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I hope this isn't too off track. I presently am using a Line 6 Pod Go for when I need something more than just plug straight into the amp. I has 2 or 3 good bass amp emulations and about half a dozen effects that seem to work well with bass, even though it's principally a guitar-oriented device.

For those who are familiar with both, does the ME-90b tick more boxes than what I have now? The pluses on the surface seem to be both a way to customize on the fly with (actual!) physical dials but still do deeper dives with a computer app and that it is purely bass-centric in its approach and selection of amps, effects, etc.

Is it worth the switch? I haven't tried the ME-90b. Nowhere close by has it at the moment.
 
Personally, I'm still a bit perplexed because I'm not convinced by the construction quality, the plastic switches seem to me to be of poor quality, everything is very plasticky... I don't see it as a professional quality pedal board... I don't know, maybe I'm wrong...

That's disappointing to hear given mine is being delivered tomorrow. Most of the YouTube reviews I saw said it was solid construction. LIARS!!!! lol
 
That's disappointing to hear given mine is being delivered tomorrow. Most of the YouTube reviews I saw said it was solid construction. LIARS!!!! lol
Don't worry. It is very solid.
The main faceplate is metal, the rest plastic, but it is very very sturdy. Classic Boss build quality.
I was a little worried about the build quality too having ordered blind, but I'm very very happy with it.
 
Personally, I'm still a bit perplexed because I'm not convinced by the construction quality, the plastic switches seem to me to be of poor quality, everything is very plasticky... I don't see it as a professional quality pedal board... I don't know, maybe I'm wrong...
Yeah can’t agree….it’s still got a metal chassis and those plastic switches have been around for decades I have a GT 6B that is over 15 years old and never broke and it’s been through hell.
 
Hi all,

I've got the Boss ME-90B since last friday and I am satisfied with the available preamps when listening through headphones.

However, when using it with my Hartke HD500 amp, I can barely hear any difference, especially for the cleaner ones like natural, drive bass, concert, studio bass etc.

I am sure I am doing something wrong... any clue?

Btw:
- I set the output switch on the back of the Boss to "amp"
- I am using the "no tweeter amp" setting
- I am using the stock IRs.

Thank you all,

Fmb
 
Last edited:
Hi all,

I've got the Boss ME-90B since last friday and I am satisfied with the available preamps when listening through headphones.

However, when using it with my Hartke HD500 amp, I can barely hear any difference, especially for the cleaner ones like natural, drive bass, concert, studio bass etc.

I am sure I am doing something wrong... any clue?

Btw:
- I set the output switch on the back of the Boss to "amp"
- I am using the "no tweeter amp" setting
- I am using the stock IRs.

Thank you all,

Fmb
More infos: yesterday evening I used the same setup during a gig (Ibanez SR306EB bass, Boss MeE90B and Hartke HD 500 amp) to test the available distortions and I was disappointed by the harsh and unpleasant sound I had. Again, this doesn't happen with headphones or with the same bass and a Zoom B3n.

I am sure I am doing something wrong... any help or test I could do?

Thank you,

Fmb
 
If distortion is sounding harsh, cut the treble frequencies, especially if you've got new strings on. So you'll need to use the EQ setting after the distortion stage. Distortion sounds best for bass in the high mid range.

As far as how the Preamps are voiced. You'll need to use the EQ section and Gain to get an understanding of the Preamps and how they react.

More infos: yesterday evening I used the same setup during a gig (Ibanez SR306EB bass, Boss MeE90B and Hartke HD 500 amp) to test the available distortions and I was disappointed by the harsh and unpleasant sound I had. Again, this doesn't happen with headphones or with the same bass and a Zoom B3n.

I am sure I am doing something wrong... any help or test I could do?

Thank you,

Fmb
 
Last edited:
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More infos: yesterday evening I used the same setup during a gig (Ibanez SR306EB bass, Boss MeE90B and Hartke HD 500 amp) to test the available distortions and I was disappointed by the harsh and unpleasant sound I had. Again, this doesn't happen with headphones or with the same bass and a Zoom B3n.

I am sure I am doing something wrong... any help or test I could do?

Thank you,

Fmb


There is a amp/line switch as well. Line for headphones and amp for going into the amp.

This link should help, ME90 and 90b are basically identical apart from the actual effects from what i can tell

 
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Hi all,

I've got the Boss ME-90B since last friday and I am satisfied with the available preamps when listening through headphones.

However, when using it with my Hartke HD500 amp, I can barely hear any difference, especially for the cleaner ones like natural, drive bass, concert, studio bass etc.

I am sure I am doing something wrong... any clue?

Btw:
- I set the output switch on the back of the Boss to "amp"
- I am using the "no tweeter amp" setting
- I am using the stock IRs.

Thank you all,

Fmb
Why would you use IRs into an Amp?

Also, if you are using the preamp of the boss unit into the preamp if the hartke, you are stacking tone stacks. Could be a problem. Try running the boss unit into the effects return of the hartke and turn off the IRs.
 
Why would you use IRs into an Amp?

Also, if you are using the preamp of the boss unit into the preamp if the hartke, you are stacking tone stacks. Could be a problem. Try running the boss unit into the effects return of the hartke and turn off the IRs.
This ^^^
If you're using a traditional amp with a multi-fx pedal with amp/cab modeling, then typically you'd bypass the amp & cabinet and use the pedal solely for effects. Amp/cab IR modeling is when you want to REPLACE your traditional amp rig and for sending a DI signal to a mixing console or other full-range (PA speaker/studio monitor/IEM) speaker system.

There are some exceptions, and no harm in experimenting. One that comes to mind is if you want to use an amp model (no cab sim) that is highly overdriven in place of a OD/fuzz pedal. If you otherwise like the way your amp sounds, set your presets up without amp/cab modeling. Multi-effects modeling = multi-EFFECTS for the effects portion + MODELING for simulation of an amp/head and cabinet when the destination is a full-range speaker system.
 
If distortion is sounding harsh, cut the treble frequencies, especially if you've got new strings on. So you'll need to use the EQ setting after the distortion stage. Distortion sounds best for bass in the high mid range.

As far as how the Preamps are voiced. You'll need to use the EQ section and Gain to get an understanding of the Preamps and how they react.
Thank you for your advice. I'll try this next reharsal.

Fmb
 
There is a amp/line switch as well. Line for headphones and amp for going into the amp.

This link should help, ME90 and 90b are basically identical apart from the actual effects from what i can tell



I've seen the video and it is really useful.
I was aware of the "AMP/LINE" switch on the back of the pedal, and, even if doesn't make sense, I tried it in both positions, with and without the preamp, just to listen to the difference.

Why would you use IRs into an Amp?

Also, if you are using the preamp of the boss unit into the preamp if the hartke, you are stacking tone stacks. Could be a problem. Try running the boss unit into the effects return of the hartke and turn off the IRs.

I agree regarding the IR. When I tried the distorions available in the "DRIVE/SYNTH" block I didn't use the preamp, IR or other effects, only the available overdrive, etc. As suggested by @Correlli I'll try the EQ block and look for more pleasant (to me) sounds.

Thank you both!!

Fmb
 
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This ^^^
If you're using a traditional amp with a multi-fx pedal with amp/cab modeling, then typically you'd bypass the amp & cabinet and use the pedal solely for effects. Amp/cab IR modeling is when you want to REPLACE your traditional amp rig and for sending a DI signal to a mixing console or other full-range (PA speaker/studio monitor/IEM) speaker system.

There are some exceptions, and no harm in experimenting. One that comes to mind is if you want to use an amp model (no cab sim) that is highly overdriven in place of a OD/fuzz pedal. If you otherwise like the way your amp sounds, set your presets up without amp/cab modeling. Multi-effects modeling = multi-EFFECTS for the effects portion + MODELING for simulation of an amp/head and cabinet when the destination is a full-range speaker system.

Great advice.
I tried the distorions without preamp, IR and other effects, without any luck. Then, just to be sure, I switched on and off the preamps and the IRs looking for something good to my ears, with no luck.

Fmb
 
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Hey guys. I got myself one of these recently, and I have two questions for the people who had the chance to test it:

- I'm using a active bass, and it seems like at high volume level, I am constantly saturating the multi effect. I really need to turn down the level to nearly the minimum so that I have clean sounds and effects. Have anyone experienced it too? Is there a way to apply a pad on the input? There's no switch at the back as I would have expected.
- I tried using the pitch shifter effect, but to be honest, it sounds awful even at + or - 1/2 step. Completely useless in my opinion. I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if anyone has a different feedback? Before you ask, yes I've made sure the blend feature's off!

Apart from that, I'm quite glad of my purchase so far. Great way to do home recording without having to use plugs or millions of pedals. Love it. Haven't had the chance to test it on my amp yet though.

Thanks ! ;)
 
This showed up on Tuesday. No observations yet as I won't be able to test drive it until next week. Just a busy time and we have a gig this weekend. Looking forward to plugging it in!

Boss ME-90B.jpg