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Average Price: $130

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$100

$251+

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Description

Meet the trailblazer of guitar pedals, the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay. Born in 1983, this revolutionary stompbox was the first of its kind to bring digital delay to the fingertips of musicians everywhere. By harnessing the power of the same integrated circuit chip found in the Roland SDE-3000, it delivers long, crystal-clear digital delay. Offering mono input and mono/stereo output, the DD-2 ensures maximum sound versatility. And with up to 800ms delay time, you can get lost in the endless sonic possibilities.

Key Features:

  • First digital delay stompbox, a pioneering creation from 1983
  • Uses the same integrated circuit chip as the Roland SDE-3000
  • Provides long and crystal-clear digital delay
  • Features mono input and mono/stereo output for varied sound output
  • Offers up to 800ms of delay time for extensive sound layering possibilities

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model DD-2 Digital Delay (Blue Label)
Finish White
Year 1983 - 1986
Made In Japan
Categories Delay Pedals

FAQs

What is the maximum delay time of the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay?

The Boss DD-2 Digital Delay offers a maximum delay time of 800 milliseconds, providing a wide range of delay effects from short slapbacks to extended echoes.

Is the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay suitable for both mono and stereo setups?

Yes, the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay is designed to integrate seamlessly into both mono and stereo setups, making it versatile for various live and studio applications.

How does the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay compare to analog delay pedals?

The Boss DD-2 Digital Delay features a digital circuit that provides clearer and more precise delay effects compared to the typically warmer and more saturated sound of analog delay pedals.

What is the sound quality like on the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay?

The Boss DD-2 Digital Delay is known for its high-quality sound with a bandwidth of 7kHz, offering clear and articulate delay effects with minimal noise.

Is the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay easy to use for beginners?

Yes, the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay is user-friendly, with straightforward controls that make it easy to dial in a variety of delay effects, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

shnobel

shnobel

Boss Digital Delay Shootout DD2 DD3 DD5 DD6 DD7 DD20

Video thumbnail for Boss Digital Delay Shootout DD2 DD3 DD5 DD6 DD7 DD20 by shnobel

Boss Digital Delay Shootout DD2 DD3 DD5 DD6 DD7 DD20

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for BOSS DD-2 Digital Delay Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS DD-2 Digital Delay Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Boss DD-2 vs DD-3 Digital Delay by shnobel

Boss DD-2 vs DD-3 Digital Delay

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for VintageModified: Boss DD-2 Digital Delay,  80's pedal review. by VintageModified

VintageModified: Boss DD-2 Digital Delay, 80's pedal review.

VintageModified

VintageModified

Video thumbnail for Boss DD-2 Digital Delay demo by Depotgear

Boss DD-2 Digital Delay demo

Depotgear

Depotgear

Video thumbnail for Boss DD2 Digital Delay Japan | Demo [NO TALKING] by Dean Wingerter

Boss DD2 Digital Delay Japan | Demo [NO TALKING]

Dean Wingerter

Dean Wingerter

Video thumbnail for Strymon DIG vs. Boss DD-2 Digital Delay Comparison by DelayDude

Strymon DIG vs. Boss DD-2 Digital Delay Comparison

DelayDude

DelayDude

Video thumbnail for Why the BOSS DD-2 is Great by Leon Todd

Why the BOSS DD-2 is Great

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for 1980's Boss DD-2 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal by Laughing Buffaloes

1980's Boss DD-2 Digital Delay Guitar Pedal

Laughing Buffaloes

Laughing Buffaloes

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, musical sound with clear repeats

  • Simple, easy-to-use interface

  • High headroom and analog-dry-through feature for signal clarity

  • Durable and built to last

  • Vintage tone with "long chip" technology

  • Compatible with fuzz and maintains clarity

  • Provides up to 800ms of delay time

  • Mono input and mono/stereo output options

  • Unique darkening of repeats for musical versatility

CONS

  • Lacks modern features like tap tempo

  • Becoming harder to find due to being out of production

  • Pricier than some alternatives due to vintage status

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DD-2 Digital Delay.

Features and functionality

  • The Boss DD-2 uses the same chip as the SDE-3000, providing clear digital delay repeats and a unique feel compared to similar models.

    Source
  • The DD-2 is praised for its warm, tape-like delay quality that suits vintage rock and ambient genres.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The DD-2 requires 12V power for optimal performance, but can function with a 9V supply when daisy-chained due to a common ground bypassing an internal resistor.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners find the DD-2 superior to the MXR Carbon Copy for clearer repeats and simplicity, despite the latter's reputation as a popular analog delay.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer the DD-2 over the Ibanez AD9 for its more accurate and less colored delay repeats.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's noted that converting the DD-2 from ACA to PSA power is a simple modification to improve compatibility with modern power supplies.

    Source
  • A recommended mod involves replacing the stock footswitch with a soft-touch switch for quieter operation.

    Source

User experience

  • Enthusiasts appreciate the DD-2 for its simplicity in control, providing excellent sound without extensive tweaking, contrasting with more complex delay pedals.

    Source
  • Users report that the pedal integrates seamlessly into complex pedalboards without signal degradation.

    Source

Build quality

  • Users highlight the pedal's robustness, noting that the footswitch remains reliable even after years of heavy use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving U2-like delay effects, particularly in songs from "The Joshua Tree" era.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss DD-2 Delay review! | Rig-Talk

rig-talk.com

The Boss DD-2 Digital Delay is celebrated for its warm, pleasant tone, blending the long delay of digital with the warmth of analog. While not as warm as some analog models, its unique 12-bit sampling offers a distinct character. The pedal's four modes, including a versatile hold function, enhance its appeal. Simple yet effective, the DD-2 is praised as a standout digital delay.

positive

Boss DD-2 review - JCFonline.com

jcfonline.com

The Boss DD-2 Digital Delay impresses with its warm, almost analog-like sound, defying typical digital precision. Offering up to 800ms of delay, it trumps traditional analog delays in versatility. Users praise its ability to work well in front of an amp, delivering a volume boost that negates the need for additional pedals. The DD-2 stands out as a solid investment, maintaining high resale value for its vintage Japanese models. While newer models like the DD-5 offer more features, the DD-2 remains a reliable, warm-sounding choice, making it a beloved classic among delay pedals.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
crazedfandango

Great Sounding & Simple to Use

This is a great sounding pedal for those that want something with minimal fuss; just set and forget.

There aren't a plethora of options like one would expect on a modern pedal (no tap tempo), just: mix, feedback & delay time (up to 800ms). What you do get is a very natural, warm-sounding delay, that doesn't get in the way of your playing.

Long out of production, so only available used.

cwirus88

DD-2 for the win!

I have Boss DD-3 from 1988 with the same "long chip" that DD-2. Yesterday I finally acquired DD-2 from 1984 and what can I say... the best digital delay on this planet, period. Very bright, pristine and warm - kind of perfect potion of digital and analog delay in one box. DD-2 becomes quite pricy these days, so if you are looking for the same circuit but much cheaper, then get Japanese DD-3 / DSD-2 / DSD-3. They all sounds the same.

ajmarquez

Beautiful

This is a 1984 (my year) pedal, the repeats get dark in a very beautiful way. It's so special that it's not part of my main board, I use a DD-5 and bring only the DD-2 when it's needed. But it's an amazing pedal.

rmerrill2470

old school Digi Delay

The Boss DD-2 Digital Delay was first made in 1983, offering the first digital delay jammed into a stompbox. Using the same integrated circuit chip as the Roland SDE-3000, the Boss DD-2 brought long and crystal-clear digital delay to the masses. It features mono input, mono/stereo output, and up to 800ms of delay time.

jimmarchi1

the original

I came late to digital delay. People were stoked about digital everything back then. This pedal still sounds good today. You know, not TOO hifi.... bright and crispy. I remember being in an indsutrial band with this guy who couldn't play the guitar at all but was a master of playing the DD2 if you know what I mean.

jimmarchi1

sold

skylinerr

Its a good delay

It's just the delay pedal I've had for a while and have stuck with it.

Genres:
anonymoose

One of its kind

Simply put, analog sounding delay with very nice hold function. Unlike other digital delay pedals, the repeats are clear, but very warm.

gary_x_wei

The Tone is real

My oldest piece of gear out of everything, hahah. It's an all original vintage 1984 DD-2. Pretty much identical to the DD-3s that are still out there, except DD-2s were made with better components, which is why they still work great despite being >30 years old.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Roth uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Jim Roth

Guitarist

Built to Spill

...
Verified via Photo

Jim Roth uses the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay as featured in a photo by jermsfuzz on Instagram, showcasing his new pedalboard setup for upcoming rock performances.

See how Iñaki Colombo uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Iñaki Colombo

Guitarist

Bandalos Chinos

...
Verified via Photo

Photo taken by Iñaki himself setting his pedalboard before show, appeared on Instagram Stories.

See how Manny Charlton uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Manny Charlton

Guitarist

Nazareth

...
Verified via YouTube

3:56 mark. This is Boss DD-2.

See how Bruce Watson uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Bruce Watson

Guitarist

Foreigner

...
Verified via Stuart-adamson

This article states that this was part of Watson's rig.

See how Yuji Adachi (You) uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Yuji Adachi (You)

Guitarist, Composer

DEAD END

...
Verified via Archive

Yuji Adachi is associated with using the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay pedal, as noted on his official website.

See how Richard Bennett uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Richard Bennett

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

A ’54 Tele, Knopfler Strat, Martin 12-string, OM-28, Flatiron Bouzouki, my old Gretsch 65. I used a volume pedal, Hot Cake overdrive, Dunlop tremolo, and a Boss delay. I used a Vox AC30.

B

Brian Nash

Guitarist

Frankie Goes to Hollywood

...
Verified via Muzines

Brian Nash is sponsored by Washburn and also plays a Fender Strat through a Sony radio link and a Roland JC120 with a Roland SCC pedalboard containing a DD2 delay, CE3 chorus, SD1 overdrive, TW1 wah-wah, GE7 graphic, NF1 noise gate and a PH1R phaser.

See how Levan Shanshiashvili uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Levan Shanshiashvili

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Imgur

Levan Shanshiashvili mentioned in a private message that he incorporates five delay pedals into his setup, including the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay.

W

Wayne Wildrick

Guitarist

Man Overboard

...
Verified via YouTube

@ 0:49 in the video

See how Bobbing uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Bobbing

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by _bobbing, the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay is visible in the top left of the image, indicating its use by the artist.

See how Cody Chandler uses Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Cody Chandler

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

Cody Chandler is seen using the Boss DD-2 Digital Delay pedal, as evidenced by his post on Twitter.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss DD-2 Digital Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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