When sound engineers first started using a delay effect in music production, they could not have anticipated how popular it would eventually become. Unlike distortion cranked to 11 – delay is a universal effect that you can use for most genres of music.
Nowadays, as musicians, we’re spoilt for choice. Thanks to Boss, and their range of delay pedals, guitarists can find the ideal delay pedal to achieve the perfect tone. Of course, just because guitarists are the primary users for these delay stompboxes, that doesn’t mean other instrumentalists can’t use them.
We’re going to take a look at the Boss Delay Pedals, and see which type of musician should use them.
Boss Single Stomp Boxes
When Boss first launched the Waza craft range of boutique pedals, hipsters and those wanting a pure vintage tone flocked to them. The Boss DM-2W is no exception. The DM-2W is the perfect pedal for anyone who wants a no-frills analogue delay. The DM-2 features premium all-analogue circuit with BBD delay line. That means it faithfully recreates the tone of the classic (1984) DM-2.
Are you on the hunt for a delay without too many frills? Then the iconic DD-3 will make an excellent addition to your rig. The DD-3 is so simple to use that you could train your cat (or drummer) to use it. It provides three delay modes and a delay time of between 12.5ms – 800ms.
DD-3T
The Boss DD-3T is the updated and modernised version of the classic DD-3. If you look at the pedal, you will see that there is now a fourth jack input. You can now tap in tempos with the onboard pedal switch, or you can use an external footswitch to tap the tempo.
While a simple delay might be enough for some players, you might find yourself wanting more. Maybe you want some analogue delay, or you play with longer than 800ms delays. If you want to maintain simplicity, while adding power, the DD-7 is a great option. With a delay time of up to 6,4 seconds and up to 40 seconds of recording for looping, the DD-7 will feel at home in any pedalboard.
DD-8
When we think about compact design, we often tend to think of stripped-down features. The Boss DD-8, however, is proof that compact can be powerful.
The DD-8 is the most feature-packed single delay stompbox that Boss has ever created. The DD-8 features 11 modes ranging from digital delay and vintage echo to shimmer and more.
The built-in looper function offers up tp 40-seconds of recording time and can be controlled using external control switches.
Boss Double Stompboxes
If you’ve been a fan of Boss, you will undoubtedly recognise the Boss extended pedals like the DD-20. The extended range offered musicians more power and flexibility.
As technology advanced, Boss was able to start adding in new features, and eventually, the DD-20 took on a new persona. If you’re looking for a fully-featured delay pedal, then check out the new DD-200 and DD-500 below.
DD-200
If you’re looking for power, and don’t mind a slightly larger pedal, the Boss DD-200 will deliver. With 12 modes, a 60-second phrase looper, and customizable footswitches, you will struggle to find the limits of the DD-200.
Modes for the DD-200 include super-clean digital delays, gritty analogue echoes, and spot-on retro sounds from the Roland RE-201 Space Echo and Binson Echorec 2. There’s also a variety of options for creating reverse effects, lo-fi tones, and pulsing rhythmic sounds with layered delays. And with the Tera Echo, Shimmer, and Pad Echo modes, immersive ambient colours are just a knob twist away.
DD-500
Do you take delay seriously? If you’re one of those people who want the best of the best, you need the flagship Boss delay pedal – the Boss DD-500.
The DD-500 also features 12 distinctive delay modes with exceptional audio quality but offers deeper editing controls, a graphic display, patch memories, MIDI, and much more.
From basic echo to dead-on emulations of classic delays to incredibly lush spatial textures that take your breath away, the DD-500 will launch your music places you never thought possible.
