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. 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.
High-Quality Sounds Through COSM
With high-quality effects like Compressor/Limiter and
Overdrive/Distortion, which make full use of COSM
technology, you can perform with a variety of powerful
effects, from classic vintage sounds to new and original
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-50B 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 24 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-50B can be powered in two ways, with (6) AA
batteries or by using the AC adaptor (optional).
• 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” sheet.
• 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.
• 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.
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!
• 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.
• 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” sheet when:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC
adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe
all dust and other accumulations away from its
prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the
power outlet whenever the unit is to remain
unused for an extended period of time. Any
accumulation of dust between the power plug and
the power outlet can result in poor insulation and
lead to fire.
• 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.
• 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.
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 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. Depending on the way in which the electrical
appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this unit
to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not
practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect a
power supply noise filter between this unit and the
electrical outlet.
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.
Repairs and Data
452
• Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s
memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs.
Important data should always be written down on paper
(when possible). During repairs, due care is taken to avoid
the loss of data. However, in certain cases (such as when
circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we
regret that it may not be possible to restore the data, and
Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
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
important data should always be written down on 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. BOSS/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.
554
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
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/
220
• All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Index ............................................. 38
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-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.
* 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
Bass 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.
•A “b” appears in the display when the batteries are
nearly worn out. When this occurs, 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.)
Bass Amp
If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is
being used, normal operation will continue should the
line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power
cord disconnection from the ME-50B).
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. If a cable incorporating
resistance is used, audio from CD and MD players may
become inaudible.
6
Playing Sounds
2.
●
●
●
1.
●
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.
ME-50B
fig.0041
Bass Amp /Stereo, Multitrack Recorder, 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.
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. 18).
● Is the ME-50B in Tuner mode (p. 25)?
In Tuner mode, the bypass sound is output, and the
expression pedal is used as a volume pedal.
When the expression pedal is used as a volume pedal,
sound output falls as you pull the pedal back, raising the
front of the pedal (p. 18).
Adjusting the Volume
Adjust the ME-50B’s volume with the MASTER LEVEL knob.
fig.0050
* 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. 21).
● 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-50B and any
connected device.
2. Turn off the power to Bass Amp / Stereo, Multitrack
Recorder, etc.
3. Turn the ME-50B’s power off.
7
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.
Those companies are not affiliated with BOSS and have not licensed or authorized BOSS’s ME-50B. Their marks are used
solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by BOSS’s ME-50B.
About the Effect Connection Sequence
The ME-50B automatically selects the optimum sequence for connecting the effects according to the effect settings.
fig.0060
DRIVE/SYNTH = SYNTH
SAW LEAD /
MILD FILTER /
DEEP FILTER /
SQUARE
(DRIVE / SYNTH)
+1 OCTAVE /
-1 OCTAVE
(EXPRESSION)
EQ
(MASTER)
DRIVE/SYNTH = Others
OCTAVE UP /
SLOW GEAR /
DEFRETTER /
ENHANCER /
BOTTOM BOOST /
MID SHAPE /
HOLLOW
(FILTER / TONE)
NOISE
SUPPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR /
LIMITER
(FILTER / TONE)
FOOT
VOLUME
DELAY/MOD = HOLD DLY
OCTAVE
DOWN
SOUND
HOLD
(EXPRESSION)
NATURAL /
BASS DRIVER /
OVER DRIVE /
DISTORTION /
MUFF FUZZ /
METAL /
HI-BAND DRIVE
(DRIVE / SYNTH)
T. WAH DOWN /
(FILTER / TONE)
DELAY /
MODULATION
KICK DRUM
(EXPRESSION)
T. WAH UP /
T. WAH EDGE
DELAY/MOD = Others
WAH /
RESONANCE
(EXPRESSION)
LEVEL
(MASTER)
8
COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
Using the Effects
fig.0110
COMPRESSOR/LIMITER indicator
This comprises two effects, one that evens out the volume of
the input signals to provide lengthy sustain (compressor),
and one that prevents distortion by suppressing only the
peaks in the sound (limiter).
TYPE knob
OFF
Turns off the compressor/limiter effect sound is
bypassed.
* The COMPRESSOR/LIMITER indicator goes off when this is
set to OFF.
NATURAL
Provides natural-sounding performances with little
thinning of the sound, even when pushing the effect.
This is especially effective with slapping and hard
picking.
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.
When the TYPE is set to D-COMP, the knob functions as a
SUSTAIN control, which adjusts how long sounds are
sustained. Turn the knob to the right (clockwise) to get
longer sustain times.
LEVEL knob
This adjusts the level when the compressor/limiter is on. Use
this to balance the volume level so it is the same when the
compressor/limiter is switched on and off.
You can use a foot switch to switch the compressor/
limiter on and off. For more detailed information, refer
to “Using the Foot Switch” (p. 26).
LIMITER
Prevents distortion by suppressing the input signal level
when it exceeds the set value.
160D SOFT
Models the dbx 160 set to a lower compression ratio.
160D HARD
Models the dbx 160 set to a high compression ratio.
D-COMP
Models the MXR DynaComp.
9
Using the Effects
FILTER/TONE
fig.0120
Pedal indicator
FILTER / TONE
pedal
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. Turning the knob to the left widens
the range of frequencies in the vicinity of the reference
frequency in which the wah effect is to be produced,
while turning the knob to the right narrows this range.
OCTAVE UP/OCTAVE DOWN
This effect creates a fatter, thicker sound by adding to the
input sound the same sound raised one octave
(OCTAVE UP) or lower one octave (OCTAVE DOWN).
* This effect does not function correctly if two or more notes are
played simultaneously.
SENS/BOTTOM knob
Adjusts the volume of the direct sound.
Included here are eleven different effects that alter the
particular characteristics of the bass sound itself.
You can select and use any one of these effects at a time.
FILTER/TONE pedal
The filter tone is alternately switched on and off each time
you press the pedal. The indicator lights up when the effect is
on.
TYPE knob
Selects the effect to be used from the eleven different effects
that are available.
T.WAH UP/T.WAH DOWN/T.WAH EDGE
This effect alters the wah effect in response to the level at
the time the bass is played.
T.WAH UP:
The filter shifts to higher frequencies in response to the
input.
DEPTH/TONE knob
Adjusts the tone of the octave sound. 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 octave sound.
SLOW GEAR
This produces a volume-swell effect (similar to how a
violin is played.
SENS/BOTTOM knob
Adjusts the sensitivity of the slow gear effect. As the
knob is turned more to the left, there is less response to
weaker picking, so the effect is expressed only when
strong picking is used.
DEPTH/TONE knob
This adjusts the time needed for the volume to reach its
maximum from the moment you begin picking.
RESONANCE/E.LEVEL knob
Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.
T.WAH DOWN:
The filter shifts to lower frequencies in response to the
input.
10
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.
ENHANCER
This is an effect that clarifies the contour of the input
sound by emphasizing the sound following changes in
the input level.
SENS/BOTTOM knob
This adjusts the Enhancer sensitivity. The more the knob
is turned to the right, the more softly you can play and
still have the effect applied.
Using the Effects
DEPTH/TONE knob
Adjusts the frequency at which the enhancer will begin
to be applied. The effect is applied at higher frequencies
the more the knob is turned to the right.
RESONANCE/E.LEVEL knob
Adjusts the amount of enhanced sound added to the
mix.
BOTTOM BOOST/MID SHAPE/HOLLOW
Alters the special characteristics of the bass sound.
BOTTOM BOOST:
Creates a tone with a boosted low end.
MID SHAPE:
Creates a tone with the midrange cut back.
HOLLOW:
Adds body resonance to create a tone resembling that of
an acoustic-electric bass.
SENS/BOTTOM knob
Adjusts the tone of the lower range.
DEPTH/TONE knob
Adjusts the tone of the upper range.
RESONANCE/E.LEVEL knob
Adjusts the volume.
11
Using the Effects
DRIVE/SYNTH
fig.0130
DRIVE / SYNTH indicator
Pedal indicator
DRIVE / SYNTH
pedal
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.
Using the effect in combination with the Expression
(p. 18) type set to “RESONANCE” makes it even more
effective.
MILD FILTER
A saw-wave synth-bass sound with relatively weak filter
effect. A motion of the filter changes depending on the
strength or the position, when playing the bass.
This distorts the sound, or create an effect like that of an
analog synth.
DRIVE/SYNTH pedal
The DRIVE/SYNTH is alternately switched on and off each
time you press the pedal. The indicator lights up when the
effect is on.
TYPE knob
NATURAL
Overdrive that gives a more natural sounding distortion.
BASS DRIVER
Models the TECH21 SANSAMP BASS DRIVER DI.
OVER DRIVE
Models the BOSS ODB-3.
DISTORTION
Distortion tuned especially for use with basses.
DEEP FILTER
A saw-wave synth-bass sound with a strong filter effect.
A motion of the filter changes depending on the strength
or the position, when playing the bass.
SQUARE
A square-wave synth-bass sound. A motion of the filter
changes depending on the strength or the position, when
playing the bass.
* When SYNTH (SAW LEAD–SQUARE) is selected, this effect
does not function correctly if two or more notes are played
simultaneously.
DRIVE/SENS knob
When DRIVE (NATURAL–HI-BAND DRIVE) is selected
Adjusts the amount of distortion applied. Turning the
knob to the right boosts the distortion and increases the
volume.
When SYNTH (SAW LEAD–SQUARE) is selected
Adjusts the amount of filtering applied.
12
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