Leit Audio Widelay: Free Stereo Delay with Progressive Widening

Leit Audio has released Widelay, a free stereo delay plugin for VST3 and Audio Unit that rethinks the traditional echo trail. Instead of sending repeats deeper into the background, Widelay spreads them outward across the stereo field. This unique approach makes the delay trail feel wider as it progresses, while keeping the tonal balance consistent.

How Widelay Works

Widelay generates up to five echoes, with each repeat opening progressively wider around the source. The widening is achieved through slightly time-offset left and right copies of each echo. The side that arrives first alternates between repeats, which keeps the trail balanced and adds subtle movement. Additionally, a slow drift between the two sides introduces a chorus-like pitch movement, enhancing the sense of space.

Simple Controls, Focused Design

The plugin keeps things straightforward with just three main controls: DELAY, TIME, and MIX. The DELAY knob shapes the entire echo trail, determining how many echoes are heard, how quickly they decay, and how the stereo spread develops. TIME offers free adjustment from 1–1000 ms or tempo sync with 14 note values, including dotted and triplet divisions. This simplicity aligns with Leit Audio’s philosophy of building focused plugins that solve one musical problem at a time.

Features at a Glance

Stereo delay built around width rather than depth
Echoes that spread progressively outward across the stereo field
One DELAY control for echo count, decay, and stereo spread
Free delay time from 1–1000 ms
Tempo sync with dotted and triplet divisions
Built-in attack softening on the repeats
Subtle stereo drift and chorus-like movement
Zero-latency processing
Mono-to-stereo and stereo-to-stereo operation
64-bit internal processing

Compatibility and Availability

Widelay is available as VST3 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with Audio Unit for macOS. It is designed for use on stereo tracks or FX channels. Note that because the widening relies on inter-channel timing differences, the widened echoes are not mono-compatible. The plugin is free to download and use, requiring only a free Leit Audio account. There are no trial periods, subscriptions, or in-plugin activation.

For producers seeking a delay that adds width instead of depth, Widelay offers a distinctive tool. Its focused design and free price point make it an accessible addition to any mixing setup.