Boss ME-50 Guitar Multiple Effects user reviews ( 8/10) - 40 user reviews

• 03/22/10

  songboy's review

  Characteristics

  There are a lot of effects on this unit such as Delay, reverb, Ring modulation, tremelo, distortion, compression, vibrato, volume, etc...... No, this unit cannot be edited through a computer. It is not rackable as it is designed to be used on the floor. It is a combination of Digital and Analog effects. As for connections you get two inputs (1/4" and mini) a stereo pair of outputs and a phones/alt output jack.

  Utilization

  The effects editing is fairly simple but of course not as simple as having all the effects you need in separate, easy to control stomp boxes. It can get pretty hairy trying to tweak effects on the fly being that there is a ton of options/effects in this one unit. For live use, the configuration is not all that great. You have to be able to read the words on the unit if you are not completely proficient with it so I suggest setting it up ahead of time and just moving through your presets live. Yes, the manual is clear enough and can help you solve any problem you might come acrossed.

  Sound Quality

  I used this for my guitar and my Fender Rhodes. The sound quality was perfectly fine for live use (never used it in the studio). I loved using this on the rhodes mainly because you can't really see below the rhodes when you are playing and having a bunch of effects underneath can be hard to use. Using the ME 50, I just set up the presets to what I needed and could change between them at a push of a button while performing.

  Overall Opinion

  My favorite effect on this unit was the ring modulator. I had never owned one or used one before so it was a lot of fun when I got this unit. Since then I have sold this unit and bought a host of high end effects to replace it including the MoogerFooger Ring Mod which is much better in the way sound quality. Mainly though, this was a great unit to start off with being that you could have all the effects you need for an affordable price. I didn't really dislike anything about this unit but I did end up getting rid of it after I bought some excellent replacements. I give it a 8 out of 10 for sound quality. It was good, but there is much better out there. I owned a Pod 2.0 before this and I liked the ME 50 much more. For beginners or people who just need a lot of effects that doesn't take up a lot of space, the Boss ME50 is ideal. I would definitely buy it again if I were in that same boat.
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• 12/05/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by Resty/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  Available effects: delay, reverb, flanger, chorus, distortion, etc. See Roland's website. The device is a bit too heavy. It's an old unit...

  Utilization

  Everything is very easy. Thank you Boss. 10/10

  Sound Quality

  Not convincing nor exciting. Like its small brother, the ME 20, it makes you want to connect your guitar directly to the amp or do something else rather than music... 3/10 because I'm generous.

  Overall Opinion

  It sounds cheap. Many other manufacturers offer much better products. If you want a Boss pedal you'll have to start at the GT10 and move upwards, otherwise it's not worth it.
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• 11/06/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by pierrelaforge/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  
  
  Features: Already described on this page...
  
  
  
  Generally speaking I would say the Boss ME50 offers the following advantages:
  
  - direct access to the parameters (no complicated menus, etc.)
  
  - Comprehensive connections: stereo output on TS phone jack, line output with a tiny integrated preamp, line input to feed your favorite CDs...
  
  - Very good tuner (much better than in most multieffects...)
  
  
  
  I do miss a USB port to connect the unit to a PC. It's a must have in the DAW era.
  
  ***TIP***
  
  You can plug a standard amp footswitch into the ME50 footswitch connector to control the mic simulation and the compressor (it worked with my Laney dual-channel footswitch). Useful...

  Utilization

  Very easy to use, beginners shouldn't have any problem.
  
  
  
  What about the user's manual? I haven't opened it except to set the expression pedal (see paragraph below)!!
  
  
  
  Note: you'll have to calibrate your expression pedal if it suddenly turns on and off when you try to control the volume with your foot (see manual: push a button while you turn off the unit, blah blah blah). After that, set the switch value to "2" ("1": the switch is too responsive; "6": you'll have to depress like a madman).

  Sound Quality

  Distortion effects: 2 or 3 are really nice (like a RAT or Tube Screamer) but most of them don't sound very good especially with a high gain! The metal distortions and the crunch sounds sound quite artificial.
  
  
  
  Reverb effects: the hall verb is great, but the other two settings are unusable (cathedral, etc.)
  
  
  
  Delay effects: nothing to say...
  
  
  
  Wah-wah effect: quite good...
  
  
  
  Compressor: ok. But you cannot set it correctly with only two parameters... Hard settings can easily generate feedback so I don't use the compressor.

  Overall Opinion

  I used it 2-3 years and just sold it a few days ago. The unit is alright and, of course, the sound also depends on the amp you're using. It will produce powerful sounds with a decent tube amp. It sounds better with high gain sounds than with clean or crunch sounds.
  
  
  
  I recommend you to use it in manual mode in order to control the effects with a footswitch...Don't use the sound bank mode where effects are assigned to A1, A2, etc. Why? Because in bank mode you'll get a short silence every time you switch... You won't have that problem in manual mode.
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• 12/23/09

  Rémy92's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  <ul class="ul">
  
  
  
  What are the effects, types of effects available?
  
  
  
  </ul>
  
  
  
  Almost everything you need: 22 types of overdrive / distortion, modulation effects (chorus, flanger, phaser, uni-vibe ...), multiple delays, wah wah, whammy + / - 1 octave noise supressor, reverb, microphone simulator ... Beware there is no amp simulator, which is not bad, at least the instrument and the amplifier are fully respected :-)
  
  
  
  <ul>
  
  
  
  What technology is used? (Analog, digital, tube ...)
  
  
  
  </ul>
  
  
  
  BOSS-COSM technology, which all digital

  Utilization

  <ul>
  
  
  
  Ease of Use
  
  
  
  </ul>
  
  
  
  We can not be easier! It is even disconcerting! Either you program yourself effects (3 patches in 10 banks) or used as 3 separate pedals boss. Effective, no complaints.

  Sound Quality

  <ul>
  
  
  
  His
  
  
  
  </ul>
  
  
  
  The delays are very successful, no complaints either about the effects of modulation. The flanger is particularly good I think. Fishing where it is for the distortion, a real massacre! It is completely flat, help the digital pedals prférez simple. I compared my TS9 tube screamer TS9 with the simulation of the ME-50, it simply has NOTHING to do. ME-50 The effect is laughable. Ditto for the distortions a bit tougher. Stack effect is ridiculous, as the BOSS DS-1. The only one I found drinking (and again) is the OD2. And yet I have tried on many amps: Fender Twin Reverb, Peavy Classic 50, Marshall JCM800, JCM900, JCM2000, VS100, Vox AC30. Nothing saveable for distos. I use a Godin SD 1H 2S.

  Overall Opinion

  <ul>
  
  
  
  In brief
  
  
  
  </ul>
  
  For all that chorus, flanger, tremolo and especially delay (great), go there with confidence, it's worth it. on the other hand for distortion, go your way! Or rather buy a separate pedal ...
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• 01/28/09

  ddinside's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Effects listed in prior reviews
  
  No connection MIDI / USB.
  
  Stereo jack port for connecting external footswitch to switch practices from one bank to another, but hey, a dry sound hole, live, we forget ... I put 8 because of this defect corrected hoped in future drafts like the Zoom pedals.

  Utilization

  Ditto: see previous opinions

  Sound Quality

  Good for all delay effects.
  
  The overdrive is really nice.
  
  Contrary to what is said below, I find the hi-gain distos are not bad actually if not to gain in depth. In addition, careful not to scratch a "coarse" on it or it turns yucky. My gibson LP and P90 does not do well with. However, it sounds a lot with my Mex Start player 60.
  
  
  
  What I want to emphasize is that this award is the first multi-effect that food no dynamic bypass!! Before, I had a pretty Girlanda pedals. The effects are superb and effective but the trouble: too many pedals chained to lose much momentum. Not too much on the LP but Strat suffered too much.
  
  
  
  Last point: I use a Cry Baby next because the sound AND the pedal travel of the ME 50 is not easy to use.
  
  
  
  I put 8 because of it.

  Overall Opinion

  - How long have you use it?
  
  It's been one month now
  
  - What is so special that you like most and least?
  
  The best: the bypass! It's stupid but it's a lot to me.
  
  The least: the pedal and the associated effects are not great. Bank management is rotten.
  
  - Have you tried many other models before buying it?
  
  Yes. The AX3000G, the Zoom G2.1u, a digitech I forgot and Vox. The latter is the best, the light really helps, but at what cost ...
  
  - How would you rate the quality / price?
  
  Not bad at all. The sound quality is to go. Everything is in good factory. Frankly, not bad especially now that it can be found for € 250 new so it's really interesting
  
  - With experience, you do again this choice? ...
  
  Frankly, at this price, yes. But the worries of passage of banks is a real problem on a pedal version. You can not use several banks by piece because of this handicap that I consider important.
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• 01/10/09

  ericslide's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See the 3 milion opinion below!

  Utilization

  Simple. I have a pedalboard with a dozen pedals, it takes up space. no problem on big stages, the small problem. So I use it for small scenes, at least up to a max of her - I wonder if I will not end up using it all the time and sell off my unsine gas so it sounds good!
  
  
  
  edition of the sounds? nothing to carrer.
  
  
  
  manual ... What manual?

  Sound Quality

  For me it's ok. I use absolutely no memory mode, press the hand to change the patch / bank in full concert, no thank you. no foot pedal not to do so will not! So I use manual mode and do it well enough for me! and in addition, the tuner is! and it is my TU12.
  
  guitar and amp used in the disorder:
  
  James Trussart steelcaster
  
  gibson lp custom
  
  two strats, one jap rise di Marzio, the other american deluxe 50th anniversary, a Joe Barden double mini-stick.
  
  a 52 tele ri, a micro mini GHS double neck.
  
  Laney LC30 30W a first generation (for traveling light)
  
  HEAD BUGERA 6262 120W (see my review) + 2x12 cabinet home (2 celestion, G12T and V30)
  
  
  
  I like the tube screamer dce emulsion (I have two in the pedalboard, and finally a TS9 and a maxon od9), delay and modulation nice. that's it.

  Overall Opinion

  Few days. is not mine, it belongs to the other guitarist in my group that uses a me 10.
  
  I like simplicity: three base effects, a tuner, an expression pedal (volume only) in a small box is nickel.
  
  what I like least is the management of banks, but as I use it, do not care!
  
  q / p? not know, I was ready the "long life"
  
  again this choice? oh yeah, no problem!
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• 10/25/08

  JiPee's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  features on the site BOSS ( http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/products/en/ME-50/specs.html )

  Utilization

  Trs simple to use for those who do not like the menus and submenus on tiny LCD screens ... Everything here is with real knobs RULES! It is his greatest asset elsewhere. So it's very easy to use.
  
  Wha is the trs cool even if it does not run a crybaby, it must be more prcis with the foot. However, it remains usable.

  Sound Quality

  Good for her connection to the first one is surprised by the enjoyable TOC trs versatile of the thing. to move from their heavy metal sound into a bluesy shot PDAL is the interest of a multi-effects, and here we do not droge RULES thanks to the memory mode cleverly ml stompbox to the cot thing.
  
  As against the quality of sound, the AC remains trsmdiocre and not found the sound of pedals that are imitating grossirement enough I think. Even when we get a good recording rsultat direct and having effects in STREO is nice too.

  Overall Opinion

  I have a few months and I am much "amusquot; with, because it is so easy with all those knobs rgler, which can tamper with it for hours without becoming rbarbatif.
  
  Despite the critical cot with me, I advise you to buy what your multi-effects if you try. But do as I do, buy a OCCAZ 150euros ... Absolutely, this a good price the "average range" of multi-effects you are well and have fun with!
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• 10/11/08

  Gratt'oche's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This is a big blue box, with all the common effects, as boss - it's not anything that runs ultra-Easy!
  
  It is based on COSM technology (modeling with boss)
  
  In addition to the multi purpose, there is a tuner of course, very accurate.
  
  Programs can be edited as if it was about the whole collection of Boss stompbox-son in the least-it's very convenient
  
  The connection is simple: input / out mono (left) or stereo, line / phone, amplifier, auxiliary mini jack for connecting any one player, and a jack for an additional footswitch. No MIDI.
  
  This is a pedal, so do not expect the rack. Of course!

  Utilization

  The general configuration is very simple, you just turn the knobs!
  
  Editing effects is super simple.
  
  Only drawback, storing, when we remember the programs, we do not know the parameters, it would almost motorized pots, but the price would suffer!
  
  In fact, I am using programs ever, I have not even recorded myself (except the first, from scratch to make a bypass) I use it as a set of pedals connected together, and in these conditions, multi effect is really great, I presume to tell me "guitar" is not bad, but sure, I'm not a programmer, no-brainer to find the setting: all under the eyes, all at your fingertips.
  
  For the record, I can even turn the pots with my foot while playing ...
  
  As usual with bosses, full manual, accurate, detailed and translated into French ... "French" (some brands are poor level translation)

  Sound Quality

  The effects are really not bad for this price range, COSM live!
  
  There is no preamp, which stands out the ideal of a kind JCM800 amp, my telecaster is the pick to do saturate. The compressor of the device came to my rescue, and for the single coil hum, the noise reduction is also a great help. The absence of preamp avoid distorting the grain of Marshall, which I appreciate greatly!
  
  All effects are usable, you can even make the pilot pushing the settings to the maximum

  Overall Opinion

  A clarification: I'm not a big user of effects, this may be why this product is right for me specifically, followers of crushing sound, go your way!
  
  
  
  I use it for only 2 months and I am hooked! It's been years since I was looking for a machine like this one!
  
  The effects are really not bad, I find that wha is better than my vox (but of course it is subjective and it depends on the guitar used)
  
  There is a knob called "tone modify" very effective to color the sound, it also has a position "sound", but hey, my telecaster sound still does not like a Martin with it ...
  
  The expression pedal is volume when it is off, practice effects associated with it are complete, wah, resonance, voice (no top), ring modulator (but hey who uses that?) And excellent Octaver (+1 / -1) that does not, however, "whammer" agreements, but the bonus is that, so we will be content!
  
  The value for money is excellent in my opinion, and it seems that this product is marketed for years, I know him, but frankly, I understand its commercial life.
  
  I would do the purchase without hesitation or why not a new model with looper (there is a loop function, but this one does that to save two seconds ... It's been a bit short!) And motorized pots, in this case I would be sold. (Having said that, coupled with the RC2 of the same brand, it makes us a small set meeting ...
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• 05/25/08

  slipepito's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See below

  Utilization

  Super simple setup, we find quickly what you want!
  
  manual handy and very explicit!

  Sound Quality

  For me it is a marvel!
  
  This pedal can meter on the amps are not great top for when and even ring!
  
  I use the pedals on a peavey studio pro 400 V with ESP and the fact waou ca!
  
  the delay is very well have nothing to fault with the pedal modulation may serve me but very funny if you want to have fun with a phaser or make a solo pantera with the programe Harmonist.
  
  The distortion issue is the choice! From his big fat slimy dirty to her by a heavy blues sound pasant to finish in a crunch the nirvana you can do what you want from this pedal!
  
  the chorus is very nice.
  
  the different mode are pretty clean nottemment the acoustic mode, a small chorus and it feels like an acoustic!
  
  the whawha is pretty good I have not tried a lot I think it's not a super good whawha but it suits.
  
  rsonace mode is pretty damn!
  
  days can be any type of game but it must be good admetre ca not sound like a mesa or other major brand!
  
  I put 9 for sound quality

  Overall Opinion

  I have been using biento 6 months and I am totalemet won!
  
  is a marvel!
  
  if you have a limited budget and if you seek to have a sound better than your little 15 watt amp if you démerder much you can do something good and really t'clater!
  
  I think it's a reference pedal!
  
  I try to model at home and I dislike korg. the price is reasonable 220 on ebay if you count all modes and all the possibilities is a great price quality ratio!
  
  for the metal this pedal sounds frankly it sounds as friends metalheads from bullet for my valentine has a slipknot metallica korn and even this pedal is for you!
  
  I do it again without hsiter choice!
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• 04/07/08

  phaser's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Dja everything is said. The big advantage is that it behaves like one pedals, no amp simulator or pramp, it does not color your sound original.

  Utilization

  Super simple and accessible trs.

  Sound Quality

  I like a lot, there for all the gots and all styles.
  
  I use a fender hot rod deluxe.

  Overall Opinion

  No more tap dancing, because qu'enclencher a distortion, a flanger and a delay at the same time I do not know how. I had some spare pedals in the studio and I could not find a very practical.
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