Boss DD-20 Digital Delay

The functionality demands manual reading to exploit the modes available, it is well written and easy to follow though. There are only four writable patches. There are no USB or MIDI connections. I thought this strange considering it's a digital device offering so many FX permutations (This is reflected in the 7/10 score). This rules out any software interface too. It is graced with -20 and +4 dB output options. Sadly there is no facility for expression pedal parameter manipulation.

I use a Cornford Harlequin with a standard LP. Other FX inc Maxon OD9 and JD Wah. This is a very flexible pedal that manages to emulate differing delay effects these are
SOS - sound on sound looping
Twist - a one-trick up/down pitch saturation
Warp - Hold/Oscillation switch
Tape - a convincing copycat emulator, warm with soft decay
Analog - Based on the Boss DM-2, a clear delay with soft decay
Standard -
Dual - fast&slow delays in series
Pan -
Smooth -
Modulate - Mild chorusing can imitate echo-plex if correctly adjusted
Reverse - Not really convincing, delay times can create interesting textures however.
Not true-bypass, but no apparent colouration either. The pedal is quiet. I haven't tried it with anything else in the signal chain yet.
There are fine sounds to be had, if you have the time to read the manual and program for live use!

Only owned it for eight hours

No comment

I have been playing since the eighties. I moderately use overdrive and wah pedal when playing live. I was surprised how close the DD-20 came to emulating my old copycat, there again I haven't it since 1993 when I flogged it for a digital delay, oh well!
The pedal offers more than I'd ever use, still not 100% about have digital in my analog chain either.
Given time and attention unique and interesting effects wait to be discovered.

This pedal is very easy to use with reading the manual even just the once. Since it is a good combination of traditional functions and more modern features, even advanced features are relatively easy to use and it's easy to store and edit the four memory slots. To be honest, I haven't used the Tap function on the right pedal that much but this allows the user to tap in to correct the tempo easily for a specific song. It's easy to get started on this unit and stereo ins and outs make it even more versatile for really big space.

The sound quality of this unit is first class, well, mostly. The reverse effect is disappointing, I mean it reverses the sound for sure but makes an annoying click when set to produce only the reversed signal as it doesn't cut off the initial pick attack. Also disappointing is the "smooth" setting as it is basically supposed to be a delay/reverb combo but I feel that the effect lacks enough reverb to make any substantial difference from the standard digital delay which is also present on this unit. These two criticisms aside, the rest of the sounds available are just plain sexy and wonderful especially the accurate Analogue and Tape (you can even select between one and two tape heads on the Tape mode) which should please the most ardent Durutti Column and U2 fans (like myself) and then some. The unit has a useful delay effects including a Chorus/Delay, Dual (long and short delay for intersting variations on the slapback sound), Warp and Twist settings as well as Sound on Sound and the standard Digital Delay with great scope for the desired sound and the unit allows my pure signal to shine effortlessly in any mode. I play all sorts of music and have been able to find sounds that are appropriate to any song or style with a bit of care, if like me, you like a bit of ambient guitar, this is great.

Only had it for three months or so, no problems so far. The pedal feels well constructed.

I have been playing for around 10 years now and have found this pedal to be one of the best purchases that I've made. This is a great choice for live work or in the studio even as an outboard unit. Gigs and even jamming just isn't as much fun anymore without having this pedal in my board, i've got to like it that much. It's a perfect balance between more complicated rack mount units and older stomp boxes, just experiment with it and prepare a couple of presets before going to your gig and you cant go far wrong. I haven't any criticisms other than the reverse and smooth settings although for this price so much is already on offer that it isn't a big bone of contention.