The BOSS DC-2 Dimension C is a compact pedal that brought the Roland SDD-320 Dimension D's distinctive spatial effect to the BOSS compact pedal format. Introduced in 1985, it carries the same four preset buttons as the SDD-320 rack processor it is based on, and BOSS created it specifically for mono sources like guitar, with a modified circuit that produces a slightly different tonal flavor from the rack unit12.
What it does
The DC-2 is not a conventional chorus with depth, rate and level knobs. Its control scheme, simply four buttons on the front plate, is borrowed from its rack ancestor, the SDD-3202. The buttons select which mode is engaged, and the numbers represent the intensity of the effect2. In other words, the player picks one of four fixed flavors of the Dimension effect rather than dialing in a setting.
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| 1 | Least dramatic setting of the Dimension effect2 |
| 2 | Intermediate intensity2 |
| 3 | Intermediate intensity2 |
| 4 | Most extreme setting of the Dimension effect2 |
Because the pedal was designed for mono sources like guitar, its modified circuit produces a slightly different tonal flavor from the stereo SDD-3201. BOSS describes the effect as spatial rather than a standard modulated chorus, which is why the Dimension name has stayed separate from BOSS's chorus line such as the Boss CE-2 and Boss CE-5 Stereo Chorus Ensemble.
History and the DC-2W reissue
The DC-2 was discontinued in 1989, and MusicRadar's Michael Astley-Brown notes that "The DC-2 has become a cult favourite in the years since it was discontinued in 1989"3.
The reissue, the Boss DC-2W Dimension C Waza Craft, is built from the original circuit designs of the DC-2 and the SDD-320 and updated with modern refinements1. MusicRadar notes that for the DC-2W, the original's parts were replaced with digital control circuitry2.
| Version | Status | Design |
|---|---|---|
| DC-2 Dimension C (1985) | Discontinued in 198931 | Original compact pedal, four preset buttons, modified circuit for mono sources12 |
| DC-2W Dimension C Waza Craft | Current BOSS offering1 | Built from the original DC-2 and SDD-320 circuit designs, digital control circuitry, electronic switches and status LEDs12 |
The DC-2W keeps the four-button preset interface, with BOSS saying the switches "provide sonic variations with increasing width and depth"1. Its other features include:
- Electronic switches and status LEDs in place of the originals' mechanical switches, for more solid performance1
- Versatile I/O for mono or stereo applications, from guitar and bass pedalboards to keyboards and studio mixing1
- Made in Japan1
- BOSS five-year warranty1
The original DC-2 has been out of production since 1989. The current way to get the Dimension C effect from BOSS is the DC-2W Waza Craft reissue.
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Questions
What is the BOSS DC-2 Dimension C?
It is a compact chorus-style pedal released by BOSS in 1985 that reproduces the spatial effect of the Roland SDD-320 Dimension D rack processor. It has four preset buttons instead of knobs, numbered from 1 for the least dramatic setting to 4 for the most extreme, and it was designed for mono sources like guitar. It was discontinued in 1989.
Is the DC-2 still made?
No. BOSS discontinued the DC-2 in 1989, and MusicRadar describes it as a cult favourite in the years since. BOSS later returned to the design with the DC-2W Dimension C in its Waza Craft series, built from the original DC-2 and SDD-320 circuit designs with modern refinements such as electronic switches and status LEDs.
How does the DC-2 differ from the SDD-320 it is based on?
The DC-2's control scheme of four buttons is borrowed from the SDD-320 rack unit, but BOSS created the pedal specifically for mono sources like guitar, with a modified circuit that produces a slightly different tonal flavor from the rack processor's stereo design.
Sources (3)
- BOSS - DC-2W | Dimension C, BOSS (boss.info)
- The FX files: BOSS DC-2 Dimension Chorus, MusicRadar, 2019-10-08
- Boss unveils Waza Craft versions of the DC-2 Dimension C and… MT-2 Metal Zone, MusicRadar, 2018-10-04
Billy Duffy
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