Boss DD-20

This unit was extremely easy to use out of the box, although the manual helps, especially with regards to the assignment of output type. The manual is unusually well written, boss typically struggle in this area, but I guess they are working on the problem. The patches are easily editable, if you can't do this then you either live at the zoo or dont have working opposible thumbs, in which case how the hell do you play???

My setup at the moment is a Les Paul thru a Boss Tu-2, Boss Ce-5, DD-20 (clean channel selected using a Ls-2) and a dirty channel consisting of a OD-20 into a Ns-2. Soon to add the new sabine phlanger (really good sound quality phaser and flanger combo) My current amp is a marshall AVT-100. I also ran my Cort Curbow 5 string bass thru the DD-20. This pedal was quieter than a dead mouse, with the exception of the guitar noise I put in. Most of the settings were extremely usable and I can see myself using all except the twist and warp functions live. The modulate setting is awesome, it has a slight chorus/reverb addition to the chorus. With no effort at all I obtained a perfect U2 the Edge sound using this setting @ 420ms, awesome awesome awesome. Using the SOS (sound on Sound) setting is also cool, Withing 5minutes I had looped the piano riff (on my guitar) for closing Time by the Semisonics and was jamming alongside. Okay this setting might take some time to master, but it is usable, unfortunately the loop cannot be stored like the Boss Rc-20. Another extremely cool addition on this pedal is the fact that the sounds still delay into a fade, after the effect has been switched off, no more sudden delay kill. The tone knob allows for equilization to counteract the high frequency roll off, which I hav'nt noticed.

Its A Boss. Apart from the digital display, I would be happy to use the pedal as a self-defense weapon and still play it without a backup. The metal casing is the usual Boss thickeness, and the display is out of the way, so it doesnt get treaded on when Im jamming. Okay the unit does draw 200mA current, so it likes batteries more than my girlfriend likes chocolate, but hey get a Onespot power supply and power all you pedals at once (for the price of a Boss PSA (Bloody rip off).

When you live in South Africa its a little hard to get pedals to Boss headquaters, but hey anyone who breaks a boss pedal (Ive read of a few people) is either cursed or works for Line 6 (probably try to reverse engineer the technology). Oh yeah about Line 6, try senting a broken Dl-4 unit back to the US for repairs from SA. Im pretty sure the Dl-4 unit has a selfdestruct button sequence, coz they are absolute crap when it comes to reliability. Besides the Dl-4 quility is eclipsed by the DD-20. I'll never touch Line-6 stuff again it sucks big time. Read the Dl4 review page to see what Im talking about, so many horror stories on that page they should make a movie Freddy vs Jason vs Dl4 (my money is on the Dl4) thats some scary Sh*t.

I play mostly alternative rock, and delay has to be my favourite effect, so the DD-20 Delay makes me really happy, not to mention how it makes my music sound. Overall I love this pedal. Knowing Boss, my grand kids will probably be playing with it at some stage. Fantastic Boss has really done it again. If this pedal was lost or stolen, I think at first I would be depressed for about a month, then I would track down the scumback/low life, give him credit for stealing quality and then I would beat him to a pulp with my OD-20 (also a twin pedal, so its pretty heavy). Ive been playing for about 4 and a half years and I have to say Boss is the best when it comes to effects, I have a Vf-1, Rc-20, as well as the effects mentioned above. All the other makes I have tried really suck, and being a medical student, I dont have cash to blow on any pedal, so I try was avalible and choose the best, hence the Boss stuff.

Contrary to most other reviewers, I find this pedal very easy to understand. I fully read the manual in about 20 minutes, and I understand all of the functions (it is more complicated than your standard effects, of course). I just bought (and brought back) a Line 6 DL4. Talk about hard to use! The knobs adjust different parameters in different modes. Another thing that makes the DL4 obsolete is the lingering delay after the effect is bypassed. With the DL4, you have to hold 2 switches while inserting the input jack to activate this feature. It is automatically on with the DD-20. Oh, and this runs off of standard 9v Boss power, so you don't have to buy a dedicated power supply from the manufacturer (*cough* Line 6), or spend an ungodly amount on a Pedal Power (which doesn't even power a Line 6 properly, by the way - trust me, I measured it myself.)

Cut and dry: Gibson Les Paul Standard, Marshall JCM 900. No noise whatsoever. The delay sounds great (it's digital- it's not going to soumd exactly like an Echoplex, but I knew that before I bought it). Again, to compare with the DL4, the DD-20 can do almost everthing the DL4 does. The only feature it doesn't have is the 1/2 speed and reverse feature of the loop sampler. Big deal. Those features aren't really practical on stage. The DL4 seems to have a broader range of tones with its patches, though, and may be a bit more true to the original sound, but overall, I'd rather have the DD-20 anyday. Also, the reverse is great. You CAN set the pedal to only hear the reverse delay, and not the forward signal. It's clearly stated in the manual.

I've never had a problem with a Boss pedal. That's the main reason I brought my DL4 back and bought this. I read the horror stories from other customers. That pedal just felt cheap. This is standard Boss - heavy-duty and solid!

Like I said, never had a problem - never had to deal with them.

A guitarist of 11 years, and not really one for many effects, I think this is a great pedal (ESPESCIALLY compared to the DL4). I love the reliability, durability and use-ability of this pedal. Best delay on the market, in my opinion. If I lost it, and bought another delay pedal, this would be the one. Hands down. Very glad I returned the DL4, and picked up something I don't need to think about when I use, and something I don't have to worry about crapping out when I least expect it. If you want a great delay, go for the DD-20

Okay, you've got to read the instructions for this one. it's not that you can't use it without, but getting clued up really opens things up. Once familiar with what it can do, it is very easy to use, being quite intuitive.

As far as can tell, this sounds awesome. I use a washburn into a boss VH1 (multi effects half rack) then into the delay and then into 2 (count 'em) marshall 8080s. I'm not that into the retro delay soun d so can't really give an authorative answer to this but in my experience retroheads tend to go for genuine old gear as opposed to modern immitators. *I* can't tell the difference - the retro sounds sound suitably murky to me but as I say, I don't use them. What I do use are the digital delays, and this sound clear as anything. Also, the deteriation of the signal is absolutely minimal. I tried out the DD6 and set up a nice long loop and within a minute the delayed signal was as muddy as anything. With the dd20, you can go out for lunch and come back and it is still pretty clear (I did this!) an hour later, the thing is still spewing out my stupid riff with *very* little degredation. There are some gimmicky effects here, the warp and twist which are fun but would probably be of minimal use. (note, the warp itself is not such an awesome effect but if you stick it before a distortion unit or preamp it gets pretty cosmic) But the reverse! Man, I thought this would be bullshit but if you get the rhythm keyed into what you're playing using the tempo input, then this thing sounds mental. When used right which isn't too hard with some practice, this thing is going to get heads turning. It really has got a total hendrix/ RHCP give it away vibe and I could definitely use it in a live setting. The other great thing is that two effects can be used at once! I can set up a loop in either the loop mode or by just having a long delay setting with infinite feedback, the switch to a short delay, or reverse mode and both repeats come out simultaneously - at different rates!

It's new so it's not been put to the test yet. But no Boss product I have ever owned (got my first pedal in '91) has ever failed so I would expect this thing to last and it feels damn sturdy too, though I would guess that the knobs could break if not looked after but hey, that's your responsibity.

Again no need to talk to Boss, but I have had previous experience with Roland UK and they were just fantastic so I am happy to give them a 10.

I play a mixture of Power Jazz, Prog Funk and Cosmic rock (kind of Sly and the family Floyd) and this thing is awesome. I bought it essentially to have a loop recorder which could be easily used while playing live. I have a delay in my boss rack unit but it has less than 1.8s delay and I wanted longer. But the DD20 has so much more that I now rarely use the delay in the rack. It is better than I expected so instead of listing its advantages, I'll make a brief list of disadvantages.
1. The delay signal is not 100% as loud as the direct signal. This is a shame.
2. The tempo input only requires 2 stomps as opposed to 4 on other boss units I have used. I know that other posters have said that 2 is better than 4 but I disagree completely. with 4 stomps you get a much more accurate measurement! I have my tempo pedal connected to the delay and my multieffects so the input is the same, but often the tempo on both is different, as the rack uses 4 stomps and the dd20 uses 2. Whenever I check against the tempo on my keyboard/sequencer, the rack is usually on the money whereas the dd20 can be anything up to 4 bpm out. If I'm creating a long repeating loop, this 4bp quickly magnifies. If only boss had put a selector in the device, so both schools of thought could be happy.
That's it. Other than that - it rocks. And funks.

Easy, if you know you delay systems. One read through of the booklet(it small)and programing/Editing is a snap. The Tap mode allows you to step on it in beat with the song and the delay will ring in time with the music. Most of the products I buy are second rate compared to this johnson.

Sound great. No loss of signal when I run it through the loop of a Marshall(+4dB) setting. No humming or buzz that I can Hear.

Only had It for three month, so I'll have to check back on that one

Haven't had to deal with a problem, but the website is informative.

I play rock to metal and it works for me. Jamming the axe since '83. My guitars are 2x Gibson explorer and a jackson King V(D. Mustang). Run 'em through a dbx 166 compressor>>Boss TU-6 Tuner>>Morley Wah/Vol>>Marshall 900 preamp>>loop send>>Boss DD-20 delay>>loop return>>Power amp. Yes, I would buy another if stolen. I love the Tap feature. I'm still trying to figure out my pedel alighnment.

in case you are debating whether to purchase this, the dd-20, or a line 6 dl4, let me just decide for you. you want a dd-20. no, really. i mean, i don't know if you've played a dl4 but if you've compared these 2 units it's an obvious decision. the dd-20 is far easier to use, has better sound quality, and offers more useful features. for example, where is the display on the dl4? that's right, there isn't one. the dd-20's display can even light up. oh, yes, it lights up
let me mention the main thing about the dd-20 that makes it superior to he dl4. the dd-20 has not only 4 memory banks ("patches") but also MANUAL MODE. those wacky kids at line decided to leave out this feature, making their pedal practically useless.
once you read the manual, it's pretty straightforward how to use the pedal and it's easy to write patches. you can also switch the display from milliseconds to bpm, change the output settings, how the pedal switches from manual to patches, etc., all of which is explained clearly in the booklet. in short, once you read what is actually on the pedal you can play around for hours. then, once you've read the booklet you find, "oh, gee, it can do THAT!?"

NICE. the digital delay settings are crystal clear--the most genuine reproduction of the original signal that money can buy. or at least that i've heard. the analog setting is probably the best digital simulation out there. even short slap-back style delays are nice, which were frequently a problematic area with older digital delays. the tape setting i can't really comment on, as i've not had any experience with playng the real deal. it does emulate that tape warble ("flutter") but i'm not sure how well. the reverse and modulated delay are at least as good as the dl4. as with the dl4, you can set and/or program the dd-20 for the amount of modulationdesired. same goes for flutter on the tape setting. warp attempts emulating the spin of a knob on an analog delay, i.e. the ole spaceship spin. it emulates it well, but it's limilted in ts tonal spectrum. twist is nice but it too could go a bit further of the deep end in order to allow delay craziness. i've only played it through one amp (acoustic control corporation g60t) so i'm not sure about stereo mode. no, you don't have an armada of delay modulations like on the dl4. the dl4 rarely hits the proverbial nail on the vintage effect unit. boss has chosen not to deliver an overwwlming array of delay types. they've compacted all of the basic sounds one needs, which i find much more usable, and, quite frankly, the sound quality is much better. don't get me wrong, the dl4 sounds nice--but it always has a bit of a digital toy aspect to the sound.
it also offers the best looper i've ever used. with the dl4 i frequently got a slight click at the end of my loops. the dd-20 on the other hand almost seems to smooth out the transition. and 23 seconds ain't bad. and infinite overdubs also ain't.

seems quite reliable and well-built.

it's a decent warranty. otherwise, i can't comment.

now, i'm sure some dl4 fanatics will try out the dd-20 and ridicule it for not having some of the same features. for example, the dd-20 can't play back a loop in reverse or in 1/2 speed. on the other hand, those are 2 features that i probably never would've use and they are almost impossible to use live anyhow. (besides halving the time also dropped the notes an octave anyhow.)
i use this for standard delay sounds, spacey shoegazing, looping and heavy overdubbing, etc. i can't imagine this pedal not fulfilling anyone's delay needs. at the same time, there is room for improvement. for example, it's not possible to loop a delayed signal. that's not a big deal for me, as i have 2 other delay units in front of the dd-20, but i wouldn't need em if i could delay + loop. but i guess the delay + the loop are using the same memory circuit so the uit would require an extra memory circuit for that. however, the seemless switcing makes it possible to loop something, and then switch over to a delay setting. expression pedal? i don't kow if it's neccessary, but it might be nice.
i'll give it a 9 for now, as it's the best of the delay/looper genre. but i'm sure something else is in the works that will outdo the dd-20.

If you understand Engish, no problem with manual. Any way it sucked me out for the first hour I tried to adjust the sound.

My setup is Fender Strat_Plus or Washburn Signature series with EMG and X2N (Dimarzio), -> Custom drive-distortion box (with true bypass)-> DOD Ice Box -> Boss DD-20 -> customized Marshall tube head -> 4 speaker cabinet.
Sounds very good to my taste. If you use it with normal cords and good power supply (Max 9.8V) (I made my custom, stabilized, with filters ) it is noiseless unit (Clear as bell, as crystal). It's the best stomp delay I've ever heard. For good sound you should read manual and follow technical recommendations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very reliable unit

Don't know. Nevre dealted with company.

Rock, funky, blues. Every vere is useful. I play for 8 years it is beter than I found delays in most digital guitar stations. It is beter tham Line6, DD-6, DD-3. If you are looking for good delay, just try it and you will like it.

Not to bad some of the fuctions require you to push more than one button. There is no indication on the front pannel so you ether have to read the manual or remember. For example if you are using the modulation and want to change the rate and depth you need to push down a button (can't remember which one) and turn the delay knob. Not very intuitive.
Over all its pretty simple to get a good sound. But because of the above it only get a 6

I really like the sound, very quite and very nice mix of delay types. --Someone commented on the amount of noise the pedal was making???? that guy should read the manual and learn about line levels, if you getting NOISE then your output level was set for +4db, come on man this is a digital pedal!

Anyway back to the review. I really like the analog and modulation delays, nice features like tap tempo come in real handy when playing live.

No problems yet, I had it for about 2 months

I really bought this because of the sound on sound feature. I was looking for a delay and the fact that this one had SOS really sold me. I was thinking about the DL4 but after reading so many negative reviews and the fact that it needed a 1200ma power supply and pedal was so BIG I didn't even test it. my thinking was if the DD20 didn't sound good I would consider it, but the DD20 sounded great and it has 23 seconds of SOS, no save fuction though.

I think the above really speaks to the quality of the DD20 as I could get the DL4 for less than the DD20.

I have been playing for a long time and know what I like and I like My DD20. It is a good pedal of the money. Highly recommeded

It's quite simple to use this pedal in its fundamental, intended form... more in depth program changes such as altering the button mode and a few other neat tricks require the manual, which is well written and perfectly sufficient. Scrolling through the four presets and the manual mode can be tedious, but if you set up the delays properly in order of common use it shouldn't be a problem live. Also, a few other features are customizable, such as the memory led display, so once again, awesome. Great LEDs in genreal actually, and very nice to have the actual delay time always displayed...

I have to give a glowing review here, because it truly does exactly what I'd like it to sonically. I use a few different short tape delays, and this pedal nails the sound I'm looking for. Of course, you're not getting the "wow and flutter" effect of real tape or even the Line 6 DL4 which adds that, but that brand of extraneous noise is not in my list of preferences. All of the 10 different delays sound great, though I only use a few. Analog, Tape, Standard (Digital), and Modulate are really the only I employ, but the possibilities are numerous with this beauty. My Rig is as follows:
Strat Deluxe Plus/Tele Deluxe/Bluesbird >>Fulltone Full-drive2>>Marshall BB-2 Bluesbreaker(Boost Mode) >>Vox Wah>>Korg Dt-10 Tuner>Fender late 90's 'The Twin'. Effects Loop is as follows:
Line 6 MM4>>Boss DD-20>> EH Holy Grail Reverb .

This pedal adds no noise whatsoever and is prestine in every way... top of the line in my opinion. In other words, if you're looking for a pro delay with a lot of options, fantastic quality and reliability, go the Boss route... (Line 6 is an option, but see my reliability comments below for further clarification)

This is where the Boss DD-20 out-performs its main competitor, the Line 6 Dl4. I was thinking of getting the Line 6, mainly because you don't have to scroll through a couple of presets to get to the one you want as you do with the Boss. Though this isn't a huge issue. And after reading reviews of the DL4 here on Harmony Central, it quickly became apparent that there are some serious quality control issues with the Line 6. And Let's face it, Boss stuff is some of the best for reliability... I have complete confidence in this thing lasting forever (I do baby my gear, mind you). It is well built, well-designed, and with each press of the footswitch you are assured of the quality inherent in the pedal. Kudos Boss.

I've never had to deal with them, for the reasons mentioned in the reliability section.

I love this pedal. I've been playing for 12 years, gigging for ten, and play on a regular basis. If it were lost/stolen, i would certainly get another. I also quite like how it runs off of 6 AA batteries, which are cheap and easy to find anywhere. The looper is great, though i don't use it live. Easily the best delay in the Boss stable, and perhaps in any stable for sheer useability and practicality.

It has plenty of clearly marked knobs to twiddle (noW, now, keep it clean)eg delay time, effect level, feedback etc, and the display clearly shows the delay time. Two pedals one for on/off, the other for memory select. had a great sound in 10 secs. a little hint you can have 5 memory patches. Set up a manual patch when you switch it on and have 4 already stored patches in the memory to get 5 patches, thats 2 more than line 6. Maual is very basic, but its sooooooeasy to use that if you can't work it, you're dead.

Best quality, its a DIGITAL delay but you can get more analogy type sounds out of it. I use a Les Paul deluxe, Fender Strat Plus, Mesa Boogie. I don't know what the other reviewer was talking about when he said it hissed or something, must be your ears cause it sure wasn't the pedal.

Not had it long (2 weeks) can't comment. Seems really sturdy though

Never had to use it

Would by it again in a heart beat.
The only other conteder out there is the Line 6 DDL4. This pedal has more patches, easier to modify sounds (more knobs and a display line 6 you have to guess your delay time), better quality (line 6 was too harsh), smaller, sturdier (metal, not plastic, and is #20 cheaper. Which pedal should you buy. D'oh, no brainer

Fairly intuitive and the manual is good. Once you've been through the manual it's a piece of cake.

Excellent quality delay. Much better than the delays in my GT5 which I no longer use. Twist and warp a waste of time though. The modulate delay is nice for adding a kind of chorus sound to the repeats(with a short delay it can do "chorus"), the dual is nice but it'd be great to have independent control over the volume of the short and long delays. I like the tape echo and especially the two head option. Smooth is also a favourite adding reverb to the repeats. Pity there aren't a few more memories or an indication in the lcd as to what delay type is in use.

It's boss

No opinion

Totally satisfied with what it does, the price, ease of use and the quality of the delays. Lovely for my cod gilmour impersonations.