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Description

Immerse your sound in the timeless echoes of the Boss DM-2 Delay pedal, an emblem of vintage analog delay resurgence. This pioneering compact pedal, originating from the early '80s, offers a three-button layout of repeat rate, intensity, and echo, transforming your sound with its nostalgic delay. The DM-2's value varies due to slight changes in the chips used in its circuit during production, making each piece unique and coveted among musicians.

Key Features:

  • Vintage analog delay pedal
  • Three-button layout: repeat rate, intensity, and echo
  • Compact size for easy portability
  • Varied chip circuitry, adding to its uniqueness and value.

Owner's manual

Boss DM-2 Delay User Manual

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model DM-2 Delay (Black Label)
Finish Pink
Year 1981 - 1984
Made In Japan
Categories Delay Pedals

FAQs

What is the maximum delay time on the Boss DM-2 Delay?

The Boss DM-2 Delay offers a maximum delay time of 300 milliseconds, providing classic analog delay sounds ideal for creating warm, lush echoes.

Is the Boss DM-2 Delay pedal suitable for use with bass guitars?

Yes, the Boss DM-2 Delay can be used with bass guitars, delivering rich, warm delay effects that complement the low frequencies of a bass.

Does the Boss DM-2 Delay pedal require a specific power supply?

The Boss DM-2 Delay typically requires a 9V power supply, which can be provided by a standard 9V battery or a compatible AC adapter.

How does the Boss DM-2 Delay differ from digital delay pedals?

The Boss DM-2 Delay is an analog delay pedal, known for its warm, natural-sounding repeats, whereas digital delay pedals often offer longer delay times and more precise control over the effect.

Can the Boss DM-2 Delay be used for slapback echo effects?

Yes, the Boss DM-2 Delay is well-suited for creating slapback echo effects, thanks to its short delay times and characteristic analog warmth.

NirvanaGuitars

NirvanaGuitars

Kurt Cobain's Delay Pedal | Boss DM-2 | Nirvana Pedal History Episode 2

Video thumbnail for Kurt Cobain's Delay Pedal | Boss DM-2 | Nirvana Pedal History Episode 2 by NirvanaGuitars

Kurt Cobain's Delay Pedal | Boss DM-2 | Nirvana Pedal History Episode 2

NirvanaGuitars

NirvanaGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1981 Boss DM-2 Analog Delay by shnobel

1981 Boss DM-2 Analog Delay

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for BOSS DM-2 Analog Delay Pedal by intheblues

BOSS DM-2 Analog Delay Pedal

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Bucket List Gear - BOSS DM-2 by Leon Todd

Bucket List Gear - BOSS DM-2

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Boss DM-2, DD-2, & DM-3 - Boss Delays of the 1980s - Ask Zac 66 by Ask Zac

Boss DM-2, DD-2, & DM-3 - Boss Delays of the 1980s - Ask Zac 66

Ask Zac

Ask Zac

Video thumbnail for Boss DM-2 Analog Delay Demo by Buy Vintage Pedals

Boss DM-2 Analog Delay Demo

Buy Vintage Pedals

Buy Vintage Pedals

Video thumbnail for Boss DM-2 Analog Delay by Pedal of the Day

Boss DM-2 Analog Delay

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Video thumbnail for This 40-Year-Old Delay Pedal Still Sounds Incredible by Revv Amps

This 40-Year-Old Delay Pedal Still Sounds Incredible

Revv Amps

Revv Amps

Video thumbnail for Boss dm2 Analog delay ‘83 (demo) by Nano74

Boss dm2 Analog delay ‘83 (demo)

Nano74

Nano74

Video thumbnail for Why Do Boss Delays Always Sound Broken? Vintage DM2, DM3, DD2, DD3 Shoot Out Broken Guitar Sounds by Broken Guitar Sounds

Why Do Boss Delays Always Sound Broken? Vintage DM2, DM3, DD2, DD3 Shoot Out Broken Guitar Sounds

Broken Guitar Sounds

Broken Guitar Sounds

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, analog delay tones cherished by users

  • Recognized as a classic in the realm of 9V analog delays

  • Unmatched warmth and "dark" sound quality, considered a bonus

  • Superior to its Waza Craft version, with a distinct, unbeatable character

  • Offers a piece of guitar gear history with its vintage appeal

  • Unique sound due to aging components and original MN chip

CONS

  • Discontinued, making it hard to find and potentially expensive

  • Some users find little difference in sound when playing with a band compared to modern equivalents

  • Limited in functionality compared to newer delay pedals with more features

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The DM-2W's custom mode offers brighter repeats and longer delay times, ideal for Radiohead-esque sounds and doubling the original's delay time.

    Source
  • The Waza version offers a lower noise floor and improved buffer, beneficial for live performance settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DM-2W is described as brighter and less filtered than the MXR Carbon Copy, with noticeable aliasing and clock noise in custom mode.

    Source
  • The DM-2W is perceived as darker than the Deluxe Memory Man, which is known for its bright sound.

    Source
  • Some users discern a distinct whine in the DM-2W due to the new bucket brigade chips, noticeable with clean tones and longer delay times.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners use the DM-2W for always-on slapback effects and as a faux reverb by setting intensity just shy of self-oscillation.

    Source
  • Running the Matsushita MN3005 chip at 9 vdc creates a smear effect in repeats, lending more of an effect than a traditional delay.

    Source

Build quality

  • Early DM-2W models have Panasonic Bucket Brigade chips and are identified by a black screw, indicating Taiwanese manufacture.

    Source
  • Early Waza models sometimes feature original Panasonic MN3205 chips, identified by a black screw, enhancing their vintage appeal.

    Source
  • A defective unit may display a bitcrushed noise layer over repeats, highlighting the importance of thorough testing upon purchase.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users prefer the DM-2W's classic mode for its ability to stack beautifully with dirt, reverb, and other delays.

    Source
  • Owners report tone differences even among Waza units, with variations in darkness and delay time, suggesting slight design tweaks over production years.

    Source
  • Some users experience a "pshhht pshhht" white noise effect in standard mode, suggesting testing on clean tones before finalizing purchase.

    Source
  • Owners who use both guitar and synths note the DM-2W as quiet and reliable, indicating versatility across different instruments.

    Source
  • A few users report no noise issues even when using a daisy chain power supply, implying robust performance in various power setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Classic gear: Boss DM-2 | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Boss DM-2 Delay is a cherished piece of gear from the 1980s, valued for its warm, lush echoes and distinctive analog tone created by its bucket-brigade device (BBD). While its darker, more organic sound is a hit among analog delay enthusiasts, the pedal's ability to auto-oscillate adds to its allure, making it a favorite for ambient and noise musicians. Despite being discontinued in 1984, its demand surged, driving up prices for used units. Its limitations include a shorter delay time compared to digital models, but for those seeking that classic, rich analog warmth, it's a timeless choice.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 39 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
jimmarchi1

a classic

this is a classic of 9 volt analog delays, right in there with the AD9, everyone knows this pedal... maybe not as badass as a memory man... I got this in a trade and sold it for a good amount of money. Honestly, as nice as the dm2 is, it doesn't do anything that's distinguishable from like a carbon copy once you're playing with a band. But if people want to pay big bucks for originals? hey? Ill take that money.

skylinerr

cant beat it

This simply cannot be beat i tried and it cant its such an amazing delay

Genres:
stanley_christiaensen

0

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

Kurt Cobain used the Boss DM-2 Delay pedal both live and in the studio, notably on the track "If You Must." It is also believed to have contributed to the distinctive sounds on his home demos, as evidenced by a photograph from Nirvanaguide.

See how Dave Grohl uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

A pic of his pedalboard next to a Tu2, phase 90 and whirlwind selector box

See how John Frusciante uses Boss DM-2 Delay

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Jftab

According to the research of John Frusciante Tablatures, Frusciante used replaced his DigiTech PDS-1002 with a DM-2 in 2007 during the Stadium Arcadium World Tour.

See how Cliff Burton uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Cliff Burton

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In the beginning of this interview(with Ken Kitt from January 1984), Burton states: "Yeah, for effects I use a Morley Power Wah Boost, a MXR Limiter and a... Boss Delay." and interestingly, at 0:19 he states "I used to have a Chorus, but that was stolen... So was my other compressor and other delay..." later stating this happened in Chicago.

The photo shows the magenta Boss pedal right next to Cliff's left foot resting on a Morley.

See how Joe Satriani uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Powered by a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus, Satriani’s versatile pedalboard featured a Vox Big Bad Wah, Boss OC-2 Octave, Voodoo Lab Proctavia, Vox Saturator, Zvex Ringtone, Boss DM-2 Analog Delay, and two of the guitarist’s signature Vox Time Machine delay units

See how Mark Knopfler uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Mk-guitar

Mark Knopfler is confirmed to have used a Boss DM-2 analog delay pedal during his tours with Dire Straits in 1985/86, as documented by Mk-guitar.

See how Prince uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

Prince

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Manic Monday," Prince is seen adjusting his pedalboard, notably using the Boss DM-2 Delay. This pedal also makes a brief appearance in the "Purple Rain" movie when Prince is playing his Boss Flanger BF-2.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is set for a couple of repeats," says Josh Klinghoffer's guitar tech about the Boss DM-2 Analog Delay Effects Pedal.

See how Mike McCready uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Mike McCready

Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Effectsbay

A DM-2 Delay is seen in Mike McCready's pedalboard.

See how Frank Iero uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Frank posted this picture to Instagram in which you can see a Boss DM-2 on his pedalboard

See how Gary Moore uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Gary featured a selection of Boss guitar effects pedals he uses including the DS-1, CE-2, DM-2, OC-2 as well as the BF-2 Flanger.

See how Graham Coxon uses Boss DM-2 Delay

Graham Coxon

Guitarist

Blur

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can see a Boss DM2 sitting on his pedalboard

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 DM-2 Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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alfredo_gagom

alfredo_gagom

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