Delay plays a vital role in each guitarist’s gig. They can’t live without delay. A delay effect, chorus, as well as a variation of distortion, is an easy set-up to creating remarkable music.
Over the years, Boss Corporation has completely comprehended the significance of digital delay. At this point, among the digital delay pedals Boss has offered, Boss DD3 vs. DD7 is often argued. Which one stands out? Keep on reading!
The main difference between the Boss DD 3 and DD 7 digital delay effect pedals are the number of features available. The DD-3 is more basic in functionality and best for beginners looking for a relatively simple delay pedal sound while the DD-7 has many more features that work well for guitar recording and more experienced guitarists.
Contents
Boss DD-3
The DD-3 is an enhanced version of the previous DD2 model. There was a remarkable alteration in the production of electronic parts, which lead to a lower price.
So, instead of reducing the price of the previous DD2 model, the company decided to enhance its features, and the best thing about it is that it is available for a fraction of cost.
DD3 is one of the most sought-after delays at this point due to its simple and easy to use the function. Configuring is a breeze and doesn’t need lots of parameters to change in order to have a good and amazing sound.
DD3 comes with 4-knobs that provide the guitarists with control over the level of feedback, effect, delay time, and change between various modes. Delay also has a long and short mode. The 4th configuration allows guitarists to hold their last phrase indefinitely. It is also integrated with three ¾ inch jack for input, output, as well as direct output- which offers versatility in hooking up the effects with two amps providing a wet and dry set up.
Functionality
A delay offers trails of delayed audio with simplicity. This is one of the easiest digital delays available that provides what you need without the complexities of operation.
Even if, four knobs might look like hard to configure. In contrast to the single knob boosts and distortions, a delay must be organized properly to provide good electric guitar sound.
It also has an output impedance of 10 k Ohms or more and an input impedance of 1 K Ohms.
Dry and Wet
This guitar effect is able to hoop up to 2-amps. It has the direct output and wet output. The wet output conveys the signal that has amp effects with excellent sound quality, while the direct output conveys a dry or clean signal repeats to other amps.
This is a state of the art configuration which will bring audio to a higher level. This is a valuable feature for those who want a stereo output. This provides a thick audio with only one guitar.
Modes
The DD3 is extremely simple and has four modes to select from, compared to the previous DD2. You can choose from a short mode that offers 12.5ms up to 50 ms delay time. This is an extremely short lead guitar delay and gives a thicker output without delay.
The second mode provides 50ms to 200ms delay time. This considerably boosts the fullness of the audio or sound.
The 3rd mode offers 200ms to 800ms delay time, which is also considered a long mode. With this, you can hear a trailing delay from the first attack.
The last one allows you to hold the last note repeats. This mode can be used to make vibrators or trills.
On the other hand, this might be valuable in live performance. It will be hard and unreasonable to change to hold mode if you’re playing live.
Quality of Sound
Delays are intended to make trails with sound layers. The device does not alter the quality or the tone of the signal. On the other hand, it does make many layers of repeated audio on top of each other. It produces an echoing effect the signal which fades away. The delay time is .8 seconds, and the best thing about it is that it does not suck up the tone while it is switched off.
Benefits of Boss DD3
- Pedal only cost less than DD7
- The company ensure it is easy to use most especially for first-timers
- It comes with a stereo output option
- Comes with buffered bypass switch
- Good battery life.
Disadvantages of Boss DD3
- Doesn’t come with a tap tempo option
- Less delay length opposed to Boss DD7
Boss DD-7 Review
The DD7 is the 5th single stomp model from the range of digital delay offered by Boss. It is launched a few years ago and was selling like a cupcake. It comes with features found in DD3 and many others. The modes are improved, which is ideal for a newbie.
It also comes with 4-knobs to control the feedback level, effects, delay time and pick between 8 different modes. This also equipped with much functionality. This unit has been improved, like integrated with five ¾ jacks for two outputs, two inputs, and one input for a tap tempo interface.
It also has a load impedance of 10 ohms, output impedance of 10 k Ohms or more and an input impedance of 1 K Ohms.
Functionality
This pedal has the whole thing which the previous model has with better functions, including reverse delay modes. Here are some additional features integrated into Boss DD3.
Extended Delay Time
Boss improved this model by integrating a 3200ms mode that provides 6.4 seconds of delay. Even if the length of the delay is relatively remarkable, a 6.4-second delay has a little use in live performances.
Integrated with Tap Tempo
The company includes a built-in tap tempo that can be set off by holding the stomp for two seconds to improve the functionality of DD7. This feature allows you to manage the delay tempo as easily as possible. This will enable you to alter the delay time without tweaking the settings manually. This feature is useful in live situations.
External Footswitch
In live performance, a two-second set off switch is very handy. However, sometimes, in a live performance, a zero second activation would be remarkable. The company includes this effect with a tap tempo device that can be connected directly to DD7. The improvement in modulation mode is one of the remarkable features of DD7.
Apart from an extensive array of echo, it has modulation mode, which offers a chorus-like effect. To those who can’t afford an expensive pedal, this might be the best choice. However, those settling on a volume can utilize an expression medal that offers drastic ambient audio or music.
Loop
This feature was also improved and now becomes more functional. DD7 hold mode can be set off through the footswitch that has two consecutive stomps. It works as a forty-second looper, which is a good way of producing thicker audio using fewer string instruments.
Advantages of Boss DD-7
- This has the whole thing which the DD7 has
- Modulation mode is integrated to provide a chorus-like effect with the trail
- The external footswitch is also included
- Hold mode works as a forty-second loop
- Integrated with tap tempo
Other Boss Delay Pedals
- Boss DD8
- Boss DD3T
- Boss DD6
Conclusion
Boss Corporation makes its Boss delay pedals keeping in mind the needs of the users of these Boss digital delay pedals and their differences. The company has been in the business for many years and continues to give guitarists a remarkable effect and sounds. With regard to digital delay guitar pedals, the company has become quite an authority. They come up with wide selections of digital delays that cater to the different needs of the users.
With regards to Boss DD3 or DD7 delay, no doubt, the DD7 stands out. It has the whole thing which DD3 has. It is equipped with more superb features similar to hold mode, forty-second loop, modulated delay as well as external footswitch incorporation.
No doubt, the DD7 offers much value. On the other hand, those who can’t afford it is advisable to purchase the DD3’s. I would recommend also looking into analog delay guitar pedal options too.
Here are some more under $200 delays as well.