Analog Man Boss DD-5 Hi-Cut Mod

3-way switch selects "Normal" (standard DD-5 delay tone), "Mild cut" (a mildly cut in the highs), and "Deep-cut" (a deeper cut in the highs). Couldn't be any easier than that.

Setup: Anderson classic into a Rivera Quiana 1x12 (with various stomp boxes in between).

This mod from Analog Man is perfect for me. It gives me two warmer analog-type sounds from my DD-5, but I don't lose the digital functionality I need - specifically tap tempo. Both the mild and deep cut settings are very useful, depending on the attack I'm using (deep is better for hard attack), and the clarity I need (mild is better for U2 type tones, eg: "Bad").

And remember, you don't lose the option of running your DD-5 in unfiltered mode. So if you like that "perfect" reproduction of you tone, you can still use it (I never use this mode, but I'm sure somebody would like it).

All settings are completly noise free (well, at least as noise free as the unaltered DD-5), and switching between them doesn't seem to cause any noticable pops.

I'm pretty sure this pedal would sound more pristine than the a true analog delay (or even a modeler like the DD-20), but I'm not going to knock the pedal for that because it's designed to be a hi-cut filter, not an analog delay modeler. Thus a 10 - it does what it's supposed to do perfectly.

Switch is solidly connected to the chassis, and feels very reliable. Only had the mod for 1 month, so time will tell. But if it ever broke for any reason other than abuse, I'm sure Analog Man would fix it free of charge.

Mike Pierra (Analog Man) is always very helpful and answers emails promptly (usually within hours of being sent). And turn around on this pedal was nothing short of spectacular. I mailed it priority via USPS Monday, received an email from Mike that he'd finished the mod and was shipping it back Thursday, and the pedal showed up on my doorstep Saturday ... 6 days start to finish!

I have considered buying an analog delay for a long time, but I use my tap tempo function on the DD-5 (via external momentary footswitch) 100% of the time. So I wanted a warm analog delay tone with tap tempo. After looking high & low, the only products I found with both a hi-cut delay tone and tap tempo are the BOSS DD-20 and the Akai Headrush. The T-Rex Replica may also, but come on, $400? Out of my price range.

I already owned the DD-5, and when I found out that Analog Man could add this mod, I figured it was the cheapest way to get what I wanted. I couldn't be happier. I'm sure if I A/B'd my DD-5 with a true analog delay, I'd like the analog delay better, but for my needs, I need the tap tempo. However, if you are considering this mod rather than buying an analog delay, I recommend A/B'ing an analog voiced digital delay with a good analog delay just to make sure you can live without the true analog delay tone. At least you'll know what you're missing.

Before the mod, I was ready to scrap my DD-5 and buy something else, but Analog Man has come through with a fantastic mod at a great price. If you already own a DD-5, this is THE way to get that "Near-Analog" sound. If you don't own a DD-5, I hear he's working on a DD-6 hi-cut mod that I would recommend for consideration to those like me, who need an analog sounding delay with tap tempo.