BOSS DM-101 Delay Machine User Guide

: June 12, 2024
: Boss

Table of Contents

Panel Descriptions
Saving and Switching Between Memories
Various Settings
Restoring the Factory Default Settings (Factory Reset)
Attaching the Rubber Feet
Main Specifications
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DM-101 Delay Machine
User Guide BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel

BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine - Top Panel

Name	Function
1	[MEMORY] button

1–4).
MEMORY indicators| Indicates the currently selected memory.
When MIDI is used to select memories 5–127, all indicators go dark.

If you turn the [VARIATION] knob while the mode is MULTI-HEAD, MEMORY indicators 1–4 indicate the head pattern you selected. The indicators return to the normal memory display after a little while.
2| [TAP DIVISION] button| Specifies the delay time in terms of a note length relative to the BPM.
Preventing accidental operation (panel lock)
By long-pressing the [TAP DIVISION] button, you can switch between enabling (unlocking) or disabling (locking) the knobs and buttons.
If you try to operate the knobs and buttons while they’re locked, the TAP DIVISION indicator blinks.
TAP DIVISION indicator| This indicates the delay time as a note value; the interval at which you press the pedal is considered as a quarter note (100%).| TAP DIVISION indicator| Explanation
---|---
| | | TRI| DOT
| | | | | Dotted half note (300%)
| | | | | Half note (200%)
| | | | | Dotted quarter note (150%)
| | | | | Half-note triplet (133%)
| | | | | Quarter note (100%)
| | | | | Dotted eighth note (75%)
| | | | | Quarter-note triplet (67%)
| | | | | Eighth note (50%)
| | | | | Eighth-note triplet (33%)
3| [MOD RATE] knob| Adjusts the modulation rate of the delay sound.
4| [MOD DEPTH] knob| Adjusts the modulation depth of the delay sound.
5| [VARIATION] knob| Adjusts the tonal character of the delay sound.
The effect differs depending on the mode. See the “1.5. Mode List(P.8)” for details.
6| Mode knob| Selects the delay mode (type).
1.5. Mode List(P.8)
7| [DELAY TIME] knob| Adjusts the delay time.
Turning the knob toward the right increases the delay time.
8| [INTENSITY] knob| Adjusts the number of delay repeats.
Turn this knob toward the right to increase the number of repeats. If you turn the knob all the way to the left, a single delay is heard.
If you turn the knob all the way to the right, oscillation might occur.
9| [DELAY VOLUME] knob| Adjusts the volume of the delay sound.
Turn this knob toward the right to increase the delay sound. If you turn the knob all the way to the left, only direct sound is heard.
10| [ON/OFF] switch| Turns the delay on/off.
11| [MEMORY] switch| Press to switch between memories.
12| [TAP] switch| By pressing the switch at the tempo of the song you’re performing, this lets you specify a matching delay time.
If the tempo is lower than the minimum delay time, the delay time is set to 1/2 and 1/4 of the tempo. If the tempo is higher than the maximum delay time, the delay time is set to two and four times the tempo.
Not supported in some delay modes. For details, refer to “1.5. Mode List(P.8)”.

Rear Panel

BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine - Rear Panel

Name	Function
13	INPUT jack

musical instruments and effect units to this input jack.
14| OUTPUT A/MONO, B jacks| Connect your guitar amp, keyboard amp, other effect units or your mixer here.
For mono output, connect to the A/MONO jack.
15| CTL1, 2/EXP jack| ● Using the jack as CTL 1, 2
You can connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) to switch MEMORY UP/DOWN and so on.
● Using the jack as EXP
Connect an expression pedal (EV-30, Roland EV-5, etc.; sold separately) to continuously change the effect settings for the expression pedal’s pushed-up (horizontal) position and for the pushed-down (slanted) position.
16| MIDI IN/OUT connectors| Use TRS/MIDI connecting cables (BMIDI-5-35, BMIDI-1-35, BCC-1-3535; sold separately) to connect this unit to an external MIDI device.
You can use an external MIDI device to switch between up to 128 memories on this unit.

Do not use these connectors for connecting to audio devices. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
17| USB port| Connect your computer using a commercially available USB cable that supports USB 2.0.
Do not use a micro USB cable that is designed only for charging a device. Charge-only cables cannot transmit data.
Used only for updating programs.
18| DC IN jack| Connect the AC adaptor to this jack.
Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-series), connected to a 100 V AC power source.
When you connect the included AC adaptor to the DC IN jack, the unit turns on.
1.4. Turning the Power On/Off(P.7)
19| Ground terminal| Connect this to an external earth or ground. This should be connected when necessary.
To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.
Connecting External Pedals

BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine - Connecting External Pedals

Mode/Polarity Switch

BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine - Polarity Switch

Turning the Power On/Off
Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.

Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
Turning the Power On
Turn on the power to your amp last.
Turning the Power Off
Turn off the power to your amp first.

Mode List

Mode| Explanation| Delay time| MIDI SYNC support for [TAP] switch| [VARIATION] knob function
---|---|---|---|---
**CLASSIC

| A sound with a warmth that’s characteristic of analog delays.| 40–1,200 ms
10–300 ms| | Adjusts the modulation waveform.
The MIN setting produces a triangle wave, the center setting produces a sine wave; and the closer you get to the MAX setting, the more complex the waveform becomes.
VINTAGE

| Simulates the sound of the BOSS DM-2.| |
MODERN

**| Produces a clear delay

sound with a distinct high end.

| 40–840 ms|
**MULTI- HEAD

| Produces a deep echo-like effect.| 20–300 ms| | Selects the head pattern (delay pattern) (10 types). (1, 2)
When you turn the knob, MEMORY indicators 1–4 indicate the head pattern you selected.
The indicators return to the normal memory display after a little while.
NON- LINEAR

| A delay that gives a reversed effect.| 35–190 ms| | Adjusts the volume for each delay interval.
AMBIENCE

| A sound that simulates a very narrow space.| VARIATION (Early reflection) MIN: 140–160 ms
VARIATION (Early reflection) MAX: 290–400 ms| | Adds the sounds of early reflections.
REFLECT

| Produces a reverb-like effect.| 90–320 ms| | Produces a pre-delay effect (40–290 ms).
DOUBLING+ DELAY
| Produces a short doubling delay that adds thickness to the sound, along with the reflection sound.| 10–310 ms| | Adjusts the doubling delay time (10–20 ms).
WIDE

| Shifts the respective OUTPUT A/B delay times to create a more expansive sound.| 25–590 ms| | Adjusts the time difference for the OUTPUT A/B delay time.
DUAL MOD

| Gives a modulation effect with different phases for OUTPUT A/B.| 110–600 ms| | Adjusts the modulation phase for OUTPUT A/B. The MAX setting inverts the phase for OUTPUT A/B.
PAN

**| A stereo tap delay that outputs the delay sound with different timings for

OUTPUT A/B.

| 20–450 ms| | Adjusts the time difference for the OUTPUT A/B delay time.
**PATTERN

*| Creates a rhythmic delay effect.| VARIATION (Pattern) 1: 50–300 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 2: 60–300 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 3: 60–300 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 4: 40–190 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 5: 30–190 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 6: 50–300 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 7: 60–290 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 8: 20–80 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 9: 60–300 ms
VARIATION (Pattern) 10: 60–300 ms| | Selects the delay pattern (10 types). (1)

(*1) You can switch between patterns 1–10 by changing the knob position.

BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine - knob position

(*2) The contents of head patterns 1–10 are shown below.

| Head pattern
---|---
1| | 2| | 3| | 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10
Playback head 1| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Playback head 2| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Playback head 3| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Playback head 4| | | | | | | | | | | | |

Saving and Switching Between Memories

Saving to a Memory
You can save the settings you’ve edited.

Long-press the [MEMORY] button.
The indicator of the currently selected memory number blinks, and the memory enters write standby mode.
Take your finger off the [MEMORY] button.
Press the [MEMORY] button to select where to save the memory.
Each time you press the button, the memory selector cycles through as follows: MANUAL→1→2→3→4.

You can use an external MIDI device to select memories 5–127. When you select memories 5–127, the MEMORY 1–4 indicators all blink.

Long-press the [MEMORY] button once more to save.
The memory number indicators blink rapidly. Once they remain lit, the write operation is finished.
When using an external MIDI device to select memories 5–127, the MEMORY 1–4 indicators all blink rapidly and then go dark.

If you operate the knobs or footswitch before step 3, the write operation is canceled.
If you’ve saved to MANUAL, only the [TAPE] button and expression pedal settings are saved.
Switching Memories
Here’s how to recall a saved memory.
1. Press the [MEMORY] button or [MEMORY] switch to select the memory.
  Each time you press the button/switch, the memory selector cycles through as follows: MANUAL→1→2→3→4.

You can use an external MIDI device to select memories 5–127 via MIDI. When you select memories 5–127, the MEMORY 1–4 indicators all go dark.

What is “MANUAL”?
Normally, effects are applied according to the settings in memory. However, when you select MANUAL, effects are applied according to the position of the knobs on the panel. At this time, the TAP DIVISION and expression pedal settings that are recalled are those saved in MANUAL (which are editable).

Various Settings

Setting the Expression Pedal Function
By connecting an expression pedal (such as the EV-30, sold separately) to the CTL 1, 2/EXP jack, you can operate the top panel knobs except for the Mode knob.
You can set the respective sounds for when the expression pedal is at MAX position (pushed all the way up with your toes) and at MIN position (pushed all the way down with your heel), and make continuous changes to them.
You can use different expression pedal settings for MANUAL and for each memory in MEMORY 1–4 respectively.
You can also set and add a different function to the functions you’ve already set. This lets you create settings that operate multiple knobs at once.

Use the [MEMORY] button to select the memory (MANUAL, MEMORY 1–4) for which you want to configure the expression pedal.
Hold down the [TAP] switch and press the [TAP DIVISION] button.
The TRI indicator blinks
Use the respective knobs to set the sound that’s used when the pedal is at the MIN value (pushed all the way down with your heel).
Press the [TAP DIVISION] button again.
The DOT indicator blinks.
Use the respective knobs to set the sound that’s used when the pedal is at the MAX value (pushed all the way up with your toes).
Press the [TAP DIVISION] button again to exit the function settings.

If you want to clear the function settings for the expression pedal, go through steps 1 to 6 above without operating any knobs in steps 3 and 6.
NOTE

To save the expression pedal function settings, you must save the memory.
Use only the specified expression pedal. Connecting expression pedals made by third-party manufacturers may cause this unit to malfunction.

Setting the Footswitch Functions (CTL 1 FUNCTION, CTL 2 FUNCTION)
Here’s how to configure the functions of the footswitch connected to the CTL 1, 2/EXP jack (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately).

Press and hold down the [TAP] switch, and turn on the power.
Set the Mode knob to “CLASSIC” if you wish to set the CTL 1 function, or to “VINTAGE” if you wish to set the CTL 2 function.
Use the [MEMORY] button to select the function to set.
MEMORY indicators| Function
---|---
MANUAL| Select the next memory.
1| Select the previous memory.
2| Turn on/off effects.
3| Press the footswitch at the tempo of the song you’re playing to specify a matching delay time.
Press the [TAP] switch to exit the function settings.

Switches Between Output Modes
You can change how the output works by switching between output modes.
You can turn the output of the direct sound off when you want to output only the effect’s sound, such as when you’re connecting this unit to the send/return of a mixer.

Press and hold down the [TAP] switch, and turn on the power.
Turn the Mode knob to the “MODERN” setting.
Use the [MEMORY] button to select the output mode.
MEMORY indicators| Output mode| Function
---|---|---
MANUAL| NORMAL| When a plug is inserted into the OUTPUT A/B jacks:
The effect sound (L ch) + direct sound is output from the OUTPUT A jack, and the effect sound (R ch) + direct sound is output from the OUTPUT B jack.
When a plug is inserted into the OUTPUT A jack only:
The effect sound and direct sound are output.
1| DIRECT/EFFECT| When a plug is inserted into the OUTPUT A/B jacks:
The effect sound (L ch + R ch) is output from the OUTPUT A jack, and the direct sound is output from the OUTPUT B jack.
When a plug is inserted into the OUTPUT A jack only:
The effect sound (L ch + R ch) is output from the OUTPUT A jack.
2| DIRECT MUTE| Turns the direct sound output off.
When a plug is inserted into the OUTPUT A/B jacks:
The effect sound (L ch) is output from the OUTPUT A jack, and the effect sound (R ch) is output from the OUTPUT B jack.
When a plug is inserted into the OUTPUT A jack only:
The effect sound (L ch + R ch) is output from the OUTPUT A jack.
Press the [TAP] switch to exit the function settings.

Preserving/Muting the Tail of an Effect when the Effect is Switched Off (CARRYOVER)
This sets whether to preserve (carry over) the tail of an effect after the effect is switched off.

Press and hold down the [TAP] switch, and turn on the power.
Turn the Mode knob to the “MULTI-HEAD” setting.
Use the [MEMORY] button to select the setting.
MEMORY indicators| Function
---|---
MANUAL| Reverberation carries over
1| Reverberation does not carry over
Press the [TAP] switch to exit the settings.
NOTE
● This is only supported when the effect is turned on/off. This is not supported when switching between memories.
● If this function is set to carry over the effect, the self-oscillation of the effect continues to be output, even if the effect is turned off while the effect sound is self-oscillating. To stop the self-oscillating sound, turn the [INTENSITY] knob all the way down.

Setting the Maximum Value of MEMORY (MEMORY EXTENT)
Here’s how to set the maximum value for the selectable memories.

Press and hold down the [TAP] switch, and turn on the power.
Turn the Mode knob to the “NON-LINEAR” setting.
Use the [MEMORY] button to set the maximum value.
MEMORY indicators| Maximum Value
---|---
1| 1
2| 2
3| 3
4| 4
Press the [TAP] switch to exit the settings.

MIDI Settings

Press and hold down the [ON/OFF] switch, and turn on the power.
Turn the Mode knob to select the parameter to set.
Use the [MEMORY] button to select the setting.
Press the [ON/OFF] switch to exit the settings.

Setting| Mode knob| Value| Indicators that are lit| Explanation
---|---|---|---|---
Receive channel (RX CH)| CLASSIC| OFF| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: | Off
1| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 1
2| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 2
3| MEMORY: 3
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 3
4| MEMORY: 4
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 4
5| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 5
6| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 6
7| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 7
8| MEMORY: 3
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 8
9| MEMORY: 4
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 9
10| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 10
11| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 11
12| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 12
13| MEMORY: 3
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 13
14| MEMORY: 4
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 14
15| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: TRI| CH. 15
16| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: TRI| CH. 16
Transmit channel (TX CH)| VINTAGE| OFF| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: | Off
1| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 1
2

| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 2
3| MEMORY: 3
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 3
4| MEMORY: 4
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 4
5| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: | CH .5
6| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 6
7| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 7
8| MEMORY: 3
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 8
9| MEMORY: 4
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 9
10| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 10
11| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: | CH.11
12| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 12
13| MEMORY: 3
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 13
14| MEMORY: 4
TAP DIVISION: | CH. 14
15| MEMORY: MANUAL
TAP DIVISION: TRI| CH. 15
16| MEMORY: 1
TAP DIVISION: TRI| CH. 16
RX| MEMORY: 2
TAP DIVISION: TRI| Transmits on the same channel as the

RX CHANNEL.

Restoring the Factory Default Settings (Factory Reset)

Press and hold down the [ON/OFF] switch and [TAP] switch, and turn on the power.
Press the [TAP] switch.
This starts the factory reset. The MEMORY indicators light up in this order: MANUAL→1→2→3→4. The reset is finished once the [ON/OFF] switch lights up.
Turn off the power.

NOTE
Don’t turn off the power while the factory reset is in progress.

Attaching the Rubber Feet

You can attach the rubber feet (included) if necessary.
Attach them in the locations shown in the illustration.

When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.
Using the unit without rubber feet may damage the floor.

BOSS DM 101 Delay Machine - Rubber Feet

Main Specifications

Memory	127 + Manual
Nominal Input Level	INPUT: -10 dBu
Input Impedance	INPUT: 1 MΩ
Nominal Output Level	OUTPUT A/MONO, OUTPUT B: -10 dBu
Output Impedance	OUTPUT A/MONO, OUTPUT B: 1 kΩ
Recommended Load Impedance	OUTPUT A/MONO, OUTPUT B: 10 kΩ or

greater
Delay Mode| CLASSIC
VINTAGE
MODERN
MULTI-HEAD
NON-LINEAR
AMBIENCE
REFLECT [STEREO] DOUBLING+DELAY [STEREO] WIDE [STEREO] DUAL MOD [STEREO] PAN [STEREO] PATTERN [STEREO]
Bypass| Buffered bypass
Controls| [ON/OFF] switch, [MEMORY] switch, [TAP] switch
[MOD RATE] knob, [MOD DEPTH] knob, [VARIATION] knob, Mode knob, [DELAY TIME] knob, [INTENSITY] knob, [DELAY VOLUME] knob
[MEMORY] button, [TAP DIVISION] button
Connectors| INPUT jack, OUTPUT A/MONO jack, OUTPUT B jack: 1/4-inch phone type CTL 1, 2/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type DC IN jack
USB port: USB micro B-type (program update only)
Power Supply| AC adaptor
Current Draw| 260 mA
Dimensions| 192 (W) x 133 (D) x 52 (H) mm / 7-9/16 (W) x 5-15/64 (D) x 2-3/64 (H) inches
192 (W) x 133 (D) x 53 (H) mm / 7-9/16 (W) x 5-15/64 (D) x 2-3/32 (H) inches (including rubber foot)
Weight| 830 g
1 lb 14 oz
Accessories| AC adaptor Startup Guide
Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”, “IMPORTANT NOTES”, and “Information”)
Rubber foot x 4
Options (sold separately)| Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
MIDI/TRS connecting cable: BMIDI-5-35, BMIDI-1-35, BMIDI-2-35, BCC-1-3535, BCC-2-3535

0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

Reference Manual
©2023 Roland Corporation