Owner’s Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS ME-50B Bass Multiple Effects. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (page 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (page 4). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, owner’s manual should be read in its entirety.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
013 107d • In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit. .......................................................................................................... • Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its output plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit. ....................................................................................
IMPORTANT NOTES In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following: Power Supply: Use of Batteries Maintenance 301 401a • Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled by an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a motor.
Contents USING THE UNIT SAFELY ................... 2 Saving and Loading the Created Tones (Memory Mode) ............................. 21 IMPORTANT NOTES .......................... 4 Switching Between Manual and Memory Mode ........... 21 Playing Sounds ................................ 6 About the Patch....................................................... 21 Installing Batteries .................................................... 6 Write Procedure ...................................................
Playing Sounds Installing Batteries * Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to enable testing. Insert the included batteries as shown in figure, being careful to orient the batteries correctly. fig.0010 Making the Connections The ME-50B is not equipped with any internal amplifier or speakers. To listen to sound with the ME-50B, connect it to a bass amp, stereo headphones, or other such sound equipment.
Playing Sounds Turning on the Power Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. * If using the ME-50B with a CD or MD player, be sure to turn on the power to the connected device first. If There Is No Sound/If the Volume is Low ● Check the connections once more. ● ● 1. ME-50B ● Is the ME-50B in Tuner mode (p.
Using the Effects When the power is turned on, the FILTER/TONE, DRIVE/SYNTH, and DELAY/MODULATION are switched off. Also, the expression pedal will function as volume pedal. * When the DELAY/MODULATION TYPE is set to HOLD DLY, the DELAY/MODULATION indicator goes on, the DELAY/MOD pedal's indicator flashes at a fixed interval, indicating recording standby is enabled. (p. 16) All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Using the Effects COMPRESSOR/LIMITER fig.0110 COMPRESSOR/LIMITER indicator THRESHOLD/SUSTAIN knob Adjusts the depth of the effect. When the TYPE is set to NATURAL, LIMITER, 160D SOFT, or 160D HARD, this functions as the THRESHOLD knob, which sets the level at which the limiter starts to take effect. The more the knob is turned to the left (counterclockwise), the lower the level at which the limiter effect is enabled.
Using the Effects FILTER/TONE fig.0120 FILTER / TONE indicator T.WAH EDGE: Gives a filter with a stronger effect. SENS/BOTTOM knob Adjusts the sensitivity when the filter is being altered. DEPTH/TONE knob Adjusts the reference frequency for the wah effect. RESONANCE/E.LEVEL knob Adjusts the amount of wah effect at frequencies near the reference frequency.
Using the Effects DEFRETTER This effect allows you to use a conventional bass to simulate a fretless bass. SENS/BOTTOM knob Adjusts the amount of defretter effect applied in response to the input sound. DEPTH/TONE knob Adjusts the tone. Turn the knob to the left for a milder sound, or to the right for a sharper sound. RESONANCE/E.LEVEL knob Adjusts the volume of the defretter sound.
Using the Effects DRIVE/SYNTH fig.0130 DRIVE / SYNTH indicator MUFF FUZZ Models the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff π. METAL Wild, radical distortion sound. HI-BAND DRIVE With this effect, distortion is applied only to the highfrequency sounds, and not to the sounds in the lowfrequency range. SAW LEAD A saw-wave synth-bass sound with a slight filter motion. Pedal indicator DRIVE / SYNTH pedal This distorts the sound, or create an effect like that of an analog synth.
Using the Effects TONE/CUTOFF knob When (NATURAL–HI-BAND DRIVE) is selected Adjusts the tone. Turn the knob to the left for a milder sound or to the right for a sharper sound. When SYNTH (SAW LEAD–SQUARE) is selected Adjusts the frequency at which the harmonic components of the sound are cut (the cutoff frequency). D.LEVEL/RESONANCE knob When (NATURAL–HI-BAND DRIVE) is selected Adjusts the volume of the direct sound.
Using the Effects DELAY/MODULATION fig.0140 DELAY / MODULATION indicator “ .TAP DLY” (refer to the following) “Adding a Delay Synchronized to the Performance Tempo” (p. 16) “Adding a Modulation Synchronized to the Performance Tempo” (p. 17) TYPE knob Selects the effect to be used from the eleven different effects that are available. .
Using the Effects ANALOG DLY/0-400 ms DLY/300-1400 ms DLY ANALOG DLY: This gives a mild analog delay sound. The delay time can be set within the range of 100 ms to 500 ms. CHORUS This is a stereo chorus effect that adds different chorus sounds to L and R. TIME/RATE knob 0-400 ms DLY: Adjusts the rate of modulation. Delay sound of 0 to 400 ms delay time. FEEDBACK/DEPTH knob 300-1400 ms DLY: Adjusts the depth of modulation. Delay sound of 300 to 1400 ms delay time. E.
Using the Effects Using the HOLD DLY Function Using the .TAP DLY Function 1. Set the TYPE knob to HOLD DLY. 1. Set the TYPE knob to .TAP DLY. The unit goes into recording standby and the pedal’s indicator flashes at a fixed interval. * If the effect is OFF, press the DELAY/MOD pedal to turn it ON. * After switching to HOLD DLY, you cannot perform any operation during the 2.8-second period before the unit switches to recording standby. Wait for at least 2.8 seconds before moving on to the next step.
Using the Effects 3. Hold down the pedal switch for at least two seconds to complete the tempo setting. The effect goes on, and instead of flashing, the pedal indicator will light. * The tempo may become confused momentarily when you go from Step 2 to Step 3. * If you move the TIME/RATE knob after finishing this setting, the delay time corresponding to the knob position takes effect. Executing Write Procedures (p. 22) After the Tempo Has Been Set The delay time stored in a Patch (p.
Using the Effects Pedal fig.0150 PEDAL MODE indicator WAH The effect will function as a pedal wah. RESONANCE This completely original effect offers enhancements on the characteristic resonances produced by analog synth filters. Using the effect in combination with the DRIVE/SYNTH TYPE set to “SAW LEAD” or “SQUARE” makes them even more effective. You can make the setting that determines whether the ME50B’s pedal functions as a volume pedal or as an expression pedal.
Using the Effects Using the SOUND HOLD Function Using the KICK DRUM Function 1. Turn the knob to SOUND HOLD. 1. Turn the knob to KICK DRUM. 2. Firmly press down on the front end of the expression pedal so the PEDAL MODE indicator lights up. The number for the currently selected tone is shown in the display (two seconds). You can press BANK [ 3. Bring the expression pedal back all the way to switch to standby mode. 4. Play the bass, then press down on the expression pedal a little.
Using the Effects MASTER NOISE SUPPRESSOR fig.0180 fig.0190 Adjusts the overall tonal quality and volume level. LOW knob Adjusts the tone of the lower range. Turning the knob to the right boosts the lower frequencies; turning the knob to the left cuts the lower frequencies. MID knob Adjusts the tone of the midrange. Turning the knob to the right boosts the midrange; turning the knob to the left cuts the midrange. This effect reduces the noise and hum picked up by bass pickups.
Saving and Loading the Created Tones (Memory Mode) The ME-50B features a “Memory mode” that allows you to store the various settings within the ME-50B itself, and then call up and use the settings. Switching Between Manual and Memory Mode The mode in which the tone produced reflects the panel settings just as they are is called “Manual mode.” A dot appears in the display when the ME-50B is in Manual mode. fig.
Saving and Loading the Created Tones (Memory Mode) Write Procedure The “Write procedure” enables you to save the created tone settings using the panel knobs and pedals, MASTER section’s knob setting, and expression pedal settings to patches. * You can carry out the Write procedure in both Manual mode and Memory mode. * If the Write procedure is not carried out, then the tone you have created is erased when the power is turned off or when you switch to a different patch. fig.
Saving and Loading the Created Tones (Memory Mode) If the Patch Does Not Change ● Is the ME-50B in Manual mode (p. 21)? ● Is the ME-50B in Patch Edit mode (p. 24)? ● Is the ME-50B in Tuner mode (p. 25)? Notes When Using Memory Mode • The settings for each patch are called up from internal memory in the Memory mode. Therefore, each knob's position and the patch settings may not match, when the patch is called up. • In Memory mode, you cannot switch effects on or off using the No. 1, 2, and 3 pedals.
Saving and Loading the Created Tones (Memory Mode) Changing the Patch Settings (Patch Edit mode) Use the following procedure when editing the settings of a patch you have called up. fig.0320 124 1 1. Switch to the Patch whose settings you want to edit (p. 22). 2. Press [EDIT/EXIT]. The MEMORY indicator flashes, and editing of the patch settings is enabled (Patch Edit mode). 3. Use the knobs and pedals to change the settings.
Convenient Functions Tuning the Bass (Bypass/Tuner) The ME-50B features a built-in chromatic auto-tuner, which allows you to tune your bass easily, without any need to change any of your connections. Additionally, in Tuner mode, the input sound without any effect whatsoever applied (the bypass sound) is output. Since you can use the expression pedal to lower the volume, there is no need for you to turn down your amp volume when you tune. 3.
Convenient Functions Using the Foot Switch When .TAP DLY is selected Switching the Compressor/ Limiter On and Off With a foot switch (the optional FS-5U) connected to the FOOT SW jack on the rear panel, you can use the foot switch to switch the compressor/limiter on and off. The reference tempo is determined by the time interval between each press of the pedal.
Convenient Functions Switching Banks In Memory mode (p. 21), with a foot switch (the optional FS5U) connected to the FOOT SW jack on the rear panel, you can use the foot switch to switch Banks (switching up). ig.0300 Practicing Along with CDs and MDs (AUX IN) When playing CDs, MDs, tapes, or other such input, connect the CD or MD player, tape recorder, or other device to the AUX IN jack. * AUX IN is a stereo mini jack. fig.0370 CD/MD Player, etc. Set the polarity switch as shown below.
Appendices Returning the ME-50B to Its Factory Settings (Factory Reset) You can restore all of the ME-50B’s settings (24 patches and tuner reference pitch) to what they were at the time the unit was shipped from the factory. This is referred to as “Factory Reset.” To perform Factory Reset, carry out the following steps. fig.
Appendices Troubleshooting If there is no sound, or if it appears the ME-50B is not functioning correctly, first check the points below. If the following measures do not solve the problem, contact your dealer or the nearest Roland Service Center. No Sound/Volume is Low ● Are connections to other devices correctly made? Check the connections once more. ● Is the volume turned down? Check the volume levels on any connected amp or mixer.
Appendices Specifications ME-50B: Bass Multiple Effects ● AD Conversion 24 bit + AF method (*) ● DA Conversion 24 bit ● Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz ● Patches 24 (user) ● Effects Compressor/Limiter Filter/Tone T.
Patch List BANK NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Description 1 Sound using MID SHAPE, suitable for slapping play. 2 Tube amp sound, good for rock'n roll. 3 Touch wah sound for funk music. 1 Mellow sound of a fretless bass. Good for use with a bridge pickup. 2 Fuzz sound of 60’s. 3 Spacy, analog synth bass sound. 1 Fat bass sound using BOTTOM BOOST. 2 Drive sound with wild distortion. 3 Distorted octave-up sound mixed with direct bass sound, suitable for single note playing.
Factory Settings COMPRESSOR/LIMITER BANK NO. THRESHOLD/ LEVEL SUSTAIN TYPE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 FILTER/TONE DRIVE/SYNTH SENS/ DEPTH/ RESONANCE/ BOTTOM TONE E.LEVEL TYPE TYPE 1 NATURAL 40 55 MID SHAPE 60 70 50 OFF 2 NATURAL 85 45 ENHANCER 50 40 35 NATURAL 3 D-COMP 45 65 T.WAH UP 50 45 50 OFF 1 NATURAL 50 50 DEFRETTER 50 50 50 OFF 2 OFF 3 NATURAL 40 1 160D SOFT 2 NATURAL 3 OFF 1 D-COMP 2 OFF 3 NATURAL 40 1 LIMITER 2 DRIVE/ TONE/ D.LEVEL/ E.
Factory Settings DELAY/MODULATION TYPE TIME/ RATE Expression Pedal FEEDBACK/ E.LEVEL/ PEDAL MODE DEPTH RESONANCE EXPRESSION MASTER LOW MID MID FREQ HIGH NOISE SUPPRESSOR LEVEL OFF VOLUME KICK DRUM 80 70 100 Hz 60 50 60 OFF VOLUME WAH 70 40 680 Hz 40 50 60 REVERB 0 50 5 VOLUME -1 OCTAVE 60 20 300 Hz 40 50 60 CHO+REVERB 50 50 15 VOLUME KICK DRUM 70 85 1.
Blank Chart COMPRESSOR/LIMITER BANK NO. TYPE 1 1 2 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 3 1 4 2 3 1 5 2 3 1 6 2 3 1 7 2 3 1 8 2 3 34 THRESHOLD/ LEVEL SUSTAIN FILTER/TONE TYPE SENS/ DEPTH/ RESONANCE/ BOTTOM TONE E.LEVEL DRIVE/SYNTH TYPE DRIVE/ TONE/ D.LEVEL/ E.
Blank Chart DELAY/MODULATION TYPE TIME/ RATE Expression Pedal FEEDBACK/ E.
Blank Chart COMPRESSOR/LIMITER BANK NO. TYPE 1 1 2 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 3 1 4 2 3 1 5 2 3 1 6 2 3 1 7 2 3 1 8 2 3 36 THRESHOLD/ LEVEL SUSTAIN FILTER/TONE TYPE SENS/ DEPTH/ RESONANCE/ BOTTOM TONE E.LEVEL DRIVE/SYNTH TYPE DRIVE/ TONE/ D.LEVEL/ E.
Blank Chart DELAY/MODULATION TYPE TIME/ RATE Expression Pedal FEEDBACK/ E.
Index Numerics H S 0-400 ms DLY ............................... 15 +1 OCTAVE ................................. 18 -1 OCTAVE .................................. 18 160D HARD ................................... 9 160D SOFT ...................................... 9 300-1400 ms DLY ......................... 15 HI-BAND DRIVE ........................ 12 HIGH ............................................. 20 HOLD DLY ........... 14, 16–17, 22–23 HOLLOW ..................................... 11 SAW LEAD ..........
For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. For the USA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
G6017377 **********
