Photo of Boss DM-3 Delay and more gear in a pedalboard and guitar

Photo of Boss DM-3 Delay and more gear in a pedalboard, live, and signal chain

Boss DM-3 Delay

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$137.59 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (10)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Boss DM-3

3 community setups

9 wishlisted

44 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (19)

$137.59 37 available Used

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Average Price: $138

Standard/Professional

$100

$251+

Price Tier

In the Delay Effects Pedals category, Boss DM-3 Delay is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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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

What is the maximum delay time of the Boss DM-3 Delay?: The Boss DM-3 Delay offers a maximum delay time of 300 milliseconds, providing a classic analog delay sound with a warm, natural decay.
How does the Boss DM-3 Delay differ from the DM-2 model?: 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.
Does the Boss DM-3 Delay have a direct output for stereo effects?: 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.
Is the Boss DM-3 Delay suitable for live performances?: 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.
Can the Boss DM-3 Delay be powered by a standard 9V power supply?: The Boss DM-3 Delay requires a 9V power supply, making it compatible with most standard pedalboard power setups.

Videos

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Ask Zac

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

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Vintage Boss DM-3

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Dm 3 demo 2

telemauler

Reviews

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PROS

Handles reverb-like pads well, suitable for shoegaze
Oozes vintage analog delay charm with beautiful ambience
Cleaner voiced delays than other analog models
Does not introduce discernible noise, even when maxed out
Economical power consumption with only 15ma draw
Tweaker-friendly knobs for easy adjustments
Offers a unique middle ground between dark and clean delay sounds
Can achieve polite, vintage delay tones without going into unwanted self-oscillation

CONS

Not as dark as some prefer (compared to DM-2)
Longer delay times produce a lo-fi sound, not suitable for all applications
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

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The DM-3 provides a delay time capped at ~300ms, with notable artifacting beyond ~200ms, ideal for ambient padding.
Source
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The MXR Carbon Copy's sound can be altered by running it at different voltages, with 12V being a popular choice for a brighter tone.
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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.
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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.
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Comparisons

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The Boss DM-3 is described as having a "mechanical" sounding, staccato echo compared to the softer, warmer echo of the MXR Carbon Copy.
Source
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Users noted that the MXR Carbon Copy has a brighter version available, offering an alternative to its darker original sound.
Source

Critic Reviews

Feature – 1984 BOSS DM-3 Delay

craveguitars.co.uk

The Boss DM-3 Delay stands as a quintessential vintage pedal that marries nostalgia with functionality. Lauded for its clear analog echoes and noise reduction, it subtly outshines its predecessor, the DM-2, with cleaner repeats and a direct output for pseudo-stereo effects. Despite its solid performance, the DM-3's tonal distinctions from the DM-2 may be negligible to the average ear, and it lacks the adventurous "wig out" character of other delays. Its unique knobs and vintage aesthetics add a charming touch, though purists might still favor the warmer DM-2. Overall, while it may not dethrone top-tier analogs like the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, the DM-3 remains a reliable and classic choice for guitarists seeking authentic, vintage delay tones.

positive

Full Review

Boss DM-3 Delay review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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miguel_angelo

984

over 3 years ago

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).

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Orchestra Folk, World, & Country

jimmarchi1

41029

over 8 years ago

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.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock