Boss SDE-3000D Dual Digital Delay Pedal

The BOSS SDE-3000D Dual Digital Delay is a faithful re-creation of the iconic Roland SDE-3000, compacted into a convenient floor pedal. This model features two discrete delay lines, allowing it to emulate the capabilities of two vintage SDE-3000 units, delivering performance comparable to the expansive guitar setups of the past. The Boss SDE-3000D not only captures the classic, warm sound of its predecessor but also incorporates a retro display and control layout inspired by the original. It offers adjustable delay times up to 3,000ms, modulation reminiscent of the vintage model, phase switches, and low- and high-cut filters. Additionally, it includes an assignable onboard footswitch, external footswitch jacks for extended functionality, MIDI I/O via space-saving mini TRS jacks, and 100 recallable presets. The Boss SDE-3000D’s stereo I/O enables versatile configurations, including dual mono, wet/dry, and stereo setups. For those longing for the musicality of a vintage Roland SDE-3000, the BOSS SDE-3000D delivers this experience along with modern features tailored for today’s guitar rigs.

Originally introduced in 1983, the Roland SDE-3000 is one of the most celebrated rackmount delay units from the early days of digital audio. While it found use in recording studios, it was especially popular among ’80s guitarists for its wide dynamic range, adjustable delay phase, rich modulation, and extended clear yet warm delay tones, making it a top choice for digital delay processing. The SDE-3000’s inviting sound stemmed from a perfect blend of advanced digital processing and the nonlinear behavior of analog circuitry. For the SDE-3000D pedal, BOSS meticulously analyzed the original unit, replicating its unique gain-dependent frequency response, distinctive anti-aliasing filter saturation, and evolving component modulation to ensure the most accurate sound reproduction.

The Boss SDE-3000D retains nearly all parameters of its predecessor, accessible via a retro display and controls based on the original. Like the rackmount version, it features two selectable delay ranges with varying frequency characteristics. The pedal also replicates the unique tonal color of the original unit’s external feedback loop circuit, with the option to disable this coloration for a more modern sound. It includes an internal EQ for processing the feedback loop and boasts 100 storable and recallable presets—a significant upgrade from the original’s eight—with seamless carryover when switching presets.

A standout feature of the original SDE-3000 was its modulation circuit, and the BOSS SDE-3000D pedal delivers an accurate reproduction of this beloved circuit. Users can adjust depth and rate, as well as independently switch the phase of the initial delay and the feedback loop, affecting how the modulation responds. BOSS also recreated the vintage unit’s analog LFO behavior, adding a sine wave option alongside the original triangle wave. With enhanced control over delay phase settings, the SDE-3000D offers a level of sonic flexibility unmatched by its predecessor. Guitarists are impressed with the SDE-3000D, which not only emulates the sound and performance of the original but also surpasses it in numerous ways.

While the original SDE-3000 operated in mono, guitarists of the ’80s often needed two units, along with a line mixer and complex routing, to achieve stereo or wet/dry setups. The BOSS SDE-3000D simplifies this by providing two discrete delays in one compact pedal. Each delay features independent parameters, along with mono or stereo modulation options. Users can run the delays in series or parallel, with flexible panning options. Thanks to its versatile I/O, the SDE-3000D can accommodate stereo operation, separate outputs for each delay, or a split for wet/dry configurations.

The SDE-3000D also includes onboard footswitches for quick access to memory selection, tap tempo, delay hold, momentary effect engagement, and more. It offers two control jacks for connecting up to four footswitches or expression pedals, as well as TRS MIDI I/O for seamless integration into larger touring rigs. With an extensive range of assignable targets, it provides real-time control that far surpasses the original SDE-3000’s capabilities.