Boss DM-2 VS. BBE Two Timer (Analog Delay Comparison)

http://www.jasonricci.com
Here is a comparison between the famous Boss D-2 Analog Delay and the much newer BBE "Two Timer" Analog Delay. The Boss pedal depending upon condition usually sells any where between 75.00 (Almost unheard of) and 400.00 (Most the time somewhere in the middle, The BBE "Two Timer sells around 150.00 new but obviously can be found for cheaper on EBAY. http://www.bbesound.com

Boss DM-2 Description: DM-2 Delay
This analog delay pedal is able to produce delay times ranging from 30 to 330 Milliseconds. It's got three dials with adjustments for Repeat Rate, Intensity, and Echo. This effect draws a lot of current so not all power supplies are able to power up this pedal. The vintage analog DM-2 is a very popular effect and prices are usually very high for a beat up but working pedal.
Version differences
There are at least 3 different versions of the DM-2. The first version was using the MN3005 BBD. This was soon changed to the low current version of the same circuit called MN3205. It is worth noting that the MN3005 has a SN ratio of 75 dB while the MN3205 is a little more noisy with its 67dB. The MN3205 only produces 0.8% distortion compared to 1% for the MN3005.
The DM-2 can be approximately dated by reading the number on the compander IC NE570N. It should have a 4 digit number giving you the year and month of production in the form YYMM. Note that this is the production date of the integrated chip and not of the pedal but it's unlikely that the chips were stored for very long before used.
DM-2
Marking of PCB: ET-5214-510
BBD: MN3005
Clock Driver: MN3101
DM-2A
Marking of PCB: ET-5214-510A
BBD MN3205
Clock Driver: MN3102
DM-2B
Marking of PCB: ET-5214-510B
BBD: MN3205
Clock Driver: MN3102
Specifications
Controls: Repeat Rate, Echo, Intensity
Connectors: Input, Output, AC Adaptor
Current Draw: 11 mA (DC 9V)
Weight: 450g.
Input Impedance: 470kOhm
Output Impedance: Over 10kOhm
Residual Noise Level: -100dBm (IHF-A)
Delay Time: 20ms-300ms
Recommended AC Adaptor: ACA Series
Labels
Black - Made In Japan
Green - Made In Japan
The DM-2 was sold from June 1981 to February 1984.

BBE "TWO TIMER" Description: Two great analog delays in one compact pedal!
The BBE Two Timer guitar pedal was inspired by the long discontinued BOSS DM-2 Delay. The DM-2 was known for its warm, haunting reverb and tape-like echoes. The Two Timer offers two Independent delay times foot switchable via the TIME 1/TIME 2 mode switch. This makes it possible to have one delay setup for a short slapback rhythm sound while another is set to a longer delay for solos.
The Two Timer is essentially two great analog delays in one compact delay pedal. The circuit features a BBD (Bucket Brigade Delay) for the warmth and character only analog can deliver, 1% Metal Film resistors for pristine audio quality plus true hardwire bypass for a clean signal path when the effect is bypassed.
Other features on the BBE Two Timer include hardwire bypass, LED operation indicator, non-slip rubber bottom, easy-access 9v battery compartment and included external power supply
BBE Two Timer Delay Guitar Effects Pedal Features:
Dual Mode Analog Delay
Delay Range 0-330ms
1% Metal Film resistors
True Hard-Wire Bypass
On/Off LED status indicator
Easy-access 9v battery compartment
Included external power supply
Five Year Warranty
This Pedal is still currently in Production!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• BBE
• bbe
• two
• timer
• twotimer
• DM-2
• DM2
• analog
• delay
• echo
• slap
• back
• park
• little
• walter
• harmonica
• pedal
• effect
• chess
• blues

[Rambo29]

Can you swap BL chips for MN3005 and MN3008 chips?

[jasonricci]

Good question I don't know.

[MICKEYMIN2]

For my choice , i think i would go with the BBE - key factor #1 would be the hardwired bypass - if its off -I want it OFF (out of signal path), 2nd - price of course and less important is that I am hobbist/musician in other words durability needed for the 'rigors of the road' would not really be an issue for me ( jumping to conclusion - BOSS equip maybe more 'commerical'/'contractor' grade.) Again - i dunno

Thanks much

[jasonricci]

I think you do know, and your obsevations are sound and clear.

J

[Mazblues]

in some funny way you seem a little overly emphatic in this one, esp. in the beginning - positively, I just couldn't help but notice. don't let anyone or anything EVER bring you down, bro, you're an absolute exception of the rule, you heard!?

ps: for how much would you come over & play @ my wedding?

[jasonricci]

Hey Maz, Thanks man your impressions were correct sir, I was having an issue at home on this day but all is cool. Hey I bet were cheaper than those actual wedding bands! You can book me right through my site jasonricciDOTcom . Most of Congratulations!

[weerpool14]

Was the icecream truck using a BBE or a DM 2?

[Broodkill]

the ice cream truck has the same damn song everywhere in every state

she'll be coming round the mountain when she comes!!!!!!!

[MyKiko5]

So you can have the U2 Dotted Delay in Channel 1 and a solo delay in channel 2

[MrLittoral]

I've listened to this a whole lot. Final deal for my ears is the resonance in the repeats with the dm-2. Serious thanks for your efforts. You've been a whole lot of help. Really. If you read this, please keep it together. As selfish as it is there are a whole lot of us who enjoy your gift.

[claytushaywood1]

do you have the two timer running after the dm2? because the dm2 has a built in buffer and placing the bbe after it will affect the tone of the bbe. not to mentioon the other pedals and whether or not there may be buffers in those or not and where and how clean they are... blah blah blah... i found the two timer cleaner overall than the dm2... less noise too. theres also quite a bit of variation between dm2's, but those bbe's are probably all the same with the metal film components... yada

[tombuttner]

The video quality is shit, but dude…. you're a fucking STAR!!!!

[SoldatSolutrea]

Man, listening to those effects over the harmonica is like sitting in a jacuzzi

[RaygunShaun]

@Broodkill Everywhere I've heard one, it's always playing "Turkey in the Straw" (the Do Your Ears Hang Low song).

[TheCaaalves]

povim olhem ae caa.alves nao vao se arrepender Garanto !!

/watch?v=y5A0dmb9M5o

[joelg125]

I liked the BBE. U still have it? Have u formed an opinion yet? Which do u prefer?... Thx

[benjamin6909]

I love your playing, and the demo was great too.

[dirtyTony666]

great review!! thanks for sharing, my impression is that the DM2 is closer to the original sound, I hear the BBE a little bit thinner&treblier but however differences are minimal, thanks