This video just did a stellar job of convincing me to keep my DD-20. The differences are only barely distinguishable here (with headphones on and no other instruments playing) which makes me think in a full band setting they would be functionally identical. I need to watch stuff like this from time to time to cure my "grass is always greener" yearnings towards newer, more expensive delays...
Indeed, was about to say they are quite similar. I'm even thinking to buy a second hand dd20 now! When I was a kid I wanted it... unfortunately never got the chance.
I've owned both of these ,the timeline sounds amazing but has too many features that you most likely won't use in a live setting,in studio they are flipping amazing especially through midi but in a live situation you can't really tweak your sound on the fly like you can with the dd20 for the timeline you have to be extremely careful especially if you step on the stomp switch,someone stepped on mine and it broke inwards,so in live always go with the dd20!
Timeline for me. Arguing about this stuff is totally pointless! Its all about whatever sounds good to you, whatever suits your style and what your budget is. Better or worse is subjective.
There is no argument. If you want your tone ( and feel) of your dry signal to remain unchanged when you step on the pedal then get the Strymon. If that doesn't matter to you get the Boss.
Best comparison I've ever seen on UA-cam. These pedals aren't that far apart from each other. The timeline is definitely a better pedal but not by far. I think the biggest difference is the timeline stays more true to your signal, I'm not sure if it's true by pass or not. That's the only issue with a lot of delay pedals, sometimes they totally change your natural tone. Great job.
You have to remember that the Timeline is so much more in depth. To brighten the digital signal for example, you have to go into the secondary settings menu and ad a high-pass filter. On the analog setting, the filter knob at noon is set at even. anti-clockwise adds brightness, and clockwise adds darkness. On the tape setting, the tape crinkle is the speed knob, the depth is the wow+flutter, the grit knob is tape bias and then the filter knob is tape age. With the filter knob on most modes, after 2:00 it doesn't get any darker, it just starts to remove clarity in the repeats to sound more analog-esque. There are so many cool things that the Timeline does, but not many people take the time to read up and know what they're doing to get it to sound right
seriously!!! I've been using DD20 last 3 years and thinking about "upgrading" to timeline. And to do that i have to buy Voodoo lab pedalpower mondo ($299) and the timeline itself ($449) which double the price of DD20. Just want to say thank you for this video for saving me from wasting my money. DD20 rules!!!! keep it on the effects loop though.
DD20 will become known as one of the great all time delay pedals ,its so beautiful ,so warm and the capabilities are awesome.The Analog ,Tape and Modulation setting are incredible.
I own DD20 and DD7. Analog on DD7 is much more like real analog, so I keep it for analog. But DD20 is perfect, also easy to use (switch presets and stuff 😊)
I currently own a Timeline, I used to have a dd-20. I miss the dd-20 tremendously. In my opinion, the dd-20 has one of the best, if not the best analog setting on a digital delay pedal, I've ever heard. The modulated delay is also really great. Some downsides to the Timeline is that you really need to have a midi controller to fully unlock it's potential, which depending on what you get, can be pretty expensive. The dd-20's potential is fully unlocked with a tap tempo pedal as well, but the tap pedals are usually much cheaper than a (good) midi controller. The strymon obviously has more presets but I never really need more than 5 (many people do need more however). In terms of atmospheric sounds and ambience, I'd give the nod to the Timeline. Some sounds on the Timeline are extremely lush and vibrant. The Timeline is much more expensive than the dd-20 (You can usually find great deals on used ones). In terms of signal they both are analog all the way through and do not convert your signal to digital. My general consensus is to eventually sell my Timeline and go back to a dd-20 and dd-5 combo, my preference of course, but that combo can yield great results. I'm still giving the Timeline a little more time before I do this, that's how good the dd-20 is though! If you want presets but don't need more than 5, I'd easily recommend the dd-20 over the Timeline. I'd argue that the delays on the dd-20 are distinguished better on the dd-20 than the timeline, where I find the Timeline delays to sound pretty similar (opinion).
yeah, except the "they both are analog all the way through and do not convert your signal to digital" part as both the Boss DIGITAL DELAY and the Strymon Timeline are ofcourse digital delays.
I know this is an old repose but he was referring to the analog dry signal path. some delays, like the dl4, run your entire signal though analog to digital converters. others, like the timeline, split the signal at the input and simply add the digital delay signal on top of your analog signal at the output. so, your original guitar signal is never converted to digital then back again, and therfore, not colored.
Wow. I am genuinely surprised at how well the DD-20 faired in this comparison. I think I'm keeping my current DD-7 + DD-20 combo (which I've been very pleased with) and safe the money for the Strymon Blue Sky. Thanks for the video.
I have the timeline and El Cap, but my band mate has a DD-20. He makes my favorite sound on our record with his DD-20 at 2:19. I love that darn thing. Over the Ocean - Someone has to Bleed
Love seeing the comments and realizing I’m not the only one who’s hanging on to my DD-20. Such a great pedal. Got it to be nice to my wallet 5 years ago or so… keep it because it sounds comparable if not better to all the more expensive choices. I’d say the only justification for moving on from a DD-20 to a timeline is if you have midi controlling functionality on your pedal board. Great video and I love seeing how resilient a boss pedal is! 👌
The Boss DD20 sounds warmer, bassier; the dry and wet sound cohesive together as part of one overall sound. The Timeline does not have that low end, instead it's more mid range; this makes the dry and wet more distinct from one another. Advantages to the DD20, sounds warm and the sound mix is more unified. Advantages of the Timeline, the delay may cut through a mix better. Both sound great.
Great Review. Taking into consideration the Timeline is twice the price it does not deliver twice the value for me. The Strymon is slightly superior but both sound like high quality rack delays and in a blind test I don't think I could tell them apart.
DD20 is definitely a good deal for the price, but the Strymon does so much more and has better clarity (maybe). Hard to really tell from a video, but good comparison.
I just can’t sell my DD20. The modulate setting just can’t be matched on the Timeline and that’s my favorite delay sound. Timeline for all the weird stuff though.
Bought the DD-20 some 18 years ago. As a Bassist, I would never use much of its ability, really used the Reverse for video version of Everlong. Used to use the Warp for a Biker Band. Glad it is still holding its own. So many analog snobs turned their noses up at the modern Boss Pedals I bought back into, but the 20 series just seemed right for stage, Jams, Improv, and open mic nights. Just like with other small electric devices, 5 presets do not get you lost when you are trying to do other things. Nice to know the pedal will still take me where ever I want to go.
I set my delays specific to each song. If my set list is more than 4 songs, the dd20 would not cut it. I like that I can have my entire library of delay presets on the timeline and organize a list easily through midi usb for a gig.
Wow...this surprised me. Definitely think the Timeline is slightly superior, especially the longer decays have a sweeter tonality, but damn if the DD-20 isnt real close and awesome in its own right. Love my timeline for the presets and flexibility, and the ice/trem/filter stuff, but the dd-20 clearly rules.
Owned both pedals but have to say Strymon Timeline sounds much cleaner and more natural to me and is the winner hands down.I can also do so much more with the Strymon TL..Great video.....
Funny, I thought the exact opposite! I thought the DD-20 was much more natural, and relaxed sounding. The Timeline sounded a bit more "hard edged" and not really musical. I own plenty of delays, and several Strymons, though not the Timeline, and the Strymons sound great at first, then after a while, there's just something that gnaws at the back of my head and eventually the Strymons are off my boards.My DD-20 is about to go back on my big board.
MaxPaws I'm judging it by actual use and not the video. I respect your opinion (because that's all we are giving here) but, you state that you haven't had the timeline, how can you make a judgement without really trying it first hand? I'm not going to sit here and bang heads because obviously you like the Boss over the strymon I respect that, but I would respect it even more if you spent some quality time with the unit first hand.
I've heard many examples of both and completely agree with you. I just purchased a DD 20, so I would like to think the DD 20 is better, but it just isn't and the price tag is a reflexion of that.
Agreed,don't like the DD20 sound ,to me it sounds very plastic ,sterile.The Timeline is the real deal,it's what I'm getting.After I get it then I can sleep peacefully.
To a degree I'm surprised of the similarity. I know the timeline is a lot more versatile in terms of customization, but taking the DD20 as a second delay, would be so perfect for me honestly. I also love the warmer and "grid" tone the boss has.
The Boss seems voiced to flatter guitar, the Strymon voiced more like a neutral studio reverb, personally for guitar I find the DD-20 sounds far prettier.
I agree with sanchezguitar, I have the same setup and I love the dd-20 + dd7 combo. They work so well together especially if you have them stacked and have a tap tempo set to both of them. For a regular playing musician, boss is a little more practical for daily usage. And they are built for abuse. If your a ambient guitar player or worship guitarist, I would recommend saving your dough for the blue sky on top of the two boss delays. Maybe if the timeline was at a better price point it might be worth it.
The analog setting sounded better in the Strymon. However, I use the Memory Man for an analog delay. I use the DD-20 for the rest of my delays. Anybody agree that the Memory Man serves as a great analog delay?
Timeline has got that natural reverberating tails on the repeats that the DD-20 simply doesn't have (on the Digital delay setting). You can even ear it on a youtube video. I ear this "hallmark" on the Boss DD-2, on the H&K Replex, on the El Capistan, on the 2290 and on the Nova Delay and very few others (speaking about digital delays i've tried so far). This feature to me is essential for creating that "spaciousness" to the sound.
The people saying the DD-20 doesn't sound right etc. You must be tone deaf. It is an amazing pedal. I tried many delay pedals over the years but just this week, I have settled on a DD-20 and it is now on my gigging board. I love your video's schnobel: you are my go to for pedal reviews/demo's...
Both sound equally good in this video, but fails to be shown is the array of ambient tones and doubling effects that take the guitar somewhere else. I've owned Boss delays and currently have a TC Flashback x4, but Strymon is def something I would love to have.
Yep definately DD-20. It doesn't make sense paying top dollar for digital stuff when Boss make quality digital pedals for so much cheaper. Boutique analog stuff sounds rad but digital is a different story. Strymon might have midi but the power supply issues are a pain in the ass and how many people really use midi.
DD20 all the way. better than other delay pedals, even than it big sister DD500.Like the timeline, the signal drows in the mix, whereas the DD50 has a woderful cut that enhances and wraps up the signal of the guitar
I've had DD-20 and loved it but was far to big for it's possibilities. Now I have a Timeline and I love it too. Both are great pedals, both can sound great but the comparison is not quite fair. Strymon is much more expensive but also far more equipped with features.
I just got the DD-20... I really wanted the Strymon more, but it's just too expensive right now. I'll get one eventually though. Both great pedals though. The Strymon just sounds more organic in my opinion.
DD20 is great. I had one for a long time. But... The TimeLine just demolishes it. If you want a dead simple user interface, maybe you'll prefer the DD20. But sound-wise... Come on.
I personally prefer fatter sound when it comes to delays, timeline just sounds digital to me in every settings. Too much high definition isn't always good. Timeline sounds very clean and precise which can be a good thing and a bad thing, depending on its use, and it justifies it's value. But the boss dd20 is great for sounding more organic(not the most organic delay of course since it's digital), and it's more affordable.
and I should add, the timeline sounds very pleasant and friendly to your hearing, it's relaxing and great for ambient sounds. The DD20 I think will be better for darker mood/music, and distorted/overdriven type of music, probably better for soloing too, and slapback effect.
Timeline has tone,filter knobs and it can create any type of digital,analog delay sound,you just need to dig into yp the menu but Ofcourse its worth it.
Own a dd-20 for 10+ years.. best delay pedal ive ever played i even try out my friends timeline to replace my dd-20 but i always feel better when I played through the dd-20.its a choice both of them are great pedals but according to price wise dd-20 is a steal IMO
Wow. Best comparison of two similar pedals! I have a DD-20 and thought I wanted a Timeline until I watched this video. I obviously haven't explored all the capabilities of the DD-20. Yes, the Timeline has a few more knobs, but the Boss is a sturdier pedal, easier to use and half the price. DD-20 wins.
I think people don't understand why the strymon is more expensive than the DD20. Midi control. The timeline is targeted at guitarist that have complex rigs that use midi controls. The DD20, while a great pedal, doesn't have that.
I know that the Timeline has more features but for the similar sounds, DD-20 sounds better. I am surprised. The tape for example which I've heard the the Timeline is the bees kness
Boss DD-20 is definitely "THE BOSS" on this comparison. Plus that DD-20 looks killer I can tell that it been used a lot and still going strong and destroying the Strymon Timeline on this comparison.
The Strymon cost over twice the amount, so would obviously be better. It's like comparing a Martin (high end) with a Takamine (mid-high end), both are great, one is greater. It's a no brainer.I see your DD 20 has been in battle a lot and has the scars to show for it. Nice
+Mario Murillo oh wow, you TOTALLY convinced me to spend 350 more dollars on a timeline because of that. Presets are ok but surely you can just put tape on your pedals to get the tone you like
I own the dd20 . Such a great pedal . But unfortunately can't preset like the timeline . I just got the big sky and this pedal can store lots of presets . I'm getting the timeline . I don't like the price but I love this pedal .
Me too.I got me the BigSky,bluesky immerse,I stack them and have Tc Triple delay,Alter Ego X4 and now I need a timeline,I use these pedals only for recordings,that's what I do.
I'm not at the level where I'm going to notice the difference in a live setting between the two pedals honestly. I know listening with headphones there's a marked difference in tone and probably a functional difference too, but I can buy a used DD20 right now for 100$ and the strymon is cheapest at 400$... The difference in price can buy me the drive section additions I need and I'll almost be set.... I just need a tuner.... 😊
Do yourself a favour and buy the DD20. If you're not using Midi, I think the DD20 is a better value. $100 is a steal. I just got mine (it replaced my DD7)
I own both and they're both excellent pedals. In the studio I have historically used the timeline more. But for live the dd20 is more than sufficient and half the price. Get both!
***** Hmm. Well I would buy used to save the money but that's me. Either way is fine. I bought mine used about 10 years ago. It's built like a tank. $200 seems a tad high to me, well that is unless it's in near perfect condition and includes a power supply, box and all the paperwork, then maybe $200 would be appropriate. You should be able to grab a used one on eBay or through Guitar Center's used section for $150 or less though.
musicguy1128 I live in Australia so 150 is basically 200, the guy on gumtree that is selling it says he can do 200 for the pedal, box with papers and power supply
Isn't it much better to do the delay things in the daw? That way you could get your mono-signal from the guitar and then get swells and echos in stereo... this way there is no way to get it in stereo? (If it's not able to send two signals and then use two amps/cabs, but that is really a lot of gear and work)
mcadder I love creating delays in DAW (Favourite: Stdelay/ Valhallaverb/Compressor/ EQ). But it does sound different … and the strymon is super creative when improvising live. A DAW takes a planning :)
There is no way a boutique builder has the level of R&D Boss/Roland has. Boss can make their own DSPs and/or ICs if they wish. No wonder the DD20 still holds its own after so many years. Don't let prices fool you; I'd say timelines or bigskys sound almost as good as the Boss.
+Samuel Emmett I know, right? I mean, if you like thin, tinny delay, by all means, go for the Boss. I love Boss, but I have to call the Strymon the winner here.
I didn't think this was that helpful. It was comparing what the DD 20 can do to how the TimeLine handles those same tasks. It's impossible to really tell the difference in sound quality coming over UA-cam and both sounded the same to me. But after you've gone through everything the DD 20 can do, you've got more to play with under the hood of the TimeLine. The price factor is a serious consideration, though. If you can't use the extra bells and whistles, then the DD 20 is more than enough.
no matter what, the dd-20 has no midi functions including midi clock sync,dealbreaker,timeline wins buy a clear knock out because of its midi capabilities
Don't forget that the DD-20 actually can be synced with midi, you just have to send it through the tap tempo port via guitar cable. You just can't change presets obviously.
sorry,but any looper worth a hill of beans should be able to sync to midi clock right out of the box(just like any decent f/x unit and/or drum machine),I sold off 6 digitech processors for their lack of midi clock sync
That BOSS DD-20 has been beat up real bad. Buckethead isn't gonna like that. He will like the fact that it can still stand up to the competition. I just purchased a mint condition used one from Guitar Center, I hope it's not stolen. 🤡
Even if both pedals sounded identical, the ability to store 200 presets (Strymon) vs. 5 (Boss) is beyond discussion. Not to mention all the other cool stuff the DD-20 can't do. I've owned both and don't miss my DD-20 for a second - Timeline by a landslide.
I think they are both good pedals, but this seems like the patches saved on the DD-20 had a lot more time put into them, which judging from the wear on it they probably did. I think the video creator owns the DD-20 and merely borrowed the Timeline. Thus they know the DD-20 and how to play it better, whereas the they are less instinctively in tune with the Strymon. First step is buying a great pedal, second step is knowing it inside and out. What pedal you like more is apples and oranges.
if you haven't pulled the trigger yet, get the dd-20 man...it can do re-20 type sounds but that's the least of its features...it's just endlessly usable, sonically amazing (and I'm not a huge boss fan) and easy to learn...someone would have to put out a miracle delay in order for me to ditch my dd-20
This video just did a stellar job of convincing me to keep my DD-20. The differences are only barely distinguishable here (with headphones on and no other instruments playing) which makes me think in a full band setting they would be functionally identical. I need to watch stuff like this from time to time to cure my "grass is always greener" yearnings towards newer, more expensive delays...
Indeed, was about to say they are quite similar. I'm even thinking to buy a second hand dd20 now! When I was a kid I wanted it... unfortunately never got the chance.
So right on so many levels dude.
There are still brand new DD20 on sale here in Bangkok for about $250 or so even in year 2020.
I came here because I've just bought a DD20 for 130€. Hope it works! Great video, and the DD20 sounded better to me on most settings.
Ive had that Boss DD-20 for about 10 Years :)
I was gonna say: it looks beat uP! XD (used, definitely)
DD20 for sound, useability...and looks. I love its chunky, vintage sci-fi look.
There have been times where DD20 stayed on my board only due to its looks. I gotta admit that.
The scifi looking pedal is actually the timeline
I've owned both of these ,the timeline sounds amazing but has too many features that you most likely won't use in a live setting,in studio they are flipping amazing especially through midi but in a live situation you can't really tweak your sound on the fly like you can with the dd20 for the timeline you have to be extremely careful especially if you step on the stomp switch,someone stepped on mine and it broke inwards,so in live always go with the dd20!
Timeline for me. Arguing about this stuff is totally pointless! Its all about whatever sounds good to you, whatever suits your style and what your budget is. Better or worse is subjective.
Of course the best(Strymon) is the best
There is no argument. If you want your tone ( and feel) of your dry signal to remain unchanged when you step on the pedal then get the Strymon. If that doesn't matter to you get the Boss.
Sounds like someone spent a fortune
Best comparison I've ever seen on UA-cam. These pedals aren't that far apart from each other. The timeline is definitely a better pedal but not by far. I think the biggest difference is the timeline stays more true to your signal, I'm not sure if it's true by pass or not. That's the only issue with a lot of delay pedals, sometimes they totally change your natural tone. Great job.
You have to remember that the Timeline is so much more in depth. To brighten the digital signal for example, you have to go into the secondary settings menu and ad a high-pass filter. On the analog setting, the filter knob at noon is set at even. anti-clockwise adds brightness, and clockwise adds darkness. On the tape setting, the tape crinkle is the speed knob, the depth is the wow+flutter, the grit knob is tape bias and then the filter knob is tape age. With the filter knob on most modes, after 2:00 it doesn't get any darker, it just starts to remove clarity in the repeats to sound more analog-esque. There are so many cool things that the Timeline does, but not many people take the time to read up and know what they're doing to get it to sound right
Strymon also ripps people off by charging them way to much. Their prices never match their quality by a mile.
I've always wanted a timeline but this demo reminds me that my DD-20 can hold it's own, even against some of the boutique builders!
seriously!!! I've been using DD20 last 3 years and thinking about "upgrading" to timeline. And to do that i have to buy Voodoo lab pedalpower mondo ($299) and the timeline itself ($449) which double the price of DD20. Just want to say thank you for this video for saving me from wasting my money. DD20 rules!!!! keep it on the effects loop though.
DD20 will become known as one of the great all time delay pedals ,its so beautiful ,so warm and the capabilities are awesome.The Analog ,Tape and Modulation setting are incredible.
I own DD20 and DD7. Analog on DD7 is much more like real analog, so I keep it for analog. But DD20 is perfect, also easy to use (switch presets and stuff 😊)
I currently own a Timeline, I used to have a dd-20. I miss the dd-20 tremendously. In my opinion, the dd-20 has one of the best, if not the best analog setting on a digital delay pedal, I've ever heard. The modulated delay is also really great. Some downsides to the Timeline is that you really need to have a midi controller to fully unlock it's potential, which depending on what you get, can be pretty expensive. The dd-20's potential is fully unlocked with a tap tempo pedal as well, but the tap pedals are usually much cheaper than a (good) midi controller. The strymon obviously has more presets but I never really need more than 5 (many people do need more however). In terms of atmospheric sounds and ambience, I'd give the nod to the Timeline. Some sounds on the Timeline are extremely lush and vibrant. The Timeline is much more expensive than the dd-20 (You can usually find great deals on used ones). In terms of signal they both are analog all the way through and do not convert your signal to digital. My general consensus is to eventually sell my Timeline and go back to a dd-20 and dd-5 combo, my preference of course, but that combo can yield great results. I'm still giving the Timeline a little more time before I do this, that's how good the dd-20 is though! If you want presets but don't need more than 5, I'd easily recommend the dd-20 over the Timeline. I'd argue that the delays on the dd-20 are distinguished better on the dd-20 than the timeline, where I find the Timeline delays to sound pretty similar (opinion).
^ nailed it.
yeah, except the "they both are analog all the way through and do not convert your signal to digital" part as both the Boss DIGITAL DELAY and the Strymon Timeline are ofcourse digital delays.
I know this is an old repose but he was referring to the analog dry signal path. some delays, like the dl4, run your entire signal though analog to digital converters. others, like the timeline, split the signal at the input and simply add the digital delay signal on top of your analog signal at the output. so, your original guitar signal is never converted to digital then back again, and therfore, not colored.
You really can not compare midi sync to tap tempo though
I traded my 2 DD3’s for the DD20 today, and Im happy for it. It’s a game changer! Now I need an extra tap tempo ;)
Wow. I am genuinely surprised at how well the DD-20 faired in this comparison. I think I'm keeping my current DD-7 + DD-20 combo (which I've been very pleased with) and safe the money for the Strymon Blue Sky. Thanks for the video.
Exactly same there. I like analog on DD7 better actually.
I'm genuinely surprised that the boss is keeping up. I might do the dd20 and save for the BigSky.
it seems like the dd20 is a lot easier to find the right sound with where the timeline seems like it would take some time
I own a DD-20 and was considering a Timeline but nvm I’m gonna keep it and purchase a big sky instead
i do the same!
Yes I have dd-20 and bigsky it's sick
I’ve just purchased the Timeline. It’s absolutely unbelievable! Pedal for life definitely! 🕶🎶✌🏻
I love my Timeline too.
I have the timeline and El Cap, but my band mate has a DD-20. He makes my favorite sound on our record with his DD-20 at 2:19. I love that darn thing.
Over the Ocean - Someone has to Bleed
Joshua Bogart I love the song!
Love seeing the comments and realizing I’m not the only one who’s hanging on to my DD-20. Such a great pedal. Got it to be nice to my wallet 5 years ago or so… keep it because it sounds comparable if not better to all the more expensive choices. I’d say the only justification for moving on from a DD-20 to a timeline is if you have midi controlling functionality on your pedal board. Great video and I love seeing how resilient a boss pedal is! 👌
The Boss DD20 sounds warmer, bassier; the dry and wet sound cohesive together as part of one overall sound. The Timeline does not have that low end, instead it's more mid range; this makes the dry and wet more distinct from one another. Advantages to the DD20, sounds warm and the sound mix is more unified. Advantages of the Timeline, the delay may cut through a mix better. Both sound great.
Great Review. Taking into consideration the Timeline is twice the price it does not deliver twice the value for me. The Strymon is slightly superior but both sound like high quality rack delays and in a blind test I don't think I could tell them apart.
DD20 is definitely a good deal for the price, but the Strymon does so much more and has better clarity (maybe). Hard to really tell from a video, but good comparison.
I just can’t sell my DD20. The modulate setting just can’t be matched on the Timeline and that’s my favorite delay sound. Timeline for all the weird stuff though.
Bought the DD-20 some 18 years ago.
As a Bassist, I would never use much of its ability, really used the Reverse for video version of Everlong. Used to use the Warp for a Biker Band.
Glad it is still holding its own. So many analog snobs turned their noses up at the modern Boss Pedals I bought back into, but the 20 series just seemed right for stage, Jams, Improv, and open mic nights.
Just like with other small electric devices, 5 presets do not get you lost when you are trying to do other things.
Nice to know the pedal will still take me where ever I want to go.
wow i can't believe how convincing BOSS' analog delay simulation is
I set my delays specific to each song. If my set list is more than 4 songs, the dd20 would not cut it. I like that I can have my entire library of delay presets on the timeline and organize a list easily through midi usb for a gig.
I have both pedals . I had the dd20 for about 3 years . But now I learning how to use my timeline . This pedal is more advanced, I love it .
Wow...this surprised me. Definitely think the Timeline is slightly superior, especially the longer decays have a sweeter tonality, but damn if the DD-20 isnt real close and awesome in its own right. Love my timeline for the presets and flexibility, and the ice/trem/filter stuff, but the dd-20 clearly rules.
Owned both pedals but have to say Strymon Timeline sounds much cleaner and more natural to me and is the winner hands down.I can also do so much more with the Strymon TL..Great video.....
Funny, I thought the exact opposite! I thought the DD-20 was much more natural, and relaxed sounding. The Timeline sounded a bit more "hard edged" and not really musical. I own plenty of delays, and several Strymons, though not the Timeline, and the Strymons sound great at first, then after a while, there's just something that gnaws at the back of my head and eventually the Strymons are off my boards.My DD-20 is about to go back on my big board.
MaxPaws I'm judging it by actual use and not the video. I respect your opinion (because that's all we are giving here) but, you state that you haven't had the timeline, how can you make a judgement without really trying it first hand? I'm not going to sit here and bang heads because obviously you like the Boss over the strymon I respect that, but I would respect it even more if you spent some quality time with the unit first hand.
I've heard many examples of both and completely agree with you. I just purchased a DD 20, so I would like to think the DD 20 is better, but it just isn't and the price tag is a reflexion of that.
Agreed,don't like the DD20 sound ,to me it sounds very plastic ,sterile.The Timeline is the real deal,it's what I'm getting.After I get it then I can sleep peacefully.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR THE STYLE AND GRACE THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR REVIEW/COMPARISONS OF GEAR.
I’ll go with DD20 . For some reason, less is more.
To a degree I'm surprised of the similarity. I know the timeline is a lot more versatile in terms of customization, but taking the DD20 as a second delay, would be so perfect for me honestly. I also love the warmer and "grid" tone the boss has.
The Boss seems voiced to flatter guitar, the Strymon voiced more like a neutral studio reverb, personally for guitar I find the DD-20 sounds far prettier.
I agree with sanchezguitar, I have the same setup and I love the dd-20 + dd7 combo. They work so well together especially if you have them stacked and have a tap tempo set to both of them. For a regular playing musician, boss is a little more practical for daily usage. And they are built for abuse. If your a ambient guitar player or worship guitarist, I would recommend saving your dough for the blue sky on top of the two boss delays. Maybe if the timeline was at a better price point it might be worth it.
nice comparison - but DD-20 wins in my opinion ... :)
Keep your DD-20. Put your money towards a Big Sky. But my perspective is worship music based so good ambient reverb is everything.
Yes, because God requires us to stay in that musical box. lol!
The analog setting sounded better in the Strymon. However, I use the Memory Man for an analog delay. I use the DD-20 for the rest of my delays. Anybody agree that the Memory Man serves as a great analog delay?
Memory man is the king of analog delay
Timeline has got that natural reverberating tails on the repeats that the DD-20 simply doesn't have (on the Digital delay setting). You can even ear it on a youtube video. I ear this "hallmark" on the Boss DD-2, on the H&K Replex, on the El Capistan, on the 2290 and on the Nova Delay and very few others (speaking about digital delays i've tried so far). This feature to me is essential for creating that "spaciousness" to the sound.
It almost sounded like the dry signal was brighter through the timeline.
The people saying the DD-20 doesn't sound right etc. You must be tone deaf. It is an amazing pedal. I tried many delay pedals over the years but just this week, I have settled on a DD-20 and it is now on my gigging board. I love your video's schnobel: you are my go to for pedal reviews/demo's...
Timeline clearly won Tape. DD-20 clearly won the others. It’s amazing how well Boss made that pedal. (Yes, these opinion are my ears only.)
Both sound equally good in this video, but fails to be shown is the array of ambient tones and doubling effects that take the guitar somewhere else. I've owned Boss delays and currently have a TC Flashback x4, but Strymon is def something I would love to have.
Yep definately DD-20. It doesn't make sense paying top dollar for digital stuff when Boss make quality digital pedals for so much cheaper. Boutique analog stuff sounds rad but digital is a different story. Strymon might have midi but the power supply issues are a pain in the ass and how many people really use midi.
DD-20 wins My favorite
Just picked up a dd20 ...planning on using it for making some dub techno
DD20 all the way.
better than other delay pedals, even than it big sister DD500.Like the timeline, the signal drows in the mix, whereas the DD50 has a woderful cut that enhances and wraps up the signal of the guitar
I've had DD-20 and loved it but was far to big for it's possibilities. Now I have a Timeline and I love it too. Both are great pedals, both can sound great but the comparison is not quite fair. Strymon is much more expensive but also far more equipped with features.
I just got the DD-20... I really wanted the Strymon more, but it's just too expensive right now. I'll get one eventually though. Both great pedals though. The Strymon just sounds more organic in my opinion.
DD20 is great. I had one for a long time. But... The TimeLine just demolishes it. If you want a dead simple user interface, maybe you'll prefer the DD20. But sound-wise... Come on.
I have both. I like the Boss DD-20 more as a traditional delay, the Strymon Timeline generates more atmosphere, but it is not superior as a delay.
I personally prefer fatter sound when it comes to delays, timeline just sounds digital to me in every settings. Too much high definition isn't always good. Timeline sounds very clean and precise which can be a good thing and a bad thing, depending on its use, and it justifies it's value. But the boss dd20 is great for sounding more organic(not the most organic delay of course since it's digital), and it's more affordable.
and I should add, the timeline sounds very pleasant and friendly to your hearing, it's relaxing and great for ambient sounds. The DD20 I think will be better for darker mood/music, and distorted/overdriven type of music, probably better for soloing too, and slapback effect.
Timeline has tone,filter knobs and it can create any type of digital,analog delay sound,you just need to dig into yp the menu but Ofcourse its worth it.
Both are so great ! Love them !
Own a dd-20 for 10+ years.. best delay pedal ive ever played i even try out my friends timeline to replace my dd-20 but i always feel better when I played through the dd-20.its a choice both of them are great pedals but according to price wise dd-20 is a steal IMO
Wow. Best comparison of two similar pedals! I have a DD-20 and thought I wanted a Timeline until I watched this video. I obviously haven't explored all the capabilities of the DD-20. Yes, the Timeline has a few more knobs, but the Boss is a sturdier pedal, easier to use and half the price. DD-20 wins.
Thanks, yea the Strymon gets alot of Hype, but the DD-20 is still one of my favorites all around delay pedals.
I think people don't understand why the strymon is more expensive than the DD20. Midi control. The timeline is targeted at guitarist that have complex rigs that use midi controls. The DD20, while a great pedal, doesn't have that.
I know that the Timeline has more features but for the similar sounds, DD-20 sounds better. I am surprised. The tape for example which I've heard the the Timeline is the bees kness
DD-20 wins easily.. BOSS is BOSS
Boss DD-20 is definitely "THE BOSS" on this comparison. Plus that DD-20 looks killer I can tell that it been used a lot and still going strong and destroying the Strymon Timeline on this comparison.
wow, the boss sounds way better!
DD-20 :)
thanks, great comparison! Spend twice as much to maybe get a slightly better pedal. as always, boss wins the pedal for your money value.
The Strymon cost over twice the amount, so would obviously be better. It's like comparing a Martin (high end) with a Takamine (mid-high end), both are great, one is greater. It's a no brainer.I see your DD 20 has been in battle a lot and has the scars to show for it. Nice
+mrbsred1 you can tell a pedal is good when Roman (shnobel) says that he has been touring with the giga for over 10 years
How many presets can you save in the boss? Exactly.
Strymon might be more expensive, but I think overall is better.
You have four actual presets but you can squeeze out a 5th one because it has the standard mode that you can set to whatever you want as well.
+Mario Murillo oh wow, you TOTALLY convinced me to spend 350 more dollars on a timeline because of that. Presets are ok but surely you can just put tape on your pedals to get the tone you like
I own the dd20 . Such a great pedal . But unfortunately can't preset like the timeline . I just got the big sky and this pedal can store lots of presets . I'm getting the timeline . I don't like the price but I love this pedal .
Me too.I got me the BigSky,bluesky immerse,I stack them and have Tc Triple delay,Alter Ego X4 and now I need a timeline,I use these pedals only for recordings,that's what I do.
I'm not at the level where I'm going to notice the difference in a live setting between the two pedals honestly. I know listening with headphones there's a marked difference in tone and probably a functional difference too, but I can buy a used DD20 right now for 100$ and the strymon is cheapest at 400$... The difference in price can buy me the drive section additions I need and I'll almost be set.... I just need a tuner.... 😊
Do yourself a favour and buy the DD20. If you're not using Midi, I think the DD20 is a better value. $100 is a steal. I just got mine (it replaced my DD7)
The timeline is definitely brighter in tone, but not that much of a difference honestly.
I own both and they're both excellent pedals. In the studio I have historically used the timeline more. But for live the dd20 is more than sufficient and half the price. Get both!
+musicguy1128 is the giga still good for studio though?
Yes! Very much so.
musicguy1128 should i buy it new or used, a guy is selling it in my town for 200 but I don't know if that's a good deal of not
***** Hmm. Well I would buy used to save the money but that's me. Either way is fine. I bought mine used about 10 years ago. It's built like a tank.
$200 seems a tad high to me, well that is unless it's in near perfect condition and includes a power supply, box and all the paperwork, then maybe $200 would be appropriate. You should be able to grab a used one on eBay or through Guitar Center's used section for $150 or less though.
musicguy1128 I live in Australia so 150 is basically 200, the guy on gumtree that is selling it says he can do 200 for the pedal, box with papers and power supply
i wanted a timeline so bad but after this video i know i can go cheaper on a dd20 and still get similar sounds!
Isn't it much better to do the delay things in the daw? That way you could get your mono-signal from the guitar and then get swells and echos in stereo... this way there is no way to get it in stereo? (If it's not able to send two signals and then use two amps/cabs, but that is really a lot of gear and work)
mcadder I love creating delays in DAW (Favourite: Stdelay/ Valhallaverb/Compressor/ EQ). But it does sound different … and the strymon is super creative when improvising live. A DAW takes a planning :)
DD20 used one is like 3 times cheaper than timeline , so price difference dont give good enough sound difference to make me buy Strymon
That is true. You can buy 2-3 Boss DD20s fro the price of 1 Strymon Timeline.
I LOVE a well used pedal. My DD20 is loved. But not that loved!
pls make a comparison again of timeline and timefactor with U2 riffs!
The giga delay is like the underdog of multi delay pedals
I don't like BOSS pedals for DD-20 is making a good job!! I think I will buy a DD-20!
Great video!
because the two delays are pinned?
DD20 easily.
If you guys can't hear what's going on to the dry signal then sure buy a DD-20.
Man.... especially with a bit of dirt.
There is no way a boutique builder has the level of R&D Boss/Roland has. Boss can make their own DSPs and/or ICs if they wish. No wonder the DD20 still holds its own after so many years. Don't let prices fool you; I'd say timelines or bigskys sound almost as good as the Boss.
the boss sounds great
Timeline has a richfull and warmer sound but i would choose BOSS for the strength and the "stomp box interface"
DD20 IS UP!!
Good review.
Am I the only person that actually prefers the sound of the Strymon to the Boss.
+Samuel Emmett I know, right? I mean, if you like thin, tinny delay, by all means, go for the Boss. I love Boss, but I have to call the Strymon the winner here.
+Moses Ramirez just roll the tone knob back a bit yknow
but what about price preference ? :D
I didn't think this was that helpful. It was comparing what the DD 20 can do to how the TimeLine handles those same tasks. It's impossible to really tell the difference in sound quality coming over UA-cam and both sounded the same to me. But after you've gone through everything the DD 20 can do, you've got more to play with under the hood of the TimeLine. The price factor is a serious consideration, though. If you can't use the extra bells and whistles, then the DD 20 is more than enough.
...DD20 keep better the original guitar sound , and add more soul than Strymon...both are good pedals, so the price speak louder...
Interesting that you never once changed the delay time, to see how for you could push things. Beyond 3 seconds? Time to shoot another video, my friend
Same as comparing Lamborghini & Toyota.
no matter what, the dd-20 has no midi functions including midi clock sync,dealbreaker,timeline wins buy a clear knock out because of its midi capabilities
Not everyone uses midi, but yea the Timeline has an advantage over the boss
Don't forget that the DD-20 actually can be synced with midi, you just have to send it through the tap tempo port via guitar cable. You just can't change presets obviously.
Thats not midi
sorry,but any looper worth a hill of beans should be able to sync to midi clock right out of the box(just like any decent f/x unit and/or drum machine),I sold off 6 digitech processors for their lack of midi clock sync
Denis Taaffe
Im not sure but dont you need midi in at least for midi sync to work?
DD-7 or DD-20?
dd 20! more feature! that's it.. i think both sounds same.. and yeah.. that feature is worth to pay for!
+Doug B. dd3
DD 20 is the best!
El Capistan..
That BOSS DD-20 has been beat up real bad.
Buckethead isn't gonna like that.
He will like the fact that it can still stand up to the competition.
I just purchased a mint condition used one from Guitar Center, I hope it's not stolen. 🤡
No compare delays diferent !
Even if both pedals sounded identical, the ability to store 200 presets (Strymon) vs. 5 (Boss) is beyond discussion. Not to mention all the other cool stuff the DD-20 can't do. I've owned both and don't miss my DD-20 for a second - Timeline by a landslide.
I think they are both good pedals, but this seems like the patches saved on the DD-20 had a lot more time put into them, which judging from the wear on it they probably did. I think the video creator owns the DD-20 and merely borrowed the Timeline. Thus they know the DD-20 and how to play it better, whereas the they are less instinctively in tune with the Strymon. First step is buying a great pedal, second step is knowing it inside and out. What pedal you like more is apples and oranges.
I can tell which you prefer just looking, lol
Stray on wins, easily.
Timeline rules high above ...
The DD20 sounds exactly like the RE-20
really? cause i have both on my with list and have to decide wich one to Buy ..... so... same features?
+Mitja Rupel wish list
if you haven't pulled the trigger yet, get the dd-20 man...it can do re-20 type sounds but that's the least of its features...it's just endlessly usable, sonically amazing (and I'm not a huge boss fan) and easy to learn...someone would have to put out a miracle delay in order for me to ditch my dd-20
Thank you. Very Clear. wish you good music.