitched noise in digital delay mode noted as a bug
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Cannot modulate parameters with CV or external input
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Missed opportunity for more delay modes like reverse
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Does not handle transients well, rounding them off
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay.
Comparisons
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The Zen Delay is compared unfavorably to the Empress Echosystem, which is said to offer better sound quality and costs less when paired with a separate drive pedal.
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The Zen Delay's sound is likened to a Boss DD-7, noted for being a basic delay with more versatile options like a looper and reverse mode.
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The Hologram Microcosm is noted for its unpredictably melodic and harmonic qualities, contrasting with the Zen Delay's grit, making it less suitable for aggressive genres.
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Features and functionality
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The tube distortion in the Zen Delay is critiqued for its limited usefulness, with some users suggesting the filter is more beneficial for guitarists than synth players.
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Users note that some digital delays, like the Zen Delay, contain character but may not excel in sound quality compared to older rack units.
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The Zen Delay is favored for its gritty and aggressive sound, making it suitable for heavier industrial and techno styles, but lacks a built-in reverb.
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The Zen Delay is appreciated for integrating seamlessly with setups that include devices like the Elektron Syntakt and Erica Synths DB-01, enhancing their performance in live techno environments.
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The vintage mode is a 1-bit delay known for excessive noise, which some users find unappealing in practice.
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The digital delay mode can produce a high-pitched tone during longer feedback, which persists in some other filter modes.
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The Zen Delay's filter may introduce a noticeable noise that becomes apparent in band pass and high pass modes.
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Use cases and applications
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The Zen Delay is seen as potentially more suited for DJs, with features comparable to other DJ master effects that offer more tweakability.
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The Zen Delay is recommended for live industrial performances due to its hands-on approach and sound character, which may not be ideal for ambient or glitchy styles.
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Pairing the Zen Delay with a compressor enhances its performance, especially for producing a more aggressive sound in live settings.
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User experience
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Some owners find the unit's sound quality lacking when compared to other effects units, describing it as cheap and disappointing in specific modes.
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Despite criticisms, some long-term users appreciate the Zen Delay's unique sound, comparing it favorably with classic tape delays like the Roland Space Echo.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Toro y Moi has been confirmed to use the Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay, during a live performance in Houston on May 13, 2025. This is further confirmed by an Instagram post by the artist featuring an image of the gear in use. The post, authored by Toro y Moi, was accompanied by a caption expressing gratitude to fans and crew during their winter tour.
At approximately 9:50 in the YouTube video titled "Tone Is NOT 'In The Hands'" by Rhett Shull, he demonstrates the Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay.
Naiv studios worked on re-designing Skee Masks's studio space in 2020. Photos taken by Luis Zeno Kuhn of the finished room reveal much of Skee Mask's gear and workspace. The photos were found on the Naiv studios website under the index section that shows work done for previous clients.
He doesn't say anything about it but he lists it in his gear list and it's on the table where his other pedals are.
As seen in the keyboard shelf photos of this MusicTech article. Positioned just above the DT-300.
In this Instagram video, Baseck says:
just before I remixed cat_barbieri’s fantas i started making a lot of melodic pieces. I always have to ask myself wait is this a cover song of hers or not?? 🥰 this piece is called “keep it up”. it was made using ericasynths bassline and zen delay ninjatune collab.
Borrtex features the Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay in his new recording studio setup in Prague, as seen in an Instagram post where it is positioned under the Arturia MicroBrute. This gear has also appeared several times in his Instagram Stories.
Album Usage
The Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Erica Synths/Ninja Tune Zen Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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