Review of BOSS DD-5 Delay Guitar Effect Pedal

BOSS's DD-5 Digital Delay effect is able to give you all of the echoing effects you would need to recreate the sounds of the past, such as U2 and arena rock solos, and it also packs a few tricks for adding modern twists to your music. This is a fantastic pedal that accomplishes just about any echoing or reverse sound effect you might need.

First and foremost, the DD-5 is a darn good delay pedal. It consists of four knobs which control its function and sound: Echo Level, Feedback, Delay Time, and Mode. Level controls the volume of the echo in relation to the original tone. Feedback controls how many times the echo is heard. D. Time controls the time between each echo resonation (this can also be controlled via Tap function which will be discussed in a moment). Finally the Mode knob is a selector which allows the user to choose from 11 different types of sounds.

Modes

Modes 1 through 4 will provide basic delay effects that we all know and love. The range of delay within these first four modes go from 1ms all the way up to 2000ms of delay (these modes are not subject to control via Tap: See explanation of modes 8 through 11 below).

Simply turn the Mode knob to the preferred delay setting and then fine tune the effect using the other three knobs to achieve the perfect sound you are after. With these four basic modes and the Level, Feedback, and Time knobs there is no limit to the permutations of sound that can be achieved.

Mode 5 is a Hold mode and will be useful to those working on lead licks or for single guitarists to be able to pull off solos with back up music. In Hold mode the pedal will "record" up to 2 seconds of playing and then play it back repeatedly. To do so you simply turn the selector to Mode 5. Then press and hold the pedal when you wish recording to begin and release the pedal when the performance is completed. To stop playback simply press the pedal again.

Mode 6 is a Reverse effect mode that reminds one of reverse playback, but in real time!

Mode 7, the Effect/Direct mode, makes use of the pedal's dual outputs. When the pedal is run with stereo outputs (i.e. one output to one amp, the other output to second amp). When used in this mode, the direct unaffected sound will come through the panning output and the affected (delayed) sound will come through the Output (Mono) output.

Using Tap Tempo Modes

Modes 8 through 11 are reserved specifically for use with a tempo setting footswitch (such as the BOSS FS-5U). While they can be selected and used without a tempo tap footswitch (their delay times are 300ms, 225ms, 150ms, and 200ms respectively) this mode really becomes useful when a tap switch is used.

Plug your tap footswitch into the Tempo jack. Now select the mode you would like. Press the tap footswitch to the tempo of the song being played. The effect automatically conforms to the tempo you tapped. The timing of the delay (quarter note, dotted-note, etc. is determined by the mode: see pic).

Final Word

This pedal can be powered by an AC adapter or 9-volt battery (located under the pedal mechanism).

All in all the BOSS DD-5 is able to provide all of the delay functionality that the average player would need. This pedal is not for those who are looking for extensive sampling. BOSS makes other products that accomplish that but the DD-5 was meant for echoing, delay, and reverse sound effects of all types for all types of genres. I would highly recommend picking up one of these fine pedals. If my DD-5 were ever lost or stolen I would replace it immediately. It is perfect for solos, shoegazer riffs, and throwback U2 style guitar playing.

Good luck!