The BOSS DD-20 Giga Delay provides a delay time of up to 23 seconds and more user memory than any other delay pedal out there right now. The delay time can be quickly set using the push-button knob or by using tap tempo and there is a choice of 11 different modes including sound-on-sound recording, classic tape delay, analog delay and reverse delay.
A couple of the pedal’s nifty traits are its “Time Advance” and “Seamless Switching” features. “Time Advance” allows the user to quickly switch between fine and coarse delay settings. When the Delay Time knob is rotated, the time changes in increments of milliseconds. If the knob is pressed while being turned, the time scrolls in larger increments. The “intelligent knob” doesn’t require you to continue to rotate it. Instead, it senses the initial direction and accelerates the scrolling function at the rate of about a second of delay per second of real time. When you get close to the setting you want, just stop pressing down the knob and then fine-tune the delay in milliseconds.
“Seamless Switching” allows the user to switch from one delay mode to another without suddenly losing the audio of the first mode. This mode also allows you to create a loop/delay pattern, then step on the “Off” pedal to keep the loop/delay going at the feedback level you’ve set it at while you play whatever you want over it without adding to the loop/delay (ala Phil Keaggy).
If you are in the market for a delay pedal, the DD-20 is worth checking out. It lists for $299 but can easily be found in the $180 price range.
-CCM Magazine