Boss dd-2... first hand impressions?

grovest · #1 02-13-2010, 06:04 PM

Yo TB'ers. I have a Boss DD-3 digital delay. At the moment, I'm mostly looking for quick digital repeats feeding back for a couple seconds. I'm happy enough with it, and maybe ignorance is bliss, but I've read some raves elsewhere about the previous generation DD-2's sound. Does anyone here have first hand experience with regards to the DD-2, and is it really the cherry of little digital delays?

On ebay they command a small premium over the -3, but the going price is still within my 'experiment' range. Barring a resounding they suck or at best are nothing special, I'll probably pick one up and compare. But am very curious for any other experiences.

demon666 · #2 02-13-2010, 06:31 PM

As far as I know they are the same pedal. But I could be wrong.

DZ6292358 · #3 02-13-2010, 11:12 PM

Sorry. No first hand impressions from me. I have a DD-6 and its ok.
DD-2 seems to have a stereo output for ping ponging between 2 amps whereas the DD-3 replaces the stereo out with a direct out for a wet/dry output combo.

The DD-6 has both options (as does the DD-7).

The Boss DD range does not have the option for modulation until the DD-7. It doesn't sound however, like you require modulated delays.

The Digitech DigiDelay might be a good pick. Loads of features for a small price.

champbassist · #4 02-14-2010, 05:57 AM

I don't have first hand experience either, but here's DD-3's entry from bossarea.com (DO check this site out, if you haven't already, total Boss tome) outlining differences between it and the DD-2:

The early DD-3 is the same pedal as the DD-2. Because of the price drop on DRAM in 1986 it was possible to produce the pedal much cheaper. Dropping the price didn't look so good so it was decided to re-release the DD-2 under the name DD-3 instead. The front of the pedal got a face lift with the re-release.

Version differences:
There are 3 main versions of the DD-3. The first version was released 1986 but it was redisigned with a new DSP gate array chip December 1990. The new version was called DD-3A. The DC socket was at the same time replaced with the smaller PCB mounted type and this can be used to identify the version. The design change happened before production was moved from Japan to Taiwan so all DD-3s made in Taiwan are DD-3A or DD-3B versions. The latest version of the DD-3 was introduced August 2001 and is called DD-3B. The DD-3B uses a new type of DRAM as well as surface mounted components. The PCB layout is therefore radically changed compared to the DD-3A.

Wild Rice Chris · #5 02-14-2010, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DZ6292358

Sorry. No first hand impressions from me. I have a DD-6 and its ok.
DD-2 seems to have a stereo output for ping ponging between 2 amps whereas the DD-3 replaces the stereo out with a direct out for a wet/dry output combo.

The DD-6 has both options (as does the DD-7).

The DD-6 and DD-7 don't have a direct out (unless there's a way of configuring the outputs I'm unaware of).

I had a MIJ DD-2 and didn't think it was anything special. I did a BOSS delay experiment, running a DM-2, DM-3, DD-2, DD-5, and DD-6 all in a row. The DD-5 and DD-6 covered anything the DD-2 could do (for my playing). I kept the DM-2 and DD-6 on my board, my dad has the DM-3 and DD-5. Traded the DD-2 for some other pedals. I like stereo outs and the warp mode is quite fun.

**kenstee** · #6 02-14-2010, 10:10 AM

I A/B'ed a recent production DD-3 against a DD-2. I preferred the sound of the DD-2 and sold the DD-3. To my ears the DD-2 was less digitalized and more analog sounding. The repeats sounded smoother and less harsh as well. The controls and functionality are exactly the same. It's the sound they produce that - to my ears anyway - was different enough to warrant keeping the DD-2 and selling the DD-3. As always, this is highly subjective and YMMV. BTW, I was kind of hoping the 3 would win or there would be a tie because I got a real bargain on the 2 and could have sold it for way more than I bought it for.

edot3021 · #7 02-14-2010, 10:20 AM

I have a DD-6 and on the Warp setting if you hold the pedal down you can create more feedback as it starts looping itself. My band also has a Roland RE-201 that is great especially with the tape warble, but we also have the newer BOSS RE-20 that does a great job reproducing the original's sound and has the added benefits of the tap tempo and not having to mess with lubricated tapes. You can also dial in some reverb to fill things out. If you are good with getting a new pedal, you might want to break out of the boss box and try electro-harmonix. They have these newer Memory Toy and Boy pedals that are analog and pretty cool.

grovest · #8 02-14-2010, 11:42 AM

Thanks everyone.

I'd been to the bossarea site before - it is incredible! - but forgot it before posting. Good reminder.

So far it looks like I probably will find a DD-2 and compare to draw my own conclusion, hoping for the magic some have found. Maybe the Maxon DD-01 would be cool in a shootout as well....

DZ6292358 · #9 02-14-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Rice Chris

The DD-6 and DD-7 don't have a direct out (unless there's a way of configuring the outputs I'm unaware of).

yes. There is a way.

using input B only will give you direct and effect outs. Input A gives you stereo delay outs. Using both inputs runs the effect in true stereo.

**kenstee** · #10 02-14-2010, 01:17 PM

Also check out...

http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/articles/DD3.htm
http://www.analogman.com/dd5.htm (see bottom of page)

Wild Rice Chris · #11 02-14-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DZ6292358

yes. There is a way.

using input B only will give you direct and effect outs. Input A gives you stereo delay outs. Using both inputs runs the effect in true stereo.

Excellent, thanks. I've been running it in true stereo with a CE-3 Chorus in front.

grovest · #12 02-14-2010, 01:21 PM

Great links, thanks Kenstee. I've learned something!

grovest · #13 02-15-2010, 12:30 PM

I bought a nice condition DD-2. Probably the 'warm fuzzies' of it (being quasi-vintage and the first digital delay in a foot pedal) will win me over regardless of the sound improvement over the later DDs. If it's Earth-shattering, I'll report back. In the mean time I'll quietly edit my profile for the bragging rights.

grovest · #14 02-20-2010, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grovest

I bought a nice condition DD-2. Probably the 'warm fuzzies' of it (being quasi-vintage and the first digital delay in a foot pedal) will win me over regardless of the sound improvement over the later DDs. If it's Earth-shattering, I'll report back. In the mean time I'll quietly edit my profile for the bragging rights.

I can't say the difference is night and day. I'm not even sure it's night and night... but this DD-2 does sound great, that's for sure. And look at that, this is a pretty late night for me. Staying up too late with a new pedal is definitely a favorite experience.