Tech 21 Boost D.L.A.

This is the new Boost DLA-TT with three new features that start with the letter "T"

Tap Tempo,
Trails and
Triplets

I use a delay to thicken up solos, so I need to boost the guitar signal as well as add delay as with the old Boost DLA. The only problem with the old unit is when you switch the pedal off after a solo, the delay cuts abruptly. The new Boost DLA has the Trails feature which allows the delay to carry on after you switch the Boost DLA off.

This is what I did to get boost + delay + trails on my previous pedalboard incarnation...

I built a custom parallel FX loop with an MXR micro Amp and Boss DD-3 delay so that I can get a boost + delay when I switch in the parallel loop...since my dry signal is mixed with the delays, and disengaging the loop shuts off only the input to the DD-3, the delay trails. But there's a lot of gear to get those features.

The Boost DLA-TT will mean that I can remove the following from my Pedalboard....
Boss DD-3,
MXR MicroAmp,
Two output Buffer/ distribution amp with mute switch,
a 4-channel Line Mixer and
all of the associated adapters and cabling.

I took The Bosst DLA-TT out of the box and plugged it in-front of My Mesa Boogie Express 5:25.

For testing, I installed a battery in the bottom of the pedal..there is a small door which is easy to open without removing any scerws.

I left all of the knobs at 12:00 To start

Since the pedal is self explanatory, I just plugged it in and played with all of the knobs.

For testing, the signal chain was:

Ibanez Roadstar II>>Mesa Boogie V-Twin Preamp>>Boost DLA-TT>>Mesa Amplifier clean channel.

I use the V-twin preamp in bypass for clean and then the crunch and solo modes are switched in the V-Twin Preamp. This gives me two overdrive sounds and the awesome clean sound from the 5:25 amplifier itself.

This set-up works for me because I set my amp clean and the Tech 21 Boost DLA-TT goes between the V-Twin Preamp and the amp input. Tech 21 recommends that you insert it into the FX Loop if you are using the amp's preamp for overdrive. You always want the delay after the overdrive circuitry.

I adjusted the Level control so that I have a boost in level when the delay is on.

The effect is buffered bypass but I didn't notice any ill effects to the tone when I added the pedal to my effects chain. I'm sure that some of the purists will notice a difference if you switch this pedal in and out with a True-Bypass switcher, but then you can't take advantage of the TRAILS feature which I think is a very good bonus in this pedal.

You can emulate an old anlog delay by messing with the tone control.

When the feedback is high, you can mess with the time control to get all of the crazy "space" sounds like with old analog pedals.

The tap tempo worked as expected to set the delay time...cool thing is that you can tap in a tempo while the pedal is in bypass!

I don't plan to use the triplets mode, I'm sure that it works as it should as well.

Now getting to the sound...

I say awesome!...I fine-tuned it to sound like my old DM-2 Delay by rolling back the tone control slightly, but you can make it as clear as any digital delay using the tone control. The tone control only affects the frequency response of the repeats, not your guitar tone.

You can add some modulation to the repeats using the Flutter control, but my preference was to keep that low. Its supposed to emulate tape- wow and flutter, but I don't like that sound.

This pedal is highly tweakable, each control has a large range of adjustment.

Since the rotation of TIME knob has to cover such a large delay range, the delay time control is very sensitive...that's why the tap-tempo switch is handy!

It is full of features that weren't available on the last Boost DLA and aren't available on most other delay pedals.

The footswitches and knobs are very tough. The pots are smooth.
I don't forsee any problems.

I think that TECH 21 has a good reliability record. (I also have a TECH 21 VT Bass Character pedal and a TECH 21 Midi Mouse MIDI Switcher which are both really good products)

Looking at part of the circuit board through the battery door, the footswitches are actually actuators that make contact to a small push-button on the circuit board...this would normally be a problem, but, the connection between the footswitch and the push-button switch on the circuit board is via a small spring.

The spring allows the push-button to be actuated within the first 1/3 of the footswitch travel and the spring compresses the rest of the way to eliminate any extra pressure on the push-button as you press down on all the way on the footswitch. Otherwise you would press the push-button through the PCB when stomping!

A lot of manufacturers are doing this because the small pushbutton on the circuit board has a longer lifecycle than a DPDT footswitch that goes BANG everytime you step on it.

If the pedal failed during a gig, I would miss the delay but I could still boost my solos by switching to the other channel on my Amp that would be set for a higher volume.

I was communicating with Tech 21 Customer Support through e-mail before this pedal was released.

Since it's unveiling at Winter NAMM, the release date had been "delayed" (no pun) a few times. I was assurred that the pedal would be out sometime in July and that was confirmed by their website info.

I had been checking online retailers to see when it was available and ordered it immediately on July 16th when I saw it. While I was awaiting my pedal to arrive, I asked Tech 21 for an advance copy of the manual and they sent me a pdf...Thanks TECH 21!

All-in-all I always received a timely response by e-mail from Tech 21. Above aand beyond the good products, the customer service encourages me to buy more products from them.

I have been playing for over 25 years and have gone from analog pedals on a pedal board to refrigerator sized - midi controlled Racks, to Multi-Effects Processors and back to analog pedals on a board.

I'm having so much fun customizing with analog pedals and I realize the change in sound quality when you keep the signal path "clean".

This pedal does what I wanted it to do...it cleaned up my pedal board while giving me the boost and delay I needed for solos with the trails feature that keeps the delay trails to carry on when I switch the pedal off...This sounds very professional as opposed to the delay cutting off abruptly when you switch the pedal off.

The Tap-Tempo feature allows me to set the delay time without bending over to adjust a knob...awesome!

There is nothing better than this pedal for the price. I would replace it right away if lost or damaged!

Simplicity is one of the reasons I opted for this pedal. I'm of the belief that the fewer bells and whistles a tool has, the less there is to go wrong. I just wanted a great-sounding, solid, quality product. This certainly fits the bill.

The concise but clear manual provides some great settings suggestions to get you started. The Boost DLA doesn't have built-in presets (analogue, vintage, digital, echo etc) like many of the popular delay pedals and this suits me. I prefer not to use sounds that fit pre-determined templates. It's far more creative to develop your own custom settings.

How the different settings combine, however, will take some time to get used to. But ultimately, this should provide a more rewarding, versatile tool.

I'm running this in the effects loop of my Randall RM100 head and Randall XL cab. Guitar is a mahogany ESP Ltd with EMG pickups. Nothing else at present. I'm still focussing-on and testing the Boost DLA exclusively.

The diversity of sounds achievable with this pedal has not been narrowed at all to fit the popular concept of 'good sounds', therefore it's a very liberating tool. I'll be using it as a standard lead-guitar effect, hence why the boost function is so desireable. I probably won't be trying to achieve too many experimental effects, though if I wanted to, this unit could do the job.

What you've got here is a delay, boost and chorus pedal in one. It's advertised as a boost/delay pedal but I was amazed to find what great chorus-style sounds I could get by using the 'flutter' function.

I've not played many delay pedals (which is why I thought it fair to give it a 9 rather than a 10 for sound quality), but I'm very particular about the quality of the products I buy. The Boost DLA seems very quiet and has an honest, analogue sound. I don't feel the need to look any further for the right delay pedal.

This thing is built like a tank and arrived in a beautiful tin packaging. Small touches like that often symbolise a company with high standards of quality and dedication to customer satisfaction. I'd use it without a backup (mainly because I can't afford to backup my gear, but also because it appears to be very reliable).

Not had to deal with Tech 21 customer support yet, but as mentioned, the product was nicely packaged which is often a positive sign.

This is the original version of Tech 21's Boost DLA, without the tap-tempo function which is present on the new model. But I found this at a great price and intend to use at mainly as a standard lead-guitar effect, so decided that the tap-tempo wasn't necessary for me. I prefer to keep things simple anyway.

I'm a guitarist of 13 years but have only recently felt the urge to explore effects. I spent a long time researching delay pedals and settled on this one as it met all my criteria - simple, analogue, well-built, non-condescending (with its lack of preset sounds), boost function and reasonably-priced. Very happy with my choice.

I play hard-rock/metal but I'm big on organic, honest, bluesy tone. So far I've found this pedal to my taste and quite inspirational. This pedal is made for the guitarist who's very particular about developing their own personal, original effects settings, and who demands a well-rounded, honest type of sound.

The unique 'boost' feature is excellent and makes perfect sense if you ask me - delay effects are commonly used for guitar solos and lead parts where you'd want to boost above rythm volume. The 'flutter' effect is very exciting too, allowing you to add a vintage dimension to the sound and to simulate great chorus-like effects too.

Some guitarists might feel it's missing a tap-tempo option, but the new version includes this so that's an irrelevant point. I don't personally miss that and can't think of anything I'd add to this great pedal. If it were lost or stolen, I'd definitely replace it.

Rating is a 9 only because I don't consider myself widely-knowledgable enough about the variety of delay pedals on the market to say with certainty that this is the best of the best. However, it's perfect for my needs.

Knobs are very sensitive and they interact with each other a lot, so use some tape to mark your good positions.. but easy to get the gist quickly, and if you've ever used a tape delay you know that those knobs are very sensitive and interact with each other as well

I use this with everything from a 1963 SG to 1995 American Deluxe Strats.. this thing is great with any guitar.. Also great at the end of a long effects chain to boost up your signal a bit. The boost is nice and fat, not thin-sounding. Sounds great into my 1969 Twin or the 1986 JCM 800 but then through the George Alesandro Working Dog Rottweiler amp.. KILLER!

Only had it a short time but everything seems solid right up to the reinforced 9Volt battery clip.. nothing cheap on this pedal.. great quality!

no reason to contact them except to tell them how great their pedal is..

A GREAT pedal for the price.. totally kills any other delay out there.. I've used the DL4 but it sucks your tone dry, and the DD4 is too bright and sharp of a delay.. too digital.. this thing is amazing!

Everything is well labeled, and laid out. The controls react and interact as they should. The manual is excellent. If you have used delay pedals, it's a snap.

I've used delay pedals since before digital existed. My first delay was an MXR Analog Delay in the early 1980's. To my ears, that was the ultimate delay sound, and still is. I've had the Ibanez AD999 and that was very good-sounding also; ditto for the Toadworks Redux. These all work excellent for leads, ambient sounds and slapback. I have also had an EP-1 tube Echoplex (I'm still crying about selling that years ago), and a Multivox tape echo (decent, not exceptional).

I use a delay pedal for "swells" and not every delay pedal will work for that. None of the above pedals will do a good swell due to the high-end roll-off.

I've been using a Boss DSD-2 on my pedalboard for all my delay needs lately. It has been the Holy Grail pedal for doing swells IMHO up until now. It dials in very easily, and works well for the standard delays I use for lead (approx. 400ms with for repeats, low mix).

I scooped a Boost DLA a few weeks ago and have had the chance to play with it quite a bit. It works better than a DSD-2 for swells, and is amazing for any delay sound you can imagine. I run it in an effects loop and it works great, it's silent, even with the boost turned up quite a few dB's above unity. The boost feature is excellent. I also dig the "Flutter", it can be subtle, or way too much, it's always nice to have the option. This really is my ultimate compact delay pedal, it does everything I need.

It is not true-bypass, but has excellent buffer circuitry; it does not alter the guitar tone.

This box does excellent analog and tape delay sounds, but if you must have an analog or real tape delay, you should buy one of those.

The build quality looks very good. I've owned a Double Drive for years and it has never failed. It's made in the USA.

Before I bought this I called tech 21. I got an engineer who was happy to answer all my dumb questions....amazing!

I've recently gone through quite a few delay pedals, and the Boost DLA is perfect for me. Here are my thoughts:

Boss DD-20 - Good sounds, but very digital-sounding, even with the treble rolled off. Presets cool, somewhat nasty-sounding bypass.

Boss DD-3 w/big chip - great delay for the $$$

Boss DD-3 Taiwan - decent, but unexceptional

Boss DD-5 and 6 - among the worst, extremely ugly digital sounds

SIB Echo Drive - Excellent sounds in every way, but it does not do swells.

Ibanez AD999 - very good sounds

Ibanez AD9 reissue - not great, but inexpensive for analog.

EH Deluxe Memory Man - I had a recent reissue that sounded great, but it's huge, not pedalboard-friendly

Tech 21 Boost DLA - Great sounds and features. Runs off standard Boss 9V neg.tip barrel PS. Small footprint. Great price!

all the regular controls, two new ones, tone and fluttere.controls are overly sensative, but can deal with that.

very quite, low noise.this is a pedal that introduces more than a sterile repeat effect, but by cearfull use can change the ambiance of the room you are playing in. do I feel like playing in an old wooden barn , or across a cypress swamp ? You can achieve this with liittle time. Nearly got the toad works reduex. This is basicly a copy,But is all Analog and is 50 bucks cheeper!this is what Ive been sershing for,very happy. Dosent seem to do so well with higherv gain levals, butIm playing thnrough a marshall type amp with no effects loop.Think Ry Cooder sound track, Think vintage rockabilly, think muddy waters, think surf ,blues and rock!

this company has a good reputation. heard some bad things about thier Killer Wail wagh Pedel.Every one messess up once.

I play slide and delta blues .this pedal covers the usual and more. You realy cant go wrong for the price.the real magic of this is tastefull use.You can change your inviroment, unlike any other, the rest you could get with any delay,

easy - but because of flutter and tone options the manual does help

Basic idea of a pedal with chorus modulation on the repeats only is a great idea. Also obviously the ability to add a push in volume for solos with delay is unique.

tele >> keeley com >>> menatone foxey brown >>>> vibratone ( vibrato ) >>>> EVH phaser >>>> delay >>>> tweed bassman

when I first heard this cool chorus effect on the delays I got a huge smile. After 20 minutes my smile decreased - at 30 minutes it was gone. This is so much like most digital delays - the delays lack depth or dimension - I don't know how to describe what's missing. The slap-back sounds like a 'repeat' and NOT like a bounce or true echo. There is a world of difference between 'repeats' and 'echo'

This is obviously solidly made. Good quality.

I play in a cover band - all the goofy dance stuff 30-60 year olds go for. I've played along time. I have honestly owned at least 10 delay /echo toys. Guyatone ( rexer ) tape, ibanez AD99, guyatone micro, guyatone tube-tape thing, akai headrush, danelectro, toadworks , maxon , others I can't remember. The DLA is a great idea but not what I wanted. It held it's value really well. It sold for same price I paid.

I don't think it's fair to push product 'B' while reviewing product 'A' on this web site so I'm not going to do it. Suffice it to say I HAVE found a product that's a simple stomp-box, and gets wonderful echo - great slap - and 700 msec delays that surround the primary notes without overwhelming them. Oh yeah, the name of the box is: ********* *****

This unit is very interesting. The layout is in the traditional Tech 21 simple style. Everything up front and easy to read. No patches (I mean it is a pedal!), but it is a set it and forget it type of unit. The manual is simple (again).

Oh my goodness!!!! What a change from the all-in-one units I have been blindly using for the past 6-7 years. There is so much to say here. Boost the signal with the delay upon stomping on the pedal is - well, new to me. SO you have your simple signal, then it's time for the solo, and BOOOOSST! Delay, solo, scream, righteous!

I used it on my old Peavey Special 130's and even the Tech 21 TM10!

Smokin'. I'm not trying to sound like David Gilmore - but I guess I could!

Are you nuts?? This is a traditional Tech 21 pedal - sturdy, strong, can't go wrong! My experience anyway. I'm not giggy type dude, but I teach college and show it to my students - and they're a rowdy bunch. Sp fa, it has stood up to the challenge.

If/ when it breaks - I'll let you know how I do.

The reason this pedal is great is because you can use it with your existing mega-powerful setup. It gives you a different sound and and is awesome in the amp's effect loop. I also had some weird fun using it in Cubase SX3 as an external delay effect. Took a little math to get it right, but it sounded so good when I got it down. Oh yeah, I had to write it down so I wouldn't forget what I did. I haven't tried it yet as an inline or insert effect in the board yet.

Lots of controls, but way easy if you are versed in using delays. The Flutter (detuned repeats) Tone (to roll of highs for that analog vibe) are the 2 that make this pedal super sweet, but the Boost is a killer feature too. Also has the usual Mix, Feedback, and Tone controls. The MIx could be a bit more subtle, you go from no delay to guite a bit to an avalache quickly. Nice case, vintage knobs, and heavy swich. This is the delay I've been waiting 20 years for!

If you want thick, vintage sounding delay (and a lot of it), this pedal is the cat's meow. Low noice level, good output, warm and full sounding. I've used Boss, Line 6, Digitech, DOD, Visual Sound, and Signal Flex delays. Everything from $49 bucks to $250 with the DL4. This is hands down my favorite delay I've had the pleasure to use. I LOVE it. I also have a Tech 21 Comptortion I like a lot. Keep up the good work!

Built well. Have had good luck with the Comptortion pedal.

Unknown.

It seems pricey unless you've been chasing a good analog delay
sound. This thing will do the rhythmic knocking repeats, or the chorusy cascade of space cadet delay. I use a Fender 72 Custom Tele into a CBS era Super Reverb with a TS808 & TS9 reissue, this pedal keeps the vibe alive and doesn't kill the tone. Now that I've found it, I've got to have it on my board. I Love it.