A rack unit launched in 1983, the Roland SDE3000 was one of the the first delays to feature dual delays and a modulation section. Van Halen famously used it, and in 2023 the Japanese brand already released a non-compact pedal version with a signature variant inspired by the star guitarist. The BOSS SDE-3 is the skinny version of it.
Of course, this unit can’t offer all the features found in the original rack nor the ones found in its bigger stompbox sibling SDE-3000D, which is almost three times as big, but it does deliver the authentic sounds of the vintage effect in a much friendlier footprint, and with a maximum delay time of 800 ms (mono) or 1600 ms (stereo).
While presets are entirely missing, all the signature tone features of the original SDE3000 are there, including the modulation section (with Depth and Rate alternative knob controls), the Hi Cut filter, and the Dual delay feature, cleverly simplified through an Offset parameter which instantly adds a second delay to the primary one, controlling its timing relative to the first one.
Other notable features of the SDE-3 are the full in/out stereo/mono operation with wet/dry, and dry mute, outputs for expression to control Level, Feedback, or Time parameters, and tap tempo – which can also be enabled by pressing and holding the footswitch.
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BOSS SDE-3, Builder’s Notes
The SDE-3 fuses vintage digital character and wide-ranging versatility into one unique and inspiring BOSS compact pedal. Experience the genuine sound and core features of the Roland SDE-3000, an iconic ’80s-era rackmount delay favored by some of the most influential guitarists of all time. Flow into any creative setup with a slate of modern features. And twist the powerful Offset control to explore an array of colorful dual-delay textures.
- The iconic character of the Roland SDE-3000 rackmount delay in a BOSS compact pedal
- Beautiful vintage digital delay tones with expanded creative range
- Distinctive modulation with independent Rate and Depth knobs
- Hi Cut control for shaping the high-frequency amount
- Variable Offset feature for creating unique sounds with a secondary delay line
- Adjustable maximum delay time: 800 ms (mono/stereo) or 1600 ms (mono)
- Two stereo delay options: panning and discrete stereo
- Versatile output modes: stereo, wet/dry, and dry mute (mono or stereo)
- Tap tempo and carryover functions
- Jack for extended control with up to two footswitches or an expression pedal
- TRS MIDI input for syncing to external MIDI clock signals
- BOSS five-year warranty
