Boss DD-3T Digital Delay

The Boss DD-3T is a compact digital delay pedal, a modern iteration of a classic compact digital delay design in the delay pedals family. Boss released it at the same time as the DD-8, giving players two current digital delay options in the compact format¹.

What it does

The DD-3T keeps the simple layout the DD-3 line is known for: a rotary switch selects the maximum delay time, with settings of 50ms, 200ms and 800ms plus a Short Loop function⁴. Within each mode, the controls set the delay time, the number of repeats and the effect level, so the pedal covers everything from short slapback to longer repeats without menu diving.

The "T" in the name points to its tap tempo capability, which sets it apart from the earlier DD-3. Producer Bob Mackenzie described how he puts it to use: "The DD-3T is cool because you can use the tap tempo option to keep the repeats in time and tight with the project." He notes the tap tempo can also be left loose between the beats when a song calls for it⁵.

What reviewers and players say

Guitar World's buying guide called the DD-3T "The benchmark when it comes to digital delay"⁶. Guitar World's reviewer of the DD-3T and the DD-200 highlighted the rotary mode switch as the core of the pedal's operation⁴.

Guitarist Alessandro "Asso" Stefana, interviewed by Boss, called it a good upgrade he often reaches for: "The DD-3T is a good upgrade; I often use tap tempo with delays"⁷.

Where it sits in Boss's delay range

The DD-3T arrived in 2020 alongside the DD-8, which Pedal of the Day noted when covering the pair¹. Compared with the DD-8, the DD-3T leans toward the traditional compact delay format with tap tempo added; compared with larger pedals like the DD-200, it trades extra modes and features for a smaller footprint and simpler control set⁴.

Videos

Click to load

Click to load

Click to load