Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS DD-20 Digital Delay. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety.
Contents Main Features ................................... 1 Installing Batteries................ 3 Making the Connections ...... 4 Mono Connection.................................... 5 Stereo Connection ................................... 5 Connecting the Stereo Output and the Effects Processor...................................... 6 Connecting to SEND/RETURN ........... 6 With Guitar and Bass Amps........... 6 Connecting to an MTR or Mixer.... 7 Operation ...............................
Installing Batteries Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to enable testing. Insert the included batteries as shown in figure, being careful to orient the batteries correctly. fig.02 • When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and controls.
Making the Connections • The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type. • Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing.
Making the Connections Mono Connection fig.03 AC Adaptor PSA-series (option) Electric Guitar (Electric Bass) or or MTR Bass Amplifier Guitar Amplifier Mixer Stereo Connection fig.
Making the Connections Connecting the Stereo Output and the Effects Processor fig.05 AC Adaptor PSA-series (option) Guitar Amplifier (Bass Amplifier) Effector Electric Guitar (Electric Bass) or Mixer MTR Connecting to SEND/RETURN With Guitar and Bass Amps * Match the DD-20's level setting and the output level from the guitar or bass amp's SEND output. If there is any distortion in the sound, reduce the level on the connected device.
Making the Connections Mono Send/Stereo Return fig.06a AC Adaptor PSA-series (option) SEND RETURN R Electric Guitar (Electric Bass) RETURN L Guitar Amplifier (Bass Amplifier) Connecting to an MTR or Mixer Mono Send/Mono Return When using the DD-20 while connected to the SEND/RETURN of a mixer or multitrack recorder, follow the instructions in “Setting the Output Mode” (p.
Operation “Effect On” for the pedal setting and “MANUAL” is selected when the power is turned on. ON/OFF Pedal Operation fig.12 When at “ON” ← Lit When at “OFF” When at “WARP” or “TWIST” When at “SOS” REC or OVERDUB ← Not lit ← Blink ← Blink When at “SOS” PLAY ← Lit Each press of the ON/OFF pedal switches effects on or off. When effects are off, the sound coming in through the INPUT jack is output unchanged.
Operation Panel Operation In order to follow along with the instructions given here, you should start out by having effects switched ON (press the ON/OFF pedal and confirm that the ON/ OFF indicator has lighted), and press the SELECT button to switch MANUAL (MANUAL indicator has lighted in green). Also set the knobs as shown in the illustration. fig.17 1. Rotate the MODE knob to select an appropriate delay effect from the eleven available types. 2. Adjust the delay time by rotating the DELAY TIME knob.
Operation Storing Settings (Write Operation) Storing the “MANUAL” Sound in Memory Do not switch off the power while a write operation is in progress. * You cannot carry out the Write operation when the MODE knob is turned to “SOS.” 1. Create the sound you want using knobs. 2. Press the WRITE button. The MEMORY indicator and the indicator for the currently selected memory flash, and the DD-20 is put into write standby. fig.19a Write standby Blink 3.
Operation 4. Press the WRITE button. The write operation is completed when the indicator for the write-destination memory begin to flash more rapidly. fig.20 Blink Writing Blink rapidly Write Finished * To cancel the write operation, then before you press the WRITE button, rotate the knob or operate the MANUAL/TAP pedal. Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs. Important data should always be written down on paper, “Setting Memo” (p.
Operation Changing and Storing the “MEMORY” Sound Do not switch off the power while a write operation is in progress. 1. Press the MANUAL/TAP pedal or the SELECT button to change to the “MEMORY” sound. 2. Operate the knobs to change the sound. * To avoid sudden inadvertent changes in sound, the E.LEVEL, TONE, and F. BACK knobs are designed so that the setting does not change unless the knob is first turned as far as the stored setting value.
Operation 4. Press the SELECT button to select the memory (number) to which you want to store the sound. The indicator for the selected memory number flashes. fig.22a Blink Blink 5. Press the WRITE button. The write operation is completed when the indicator for the write-destination memory begin to flash more rapidly. fig.
Operation MEMORY/TAP Pedal Operation (Switching Memories) The Pedal mode (1–3) changes the function of the pedals. Use the most appropriate setting for your particular application. * The following operations are performed while the MEMORY indicator is lit. * The DD-20 features a “seamless switching function.” When you switch memories using this function, the reverberation from the memory prior to switching continues to sound, for more natural-sounding transitions.
Operation Pedal mode: 3 Pressing the MEMORY/TAP pedal toggles you between MANUAL and the selected memory (shown by the lit indicator). fig.11 MANUAL MEMORY You can also select among Memories 1–4 by pressing the MEMORY/TAP pedal and ON/OFF pedal simultaneously. This is convenient when you want to use your foot to rapidly switch memories to call up a desired sound. * You cannot carry out this operation when the MODE knob is turned to “SOS.” fig.
Part Names and Functions Front Panel fig.24 F.BACK (feedback) Knob DELAY TIME Knob Adjusts the feedback level (or how much the sound is repeated). * Oscillation may occur with certain input sounds, or when the knob is set at certain positions. * This knob is not functional when “SOS” is selected as the mode (p. 18). This sets the delay time for the sound. You can turn the knob without pushing it (changing the delay time in 1-msec units) or while pushing it (activating the Time Advance function). E.
Part Names and Functions Operating the DELAY TIME Knob When adjusting the delay time with the DELAY TIME knob, the setting normally changes in units of one millisecond (or ten milliseconds if the time is ten seconds or longer). However, simultaneously pressing and turning the knob causes the delay time setting to change rapidly, allowing you to quickly reach the value you want, even with higher values. This feature is called the “Time Advance function.
Part Names and Functions MODE List SOS (Sound On Sound) In this mode, you can record up to 23 seconds of material and repeatedly play back the phrases from the material. What's more, you can record new phrases and add them to the previous material (overdub) as many times as you like. → “How to Use SOS (Sound On Sound)” (p. 21) TWIST This is a new type of delay that produces an aggressive, spinning sensation. Using this with distortion creates an even wilder twist. → “How to Use TWIST” (p.
Part Names and Functions fig.25 Display DUAL Indicator (SHORT, LONG) Indicates the delay time as well as the delay (SHORT, LONG) when the DD-20 is set to DUAL mode. When the power is turned on, the backlighting comes on, then goes off again after approximately twenty seconds. This feature is intended to prevent unnecessary battery drainage. If you want to keep the backlighting on, simultaneously press the TAP button and TEMPO button; the light then stays on.
Part Names and Functions Rear Panel fig.26 INPUT Jacks (A (MONO), B) This is the input jack for connecting to the output of an electric guitar or other instrument or effects processor. For MONO use, make the connection to the A (MONO) jack. “Making the Connections” (p. 4) PHONES Jack You can connect headphones here to monitor the sound. * Turn on the power before you connect headphones. When turning off the power, first unplug the headphones, then switch off the power.
How to Use Each Mode How to Use SOS (Sound On Sound) 1. Turn the MODE knob to “SOS.” 2. Press the ON/OFF pedal to start recording. Play what is to be used as the basic phrase. The remaining memory is indicated as a percentage in the display. fig.29 Blink 3. Press the ON/OFF pedal again to stop recording. Loop playback of the recorded phrase begins at the same time you press the pedal. The loop time is indicated in the display as shown below. The TEMPO indicator also flashes. fig.30 4.
How to Use Each Mode How to Use TWIST 1. Turn the MODE knob to “TWIST.” 2. Hold down the ON/OFF pedal. The delay sound starts to oscillate, then the oscillation speeds up as its pitch increases. fig.32 Blink 3. Release the pedal. The oscillating sound begins to fade away, and the normal delay sound returns. This effect works very well with distortion sounds, and combining it with distortion results in an even wilder effect (you can adjust the volume of the oscillating sound with the E.LEVEL knob).
How to Use Each Mode How to Use TAPE You can have either one or two “playback heads” used for the tape echo effect. Setting this to “2” produces a multi-tap delay effect. 1. Turn the MODE knob to “TAPE.” 2. Hold down the ON/OFF pedal until “HEd1” or “HEd2” appears in the display. 3. You can change the number of playback heads used by continuing to hold down the ON/OFF pedal as you turn the DELAY TIME knob. HEd1: One head is used HEd2: Two heads are used fig.35 * This is set at the factory to “HEd1.
How to Use Each Mode How to Use DUAL Although DUAL mode features a short delay and long delay connected in series, you can change the delay time for the short delay. 1. Turn the MODE knob to “DUAL.” 2. Hold down the ON/OFF pedal until “SHORT” appears in the display. In this case, the short delay’s delay time is indicated. fig.36 3. You can change the delay time by continuing to hold down the ON/OFF pedal as you turn the DELAY TIME knob. * This is set at the factory to “SHORT 50msec, LONG 300 msec.
How to Use Each Mode How to Use MODULATE You can change the MODULATE modulation rate and depth settings. 1. Turn the MODE knob to “MODULATE.” 2. Hold down the ON/OFF pedal until “r” appears in the display. The rate value appears next to the “r” in the display. fig.37 3. You can change the rate value by continuing to hold down the ON/OFF pedal as you turn the DELAY TIME knob. 4. Hold down the ON/OFF pedal and turn the DELAY TIME knob to have “d” displayed.
How to Use the Tempo Function The DD-20 includes a “Tempo function,” which allows you to specify the delay time in terms of note lengths. The display is switched as shown below each time you press the TEMPO button. fig.39 (Quarter note) (Dotted 8th note) (Quarter note triplet) (8th note) (8th note triplet) Blink (Half note triplet) (Dotted quarter note) (Half note) (Dotted half note) (Whole note) * Notes for certain delay time settings may not be indicated in the display.
Indicating the BPM in the Delay Time Display You can switch the DD-20’s time delay display to show the tempo (BPM). If, for example, you already know the BPM of the song you are performing, you can get a perfectly synchronized delay effect by setting the delay time with the indicated tempo (BPM). * Specifying the note lengths with the TEMPO button also makes it easy to specify the times for dotted notes, triplets, and other kinds of notes. 1.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON You can make the following settings with the operations performed while turning on the power. fig.42 WRITE Button SELECT Button Returns settings to their factory defaults. This sets the pedal mode. “Changing the Pedal Mode Settings” (p. 29) “Returning Settings to Their Factory Defaults” (p. 34) WRITE Button + SELECT Button Set how the Memory numbers are to be indicated. “Setting the External Pedal Function” (p.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON Changing the Pedal Mode Settings Use the following to change the Pedal mode settings. * Pedal mode settings are saved even after the power is turned off. 1. Switch off the power. 2. While holding down the SELECT button, switch on the power. The MEMORY 1–3 indicator corresponding to the current Pedal mode settings flashes. The Pedal mode is indicated in the display. 3. Set the pedal mode (1-3) pressing the SELECT button. fig.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON Setting the Output Mode When using the DD-20 while connected to a guitar or bass amp, mixer, or multitrack recorder SEND/RETURN, you can set the output level (+4 dB) and method of output from the OUTPUT jacks (A: Direct Sound/B: Effect Sound) to match the device connected to the DD-20. 1. Switch off the power. 2. While holding down the ON/OFF pedal, switch on the power.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON Setting the External Pedal Function You can connect an optional foot switch (the FS-5U or FS-5L) to the CTL PEDAL jack and use the pedal for turning the effects on and off, for tap input, and for switching memories. fig.45 Polarity switch Connection cord (1/4 inch phone type) Set the polarity switch as shown in the following figure. or 1. Switch off the power. 2. While holding down the MEMORY/TAP pedal, switch on the power.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON 4. Press the WRITE button. After the MEMORY Number indicator begins flashing rapidly, the setting is stored in memory and the unit returns to its ordinary state. * To cancel the setting change and return the unit to its ordinary state, then before you press the WRITE button, operate the MEMORY/TAP or ON/OFF pedal.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON Changing How Memory Numbers Are Indicated Not only can you confirm the currently selected memory merely by checking the lit MEMORY number indicators, you can also change the pattern in which the indicators light up. Select the pattern that provides the easiest way to check the memory in any particular environment. When using the DD-20 in dimly lit surroundings, you can confirm memory numbers more easily by using the Lighting Pattern 2 setting.
Settings Made When the Power is Switched ON Returning Settings to Their Factory Defaults You can restore the following settings to their original factory values. Memory Settings Memory 1 (p. 12) SMOOTH Memory 2 (p. 12) TAPE Memory 3 (p. 12) DUAL Memory 4 (p. 12) MODULATE MANUAL Delay Time (p. 9) (when the power is switched on) MANUAL: 300 msec DUAL Short Delay Time (p. 24) S: 50 MODULATE Rate/Depth (p. 25) r: 80, d: 70 TAPE (p. 23) HEd1 Pedal Mode (p. 29) Mode 1 Output Mode (p.
Troubleshooting The power doesn’t come on. Sound is distorted. ❍ Is the guitar connected correctly to the INPUT A (MONO) jack? ❍ Are the TONE knob positioned correctly? → Check the connections again (p. 4–p. 7). * When running off batteries, the unit won’t switch on unless there’s something plugged into the INPUT jack. This helps conserve the batteries. ❍ Is the plug connected to the INPUT B jack? → When using battery power, connect the plug to the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
Troubleshooting Pressing the ON/OFF pedal does not switch on or off as intended. ❍ Is the Pedal mode set to SOS, WARP or TWIST? → The pedal functions differently according to the Pedal mode settings. For more details, refer to the description of each mode. SOS (p. 21), WARP (p. 22), TWIST (p. 22) Cannot be saved to the memories ❍ The delay time cannot be saved in SOS or MANUAL. → SOS cannot be saved to the memories.
Sample Settings SMOOTH (Memory 1) fig.36 Roland SPACE ECHO RE-201 (Memory 2) fig.36 MODE: TAPE HEd2 DUAL (Memory 3) fig.
Sample Settings MODULATE (Memory 4) fig.36 MODE: MODULATE/RATE 80, DEPTH 70 TWIST fig.36 Holding down the ON/OFF pedal produces the twist effect. REVERSE fig.
Sample Settings ROOM AMBIENCE fig.36 SLAP BACK ECHO fig.36 MODULATE DOUBLING fig.
Setting Memo ( ) ( ) ( ) fig.36 fig.36 fig.
Specifications DD-20: DIGITAL DELAY Nominal Input Level -20 dBu (GUITAR/BASS) +4 dBu (AMPLIFIER SEND/RETURN) MEMORY Number Indicator 1–4 TEMPO Indicator Nominal Output Level -20 dBu (GUITAR/BASS) +4 dBu (AMPLIFIER SEND/RETURN) Connectors INPUT A (MONO) Jack (1/4 inch phone type) INPUT B Jack (1/4 inch phone type) PHONES Jack (stereo 1/4 inch phone type) CTL PEDAL Jack (1/4 inch phone type) OUTPUT A (MONO) Jack (1/4 inch phone type) OUTPUT B Jack (1/4 inch phone type) AC Adaptor Jack Output Impedance 1 k
Index A ANALOG O ......................................... 18 B Batteries .............................................. 3 BPM ................................................. 27 ON/OFF Pedal ................................... 8 Output Mode .................................... 30 Overdub .................................... 18, 21 P Connection .......................................... 4 CTL PEDAL ...................................... 31 PAN ................................................
For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. For the USA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
G6017366 ’03-2-FA1-11N
