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Strymon TimeLine MX Deep Dive: What’s New, How It Compares to the Original TimeLine, and Is It Worth Upgrading?
New Arrival / Delay Workstation Deep Dive
The original Strymon TimeLine became a modern classic because it gave guitarists, synth players, worship musicians, ambient players and studio users a serious stereo delay workstation in pedal form. The new Strymon TimeLine MX is not just a cosmetic refresh. It is Strymon’s next-generation take on the TimeLine concept, with more processing power, dual-engine operation, new delay machines, a dedicated reverb engine, deeper routing and a much more modern control platform.
In this guide, we will look at what the Strymon TimeLine MX actually adds, how it differs from the original Strymon TimeLine, whether existing TimeLine owners should upgrade, and how it stacks up against serious alternatives such as the Eventide H90.
Quick Verdict
TimeLine MX is the better choice if delay is central to your sound and you want a modern flagship delay workstation that can run two engines at once, combine delay and reverb in a single preset, create complex stereo routing, and handle deeper stage or studio integration.
The original TimeLine is still a very strong buy if you want the classic Strymon multi-delay sound, 200 presets, MIDI, stereo operation and a 30-second stereo looper at a lower price. But if you want the new engines, dual routing, 5-minute stereo looper and modern workflow, TimeLine MX is the true next-generation model.
What Is the Strymon TimeLine MX?
The Strymon TimeLine MX is a premium stereo delay and ambience workstation built around 11 delay engines plus a dedicated reverb engine. It is designed for players who want more than a basic delay pedal. It can cover classic tape-style echo, analogue bucket-brigade textures, pristine digital repeats, reverse delay, pitch-shifted Ice sounds, lo-fi degradation, filter movement, oil can echo, drum echo, granular-style Spectral textures, complex MultiTap patterns and reverb ambience.
The headline upgrade is the ability to run two engines at once. That changes the whole personality of the pedal. Instead of choosing one delay sound per preset, you can build combinations such as tape into reverb, dual digital delays in parallel, Spectral into Ice, Oil Can into Reverb, MultiTap into Filter, or two different delay machines split across the stereo field.
For modern ambient, worship, cinematic, post-rock, experimental, synth and studio players, that is a big deal. It means TimeLine MX can act as a single compact workstation rather than simply “the delay pedal” on the board.
What’s New in TimeLine MX?
The original TimeLine was already powerful, but TimeLine MX moves the platform into a much more current format. The biggest changes are not just about adding more delay types. The real upgrade is the combination of new algorithms, dual processing, routing, looping and connectivity.
| New / Improved Area | What TimeLine MX Adds | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-engine operation | Run two delay/reverb engines in the same preset. | This is the biggest creative upgrade. You can build layered delay chains, dual rhythmic delays, delay plus reverb, or split-stereo textures without needing multiple pedals. |
| Series, parallel and split routing | Route two engines in series, parallel or split modes. | Series is great for cinematic chains, parallel keeps effects more defined, and split routing can create huge stereo movement. |
| New delay engines | Oil Can, Drum, Spectral, MultiTap and Reverb join the TimeLine family. | The MX has more vintage character, more granular sound design and far more complex rhythmic capability than the original model. |
| Dedicated reverb engine | Reverb can be used as one of the engines. | TimeLine MX can now be a delay-plus-reverb workstation, which is especially useful for ambient, worship and compact pedalboards. |
| 5-minute stereo looper | Looper time expands dramatically compared with the original 30-second stereo looper. | Better for live looping, sound design, layering, ambient beds and practice. |
| Modern display and workflow | Bright OLED-style display, clearer navigation and 300 preset locations. | More practical for complex presets, stage visibility and deeper editing. |
| Advanced I/O | Stereo input/output plus selectable send/return, wet/dry and wet/dry/wet configurations. | Useful for professional pedalboards, stereo rigs, line-level setups, modellers and studio routing. |
| USB-C and expanded MIDI | MIDI via USB-C, TRS or DIN connections. | Much easier integration with modern controllers, computers, firmware updates and advanced rigs. |
| More processing power | High-performance tri-core ARM platform. | Enables dual engines, expanded algorithms and more detailed recreations of vintage behaviours. |
TimeLine MX vs Original TimeLine: What’s the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is this: the original TimeLine is a classic multi-delay pedal, while TimeLine MX is a next-generation dual delay and ambience workstation.
The original TimeLine still makes sense because it gives you 12 unique delay machines, 200 presets, MIDI, stereo input/output, expression control and a 30-second stereo looper. It has been on countless pedalboards for a reason. It is musical, reliable, hands-on and still highly usable.
TimeLine MX does not make the original bad. It makes the platform bigger. It is for players who want deeper sound design, dual effects, bigger stereo routing, more looper time, updated connectivity and a more modern stage/studio workflow.
| Feature | Strymon TimeLine MX | Original Strymon TimeLine |
|---|---|---|
| Core concept | Next-generation dual delay and reverb workstation | Classic stereo multi-delay pedal |
| Engines | 11 delay engines plus dedicated Reverb engine | 12 delay machines |
| Run two effects at once? | Yes — dual engines in Series, Parallel or Split modes | No — one delay machine per preset, with Dual Delay as one of the machines |
| New MX engines | Oil Can, Drum, Spectral, MultiTap and Reverb, plus enhanced classic TimeLine-style sounds | Digital, Dual, Pattern, Reverse, Ice, Duck, Swell, Trem, Filter, Lo-Fi, dTape and dBucket |
| Swell and ducking behaviour | Swell and Duck are available across delay engines | Swell and Duck are separate delay machines |
| Presets | 300 preset locations | 200 presets |
| Looper | 5-minute stereo looper with multi or 1-button looper modes | 30-second stereo looper |
| Routing | Stereo I/O, effects send/return options, wet/dry and wet/dry/wet setups | Stereo I/O and mono delay feedback loop insert mode |
| MIDI and computer connectivity | MIDI via DIN, TRS and USB-C; upcoming Nixie 2 editor compatibility | DIN MIDI In/Out, expression control and external control options |
| Audio quality | 24-bit / 96kHz conversion, 32-bit floating point processing, analogue dry path | 24-bit / 96kHz conversion, 32-bit floating point processing, analogue dry path |
| Power | 9V DC centre-negative, 500mA minimum | 9V DC centre-negative, 300mA minimum |
| GSUS4 price at time of writing | $1,195 AUD | $699 AUD |
| Best for | Players who want the most powerful TimeLine platform, dual engines, modern ambience and pro routing | Players who want classic Strymon delay sounds at a lower price |
The New Engines: Why They Matter
The new engines are not just there to make the spec sheet longer. They change the kind of sounds the pedal can create.
Oil Can
Oil Can brings a darker, more unstable and more characterful vintage echo flavour. It is not trying to be pristine. It is the kind of sound that works well for moody leads, cinematic parts, retro textures and pads that need movement rather than hi-fi clarity.
Drum
Drum targets the mechanical movement and multi-head behaviour of vintage drum echo units. This is useful for players who want rhythmic repeats with old-school personality, warble, soft clipping and per-head variation.
Spectral
Spectral is one of the most modern-sounding additions. It works in the granular-style delay world, slicing and reshaping the signal into fragments with pitch, reverse, stretching and filtering possibilities. This is the engine for glitch, shimmer-like fragments, cinematic transitions, experimental ambience and textures that feel less like a normal delay pedal.
MultiTap
MultiTap gives you complex rhythmic control with multiple taps. This is the sort of delay that can create patterns, cascading repeats, trance-like movement, percussive rhythmic beds and spacious stereo sequences. Pair it with another engine and it becomes much more powerful.
Reverb
The dedicated Reverb engine is one of the most important practical upgrades. It means you can build a preset that includes delay and reverb inside the same pedal. For many guitarists, that could reduce the need for a separate reverb pedal in smaller rigs. For ambient players, it means TimeLine MX can create bigger washes and transitions by itself.
Why Dual Engines Are the Real Upgrade
The original TimeLine already had great delay tones. The reason TimeLine MX feels like a bigger leap is the dual-engine architecture.
A single delay can be beautiful. Two carefully routed engines can feel like a complete soundscape. For example:
- dTape into Reverb for warm cinematic ambience.
- Digital into Ice for clean repeats that bloom into pitch-shifted sparkle.
- MultiTap into Filter for rhythmic parts that move across the stereo field.
- Oil Can into Reverb for dark, unstable ambient pads.
- Two Digital delays in parallel for dotted-eighth and quarter-note rhythmic layering.
- Spectral into Ice for granular, octave-rich, synth-like textures.
This matters because many players already use more than one time-based pedal. TimeLine MX lets you create more of those layered sounds inside one box, while keeping the dedicated Strymon delay workflow.
Is TimeLine MX Worth the Upgrade?
It depends on how you use delay.
If your original TimeLine is mainly used for one or two classic delay presets — for example dotted-eighth digital, slapback, tape echo or a modulated ambient patch — you may not need to rush. The original TimeLine is still an excellent delay pedal, and the current GSUS4 price makes it a strong value option.
But if delay is a major part of your sound, the upgrade case becomes much stronger.
Upgrade to TimeLine MX if:
- You want two delay/reverb engines in one preset.
- You want delay plus reverb from one pedal.
- You use ambient, worship, cinematic, post-rock or experimental textures.
- You need longer looping than 30 seconds.
- You want more advanced stereo routing or wet/dry/wet options.
- You want the new Oil Can, Drum, Spectral, MultiTap and Reverb engines.
- You use MIDI, USB-C, modern controllers or deeper preset management.
- You are building a professional stage or studio pedalboard.
Stick with the original TimeLine if:
- You mostly need classic delay sounds.
- You do not need two engines running at once.
- You already have a dedicated reverb pedal you love.
- You rarely use the looper.
- Your current presets already cover your live set.
- You want a lower-cost way into premium Strymon delay.
- You prefer a proven classic with a simpler feature set.
GSUS4 take: TimeLine MX is not just “the new TimeLine.” It is the TimeLine for players who want a full delay and ambience workstation. The original TimeLine remains a brilliant buy for classic Strymon delay tones, but the MX is the better long-term choice if you want deeper sound design, dual engines and modern rig integration.
TimeLine MX vs Eventide H90
The Eventide H90 is probably one of the most natural high-end comparisons, but it is important to understand that the two pedals are not trying to do exactly the same job.
TimeLine MX is a specialist delay and ambience workstation. Its layout, knobs, algorithms and workflow are centred around delay. Even with the new reverb engine, the core personality is still TimeLine: hands-on, stereo, delay-first, performance-friendly and very immediate for players who live inside echo-based sounds.
Eventide H90 is a broader multi-effects workstation. It covers delay, reverb, pitch shifting, Harmonizer effects, modulation, granular processing, special effects and experimental Eventide algorithms. It can also run two algorithms per program with advanced routing. If you want one pedal to cover a huge Eventide sound world, H90 is extremely powerful.
| Comparison Point | Strymon TimeLine MX | Eventide H90 |
|---|---|---|
| Main identity | Delay and ambience workstation | Multi-effects Harmonizer workstation |
| Best at | Dedicated delay, dual delay, delay plus reverb, stereo ambience, rhythmic repeats | Wide-ranging multi-FX, pitch, Harmonizer sounds, modulation, granular textures, reverb, delay and experimental processing |
| Dual processing | Two TimeLine MX engines at once | Two algorithms at once per program |
| Workflow | More like a dedicated flagship delay pedal, with familiar delay controls | More like a compact studio multi-effects processor with deeper algorithm variety |
| Sound design range | Deep within delay, reverb and stereo ambience | Much broader across multiple effect categories |
| Pitch and Harmonizer effects | Some pitch-based delay textures through engines like Ice and Spectral | Major strength of the platform |
| Routing | Series, Parallel and Split dual-engine routing, stereo send/return and wet/dry/wet options | Series/parallel routing, flexible I/O, dual inserts and dual-mode operation |
| Who should choose it? | Players who want the best dedicated Strymon delay platform | Players who want a wider Eventide multi-effects universe in one pedal |
Choose TimeLine MX over H90 if:
- Delay is the main thing you care about.
- You want dedicated delay knobs and a faster delay-focused workflow.
- You love the Strymon sound and want the most advanced TimeLine platform.
- You want dual delays, delay plus reverb, and stereo ambience without feeling like you are programming a general multi-effects processor.
- You already have other modulation, pitch or multi-effects covered elsewhere on your board.
Choose H90 over TimeLine MX if:
- You want much more than delay and reverb.
- You specifically want Eventide pitch shifting, Harmonizer effects and experimental algorithms.
- You want one processor to cover many effect categories.
- You need dual inserts or complex multi-purpose routing.
- You are comfortable with a deeper multi-effects workflow.
In simple terms: TimeLine MX is the stronger dedicated delay choice. H90 is the broader creative processor. Neither is automatically “better.” They serve different players.
How Does TimeLine MX Compare With Other Delay Alternatives?
The premium delay space has become very competitive. TimeLine MX is not the only serious option, but it has a very clear lane.
| Alternative | General Strength | Where TimeLine MX Wins | Where the Alternative May Make More Sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eventide H90 | Huge multi-effects range, pitch, Harmonizer, modulation, granular, reverb and delay | More focused delay workflow, dedicated Strymon delay personality, easier delay-first editing | Better if you want one pedal to cover many categories beyond delay |
| Strymon Volante | Magnetic echo character, tape/drum-style workflow and vintage-inspired repeats | More algorithms, presets, dual engines, reverb and modern routing | Better if you mainly want hands-on vintage magnetic echo feel |
| Boss DD-500 / DD-200 | Flexible digital delay platforms with strong value and practical feature sets | More premium Strymon ambience, dual-engine MX architecture and studio-style sound design depth | Better if budget, utility and compact practicality are the main priorities |
| Empress Echosystem | Creative dual-delay architecture and broad delay styles | More modern Strymon platform, integrated reverb engine, 5-minute stereo looper and MX routing ecosystem | Better if you already love Empress’s dual-delay workflow and compact layout |
| Meris LVX | Deep modular delay design and experimental sound creation | More traditional pedalboard-friendly TimeLine workflow and immediate Strymon delay feel | Better if you want modular sound design depth and do not mind deeper programming |
| Line 6 HX Stomp | Full multi-effects and amp-modelling platform | More dedicated delay workstation experience and premium delay-focused control | Better if you need amp modelling, cab simulation and full-rig processing |
Who Is TimeLine MX Really For?
TimeLine MX is a premium pedal, so it makes the most sense for players who will actually use the depth. It is not just for guitarists either. It can be just as relevant for synths, keys, studio send/return chains, hybrid modeller rigs and ambient performance setups.
1. Ambient and Worship Guitarists
This is one of the clearest use cases. TimeLine MX can create rhythmic delays, wide stereo repeats, swells, granular movement, shimmer-like textures, reverse ambience and reverb-rich pads. If you build intros, transitions, big washy sections or dotted-eighth rhythmic parts, the MX is a serious creative tool.
2. Players Who Want One Pedal to Cover Delay and Reverb
The reverb engine makes TimeLine MX more useful on compact boards. It will not necessarily replace a dedicated flagship reverb pedal for everyone, but for many players it can cover delay and ambience inside one preset.
3. Studio and Synth Users
The line-level capability, stereo operation, MIDI, USB-C and routing options make the MX very attractive outside a traditional guitar pedalboard. Synth players in particular will appreciate the richer algorithms, stereo field control and 5-minute looper.
4. Existing TimeLine Owners Who Want More
If your original TimeLine has been central to your rig for years, TimeLine MX is the upgrade you probably hoped Strymon would eventually make. The core idea remains familiar, but the creative ceiling is much higher.
5. Players Building a Modern MIDI-Controlled Board
With DIN, TRS and USB-C MIDI options, TimeLine MX is much easier to integrate into modern controller-based rigs. If you use a Morningstar, Boss ES, RJM, Disaster Area, DAW-based MIDI or a complex switcher setup, the MX is built for that environment.
Who Should Still Buy the Original TimeLine?
The original Strymon TimeLine is still available, and it still makes sense for a lot of players.
It is the better value choice if you want premium Strymon delay without paying for the MX feature set. You still get classic TimeLine algorithms, stereo operation, MIDI, expression control, presets, tap tempo, a looper and the familiar TimeLine layout.
For many guitarists, the original TimeLine is still more than enough. It is especially good if you already have a reverb pedal, do not need dual engines, and mostly want proven Strymon delay sounds for live use.
Value note: At the time of writing, GSUS4 lists the original TimeLine at $699 AUD and the new TimeLine MX at $1,195 AUD. That is a significant jump, so the right choice depends on whether you will use the MX features. If you mainly need classic delay, the original remains excellent. If you want a modern dual-engine delay workstation, the MX justifies the step up.
Practical Buying Advice
Here is the simplest way to decide.
| Your Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want the latest and most powerful Strymon delay platform | TimeLine MX | It has dual engines, new algorithms, reverb, deeper routing and the modern hardware platform. |
| You want premium delay but do not need the new MX features | Original TimeLine | It is still a proven stereo delay pedal with 200 presets, MIDI and classic Strymon sounds. |
| You use lots of ambient sounds and want delay plus reverb in one preset | TimeLine MX | The reverb engine and dual architecture make it much better for layered ambience. |
| You already own an original TimeLine and only use basic delay sounds | Keep the original | The upgrade may be more than you need. |
| You already own an original TimeLine and constantly wish it could run two sounds at once | Upgrade to TimeLine MX | Dual engines are the exact upgrade you are looking for. |
| You want pitch, Harmonizer, modulation, granular, reverb and delay in one unit | Consider Eventide H90 | H90 is broader than TimeLine MX and better suited to all-in-one multi-effects processing. |
| You want the best dedicated delay workflow | TimeLine MX | It is purpose-built around delay, repeats, stereo space and hands-on control. |
Final Verdict: Is TimeLine MX Worth It?
Yes — if delay is a major part of your sound.
The Strymon TimeLine MX is not simply a replacement for the original TimeLine. It is a more ambitious pedal. The dual-engine design, new algorithms, Reverb engine, 5-minute stereo looper, expanded routing and modern MIDI/USB-C connectivity make it a serious workstation for players who build sounds rather than just add repeats.
If you are an ambient guitarist, worship player, post-rock player, studio guitarist, synth user, stereo rig builder or MIDI-controlled pedalboard user, the MX is a meaningful upgrade. It can replace multiple time-based roles, create much deeper presets and open up sounds that the original TimeLine cannot produce in a single patch.
But the original TimeLine still deserves respect. It remains one of the most important modern delay pedals ever made, and it is still a great choice if you want premium Strymon delay at a lower price.
The real decision is not “Is the old TimeLine bad now?” It is not. The decision is:
Do you want classic Strymon delay, or do you want the new flagship Strymon delay workstation?
Choose the original Strymon TimeLine if you want the proven classic.
Choose the Strymon TimeLine MX if you want the most powerful and future-facing TimeLine yet.
FAQ
Is the Strymon TimeLine MX replacing the original TimeLine?
TimeLine MX is the new next-generation model, but the original TimeLine is still available at GSUS4 at the time of writing. The original remains a strong choice for players who want classic Strymon delay without paying for the expanded MX platform.
Can TimeLine MX run two delays at once?
Yes. TimeLine MX can run two engines at once, with Series, Parallel and Split routing options. This is one of the biggest differences from the original TimeLine.
Does TimeLine MX have reverb?
Yes. TimeLine MX includes a dedicated Reverb engine, which allows it to function as a delay plus reverb workstation.
Is TimeLine MX better than Eventide H90?
Not automatically. TimeLine MX is better if you want a dedicated premium delay and ambience workstation. H90 is better if you want a broader multi-effects processor with Eventide pitch, Harmonizer, modulation, granular, reverb and delay algorithms.
Should I upgrade from the original TimeLine?
Upgrade if you want dual engines, new algorithms, reverb, a much longer stereo looper, deeper routing and modern MIDI/USB-C integration. Keep the original if you mainly use classic delay sounds and do not need the expanded MX feature set.
Prices and availability can change. Check the current GSUS4 product pages for the latest pricing, stock status and shipping information.
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