Sure Philly, no problem
Most multi FX boxes can do a decent delay. The more options the better, and midi-sync is of course a plus - it just makes life easier. Some simple EQ/filtering in the delay path is preferable, as it allows you to roll off some top/bottom end as the delays regenerate, creating a more vintage sound and, more importantly, leaving room for the original sound in the mix. I used to have an Alesis Midiverb for delays, which is real basic but works well. My cheap 'n cheerful Lexicon MPX100 has some great stereo/ping-pong delays, but it's a preset unit so not very flexible. More sophisticated multi FX boxes like the MPX1 or TC M-One can of course do more complicated delays, but if you're buying a machine for delays only, I'd advise to go for one of the dedicated delay units:
One of the most sophisticated delay units you can get for a reasonable price is the TC Electronic D-Two
(SOS review). I think it goes for around $300 now, s/h. Plenty of different sounds and options, and you can even tap your own multi-tap delay patterns! It also allows you to reverse say, every third tap for more freaky fun. It borrows many features from their flagship 2290 multi-tap delay, which is considered one of the best dedicated digital delay units in existence (but hard to find and expensive).
If you like a more vintage sound, but in a modern package, look at the Line 6 Echo Pro
(SOS review). It models just about every vintage (tape, tube, platter) delay out there in a very convincing way. It's very easy to use: choose your model, dial in the delay time (or set the note division when synced to midi), set feedback (how long the delays keep going), and tweak two dedicated parameters per model (like 'overdrive' and 'wow&flutter'). I've had mine for 3 years and I feel like I'll never need another delay unit. It also has some fun features like an auto-wah delay and a loop recorder that allows you to overdub into a loop, which is great for scratching and coming up with ideas or making mad soundscapes. I've seen turntablists use this with a footswitch and create entire tracks on the fly. Another favorite for this game is the
Akai Headrush pedal, but that's sort of off-topic. Check out
this page if your into that sort of thing.
Of course you could get the 'vintage' sound by getting a real vintage unit like the Roland Space Echo RE201 or RE301, but you'd need to be pretty serious about vintage delays. These units sound amazing but have limited flexibility, and need some maintenance, plus you have to get tapes for them and they're big and heavy.
Another way to get any delay to sound more 'vintage' is to use the old 'dub delay' trick, as heard on just about every (dub) reggae album. Get any old delay unit and put it on an AUX send on your mixing desk. Set the feedback to zero, so you only have a single delay. Have the delay return on a full mixer channel in stead of an AUX return. On that channel, gradually open the AUX send the delay is on until you start getting more repeats. Then start playing with the EQ on that channel. I used to do this all the time with a simple Boss delay pedal (DD3 or something), and it sounded amazing. You can insert phaser/flanger/distortion FX in the delay path for more crazy sounds.
Anything else you wanna know?
