Introduction

The BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay is a powerful and versatile effects pedal that provides musicians with a wide range of delay options to enhance their sound. This pedal is perfect for guitarists, bassists, and keyboardists who want to add depth, dimension, and texture to their playing. With a suggested retail price of $149.99, the DD-3 is an affordable option for musicians of all skill levels. Although the exact launch date of the DD-3 is unclear, it has been a staple in the BOSS lineup for many years and is still widely available today.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.

Main Specifications

BOSS DD-3: Digital Delay

0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

Main Features BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay

• The DD-3 allows wider range of delay time (12.5 ms to 800 ms) and frequency response (40 Hz to 7 kHz, -3/+1 dB) than conventional analog system one.
• The Pedal Switch has double duty of Effect ON/OFF and Hold ON/OFF. Hold Effect is made attainable by its digital system.
• 2 Output system allows to select Mono or Separate out.

Description

The BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay pedal offers a variety of delay modes, including analog, tape, and reverse. It features a maximum delay time of 800ms, which is more than enough for most musical applications. The pedal also has a built-in modulation effect that can be used to create chorus, flanger, and vibrato sounds. The DD-3 has a simple and intuitive interface, with three knobs that control the delay time, feedback, and effect level. It is built with high-quality components and is designed to withstand the rigors of touring and live performance.

Precautions When Connecting

• To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.
• Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
  • When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp last. 
  • When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.
• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Operating the Unit

DELAY (ECHO) EFFECT

1. After connecting all the cords required, set all the knobs on the panel as illustrated.

   

2. When the CHECK Indicator  lights up by pressing the  Pedal Switch down. Delay  Effect is ON, and if goes out,  Delay Effect is OFF. 

   

   This indicator serves as Battery Check  Indicator as well. The battery should  be replaced with a new one when the indicator lights only dimly or fails to light up.

3. Select the range of delay  time with the MODE knob,  and then adjust the Delay  Time by rotating the D.TIME  knob.

   

   • High-frequency input signal can cause  beat notes, making Delay sound   muddy. Slight counterclockwise rotation of D. TIME will decrease beats.

4. Adjust the repetition time by  setting the Feedback knob to  a proper position.

   

   • If this knob is set too high, oscillation  may occur.

5. Adjust the output level of delay sound.

   

   • Turning the knob to MAX makes the  level of delay sound equivalent to the  direct sound. 
   • When this knob is set to MIN in stereo  mode, the delay sound is not output  through the OUTPUT jack.

HOLD EFFECT

1. After connecting all the cords required, set the all knobs on  the panel as illustrated.

   

   • Feedback Effect does not works with Hold effect ON.

2. When the Check Indicator lights up by pressing the Pedal Switch down, Hold is  ON. If it goes out by releasing the Pedal Switch, Hold is OFF  (Normal).

   

   • When you press the Pedal Switch down  after playing some phrases, the last sound played will take on the Hold effect.
   • The Pedal Switch works as long as the pedal is held down.

3. The delay time knob adjust  the Hold Time (200 ms to  800 ms). When you rotate  this knob while the hold  sound is heard, its pitch  changes; rotating it clockwise  lowers the pitch and  counterclockwise raises it.

   

Use of Battery

• A battery was installed in the unit before it left the factory. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since its primary purpose was to enable testing.
• If operating this unit on battery, please use alkaline battery.
• If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet).
• When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when battery power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.

Setup Guide

To set up the BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay pedal, follow these steps:

1. Plug your instrument into the input jack of the pedal.
2. Connect the output jack of the pedal to your amplifier or other effects pedals.
3. Turn on the pedal using the power switch.
4. Adjust the delay time, feedback, and effect level knobs to your desired settings.
5. Experiment with different delay modes to find the sound you like best.

Changing the Battery

1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward. The pedal can be opened without detaching the thumbscrew completely.
2. Remove the old 9 V Battery battery from the  battery housing, and remove the snap cord connected to it.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery, and place the battery inside the battery housing.
   • Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+ versus -).
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, and then close the pedal.
   • Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the pedal, coil spring, and battery housing.
5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay guide bush hole and fasten it securely.

Troubleshooting of BOSS DD3 Digital Delay 

If you are having trouble with your BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay pedal, try the following solutions:

1. Check the battery: The DD-3 is powered by a 9-volt battery, which can be accessed by removing the back panel of the pedal. Make sure the battery is installed correctly and is not dead.
2. Check the cables: Make sure all cables are securely connected and not damaged.
3. Check the settings: Make sure the delay time, feedback, and effect level knobs are not turned all the way down or up.
4. Check for interference: If you are using other effects pedals, make sure they are not causing interference with the DD-3. Try disconnecting other pedals one at a time to see if the problem persists.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price
• Wide range of delay options
• Simple and intuitive interface
• High-quality construction

Cons

• Maximum delay time of 800ms may not be enough for some applications
• Modulation effect can be overwhelming for some users

Customer Reviews

Customers who have purchased the BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay pedal have praised its versatility, ease of use, and high-quality sound. However, some have criticized its maximum delay time and modulation effect. Overall, the DD-3 is a highly regarded effects pedal that is well-suited for a wide range of musical applications.

Most Common Complaints

The most common complaints about the BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay pedal are its maximum delay time and modulation effect. Some users have also reported issues with the pedal's battery life, although this is not a widespread problem.