dm-2/dm-3 whats the difference?

i just bought a dm-2 after a buddy bought a dm-3. whats the difference. i noticed no sound difference. i noticed the knobs were different, and the print was white instead of black. but normally when boss goes from a ??-2 to a
??-3 there is a noticable, adjustable, sound difference. why did boss change to a 3 if there the same?

I know from the earlier to later DM-2s, that the earlier ones have a chip with a higher signal to noise ratio. I've got the first generation DM-2. But, I'm really not sure what the DM-2 to DM-3 differences are.

There are some vintage Boss sites that would probably provide a wealth of information though. Can't remember any of them at the moment and a quick Google didn't help. You may have to do some exploring.

For starters they have different bucket brigade devices & clock drivers. From memory the DM-3 had the later "low voltage" chips. Also the schematic shows a slightly different Compander, different op-amp (4558 variant - same cheap thing as every other pedal).

Also, the DM3 has a FET input buffer whereas the DM-2 doesn't.

The first filter after the buffer is the same on both. In fact the signal path throughout the two units are almost identical.

They're some of the differences electrically... What that actually means as far as tone is concerned I can't really tell you though!! :smile:

The reason for the number change is that there is additional functionality on the DM-3, namely you have direct output (right there beside the input). Not very useful, no one uses it. DM-2's are more prized by the collectors because they are supposed to be slightly warmer sounding, I could not tell the difference myself.

The reason for the number change is that there is additional functionality on the DM-3, namely you have direct output (right there beside the input). Not very useful, no one uses it. DM-2's are more prized by the collectors because they are supposed to be slightly warmer sounding, I could not tell the difference myself.

FWIW, I've got a DM-3 and wouldn't want it any warmer sounding.

FWIW, I've got a DM-3 and wouldn't want it any warmer sounding.

That's what I think about my DM-2. :lol:

I got a DM-3 ages ago because I liked my buddy's DM-2. When compared side by side the DM-3 sounded good but brighter. I preferred the warmer sound of the DM-2 for RAB slapback, but for other delay purposes the DM-3 was a bit more clear sounding. Both are good pedals IMHO.

sold mine a few years ago so i can't take a peak inside to check, BUT it seems like i remember the dm-3 had a switch or adjustment inside that made it capable of slightly longer delay times than the dm-2...

analog delays obviously don't have crazy-long delay times anyway, but that was the only other difference i THINK they had.

brighter than the dm-2???

maybe a tiny bit...ymmv