The Boss DC-2 Dimension C is a compact analog chorus pedal that Boss introduced in 1985 and discontinued in 198912. It was born by adapting the rack-based Roland SDD-320 Dimension D studio processor into a compact pedal for guitars and other mono instruments3. What sets it apart from a normal chorus is how little it modulates: Boss describes the Dimension effect as producing minimal modulation, creating a three-dimensional character while preserving the instrument's natural tone3.
Where most chorus pedals of its era were obvious and upfront, MusicRadar called the DC-2 "a versatile and subtle box of magic tricks that brought something radically different to the table"4. Original units are now rare and collectible, and TONEHOME notes that finding one will probably cost big money5.
Four buttons and no knobs
The DC-2's front panel is about as simple as a pedal gets. TONEHOME describes it as "no knobs to turn and fiddle around, just four presets to chose from, each performing great"5. Each button selects a fixed preset, and the pedal's character comes from which combination you choose rather than from tweaking rate or depth controls.
On That Pedal Show, the hosts found there may be more to it than the four visible buttons. While examining a Roland-branded DC-2, they discovered what they described as a hidden extra setting:
"I mentioned see obviously four knobs that's it but apparently there's a hidden knob if you just lightly press one"
How the Dimension effect works
The circuit is what makes the DC-2 sound different from a standard chorus. On That Pedal Show, Dan Steinhardt explained the topology: the pedal splits the signal multiple times into delay lines or phase lines, four of them, each modulating individually and fed back into each other, so what you hear is the interrelationship of the phases rather than a straightforward pitch wobble6.
That also explains why stereo matters here. A standard stereo chorus runs wet and dry across the two outputs, but the Dimension design sends different combinations of those delay and phase lines to the left and right channels, which is what creates the sense of depth6. TONEHOME notes the stereo outputs give an even wider sense of the 3D effect5. On That Pedal Show the hosts went further, saying you effectively have to run it in stereo to get the effect at all7.
One practical point for players: the hosts found the effect more subtle at instrument level than at line level, since the rack unit the circuit came from was designed for line-level signals6.
From the SDD-320 Dimension D
Boss's own account is direct: "the DC-2 was born by adapting the rack-based Roland SDD-320 Dimension D into a compact pedal for guitars and other mono instruments"3. The SDD-320 was a studio rack processor, and MusicRadar notes it now fetches breathtaking prices online4. Premier Guitar calls the SDD-320 the legendary rack effect the DC-2 was based on8.
The pedal ran only about four years. That Pedal Show notes it was introduced in 1985 and "only ran four years apparently," and Boss has not reissued the original circuit in standard form since6. GuitarPlayer points to climbing prices for original DC-2s made between 1985 and 1989 as part of the background to the later Waza Craft version9.
The DC-2 and the DC-2W
In 2018 Boss answered the original's rarity with the DC-2W Dimension C, part of its Waza Craft lineup of premium compact pedals8. MusicRadar notes the DC-2 had become a cult favorite since its 1989 discontinuation, and the DC-2W continues that legacy with the same four-button preset interface while adding LED status indicators and more reliable electronic switching2.
| DC-2 (original) | DC-2W (Waza Craft) | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1985 to 19895 | Announced 20188 |
| Controls | Four fixed presets5 | Four mode buttons plus an S/SDD-320 switch10 |
| Modes | Dimension presets only | Second mode emulates the SDD-320 rack processor11 |
| Outputs | Stereo5 | 2x input, 2x output10 |
| Bypass | Not stated | Buffered10 |
| Power | 65 mA current draw6 | 9V power supply only10 |
Reported launch pricing for the DC-2W differs between outlets: MusicPlayers.com gave $229.99 US street pricing12, while Guitar World reported $33913.
Guitar World's chorus buying guide names the DC-2W its best stereo chorus pick, citing stereo ins and outs that give a wider spread and thicker tone, while also flagging that it doesn't do conventional chorus and offers no parameter control10. On That Pedal Show, Mick called the DC-2W's sound "absolutely killer," while fielding a viewer question about unity gain, noting that any modulation pedal with phase relationships can seem to drop in volume and suggesting a boost pedal or pre and post gain as fixes14.
Where it sits among Boss chorus pedals
Videos
Pepe Music
The Bass Channel
Jason Wozniak
Questions
Is the Boss DC-2 a chorus pedal?
Yes, it is an analog chorus pedal, but an unusual one. Instead of the strong, obvious modulation of a typical chorus, the Dimension effect produces minimal modulation, adding depth and spaciousness while preserving the instrument's natural tone. MusicRadar described it as subtle where most chorus pedals were in-your-face, bringing something radically different to the table.
Does the Boss DC-2 have any knobs?
No. The DC-2 has four fixed preset buttons and no knobs at all. On That Pedal Show, the hosts also found what they described as a hidden extra setting reached by lightly pressing one of the buttons, but the pedal's whole design is built around presets rather than adjustable controls.
Was the Boss DC-2 based on the Roland SDD-320?
Yes. Boss says the DC-2 was born by adapting the rack-based Roland SDD-320 Dimension D studio processor into a compact pedal for guitars and other mono instruments. The SDD-320 itself has become a collector's item, with MusicRadar noting it now fetches breathtaking prices online.
When was the Boss DC-2 made?
Boss introduced the DC-2 in 1985 and discontinued it in 1989, a production run of only about four years. Original units are now rare and collectible, and TONEHOME notes that if you track one down it will probably go for big money.
What is the difference between the DC-2 and DC-2W?
The DC-2W is a modern Waza Craft reissue that keeps the four-button preset interface but adds LED status indicators, more reliable electronic switching, and a second mode that emulates the SDD-320 Dimension D rack processor. It runs on a 9V power supply only, with buffered bypass and stereo inputs and outputs.
Does the DC-2 work in stereo?
Yes, it has stereo outputs, and stereo is really the point. On That Pedal Show, the hosts explained that the Dimension effect sends different combinations of its delay and phase lines to the left and right outputs, unlike a standard stereo chorus, so you need to hear it in stereo to get the full sense of depth.
Sources (14)
- BOSS - DC-2W | Dimension C, BOSS (boss.info)
- Boss unveils Waza Craft versions of the DC-2 Dimension C and… MT-2 Metal Zone, MusicRadar, 2018-10-04
- BOSS - PX-1 | Plugout FX, BOSS (www.boss.info)
- The FX files: BOSS DC-2 Dimension Chorus, MusicRadar, 2019-10-08
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME
- Boss Dimension Effects: SDD-320 Rack, DC-2 & DC-2W, That Pedal Show (YouTube), 2018-11-23
- Roland Dimension D&C, RE-201 & RE-20 Space Echo… And Matt Schofield! From TGU18, That Pedal Show (YouTube), 2018-05-25
- Boss Launches DC-2W and MT-2W Pedals: A Closer Look, Premier Guitar, 2018-10-04
- Pioneering Chorus: How the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Amp and Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble Pedal Set Industry Standards, GuitarPlayer (Future), 2023-02-07
- Best chorus pedals 2026: My pick of choices for your 'board at every price point, Guitar World, 2022-06-09
- Best Boss pedals: improve your tone with these Boss pedals, Guitar World, 2023-01-10
- BOSS Announces DC-2W Dimension C and MT-2W Metal Zone Pedals, MusicPlayers.com, 2018-10-05
- Boss Unveils Waza Craft Versions of Popular Metal Zone and Dimension C Pedals, Guitar World, 2018-10-04
- Mick's Vlog: New Pedalboard Q&A Plus Maxon OD9 & Tru-Fi Colordriver Additions, That Pedal Show (YouTube), 2018-11-06
