Explainer
Drift vs Soundtoys EchoBoy: Delay Plugins Compared (2026)
Updated 2 min read
Soundtoys EchoBoy is one of the most-used delay plugins: 30 echo styles from tape to analog to digital, Dual and Rhythm modes and deep timing control, for $199. Drift focuses on one thing, tape echo, and adds performance pads (Freeze, Reverse, Tape Stop and Half-Speed) plus ducking, for €29. Pick EchoBoy if you want many delay characters in one plugin; pick Drift for tape-style vocal throws, dub echoes and transitions at a low price.
Drift vs EchoBoy at a glance
What it is
- Drift
- Tape delay with performance pads
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- Multi-style echo, 30 styles
Price (list)
- Drift
- €29 once
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- $199 (includes EchoBoy Jr.)
Formats
- Drift
- VST3, AU, AAX
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
Echo styles
- Drift
- Tape: wow, age, saturation
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- 30, from tape and analog to digital
Modes
- Drift
- Stereo with ping-pong amount
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- Single, Dual, Ping-Pong, Rhythm (up to 16 taps)
Tempo sync
- Drift
- 1/16 to 1/2, dotted and triplet
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- Yes, with Groove and Feel
Performance pads
- Drift
- Freeze, Reverse, Tape Stop, Half-Speed
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- No
Feedback
- Drift
- Up to 110%, saturated
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- Adjustable feedback
Activation
- Drift
- License key, works offline
- Soundtoys EchoBoy
- Internet needed to activate
What EchoBoy does well
EchoBoy's strength is range. Its 30 styles recreate classic tape echoes, analog bucket-brigade pedals and digital units, each with its own tone and saturation, and a Style Editor lets you build your own. Dual mode runs two independent delays, Rhythm mode builds patterns of up to 16 taps, and Groove and Feel push the repeats ahead of or behind the beat. It's been a go-to on vocals, guitars and synths for years.
What Drift does well
Drift behaves like a tape echo: each repeat comes back darker, wobblier and more saturated, and changing the time bends the pitch the way a tape machine does. Wow, Age and Drive set how worn it sounds, Ping-pong spreads repeats across the stereo field and Duck keeps echoes out of the way while the vocal sings. Feedback goes to 110% with a saturator that keeps runaway echoes musical. Four performance pads (Freeze, Reverse, Tape Stop and Half-Speed) turn it into a transition tool. 41 presets cover slapback, vocal throws, dub and ambient.
Where EchoBoy is stronger
- Variety: 30 echo characters, including clean digital and analog pedal tones Drift doesn't aim for.
- Rhythm and Dual modes for multi-tap patterns and two separate delays in one instance.
- Groove and Feel timing controls, and a Style Editor for custom tones.
- EchoBoy Jr. included for quick, simple use.
Where Drift is stronger
- Performance pads: Freeze, Reverse, Tape Stop and Half-Speed for builds, drops and dub moments.
- Focus: every control is about tape echo, so it's quick to dial in.
- Price: €29 once, and no internet activation.
- Try it first: every preset plays in your browser on vocals, guitar, synths or your own file.
Which should you choose?
- One delay for every style, rhythmic multi-tap patterns: EchoBoy.
- Tape-style vocal throws, dub echoes and live transitions on a budget: Drift.
- Already own Soundtoys 5? You have EchoBoy; add Drift only if you want the performance pads.
Learn how tape echo works in what is tape delay, and see our delay plugins page for more options.
Try Drift in your browser
FAQ
What is Soundtoys EchoBoy?
A delay plugin that recreates 30 echo styles, including tape machines such as the Echoplex and Space Echo, analog units like the Memory Man and digital delays. It has Single, Dual, Ping-Pong and Rhythm modes, with Groove and Feel controls for the timing.
How much is EchoBoy?
As of November 2026, Soundtoys lists EchoBoy at $199, and it includes EchoBoy Jr., a simpler version with 7 echo styles. It's also part of the Soundtoys 5 bundle.
What is the difference between EchoBoy and EchoBoy Jr.?
EchoBoy Jr. is the simple version: a smaller set of echo styles and fewer controls on one compact panel. The full EchoBoy adds all 30 styles, Dual and Rhythm modes, Groove and Feel, and a style editor.
How do I set delay time to the tempo?
A quarter note in milliseconds is 60,000 divided by the BPM, so 500 ms at 120 BPM. An eighth note is half that and a dotted eighth is three quarters. Drift and EchoBoy both sync to your DAW's tempo, so you can pick note values instead.