Boss SDE-3, the vintage Roland SDE-3000 rack dual delay in a new guitar pedal

September 9, 2024 Synth Anatomy Effects, Hardware, News 0

Boss SDE-3 is a new stereo dual delay pedal based on the popular vintage Roland SDE-3000 rack delay effect unit.

In 2023, Boss, Roland’s sub-brand for pedals, released the SDE-3000 dual delay. A pedal that was also recently in a massive sale at Thomann. The SDE-3000 is an emulation of the popular Roland SDE-3000 digital dual delay.

With the new SDE-3, Boss has unveiled a smaller, more version. Yes, with new features but also the same iconic sound.

Boss SDE-3

The SDE-3 is a new stereo dual delay pedal based on the legendary Roland SDE-3000 rackmount delay. Like the big brother, the SDE-3000D, it faithfully reproduces the character of this vintage delay unit from 1983 but in a more streamlined compact format.

In terms of sound, Boss promises that the SDE-3 offers the “original sound” of the SDE-3000.

It features two independent delays operating in mono, stereo (discrete stereo), or panning modes. The latter moves the delays around in the stereo field. In mono mode, they can have a maximum delay time of 1600 ms, while the stereo gives you 800 ms.

You can tweak the level, feedback, and time on the control side. Alongside this, it also offers the original distinctive modulation with independent rate and depth controls. Plus, a hi-cut knob for shaping the high-frequency amount.

There is also a variable offset feature for creating unique sounds with a secondary delay line. A new feature is the ability to trigger the hold function via the expression pedal input. Through this, you can create lush soundscapes.

Connectivity

The new Boss SDE-3 offers two mono 6.3mm inputs and outputs for mono and stereo operation. Between the two inputs, you can also find a socket for an expression input or two additional footswitches. A TRS MIDI input allows you to sync it to external devices, making it great for electronic instruments like synths.