Boss Audio Systems ME-50 User Manual

Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS ME-50 Guitar 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. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Main features
Simple Operation—Works Like a Compact Effects Processor
Each effect is controlled with a dedicated knob. Intuitive operation, similar to that of compact effects processors, lets you make changes to tones directly.
Powerful COSM Drive Sound
Roland’s original “COSM” modeling technology lets you perform with a wide variety of powerful distortion effects, from classic vintage sounds, to original distortion sounds.
COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling)
Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) is Roland’s innovative and powerful sound modeling technology. COSM analyzes the many factors that make up the original sound, such as the electrical and physical characteristics of the original, and then produces a digital model that can reproduce the same sound.
Multi-Function Expression Pedal
The ME-50 is equipped with an expression pedal that gives you control over six different specialized pedal effects. It can also be switched for use as a volume pedal.
Memory Function
You can store up to 30 original tones you have created. You can also use the pedals in “Memory mode” to call up stored tones instantly.
AUX IN Jack
The AUX IN jack makes it easy to practice along with CDs, MDs, and other input.
Battery-Powered Operation
The ME-50 can be powered in two ways, with (6) AA batteries or by using the AC adaptor (optional).
Copyright © 2002 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or
other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.
001
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
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002c
• Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor.
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003
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the "Information" page.
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004
• Never use or store the unit in places that are:
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors);
or are
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain; or are
• Dusty; or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration.
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007
• Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
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008b
• Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA series), and make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor’s body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
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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.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power­cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
009
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord, producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock hazards!
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010
• This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an audiologist.
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011
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
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012c
• Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when:
• The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has
been damaged; or
• If smoke or unusual odor occurs
• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been
spilled onto the unit; or
• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise
has become wet); or
• The unit does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance.
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2
013
• 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.
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014
• Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
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015
• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially careful when using extension cords—the total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through.
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016
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” sheet.
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019
• Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water.
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101b
• The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation.
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102d
• Always grasp only the output plug or the body of the AC adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from, this unit or an outlet.
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103b
• Any accumulation of dust between the AC adaptor and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire. Periodically wipe away such dust with a dry cloth. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.
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104
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children.
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106
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.
107d
• Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its output plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.
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108b
• Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and all cords coming from external devices.
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109b
• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet.
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110b
• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.
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111
• If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please read and observe the following precautions (p. 6).
1
• Carefully follow the installation instructions for
batteries, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.
2
• Avoid using new batteries together with used
ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.
3
• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to
remain unused for an extended period of time.
5
• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth
or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area with running water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.
6
• Never keep batteries together with metallic
objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.
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112
• Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be observed in the region in which you live.
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3

IMPORTANT NOTES

291a
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
301
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system).
302
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.
303a
• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
304a
• When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you may have connected. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
306b
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to enable testing.
307
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
351
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of inter­ference.
352a
• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.
352b
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initi­ating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.
354a
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355b
• When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has completely evaporated.
Maintenance
401a
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.
Additional Precautions
551
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have writed on the paper.
552
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the unit’s memory once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
553
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal elements.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially when it is late at night).
559a
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.
562
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions.
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For infor­mation on cable specifications, contact the manufac­turer of the cable.
988
• Security Slot ( ) http://www.kensington.com/
4
Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY ...................2
IMPORTANT NOTES .......................... 4
Playing Sounds ................................ 6
Installing Batteries....................................................6
Making the Connections...........................................6
Turning on the Power ...............................................7
Adjusting the Volume................................................. 7
Turning Off the Power ..............................................7
Using the Effects............................... 8
About the Effect Connection Sequence..................8
TONE MODIFY ...........................................................9
Switching Tone Modify On and Off
with the Foot Switch ................................................... 9
COMPRESSOR ........................................................10
Switching the Compressor On and Off
with the Foot Switch ................................................. 10
OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION......................................11
MODULATION..........................................................12
Adding an Effect Synchronized to the
Performance Tempo.................................................. 14
DELAY......................................................................15
Adding a Delay Synchronized to the
Performance Tempo.................................................. 16
Using the HOLD Function....................................... 17
NS (Noise Suppressor)...........................................18
REVERB ...................................................................18
Pedal.........................................................................19
Using the Pedal as a Volume Pedal ........................ 19
Using the Pedal as an Expression Pedal................. 19
Saving and Loading the
Created Tones (Memory Mode)....... 20
Switching Between Manual and Memory Mode
About the Patch.......................................................20
Write Procedure ......................................................21
Calling Up and Using Stored Tones
(Patch Change)........................................................21
Switching Numbers................................................... 21
Switching Banks......................................................... 21
Switching Banks with the Foot Switch...................22
Notes When Using Memory Mode .........................22
About Tone Changes................................................. 22
About the Tempo Setting..........................................22
About the DELAY HOLD......................................... 23
DELAY TAP  .............................................................23
Changing the Patch Settings
(Patch Edit mode)....................................................23
.......20
Convenient Functions...................... 24
Tuning the Guitar (Tuner).......................................24
Practicing Along with CDs and MDs (AUX IN)......25
Appendices .................................... 26
Returning the ME-50 to Its Factory Settings
(Factory Reset)........................................................26
Adjusting the Expression Pedal ............................26
Troubleshooting......................................................27
Specifications..........................................................28
Patch List........................................ 29
Factory Settings.............................. 30
Conversions Used in This Manual
Words in square brackets [ ] indicate panel buttons or knobs. (Example)
[VARIATION] : VARIATION button [WRITE] : WRITE button
(p. **) indicates a reference page.
Blank Chart.................................... 32
Index............................................. 34
5

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-50 is not equipped with any internal amplifier or speakers. To listen to sound with the ME-50, connect it to a guitar amp, stereo headphones, or other such sound equipment.
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other
devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
fig.0020
Electric Guitar
Stereo
Headphones
AC Adaptor
(PSA series: optional)
CD/MD
Player, etc.
• When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or controls get damaged.
• When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.
• Make sure the “+” and “-” ends of the batteries are oriented correctly.
• When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator gets dim. If this happens, replace with new batteries.
• When replacing the batteries, use six AA type.
• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries. Doing so can result in fluid leakage.
• Battery life can vary depending on battery type.
Continuous usage time under battery power is about 12 hours with alkaline batteries and about 3.5 hours with carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage conditions.)
Guitar Amp
To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should the plug be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid applying undue stress to the AC adaptor jack, anchor the power cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.
fig.0040
When outputting monaurally, connect a cable only to the OUTPUT L (MONO) jack.
Do not use a cable containing a resistor to connect CD or MD players to the AUX IN jack.
6
When you use the LINE/PHONES jack, the built-in guitar-amp simulator lets you enjoy impressive guitar sound, even with headphones.
Playing Sounds
1.
2.
3.
Use a special cable (the optional PCS-31) to send output from the LINE/PHONES jack to equipment such as a mixer. Using an ordinary cable will cause only the left­channel sound to be output.
fig.0030
PCS-31
White
(L)
Red
(R)

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.
(CD/MD Player) ME-50
fig.0041
* Raising the MASTER LEVEL knob too much may result in
sound distortion.
* When the effects are all off, input and output are at the same
levels as when the MASTER LEVEL knob is at the center position.
* The setting of the MASTER LEVEL knob is stored in memory
for each Patch (p. 20).
If There Is No Sound/If the 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.
Can you hear sound through the headphones when
headphones are connected?
If you can hear sounds, it may be that there is a short in the cable used to connect the amp or other device, or perhaps a mistake in an external device’s settings. Check the connecting cables and external devices once more.
Has the level been lowered with the expression pedal?
Sounds are not output when the toe of the expression pedal is in the raised position while the pedal is set to function as a volume pedal. (p. 19)
Is the ME-50 in Tuner mode (p. 24)?
Output is muted in Tuner mode.
Guitar Amp / Stereo, Etc.
* Turn up the volume on amps and other equipment only after
all connections are completed and the power for connected devices is turned on.
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval
(several seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.

Adjusting the Volume

Adjust the ME-50’s volume with the MASTER LEVEL knob.
fig.0050
Is a cable containing a resistor being used to connect a
CD or MD player to the AUX IN jack?
Using a cable containing a resistor may prevent sound from CD and MD players from being audible.

Turning Off the Power

1. Turn down the volume of the ME-50 and any connected
device.
2. Turn off the power to Guitar Amp / Stereo, Multitrack
Recorder, etc.
3. Tuen the ME-50’s power off.
7

Using the Effects

When the power is turned on, the ME-50 always switches to Manual mode, and the OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION, MODULATION, and DELAY are switched off.
* When the DELAY TYPE is set to HOLD, the DELAY indicator goes on, the DELAY pedal’s indicator flashes at a fixed interval,
indicating recording standby is enabled. (p. 17)
All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Those companies are not affiliated with BOSS and have not licenced or authorized BOSS’s ME-50. Their marks are used
solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by BOSS’s ME-50.

About the Effect Connection Sequence

The ME-50 automatically selects the optimum sequence for connecting the effects according to the effect (p. 19) you select with the expression pedal.
When WAH, RING MOD, +1OCTAVE, or -1OCTAVE is Selected
fig.0060
TONE MODIFY
NS REVERB
EXPRESSION
VOLUME (
PEDAL
)
COMPRESSOR
MODULATION
OVERDRIVE /
DISTORTION
DELA Y
When RESONANCE and VOICE is Selected
fig.0070
TONE MODIFY
NS REVERB
COMPRESSOR
VOLUME (
)
PEDAL
OVERDRIVE /
DISTORTION
MODULATION
EXPRESSION
DELA Y
Also, when the MODULATION type is TREMOLO or UNI-V, MODULATION is connected before OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION.
(Example) EXPRESSION: WAH; MODULATION: TREMOLO
fig.0080
WAH
(
EXPRESSION
COMPRESSORTONE MODIFY
)
TREMOLO
(
MODULATION
)
8
OVERDRIVE /
DISTORTION
NS REVERB
VOLUME
(
PEDAL
)
DELA Y

TONE MODIFY

Using the Effects
fig.0090
TONE MODIFY Indicator
This changes the characteristics of the connected guitar.
TYPE knob
OFF
The sound is bypassed.
* When switched OFF, the TONE MODIFY indicator goes out.
FAT
Fat tone with boosted mid range.
PRESENCE
Bright tone with boosted high-mid range.
ACOUSTIC
Changes the electric guitar’s tone to that of an acoustic guitar.

Switching Tone Modify On and Off with the Foot Switch

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 Tone Modify on and off.
fig.0100
Set the polarity switch as shown below.
MILD
Mild tone with the high end cut back.
TIGHT
Tone with the low frequencies cut.
ENHANCE
Tone with the high frequencies boosted.
SH
Changes from a single-coil pickup tone to a humbucking pickup tone.
HS
Changes from a humbucking pickup tone to a mixed tone of two single-coil pickups.
HHF
Changes from a humbucking pickup tone to a single-coil pickup half tone.
* When in Memory mode, the bank-switching function is
enabled (p. 22).
By connecting with a special cable (the optional PCS-31), you can connect two foot switches, one for Tone Modify ON/OFF, and one to switch the Compressor on and off (p. 10).
HOLLOW
Adds body resonance to create a tone like that of an full­acoustic guitar.
9
Using the Effects

COMPRESSOR

fig.0110
COMPRESSOR Indicator
This is an effect that produces a long sustain by evening out the volume level of the input signal. You can also use it as a “limiter” to suppress only the sound peaks and prevent distortion.
SUSTAIN knob
This adjusts the depth of the effect. Turning it to the right (clockwise) produces a longer sustain. When using this as a limiter, turn the SUSTAIN knob to the left (counterclockwise).
* When not using the Compressor, turn the SUSTAIN knob to
OFF. When switched OFF, the COMPRESSOR indicator goes out.

Switching the Compressor On and Off with the Foot Switch

With the special cable (the optional PCS-31) used to connect two foot switches (the optional FS-5U) to the FOOT SW jack on the rear panel, you can use one foot switch for Tone Modify ON/OFF, and one to switch the Compressor on and off (p. **). Connect as shown below.
fig.0120
PCS-31
Set the polarity switch as shown below.
White Red
TONE MODIFY
On/Off
COMPRESSOR
On/Off
LEVEL knob
Adjusts the volume level when the Compressor is on. Use this in achieving a volume balance when switching the Compressor on and off.
* When in Memory mode, the bank-switching function is
enabled (p. 22).
10

OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION

Using the Effects
fig.0130
OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION Indicator
Pedal Indicator
OD/DS Pedal
These are effects that distort the sound. You can use the TYPE knob in combination with [VARIATION] to get 22 different types of distortion.
OD/DS pedal
Each time you press the pedal, the effect switches through Overdrive/Distortion ON and OFF. When switched on, the OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION indicator and pedal indicator light up.
DRIVE knob
Adjusts the amount of distortion. Turning the knob to the right (clockwise) creates a stronger distortion and increases the volume. Turning this all the way to the TURBO range increases the effect even more.
BOTTOM knob
Adjusts the low frequency range. Turning the knob to the left (counterclockwise) cuts the low end more; the low frequencies are boosted as the knob is turned to the right.
TONE knob
Adjusts the tone. Turning the knob to the left creates a milder sound; a sharper sound is produced as the knob is turned to the right.
LEVEL knob
Adjusts the volume.
Type List
OD-1
OD-2
BD-2 DS-1
MT-2 SCREAM
DST+ GUV
RAT MUFF FACE
Models the BOSS OD-1.
Models the BOSS OD-2.
Models the BOSS BD-2. Models the BOSS DS-1.
Models the BOSS MT-2. Models the Ibanez TS-808 TUBESCREAMER.
Models the MXR DISTORTION+. Models the Marshall GUV’NOR.
Models the Proco RAT. Models the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff π. Models the FUZZFACE.
* Noise may be mixed in if you turn the LEVEL knob up too
high. Adjust the LEVEL knob so that the apparent volume level remains the same whether the effects are on or off.
[VARIATION] Off [VARIATION] Lit
NATURAL
CRUNCH
LEAD LOUD
METAL MODERN OD
STACK Hi GAIN
MODERN DS SQUARE OCT FUZZ
Overdrive that gives a more natural sounding dis­tortion.
A lustrous crunch sound with an added element of amp distortion.
Produces a distortion sound with both the smooth­ness of an overdrive along with a deep distortion.
A heavy distortion with a boosted low end. An intense, radical distortion sound. Overdrive with special mid range tone. A fat sound with an added element of a stack
amp’s distortion. Sound of Overdrive through a stack amp. Sound of a large high gain amp. Synth square wave sound. Fuzz sound produced by octave harmonics.
11
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