Boss Dimension Effects: SDD-320 Rack, DC-2 & DC-2W - That Pedal Show
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- čas přidán 17. 07. 2024
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Life too short for long CZcams videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
In this episode we delve into the world of Boss’s much-loved Dimension series of effects. The Dimension D rack unit was released in 1979 and quickly became a staple of studio recording for its lush, thickening modulation effect. As it happens - Mick here - I’ve been listening to it on a lot of records I really love for decades, never knowing what it was…
Then one day in Germany earlier this year, we had the opportunity to try this original Dimension D, alongside the later DC-2 pedal format. It connected a lot of dots, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Dan too! And of course, Boss was gearing up for the launch of the DC-2W, which at the time of publishing is still pretty new.
PLEASE NOTE: Throughout this video, the rack unit is being hit with instrument level, the same as the pedals. As a result the effect is somewhat less than you'd get with line level, so it seems more subtle. Please take those comparisons with a pinch of salt.
It has raised the need to do a video on line and instrument level in the future - our apologies for the confusion. We thought about taking the video down, but that seems a bit extreme.
This episode compares them all and hopefully asks the relevant questions you might have. Enjoy!
Pedals used in this episode
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• D’Addario Pedal Tuner
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2tIN4lD
USA: bit.ly/3s4r8Cx
Australia: bit.ly/2tfHqHN
• Wampler Pantheon
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2POI0eU
USA: bit.ly/3DW0hea
Australia: bit.ly/2zwyfFn
• Z Vex Box Of Rock
Australia: bit.ly/2JbC5JS
• Boss CE-2W Chorus
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2fkq9tv
USA: bit.ly/3DXO7S6
Australia: bit.ly/2iqp2rs
• Free The Tone Tri-Avatar Multi-Dimensional Chorus
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2eKxYoF
www.freethetone.com
• Boss DC-2 Dimension C
No longer made
• Boss DC-2W Dimension C
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2QITxIG
USA: bit.ly/3oSZ3MJ
• Boss SDD-320 Dimension D
No longer made
• Dunlop EP-103 Echoplex
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2cQsuNc
USA: bit.ly/3GJdZ65
• TheGigRig G2
www.thegigrig.com/g2
Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Purple intro playing: 00:00
- What are we doing today? 0:55
- Rewind to Thomann, earlier this year… 2:05
- Dimension D&C. Eh? 2:54
- Today’s amps: 4:15
- Dimension and regular chorus comparison. And Slash?: 5:55 (8:00)
- The plane tangent: 6:50
- Chorus and Dimension explanation: 9:08
- Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Dimension D? 12:05
- DC-2 and DC-2W sound comparison: 15:34
- DC-2 - two settings at once? 17:45
- …and the DC-2W? 19:30
- Where are Red and Blue? 22:27
- Z Vex Box Of Rock and Dan’s Gretsch: 24:22 (25:46)
- Is the bypass / true bypass / buffer making a difference? 27:25
- Stereo? 28:25
- More on buffers and thoughts of Bryan Adams: 29:30
- …DC-2W: 29:58
- …DC-2: 31:19
- What about line level and the rack unit? 36:30
- …and with drive: 38:28
- Dan has schwang: 40:23
- Is Dimension similar to doubling, like the TC Mimiq? 44:20
- And what about Mick’s Free The Tone Tri-Avatar? 46:00
Guitars in this episode:
• Macmull S-Classic: www.macmull-guitars.com/s-cla...
• PRS Silver Sky: www.prsguitars.com/electrics/...\
UK & Europe: bit.ly/35ru5yy
USA: imp.i114863.net/VXLY6
• Gretsch G6118T Players Edition Anniversary - watch Dan’s video at • That Pedal Show - Our ...
Amps in this episode
• Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 1 x 12 combo - No longer made, link to latest version
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2KBwMWc
USA: imp.i114863.net/kd7M0
• Supro Black Magick 1 x 12 combo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2KKm3Yi
USA: imp.i114863.net/e7OE1
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UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/ - Hudba
“Did you know that a plane is off course 95% of the time it’s flying?” Sounds a bit like That Pedal Show. You’ll never catch me complaining though! Love it!
TeeHee
The dimension C and D are both based on analog bbd delay (like analog choruses of course), and in 1985 it was all analog. I think they could have just copied the circuit for the waza, and the space savings with SMD would be more than enough to add whatever it needs for the SSD-320 mode. But nothing stops them from using a digital chip for the clock like in recent BBD analog delays like the Rubberneck and the Memory Boy.
Other cool facts: the main difference between the D and the C are the use of lower voltage BBDs in the pedals, which mostly means less headroom. The dimension C managed to cram all the original circuit using a single-side through hole board, which is cool in its own regard, and the switches change rate and depth, even if we don't hear the rate because it cancels out.
Thanks to aion for their fantastic pedal pages
Just wanted to say a big thanks to you guys, picked up my first electric after years of playing bass and watching your videos has been such a big help in regards to amps and pedals and tones!
I don't really know how but you have perfected a formula that makes talking about how pedals work more interesting than listening to how pedals sound. I want Dan to come to my house and tell me how all my pedals work in great detail.
Dan could come to my house and read off the ingredients on my shampoo bottle, and it would still be interesting.
I'm a keyboard player and I've just tuned in to this channel recently ... really loving it. Who knew? Brilliant stuff you two :)
Speaking as a Canadian, I find the level of influence Adams appears to have had over in the UK quite fascinating. It's undeniable that he had a massive footprint in the 80s. Keith's playing certainly deserves credit here, as does Jim Vallance. Adams' work to a sharp turn downward when that partnership dissolved imo. Still, the songs consistently seem to work their way into stuff here and over on Anderton's channel (their go-to being "It's Only Love"). Perhaps I'm jaded. I can turn on one of at least 3 radio stations here and guarantee I'll hear him once a day minimum. Don't take any of this as an indictment. It isn't. Just a very interesting (to me anyway lol) observation.
Time for a new pedal I think: "The D&M Tangent". The pedal will be a random effect sequence generator with the more 'tangent' you dial in the more often the effect will change. It will always finish on the effect it started on however.
Scott Collier
Yes! 😂
I made a similar comment, but a little different. Your's is much better.
LOL BRILLIANT!!
Or rename the new Vlog Tanned gents digressions.
Ha ha, Perfect, maybe Dan can add it as a custom module to G2 - random loop sequence "tangent" mode :)
And while we're at it: The D&M Horn Pedal. It transforms your guitar in the TPS namedrop horn! Some sort of auto wah filter, I guess.
Yet again, TPS manages to reduce my bank balance! Great show as always - the tangents are what makes TPS so great
Dc2w ......I am so pumped to receive mine after this.
That’s a sweet sounding strat Mick! Could be a contender!
Mick, I understand you have one on your board and are still loving it. I’ve just got mine and absolutely love it. I’ve always wanted that purple rain sound. Astounding pedal. Never loved chorus too much but this is exactly what I thought a chorus should be.
Man, I have the DC-2W and it is delightful. It sounds good with virtually any pedal I've stacked it with. Throwing some tremolo and delay makes it even more juicy. I never liked chorus, but like I've heard recently, this is the pedal for non-chorus lovers. Ha! So true!
Are you running it last or before Trem and reverb?
On the Bryan Adams thing...
Keith Scott what a guitar player. Incredibly underrated.
I've always been a song parts guy and the influential players for me were guys like Mike Campbell from Tom Petty, Elliott Easton from The Cars and Keith Scott. Every single thing those guys play is memorable and takes the song somewhere.
Mike Campbell had a nice chorused edgy sound on Tom Petty's 'Breakdown', especially a live version from 1985 (there's a video of it somewhere. A fan throws their stocking to Tom and he wraps it around his neck).
So glad you guys did a show on these!
Here's some fresh research: Dimension effect was meant to give a wide chorus feel without the warble. Phase flipping in the half of the split signals is what gives it depth or breadth, but it's the TRAPEZOID waveform of the LFO that gets rid of the warble.
Also, as nice as it is on guitar, this effect is like washing out your ears when used on keyboards. Everything just sounds grand (in the SDD mode).
Boss did a great job on this pedal - it's been my favourite since I first saw an original and wanted one ever since. Wouldn't sell it.
Great That Pedal Show! I really wanted to see a Dimension C comparison since I just got a Boss DC-2W (which I love) and you guys did it. Awesome. Thanks!
I have 2 original DC-2s (and DC-3s). Got the DC-2W in late December (2018) and absolutely LOVE it! Great unit.
did you try fromel seraph de luxe?
I think it’s a great lesson from Mick on being honest with your ear instead of convincing yourself that since you did something (regret with bigger frets) that you now must convince yourself it was the right decision.
Awesome video! Thanks guys ❤
bought a 'regular' boss chorus in 88, took it back the next day after realizing my OCD had me twiddling the knobs constantly. Took it back & got the DC-2 instead. Been on my board ever since
This comment may have just made my decision for me. 😄 As my dad has said, “I resemble that remark.”
Fantastic show again guys.
Purple Rain is so linked to "Chorus" that in the manual for Presonus Hybrid AR mixers the description for the Chorus effect mode is simply "Because Purple Rain"
This channel has SO grown on me. Great stuff guys.
You had me at that first chord, Mick
The highlight and wow moment for me on this episode was when you jumped back and forth the Free The Tone pedal and the Dimension C Waza. Talk about colors!! Dimension Cw sounded wetter but then going back to the Free The Tone glorious clean sounds... aghhh G.A.S. striking for both pedals..
I'm a big fan of Boss Chorus pedals, thanks for the video !
Yeeeeeeeeeeah, the Gretsch is back!
impedance mismatched signal on the SDD-320, hence the lower output and a more subtle effect. If you are using it a line level it's a much more obvious effect and closer to the Dimension C
I don't if I can justify the price point for a pedal that is such a specialized sound, one I don't think I would utilize a ton, but man that DC-2 Waza is unreal. What an incredible sound.
Hell yea, rep that Pantheon! Friggin love that pedal.
Great show, some tasty playing!
Wonder how many people have bought gigrig switchers and been gutted when their pedals didn't light up when they turned the loops on 😂
Hahahaha
As an aircraft engineer, I can tell you that you're right Mick, it's a wing, not 2 wings...
But just for general knowledge, the skin of the Aircraft is a 1mm thick sheet of aluminum ;)
Ohhh... that started so well. Thank you! :0)
NOW I have a justification for NEVER getting into an aircraft.
* except the 787 right? Carbon Fibre not alloy skin.
Ah man - I've got a Dimension D in my rack and it is AWESOME! I absolutely love blending it in underneath a full mix...creates so much width on tracks! :-)
P.S. Think of a plane as the fuselage resting on the wings rather than the wings being stuck to the fuselage :P The magnetic heading compensates for the wind speed & direction...so you'll fly into the wind with a slight crab angle in order to follow a straight track relative to the ground :-)
That SDD-320 is much more subtle than the ones I have heard in the past. My clear favourite here is the DC-2w. Clearly an improvement from the old one.
This is great, thank you. I ordered a DC-2W a couple of days ago and this really explained what I’m looking for...actually, I play amped up acoustic guitar in a band and am currently experimenting with overdriven guitar into chorus type effects, something like John Martin achieved in Solid Air. Anyway, a great video, with intelligent commentary; thank you.
Remember 2-3 years ago when everyone hated chorus pedals? Pepperidge Farms remembers.
Another brilliant episode.
Speaking of the TC Mimiq pedal......It truly shines in stereo setup.........and specifically when you want to really 'fill' out that background when you are trying to emulate a record sound. I love playing with it.
Awesome Show Mates!!!!
I've A/B'd them and love both. I really like the darkness of the original and the brightness of the new one I guess that means i need both haha.
Flesh for Fantasy was a killer use of this effect! HUGE!
Very late to the party on this one but I’ve owned the ce2w, and the neunaber trichorus, along with my roland jazz chorus. I finally bought the dimension waza and it’s genuinely my favorite modulation pedal ever. Subtle sounds is my stuff and this nails it and plays well with gain too. I’m selling my neunaber very soon, this does it for me
Niiiice! SUch a cool sound. :0)
Are you running dc2w into gain? I can’t run gain into dc2w because it clips
Love my Waza Dimension C. I hit it with the Double Rock. Sounds mega.
Quite by chance I engaged the Dimension setting on DD500, which I realise is only a digital simulation, it sounded great and helped me better understand what the fuss is about, in the room and at your fingertips is quite different from what comes through on youtube (even on reasonable speakers), thank you as ever, Matt.
That purple rain at the start is just lovely.
I really like the subtly of the Dimension D over the C. It may have been a line level thing but I liked just a little bit of it. It sounded so natural. I love effects but I love a little of modulation, it seemed to hit that sweet spot.
The Dimension D was more complicated than the Dimension C. I worked for them for 25 years but still found it hard to get the schematics for both. I made a Dimension C on breadboard so I could evolve it into a custom form factor. The chips used are hard to obtain now. I have some if anyone's interested! Both use interesting and complicated circuits and they are so very analogue that no two Dimension D's or C's would sound alike. If you need reproducibility stick with digital.
This is the sound in my head when I think chorus. All the others I’ve had sound too warbly
edit - aaaand I’ve ordered one. I think that’s a record for clicking through your affiliate link. Usually takes a few days to talk myself into these things :D
Same here. Ryan Adams last two records sound like it's littered with the Dimension C and that's exactly what i want my "chorus" to sound like.
In case anyone was wondering... the clean part of Paradise City was recorded on album using a Roland JC-120. Contrary to Dan saying that the chorus effect was added after. I would assume they dialed in the chorus right on the amp.
Dimension D is a beast, you press the button and it sounds amazing, what not to like about that? Most Chorus effects out there sounds cringey at most settings, until you turn it completely off, we have all been there haha. No wonder this unit its so popular and is used in so many studios.
I wish someone would montage every time Dan has difficulty explaining complicated pedal physics on camera. It's one of my favorite TPS tics.
That Pedal Show:
compare going on tangents to a plane slowly approaching the runway
-> actually go on a tangent talking about planes struggling to land.
that is absolutely marvelous!
and, as always, bloody good episode! love from Switzerland
26.38 - Perfect for some 'Spirit of The Radio' riffing.
Love this episode guys ALL YOU NEED IS FUZZ!
The waza stuff has been awsome(i have the dm 2w) defiantly want to try the dc 2
very helpful guys thanks , Chorus is my thing . I was curious about these .
Dimension D is my secret weapon on my Wet-Dry rig, I use it insert in my console on the 2 mics coming from the Wet amp panned left and right. Usually just using the 1 position and it give a large effect.
Perhaps my earphones have just failed me, but it sounded like you were clipping a bit through your interface on this episode. Amazing comparison and discussion on this episode! Thank you guys, best channel out there! Love the new views & Q’s too!
It was a bit crunchy in the high end. No clipping, just crunchy drive with plenty of sizzle.
That explains it! Thanks guys! Keep up the “Guitar-God’s” good work! See you next episode!
You really hear a flange(or a phaser?) like effect with the drive on, and that is the one thing you don't really hear with Line 6's M5(9or13) version of the dimension C/D. The dimension C is my always on pedal. I just love what it does.
I'm also going to chime in on the TC 3rd Dimension - I picked one up for under $40 (not sure how that compares to the 29€ others cited, but probably close) and while I have no idea what's "under the hood" it sounds to my ears just like any demo of the DC-2 that I've heard until now. I really love it and it stands out in a band context because it's not like other modulation. Like Mick, I'm running it after my drives in a two-amp wet/dry setup so the lack of stereo doesn't matter in that context. I love it when you review low-budget "alternatives" alongside pricier pedals - I got a Mooer e-lady on Dan's recommendation and love it - and for a lot of us, $200+ for a Waza pedal isn't realistic no matter how good it sounds. I'd be curious what you think about the TC 3rd Dimension (which also does the multiple-button thing) -- maybe a quick follow-up review in an upcoming "Views & Qs"?
Although I have no taste for most modulation sounds I learned much from this.
I was watching your Vlogs from Japan the other day, and you guys said something a long the lines of "boss are a bit forgotten about and overlooked" and you're right, and they shouldn't be. They build amazing pedals, built like a tank and have been doing it since before I was born! they're unfortunate in that they are the standard by which everything else is measured which l;eaves them a bit unloved. they're great though, and there's a reason boss pedals are on or have been on every board ever.
RE: Slash & paradise city. I recall an interview where he said he recorded that intro on a Jazz chorus amp.
Great episode, i love that sound!
Just got the tc 3rd dimension for 29€ and i think it's great when you're ok with mono. According to my local guitar vendor tc have no longer any distribution so thomann is tossing them out at half price. And for 200€ less than the DC-2w i don't ask if thats exactly that sound or just very similar.
Might have to get an original DC-2. Had one when I was 'growing up' as a guitar player and now have an original DM2 and DD2. Would sit nicely with those. Thanks guys!
Interesting soundscape - and I’m getting the same reaction as Mick (“I’ve heard that before!”) I was sold on the Waza, but the Tri-avatar really impressed - I might lean that way when I get the plastic out!
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And we are off! Straight in with Prince. Obvs.
I purchased the DC-2 the week it came out in the mid 80's. Remember reading about and wanting it so bad. However never saw any pic's. Drove two hours to Toronto to pick it up and was shocked it had four buttons and that was it for settings, no pots to adjust. Asked the rep why, to which he replied " there wasn't room, two leverls of boards and that was it. Never took it apart so not sure if it was true. Still today one of my fav pedals of all time.
Unfortunately stopped playing for many years and sold all my pedals. When I started playing again really missed it. Looked for used but they were way over priced or in crap condition. Very happy that BOSS has brought it back.
Thanks guys really appreciate the vid.
The dimension (D or C) is the sound of the 80’s, doesn’t matter what genre of music, could be anything from pop to metal. Cool experiment
That DC-2 sound is just so precise, I love it so much. More than a regular chorus can do (which is still cool!). I think the fight we really want to see is the DC-2 vs. the CE-1, tho. Battle of the crunchy
CE-1 will win that one.
@@petejt lol
Two takeaways for me today. 1. Box Of Rocks is where it’s at! Some of the raunchiest sounds with chorus you’ve shown in a while.
2. Boss has nailed the new Dimension C Waza Craft and I must have one!
10 minutes in. Mick...."so it's the inter-relationship of the phases". Excellent use of language = job done.
Well words was my mainest thing when I done a career.
That's the sound! All those year's I've been using a CE2. You got Bryan & Prince in the same show, & if I'm not mistaken "Made Up Mind" by Bros Landreth? Perfect.
Steve Stevens used the dc rack on the Rebel Album. Flesh for fantasy most notably . But Wendy Melovin always said she used the original ce-1 into a Mesa Mk1 on Purple rain in older 90's interview.When Purple rain came out this pedal wasn't quite in the music store yet well into 85 while the album and movie was already at its peak ,And I'm telling on my age.
great intro!
Great to see the Gretsch back in action! But speaking of guitars we havent seen in a while, did Dan get rid of his SG Jr and Huber?
LOVE the show, highlight of the week every week!
The Tri-Avatar is a really great sounding pedal. I think it sounds a bit better than the Dimension C, with less phase cancellation. Despite a digital heart !
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Great show :-) Going to have to dig out my DC-2 now.... One other thing that would have been interesting is a quick mono/stereo comparison using one of the DCs. I've only ever used the DC-2 in mono, and my memory is that the effect was very subtle. I think the last time I used it was for playing a cover of an early song from The Church, and it wasn't really a strong enough effect for that.
i'm glad you mentioned the mimiq. obviously it is a different type of pedal but it seems like either could be used for a very light thickening stereo effect. perhaps after you make the "one wet-dry-wet tutorial to rule them all" you could do a follow-up about stereo rigs and stereo pedals.
I hear modulation sounds that I love but I can never seem to get a sound myself that I like. I'd love to see a video on using mods subtly in different situations, especially in ambient, washy stuff.
I love You Guys! ;-)
Saw the title, and knew I was in for a wobbly time. I was right!
Yay, tangents still intact in un-edited HD goodness. It’s like Star Wars back in the 80s on laser disc... only with pedals.
Absolutely marvelous video. I just pick up the boss DC-2w and love it. One small suggestion to the lads, perhaps add a little compression to the dialog so these old ears can hear the quite part being spoken. Cheers.
I've long daydreamed of someone releasing a pedal version of the Rockman Stereo Chorus rack unit-another iconic 80s modulation. But nobody goes near cloning the Rockman stuff :_(
CaptPostmod UAD has a plugin of the Dytronix Tri-chorus!
Rocktron tsunami?
Last time I saw Boston, Tom was using a bunch of his Rockman stuff. It sounded F'ing Amazing! This was at an amphitheater, outdoor show. The Rockman Chorus is something special indeed.
Micks pick attack.Wicka wicka wacka.lol.So cool
Ordered the dc-2w today, Amazon has them for $220 where most sell it for $250-280. I own a walrus Julianna and boss ce-2w so perhaps it’s a bit overkill, however the dc-2w sounds so lush and blissful. Was never big on phasers or flangers but absolutely love chorus and vibrato.
Oooh this is serious nerdiness right there! The buffer situation... Ahahaha
Bizarre. I was only looking at some pictures of the Dimension D literally moments before I got the notification that this vid had dropped.
The little harmonic at 30:14 kinda reminded me of the gameboy advance startup sound haha
Amazing. I really thought adding in the rack-unit added another dimension to the video.
Gotta hear that Matchless boys!! Can't just be teasin' us!
It’s been in a couple things now...
You missed out the DC-3 Digital Dimension which was an excellent pedal. Had a mix knob for extra subtlety and tone control.
Had to stop at 21:15 and order a DC-2w. That is THE wibbly-wobbly sound!
Cool sounds! I would however like a mix/blend button on the Waza.
I had a listen to that Bryan Adams song after you started playing it, you played it in exactly the right key of the song lol
What's the name of the song?
Ok, I started with wanting one of the new Waza pedals and finished wanting to hear more of the Free the tone pedal. I’m going to look for more coverage in other videos.
Just got a DC-2W Loving it! So cool to see it a/b'd with the original. Can you guys do a video showing the Roland JC-40 showing the Parallel Stereo effects loop. I use mine like that and think its a huge feature many people miss out on such an inexpensive amp. It's essentially a stereo wet/dry rig in one unit!
Didn't know Chorus was on Slash's guitars, but Duff McKagan (the bass player) definitely had one on and is one of the key things that makes his particular tone. Krist Noveselic did too, paired with a Rat I think.
6:25 Rumor Mill - Slash's clean guitar was reamped through a JC-120 during the mixing phase