Boss DD-3 Delay Question

[UnderTheFlame83]

Which Boss DD-3 Delay sounds the best?

In the late 90s I had the blue label and that was my main delay for many years. I no longer have the blue label but I am considering buying another used. A few years ago I bought the black label DD-3 and it didn't sound the same. It wasn't as lush sounding a I remembered the blue label to be. Are there any differences between the blue and pink label delay? Are they the same? I haven't tried the pink label. Which is the best in your opinion?

 

[Blille]

Here you have a detailed breakdown of all the versions

https://stinkfoot.se/archives/516


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Here you have a detailed breakdown of all the versions

https://stinkfoot.se/archives/516


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks that was an interesting read. Didn't realize they made that many different DD-3 pedals. Didnt mention anything about the pink labels, which I am assuming are basically the same as blue with long chip.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Slightly different subject, but I have the Boss Chorus Ensemble in both the older pink label and current black. The pink label sounds much, much better. So I try to always look for the pink or blue labels when in the market for Boss effects.

 

[ErikH]

The current Chorus Ensemble is SMT components and digital where the older pink label is analog. A lot of their modulation and time based effects are like that now. Overdrives are starting to be SMT but my recent OD-3 is still thru-hole components.

 

[Aceman]

Pink label? WTF....that has to be ancient.

 

[Mincer]

What does the DD3 do that other delays don't?

 

[Blille]

What does the DD3 do that other delays don't?

It’s got da toan, man.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

It’s got da toan, man.

 

[Mincer]

It’s got da toan, man.

Yeah, but other pedals do, too. I've never heard something special about specific versions of that pedal, unless it is just a collector thing.

 

[dave74]

Yeah, but other pedals do, too. I've never heard something special about specific versions of that pedal, unless it is just a collector thing.

It's just the early units with the same chip as the DD-2 that get the magic-stamp due to the darker/warmer repeats. Mine is a 2018 and sounds great enough IMO.

 

[Mincer]

It's just the early units with the same chip as the DD-2 that get the magic-stamp due to the darker/warmer repeats. Mine is a 2018 and sounds great enough IMO.

So the desirability is there because the repeats are darker? Most analog delays have darker repeats- some that you can actually EQ. Really, I am just curious. As someone who loves delay, I want to know why the DD3 is more desired than other ones.

 

[dave74]

So the desirability is there because the repeats are darker? Most analog delays have darker repeats- some that you can actually EQ. Really, I am just curious. As someone who loves delay, I want to know why the DD3 is more desired than other ones.

The DD-2 and early DD-3 (I assume only the MIJ) are considered by some to be a nice marriage of digital performance abilities and an almost analog sound.

Today there's a million digitals that mimic analog tone, so at this point maybe it is indeed more of a nostalgia thing, although until recently, or recent years at least, they were abundant used for fairly cheap so that right there was a big part of their popularity.

 

[Mincer]

The DD-2 and early DD-3 (I assume only the MIJ) are considered by some to be a nice marriage of digital performance abilities and an almost analog sound.

Today there's a million digitals that mimic analog tone, so at this point maybe it is indeed more of a nostalgia thing, although until recently, or recent years at least, they were abundant used for fairly cheap so that right there was a big part of their popularity.

That makes sense. Many delay pedals available today are either boutique analog or super al-in-one mega delays (my favorite).

 

[Blille]

I don’t think it’s better but it’s a unique tone. Just like the delay in the PS-2. I’m sure it can be replicated with some EQ but if you have that sound in your head and you can get it with that pedal, why not just get it

 

[dave74]

Pink label? WTF....that has to be ancient.

Late 80s, so not old at all compared to you Ace!

 

[Aceman]

It's just the early units with the same chip as the DD-2 that get the magic-stamp due to the darker/warmer repeats. Mine is a 2018 and sounds great enough IMO.

As if a darker warmer delay is always a good thing...

 

[jeremy]

not always, but sometimes

 

[Mincer]

not always, but sometimes

This is my thought, too. Sometimes I want it as a perfect replica, and sometimes I want a lot of modulation on the delay, too.

 

[dave74]

Yes I agree it's totally depends on the application. I wouldn't want darker or dirtier repeats when doing high gain leads, but for cleans and mild breakup stuff they can sound so glorious.
My flashback has been on the 2290 mode for awhile now. I need to play with some of the other modes but the 2290 just works so well for longer delays and high gain.