Boss ME-50B problem

[El Sordo]

I've had Boss ME-50B multi-effects for like 10 months already.
To be honest, I hated it, until I tried it on different amps. I have tried it on even guitar amps, and it has AMAZING tone. The only amp it doesn't work good with is unfortunately my amp! It's Ibanez SW20. I bought it for dirt low money, it's really cheap thing. So, when I put some effect on it, it sounds too fuzzy. I have tried playing with different EQs and everything, but it just gives a very very poor sound. I have tried it on different amps, it's a monster. Distortions and ovedrives are sick as hell. But it just won't work on my amp

So recently, I found out that my amp gives strange buzz when I don't put my hand over the strings. It's definitely not a cable problem (thought the old cable gave weird sound). I have a new one now. It's still buzzing. I have heard that it might be power problem. So what do you suggest? Is my amp dead or it's just power problem? I'd really like to play with this Boss unit, it's a monster, but... It just won't work on my amp

 

[guroove]

The problem is that your amplifier is full range and isn't filtering out the high end like guitar amps do. You need something old-school sounding, with a 12" or 15" paper speaker and no tweeters.

 

[El Sordo]

I have tried it on bass amps too. Like Warwick 15 watt one (shouldn't be much superior to my current amp). I tried cranking it louder, tried adding gain, and what not... It's just noise coming out, nothing else.

 

[guroove]

Was there something unclear about my last post? You need at least a 12" speaker. Guitar amps are made for handling distortion effects because they filter out the harsh sounding frequencies.

Try an Ampeg ba112 or a guitar amp.

 

[El Sordo]

I'm definitely looking for some better amp (thanks for Ampeg suggestion), but I can't understand why did that tiny Warwick amp produce nice tone but my amp just can't do it? I don't know all that much about amps, so some explanation would be welcome.

 

[guroove]

Oh sorry, I didn't understand what you meant about the warwick amp. I thought you meant the boss distortion didn't work on it. The problem with the ibanez amp is the tweeter and the highs that it reproduces. For a cheap fuzz to sound good, you need a lo-fi amp. Is there a way to deactivate the tweeter on your ibanez amp? Maybe turn the presence all the way down, and lower the treble?

 

[El Sordo]

Believe me, I have tried ALL kinds of EQs, I have literally spent weeks with it. I still haven't found a way to disable the tweeter (I pretty much think it's impossible). Also, there's something wrong with this amp, I have tried it on a far better power source (grounded), it's still buzzing. Something must be wrong with it, what do you think?

Also, thanks a lot for your time!

 

[guroove]

That particular amp seems to get very bad reviews. I say ditch it and get a real amp. If you can try your pedal through the amp you end up buying, that would be best. If you need to have a tiny portable amp, Peavey microbass and Roland Micro Cube Bass RX are both pretty good amps in very small packages. I really like my Ampeg BA112, and I got it very cheap on craigslist.

 

[El Sordo]

I'll definitely try my processor on the next amp.
I bought this amp way before I got the multi-effect. I didn't really think there would be any problems (I was a kid without any knowledge).

Anyway, I gave like $115 for it, so you get the picture. I'll look through some amps later and drop you a PM to see what you think about it, if you don't mind, of course.

 

[Stereo Joe]

The buzzing when you don't touch your strings sounds like a grounding issue with your bass. If you do a search on 'shielding', you should find information about how to protect your bass from noise interference.

 

[El Sordo]

There shouldn't be a problem with my bass.
I have tried it on different amps, no buzzing there.
It's definitely amp problem -- I have tried it on grounded socket too.

 

[Bassman 100]

A Few things for you to experiment with.
1.) Don't use your power supply - try it on batteries for proof of concept at least. Although I use batteries most of the time. I get several gigs from a set.

2.) Don't use your amp, plug in a set of headphones. If it' not there then, you can rule out the ME50-B for sure.

3.) Use the noise suppressor on the back panel of the ME50-B, adjust slowly, 'cause sometimes max is not always the answer.

4.) Dimmer switces for house lights are offenders. Flouresent lighting the same.

5.) Try it in different premises. ME50-B's are excellent pieces of kit. Highly underestimated I.M.O.

There's a few steps that I would try in the given order.

 

[korey L]

Short answer:

Your amp sucks

 

[Bassman 100]

Short answer:

Your amp sucks

Your a bit fast with the trigger.
We all had starter amps. The above suggestions are industry standards & have saved lots of equiptment from the early scrap heap & kept us going until we can achive the dream amp, gear what ever. These learning experiences, been able to sort problems at a live function with aquired knowledge can make us brilliant respected PEOPLE.

 

[El Sordo]

Your a bit fast with the trigger.
We all had starter amps. The above suggestions are industry standards & have saved lots of equiptment from the early scrap heap & kept us going until we can achive the dream amp, gear what ever. These learning experiences, been able to sort problems at a live function with aquired knowledge can make us brilliant respected PEOPLE.

Well put, and yes, I am aware my amp is not good. As I have already stated, it was cheap, and it's my first. I'm slowly saving for a new rig.

Also, again, it's definitely an amp problem. All the other pieces of gear sound splendid on any other amp.