The Boss DD-20 GigaDelay is a powerful hybrid pedal, featuring ten different modes of delay and a “sound on sound” mode, which allows up to 23 seconds of looping. It is a stereo device, containing two quarter-inch inputs and outputs (left and right), an assignable quarter-inch input for adding an extra pedal, and a quarter inch stereo headphone jack. It is a rather easy device to use after spending a bit of time with it; however, the manual is not necessarily going to make things easier. Advice on the pedal's use is much more readily available and clear on the Internet at such user review sites as Harmony-central.com. As of the writing of this article, the pedal's street value is less than $200, a good bargain considering its competitor, the Line 6 DL4, is still selling for about $250. It does, however require its own Boss power adapter which will cost another $25, or optionally six AA batteries (which is supposed to last 11 hours, though this reviewer usually gets about 7 or 8 hours out of his).
The DD-20, like most all Boss pedals, are ruggedly built and made for road abuse. The unit comes in a solid metal casing, which is a significant advantage over the Line 6 DL4's flashy but comparatively flimsy green plastic casing. It has two typical Boss-style stomp pedals, which does put anyone who wishes to use the pedal with their hands at a disadvantage as they require some amount of force to trigger. However, Boss has provided the option for adding a third trigger, which can be any on/off switch with a quarter-inch jack, for more ease in tapping tempos. An external pedal can also be assigned as the effect on/off pedal or as a toggle between memory presets.
The user is guaranteed 23 seconds of delay in any mode, shown in a clear backlit liquid crystal display. The delay itself is accurate to the millisecond up to ten seconds, and accurate to 10ms from 10 to the full 23 seconds of memory. There are various functions available to imitate classic delay sounds from vintage gear, including analog delay, tape delay, reverse delay, and a pan delay which is quite impressive when used in stereo. Boss even includes a “tone” knob for more realistic realization of classic delay unit sounds. Also included are two algorithmic settings called “warp” and “twist.” “Warp” is essentially an infinite feedback loop, and “twist” increases the delay time while the user holds the pedal down, creating the motorcycle-revving or siren effect heard in a lot of modern dance music (A common example of this can be heard in Fatboy Slim's famous track, “The Rockefeller Skank,” after the main sample slows down).
Another attractive feature the DD-20 offers over the DL4 (and several more expensive delays) is its “seamless switching.” This means that the user can switch between modes without cutting off the previous effect. This can be frustrating, however, when using thick delays of high feedback as the settings of the previous delay cannot be altered once the user has switched. A quick crank to zero on the feedback knob will kill all sound quickly in a pinch, though. This function also allows the user to layer parts into a loop, and then stop recording while the loop continues, allowing him or her to play over top. Tempos can be entered either by the tap-tempo function (useful in live situations without click tracks) or they can be dialed in with a knob. The knob can also be depressed and turned at the same time to accelerate the speed at which it scrolls through the values. This allows for both macro and micro levels of tweaking to find just the right amount.
The unit comes with four memory user-presets which will instantly recall a mode without turning the mode knob, as well as the appropriate settings. The memory is retained even when the unit is powered down, though unfortunately actual audio cannot be retained. One function that can be confusing at first, but useful in the long run, is the selction of modes for switching between presets. The user can optionally scroll through all four user presets and a manual entry function, just one preset and manual entry, or a quick-toggle mode that will switch between the first two modes with a simultaneous push on both stomp pedals. This sounds very confusing in text, but is actually an amazingly useful feature and very easy to understand after a few minutes of experimentation.
There is a special power-up option built in that involves holding the left pedal down while plugging the unit in that will allow the user to turn off the pedal's stereo capabilities in favor of mono sound, assigning the left channel as “direct” and the right as “effects.” However, actual stereo settings such as “pan” will continue to output in stereo (as it would be impossible to distinguish in mono). This special menu also offers output level options of either -20dB or +4dB.
Overall, the DD-20 is an excellent buy for anyone looking for extensive delay options and basic looping capabilities in one economical package. It is also undoubtedly the best alternative for those turned off by reliability issues and somewhat “digital” tone of the Line 6 DL4. At less than $200, it offers more “bang-for-the-buck” than one will find anywhere else, and as like all Boss pedals is guaranteed to last for many years to come.
