BossDM-101 Delay Machine Analog Delay Pedal

Boss DM-101

Packing no fewer than eight BBD chips inside, the BOSS DM-101 Delay Machine combines classic analog circuitry with tight digital control for rich delays with sonic possibilities hitherto unheard of in an analog delay. The BBD, short for bucket brigade device, is a technology pioneered in the 1970s that made its way into legendary delay pedals, such as BOSS' own DM-1 and DM-2. Inside each chip is a whole bunch of switches and capacitors, operating at a high speed to pass signals from one to the next—much as how a fire brigade would pass along buckets of water back in the day. BBDs have a distinct sonic character, which can be even more pronounced depending on the number of stages inside and how fast the chip is clocked.

Inside the DM-101, a whopping eight 2048-stage BBD chips are available to be arranged in a variety of configurations. To that end, the DM-101 offers 12 different delay modes which combine and route audio signals through multiple BBD chips. Through a number of different series and parallel configurations, it's possible to achieve longer delay times, rhythmic multitap delays, or even smeared pseudo-reverbs. And thanks to the DM-101's digital brain, all BBDs are clocked with precision throughout all modes, but you'll still be treated to their warm, rich sonic characteristics.

Some of the best BBD delay pedals featured a low-frequency oscillator continuously modulating the delay time for vibrato or chorusing effects when blended against the dry, un-delayed signal. With Mod Rate and Mod Depth controls, the DM-101 can add as much warble and wiggle as you desire upon your delays. Additionally, a Variation control provides various macro-level controls of different internal parameters, depending on which delay mode is chosen. In some modes, Variation changes the internal LFO waveform, while in others it can shift the difference between delay channels or choose different repeat patterns. And of course, Delay Time, Intensity, and Volume controls allow you to set your frequency of repeats, amount of feedback, and how much delay is actually heard.

Internal digital control isn't the only modern feature included on the DM-101. With the Memory feature, you can store up to four presets right on the DM-101 itself, with a manual mode always available as well as access to presets 5-127 via external MIDI control. If you're rocking a dual-amp rig or want to capture some extra width while tracking, the DM-101 offers dual outputs for stereo configurations.

Analog delays have been enjoying a comeback for the last several years, but the BOSS DM-101 might be the be-all, end-all BBD delay from a company that has been there since the beginning.

DM-101 Features

• True analog BBD delay with CPU-based control
• Eight BBD chips for warm, saturated sound and astonishing sonic control
• Digital control structure allows for uncommonly high degree of precision—leagues beyond the typical analog delay pedal
• Twelve modes for everything from classic analog delay to clear repeats, reverb-like effects, swells, and much more
• Modulation section with dedicated rate and depth controls
• Stereo output with panning and multiple routing options
• Tap tempo with selectable tap subdivision
• Internal memory: four slots accessible via front panel, 127 accessible via MIDI
• Expand your control with expression pedals, footswitches, and more