BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Reference Manual

Panel Descriptions

The BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay features several controls and jacks for its operation:

• 1. DC IN jack: Accepts a PSA series AC adaptor (sold separately) for power. Using an AC adaptor allows continuous play without battery concerns. The unit draws power from the AC adaptor when connected.
• 2. CHECK indicator: A multi-function indicator that shows if the effect is ON/OFF, indicates various functions, and serves as a battery check. It lights up when an effect is ON. If it dims or goes out during operation, the battery needs replacement.
• 3. OUTPUT-A (MONO) jack, OUTPUT-B jack: These are the output jacks for connecting to an amplifier or another effects unit. Functions differ based on connection type.
• 4. INPUT-A (MONO) jack, INPUT-B jack: These jacks accept input signals from a guitar or other musical instruments. They also function as power switches; the unit turns ON when a cable is plugged in and OFF when unplugged.
• 5. TEMPO/EXP jack: For connecting a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) or an expression pedal (Roland EV-5, FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30) for tempo control, loop control, or parameter adjustment.
• 6. Pedal switch: Used to turn the effect ON/OFF and switch between functions.
• 7. Thumbscrew: Loosening this screw allows the pedal to open for battery replacement.
• 8. [E.LEVEL] knob: Adjusts the volume of the effect sound. Turning clockwise increases the volume. In REVERSE mode, setting this to MAX outputs only the effect sound at the same level as the input sound.
• 9. [FEEDBACK] knob: Adjusts the feedback level, controlling the number of delay repetitions. It cannot be used in LOOP mode. In GLT mode, it adjusts the GLT effect depth. Oscillation may occur at certain settings.
• 10. [TIME] knob: Adjusts the delay time. Turning clockwise lengthens the delay time. It cannot be used in LOOP mode. Delay times vary based on the [MODE] knob setting.
• 11. [MODE] knob: Switches the delay effect type.
• 12. [CARRYOVER] switch: Selects whether the delay sound remains (ON) or is cut off (OFF) when the effect is turned off.

Characteristics of each mode

*1: In LOOP mode, the maximum recording time is 20 seconds for stereo input or 40 seconds for mono input.

* If you specify the long delay output setting, the delay time is doubled.

Connections

Various connections can be made to achieve different delay effects:

• AC Adaptor (PSA series; sold separately): Connect to the DC IN jack.
• Guitar Amplifier: Connect to OUTPUT-A (and optionally OUTPUT-B) for sound output.
• Electric Guitar: Connect to INPUT-A (MONO) (and optionally INPUT-B) for signal input.
• Footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6 etc.): Connect to the TEMPO/EXP jack for tempo control, loop control, or TWIST function.
• Expression Pedal (Roland EV-5 etc.): Connect to the TEMPO/EXP jack for parameter control.

Footswitch Connections

Appropriate cables and polarity switch settings are crucial for footswitch connections:

• Connect to TEMPO/EXP jack:
• Connecting one FS-5U unit: Uses a 1/4" phone type cable.
• Connecting two FS-5U units: Uses stereo 1/4" phone type cable to two 1/4" phone type cables (RING and TIP).
• Connecting one FS-6 unit: Uses stereo 1/4" phone type cable to stereo 1/4" phone type cable (A&B).
• Connecting one FS-7 unit: Uses stereo 1/4" phone type cable to stereo 1/4" phone type cable (A&B).

Refer to diagrams for FS-5U POLARITY switch, FS-6 MODE/POLARITY switch, and FS-7 MODE/POLARITY switch settings.

Caution when making connections

• Always turn down the volume and turn off all units before making connections to prevent malfunction.
• Do not use connection cables with a built-in resistor.
• Turn the volume down before turning the unit on/off. Some sound may be heard, which is normal.
• Turn on devices in the specified order: guitar amp last when powering up, and guitar amp first when powering down.
• When operating on battery power, the indicator dims when power is low; replace the battery promptly.

Operating the Unit

1. Turn on the effect: Press the pedal switch. The CHECK indicator lights red. (Effect cannot be switched ON/OFF in LOOP mode.)
2. Select the mode: Use the [MODE] knob. Refer to "Characteristics of each mode" (p. 5) for details.
3. Adjust the delay time: Use the [TIME] knob.
4. Adjust the feedback level: Use the [FEEDBACK] knob. Oscillation may occur with certain input sounds or knob positions.
5. Adjust the volume: Use the [E.LEVEL] knob.

Using the Tempo Delay

Set the delay time to match a song's tempo by repeatedly pressing the pedal switch.

Tempo input range: 67–10000 ms (24–300 BPM).

Setting the TAP DIVISION

Specifies the note value for the delay time when the pedal is pressed at quarter-note intervals. This must be set before using tap delay.

1. Connect to INPUT-B and leave INPUT-A unconnected.
2. Hold the pedal switch and plug into INPUT-A (MONO). The unit enters TAP DIVISION setting mode (CHECK indicator is orange).
3. Select the TAP DIVISION using the [MODE] knob.
4. Save the setting by pressing the pedal switch. The CHECK indicator blinks orange rapidly, and the setting is saved.

Timing at which you press the pedal: Visual representations show how different TAP DIVISION settings (LOOP, ANALOG, STANDARD, TAPE, WARM, REVERSE, +RV) affect the delay time relative to the pedal press timing.

* In GLT mode, delay times are 1/4 of the lengths shown.

Setting the tempo using the Pedal switch

1. Select the mode: Use the [MODE] knob (not possible in WARP/GLT/LOOP modes).
2. Switch to TEMPO mode: Hold the pedal switch for at least two seconds (CHECK indicator lights green).
3. Begin inputting the tempo: Press the pedal switch at quarter-note intervals in sync with the song's tempo (CHECK indicator blinks red/green).
4. Finish inputting the tempo: Hold the pedal switch for at least two seconds to complete (CHECK indicator lights red).

* Turning the [TIME] knob resets the delay time to the knob's position.

Setting the Tempo Using a Footswitch

Connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) to the TEMPO/EXP jack to set tempo delay.

* Tempo input using the Pedal Switch is not possible.

Using the LOOP (Overdubbing) Function

Record up to 40 seconds of performance and play it back repeatedly. Layer sounds by overdubbing.

1. Select LOOP: Set the [MODE] knob to LOOP (CHECK indicator goes out).
2. Begin recording: Press the pedal switch (CHECK indicator flashes red). Max recording time: 20 sec stereo / 40 sec mono.
3. Stop recording → start playback: Press the pedal switch (CHECK indicator is green).
4. Start overdubbing: Press the pedal switch (CHECK indicator is orange).
5. Stop overdubbing → start playback: Press the pedal switch (CHECK indicator is green).
6. Adjust the volume: Use the [E.LEVEL] knob.
7. Finish playback: Press the pedal switch twice. (CHECK indicator blinks green if recorded data exists.) Press within one second of each other.

Hold the pedal switch for two seconds or longer to delete recorded content.

Using a footswitch to control the loop function

Connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) to the TEMPO/EXP jack to stop playback or erase.

Using the TWIST Function

Connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) to the TEMPO/EXP jack to create an aggressive sense of rotation. Twist function cannot be used in LOOP mode.

* If only one FS-5U unit is connected, the TWIST function cannot be used.

Setting the Output Method

Change connections to obtain different delay effects:

Normal

Produces mono delay with A input and A output.

Delay Time Table:

*1: In LOOP mode, the maximum recording time is 20 seconds for stereo input or 40 seconds for mono input.

Long

Produces long delay with A input and B output.

Direct Mute

Produces effect output with B input and A output. The direct sound is not output from A.

Stereo

• With A input and A/B output, provides mono-in stereo-out delay.
• With A/B input and A/B output, provides stereo-in stereo-out delay.

Refer to "Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay" (p. 18) for details.

Effect + Direct

Produces effect + direct output with B input and A/B output. Switching off the effect outputs the direct sound from A.

Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay

Choose from three types of stereo delay effects:

• Connection: Make the connection to the INPUT-A (MONO) jack and leave INPUT-B unconnected.
• Enter Setting Mode: Hold the pedal switch and plug into the INPUT-B jack (CHECK indicator lights orange).
• Select stereo delay effect: Use the [MODE] knob.

* Factory setting is "STANDARD."

Save the settings: Press the pedal switch (CHECK indicator flashes orange rapidly). Settings are retained after power off.

Control Using an Expression Pedal

Connect an expression pedal (Roland EV-5, BOSS FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30) to the TEMPO/EXP jack to control [E.LEVEL], [FEEDBACK], and [TIME] knobs.

* Use only specified expression pedals to avoid malfunction.

Making the Settings for Expression Pedal Functions

1. Hold pedal switch and connect expression pedal: Function-setting mode is enabled (CHECK indicator lights orange). Setting mode cannot be entered in LOOP mode. Set minimum volume to "MIN."
2. Make the settings for the parameters: Turn [E.LEVEL], [FEEDBACK], and [D.TIME] knobs to set maximum control ranges. Parameters not intended for control should be set to "MIN."
3. Save the parameters: Press the pedal switch (CHECK indicator flashes orange rapidly). Settings are retained after power off.

Use of Battery

• Use alkaline batteries.
• Handle batteries properly to avoid explosion and fluid leakage. Refer to safety information provided separately.
• When operating on battery power, the indicator dims as power gets low; replace the battery as soon as possible.
• Install or replace batteries before connecting other devices to prevent malfunction and damage.

Changing the Battery

1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward.
2. Remove the old battery and disconnect the snap cord.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery and place it in the battery housing, observing polarity.
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base and close the pedal.
5. Insert the thumb screw into the guide bush hole and tighten securely.

Main Specifications

Options: AC adaptor: PSA series, Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7, Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

* This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.