BOSS DD-7 - Digital Delay Pedal Manual

Main Features

• Achieves long delay times of up to 6.4 seconds. (*1) What's more, up to 40 seconds of loop play—or "sound on sound"—is possible in HOLD mode.
• Multiple delay modes include "MODULATE, " which adds a chorus effect to the delay sound, and "ANALOG, " which models the classic BOSS DM-2 analog delay pedal.
• Features two new stereo modes in addition to 2-in/2-out true stereo connections.
• Provides stereo effects like "Panning" and "Effect + Direct. "
• Parameters can be controlled using an optional expression pedal (Roland EV-5).
• The delay time can be set in realtime by pressing an optional footswitch (FS-5U) or the built-in pedal to input the tempo.

(*1) The delay time that can be set varies according to the mode.

Panel Descriptions

1. DC IN jack
   Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSAseries; optional). By using an AC Adaptor, you can play without being concerned about how much battery power you have left.
   • If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).
   • Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-series).
   • If the AC adaptor is connected while power is on, the power supply is drawn from the AC adaptor.
2. CHECK indicator
   This is a combination indicator, which indicates whether the effect is on or off, indicates the various functions, and functions as the battery check indicator.
   The indicator lights when an effect is ON.
   • If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights while an effect is ON, or when the functions are indicated, the battery is near exhaustion and should be replaced immediately. For instructions on changing the batteries, refer to "Changing the Battery".
   • The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is on or off, and indicates the different functions. It does not indicate whether the power to the device is on or not.
3. OUTPUT-A (MONO) jack OUTPUT-B jack
   The output jacks are used to connect the unit to an amplifier or another effects unit.
   • The unit's functions differ according to how it is connected.
     Refer to "Setting the Output Method".
4. INPUT-A (MONO) jack INPUT-B jack
   These jacks accept input signals (coming from a guitar, some other musical instrument, or another effects unit).
   • The unit's functions differ according to how it is connected. Refer to "Setting the Output Method".
   • The INPUT-A (MONO) and INPUT-B jacks double as power switches. Power to the unit is turned on when you plug into the INPUT-A (MONO) or INPUT-B jack; the power is turned off when the cable is unplugged. Be sure to disconnect any cord plugged into the INPUT-A (MONO) or INPUT-B jack when not using this effects device.
5. TEMPO/EXP jack
   This jack is for connecting an optional external footswitch (FS-5U) or an optional expression pedal (Roland EV-5).
   You can make tempo settings using a footswitch or manipulate various parameters using an expression pedal.
   • Refer to "Setting the Tempo Using an External Footswitch", "Control Using an Expression Pedal".
6. Pedal switch
   This is used for switching the effect on and off, and for switching between the different functions.
7. Thumbscrew
   When this screw is loosened, the pedal will open, allowing you to change the battery.
   • For instructions on changing the battery, refer to "Changing the Battery".

8. E.LEVEL (Effect Level) knob
   This adjusts the volume of the effect sound. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the effect sound. When set at the three o'clock position, the effect is played at the same volume as the direct sound.

   • When the E.LEVEL knob is set to MAX while in REVERSE mode, only the effect sound is output, with the effect sound at the same level as the input sound.

9. F.BACK (Feedback) knob
   This adjusts the feedback level. The number of times the delay sound is repeated increases as the knob is turned to the right.

   • This cannot be used in HOLD mode.

   • Oscillation may occur when the knob is set at certain positions.

10. D.TIME (Delay Time) knob
    This adjusts the delay time. Turning the knob clockwise lengthens the delay time.
    • * This cannot be used in HOLD mode.
    • * The delay times that can be set vary according to the position of the MODE knob.
11. MODE knob
    This switches the delay effect.

    Ordinary Delay
    MODE Knob	Delay Time
    3200 ms	800–3200 ms
    800 ms	200–800 ms
    200 ms	50–200 ms
    50 ms	1–50 ms

    • The delay time is doubled when the DD-7 is connected for long delay output. For more information, refer to "Long".

      Specialized Delays
      MODE Knob	Delay Time
      HOLD	40 sec. *1
      MODULATE	20–800 ms
      ANALOG	20–800 ms
      REVERSE	300–3200 ms

      *1 In HOLD mode, the maximum recording time is 20 seconds for stereo input or 40 seconds for monaural input.

    • The delay time is doubled when the DD-7 is connected for long delay output. For more information, refer to "Long".

HOLD:
This records up to 40 seconds of a performance (when using monaural input), then plays it back repeatedly.

• For details, refer to "Using the HOLD (Overdubbing) Function".

MODULATE:
This produces a pleasant chorus effect by adding a small amount of undulations to the effect sound.

ANALOG:
The sound changes progressively with each repetition of the repeat sound. This tone is modeled on the BOSS "DM-2" Compact Delay.

REVERSE:
This delay produces an effect like playing back a tape in reverse.
You can adjust the E.LEVEL knob setting to get two different kinds of effect, "Effect Sound + Direct Sound" and "Effect Sound Only." Turning the E.LEVEL knob completely to the right switches this to "Effect Sound Only."

• When running the unit on battery power, inserting a plug into the INPUT-A (MONO) or INPUT-B jack will automatically switch the unit on.
• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
• This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.
• 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.
• To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.
• Some connection cables contain resistors. When connection cables with resistors are used, the sound level may be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.
• We recommend that you keep batteries installed in the unit even though you'll be powering it with the AC adaptor. That way, you'll be able to continue a performance even if the cord of the AC adaptor gets accidentally disconnected from the unit.
• Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
  • When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amplast
  • When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar ampfirst
• When operating on battery power only, the unit's indicator will become dim when battery power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

Operating the Unit

1. Turn on the effect
   After you have finished making the connections, press the pedal switch to turn the effect on (the CHECK indicator lights red).
   • The DD-7 features a "seamless switching function" whereby the delay sound decays gradually, even after the effects are switched off.
   • When in HOLD mode, the effect cannot be switched on or off.
   • You can obtain a variety of different delay effects by changing how the connections are made. For more information, refer to "Setting the Output Method".

2. Select the mode
   Use the MODE knob to select the mode to be used.
   • Operations vary according to the mode. Refer to each operation.
3. Adjust the delay time
   Adjust the delay time with the D.TIME knob.
4. Adjust the feedback level
   Use the F.BACK knob to adjust 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.
5. Adjust the volume
   Adjust the volume level of the effect sound with the E.LEVEL knob.

Using the Tempo Delay

4. Finish inputting the tempo
   Hold down the pedal switch for at least two seconds to complete the setting (the CHECK indicator lights red).
   • The tempo may become confused momentarily when you go from Step 3 to Step 4
   • Turning the D.TIME knob resets the delay time to that indicated by the knob's position.

Setting the Tempo Using an External Footswitch

Connecting an optional footswitch (FS-5U) to the TEMPO/EXP jack lets you set the tempo delay by inputting the tempo.

• You can input the tempo with the external pedal regardless of whether the effect is on or off.

1. Connect the FS-5U to the TEMPO/EXP jack
   • Use a connecting cord with a 1/4" phone plug.
   • On the FS-5U, move the polarity switch toward the jack.
     
   • The FS-5L cannot be used.

Using the HOLD (Overdubbing) Function

With the HOLD function, you can record up to 40 seconds of your performance, and then have that content played back repeatedly. You can also layer this as you perform something else, then record these together (overdub).
You can keep the recorded content playing continuously as backing and produce other special effects.

1. Select HOLD
   Set the MODE knob to HOLD (the CHECK indicator goes out).
2. Begin recording
   Recording starts when you press the builtin pedal switch (the CHECK indicator flashes red).
   • The maximum recording time is 20 seconds for stereo input or 40 seconds for monaural input.
   • Recording continues even if you release the built-in pedal switch.
3. When recording is finished, playback starts
   Press the built-in pedal switch a second time to stop recording. Playback of what you recorded begins simultaneously (the CHECK indicator flashes green).
4. Overdubbing
   Press the pedal switch during playback to start overdubbing (The CHECK indicator flashes orange).
5. When overdubbing is finished, playback starts
   Pressing the built-in pedal switch during overdubbing stops overdubbing, and playback resumes (the CHECK indicator flashes green).
6. Adjust the volume
   Use the E.LEVEL knob to adjust the volume of the playback sound.
7. Finish playback
   To stop playback, press the pedal twice.
   • Press the pedal two times in succession, keeping the interval between presses to one second or less.
   • If a footswitch (FS-5U; optional) is connected to the TEMPO/ EXP jack, you can stop playback by pressing the FS-5U.

Setting the Output Method

With the DD-7, you can obtain a variety of different delay effects by changing how the connections are made.

Panning
This produces panning delay with A input and A/B output.

• The panning feature is not available in HOLD mode.

Effect + Direct
This produces effect + direct output with B input and A/B output.

• A: effect, B: direct
• Switching off the effect outputs the direct sound from A.

*1 In HOLD mode, the maximum recording time is 20 seconds for stereo input or 40 seconds for monaural input.

Stereo
This produces stereo delay with A/B input and A/B output.

• You can select any of three types of stereo delay modes. For more information, refer to "Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay".

Effect
This produces effect output with B input and A output.

• The direct sound is not output from A, regardless of whether the effect is on or off.
• Be sure to lower the output level of any device being connected.

Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay

When using the DD-7 as a stereo delay, you can choose among three different operation modes. Each mode provides a different type of stereo delay effect.

• For detailed information on how to make the connections for stereo delay, refer to "Stereo".

1. Make the connection to the INPUT-A (MONO) jack and leave nothing connected to the INPUT-B jack
2. Hold down the built-in pedal and insert the plug to INPUT-B jack
   The setting mode for stereo delay is enabled, and the CHECK indicator lights in orange.
3. Select the stereo delay effect
   Use the MODE knob to select the mode for stereo delay.

   3200ms:	This is a completely independent delay for A and B.
   800ms:	This is panning delay.
   200ms:	This is a stereo delay that imparts spatial broadness to reverberant sound.

4. Save the settings
   Press the built-in pedal switch to make the CHECK indicator rapidly flash in orange and save the settings. After the settings have been saved, the unit returns to normal operation.
   • Never switch off the power while the CHECK indicator is flashing rapidly.
   • This setting is retained even while the power is turned off.

Control Using an Expression Pedal

Connecting an expression pedal (Roland EV-5; optional) to the TEMPO/EXP jack enables you to control the respective parameters of the E.LEVEL, F.BACK, and D.TIME knobs.

• Use only the specified expression pedal. By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

Making the Settings for Expression Pedal Functions

1. Hold down the built-in pedal and connect the expression pedal
   The function-setting mode for the expression pedal is enabled and the CHECK indicator lights in orange.
   • The setting mode cannot be entered while HOLD MODE is selected.
   • When connecting an expression pedal to the TEMPO/EXP jack, set the minimum volume for the connected expression pedal to the "MIN" position.
2. Make the settings for the parameters
   Turn the E.LEVEL, F.BACK, and D.TIME knobs to set the maximum values of the ranges you want to control. If you don't want to control a particular parameter with the expression pedal, set its value to the "MIN" position.
   • You can set only the maximum value of a parameter range controlled using the expression pedal. Setting the minimum value is not possible.
3. Save the parameters
   Press the built-in pedal switch to make the CHECK indicator rapidly flash in orange and save the settings.
   After the settings have been saved, the unit returns to normal operation.

• Never switch off the power while the CHECK indicator is flashing rapidly.
• This setting is retained even while the power is turned off.

Attaching the Included Sticker

This device comes with a "mode sticker" and an "application sticker." Apply these to the DD-7 as shown in the figure.

Use of Battery

• A battery was installed in the unit before it left the factory. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since its primary purpose was to enable testing.
• If operating this unit on batteries, please use alkaline batteries.
• If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (supplied on a separate sheet).
• When operating on battery power only, the unit's indicator will become dim when battery power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.

Changing the Battery

• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit's power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use a battery, please use the alkaline type.
  

1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward.
   • The pedal can be opened without detaching the thumbscrew completely.
2. Remove the old battery from the battery housing, and remove the snap cord connected to it.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery, and place the battery inside the battery housing.
   • Be sure to carefully observe the battery's polarity (+ versus -).
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, and then close the pedal.
   • Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the pedal, coil spring, and battery housing.
5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole and fasten it securely.

Setting Samples

Solo Play
This sound is perfect for playing guitar solos.

Modulate
Turning the E.LEVEL knob clockwise produces a progressively deeper chorus effect.

Hard Riff Sound
This provides a delay sound that works well when playing riffs with a hard distortion sound.

Analog
This produces gradual changes in the reverberant sound. When the D.TIME knob is set near the center position, what is produced is equivalent to the maximum delay time obtained with the BOSS DM-2.

Reverse Playback Delay
This delay gives an effect somewhat similar to reverse playback. It's a sound that's just a little out of the ordinary.

Doubling
This provides an effect similar to the sound of two guitars layered together

Room Ambience Sound
This delay simulates the sound that would be picked up by an ambience mic located on a stand within the room.

Trick Sound
Employs repetitions of delayed sound to create an oscillating sound. Unique effects can be obtained by adjusting the D.TIME knob.

• Care should be taken, since this effect tends to increase the volume.
  

Main Specifications

BOSS DD-7: Digital Delay

• 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.