Ever since Boss rocked the industry with the first digital delay pedal back in 1983 (the DD-2), they have made a project out of iteratively improving digital delay one numbered compact pedal at a time. The Boss DD-7 Digital Delay is current sum of that knowledge, adding features that previous models did not include while keeping the same familiar enclosure.

Breaking It Down

The DD-7 has four delay time starting points - 50, 200, 800, and 3200 ms - each with the ability to extend that window the the delay time knob. It also has a Hold mode in which you can record up to 40 seconds of music and have it repeat indefinitely, like a looper. Beyond this, the DD-7 also offers up three other delay modes (two of them new): a modulated, chorus-like delay, a reverse setting and an emulation of the analog DM-2 Delay pedal. Leading out of the pedal, you can use it as a stereo splitter and connect an expression pedal to control delay time or a tap tempo footswitch. This incredible versatility from a basic Boss pedal makes it a powerful tool for the gigging musician.

Isn't the DD-3 still in production? How is this different?

The DD-3 is indeed still in production, and in fact, it's really just a rebadged DD-2, which stretches its origins all the way back to '83. The DD-3 does not have stereo outputs or quite as much delay time as the DD-7, though it does still have the Hold function, which allows infinite repeats. The DD-3 also does not include a modulated mode or analog mode like the DD-7. If you want just enough digital delay and don't use a stereo setup, the DD-3 might be a better pick.

A Boss Digital Delay Primer

Because there have been quite a few, let's take a look at Boss digital delay pedals past and present:

• DD-2: The first compact digital delay on the market in 1983. Re-branded as the DD-3 in 1986.
• DD-3: See above. This pedal is a staple on many pedalboards and still in production.
• DD-4: Boss skipped this one as the number 4 is considered unlucky in Japan. If someone tries to sell you one, beware. It doesn't exist.
• DD-5: Discontinued. Four delay ranges maxing out at 2000 ms.
• DD-6: Discontinued. Four delay ranges maxing out at 2600 ms, plus Reverse and Warp modes.
• DD-7: Four delay ranges maxing out at 3200 ms, with Reverse, Modulated and Analog modes.