Boss ME-90 Guitar Multi Effects Pedal Overview
The Boss ME-90 Guitar Multi Effects Pedal is the long-awaited successor to the best-selling ME-80. Boasting flagship AIRD modelling from the GT-1000, 32-bit floating point processing, an effects loop and much, much more, the ME-90 delivers the ease of use that made the ME-80 so popular with immensely improved tone, feel and features.
When it comes to revolutionising guitar processing technology, BOSS stands at the forefront. With the introduction of the first multi-effects unit, the ME-5, in 1988, BOSS forged a new path in guitar technology. BOSS recognised a need for musicians to condense their vast collection of individual pedals and gear into one compact, easy-to-use unit, freeing them to focus on creating unforgettable performances.
BOSS didn’t stop at being the pioneer of multi-effects processors. They went a step further in 1995 by introducing the world to the first guitar modeller. By faithfully recreating the tone, feel and response of classic tube amps, BOSS opened up a universe of sonic possibilities that previously required extensive (and expensive) racks of gear.
The ME-90, the latest in BOSS’s line of trailblazing multi-effects pedals, is the result of decades of innovation and experience. Featuring best-in-class audio quality, flagship BOSS tones and a user-friendly design, the ME-90 is set to redefine what can be expected from a portable multi-effects pedal. Whether you’re a touring professional, a studio musician, or a dedicated hobbyist, the ME-90 will appeal to any guitarist who wants the simplicity and immediacy of a pedalboard with the versatility and features of a multi-effects unit.
Ultra High Definition Audio
Designed for performing guitarists who prefer a no-fuss approach to dialling in tones, this premium all-in-one processor packs decades of BOSS’s ingenuity into a compact and user-friendly design. With top-tier 24-bit AD/DA and pristine 32-bit floating point processing, intuitive hands-on controls and a versatile range of effects, the ME-90 is your ultimate companion for every playing scenario.
Sonic Mastery at Your Fingertips
The ME-90 enables fast sound creation with a simplicity that’s just as immediate and straightforward as using a pedalboard loaded with individual effects pedals. Say goodbye to the fiddly complications of multiple connection cables, power distribution and fastening tape. Dial up an amp model or an effect, turn the knobs and immerse yourself in inspiring AIRD-powered tones. Ready-to-play pro tones are available in 36 preset patches, with 36 user patches allowing you to store and recall your custom creations on-the-fly.
Fluid Control in Real-Time
The ME-90 features eight footswitches and an integrated toe-switch expression pedal for effortless hands-free control during live performances. In Memory mode, call up complete patch setups, then switch to Manual mode for direct on/off control of each effect category within a patch. The footswitch LEDs offer quick identification by lighting up in different colours. You can also set them to a fixed colour for each mode, making it easy to see what’s active on a dark stage.
Premium BOSS Effects at Your Disposal
Boasting an expansive library of BOSS effects derived from the flagship GT-1000, the ME-90 offers seven different categories, catering to all your tonal needs. Choose from a range of effects, including overdrives, distortions, pitch/mod effects, delays and high-quality reverbs. With 11 dedicated Pedal FX, a looper and specialised effects like acoustic simulation and down-tuning, you’ve got everything you need and more in one compact floorboard.
The send/return loop for external pedals adds an extra layer of customisation, enabling you to integrate your favourite external stompboxes. The effects loop can be placed before or after the pre-amp so you can get the best out of your dirt or time-based effects.
Pristine Amp Tones via Flagship AIRD Technology
The ME-90’s AIRD technology brings you 11 onboard amp types, delivering everything from clean combo sounds to punishing high-gain stacks. All are derived from the GT-1000, so you can count on authentic valve tone and touch response. Want more variety? You can access even more selections via BOSS Tone Studio. Each amp model also includes a dedicated cab sound for direct connection to a PA or recording device. You can also load your favourite speaker IRs to customise your tone as you see fit.
Edit, Customise and Go Beyond
Extend your creative possibilities with the BOSS Tone Studio, available for macOS and Windows. It allows you to edit tones, change out amp and effect types and organise patches for different gigs. You can also download pro setups from BOSS Tone Central or share patches with the ME-90 community on BOSS Tone Exchange. Plus, the optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor facilitates wireless shaping of tones using the dedicated BTS editor app for iOS and Android.
Travels Light, Hits Hard
In addition to its vast tonal possibilities, the ME-90 is designed to go wherever your music takes you. This gig-ready device is lighter than its predecessor, yet holds steadfast to BOSS’s legendary reputation for durable and road-worthy equipment. Built to withstand the rigours of touring, the ME-90 won’t let you down, no matter how intense your performance schedule gets.
The onboard expression pedal has also been re-engineered for enhanced control, ensuring that every nuance of your playing expression is captured. Whether you’re at home, on stage or in the studio, you’re in full control of your sound with the ME-90.
The unit runs on either four AA batteries or an optional AC adaptor, making it a truly portable multi-effects pedal. Plus, with a rear-panel switch that instantly optimises the outputs for a guitar amp or full-range sound system, you can seamlessly integrate the ME-90 into your existing setup, whether you’re playing a packed-out venue or busking in the park.
An All-Purpose Powerhouse
With the versatility to serve as an audio interface via the USB-C output, the ME-90 is more than just an effects pedal. It’s an all-purpose powerhouse that lets you record superb electric guitar tones with ease. Whether you’re recording a multi-track masterpiece or simply laying down a jam session with friends, the ME-90 ensures your unique tones are captured with pristine quality, ready for mixing and mastering in your go-to music production software.
- All-in-one guitar processor with premium BOSS amps and effects
- Easy stompbox-style sound creation with an intuitive knob-based interface
- Superior sound quality with 24-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating-point processing, and 48 kHz sampling rate
- Eleven onboard AIRD amp models and 60 different effects derived from the flagship GT-1000
- Dedicated amp section plus seven simultaneous effect categories with multiple types to choose from
- Edit parameters, swap out amp and effect types, and more with BOSS Tone Studio
- Eight multi-function footswitches and a newly redesigned expression pedal with toe switch
- 36 ready-to-play preset patches and 36 user patches for storing custom setups
- Manual mode for pedalboard-style operation and Memory mode for switching complete patch setups
- Rear-panel switch to optimize the audio outputs for a guitar amp or full-range sound system
- Load up to three user speaker IRs with the ME-90 IR Loader software for Windows/macOS
- Send/return loop for external pedals
- Light, durable design and colorful status LEDs
- Powered via four AA batteries or optional AC adaptor
- USB-C connector for communicating with BOSS Tone Studio and audio recording/playback with music production software
- Download and share ME-90 Livesets at BOSS Tone Exchange
- Optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor allows you to edit sounds and stream audio from an iOS or Android mobile device
- Sampling Frequency:
- - 48 kHz
- AD Conversion:
- - 24 bits + AF method
- AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signaltonoise (SN) ratio of the AD and DA converters.
- DA Conversion:
- - 24 bits
- Processing:
- - 32bit floating point
- Effects:
- - 97 Types
- Memories:
- - 36 (User) + 36 (Preset)
- Phrase Loop:
- - 38 sec. (MONO)
- Tuner Internal Detection:
- - +/0.1 cent
- Nominal Input Level:
- - INPUT: 10 dBu
- - RETURN:- 10 dBu
- Maximum Input Level:
- - INPUT: +7 dBu
- - RETURN: +7 dBu
- Input Impedance:
- - INPUT: 1 M ohm
- - RETURN: 1 M ohm
- Nominal Output Level:
- - OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): 10 dBu
- - PHONES: 10 dBu-
- - SEND: 10- dBu
- Output Impedance:
- - OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): 1 k ohm
- - PHONES: 44 ohms
- - SEND: 1 k ohm
- Recommended Load Impedance:
- - OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): 10 k ohms or greater
- - PHONES: 44 ohms or greater
- - SEND: 10 k ohms or greater
- Controls:
- - BANK DOWN/AMP switch, BANK UP/EQ switch, CTL/REV switch, MEMORY/MANUAL switch, 1/COMP switch, 2/OD/DS switch, 3/MOD switch, 4/DELAY switch, PEDAL FX switch, Gt. AMP/LINE switch, POWER switch, EXIT button, WRITE button, CTL button, EDIT button, PREAMP TYPE knob, GAIN knob, BASS knob, MIDDLE knob, TREBLE knob, LEVEL knob, REVERB knob, COMP/FX1 TYPE knob, SUSTAIN/SENS/1OCT knob, ATTACK/TONE/2OCT/DEPTH knob, LEVE- L/PEAK/DIRECT knob, OD/DS TYPE k- nob, DRIVE knob, TONE knob, LEVEL knob, MOD TYPE knob, RATE/KEY knob, DEPTH/HARMONY knob, E.LEVEL/RESONANCE knob, DELAY TYPE knob, TIME knob, FEEDBACK knob, E.LEVEL knob, OUTPUT LEVEL knob, PEDAL FX TYPE knob, PEDAL FX pedal
- Display:
- - 7 segments, 2 characters (LED)
- Connectors:
- - INPUT jack, OUTPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks, SEND jack, RETURN jack: 1/4inch phone type
- - PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type-
- - USB COMPUTER port: USB TypeC (R)
- - Bluetooth ADAPTOR connector: Dedicated connector
- - DC IN jack
- Power Supply:
- - Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 or AC adaptor
- Current Draw:
- - 190 mA
- Expected battery life under continuous use:
- - Alkaline battery: Approximately 6.5 hours
- - * This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
- Dimensions:
- - 443 (W) x 220 (D) x 67 (H) mm
- - 171/2 (W) x 811/16 (D) x 211/16 (H) inches
- Maximum height:
- - 443 (W) x 220 (D) x 93 (H) mm
- - 171/2 (W) x 811/16 (D) x 311/16 (H) inches
- Weight (including battery):
- - 2.9 kg
- - 6 lbs 7 oz
- Accessories:
- - STARTUP GUIDE
- - Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
- - Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
- Options (sold separately):
- - AC adaptor: PSAS series
- - Bluetooth(R) Au- dio MIDI Dual Adaptor: BTDUAL
- - Carry Bag: CBME80,CBBU10
- *0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
- *The specifications are subject to change without notice.
