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Average Price: $138
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$100
$251+
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Description
Enjoy a trip down memory lane with the Boss DM-3 Delay, the last analog delay pedal ever produced by Boss. A classic from the mid-80s, this pedal boasts a circuitry similar to the DM-2, but with a twist. It showcases an additional filter and high-speed noise reduction that were unheard of in its time. To top it off, the DM-3 uniquely features stereo output ability and controls only found on this pedal and the Boss CE-2B. A vintage treasure for enthusiasts, the Boss DM-3 delay pedal is a testament to the golden era of analog sound engineering.
Key Features:
- Last analog delay pedal produced by Boss
- Manufactured in the mid '80s
- Circuitry similar to the DM-2
- Additional filter and high-speed noise reduction
- Stereo output ability
- Unique controls, featured only on this pedal and the Boss CE-2B
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | DM-3 Delay (Green Label) |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 1984 - 1986 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Delay Pedals |
FAQs
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What is the maximum delay time of the Boss DM-3 Delay?
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The Boss DM-3 Delay offers a maximum delay time of 300 milliseconds, providing a classic analog delay sound with a warm, natural decay.
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How does the Boss DM-3 Delay differ from the DM-2 model?
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The DM-3 features a built-in high-speed noise reduction circuit and an additional filter, which distinguishes it from the DM-2 and offers a slightly cleaner delay sound.
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Does the Boss DM-3 Delay have a direct output for stereo effects?
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Yes, the Boss DM-3 Delay includes a direct output, allowing users to create stereo effects or route the dry signal separately from the delayed signal.
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Is the Boss DM-3 Delay suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Boss DM-3 Delay is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable analog delay tones with straightforward controls that are easy to adjust on stage.
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Can the Boss DM-3 Delay be powered by a standard 9V power supply?
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The Boss DM-3 Delay requires a 9V power supply, making it compatible with most standard pedalboard power setups.
Videos
Ask Zac
Boss DM-2, DD-2, & DM-3 - Boss Delays of the 1980s - Ask Zac 66
Boss DM-2, DD-2, & DM-3 - Boss Delays of the 1980s - Ask Zac 66
Ask Zac
Boss DM-3 Analog Delay
blondegraemey
BOSS DM-3 Analog Delay + Oscillation!
Jim Cardoza
Boss DM-3 - the overlooked Boss Delay??
TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow
Boss DM-3 Analog Delay
Pedal of the Day
Vintage Boss DM-3
Guitarsenal
Boss DM-3 Analog Delay (for our 10 Year Anniversary!)
Pedal of the Day
Dm 3 demo 2
telemauler
Reviews
PROS
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Handles reverb-like pads well, suitable for shoegaze
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Oozes vintage analog delay charm with beautiful ambience
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Cleaner voiced delays than other analog models
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Does not introduce discernible noise, even when maxed out
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Economical power consumption with only 15ma draw
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Tweaker-friendly knobs for easy adjustments
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Offers a unique middle ground between dark and clean delay sounds
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Can achieve polite, vintage delay tones without going into unwanted self-oscillation
CONS
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Not as dark as some prefer (compared to DM-2)
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Longer delay times produce a lo-fi sound, not suitable for all applications
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Does not easily go into "freakout" mode like some vintage delays
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DM-3 Delay.
Features and functionality
User experience
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It's noted for adding a unique thickness and color to the signal chain, balancing between dark and bright repeats.
Source
Value and pricing
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Some owners have found the DM-3 at around $100 on Reverb, making it a relatively affordable vintage delay option.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Powering older ACA Boss pedals can be achieved using a 12v output or by daisy-chaining with a newer PSA pedal.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The pedal is ideal for players who prefer simple analog delays without additional features for straightforward ambient effects.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
984
Vintage analog delay tones without busting the bank
Those DM2's are just too overpriced for my liking, so I took an opportunity on a mint DM3 that costed less than a completely wasted DM2. The slightly less dark repeats where one of the main reasons I was convinced this was the right choice, indeed it has clearer repeats that degrade very nicely. Past the 150ms mark the repeats begin to display those nice textured artifacts without becoming unusable. I also feel the DM3 handles greater feedback/repeats/intensity without going into unusable self-oscilation madness too soon, so I really enjoy it's pad like behaviour with high intensity settings, very musical. There's a sweet spot around 14 pm on the repeat rate that if you max the intesity (repeats) it only starts oscilating if you stop playing, if you play anything while on the verge of oscilation it somehow prevents that crazy build up of delay. Very musical indeed. It's also super quiet, more than most modern analog delays. I started using 9V batteries on my pedals and this one only draws 15ma, making it one of the most economical out there. I also love the knobs, they're more tweaker friendly than the standard Boss knobs. It's nowhere near the clarity of a DMM or a Tonal Recall, but that's what makes it unique. Nice middle ground between dark sounding delay (DM2, Carbon Copy, Vapor Trail) and the cleanest possible (DMM, Tonal Recall, Clockworks).
41029
very good delay for conservative echo users
this doesn't go into freakout like the DM2, its way more companded so the repeats are a lot more polite.. It ahs some extra D-Time if I recall. The repeats murk out really nicely though and it really is one of the most polite vintage delays going. Does a pretty good Foo Fighters "Rope" analog delay tone.
Artist usage
Add artist
At 3:11 minute mark, you can see Boss DM-3 on the lower level of his effects shelf. You can tell it's not a DM-2 because of the small knobs (DM-2 had regular-sized knobs)
A Boss DM-3 was used by Mike McCready in the Yield era.
A shot of Joey santiago's pedalboard shows him turning some knobs on his Boss DM-3 at 12:39 into the loudQUIETloud documentary. It could have just as easily been the Boss DM-2 but the knobs on Joey's pedal are shaped like tiny tophats. The DM-2's knobs are wider, shorter and metalic instead of white at the top.
“The most commonly used BOSS pedal on the record — and we also use it live — is the [DM-3] analog delay,” she continues. “It’s a great pedal."
From Dylan's pedalboard circa late 2021 for their tour
In a user-uploaded photo, Braeden Lemasters' Boss DM-3 Delay pedal is visible between a reverb pedal and a chorus pedal.
Roberto Burgos uses a Boss DM-3 Delay pedal, as shown in the user-uploaded photo on Equipboard, where it was previously mislabeled as a DM-2.
In 2010, Jim Ward's Boss DM-3 Delay was listed among the gear stolen from him, as reported by Tiny Mix Tapes.
According to my interview done with him, he uses Boss DM-3.
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In this photo of Bridwell's studio, one of the pedals that can be seen is the Boss DM-3 delay.
Min 33:48, on this video can we see David Torn, backdays sound have in his setup floor chain this: TC Electronic Sustain Parametric EQ, Boss AW-2 Autowah, Guayatone WR2 Wah Rocker, TC Electronic TCXII Programable Phaser, Zoom Driver 5000, Boss DC-2 Dimension C, Boss FV200 Keyboard Volume Pedal, Boss DM-3
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-3 Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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