Boss DD-8 Digital Delay

Boss DD-8 Review

Tested on Behringer Crave and Ovation acoustic.

Pros: Good delay with clear definition, the added effects of Shim, Reverse and with added reverb are great fun

Cons: Battery life is short (5 hours according to the docs supplied) and once there is a lead plugged in to the input then the power is on even if the switch is off. Remove all leads when not in use or use a power supply I wasted two batteries before I coped on to this.

I got this mainly for use hardware synths in my home studio and this definitely adds sparkle to the sound especially when using either the Shim, Reverse or added reverb settings. The pedal also has 4 delay settings while similar also lift the sound produced by the synths.

While I didn't spend much time with the loop function it seems easy enough to use and seems to reproduce the sound OK.

I found it hard to see what the Mod, Warp and GLT settings did to the sound but that could be just me.

I had a quick tryout with it on the guitar and it works well.

The Boss DD-8 Digital Delay is the latest iteration in the revered DD series, known for its innovation and quality. As the most advanced of the lineup, the DD-8 pushes the boundaries with its impressive features and versatility, making it a must-have tool for any guitarist’s pedalboard.

A standout feature of the DD-8 is its wide range of delay types, which include pristine digital delays, warm analog echoes, tape-style delay, and more exotic options like shimmer, modulate, and reverse. This extensive variety allows for immense creative flexibility, enabling musicians to craft sounds that range from classic rhythmic echoes to atmospheric, ambient landscapes.

One of the most exciting additions to the DD-8 is the "Glide" delay mode, which smoothly transitions between different delay times, creating a unique pitch shift effect that can add a dynamic element to any performance. Additionally, the pedal includes a 40-second looper with unlimited overdubs, a valuable feature for live performers and those who enjoy layering sounds to create rich musical textures.

The DD-8 is also user-friendly, featuring a clear layout with intuitive controls that make it easy to dial in the perfect sound quickly. The pedal's memory function allows you to save and recall one preset, adding to its live performance versatility. The stereo input and output significantly enhance the pedal’s functionality, offering expansive soundscapes and the ability to connect to various setups.

Boss’s commitment to durability is evident in the DD-8's robust construction, designed to withstand the demands of frequent gigging. The compact design means it won’t take up much space on crowded pedalboards, yet it packs enough power to be the centerpiece of any setup.

In conclusion, the Boss DD-8 Digital Delay is an exceptional pedal that sets a new standard for delay effects. Whether you're a guitarist looking for traditional echo effects or an experimental musician crafting ambient soundscapes, the DD-8 offers the performance, reliability, and quality that Boss is known for.

It's not by accident or hype that this pedal is so popular. All its modes can be used in a very musical way (tape, reverse and shimmer are my favourites), it sounds really good and, as it is widely accepted, like all Boss pedals its built to last a lifetime. You can't go wrong with this one.

Perhaps only negative comment, the lack of easy/fast tap tempo feature. Of course, one can use the switch but having to wait a couple of seconds for the feature to be activated (and then having to press down again to deactivate) might be too slow/inconvenient for some. Getting an external pedal for tap tempo not only will cost some extra money but will also take space on a board. Nonetheless, a truly great pedal.