EASY-TO-USE Multi Effects Unit for Bass?

I haven't owned either, but I have been around effects a looooong time and am familiar with what these lines offer. I have owned both versions in guitar ages ago. Hard pass on the ME50b. Reasons are that I found it both limiting and missing the sound magic. The GT1b however is worth a look. It's far more flexible, connects to a PC to program and download sounds as well a firmware if they ever change it (which BOSS usually does a few times at release only). Between those two choices, GT1B.

Line6 makes awesome stuff. Part of the reason I am an effects junkie and was able to learn sooo much was because of Line6. Every limitation I found in their products is removed in the next version, and Helix is the result of all of this effort. It's worth the price of admission and the time to learn.

 

If you like the knob tweeking of a stompbox, the ME-50B is a good choice. The sound quality is better on the GT-10B vs ME-50B. I just picked up the Mooer GE-300. I don't have enough time on it to tell you too much. I did use and liked the ToneCapture GTR, Blueno microamp, and E7 synth before getting the GE-300. Line 6... I know... but the Bass Pod is very easy to use and has MIDI.
A few others that may have been forgotten about:
Zoom B3N. I used the Zoom MS-60B and was impressed with the sound upgrades from the older 505 Zoom models.
Boss ME-5B
Maxon PUE5 Bass
Some of those smaller vintage multi effects on tha Bay have a great sound.

 

I've been using a GT-1B for a couple years now and it works great. Build quality is first class, and I like the patches I have been able to get. Out of the box it has quite a few patches that I liked, though a few tweeks gave me what I felt I really wanted. The Boss USB software is a nice interface and I have also used a program that I found out from a TB'er here- Katana FX FloorBoard.
The GT-1B, Boss software and Katana are all highly recommended IMHO. YMMV.

 

Beware gear that uses software. I've had bad experiences with software support ending and it wouldn't run on a new computer or new OS. Roland/Boss is one of the mfrs who left me high and dry, also Zoom. As long as you're OK with not using the software, then fine.

 

I use both the Boss GT1B and Zoom B3n. Both are great. But for ultimate ease of use with no programming, go with the Tech21 bass fly rig. It has everything z bassist needs

 

Most ‘FX’ don’t work for bass, they just degrade your signal.
The only ‘FX’ I use are some stompboxes made for bass. And I use them sparingly.
The two best dsp’s that I use aren’t even FX, an active D.I. and a tube preamp.
I can record direct, and get a little ‘tube’ warmth.
As for FX, an overdrive pedal, a stereo chorus, an octave divider, and an envelope filter
is all I really use, and I play blues,R&B, funk,soul, and different styles of rock.
Leave the silly stuff for the guitar players,

 

I forgot all about the Zoom 505, I got one when they first came out.
It was a little cheapie, sounded terrible through an amp, but was a cool
little toy with headphones. I wouldn’t mind getting one, just to play with.
Fun goofin’ around with it.

 

Reach out to Kevin Henretta and Henretta Engineering. He makes superb effects that are easy to use... and Kevin is a heckuva good guy. I've got a write-up of my Henretta Six Speed in the Reviews section on this site.

Here's a link:

Henretta Six Speed

 

I have the ME-50B for many years. I never use it or any other effects on gigs but I use it often at home. It’s a no brainer.. hi quality build, really easy to use with no drop down menus, great sounding effects and very reasonably priced.
Everything you need to do is right on top of the board.
Love the sound hold feature.

 

Zoom B3n. I have the earlier B3 and it’s been awesome for many years. B3n adds features the B3 lacked, like an aux in.

It’s a Swiss Army knife for bass.

 

My first multi was a Zoom B1 Four I purchased 2 months ago. Sounds good with both headphones and amp, is easy to use and it’s cheap. Haven’t used it on gig yet but I’m sure it will do the job.

 

Look at Hologram. Do it. Don't be a stubborn mule, do it.

 

Zoom B1 Four. I got mine used for $50 from the local GC back in the winter. Played a couple gigs with it. They are about $80 new. Like most Zoom products, it's easy to use. Also has built in drum machine to play to and a whole bunch of usable presets or you could make your own.

 

I suppose they're guitar effects... but wow, Ive been using them for a while and think they just sound marvelous with bass.

 

This is a great choice, and i was thinking about it as I read your OP. I like it so much, that after I sold my first one, I bought another. In truth, I now use a more modular setup, individual effects and all that. But for a multi-effect the ME50B is hard to beat.

You can get grazy with it if you want, devoid of menus to wade through. Or you can kind of use it as a pedalboard with distinct pedals. Very versatile.

I really like the compression in the thing.
Not so happy with the tracking of the octave, but it's definitely functional.
Good EQ.
I never use the distortion.

Two slapping thumbs up on it.