Boss DD-20

Easy to get starting, limitless possibilities.
Writing this so that Danieldust (previous review)could write some more about usit DD 20 as a loopingdevice.

Great!
Using it with Fenders, Gibsons and other guitars. Fender, Laney, Tech 21 amps + Yamaha DG Stomp, Behringer V-amp.
Not noisy in itself.

A little less tough than regular Boss-pedals

?

Great delay-unit, it's a toy and at the same time a real pro-tool.
Lots of different delay-types.
The best pedal delay around??

For someone like me, who is used to fairly basic analog stomp boxes, this is not as easy to use as I'm used to, but when there are so many variables to control as on this unit, it's not going to be too easy. Sitting down with the instruction booklet will give you an understanding of the basics in an hour or so, but the nuances remain a little nebulous.

The sound quality seems top notch to me. I use a Marshall Valvestate 40 V (model 8040), a Yamaha SBG-500 (Yamaha's answer to the Les Paul) and a bevy of other effects pedals.

This is a new product, but so far, no problems. I see no need for a backup. It seems very sturdy.

No experience with the company.

I got this unit for one basic reason: It's Fripp & Eno in a box. Lots of pedals can do closed loops that are a few seconds long, but none I have tried let you continuously add sounds while using repeat times that can last for minutes on end, _but still decay_.

It's hard to describe, but if you listen to Fripp & Eno's "No Pussyfooting" or Robert Fripp's "Let the Power Fall" you'll see what I mean. This thing will do THAT (and much more) perfectly. The fact that delay time goes anywhere from 1 millisecond to 25 seconds makes it extremely versatile. Add in 11 different delay modes that include reverse delay, modulation (chorus), adjustable, 2-head tape-style delay (like Roland's old Space Echo), a couple of gimmicky special effects, and more, and you've got one of the most (if not the most) versatile delay pedals on the market. It also does stereo, tap delay and has four editable presets that you can store and switch seamlessly. With the press of a footswitch, you can basically have a big loop going with a long delay and a long repeat time, and then switch to a short delay and do a solo on top using completely different settings -- while the previous delay is still going. There really are too many features to describe accurately here.

This can probably do way more than what the average guitarist will ever need, and the price will ensure that most average guitarists won't bother with it, but if you have the need for "extreme" types of delay for spacey, ambient or minimalistic music, this can do just about anything you can think of. While this is the most expensive pedal I own, I hardly batted an eye at the price once I saw what it could do. It's pretty much a pro piece of equipment. My only complaint was that the special 9-volt adapter made for this unit (whcih is virtually a necessity, as it goes through batteries fast) costs an extra $25.

Does it help me make music? Absolutely.

Any pedal that requires programming is going to scare off some people, but this is about as easy as it gets. I DO wish that values for the various settings came up on the display as they were adjusted so that settings could be documented.

Two things would make it better in my opinion:
1) Tap Tempo should be able to be programmed for each patch. For example, you could set memory number 3 to have the Tap function on, while the other patches do not have it on. As it is, you must hold down a pedal for a few seconds to turn the Tap on and off. There isn't always time for that.

2) There should be a mode where you can step through the four memory presets WITHOUT going through the Manual mode. There is sort of a way to do this by pressing both pedals simultaneously in one of the modes, but it takes big feet and accuracy that that is not always possible in the middle of a gig on a dark stage.

p.s. The LED that flashes to indicate Tempo is too bright. On a dark stage, it is uncomfortable and distracting. I put electrical tape over it.

Used with Tele type instruments and Fender Tube amps. Sounds great and replaces 3 separate delay pedals that I was using. Very low noise. Seems to accept a wide range of inputs without overloading or adding ugly distortion. The setting that offers delay plus a reverb-like quality ("Smooth") is particularly good.

This is the reason for my review. When it works, it works great. BUT, I had a problem with the pedal shutting off spontaneously during gigs. Some nights it was fine all night, sometimes not. I use a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2, so doubted that the source was my power supply. I dont have a lot of time to screw with factory service and do most of my own tech work, so I decided to open up the box and bypass the Input and Power jack switching in case they were the problem. While doing that, I found two capacitors that each had one lead NOT SOLDERED to the circuit board in locations that were clearly meant to be soldered. Both were near the mono Input Jack. I re-attached them to the board, and the problem seems to be solved.

I have never, ever had any problem with a Boss pedal before, and hope this was an isolated case. I'll chalk this up to bad luck and will buy Boss again.

I avoid factory service whenever possible with any company.

In spite of the poor work (in my opinion) on the circuit board assembly (and my other wishes listed under "ease of use") I give it a good rating. This product is very close what I have been looking for: a programmable, compact, Delay Pedal that sounds great.

Easy enough - unless you're very impatient. I am quite the patient type (at least in this field!), so I had little problems learning how to use the unit. Since this is a delay unit, its hard to get a poor sound, since it does not alter your base sound, it merely repeats it. Of course, you CAN turn your way to nothing but musical noise, but it does not take long to learn how to use it properly. It's also very easy to create patches, and the manual is very helpful. Although I do miss a Power switch.

I basically use my Ibanez rg 560 to Dunlop wah to DD-20 to amp. Either a Marshall or a Peavey practice amp. Also, sometimes i use external effects (Like boss CE-3 Chorus or Boss OD-2 Turbo Overdrive for more distortion on the Peavey) or the integrated effects of the Marshall. I have no problems with noise. The only exception is when I use the SOS (Sound On Sound) mode to record several phrases with overdubbing and then solo over that again. If I use distortion, it will sound a bit messy, but this is expectable and acceptable. ( I only use this mode at home, when trying out polyphonic riffs.) Also, this minor flaw can be eliminated if you use 2 amps. You can then set the unit so that the recorded phrase(and the delay effects) are played one one amp, with your soloing on another. Very handy, and so much fun! Again, a minor flaw is that if you want to use 2 amps the way I mentioned above,and u want delay on your soloing amp, whilst having a rythm riff or two played on a second amp, you may be dissappointed. The delay signal for your soloing is played on the fx amp, namely your rhythm amp. The delay is still corresponding with your soloing, but it still bothers me a bit. The output is setable, so you can decide wether to use one amp for effects only,or not. One thing that is important to know about this product, is that you may vary the outputlevel. So if you don't change the factory settings before using it in an effect loop, the signal may be very silent. But this is explained in the manual. More good things to mention: When changing patches whilst playing, the transition is smooth. By that i mean that the effect signal youre currently using, will hang with you for a short time, even after you switch to another patch. Very good. And it is also important to mention that there are many different kinds of delay to choose from, and with great sound quality, I think this is the ultimate delay box.(I dont know anything about rack units.)

It has not failed me yet. I would and am using it without backup. No problem. And even though it doesn't seem as solid as other BOSS products, it is good enough for my use. But i wouldn't transport it in a bag with other things, I wouldn't want any of the knobs or the display to break. I transport it in its original packing.

Haven't dealt with them.

I play experimental melodic hard rock, and although I dont need it quite as often as I'd like (My band is restraining me) :) I haven't regretted the purchase even once. I bet it's great for anyone who plays f.ex. Pop or any experimental style. I think I would replace it if I could afford it at the time, I would not buy any other delay units anyways. I love its usefulness for composing at home, that it can be used in so many ways, and that it has 4 patches and 23 SECONDS OF DELAY!! The only thing I don't like is mentioned under "Sound Quality", dealing with the use of two amps. I compared it to T-rex, Carl Martin, Danelectro and other boss units. I chose this baby for its great value, low price and for the 23 seconds of delay. The only things I miss is the ability to save several loops(But I guess that would make it a loop station, not a delay unit.) and the possibility to use delay effects on your soloing amp whilst playng rhythm riffs on another amp. It definitly helps me making music, although I may give it to much attention at reherseals(But thats just my flaw). If your buying a delay unit, and want a bit more than the boss dd-5 (F.ex.) can offer, buy this one!!!

Very easy. Just turn the knobs till you get the desired sound, then push write twice. That's pretty much it. Same with the pedals: 1 to turn delay on or off; 1 to select four memories or to manual mode.

I use it in the FX-loop of two Koch Powertones. It's noisy only if you put the tonepot to the max, a little hissssss.
Powertone II FX send > Boss TU-2 > Yamaha GE10 EQ-pedal (old!!) > DD-20 > CE-20 > Stereo to Powertone I FX return and Powertone II FX return. DD-20 and CE-20 are coupled stereo.

It's Boss so it's roadworthy. No backup.

Had to deal with Roland for about fifteen years ago, very helpful.

Just before I bought this one I was using a TC Electronic G-major. I thought the G-major sounded too transparent, not my sound at all. Now I'm back with Boss, I've got the CE-20 Chorus Ensemble to, and I'm happy again, no MIDI, no footcontroller. Hmmmmmm.....

This unit is very easy to use, no problems with editing of patches, very good manual. Much easier than my Line6 MM 4, I used before. The display is great.

I'm playing all kinds of blues and bluesrock, using a Custom Shop Fender Strat and a Gibson Les Paul Standard as well going into a Boss TU 2 Tuner - Boss CS 3 Compressor - Boss PW 10 Wah- into the preamp of a Hughes & Kettner Mark II Triamp with 4 x 12 greenback cab. After preamp with parallel FX send into Line 6 MM 4 - Boss DD 20 - EHX Holy Grail reverb to Amp.

Most of the settings of this unit sound great. You can store 4 settings plus the standard setting, which makes 5 settings, two more, than you can store with the Line6 Delay Stomp Box. Very nice digital "standard" delay and some really new delay sounds. "Smooth" is my favourite. No noise at all on all settings.

Besides of the better sounds in relation to the Line6 Delay it is smaller and can be combined very well with my other Boss units.

Never had any problems with Boss. They are builded like a tank and last a lifetime. Would certainly gig without a backup.

Never had a problem, thats why I never dealt with them.

I'm making music and play guitar since the earls 70s. This delay is the best stomp box delay I've ever heard. Together with the EHX Holy Grail reverb, you can get really splendid sounds for either clean or distorted guitar settings. Most important for me besides the quality of the sounds were the five different settings, you can stomp through.

The DD-20 is pretty easy to use, but you'll want to read the manual; it's not just a hyped-up DD-5. The display really helps, and Boss hasn't gone overboard on the number of functions assigned to the knobs and buttons.

Mostly, I'm using a PRS Santana SE, running into a Boss GT-3, then through a bunch of delays and loopers. Digital delays are supposed to be clean sounding, if not transparent, so I don't expect noise. I haven't heard any noise with the DD-20, but it's possible that somebody got a bad box. Most of the effects are good, but Warp and Twist are kind of silly. (In a musical context, Warp and Twist are essentially noise effects, almost like something from the Digitech Space Station.) I use the Sound-On-Sound setting a lot, and the Reverse Delay. Some reviewers weren't very impressed with the Reverse setting, but it's one of my favorite effects; playing a musical phrase backwards is a great live effect. The Analog setting is alright, Modulate seems a lot like the Line 6 "Digital Delay w/Mod" setting, but Smooth is very nice, especially for ambient effects.

Although a number of my favorite artists use delays and loopers, I use effects to get my own sound. Having said that, I do think the DD-20 would be a great box for anyone interested in looping, or Frippertronic delay lines.

I trust my Boss boxes, but I always have at least two delays or loopers with me, so I always have a back-up. The one fragile-looking part of the DD-20 is the display; I wouldn't throw it in a bag with a bunch of other pedals, but somebody will. Because of the display, I give it a 7.

I was having a problem with online product registration, and sent off a quick "Hey, what's up with this?" e-mail. I had a reply within the hour, and my problem was solved. I see a lot of people ragging on Boss/Roland about support & customer service issues, but that hasn't been my experience.

I play experimental guitar, which tells you nothing. My influences include King Crimson (in all of its incarnations), the Residents, Stereolab, Bill Frisell and Vernon Reid. I've been playing since before BBD's.

I have a pile of delays and loopers, including a Headrush, a Line 6 DM4, and a Boss RC-20 Loop Station. Each is a little different from the others.

The DD-20 seems like Boss' answer to the Line 6; both have a selection of delay effects, or models, a few memory slots for user sounds, and a looper thrown in. The DD-20 has a longer delay time than the Line 6, but the looper on the Line 6 is more flexible. There's no way to play your loop backwards on the DD-20. Between the DD-20 and the DM4, I honestly can't say which pedal I think is better; both have features I like, although I really like the Reverse setting on the DD-20.

The Headrush seems pretty weak, compared to the DD-20. The DD-20 is much easier to use, it sounds better, and it has more features. I probably won't dump my Headrush right away, but if the DD-20 had come out first, I might not have bought the Headrush. The main advantage to the Headrush is that I would toss it in a bag with a bunch of other pedals, because there's no glass to break.

I like the fact that the DD-20's design seemed to address some complaints I had about the RC-20 Loop Station. The DD-20 has dual Input and Output jacks, which seem to be true stereo, and it has a headphone jack, for late-night looping; very nice. There's a jack for an external footswitch, another helpful plus. You can set the Output Mode, which is a neat addition. There are 4 choices, Stereo Output @-20db, A:Direct/B:Effect @-20db, Stereo Output @ +4db, or A:direct/B:Effect2 +4db. The A/B modes are great for modeling older delay pedals, and the different Output levels mean you're set for a guitar amp, or direct recording.

The DD-20 does what I wanted it to do, plus a little more. For once, there's nothing crucial that I wish it had. It's more expensive than most delay pedals, including the Headrush, and, of course, you have to buy a power supply, so expect to spend another $20 or $25.

If you're looking at a Headrush, I'd say spend the extra $50 or $60 for the DD-20. (If my DD-20 broke down or got stolen, I'd probably sell my Headrush to get another DD-20.) If you're looking at a Line 6 DM4, spend some time comparing the two; you're in for a tough choice. You might even wind up with both.

Just a note of response to the previous reviewer--my review is farther below. My DD-20 really is totally silent--perhaps the store you tried it out in had an RF interference problem. I say this because I am INSANELY INTOLERANT of a noisy signal path, and dumped my Akai Headrush because of this. Or, alternately, I wouldn't be surprised if Roland had a bad run. But don't write off the pedal entirely!

I like the DD-20 for its functionality and features. It's a great competitor to Line 6's DL4. Once you've read the manual, it's quite easy to use.

Here's the reason for this review:

The DD-20 is noisy as hell!
I can't believe the other reviewers haven't noticed this.
It's just a matter of comparing the noise with and without this thing (in -20 dB mode) between guitar and amp (crunch or gain channel). Now switch with another boss (delay) pedal and notice the absence of the noise of the DD-20.

And it isn't just my pedal. I tested another one in the shop (different guitar / amp / cables) and it was just the same. It was clear to the dealer as well.

It was sent back to Roland and they returned it without comments other than that is was okay. So Roland probably will not want to acknowledge this. And it is probably a production problem and applies to all DD-20's.

No comment.

Since Roland did get an accurate problem report but nevertheless didn't comment on the noise, it's below par.

No comment

After you read the manual it's a piece of cake.

I use a Ibanez s540fm for metal and a Gibson LP custom bb reissue for pop/rock into a jcm2000 dsl100 and a wide variety of effectpedals. This thing can be used on every style you can imagine. Its totally not noisy but it does color your tone when disengaged.(that is the ONLY point that the dl4 does better imho) My favourite delaytype's are smooth,standard and tape(not that it really sounds as a tapedelay but it does sound great...) I compared it with the dl-4 for half an hour in the musicstore before purchasing and i found the boss to have a warmer, less harsh tone.

I had it for a month now but it seems reliable plus it's a boss and it's not for nothing that you can still buy thousands of perfectly working bosses from the seventhies on ebay

Never dealt with them

Best versatile delay out there imo.