The ME range of multi-effects pedals is the longest-running series of BOSS multi-effects units, characterized by classic, tactile, easy-to-use controls. Designed to offer affordable access to core BOSS effects while maintaining a simple, knob-based front panel for clear and familiar control. This extensive guide to the ME range of pedals is for guitarists and bass players of all levels, whether you’re new to guitar and multi-effects in general or a professional musician looking for greater depth of knowledge and detailed insights into the ME series.
We’ll cover a history of the ME series, information on the range in relation to other BOSS multi-effects, the pedal’s key features, and some great insights into the functionality and learning resources available for users to get the most out of their ME series pedal.
What Are Multi-Effects Pedals?
Multi-effects pedals consolidate multiple effect types into a single unit. They often consist of multiple footswitches for individual effect control or the ability to bank between different effects. They allow the user to use different effects individually or together in the same way as a pedalboard of single-effect stompboxes.
There are numerous benefits to using multi-effects instead of individual stompboxes. Multi-effects are usually a great space saver. Whether being used on a pedalboard alongside other effects or as a complete solution, they make travel, storage, and stage use more convenient. They’re also an excellent fly rig solution to avoid traveling with heavyweight, often relatively fragile pedalboards.
"Whether being used on a pedalboard alongside other effects or as a complete solution, multi-effects make travel, storage, and stage use more convenient."
Multiple Benefits
Another great advantage of multi-effects pedals is their cost. While multi-effects themselves can be an expensive single purchase, when compared to a pedalboard of individual stompboxes, patch cables, power supplies, and the board itself, multi-effects units offer an affordable alternative. This can be especially useful for trying effects types that you might only want to use occasionally without having to make an additional purchase.
One of the most rewarding benefits of multi-effects pedals is their versatility. A modern multi-effects pedal will usually comprise a massive range of effects, including multiple types of individual effects such as fuzz, delay, or reverb. The range of tonal options available encourages expansive soundscape creation and the ability to use a single unit for multiple genres, bands, and scenarios.
Differences Between BOSS GT, GX, and ME Series
BOSS offers three distinct and unique ranges of multi-effects. The GX, GT, and ME series of pedals. Each range offers a different core set of features and has a distinct purpose within the guitar effects pedal market.
The GT series represents the most comprehensive, professional BOSS multi-effects on the market. It consists of a full complement of AIRD amplifier and cabinet simulations and a massive range of BOSS effects. It also boasts an impressive versatility of control and editability, enabling players to utilize its MIDI functionality, assign control parameters, and switch in an almost infinite number of ways. The GT-1000 also features substantial connectivity and integration options for outboard gear. It includes two separate effects loops for adding external effects to the GT interface and XLR Sub outputs for sending alternative effects chains to interfaces or front-of-house.
The GX series is a modern touch-screen-operated pedal series designed for fast, easy-to-use effects such as chain building and control assigning. The range consists of a comprehensive selection of 170 BOSS effects models and a suite of AIRD amplifier and cabinet simulations for a complete recording, practice, and live solution, with no amp required.
"Where GX and GT both have large display screens detailing the effects chain and the various parameters that the pedal knobs are assigned to, ME divides each footswitch and selection of control knobs into categories."
The ME: A Unique Layout
The ME series is different from the other two ranges. Unlike GT and GX, ME effects pedals are entirely operated by the large number of control knobs on the face of the unit. Where GX and GT both have large display screens detailing the effects chain and the various parameters that the pedal knobs are assigned to, ME divides each footswitch and selection of control knobs into categories. Each category can be assigned to a restricted number of effect types, and the control knobs will operate within that selection.
With this unique layout, the ME series works much more like a pedalboard of individual stompboxes than the other ranges. The effects are controlled entirely by the large number of knobs on the pedal, offering simple, tactile control without the need to scroll between presets or menus.
A Brief History of the BOSS ME Series
The BOSS ME series of pedals has been in production since 1988 with the introduction of the ME-5. Released only a year on from the world’s first multi-effects processor, the Roland GP-8, the ME-5 was designed to give guitarists access to the then-limited range of BOSS pedals in one compact unit, as simply as possible. The pedal consisted of 5 footswitches and no control knobs, favoring instead a display of buttons to scroll between settings.
The ME series continued to expand and develop in both popularity and features. After the ME-5, the ME-6, ME-8, ME-20, ME-25, ME-30, and ME-50 all offered new effects, control, and design. An expression pedal was added, and the effects were switched from analog to digital with the BOSS COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) range of effects and tones.
The next update for the ME series came in 2014 with the ME-80. This update came with a unique new footswitch design that positioned two footswitches on a cradle in a single footswitch spacing. This delivered twice the control of previous designs and offered comprehensive, efficient, and intuitive effects switching, patch selection, and real-time sound shaping while playing on stage.
"The ME-80 also ushered in the introduction of the free BOSS Tone Studio software that unlocked even more tonal possibilities."
More Tone Options
The ME-80 also introduced the free BOSS Tone Studio software, which unlocked even more tonal possibilities. The software added a graphical interface for tweaking and organizing sounds on your computer. Plus, a connection to BOSS Tone Central provided direct access to free gig-ready patches created by top pro guitarists.
All these great ME multi-effects pedals led us to today and the current range of ME-90 and ME-90B effects pedals. They feature exceptional audio quality, flagship-grade AIRD amp models, IR loading, an effects loop, the ability to run via a 9V power supply or batteries, and are loaded with premium BOSS effects offering multiple modes of effects control.
The ME-90 is a versatile all-in-one processor that makes it easier than ever to build customized sound setups for every playing situation. In addition, the ME-90 and ME-90B are the first BOSS ME series multi-effects to be Bluetooth controllable via either desktop or the ME-90 Editor App. Controlling, customizing, saving, and downloading presets via the app offers an unprecedented level of control for the ME series and allows you to deep-dive into patches in a way previously reserved for the more advanced GT series of multi-effects.
Key Features
At the core of ME pedals is their multi-effect capabilities. The ME-90 is loaded with a substantial range of the most famous BOSS effects pedals and a handful of effects inspired by the world’s most popular pedals outside of the BOSS catalog. It includes not only a broad range of effect types, from distortion to delay and rotary to reverb, but also multiple variations of individual effects. For example, the ME-90 includes a standard BOSS overdrive, a T-Screamer, Centa, and Blues Driver in the Overdrive category alone. And because of the pedal’s knob-based control layout, each effect is available on a single notched rotary control, a perfect blend of simplicity and versatility.
Outside of their core effects processing, the newer ME pedal models also include a fantastic range of amp modeling and tone shaping features ported from the GT-1000, driven by the advanced AIRD technology for authentic tube tone and touch response.
Eleven onboard amp types offer everything from clean combo sounds to punishing high-gain stacks, and you can access more sounds in BOSS Tone Studio. Each amp includes a dedicated cab sound for connecting to a PA or recording device, and you can load three of your favorite speaker IRs to personalize sounds to your taste.
"Eleven onboard amp types offer everything from clean combo sounds to punishing high-gain stacks, and you can access more sounds in BOSS Tone Studio."
A Range of Possibilities
The built-in expression pedal is another great feature of the ME series. The functionality of the expression pedal is defined by a single ‘Pedal FX’ knob. The control allows the pedal to be assigned to numerous parameters, including wah, octave, sub-octave, Overdrive amount, delay level, or even modulation rate for a massive range of versatile hands-free control.
The ME pedal range offers a host of possibilities, harnessing a massive range of classic and sought-after BOSS tones. Still, the most essential feature of the series is its simple, tactile, easy-to-use control layout. By keeping the pedal functionality knob focused, it removes any real learning curve that might be the case with an interface-based multi-effects unit. Every effect and parameter is immediately visible and adjustable in real time for fast results and easy tone tweaking.
Benefits of Using a BOSS ME Multi-Effects Unit
With eleven unique amp and cab models and more than 60 effects, the ME-90 is an extremely versatile one-stop shop for guitarists and bass players. Its sheer range of tonal options not only makes it ideal for guitarists in any genre, but its ease of use and simple tone profile banking capabilities also make it ideal for guitarists who play in multiple genres in function bands or on sessions.
Outside of its incredible versatility, the ME series is also the most affordable range of BOSS multi-effects and the easiest way to get into multi-effects for new players and professionals alike. It represents a significant cost-effectiveness compared to purchasing individual stompboxes and the additional accessories required to build a pedalboard.
"The ME series is exceptionally compact, thanks to its clever effects categorizing and cradle-mounted dual footswitches."
The ME series is exceptionally compact, thanks to its clever effects categorizing and cradle-mounted dual footswitches. Its high-quality amp and cab models make it a fantastic alternative to an amplifier for live performance. In fact, the amp and cab models make the ME-90 a perfect, compact recording tool that can be run straight into a desk or interface to deliver consistent, high-quality guitar tones.
The easy, knob-based control makes the ME series ideal for on-the-fly sound creation and quick tone alteration without having to menu dive. The effects and controls are as clear and accessible as a complete board of individual stompboxes.
Tips for Getting the Best Sound from a BOSS ME Pedal
Whilst the core of the ME series is its tactile control, it can also switch between two unique control modes: Memory and Manual. In Manual mode, the footswitches work like individual stompboxes and can be turned on and off or stacked together via their allocated footswitch.
In Memory mode, the front four switches control individual presets, turning on and off multiple effects and amp models simultaneously, while two of the back footswitches allow you to bank up and down between different preset selections. This mode is handy for storing predefined effect and amp combinations and recalling them quickly, depending on the scenario. It also optimizes your tones based on live, studio, and genre-specific requirements.
Due to the ME series compact form factor and built-in effects loop, it’s an ideal pedal to combine with other effects. It is even possible to assign the switching of the effect loop to one of the footswitches. For example, if you placed an especially unique fuzz pedal in the effects loop, it would be possible to use the ME-90 as a switcher for that pedal or in Memory Mode to have the fuzz turn on and off with different patches. In this scenario, the amp and cab model would still be at the end of the effects chain, essentially integrating the external pedal into the ME-90’s signal flow.
The ME-90’s built-in expression pedal is extremely versatile and can be used in several very creative ways to expand your sonic potential. One of its most unique functions is the Freeze mode, which allows you to swell in a held, pitch-accurate note beneath a chord or melody line. This can be extremely useful for ambient textures or solo performance.
BOSS Tone Exchange is another incredible tool that will help expand your ME pedal, explore great tones, and hopefully discover a few effects and patches you didn’t know the pedal was capable of. The Tone Exchange is a hub where other ME pedal users can upload their patches for others to try out. The vast library of presets is easy to explore either by keyword or popularity, and it is a great place to look for artist and genre-inspired patches.
"The BOSS ME multi-effect series boasts a blend of familiar, tactile control and extreme versatility."
Versatility Meets Control
The BOSS ME multi-effect series boasts a blend of familiar, tactile control and extreme versatility. It offers a level of affordability that few other units of its quality and feature set can match. The ME series can be a great fly rig, an alternative to large, stompbox-based pedalboards, a studio solution, a direct recording solution, and an alternative to using an amplifier in live situations.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your sonic palette or a professional looking for ease of use and versatility, the ME series is a great solution. It excels in every genre, from modern metal to ambient shoegaze, and its simple patch-saving system can effortlessly switch between any number of rigs at the tap of a footswitch.
The ME series is designed to help you easily explore your creative potential, and community-driven tools like the BOSS Tone Exchange are a great way to discover new tones and ways to use the pedal. YouTube is also a fantastic resource for the ME range. Guitar and effects experts like Alex Hutchins and gear enthusiast channels like The Guitar Geek have created brilliant deep-dive videos exploring just what the ME-90 can do.
Visit the BOSS ME-90 webpage for more details and check out the ME library in BOSS Tone Exchange for a great way to get started exploring this expansive series of multi-effects.
