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Average Price: $150
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$100
$251+
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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 ManualProduct specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | DM-2 Delay (Black Label) |
| Finish | Pink |
| Year | 1981 - 1984 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Delay Pedals |
FAQs
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What is the maximum delay time on the Boss DM-2 Delay?
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The Boss DM-2 Delay offers a maximum delay time of 300 milliseconds, providing classic analog delay sounds ideal for creating warm, lush echoes.
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Is the Boss DM-2 Delay pedal suitable for use with bass guitars?
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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.
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Does the Boss DM-2 Delay pedal require a specific power supply?
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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.
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How does the Boss DM-2 Delay differ from digital delay pedals?
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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.
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Can the Boss DM-2 Delay be used for slapback echo effects?
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Yes, the Boss DM-2 Delay is well-suited for creating slapback echo effects, thanks to its short delay times and characteristic analog warmth.
Videos
NirvanaGuitars
Kurt Cobain's Delay Pedal | Boss DM-2 | Nirvana Pedal History Episode 2
Reviews
PROS
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Warm, analog delay tones cherished by users
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Recognized as a classic in the realm of 9V analog delays
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Unmatched warmth and "dark" sound quality, considered a bonus
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Superior to its Waza Craft version, with a distinct, unbeatable character
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Offers a piece of guitar gear history with its vintage appeal
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Unique sound due to aging components and original MN chip
CONS
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Discontinued, making it hard to find and potentially expensive
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Some users find little difference in sound when playing with a band compared to modern equivalents
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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
Comparisons
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The DM-2W is described as brighter and less filtered than the MXR Carbon Copy, with noticeable aliasing and clock noise in custom mode.
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The DM-2W is perceived as darker than the Deluxe Memory Man, which is known for its bright sound.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
Build quality
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Early DM-2W models have Panasonic Bucket Brigade chips and are identified by a black screw, indicating Taiwanese manufacture.
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Early Waza models sometimes feature original Panasonic MN3205 chips, identified by a black screw, enhancing their vintage appeal.
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A defective unit may display a bitcrushed noise layer over repeats, highlighting the importance of thorough testing upon purchase.
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User experience
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Some users prefer the DM-2W's classic mode for its ability to stack beautifully with dirt, reverb, and other delays.
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Owners report tone differences even among Waza units, with variations in darkness and delay time, suggesting slight design tweaks over production years.
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Some users experience a "pshhht pshhht" white noise effect in standard mode, suggesting testing on clean tones before finalizing purchase.
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Owners who use both guitar and synths note the DM-2W as quiet and reliable, indicating versatility across different instruments.
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A few users report no noise issues even when using a daisy chain power supply, implying robust performance in various power setups.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 39 Ratings
41026
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
"This is set for a couple of repeats," says Josh Klinghoffer's guitar tech about the Boss DM-2 Analog Delay Effects Pedal.
Frank posted this picture to Instagram in which you can see a Boss DM-2 on his pedalboard
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.
Album Usage
The Boss DM-2 Delay has been featured on the following albums:
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.
Community setups
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