Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay main image

Photo of Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay and more gear in a pedalboard, guitar, and amplifier

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay

^# 7

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$100.70 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (67)

2 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Boss RV-6 Reverb

$139.79 - $163.50

4.5 (176)

Find out who is using Boss RV-3

13 community setups

Featured in

The Best Boss Pedals: 50+ Years of Shaping Guitar Tone

45 wishlisted

189 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (57)

$100.70 34 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $101

Standard/Professional

$100

$276+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Meet the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay, a pioneer among compact digital reverb pedals. Launched in 1994, this gear has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among many musicians. Despite its discontinuation in 2002, the RV-3 continues to be a reliable workhorse, offering more than the traditional spring reverb, with its ability to shape and drag sounds. This pedal is not only a piece of history but a testament to Boss's innovation and commitment to quality sound production.

Key Features:

Compact digital reverb pedal
Offers both reverb and delay effects
Ability to shape and drag sounds
Launched in 1994 and discontinued in 2002
Highly reliable and durable
A favorite among many musicians
Produced by the renowned Boss brand.

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay (Pink or Dark Gray Label)
Finish	Grey
Year	1994 - 2002
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	Delay Pedals, Reverb Pedals

FAQs

What are the main features of the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay pedal?: The Boss RV-3 combines digital reverb and delay effects in one compact pedal, offering options for reverb, delay, or a combination of both. It provides up to 32 seconds of delay time and includes four reverb modes, making it versatile for various musical styles.
Can the Boss RV-3 be used for both guitar and bass?: Yes, the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is suitable for both guitar and bass, providing rich reverb and delay effects that enhance the sound of both instruments.
How does the Boss RV-3 differ from the Boss RV-5?: The Boss RV-3 offers both reverb and delay effects in one pedal, while the RV-5 focuses solely on reverb with more modern algorithms and additional modes. The RV-3 is ideal for those needing both effects in a single unit.
What power supply does the Boss RV-3 require?: The Boss RV-3 requires a 9V DC power supply, which can be provided by a standard Boss PSA adapter or a compatible 9V power source.
Is the Boss RV-3 suitable for live performance?: Yes, the Boss RV-3 is well-suited for live performance, offering robust build quality and reliable performance with versatile reverb and delay options that can enhance live soundscapes.

Videos

Add video

intheblues

BOSS RV-3 Reverb/Delay Pedal

intheblues

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay - Mode 7 is a Place on Earth

Stompbox Breakdown

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay

Pedal of the Day

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb Delay | Demo [NO TALKING]

Dean Wingerter

BOSS RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay Pedal SOUND TONE Demo

Fritz's Guitars

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay

Pedal Sessions

BOSS RV-3 DIGITAL DELAY & REVERB

The Pedal Picassos

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay

Ovation Music and Studios Gallatin

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Combines reverb and delay effects in one unit
Warmer sound compared to newer models like the RV-6
Unique reverb-delay settings not found in other RV models
Classic pedal with a sound that can emulate bands like Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky
Versatile, with settings allowing for a wide variety of mixes
Has become a classic, featured on many great albums and pedalboards
Compact size saves space on pedalboards

CONS

Sound cuts in/out when turning on, considered part of its "character"
Has a bass boost when activated that might interfere with desired sound
Fixed reverb in combo modes, limiting tail length customization
Lacks modern features like attenuated low-pass filter, shimmer blend, LFO, analog warmth

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay.

Features and functionality

0 0

The RV-3 combines reverb and delay, offering a unique ambient quality that is distinct from other Boss models.
Source
0 0

It's noted that the RV-3's reverb has a signature tinny, metallic quality, which can be desirable for specific ambient tones.
Source
0 0

The RV-3 is noted for its unique knob sweep, which some users find particularly inspiring for creative sound shaping.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Particularly favored for post-rock and indie genres, it creates a "wall of ambience" sound that’s hard to replicate with newer models.
Source
0 0

Explosions in the Sky heavily utilize the RV-3, emphasizing its integral role in crafting their signature sound.
Source
0 0

The RV-3 is considered ideal for creating post-punk sounds akin to The Cure and Joy Division, making it a versatile choice for genre-specific tone crafting.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The RV-3 is described as more natural sounding on bass compared to other reverbs, which suits recording applications.
Source
0 0

The delay component of the RV-3 is noted to be brighter than the Boss DD-5, which might appeal to those seeking a more pronounced delay effect.
Source
0 0

The EHX Holy Grail is compared to the RV-3 for its unique, familiar sound that, while not the richest, is loved for its distinct character.
Source
0 0

Users found the Zoom Multistomp CDR70 can match the RV-3's sound while offering more programmability and true bypass options.
Source
0 0

The Noisemaker Nebula is suggested as an alternative to the RV-3, offering combined delay and reverb at a slightly higher price point.
Source
0 0

The RV-3 is favored for its simplicity and nostalgic sound, especially when compared to more feature-rich pedals like the Zoom MS50G/MS70CDR.
Source

User experience

0 0

Some users report a slight sound cut when activating the pedal, but find it negligible in live settings.
Source
0 0

An owner reported the RV-3 as quiet in operation, with trails that enhance its ambient sound capabilities.
Source
0 0

Some owners find the reverb's "not-quite-right" metallic plate quality unexpectedly inspiring, contributing to creative sound exploration.
Source

Critic Reviews

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay review on varguitar.com

varguitar.com

The Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, offering a unique cold, digital cloudiness in its reverb that's adored by some, but its age shows. While it's charmingly used by bands like Radiohead and The XX, its limitations are stark: only four reverb modes without modern favorites like spring or shimmer, and no stereo inputs. It's a relic that can inspire with its gritty, vast Plate algorithm but feels restrictive compared to modern counterparts. A solid choice for those craving classic vibes, but not for everyone.

neutral

Full Review

The Boss RV-3 Delay Reverb | guitar TONE OVERLOAD

guitartoneoverload.com

The Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is both a relic and a gem from the '90s, offering a unique combination of digital delay and reverb in a compact pedal. While it lacks analog warmth and any spring reverb simulation, it excels in delivering pristine, metallic delays and precise reverbs, creating expansive, studio-quality tones. The pedal's versatility, with 11 modes and stereo capabilities, makes it a great find on the second-hand market. However, the inability to separately adjust delay and reverb levels may be a limitation for some. Overall, it's an underrated piece of gear worth considering for those seeking a blend of delay and reverb effects.

neutral

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 67 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

the_patchman

194

about 11 years ago

Not Perfect

Awesome, but has its flaws. When activated, it has a certain bass boost to it that interferes with my standard sound. Can be countered by a well orchestrated equalizer, but I don't like equalizers on my pedboard. Has really great features that allow for a wide variety of Delay/Reverb mixes. I recommend this pedal, because you save a Boss-size space on your board instead of having both Delay and Reverb.

jimmarchi1

41029

11 years ago about 11 years ago

I would guess the bass boost problem would be alleviated by setting the effect 100% wet and putting it in the effects loop if your amp has one... but effects loops are lame so I stay away from reverb....

the_patchman

194

11 years ago about 11 years ago

I agree with you, it is just inconvenient.

jeffbpa

230

over 7 years ago