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EASY-TO-USE Multi Effects Unit for 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.

Nice. Thanks. I was hoping to find one with usable overdrive. I'm guessing you don't use the distortion for a reason?
 
I'm looking for a multi effects unit that has your basic effects in an easy to use set up. I'm not interested in programming effects and tinkering with settings (I do realize that there will be a little tinkering involved though, no matter what I find). I'm looking at the two Boss units, ME-50B and GT-1B, so if anyone with experience using these guys can lead me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. I'm also open to other brand suggestions, but I'm not open to Helix right now (it's way more than I need). Thanks in advance.

I have both the ME-50B and GT-1B. You can do much more with the GT, bit the ME is super easy.
 
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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.

An option to solve built-in obsolescence is dual boot your computer or find an older laptop that runs the OS you need. Yes, I know.. extra hardware costs, but cheap for old computer gear.
 
I’m very happy with my Zoom MS-60B.
I have used it on lots of recording sessions and no complaints.
At first I was skeptical because of the cheap price, but man Oh man was I wrong.
I use it in my pedal chain for a Octave pedal and sometimes a overdrive and I love it. The blend knob is worth its weight in gold. If I had to bring just one FX it would be my zoom. Just don’t let your gear snob friends see it while your rocking out!
 
I used to have a ME-50B. It's mostly a good, practical multi, especially for the satisfaction of instant knob tweaking as opposed to hours of scrolling through menus.

The one thing I didn't like about the ME-50B was something I hate about other multis as well -- it takes an inconvenient special dance to turn on the tuner, instead of one click like an individual pedal. It was enough that it made me wonder, why have the tuner in the multi at all? That thought led to another: if you have to buy a separate tuner just for convenient use, then why even have the multi? That thought process is how I ended up getting rid of the ME-50B and just going with separate pedals. YMMV.
 
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I just sold an HX Effects unit. The effects I needed didn't sound that great on bass and I didn't want to spend the time needed to customize it. If they made a bass unit, I'd look in to it.

You should check out the HX stomp instead. I find the effects work real well on bass, but the big thing is running a parallel clean path and blending in at the end. Especially if you use any fuzz distortion effects. HX stomp will do that and be way more user friendly than the boss units. Take advantage of the return policy at one of the big vendors like GC, MF, or sweetwater. Try it out a few weeks and spend some time and if you still cant get what you want send it back.
There will likely never be a bass version because they put the bass effects and amp models in the standard version. There's no need for separate hardware.
 
I used to have a ME-50B. It's mostly a good, practical multi, especially for the satisfaction of instant knob tweaking as opposed to hours of scrolling through menus.

The one thing I didn't like about the ME-50B was something I hate about other multis as well -- it takes an inconvenient special dance to turn on the tuner, instead of one click like an individual pedal. It was enough that it made me wonder, why have the tuner in the multi at all? That thought led to another: if you have to buy a separate tuner just for convenient use, then why even have the multi? That thought process is how I ended up getting rid of the ME-50B and just going with separate pedals. YMMV.

Well, if that's your only complaint, then that's not too bad. I already have a tuner, so I'm not worried about an onboard tuner. Hmm
 
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

I have one too but I'm a little fuzzy on what constitutes "multi FX". I'm more than happy with BFR's chorus but never did warm-up to the OctaFilter. Not sure what else the OP desires in an all-in-one package. Best part of all...it has knobs!

The Zoom MS-60B is nice but there's a bit of a learning curve associated with programming. I see them for well-under $100 in the classifieds. A gazillion effects but 95% are wasted on me.

Riis
 
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An option to solve built-in obsolescence is dual boot your computer or find an older laptop that runs the OS you need. Yes, I know.. extra hardware costs, but cheap for old computer gear.

I designed computers for a living for 40 years so I'm well aware of the workarounds.

So we should keep a pile of old computers around for programming presets for a stompbox? Plus keep some old phones, for the devices that get programmed by phone apps.
 
I'm looking for a multi effects unit that has your basic effects in an easy to use set up. I'm not interested in programming effects and tinkering with settings (I do realize that there will be a little tinkering involved though, no matter what I find). I'm looking at the two Boss units, ME-50B and GT-1B, so if anyone with experience using these guys can lead me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. I'm also open to other brand suggestions, but I'm not open to Helix right now (it's way more than I need). Thanks in advance.
I’ve owned a few. zoom, digitech, and a couple different line 6. They never stayed around long. Mainly because none of them do good analog sounds like analog octave and dirt. But they can be a good starting point to get into effects for some people. As they can narrow down the types of effects you’re interested in. To me the line 6 stuff is the easiest to use. Although that may be because I just have more experience with their products. One of the guitarist I play with uses a fractal ax8. The Ax8 is the best sounding multi I’ve heard. And now that they are little dated they are starting to be more affordable used. But it’s not very easy to use. For example our guitarist brings a laptop to be able to tweak sounds more easily. I don’t want anything to do with using a laptop at a gig
 
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.

This why it's worthwhile checking out how easy the inbuilt editing is to use (OP did say he wasn't interested in the editing side, but trust me, ALL units need tweaking at some point). I really like and use Boss/Roland stuff but there is a particular unit that I'm using in which the computer editor is actually unusable - lucky the inbuilt editing is great. This is a premium product released earlier this year.....
 
I have owned the ME-50b and was very disappointed with it. The tracking on octave-up effects was terrible. I sold it after about 6 months taking a big $$$ hit doing so. I replaced it with a Zoom B1-Four which is much, much cheaper, has better tracking but is not as user friendly in changing from one effect to another unless they are next to each other in your effects pages. Most multi-effects units do most things OK but very few of them very well. Overall I do think separate pedals are the better way to go.
 
I can't recommend the zoom B3 enough for simple, affordable, good sounds at your fingertips. The B3n adds a small layer of complexity, but it gives you a few more effect in the chain.

I owned the ME50B and I would never choose it over the zoom for simplicity or tone. YMMV.
 
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