Boss DM-2W Waza Craft vs MXR Carbon Copy
The DM-2W wins for the warmest analog delay available in Waza Standard mode — the original DM-2 circuit is legendary. The Carbon Copy wins for compact size, 600ms delay time and the most portable BBD delay on the market.
Boss DM-2W Waza Craft
Boss's Waza Craft reissue of the 1981 DM-2 analog delay — Standard mode faithfully recreates the original BBD circuit; Custom mode extends delay time to 800ms and improves headroom while preserving the analog character.
Players who specifically want the 1981 Boss DM-2 BBD analog delay character — particularly those who revere the original circuit for blues and classic rock applications
MXR Carbon Copy
The reference compact analog delay — BBD chip, 600ms maximum delay time, subtle chorus modulation on repeats. The most widely used compact analog delay in professional rigs, particularly for blues and country applications.
Blues, country, and classic rock players who want warm, organic analog delay that blends naturally into the guitar signal
Tone Character
Boss DM-2W Waza Craft
- ✓ Faithful DM-2 BBD analog circuit recreation in Standard mode
- ✓ Custom mode extends delay time to 800ms
- ✓ Waza component selection for superior performance
- ✓ Boss build quality and reliability
- ✓ Compact standard Boss enclosure
- ✗ No tap tempo
- ✗ More expensive than Carbon Copy at a similar price point
- ✗ Standard mode limited to 300ms delay time
MXR Carbon Copy
- ✓ Warm BBD analog repeats with subtle natural modulation
- ✓ 600ms maximum delay time
- ✓ Simple Delay/Mix/Regen controls
- ✓ True bypass
- ✓ Compact MXR enclosure
- ✗ No tap tempo on standard version (Mini has tap)
- ✗ Modulation cannot be fully disabled on standard version
- ✗ Limited to 600ms maximum delay time
When To Choose Each
Players who want the warmest, most vintage analog delay character and the extended Custom mode for longer times.
Players who want maximum analog delay portability — the Carbon Copy is smaller and fits any pedalboard.
Final Verdict — Boss DM-2W Waza Craft vs MXR Carbon Copy
Best for beginners
MXR Carbon Copy
MXR Carbon Copy scores higher on versatility (65/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Boss DM-2W Waza Craft.
Best for metal tones
MXR Carbon Copy
MXR Carbon Copy leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (56/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
MXR Carbon Copy
At £119 vs £199, MXR Carbon Copy delivers 40% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| Boss DM-2W Waza Craft | MXR Carbon Copy | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £199 | £119 |
| Category | Delay | Delay |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 70/100 | 68/100 |
| Treble | 50/100 | 52/100 |
| Bass | 55/100 | 56/100 |
| Versatility | 60/100 | 65/100 |
| Best for | Players who specifically want the 1981 Boss DM-2 BBD analog delay character | Blues, country, and classic rock players who want warm, organic analog delay that blends naturally into the guitar signal |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Standard mode replicates the original DM-2 circuit; Custom mode extends delay time and improves headroom while keeping the analog character.
Very close — both use BBD chips. DM-2W is slightly warmer in Standard mode.
Carbon Copy: 600ms. DM-2W Custom mode: 800ms. DM-2W Standard: 300ms.
Carbon Copy is significantly smaller — MXR compact enclosure vs Boss standard pedal.