The BOSS ME-90B is one of those units that looks old-school at first glance but feels surprisingly modern once you start using it.
Disclaimer: The ME-90B was provided to me by BOSS, and I got to keep it as compensation for my work. However, the company has no say in the things I mention in the video or this post.
BOSS ME-90B: Key Features
- Multiple effect blocks, including amp, compression, drive, modulation, delay, reverb, EQ, synth, and more
- Over 60 effect types
- 36 user memory patches and 36 preset patches
- Dedicated knobs for hands-on control
- Expression pedal for volume, wah, and other assignable functions
- USB connectivity for recording
- FX loop for flexible live setups
- Can be powered by an AC adapter or AA batteries
First Impressions of the BOSS ME-90B
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: the BOSS ME-90B looks like a supercomputer from the 1960s.
At first, the amount of knobs and switches can feel a bit intimidating. However, it starts making sense surprisingly quickly. Once I understood how the different effect blocks worked, I was dialing in usable sounds in no time.
That is one of the things I like most about the ME-90B. Even though it offers a lot, it does not feel difficult to use.
How Does the BOSS ME-90B Sound?
You should know one thing about me first: I’m still relatively new to bass guitar.
I can hold down steady eighth notes in a worship band, but dialing in bass tones is still a fairly new experience for me. Even with that in mind, I was able to get good sounds fast.
Having physical knobs makes a big difference here. Instead of diving through menus, I could just reach down and shape the sound directly.
I tend to like a bit of drive in my bass tone, and I also enjoyed adding chorus for certain songs. On top of that, using delay and reverb on bass was a new experience for me, and honestly, it was a lot of fun.
Overall, I did not run into any bad sounds. The BOSS ME-90B offers a lot of useful combinations, and exploring them was genuinely enjoyable.
Memory Mode vs. Manual Mode
MANUAL MODE
- Overview: Functions like a traditional pedalboard
- Control Style: Each footswitch controls an individual effect (stompbox-style)
- Real-Time Adjustments: Instant tweaking using the front-panel knobs
- Best For: Musicians wanting hands-on control during live sessions
- Practical Use: Flexibility to switch effects on/off during different song sections
MEMORY MODE
- Overview: Operates as a preset-based multi-effects unit
- Control Style: Footswitches switch between saved patches (effect combinations)
- Patch Recall: Save up to 36 user patches for instant access
- Best For: Quick sound changes between songs or set sections
- Practical Use: Consistent tones with minimal effort during performances
Key Differences Table
| Feature | Manual Mode | Memory Mode |
| Functionality | Controls individual effects (stompboxes) | Switches between preset patches (effect combinations) |
| Control Style | Real-time control over each effect | Recall saved patches with one footswitch |
| Adjustment | Quick adjustments using knobs | Pre-programmed patches, minimal real-time tweaking |
| Best For | Full control over individual effects | Quick patch changes for different songs/sections |
| Live Use | Dynamic changes during songs | Pre-planned setups across setlists |
How To Create A Preset
- Enter Memory Mode
- Press the MODE button to switch to Memory Mode.
- Confirm footswitches correspond to patch numbers.
- Select a Starting Patch
- Choose an existing patch to modify or start with a blank slate.
- Set Up Desired Effects
- Use dedicated knobs to select and adjust effects in each FX block.
- Customize parameters like gain, tone, and level to your preference.
- Assign Effects to Footswitches
- Ensure effects are mapped correctly for seamless switching.
- Use the Expression Pedal (Optional)
- Assign the pedal to control effects like volume or wah.
- Press down until the indicator changes, then select the parameter.
- Save the Preset
- Press and hold the WRITE button until the display blinks.
- Select the destination patch number.
- Press WRITE again to confirm and save.
- Recall the Preset
- Access your saved preset anytime by selecting it in Memory Mode.
Tips
- Experiment with chaining effects and fine-tuning for different styles.
- Organize patches for easy access during live performances.
Using the BOSS ME-90B with a Band
Ihad a feeling I would enjoy the BOSS ME-90B in a band setting, and I was right.
Even though it was the first time this particular group played together, it only took me a few seconds to dial in sounds that worked for each song.
I chose to use Manual Mode because I wanted to focus more on listening to the band and less on programming patches. I built a simple “pedalboard” with compressor, drive, flanger, and chorus, and that gave me enough flexibility for the whole rehearsal.
After the first song, I made a few EQ adjustments so I would not take up too much of the keyboard player’s space. After that, I could mostly focus on learning the songs and playing.
The FX loop also turned out to be very useful. The rehearsal space had a poor PA but a decent bass amp. I ran a cable from the effects send into the amp’s effects return, and I was good to go.
Is ME-90B Good?
Yes, I think the BOSS ME-90B is very good.
The BOSS ME-90B may look like a supercomputer from the 1960s, but it gets the job done and it is a lot of fun to use.
I also like that you can power it with batteries. That may not be the most glamorous feature, but it is genuinely useful.
For me, the biggest strength of the BOSS ME-90B is that it makes getting good bass sounds easy. It gives you the flexibility of a multi-effects unit without making you fight the interface.
The ME-90B may look like a supercomputer from the 60’s but it gets the job done and you’ll have fun while doing it.
Interested in getting BOSS ME-90B? Check out the affiliate links here:
►►Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/589127?offid=1&affid=394
►►Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/VmobJk
►►Reverb: https://tidd.ly/3XVu0Qu
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