Korg SDD-3000
A programmable digital delay unit first released as a rackmount in 1982, later reissued as a pedal in 2014.
Overview
The Korg SDD-3000 began life as a rackmount digital delay introduced in 1982, notable for being one of the first affordable programmable digital delays. It allowed users to store and recall sound effects via front-panel controls, a significant innovation at the time. The unit gained rapid adoption in studios and by musicians, achieving near-iconic status, notably through association with The Edge. Decades later, in July 2014, Korg revisited the design with a pedal version—the SDD-3000 Programmable Digital Delay Pedal—based on analysis of an original unit. This reissue offers up to 4000 ms of delay time, MIDI compatibility, and sync mode with 11 selectable timing divisions.
Specifications
| Production start (original) | 1982 |
| Production start (pedal) | July 10, 2014 |
| Bandwidth (original rack) | 17kHz |
| Delay time (original rack) | 1.023 seconds |
| Modulation (original rack) | VCO Frequency range 0.1 Hz – 15 Hz |
| Delay time (pedal) | Up to 4000 ms |
| Delay time options (pedal) | 8 selectable delay times |
| Sync mode (pedal) | 11 different timing divisions |
| MIDI (pedal) | MIDI compatibility |
| Dimensions (original rack) | 482mm x 46mm x 381mm |
| Dimensions (pedal) | 260 × 170 × 77 mm |
| Weight (pedal) | 1.5 kg |
| Country of origin (pedal) | China |
| Discounted price (pedal) | $299.99 |
Design
The original SDD-3000 was an early digital unit featuring programmability, with effects created via front-panel controls that could be memorized and recalled. The 2014 pedal version was developed using analysis of an original SDD-3000, including its circuit board, to preserve the character of the vintage unit.
Context
The original Korg SDD-3000 rack unit was launched in 1982 and quickly became a staple in professional and project studios. It was adopted by many musicians and achieved iconic status, particularly due to its use by The Edge. The 2014 pedal reissue brought the classic delay into a modern performance format, offering expanded delay time and MIDI integration while maintaining the sonic character of the original.
Market
Owners have reported servicing needs related to alignment of the analog clock for delay time and modulation in original rack units.
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