Old-School Design Meets Modern Sound: Exploring the BOSS ME-90b

Disclaimer: The ME-90B was provided to me by BOSS, and I got to keep it as compensation for my work. However, the company has no say in the things I mention in the video/post.

BOSS ME-90B: Key Features

• Effects Types:
  • 11 FX Blocks: Amp, Comp, Overdrive/Distortion, Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Pedal FX, EQ, FX1, FX2, Noise Suppressor
  • Over 60 effect types, including Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Octave, etc.
• Patch Memory:
  • 36 user memory patches, plus 36 preset patches
  • Ability to save and recall custom presets for different songs or styles
• Controls:
  • Dedicated knobs for each effect parameter, allowing easy adjustments
  • Footswitches for toggling effects and navigating patches
  • Expression Pedal for real-time control over volume, wah, and other effects
• Audio Processing:
  • 24-bit AD/DA Conversion ensures high-quality sound
  • 44.1 kHz sampling rate for professional audio fidelity
• Connectivity:
  • Inputs: 1/4-inch Bass Input, Return Input for FX loop
  • Outputs: Main Outputs (L/Mono, R), Send Output for FX loop, Headphones Output
  • USB Port: Functions as a USB audio interface for direct recording to DAWs
• Power Supply:
  • Operates on an AC Adapter (DC 9V) or 4 AA batteries (up to 7 hours of battery life)
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • Compact size: Width 354 mm, Depth 207 mm, Height 68 mm
  • Lightweight: 2.3 kg (5 lbs 2 oz) for easy transport
• Accessories:
  • Optional Footswitches (BOSS FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) for expanded control

First Impressions

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: the ME-90B looks like a supercomputer from the 1960s. The number of knobs and switches can feel a bit intimidating at first, but it all starts to make sense quickly. There are a total of 8 different effect blocks (Preamp/EQ, Mod, Blend, Comp/FX1, Filter/FX2, Drive/Synth, Delay/Reverb, and Pedal FX). Each block can be turned on/off with a dedicated footswitch in Manual Mode, or you can program any combination of these effects into one of the footswitches if you prefer a preset-based approach. Once I realized this, the unit started to make a lot of sense, and I was dialing in tones in no time. Speaking of those tones…

How Does It Sound?

Something you should know about me: I’m relatively new to bass guitar. I can hold down steady 8th notes in a worship band, but dialing in bass tones is still a fresh experience for me.

Even with my limited experience, I was able to dial in good-sounding tones quickly. Having physical knobs to rotate made the process less intimidating. I like my bass tone to have a bit of drive, and it’s fun to kick in some chorus for certain songs.

For someone early in their bass journey, there’s a lot to explore with modulation effects, and especially with reverb and delay—this was my first time using either of those on bass!

Overall, there wasn’t a bad tone to be found, and I had a blast exploring the different combinations of amps, pedals, modulation, and ambient effects that the ME-90B offers.

Memory Mode vs. Manual Mode

MANUAL MODE

• Overview: Functions like a traditional pedalboard
• Control Style: Each footswitch controls an individual effect (stompbox-style)
• Real-Time Adjustments: Instant tweaking using the front-panel knobs
• Best For: Musicians wanting hands-on control during live sessions
• Practical Use: Flexibility to switch effects on/off during different song sections

MEMORY MODE

• Overview: Operates as a preset-based multi-effects unit
• Control Style: Footswitches switch between saved patches (effect combinations)
• Patch Recall: Save up to 36 user patches for instant access
• Best For: Quick sound changes between songs or set sections
• Practical Use: Consistent tones with minimal effort during performances

Key Differences Table

Feature	Manual Mode	Memory Mode
Functionality	Controls individual effects (stompboxes)	Switches between preset patches (effect combinations)
Control Style	Real-time control over each effect	Recall saved patches with one footswitch
Adjustment	Quick adjustments using knobs	Pre-programmed patches, minimal real-time tweaking
Best For	Full control over individual effects	Quick patch changes for different songs/sections
Live Use	Dynamic changes during songs	Pre-planned setups across setlists

How To Create A Preset

1. Enter Memory Mode
   1. Press the MODE button to switch to Memory Mode.
   1. Confirm footswitches correspond to patch numbers.
2. Select a Starting Patch
   1. Choose an existing patch to modify or start with a blank slate.
3. Set Up Desired Effects
   1. Use dedicated knobs to select and adjust effects in each FX block.
   1. Customize parameters like gain, tone, and level to your preference.
4. Assign Effects to Footswitches
   1. Ensure effects are mapped correctly for seamless switching.
5. Use the Expression Pedal (Optional)
   1. Assign the pedal to control effects like volume or wah.
   1. Press down until the indicator changes, then select the parameter.
6. Save the Preset
   1. Press and hold the WRITE button until the display blinks.
   1. Select the destination patch number.
   1. Press WRITE again to confirm and save.
7. Recall the Preset
   1. Access your saved preset anytime by selecting it in Memory Mode.

Tips

• Experiment with chaining effects and fine-tuning for different styles.
• Organize patches for easy access during live performances.

Using the ME-90b with a Band & Live Performances

I was pretty sure I would love ME-90b when playing with a band and I was right: even though it was the first time this group of people were playing together and not knowing what sounds each of us would be using, it took me just few seconds to dial in the sounds that worked for each of the songs.

I chose to use the manual mode to spend more time getting accustomed to the rest of the band and less time twisting the knobs. I created a “pedalboard” with a compressor, drive, flanger and chorus to be as ready as possible for what the rest of the band would be playing. After the first song I made some adjustments with the EQ to make sure I’m not occupying too much of the keyboard player’s space and for the rest of the rehearsal I was mainly focusing on just learning the songs.

Having an FX loop proved to be handy as well: our rehearsal space’s PA is bad, but there’s a decent bass amp there as well. I ran a cable from the effects send into the amp’s effects return and I was good to go.

Both rehearsing and playing live using the ME-90b was a blast. I got great tones fast, there’s no noticeable gaps when turning effects on and off and the unit is built like a tank. I realise this is something I’ve gotten used to with BOSS products, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Is ME-90B Good?

BOSS is again reminding us why they are the legends of the guitar industry: the ME-90B is almost like a meat-and-potatoes dish: it might not excite you at first glance, but once you taste it, you’ll finish your meal happily. (If you clicked away reading the last sentence, I won’t blame you). Besides having great sounds and functionality, it’s also built like a tanks and you can even power it with batteries.

The ME-90B may look like a supercomputer from the 60’s but it gets the job done and you’ll have fun while doing it.

Interested in getting BOSS ME-90B? Check out the affiliate links here:

►►Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/589127?offid=1&affid=394

►►Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/VmobJk

►►Reverb: https://tidd.ly/3XVu0Qu