Boss DD-20 noise

[12bass]

Some people have commented that the DD-20 is somewhat noisy, while others have had no problems in that regard.

Does anyone know if the noise level varies from unit to unit, or is it more of a user specific issue?

Personally, I've found my DD-20 a bit noisy if I use it at instrument level before the input of my amp (Eden WT-500). Noise isn't a problem if I use it in the effects loop. I'm just wondering if it might be worth replacing my DD-20 with a quieter one....

[JanusZarate]

From what you're describing, it's probably something that all DD-20s have in common.

IME, modulation effects often work well in the effects loop (partially because for guitarists, it's the absolute best place to have them, since the preamp is often distorted on purpose). But it's not only that - modulation effects that are a bit noisy at the input are much quieter in the effects loop. It has to do with gain - any post-pedal gain boosting will boost everything about that pedal, noise included. A preamp is a gain booster by nature.

As a rule of thumb... to minimize noise from a noisy modulation unit, try to run most of your gain boosters before it, to minimize the boosting of that noise. That's why your DD-20 is quieter after the preamp. Getting another DD-20 won't make a difference.

[12bass]

Thanks for the reply, MysticBoo. I understand the principle of gain staging and why the DD-20 is quieter in the effects loop. What I am more interested in is whether the noise issue is something which is consistent from unit to unit.

[JanusZarate]

I'm pretty sure the variances are purely a matter of personal experience. Given that it's one of Boss' recent digital products, there's little cause for inconsistency from product to product.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the noise level is identical - the end result just varies on your gear, and your tolerance for noise.

[12bass]

Anyone have experience with noisy DD-20s??? Does the noise vary from unit to unit?