The authentic sound of the legendary Roland SDE-3000 in a compact pedal with flexible modern features and expanded creative scope.
The SDE-3 fuses vintage digital character with broad flexibility in a uniquely inspiring BOSS compact pedal. Experience the authentic sound and essential features of a Roland SDE-3000, an iconic '80s rack delay favored by some of the most influential guitarists of all time. Fits into any creative setup with a host of modern features. Turn the powerful Offset control to explore a variety of characterful double-delay tones.
- The iconic character of a Roland SDE-3000 rack-mount delay in a BOSS compact pedal
- Beautiful vintage delay sounds with expanded creative scope.
- Distinctive modulation with independent Rate and Depth knobs
- Hi Cut control to shape the treble amount
- Variable Offset function to create unique sounds with a second delay
- Adjustable maximum delay time: 800 ms (mono/stereo) or 1600 ms (mono)
- Two stereo variants: panning or discrete stereo
- Flexible output modes: stereo, wet/dry and dry mute (mono or stereo)
- Tap tempo and carryover functions.
- Connector for extended control with up to two external footswitches or an expression pedal
- TRS MIDI input for synchronizing to external MIDI clock
- Five-year warranty from BOSS
Compact legend
Introduced in 1983 by our parent company Roland, the SDE-3000 is revered for its wonderfully rich sound and distinctive modulation. The coveted tone of an SDE was created through a finely tuned digital process and the nonlinear behavior of the supporting analog circuitry, including magnetic saturation in the anti-aliasing filters, evolving modulation produced by the components of the time, and a modified LFO triangle waveform. The SDE-3 delivers the authentic feel of this classic delay in a pedalboard-friendly BOSS compact pedal, enhanced with innovative creative features for all musical styles.
Vintage coloring and character
Overflowing with warmth and musicality, the SDE-3 elevates your sound with endlessly evocative delay sounds. The efficient panel features the primary controls from its vintage predecessor - including delay time, feedback and individual modulation rate and depth knobs - plus additional knobs to expand your sonic potential. Explore retro single-delay and 80s mod/delay combinations. Or adjust the mod and high-cut controls to evoke moody, atmospheric tones for musical styles like ambient, chill and lo-fi.
Offset magic
In addition to reproducing the SDE-3000's famous mono sound, the SDE-3 includes a powerful Offset function for creating interesting sounds with two simultaneous delays. With a simple control, you can instantly add a second delay to the primary delay for a variety of tones in mono or stereo.
Doubled Delays - Turning the Offset knob to its center position introduces a second delay that is 1–100 ms longer than the primary delay. For example, if the primary delay is 400 ms and the Offset is 10 ms, the second delay time will be 410 ms. Combined with the SDE-3's controls for time, feedback, and highly adjustable modulation, you can create deep delay sounds that are impossible to achieve with regular delay pedals.
Timed Dual Delays - In the second half of its range, the Offset knob produces a shorter second delay that is based on the primary delay's timing. Use the pedal's tap tempo function to set the time value of a quarter note for the primary delay. Then turn the knob up to sweep the second delay's timing between an eighth note and a dotted eighth note. This allows you to use different variations of rhythmic effects that are in sync with your music.
Multiple modes for managing the outputs
The flexible SDE-3 has output configurations for any scenario on stage or in the studio. Use it in mono for simpler setups. Play in true stereo with discrete right/left delays or a pan mode for ultra-wide sounds that move across the stereo field. Send the original signal and the effects signal to two amplifiers for wet/dry setups. Turn off the direct signal completely for studio mixing or parallel effects rigs.
Modern workflow
The SDE-3 offers a variety of control options to enhance your performances. Press and hold the footswitch to use the tap tempo function. Or use the TRS MIDI input to receive MIDI clock sync signals from recording software, pedals, and drum machines. Connect external footswitches for instant access to tap tempo and a hold function for looping. Alternatively, an expression pedal can be used to control the Level, Feedback, and Time knobs for editing delay mixes, wild pitch effects, and dramatic self-oscillation.
