Boss DD-20 vs Line 6 DL4

[Andrew.Glose]

How long is each loop function? Which sounds do you like better, and why? Which one is more user friendly/reliable?

Discuss

(I'm interested in the loop function and a 'tony grey' type delay, based off the old t.c. electronic)

[beyondthe48]

dl4 - 14 sec - these are not very durable from what ive read

dd-20 - 23 sec - my guitarist has this and it has cool delay modes, i just dont like how you have to hold the pedal down for 2 seconds before it enters tap tempo mode

screw them both get the Akai Headrush 2, its the most performance friendly for delay and looping. it also has hella features though not all of the delay types that the other 2 have.

[12bass]

You can plug an external footswitch into the DD-20 to simplify the tap tempo function. It also has a stereo headphone output which can be useful. The DL4's strengths seem to lie in having a variety of modeled sounds along with a better looper function, while the DD-20 is a more straightforward, clean-sounding digital delay with a few other tonal options. Reliability of the DL4 can be an issue, notably the footswitches. The DD-20 is just as solidly constructed as other Boss pedals.

Lots and lots of info on both units is available with a quick search.....

[Happynoj]

Another similar pedal is the Electro Harmonix Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai. If you haven't looked at it, you might want to check it out - 30 seconds of loop time, and multiple delay modes (including some really quirky ones), with limited ability to save presets (ie 1 preset per delay mode).

I bought one over a DD-20, just because I liked the features better, although I didn't consider the DL4 (it was just too much for my needs). It also has a dedicated tap-tempo switch, which I find quite useful.

I don't know whether it does 'Tony Gray' delay. What is 'Tony Gray' delay like?

[beyondthe48]

Originally Posted by Happynoj

It also has a dedicated tap-tempo switch, which I find quite useful.

+1

for a delay (or any other time-based effect) to be gig-friendly, it needs to have an on/off button AND a tap tempo button

[Mr. Pickles]

I've owned both. Apples and Oranges. A simple way to conceptualize each is to think of the DD-20 as clean and precise, whereas the DL4 has more diverse character. BPM and Tempo can be set precisely on the DD-20, but it is very difficult to do so on the DL4.

[judas jedermann]

Originally Posted by Happynoj

Another similar pedal is the Electro Harmonix Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai. If you haven't looked at it, you might want to check it out - 30 seconds of loop time, and multiple delay modes

I tried SMM w/Hazarai and its loop mode was very interesting. You can adjust the speed and pitch of loop, turn it reverse and blend that with the original loop etc. Really nice looper but delay was bit dull. Couldn`t make the delay side to oscillate but maybe I did something wrong.

[Andrew.Glose]

Originally Posted by Happynoj

Another similar pedal is the Electro Harmonix Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai. If you haven't looked at it, you might want to check it out - 30 seconds of loop time, and multiple delay modes (including some really quirky ones), with limited ability to save presets (ie 1 preset per delay mode).

I bought one over a DD-20, just because I liked the features better, although I didn't consider the DL4 (it was just too much for my needs). It also has a dedicated tap-tempo switch, which I find quite useful.

I don't know whether it does 'Tony Gray' delay. What is 'Tony Gray' delay like?

Ha, it's just a real quick delay. Nothing special, it just sounds fantastic. He uses it 90% of the time he solos, especially when playing with Hiromi Euhara.

Thanks for the replies, people