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Description

Unleash a world of sonic possibilities with the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal, meticulously crafted for guitarists seeking the warm, vintage charm of tape delay without the hassle of maintaining actual tape equipment. This pedal seamlessly melds digital precision with the warmth of analog sound, delivering a versatile delay experience that can elevate any performance.

At its core, the Boost D.L.A. offers a unique combination of traditional delay controls and innovative features. Beyond the standard mix, feedback, and delay time knobs, you'll find the Fidelity control, allowing you to sculpt the clarity and character of your repeats, from pristine echoes to warm, tape-like saturation. The Tape Drift control introduces subtle, musical pitch modulation, adding a layer of authenticity to your sound by mimicking the organic imperfections of vintage tape machines.

Perfect for live performances, the built-in boost function provides up to 9dB of clean, noiseless gain, ensuring your solos cut through the mix with ease. Whether you're looking to craft ambient soundscapes or add depth to your solos, the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. offers the flexibility and quality to meet the demands of any musical style.

Key Features:

  • Digital tape delay emulation with analog warmth
  • Up to 9dB of clean boost for enhanced presence
  • Fidelity control for tonal customization
  • Tape Drift control for authentic pitch modulation
  • Standard mix, feedback, and delay time controls

Product specs

Brand Tech 21
Model Boost DLA
Finish Graphic
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Delay Pedals

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. pedal require?

The Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for many guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into most pedalboards.

Does the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. work well with both electric and bass guitars?

Yes, the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. is designed to work effectively with both electric and bass guitars, offering versatile delay effects suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Can the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. be used to create a slapback delay effect?

Yes, the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. can create a slapback delay effect by adjusting the delay time and feedback settings, making it ideal for rockabilly and country music styles.

How does the boost feature on the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. affect my sound?

The boost feature on the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. provides up to 9dB of clean boost, allowing you to enhance your signal for solos or to drive your amplifier harder for a more pronounced delay effect.

Is the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. true bypass?

Yes, the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Tech 21 Boost D.L.A.

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. by ProGuitarShopDemos

Tech 21 Boost D.L.A.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. by Brett Kingman

Tech 21 Boost D.L.A.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Delay pedal review by GoGuitarLive

Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Delay pedal review

GoGuitarLive

GoGuitarLive

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 NYC Boost D.L.A. Demo (HQ Audio) by Jays Gear Demos

Tech 21 NYC Boost D.L.A. Demo (HQ Audio)

Jays Gear Demos

Jays Gear Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide range of delay settings for versatility

  • Trail button allows delay effect continuation

  • Boost feature enhances sound quality

  • Can add a chorus-like flutter effect

  • Tap tempo for precise delay control

CONS

  • Tone can mud out with darker settings

  • Learning curve for optimizing effect mix

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. is praised for its incredible versatility as a delay pedal, offering a range of delay effects without needing additional software or amp miking.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the Boost D.L.A. functions as a tape emulator, which sets it apart from traditional analog delays by offering a distinct tape-like sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user reported purchasing the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. used for about $120, highlighting its affordability compared to other delay pedals priced at $300-400.

    Source
  • Positioned as a budget-friendly alternative, the Boost D.L.A. offers a tape delay experience without the higher costs associated with pedals like the Dawner Prince Boonar.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners emphasize the pedal's robustness, with Tech 21 products being described as "bulletproof," suggesting durable build quality that withstands heavy use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boost D.L.A. is favored over other delay pedals due to its versatility and value, with users noting it as their favorite compared to more expensive options.

    Source
  • The Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. was described as an underrated option compared to more mainstream choices like the MXR Carbon Copy and DOD Rubberneck.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is noted for seamless integration into both live performance and recording setups, functioning effectively without the need for additional amp simulation.

    Source
  • The pedal is suggested for rock and blues genres, where its tape emulation can add depth and character to the sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal impresses with its robust feature set, including tap tempo, trails, and triplets buttons, alongside versatile tone and flutter controls for varied sounds from digital clarity to analog warmth. Its mix control is a standout, allowing precise delay blending, making it uniquely effective in various setups. The pedal also offers up to 9dB of boost, ensuring no volume drop during solos. While lacking true bypass might deter purists, the well-implemented buffered system avoids signal issues. For those seeking a versatile, feature-rich delay, this pedal is a win.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
rvoxes335

A Nice, Warm Boost and a Versatile Delay, with a learning curve

A great pedal with some nice features. You can darken your tone, dial in a wide range of delay settings, add trails, a bit of flutter (chorus-like effect), and tap tempo. Just getting used to it, but I find the tone can mud out pretty fast when you want a bit more darkness, or mix the effect in too far, but this is likely more about my lack of experience with it than any inherent problem. Going to have to try a good separate dark/warm boost (suggestions?), with maybe an MXR Carbon Copy. See if that allows for more options or better ones, but the guy at L&M raved about the Tech, so I'm going to give it more time.

seed
seed

174

A really good analog delay

I like dubbing my sound on reggae-dub parts. A lot of settings to control your delay. The Trail button it's really practice to use, you can cut your effect and it continues some seconds after. It let you the time to switch others pedal when you play with a lot in the same time.

ziga_janezic

Great tap delay

I liked it but i like analog more. Boost is very great to have

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richie Kotzen uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Richie Kotzen

Singer, Guitarist

Poison

...
Verified via YouTube

In his Vlog 20 on the RichieKotzenOfficial YouTube channel, Richie Kotzen showcases his live rig, including the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal, which he used prior to the release of his signature RK5 pedal.

See how Moderat uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"On my table I have two delays: a Strymon Timeline, which is a really great hybrid reverb/ delay; there's also a Tech 21 D.L.A. guitar delay that I've used since the first Moderat tour in 2009. It's new for me but I've got an MPC1000 with JJ O.S. That's mainly for additional samples and sounds, which I play on different tracks."

See how Eric Gales uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Eric Gales

Guitarist

Pinnick Gales Pridgen

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:20 in this video Eric Gales shows his pedalboard which contains a Tech21 Boost D.L.A. delay pedal.

See how Michael Sweet uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Michael Sweet

Guitarist

Stryper

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"I’ve also got a Line 6 digital wireless, a delay pedal by Tech 21, the Tech 21 Boost Chorus, some Dunlop EQ pedals, and a ISP Decimator, which I love for noise reduction."

See how Laura Pleasants uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Laura Pleasants

Singer, Guitarist

Kylesa

...
Verified via Effects Bay

Mentioned in source article.

See how Isaiah Mitchell uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Isaiah Mitchell

Guitarist

Howlin Rain

...
Verified via Isaiahmitchell

Listed under "delays and reverbs" on his site

See how Chetes uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Chetes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2016 video by Guitar Gear titled "Pedalboards: Chetes," Chetes is shown using the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal for live performances and recordings.

See how Urban Cone uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

Urban Cone

...
Verified via Photo

Delay pedal on Tim Formgren's pedalboard

See how John Laux uses Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal

John Laux

Guitarist

Warbringer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video posted by WarbringerOfficial on YouTube, titled "John Laux - 4 Absolutely Essential Effects and Pedals - Warbringer," John Laux, the guitarist of Warbringer, discusses his essential guitar effects and specifically elaborates on his use of the Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal around the 0:40 mark. He explains the importance and utility of this pedal in his setup, highlighting its necessity for the modern-day thrash lead guitarist.

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 Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. Analog Delay Emulator Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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frente777

frente777

Gear IQ 77

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