Boss DD-8 User Manual

Reference Manual

Panel Descriptions

3 4

DC IN jack

Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSA series; sold separately). 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 specied AC adaptor (PSA-series).

* If the AC adaptor is connected while power is on, the power

supply is drawn from the AC adaptor.

CHECK indicator

This is a combination indicator, which indicates whether the eect is on or o, indicates the various functions, and functions as the battery check indicator.

The indicator lights when an eect is ON.

* If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights while an eect

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” (p. 21).

* The CHECK indicator shows whether the eect is on or o,

and indicates the dierent functions. It does not indicate whether the power to the device is on or not.

OUTPUT-A (MONO) jack, OUTPUT-B jack

The output jacks are used to connect the unit to an amplier or another eects unit.

* The unit’s functions dier according to how it is connected.

Refer to “Setting the Output Method” (p. 15).

INPUT-A (MONO) jack, INPUT-B jack

These jacks accept input signals (coming from a guitar, some other musical instrument, or another eects unit).

* The unit’s functions dier according to how it is connected.

Refer to “Setting the Output Method” (p. 15).

* 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 o 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 eects device.

Panel Descriptions

TEMPO/EXP jack

This jack is for connecting a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) or an expression pedal (Roland EV-5, FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30; sold separately).

This jack lets you use a footswitch to set the tempo, control the loop, or turn TWIST on/o, or use an expression pedal to control various parameters.

* For details, refer to “Setting the Tempo Using a Footswitch”

(p. 12), “Using a footswitch to control the loop function” (p. 14), “Using the TWIST Function” (p. 14), or “Control Using an Expression Pedal” (p. 19).

Pedal switch

This is used for switching the eect on and o, and for switching between the dierent functions.

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” (p. 21).

Panel Descriptions

[E.LEVEL] knob

This adjusts the volume of the eect sound. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the eect sound. When set at the three o’clock position, the eect 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 eect sound is output, with the eect sound at the same level as the input sound.

[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.

11 10 9 8

* This cannot be used in LOOP mode.

* In GLT mode, this adjusts the depth of the GLT eect.

* Oscillation may occur when the knob is set at certain

positions.

[TIME] knob

This adjusts the delay time. Turning the knob clockwise lengthens the delay time.

* This cannot be used in LOOP mode.

* The delay times that can be set vary according to the

position of the [MODE] knob.

[MODE] knob

This switches the delay eect.

[CARRYOVER] switch

This selects whether the delay sound remains (ON) or does not remain (OFF) when you turn o the eect.

Panel Descriptions

Characteristics of each mode

MODE knob Explanation Delay time

STANDARD Clear digital delay. 20–800 ms

ANALOG Mild analog delay. 20–800 ms

TAPE Sound with the modulation that is distinctive of a tape echo unit. 20–800 ms

WARM Mild digital delay. 20–800 ms

REVERSE Delay played backward. 300–5000 ms

+RV Delay with reverb. 20–800 ms

SHIM Delay with pitch-shifted sound added. 200–800 ms

MOD Digital delay with modulation. 20–800 ms

WARP Creates a dreamlike sound. 20–800 ms

GLT Creates a machine-gun-like sound. 10–400 ms

LOOP

*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. For details, refer to “Setting the Output Method” (p. 15).

Records your performance, and repeatedly plays it back.

For more information, refer to “Using the LOOP (Overdubbing) Function” (p. 13).

sec. *1

Connections

AC Adaptor (PSA series; sold separately)

Keyboard

Electric Guitar

Guitar Amplier

You can obtain a variety of dierent delay eects by changing how the connections are made.

For more information, refer to “Setting the Output Method” (p. 15).

Footswitch

(FS-6 etc.)

Expression Pedal

(Roland EV-5 etc.)

Footswitch connections

Refer to the diagrams for details on the appropriate cables to use and the setting of the polarity switch.

* When connecting a footswitch, you must turn o the power before connecting or disconnecting cables. Failure to observe this

precaution will cause malfunctions.

Connect to TEMPO/EXP jack Connect to TEMPO/EXP jack Connect to TEMPO/EXP jack Connect to TEMPO/EXP jack

Connecting one FS-5U unit

1/4” phone type 1/4” phone type

Connecting two FS-5U units

Stereo 1/4” phone type 1/4” phone type × 2

RING TIP

Connecting one FS-6 unit

Stereo 1/4” phone type Stereo 1/4” phone type

A&B

Connecting one FS-7 unit

Stereo 1/4” phone type Stereo 1/4” phone type

A&B

Connections

FS-5U POLARITY switch

FS-6 MODE/POLARITY switch FS-7 MODE/POLARITY switch

Connections

Caution when making connections

* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the units before making any

connections.

* Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

* Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some

sound when switching the unit on/o. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

* Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specied. 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 amp last

• When powering down: Turn o the power to your guitar amp rst

* 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

2 3 4 5

1. Turn on the eect.

After you have nished making the connections, press the pedal switch to turn the eect on (the CHECK indicator lights red).

* When in LOOP mode, the eect cannot be switched on or o.

* You can obtain a variety of dierent delay eects by changing

how the connections are made. For more information, refer to “Setting the Output Method” (p. 15).

2. Select the mode.

Use the [MODE] knob to select the mode to be used.

* Operation diers depending on the mode. For details, refer to

“Characteristics of each mode” (p. 5).

3. Adjust the delay time.

Adjust the delay time with the [TIME] knob.

4. Adjust the feedback level.

Use the [FEEDBACK] 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 eect sound with the [E.LEVEL] knob.

Using the Tempo Delay

MODE: STANDARD (SHIM/MOD/GLT/WARP)

Tempo input allows you to set the delay time to match the tempo of a song by repeatedly pressing the pedal switch in time with the desired tempo. You can also use this method to change the delay time to any setting you like as you perform.

Using tempo input, the delay time can be set within the range of 67–10000 ms.

This corresponds to a range of BPM=24–300.

Setting the TAP DIVISION

This species the note value corresponding to the delay time that is actually set when you press the pedal at quarter note intervals. Before using tap delay, you must rst specify this TAP DIVISION.

1. Make the connection to the INPUT-B jack and leave nothing connected to the INPUT-A (MONO) jack.

2. Hold down the pedal switch and insert the plug to INPUT-A (MONO) jack.

The unit is now in TAP DIVISION setting mode, and the CHECK indicator is lit orange.

3. Select the TAP DIVISION.

Use the [MODE] knob to select the TAP DIVISION value.

According to the value that you select, the actual delay time will be as shown in the illustration.

Timing at which you press the pedal

MODE: LOOP

MODE: ANALOG

MODE: TAPE

MODE: WARM

MODE: REVERSE

MODE: +RV

* With the factory settings, this is set to “quarter notes

(STANDARD).”

* In GLT mode, the delay time is 1/4 of the above lengths.

4. Saving the setting.

When you press the pedal switch of the unit, the CHECK indicator blinks orange at high speed, and the setting is saved.

After the setting is saved, the unit returns to the normal operating state.

* Never switch o the power while the CHECK indicator is

ashing rapidly.

* This setting is retained even while the power is turned o.

Setting the tempo using the Pedal switch

1. Select the mode.

Use the [MODE] knob to select the mode to be used.

* Tempo input cannot be used in LOOP mode.

2. Switch to TEMPO mode.

Hold down the pedal switch for at least two seconds (the CHECK indicator lights green).

* When a footswitch (the FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) is

connected to the TEMPO/EXP jack, you won’t be able to enter TEMPO mode by pressing the pedal switch.

3. Begin inputting the tempo.

Press the pedal switch at quarter-note intervals in synchronization with the tempo of the song. (If the eect is o, the CHECK indicator blinks red; if the eect is on, the CHECK indicator blinks red/green.)

The delay time is set according to the tempo and the TAP DIVISION value.

Using the Tempo Delay

For example if TAP DIVISION is set to a dotted eighth note (WARM), and you press the pedal switch at quarter-note intervals in synchronization with the tempo of the song, the tempo is calculated based on that spacing, and the delay is applied with a length of a dotted eighth note at the calculated tempo.

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 [TIME] knob resets the delay time to that

indicated by the knob’s position.

Using the Tempo Delay

Setting the Tempo Using a Footswitch

Connecting a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) to the TEMPO/EXP jack lets you set the tempo delay by inputting the tempo.

* You can input the tempo with the footswitch regardless of

whether the eect is on or o.

1. Connect the Footswitch to the TEMPO/EXP jack.

* When connecting a footswitch, you must turn o the power

before connecting or disconnecting cables. Failure to observe this precaution will cause malfunctions.

2. Select the mode.

Use the [MODE] knob to select the mode to be used.

* Inputting the tempo is not possible in LOOP mode.

3. Start inputting the tempo.

Press the footswitch at quarter-note intervals in synchronization with the tempo of the song. (If the eect is o, the CHECK indicator blinks red; if the eect is on, the CHECK indicator blinks red/green.)

Footswitch Operation

If one FS-5U unit is connected

Use the pedal to input the tempo.

Footswitch Operation

If two FS-5U units are connected If an FS-6 or FS-7 are connected

The delay time is set according to the tempo and the TAP DIVISION value.

* Tempo input using the Pedal Switch is not possible.

* Turning the [TIME] knob resets the delay time to that

indicated by the knob’s position.

* The CHECK indicator ashes red in time with the interval with

which you press the pedal.

Use the TIP pedal to input the tempo.

Use switch B to input the tempo.

Using the LOOP (Overdubbing) Function

With the LOOP 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).

1. Select LOOP.

Set the MODE knob to LOOP (the CHECK indicator goes out).

2. Begin recording.

Recording starts when you press the pedal switch (the CHECK indicator ashes red).

* The maximum recording time is 20 seconds for stereo input or

40 seconds for mono input.

* Recording continues even if you release the pedal switch.

3. Stop recording0start playback.

When in the recording state, press the pedal switch to stop recording and transition to playback (the CHECK indicator is lit green).

4. Start overdubbing.

When in the playback state, press the pedal switch to start overdubbing (the CHECK indicator is lit orange).

5. Stop overdubbing0start playback.

When in the overdubbing state, press the pedal switch to stop overdubbing and transition to playback (the CHECK indicator is lit 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 switch twice. (If there is recorded data, the CHECK indicator blinks green.)

* Press the pedal switch two times in succession, keeping the

interval between presses to one second or less.

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

Using the LOOP (Overdubbing) Function

Using a footswitch to control the loop function

If a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) is connected to the TEMPO/EXP jack, you can stop playback or erase.

* When connecting a footswitch, you must turn o the power

before connecting or disconnecting cables. Failure to observe this precaution will cause malfunctions.

Footswitch Operation

Press the pedal to stop. Long-press the pedal to delete. Press the RING pedal to delete. Press the TIP pedal to stop. Press switch A to delete. Press switch B to stop.

If one FS-5U unit is connected

If two FS-5U units are connected

If an FS-6 or FS-7 are connected

Using the TWIST Function

If a footswitch (sold separately: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) is connected to the TEMPO/EXP jack, you can use the TWIST function which creates an aggressive sense of rotation.

* When connecting a footswitch, you must turn o the power

before connecting or disconnecting cables. Failure to observe this precaution will cause malfunctions.

* Twist function cannot be used in LOOP mode.

Footswitch Operation

If two FS-5U units are connected If an FS-6 or FS-7 are connected

* If only one FS-5U unit is connected, the TWIST function

cannot be used.

Press the RING pedal to apply the TWIST eect.

Press switch A to apply the TWIST eect.

Setting the Output Method

With the DD-8, you can obtain a variety of dierent delay eects by changing how the connections are made.

Normal

This produces mono delay with A input and A output.

Guitar Amplier GuitarDD-8

Long

This produces long delay with A input and B output.

Guitar Amplier GuitarDD-8

MODE Normal delay Long delay

LOOP 40 sec. *1 40 sec. ANALOG 20–800 ms 40–1600 ms TAPE 20–800 ms 40–1600 ms WARM 20–800 ms 40–1600 ms REVERSE 300–5000 ms 600–10000 ms +RV 20–800 ms 40–1600 ms SHIM 200–800 ms 400–1600 ms MOD 20–800 ms 40–1600 ms WARP 20–800 ms 40–1600 ms GLT 10–400 ms 20–800 ms

*1: In LOOP mode, the maximum recording time is 20 seconds for

stereo input or 40 seconds for mono input.

Setting the Output Method

Direct Mute

This produces eect output with B input and A output.

Stereo

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

RETURN SEND

* The direct sound is not output from A, regardless of whether

* Be sure to lower the output level of any device being

DD-8

INPUT

Guitar Amplier Guitar

the eect is on or o.

connected.

ABA

Guitar Amplier Guitar DD-8

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

Guitar Amplier Guitar Stereo Eect Unit

* You can select any of three types of stereo delay modes.

For more information, refer to “Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay” (p. 18).

DD-8

Keyboard

(chorus, anger etc.)

Eect + Direct

This produces eect + direct output with B input and A/B output.

B B

Setting the Output Method

(Direct sound)

* A: eect, B: direct

* Switching o the eect outputs the direct sound from A.

(Eect sound)

Guitar Amplier

DD-8 Guitar

Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay

When using the DD-8 as a stereo delay, you can choose among three dierent types of stereo delay eect.

* For detailed information on how to make the connections for

stereo delay, refer to “Stereo” (p. 16).

1. Make the connection to the INPUT-A (MONO) jack and leave nothing connected to the INPUT-B jack.

2. Hold down the pedal switch 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 eect.

Use the [MODE] knob to select the mode for stereo delay.

MODE knob Eect Explanation

LOOP panning Panning delay.

ANALOG wide stereo

STANDARD

completely independent stereo

Stereo delay with a sense of wide space in the reverberant sound. Completely independent delays for A and B.

MODE knob Eect Explanation

TAPE WARM REVERSE +RV SHIM MOD GLT WARP

* With the factory settings, this is set to “Completely

independent delays for A and B”.

panning Panning delay.

4. Save the settings.

Press the pedal switch to make the CHECK indicator rapidly ash in orange and save the settings.

After the settings have been saved, the unit returns to normal operation.

* Never switch o the power while the CHECK indicator is

ashing rapidly.

* This setting is retained even while the power is turned o.

Control Using an Expression Pedal

Connecting an expression pedal (Roland EV-5, BOSS FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30; sold separately) to the TEMPO/EXP jack enables you to control the respective parameters of the [E.LEVEL], [FEEDBACK], and [TIME] knobs.

* Use only the specied 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 pedal switch 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 LOOP 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.

3. Save the parameters.

Turn the [E.LEVEL], [FEEDBACK], 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.

Press the pedal switch to make the CHECK indicator rapidly ash in orange and save the settings.

After the settings have been saved, the unit returns to normal operation.

* Never switch o the power while the CHECK indicator is

ashing rapidly.

* This setting is retained even while the power is turned o.

Use of Battery

* If operating this unit on batteries, please use alkaline batteries.

* If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and uid 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

Thumbscrew

Battery Snap Cord

Battery Snap

9 V Battery

Battery Housing

Pedal

Spring Base

Coil Spring

Guide Bush Hole

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. Insert the thumb screw into the guide bush hole and tighten it securely.

Main Specications

BOSS DD-8: Digital Delay

Nominal Input Level -20 dBu

Input Impedance 1 MΩ

Nominal Output Level -20 dBu

Output Impedance 1 kΩ

Recommended Load Impedance

Power Supply

Current Draw

Dimensions

Weight 440 g / 1 lb (including battery)

10 kΩ or greater

DC 9 V: Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)

AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)

65 mA (DC 9 V)

* Expected battery life under

continuous use (These gures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.) Alkaline: Approx. 5 hours

73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm 2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches

Owner’s Manual, Leaet (“USING THE

Accessories

Options

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

* This document explains the specications of the product

at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”), Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)

AC adaptor: PSA series

Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7

Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5

Boss DD-8 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Panel Descriptions

Connections

Operating the Unit

Using the Tempo Delay

Using the LOOP (Overdubbing) Function

Using the TWIST Function

Setting the Output Method

Setting the Mode for Stereo Delay

Control Using an Expression Pedal

Use of Battery

Changing the Battery