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Boss ME 50B Multi Effects Pedal

Hi-End Basses

Hi-End Basses

Guest
Apr 20, 2015
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#1
Has anyone used one of these? It resolves the headache of pedal order, and even has a tuner!!! No pedal board needed either. Granted, there's some effects that one might not need, but for $300, it seems to be the Multi Solution for every Bassist. Wouldn't this be better than multiple compact pedals on a board? I'm very interested in your comments; especially if you used it. Thank you.
 
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#2
There are sound samples of this multi-effects processor on youtube. many people say that the distortion effects aren't that great, but I think it sounded pretty cool. the modulation effects are pretty decent. the tone effects are interesting. filters are decent if you're into funk. I was thinking of getting one myself. that or the rocktron utopia b200. well anywho, here are some clips of this processor.

tone/filter


Drive/synth


Modulation/delay


If you want another choice for a multi-effects processor, check out the zoom b3. it has a large variety of effects, amp, and cab models. it can be used for live performances and recording. if you happen to choose a zoom b3 and needed some nifty patch ideas, come check out my thread on zoom b3 patch ideas. there's a lot of patch ideas there.

Zoom b3 patch Ideas | TalkBass.com
 
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#3
Crystalman85 said:
There are sound samples of this multi-effects processor on youtube. many people say that the distortion effects aren't that great, but I think it sounded pretty cool. the modulation effects are pretty decent. the tone effects are interesting. filters are decent if you're into funk. I was thinking of getting one myself. that or the rocktron utopia b200. well anywho, here are some clips of this processor.

tone/filter


Drive/synth


Modulation/delay


If you want another choice for a multi-effects processor, check out the zoom b3. it has a large variety of effects, amp, and cab models. it can be used for live performances and recording. if you happen to choose a zoom b3 and needed some nifty patch ideas, come check out my thread on zoom b3 patch ideas. there's a lot of patch ideas there.

Zoom b3 patch Ideas | TalkBass.com
Click to expand...


Thank you! Do you know if the Tuner function on this Boss ME B 50 automatically mutes the system?
 
#6
So after thinking about this pedal vs. Individual stomp boxes, I'm coming up with at leat two cons: 1) you have less control of your signal chain. As just one example of this, with the Multi Effects unit, you have to choose either Bass drive or Bass overdrive, because of the way the system is set up.Under Drive/Synth, it's one circuit. I would much prefer to signal chain the Drive to the Overdrive, always having the boost on, and using my overdrive depending on what type of music it is.
2) unless I ever play with Herbie Hancock, I will probably never use half of the functions on this thing. I like pedals to color the sound, but motion effects like phases and flanging just isn't where I'm at. I'd be very happy with Tuner 》Drive》Limiter/Enhancer》Overdrive, and thats it. So I guess it's possible to be limited by the numerous options on this really quality product. Please tell me of I'm missing something here, because it looks like a fantastic product.
 
#7
I like mine. The compressor and noise suppressor are really nice, the overdrive/distortion is pretty good, the chorus flange and delay are nice as well. the biggest con i can think of is the combination of drive/synth and modulations w/delay. it would be nice to use delay with whatever modulation you want. all in all its been solid over the past couple of years.
 
#8
lazarusdoom said:
I like mine. The compressor and noise suppressor are really nice, the overdrive/distortion is pretty good, the chorus flange and delay are nice as well. the biggest con i can think of is the combination of drive/synth and modulations w/delay. it would be nice to use delay with whatever modulation you want. all in all its been solid over the past couple of years.
Click to expand...

I get that. You can't really mess with the signal chain that much.
 
#9
Hi-End Basses said:
So after thinking about this pedal vs. Individual stomp boxes, I'm coming up with at leat two cons: 1) you have less control of your signal chain. As just one example of this, with the Multi Effects unit, you have to choose either Bass drive or Bass overdrive, because of the way the system is set up.Under Drive/Synth, it's one circuit. I would much prefer to signal chain the Drive to the Overdrive, always having the boost on, and using my overdrive depending on what type of music it is.
Click to expand...
A Zoom B3 can do that :) .
 
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#12
I had one before. Sold it many years ago and stayed away from effects till very recently. Now I'm all individual pedals.

Individual pedals will be more money. Plus you need all the power supplies (or one multi power unit) and possibly a pedal board to keep them nice and neat. You do have the option to switch out each effect until you find the exact thing that matches what's in your head. If something better comes along in a couple years you can give it a whirl pretty easily.

The ME-50B is ready to get to work out of the box for one price. That's what I bought it for. A great way to experiment with a lot of effects at once without going too deep. If you're not exactly sure what you want, it is a great place to start. I'd wait to see if you can find one used though, since the resale on them isn't great.
 
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#13
I got one a long time ago when I started playing bass. Had quite a lot of fun with it. But I did not really know what I was doing.
It was not very light but still lighter than my pedal board and a lot easier to carry/set-up.
There were limitations though. The expression pedal didn't produce good sound and a good range. The drive/distortion effects sounded quite sterile. And as you mentionned there was no way to play with the effect order.
Now years have passed and I am an effect freak. Which costs me a lot of money but also brings a lot of satisfaction. I don't think I could go back to digital effects either. But that's just me. 99% of the audience can not make the difference anyway. (But I like to think I am doing this for the 1% lol)

It was a good tool to learn about each effects. But if you already know what you want I would suggest you look at individual pedals. It will more be accurate to tailor your own sound.
 
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#14
I used one exclusively for about 5 years, then I discovered analog and built a board. While I never experienced any tracking issues with its octave effects, there was a delay in the sound. What I mean is that it can take time between playing the strings and sound coming from the amp. Most of the effects on the ME-50B sound great if you're jamming alone, but they did not always work in a band setting. I mostly used the distortion and octave, but now have single pedals for those. And I no longer have to deal with the always-on COSM thingie.
 
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#19
I have the ME50b as well as a bunch of individual effects. I prefer the individual effects, because they sound better/track better/offer more options/etc. However I will use the me50b in a pinch if I have to. Its a kind of like going to an all you can eat buffet where nothing is spectacular but you can get a taste. If you like octavers, envelope filters, wah, and fuzz/overdrive tones, look elsewhere, the me50b just doesnt do them that well.
 
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