The Korg SDD-3000 is the first affordable digital delay that provides programmability – sound effects created with the front panel controls can be memorised and instantly recalled whenever needed. The built-in microcomputer has a memory capacity of 9 different effects.
Much more than a simple delay unit, the Korg SDD-3000 has a complete modulation section with triangle wave. square wave. random, and envelope function. These can create unique doubling echo and flanging effects as well as bizarre pitch bends and Doppler effects. Sound quality is excellent, as shown by such outstanding specifications as: delayed frequency response of 10Hz. to 17KHz, +0 5dB to -3dB THD of 0.03%; and effect dynamic range of 94dB.
Independent 4-position high and low filters produce considerable tonal variations in the delay time, creating a wide range of different effects. Delay time is continuously adjustable (at low and high speeds) in 1msec (0.001 second) steps from 0msec to a maximum lone delay of 1023 msec (1.023 seconds) without sound quality degradation. Two types of stereo outputs provide exceptional versatility, with the choice of normal or inverted phase characteristics.
The Korg SDD-3000 is extremely useful for many kinds of recording and PA applications that require uncompromising professional quality. For live performance use, the Korg SDD-3000 is equipped with numerous control inputs, including foot switch (PS01, S-2, etc.) operated control over ‘Hold’ (for endless repeats) effect Bypass, and Up/Down program switching. Delay time can also be modulated by an external control signal such as the MS-01 or MS-04-foot controllers.
Major Features of the Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay
- Offers a large number of versatile, high-quality effects such as flanging, doubling, chorus, vibrato, Doppler effect, slapback and echo, at the push of a button.
- Over 1 second delay range (0~1023 milliseconds) standard at full 17 kHz delay bandwidth.
- Low delay path distortion (0.03%, typical) and excellent 94 dB effect dynamic range (88 dB effect SIN ratio), without compander ‘breathing’ effects, through use of proprietary 13 bit audio conversion technique. Dynamic range for direct signal is 110 dB (All ratings A-weighted).
- Expanded Modulation section featuring 3 waveforms, envelope follower, and separate delay mod CB input. A ‘random’ waveform is provided for highly realistic doubling and other effects.
- Flexible Regeneration section, with FEEDBACK control, INVERT switch, and switchable high and low filters to create warm on metallic flanges and doubling, echoes that decay naturally, and many other unique special effects.
- Sophisticated programmer provides 9 different user-changeable programs plus manual setting. Programs may be copied and edited, temporarily or permanently.
- All major functions are fully programmable, including Delay time, Regeneration, Modulation and Effect Balance.
- Separate Program Up and Down footswitches may be used for instant effect selection, live or in the studio.
- 5-digit LED Display shows delay time setting and current program.
- HOLD mode provides indefinite repeats without any degradation of audio quality.
- Rear panel includes both Direct output and ‘Sum & Difference’ outputs, for rich and dramatic quasistereo doubling, flanging and chorus effects.
- Complete rear panel control inputs, including Delay Mod CV input and footswitch jacks for Effect Bypass, Hold, Program Up and Program Down.
- Input and Output jacks provided on both front and rear panels. Both inputs and front panel Output have 3 position Attenuator switches, for easy use with Instruments and in semi-pro or professional recording studios.
One Response
What’s forgotten in this features/traits description/review, is the “guitar” pre-amp at input that is always on. Not mentioned in manual, but gave guitar signals a certain high end spark to it, hence the re-issue made later on in pedal form. Numerous manufacturers have released a separate pedal with just this input circuitry from SDD-3000 in it. To little or no avail. It all has to gel, what comes before AD and after DA. Some uses this unit ONLY for that and turns off the delay circuitry and use it totally dry. I used to own one since I’d worked for a while at Swedish Wholesale agent for Korg. When the next model came out, with 2 seconds delay, I traded it, one of the biggest and most regretable gear trades/mistakes I’ve ever done in my life. I thought that one should be better. Not by light years. The compander noise and pumping of the new model was unbearable, and I couldn’t buy the SD-3000 back. Today they charge extortionate prices for this unit and beware, most of the components inside has dried up and gone south, and even if you got the service manual and schematics, the replacements available today may jinx the special timbre of it. No plugin will mimick this units input preamp even close.