Ahead of NAMM 2026, Ibanez released the LD303 Layer Delayer, a new Shoegaze stereo delay pedal with MIDI support.
I rarely write about Ibanez products. This is mainly because guitars are their primary product. However, for NAMM 2026, which starts next week, Ibanez has news that will also interest Synthesizer and electronic music players.
Ibanez has released the LD303 Layer Delayer, a powerful new stereo delay pedal with MIDI support, and priced fairly.
Ibanez LD303 Layer Delayer
LD303 Layer Delayer is a new stereo delay pedal. Ibanz has chosen visuals for the LD303 Layer Delay that strongly resemble 80s and synthwave aesthetics. But modern, innovative technology is at work in the pedal.
Unlike traditional tape echoes, Layer Delayer generates 16th notes and triplet delay signals. Exciting that you can tweak each of the four 16th notes of a quarter delay separately, plus two triplets with independent volume controls, making it very hands-on.
It allows you to create intricate rhythmic patterns, shimmering delay texture, and more. Yes, these are sounds that are not only for guitars but also for synths.
LD303 Layer Delayer is also a versatile delay, offering three distinct flavors: analog, digital, and tape. Better, you can switch between these settings without hearable steps with the tone control, making very hybrid sounds possible.
Like a traditional, you can adjust the character of each mode with classic time, feedback, and tone controls. It also features a built-in filter modeled on the classic Moog lowpass ladder filter.
Crank up the resonance, and you get the distinctive, edgy character of the Moog ladder filter, while zero resonance provides a more standard response.
Advanced Panning
The Ibanez LD303 Layer Delayer is an all-stereo pedal with switchable line and instrument level. A highlight of the pedal is the advanced panning options. It incorporates eight distinct auto-panning modes, enabling the delayed signals to sweep dynamically across the stereo field.
This includes: left-to-right, right-to-left, and pin-pong panning. Users can further customize the panning effect by selecting between wide and narrow sweep widths for each mode, and by adjusting the overall sweep speed.
Also onboard is a tail feature that allows the delayed signal to persist even when the effect is bypassed. This knob controls the feedback level of the tail, determining how long the delayed signal lingers.
Depending on the knob, you get true bypass behavior or a long, sustained trail of the delayed signal. A total of 50 patches can be stored in the hardware, and it ships with 20. These can also be accessed and changed via MIDI.
Yes, it also fully supports MIDI, giving you full access to all parameters and MIDI sync. Very nice: many modern pedals offer presets, but often only a few. 50 is a lot of space and can even be used directly on the pedal.
Connectivity
Speaking of connectivity: on the back, you’ll find stereo input with switchable signal type, an FX loop input for incorporating external effects in the feedback loop, and stereo output on L/R sockets.
Next to this are 5-pin MIDI in/out sockets with MIDI thru support and a USB-C port. By connecting the pedal to a computer and using the Layer Delayer app, you can control nearly all parameters, as well as importing/exporting presets. Plus, you can access the global settings.
First Impression
A very exciting delay pedal with many hands-on adjustment options. I appreciate that it also supports MIDI-enabled keyboards and line-level options. Plus, the price is very fair.
The Ibanez LD303 Layer Delayer is now shipping and is available in 2 weeks for $279,99/249€.
More information here: Ibanez
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Thomann
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