[SOLVED!] Solving The Dilemma: Boss DD7 Vs. DD8

In reviews of digital delay pedals available for purchase nowadays, Boss DD7 and DD8 consistently stand out thanks to the fantastic values they offer. Considering the impression that the Boss models leave on the community, it’s only natural that Boss DD7 vs. DD8 is among the hotly discussed topics. If you have been thinking about moving from DD7 to DD8 but still need more information, look no further. Down below is all the facts that you should know about the Boss models including how well they fare against each other. 

Background

In case you don’t know, DD8 is one of the latest pedals produced by Boss and it is the successor of the DD7. Introduced in the late 2000s, DD7 was a big hit owing to a long delay time, a modulation delay mode, a classic modeled analog delay mode, external pedal control options and so on. To follow up on the success of DD7, Boss released DD8 in the late 2020s and till today, reports about its performance have been mostly positive. At a glance, Boss DD7 and DD8 resemble each other but quite a few differences exist between them such as settings, modes, loop, the trail function, … 

Analysis

	DD7	DD8
Pedal Type	Delay, Looper	Delay, Looper
Analog/Digital	Digital	Digital
Presets	4 x Delays, Tap Tempo	10 x Delays, Tap Tempo
Max Delay Time	Up to 6.4 seconds	Up to 10 seconds
Looping Time	Up to 40 seconds	Up to 40 seconds
Inputs	2 x 1/4″	2 x 1/4″
Outputs	2 x 1/4″ (mono)	2 x 1/4″ (stereo, wet/dry, mono)
Other I/O	1 x 1/4″ (tempo/expression)	1 x 1/4″ (external tap/expression)
Bypass Switching	Buffered	Buffered
Power Source	9V DC power supply required (sold separately)	9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
Power Usage	55mA	65mA
Batteries	1 x 9V (6F22/Carbon, 6LR61/Alkaline)	1 x 9V Alkaline
Height	2.4”	2.37″
Width	2.9”	2.87″
Depth	5.1”	5.12″
Weight	1 lb.	1 lb.

Delay Time With Looping

Once it comes to the delay time, DD8 has a 10-second maximum delay time which is superior to the 6.4-second maximum delay time of DD7. That means the DD8 is able to provide more room for ambient sounds in most of the cases. Both  DD7 and DD8 have the same built-in looper function that offers up to 40 seconds of recording time. Needless to say, the Boss models prove to be powerful tools for live performances and creative experimentation.

Delay Modes

The DD7 has established a strong reputation among musicians for its versatility and reliability. It provides a versatile range of delay types, including analog, tape, modulate, reverse, dynamic, and hold. In use, rach mode provides unique sonic characteristics, from warm and vintage-inspired tones to swirling modulation and reversed textures. The DD-7’s delay options also allow guitarists to explore a wide variety of sounds and add depth and creativity to their playing.

In the case of DD-8, it takes the foundation set by the DD-7 and introduces several notable improvements and additional features. Besides features found on DD7, the DD-8 introduces warm, shimmer, and pattern modes as well which guarantee more tonal possibilities. The warm mode emulates the character of vintage analog delays and the shimmer mode adds a touch of ethereal to the sound. Finally, DD-8 incorporates the recently developed “GLT” delay mode that produces glitchy machine-gun-like effects when people press the pedal switch

Stereo Connectivity

While the DD7 offered mono connectivity, the DD-8 allows stereo input and output. Because of that, the DD-8 enables guitarists to utilize stereo setups, amplifying the spatial imaging of the delay effects. The enhancement adds depth and width to the sound, immersing listeners in a more expansive sonic experience.

Tap Tempo 

Both DD-7 and DD-8 feature tap tempo functionality as well as capabilities of using an external footswitch and onboard tap tempo. The Boss models offer the flexibility of using an external tap tempo footswitch, quite convenient as you can place the tap tempo switch within easy reach for on-the-fly adjustments. It enables precise and immediate control over the delay time, making it ideal for live performances in which timing accuracy is crucial. Meanwhile, an onboard tap tempo switch is also available, which eliminaté the need for an extra pedal. 

The tap tempo switch is easily accessible, allowing you to tap in the desired tempo quickly and efficiently. This built-in feature eliminates the need for an additional footswitch and simplifies the setup, making it more compact and streamlined.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Boss DD-8 builds upon the foundation of the DD-7 and introduces several notable improvements. These include an expanded range of delay modes, the innovative pattern mode, stereo connectivity, an upgraded user interface, and an extended maximum delay time. These enhancements make the DD-8 an enticing choice for guitarists seeking more versatility, creativity, and control over their delay effects. if your DD7 is on its last legs, don’t hesitate to upgrade to DD8.