FabFilter Timeless 3 | Vintage Tape Delay Plug-In

FabFilter Timeless 3 is a versatile tape delay plug-in that combines classic echo effects with creative sound distortion and deep modulation. With its dual-delay architecture and a reworked analog feedback design, Timeless 3 delivers both musically transparent repeats and experimental soundscapes. Delay times range from 5 ms to 5 s and can be synchronized via host tempo. Functions such as feedback, cross-feedback, phase inversion, ping-pong and freeze mode offer maximum flexibility in the design of complex delay setups.

The entire user interface has been redesigned in the new version. The intuitive delay display enables direct control of time, feedback and mix, while the interactive filter display allows precise shaping of the timbre. The modulation signals are displayed transparently through animated visualizations at source and destination. The full screen mode supports detailed work, even with extensive modulation routings.

Six analog multimode filters with high-pass, low-pass, band-pass, bell, shelf and notch characteristics are available for sound design. These can be connected in series or parallel, with three filters possible per channel – ideal for cross-feedback designs and stereo experiments. The signal processing is complemented by five new feedback effects: Drive for analog saturation, Lo-Fi for digital bit reduction, Diffuse for softening and reverberation, Dynamics for compression or gating and Pitch for pitch shifting by up to an octave up or down.

The modulation matrix allows the flexible use of XLFOs, envelope generators and followers, XY controllers, sliders and MIDI sources – in unlimited numbers. All parameters, including the new feedback effects, can be modulated and are displayed visually in the new Source Flow section. The integrated preset library has been completely reworked and makes the most of the new features – from subtle instrument treatments to elaborate FX constructions.

Technical properties

Plug-in formats: VST 2/3, Audio Units, AAX, AudioSuite
System requirements Windows: Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista (32/64-bit), compatible VST host or Pro Tools
System requirements macOS: macOS 10.10 or higher (64-bit), Intel or Apple Silicon, compatible AU/VST host or Pro Tools
Delay: Dual delay (5 ms – 5 s), tempo sync, ping-pong, cross-feedback, phase inversion
Taps: Up to 16 delay taps, individually modulatable
Feedback effects: Drive, Lo-Fi, Diffuse, Dynamics, Pitch – modulatable
Filter: 6 analog multimode filters (HP, LP, BP, Bell, Shelf, Notch), series/parallel operation, filter panning
Modulation:
– XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers, XY controllers, sliders, MIDI
– Unlimited number of sources
– Visualization of sources and destinations
– Modulation flow display
Further functions:
– Delay Freeze
– Mid/Side Processing
– Stereo Width Control
– Resizable GUI with full screen mode
– New preset library, compatible with previous versions
– Smart Parameter Interpolation, MIDI Learn, Undo/Redo, A/B comparison
– Sample-accurate automation, SSE optimization