ME-90 definitely a winner. Intuitive simplicity of use in manual mode. Many new features. GT-1000 sound quality. Sound is satisfying with headphones as with the GT-1000. With ME-80, had to use a dummy plug in the headphone jack to get cab sim sound out of Output. ME-90 adds much needed effects loop, Detuning feature, Bluetooth, IR loading, new amp sims, new AIRD design replaces outdated COSM design. ME-90 uses 4 AA batteries now instead of 6 as on the ME-80. Boss Tone Studio very helpful to quickly construct patches. Different colors for LEDs makes it easy to see when switching effects. Spillover functionality to have reverb and delay finish their tails when switching effects when performing, no abrupt sound switching. I have an ME-80 and a GT-1000, but the ME-90 is a definite must with enough killer apps to justify the purchase, same price as ME-80! What a year for Boss with so many new effects. Music Stores are swamped with advance orders for the new ME-90.
Glad you mention the dummy plug. I still see me-80 users who don’t know that and don’t understand why it sounds bad when playing to a PA. It was definitely the dumbest design flaw on the me-80 and it was the first thing I looked for when the me-90 was announced.
Been using a ME-70 exclusively for over a dozen years and have never needed anything more, it`s a tank, easy to use and program and has all the sound I will ever need. This seems like an obvious next step but until my trusty 70 dies I will keep rolling with what I have.
Hi Boss. Why 90, not the 100, as in line with nrs the other series? Just curious. Missing extending to a full 3 knob Reverb pedal, a seperate Loop group besides the Delay group, no option to combine Dual drive options and skipping the aux in are massive missing options imo. 😢. Seems the Pre amp and the Drive sections are improved and the Metal options are now up 2 speed. Detune is a nice idea as well as the improved bigger pedal. Colour indicators also a good idea.❤ Would love to play and hear one in stores. Where is that in the Netherlands? But, missing on the options, Im back off to my own pedalboard. While I was a hooked ME80 user and looked forward to the ME100. Suggestions free of charge ... 😊
Hello boss! I'm a passionate user of the Me 80. I've been looking forward to this update! You nailed it! Thank you for not significantly changing the exterior look of the predecessor unit. I hope you will provide a ping pong delay in future updates. Here's the tip.
Boss are seriously knocking stuff out of the park!! I pre-ordered and use the new DM-101, LOVE IT!! I don't use multi effects units but this ME-90 just looks amazing for those who like these sort of units!!! I know the guitar community are waiting for a CE-101!!!! come on Boss!!!
Great video Chris, the backstory is worth the price of admission alone ! I gigged with a singer who used to use a BOSS ME-5 solely for his vocal reverbs/delays. It sounded ace in an effects loop of the mixer desk. I always thought he was just jealous of all the stompboxes us guitarists jumped up and down on at every gig.
6:41 this is definitely a needed update. This another reason why I love the later ME the further customization,ease of use, and flexibility is why I use them. Also my katana MK2 as well.
I tried to the use the GX-100 and just couldn't. I watched youtube videos, read the manual. It just wasn't for me. I didn't "get it". On the other hand, I use the ME-80 in manual mode and like it a lot. The ME-90 is definitely on my Christmas wishlist!
That's crazy. All the bands that you mentioned were my influences + Pink Floyd. My 1st electric was a '76 black strat same pickup, pickguard and neck (maple) color as yours when I was a teenager. My first pedal was a Boss DM-2.
I'm pretty surprised to see the ME series still going, I started out on an ME-70 into the front end of a Peavey Backstage 😄 Definitely easier to figure out than most modellers, and a more tactile experience that feels somewhat akin to a real pedalboard
That was good review and you have a great and varied playing style I wish you had gone in to the expression pedal a little at the moment I play through a positive grid love it but I'm thinking about getting one of these let's face it you get all that good stuff for the price of a few good pedals 😊
I waited nearly two years for this and eventually bought an ME-80 because it seemed it would never be upgraded. Of course, a few months after I bought it, they release the ME-90.
Hell yeah - my first Boss ME Pedal was indeed the ME-5. Thanks for remembering and mentioning it. Had it for many years as I did not like its successors. Now I am thinking about replacing my Helix Stomp with the ME-90 (or ME-80). So a comparison of the effects, most of all the Pre-Amps and the OD/DS sections would be nice. My favorite overall Boss Pedal is the Turbo Distortion DS-2, especially Turbo II, as I like the mid-boost for Solos so much. Hope the ME-90 can simulate that. By the way, I have a very good Tom Scholz Rockman Sound simulation for the Helix. Is there anything like that in the ME-90, too. That typical Boston Sound that you can find on so many recordings by various artists (ZZ Top, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, etc.)
Hi, good explanation of the concept of it; congratulations! Could you answer me some questions? Did you notice any kind of degradation of the distortion when using the Tune Down function? and how low did you go on this video? can it replace the Digitech droptune? thank you very much!
I'd be putting in an order right now, but in addition to trying not to be a compulsive buyer, I'm in my late 60s and new to stringed instruments (other than piano, and, okay, I've only bought 4 guitars and a bass). I think this solution is far better economically than buying pedals piecemeal, and much "cleaner," as well. I'm watching and reading as many demos as I can, and I'm waiting on a comment from a guitar pro friend to see if he gives it his blessing (how could he not?). At this point, it's really hard not to click "Add to cart."
Sounds really good I'm not a fan of distortion anyway so don't need that, but all the delay /mod/ pitch effects + freeze, and expression pedal all in one is a hell of a bargain for the price Order placed today
I bought the ME 80 about 2 years ago and it has been rock solid. Sounds great to me and is simple to use. I also have the Boss Katana MK2 head and kinda switch back and forth between the 2. I really have no desire to upgrade but when I do, I will keep this one in mind.
I’m buying the boss katana MKII 100 and I have no pedals. I’m looking for the best all in one pedal that has a looper. Should I get the me-90 or the RC500/RC600?
my opinion is a cropped version of the gt-1000, but the effects with effects control are brought to the panel for the convenience of working on stage, the sound is the same, but the possibilities are slightly less than in the gt-1000
I had the 50, the 70, and I have the 80. I think the 70 sounded better than the 80. I'm thinking of using this again, now that it has the Effects Loop back in it. My question was ..does it sound better? I think you've done a good job of showing that it probably does. I would just keep my Strymon stuff and my fuzz pedals, and use the OD/Distortions, in this. I'm curious about the Pitch shifting, etc.. Thanks!
I think it’s great because the me-80 is great and they mostly kept everything about that unit and upgraded the sounds since the old unit is over 10 years behind. However this really was a mixed opportunity for some other updates. I think the thing that could have been the most beneficial is replacing the screen with a screen similar to what is on the GR-1 which would make many functions way easier. For instance, the patches can be named, the tuner can be way more accurate, you could go through the units settings without having to cross reference the number labels with the manual. And they could borrow functionality from the gt-1 to be able to customize the order of the FX chain with complete freedom and that would overcome nearly every limitation this unit has over completely screen based units. Could also easily allow users to change to the additional effects not shown on the unit without having to plug in to Boss Tone Studio. In addition, I would have liked to see the looper be independent of the delay block (and be a full 1-2 minutes of loop time), a full effects block for the reverb rather than just one knob, and it would be perfect if the overdrives and distortion/fuzz could be on separate blocks, allowing you to stack low and high gain.
Could you tell me the settings you used for that intro? I'm just learning to use mine. I've struggled to get a sort of hendrix/SRV sound, but your tone there sounded amazing.
How is the bypass? ( when using an amp ) When all the Effects are off? Do you here a difference compared to straight to the amp ? Is the output knob in the circuit ? I mean , does it suck tone ? It’ s not true or buffered bypass I heard
If you use the amps on the ME-80, this is worth the upgrade. Also, you can run this with the 4 cable method. Uppgrade - yes! I currently have an old ME-80, and I've got one on order.
9:00 it was hard as hell to go direct without it sounding tinny or over bearing distortion wise. Clean sounded nice, it just was a task to get it to sound good.
When listening to these demos, they seem to be exceptionally quiet. Most multi-effects have built in noise suppression but I'm not hearing any breathing associated with that kind of effect. Typically even the best individual stomp boxes have some noise. If the ME90 truly is that quiet, that makes it worth the purchase price right there. But I'll have to try one for myself. If anyone knows for sure, please reply.
Instead of a look at me playing seasion it would have been more useful to comment on new pedal additions, how realistic the new amp simulations are and what the predefined patches are like.
I used an ME-33 for local bar gigs until it finally gave up and died... but it went through a LOT of abuse! I'm thinking about purchasing the new ME-90... but there are so many options just in the Boss line alone.... GT-100, GX-100, GT-1000... it's a difficult decision. The price of the ME-90 is very reasonable($500Cdn)...but it is limited. The GX-100 has a lot more going on with 150 effects w/ up to 15 at a time for an extra $300. BUT then there's the menu diving and learning curve that comes with the price. Arrgh!!! Going on 63 soon and not sure I could handle the learning curve very well... but the inability to change the order of effects in the ME-90 is what's holding me back. Otherwise I'd order one now. Decisions...decisions..:0/ Arrgh!!! Oh... great playing and review BTW!!!✌🙂
Yes,..I own the ME-50B Bass Multi-FX Unit!! (+other Boss Pedals!) STILL TODAY it KIcks Ass!👍🏾🎛️✨🎸🤣 But I think I’m getting this ‘cause I was hopeful that Boss would put out again this popular & reliable layout of an FX Pedal‼️ The “Analog Usage FeeL!” appeals to me + I dig Boss stuff but had to pass on the GT-1000!!,..that “Digital” has one sounding a bit like everyone else whom owns one IMO!! GLITCHY!! f-, -!) {takes A LOT of TWEAKIN’ to be different on it to me+ you’re too dependent on 🖥️software!!🙄Dig that “Patch Memory “ on the Boss Multi-FX‼️👍🏾🤣}
I bought this beauty 3 weekend ago and I’m very happy!!! Just a question: I don’t have a real ampli, so I created my preset using phones and the tones are amazing. But when I listen these presets on my monitor the result is not the same. Do you always raccomend using an amplifier? In this video you played a Fender if I don’t wrong….or directy into a mixer? Thanks a lot
The ME line has definitely NOT always had a knob or button for every function. That's not even true of the ME-90. It's CERTAINLY not true of the older units.
ME-90 definitely a winner. Intuitive simplicity of use in manual mode. Many new features. GT-1000 sound quality. Sound is satisfying with headphones as with the GT-1000. With ME-80, had to use a dummy plug in the headphone jack to get cab sim sound out of Output. ME-90 adds much needed effects loop, Detuning feature, Bluetooth, IR loading, new amp sims, new AIRD design replaces outdated COSM design. ME-90 uses 4 AA batteries now instead of 6 as on the ME-80. Boss Tone Studio very helpful to quickly construct patches. Different colors for LEDs makes it easy to see when switching effects. Spillover functionality to have reverb and delay finish their tails when switching effects when performing, no abrupt sound switching. I have an ME-80 and a GT-1000, but the ME-90 is a definite must with enough killer apps to justify the purchase, same price as ME-80! What a year for Boss with so many new effects. Music Stores are swamped with advance orders for the new ME-90.
Glad you mention the dummy plug. I still see me-80 users who don’t know that and don’t understand why it sounds bad when playing to a PA.
It was definitely the dumbest design flaw on the me-80 and it was the first thing I looked for when the me-90 was announced.
Been using a ME-70 exclusively for over a dozen years and have never needed anything more, it`s a tank, easy to use and program and has all the sound I will ever need. This seems like an obvious next step but until my trusty 70 dies I will keep rolling with what I have.
Arigato Chris & Team GAK! Love the backstory!
Hi Boss!
Hi Boss.
Why 90, not the 100, as in line with nrs the other series? Just curious.
Missing extending to a full 3 knob Reverb pedal, a seperate Loop group besides the Delay group, no option to combine Dual drive options and skipping the aux in are massive missing options imo. 😢.
Seems the Pre amp and the Drive sections are improved and the Metal options are now up 2 speed. Detune is a nice idea as well as the improved bigger pedal. Colour indicators also a good idea.❤
Would love to play and hear one in stores. Where is that in the Netherlands?
But, missing on the options, Im back off to my own pedalboard. While I was a hooked ME80 user and looked forward to the ME100. Suggestions free of charge ... 😊
Hello boss! I'm a passionate user of the Me 80. I've been looking forward to this update! You nailed it! Thank you for not significantly changing the exterior look of the predecessor unit. I hope you will provide a ping pong delay in future updates. Here's the tip.
Waitibg for a new flagship this year to blow away the Helix and the FM9. Yoroshiku! 🙏
1:23 I still have an ME-50 and I own an Me-80 I really want this new pedal 😍
Boss are seriously knocking stuff out of the park!! I pre-ordered and use the new DM-101, LOVE IT!! I don't use multi effects units but this ME-90 just looks amazing for those who like these sort of units!!! I know the guitar community are waiting for a CE-101!!!! come on Boss!!!
Great demo. Amazing playing! Thanks for sharing!!
Gigged weekly for many years with my ME80. Just got the ME90 and LOVE it!
Great video Chris, the backstory is worth the price of admission alone !
I gigged with a singer who used to use a BOSS ME-5 solely for his vocal reverbs/delays. It sounded ace in an effects loop of the mixer desk. I always thought he was just jealous of all the stompboxes us guitarists jumped up and down on at every gig.
I'm definitely getting one of these. I played on the ME 80 for years. This would be a perfect back up for my Helix floor pedalboard.
Great review! I see one of these in my near future, but I’ll wait til the preorder hype dies down.
Nice demo, think I need one of these
6:41 this is definitely a needed update. This another reason why I love the later ME the further customization,ease of use, and flexibility is why I use them. Also my katana MK2 as well.
I myself do prefer that kind of pedal where you can change things instantly instead of searching for menus wich are useful but not dynamic.👍
The ME series are a great tool for learning different effects and their uses, I still have my ME-50 from 20 years ago.
Me too, and I still use it for silent practice.
I tried to the use the GX-100 and just couldn't. I watched youtube videos, read the manual. It just wasn't for me. I didn't "get it". On the other hand, I use the ME-80 in manual mode and like it a lot. The ME-90 is definitely on my Christmas wishlist!
Thanks for your review.
That's crazy. All the bands that you mentioned were my influences + Pink Floyd. My 1st electric was a '76 black strat same pickup, pickguard and neck (maple) color as yours when I was a teenager. My first pedal was a Boss DM-2.
I'm pretty surprised to see the ME series still going, I started out on an ME-70 into the front end of a Peavey Backstage 😄 Definitely easier to figure out than most modellers, and a more tactile experience that feels somewhat akin to a real pedalboard
I love this Brand New Boss ME 90.
That was good review and you have a great and varied playing style I wish you had gone in to the expression pedal a little at the moment I play through a positive grid love it but I'm thinking about getting one of these let's face it you get all that good stuff for the price of a few good pedals 😊
12:55 such heavy tones on a single coil. 🔥
Sounds like a pretty good CD collection to me :). Best Regards and Best Wishes!
7:05 probably going to run my ME-50 into it. Because it has a vibe about the thing I can’t seem to get anywhere else.
I waited nearly two years for this and eventually bought an ME-80 because it seemed it would never be upgraded. Of course, a few months after I bought it, they release the ME-90.
Yup, I still have my Boss ME-8B from about 25 years ago!
4:17 i don’t like menus that’s why I’m excited about the ME-90🥰
A demo of the Looper would be an asset for me - Just bought the ME90 from GAK
Nice review! Have you tried it through acoustic guitar and acoustic amp? Wondering how delays and chorus sound. Thanks!
Hell yeah - my first Boss ME Pedal was indeed the ME-5. Thanks for remembering and mentioning it. Had it for many years as I did not like its successors. Now I am thinking about replacing my Helix Stomp with the ME-90 (or ME-80). So a comparison of the effects, most of all the Pre-Amps and the OD/DS sections would be nice. My favorite overall Boss Pedal is the Turbo Distortion DS-2, especially Turbo II, as I like the mid-boost for Solos so much. Hope the ME-90 can simulate that. By the way, I have a very good Tom Scholz Rockman Sound simulation for the Helix. Is there anything like that in the ME-90, too. That typical Boston Sound that you can find on so many recordings by various artists (ZZ Top, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, etc.)
Hi, good explanation of the concept of it; congratulations! Could you answer me some questions? Did you notice any kind of degradation of the distortion when using the Tune Down function? and how low did you go on this video? can it replace the Digitech droptune? thank you very much!
Thanks for the review. Can you tell us what the casing and pedal materials are on the ME90? Just wondering how they got the weight down
I'd be putting in an order right now, but in addition to trying not to be a compulsive buyer, I'm in my late 60s and new to stringed instruments (other than piano, and, okay, I've only bought 4 guitars and a bass). I think this solution is far better economically than buying pedals piecemeal, and much "cleaner," as well. I'm watching and reading as many demos as I can, and I'm waiting on a comment from a guitar pro friend to see if he gives it his blessing (how could he not?). At this point, it's really hard not to click "Add to cart."
It's all in the editing.
Sounds really good
I'm not a fan of distortion anyway so don't need that, but all the delay /mod/ pitch effects + freeze, and expression pedal all in one is a hell of a bargain for the price
Order placed today
I bought the ME 80 about 2 years ago and it has been rock solid. Sounds great to me and is simple to use. I also have the Boss Katana MK2 head and kinda switch back and forth between the 2. I really have no desire to upgrade but when I do, I will keep this one in mind.
I’m buying the boss katana MKII 100 and I have no pedals. I’m looking for the best all in one pedal that has a looper. Should I get the me-90 or the RC500/RC600?
my opinion is a cropped version of the gt-1000, but the effects with effects control are brought to the panel for the convenience of working on stage, the sound is the same, but the possibilities are slightly less than in the gt-1000
I had the 50, the 70, and I have the 80. I think the 70 sounded better than the 80. I'm thinking of using this again, now that it has the Effects Loop back in it. My question was ..does it sound better? I think you've done a good job of showing that it probably does. I would just keep my Strymon stuff and my fuzz pedals, and use the OD/Distortions, in this. I'm curious about the Pitch shifting, etc.. Thanks!
Preorders Sold out at Sweetwater already lol
How much does it color your original guitar sound If you turn off the pre amp? Does the quality of the sound worth it ?
COOL !!
Did you do anything or their global EQ (built in I presume) already diminish the fizziness of typical higher frequency range (those 8K and above)?
Do you know if it can send a single to an amplifier and front of the house at the same time?
I think it’s great because the me-80 is great and they mostly kept everything about that unit and upgraded the sounds since the old unit is over 10 years behind.
However this really was a mixed opportunity for some other updates.
I think the thing that could have been the most beneficial is replacing the screen with a screen similar to what is on the GR-1 which would make many functions way easier.
For instance, the patches can be named, the tuner can be way more accurate, you could go through the units settings without having to cross reference the number labels with the manual.
And they could borrow functionality from the gt-1 to be able to customize the order of the FX chain with complete freedom and that would overcome nearly every limitation this unit has over completely screen based units.
Could also easily allow users to change to the additional effects not shown on the unit without having to plug in to Boss Tone Studio.
In addition, I would have liked to see the looper be independent of the delay block (and be a full 1-2 minutes of loop time), a full effects block for the reverb rather than just one knob, and it would be perfect if the overdrives and distortion/fuzz could be on separate blocks, allowing you to stack low and high gain.
Could you tell me the settings you used for that intro? I'm just learning to use mine. I've struggled to get a sort of hendrix/SRV sound, but your tone there sounded amazing.
In the manual it says the max delay time for any delay is 800ms. Is that correct? ME 70 has a full 7 seconds worth.
How is the bypass? ( when using an amp ) When all the Effects are off? Do you here a difference compared to straight to the amp ? Is the output knob in the circuit ? I mean , does it suck tone ? It’ s not true or buffered bypass I heard
Didn't see any actual answer to if I should upgrade from 80 to 90.
If you use the amps on the ME-80, this is worth the upgrade. Also, you can run this with the 4 cable method. Uppgrade - yes! I currently have an old ME-80, and I've got one on order.
9:00 it was hard as hell to go direct without it sounding tinny or over bearing distortion wise. Clean sounded nice, it just was a task to get it to sound good.
They are going to sell a crap ton of these! :)
How about comparison to Hotone Ampero?
That cocked wah sound is still there in the models. It's unbelievable that boss still has that same sound going back to the gt-single digit era. Why?
You play a lot of styles! I get a Curtis Mayfield buzz out of your finger picking.
When listening to these demos, they seem to be exceptionally quiet. Most multi-effects have built in noise suppression but I'm not hearing any breathing associated with that kind of effect. Typically even the best individual stomp boxes have some noise. If the ME90 truly is that quiet, that makes it worth the purchase price right there. But I'll have to try one for myself. If anyone knows for sure, please reply.
Boss me 25 forever
Did you play the example tones direct into the amp ?
Can you hear much of a difference between the AIRD and the COSM?
If you google COSM vs AIRD there's tons of info.
Does it have a noise gate?
Is the build quality similar to ME-80's?
Instead of a look at me playing seasion it would have been more useful to comment on new pedal additions, how realistic the new amp simulations are and what the predefined patches are like.
So you could run the 4 cable method
I used an ME-33 for local bar gigs until it finally gave up and died... but it went through a LOT of abuse! I'm thinking about purchasing the new ME-90... but there are so many options just in the Boss line alone.... GT-100, GX-100, GT-1000... it's a difficult decision. The price of the ME-90 is very reasonable($500Cdn)...but it is limited. The GX-100 has a lot more going on with 150 effects w/ up to 15 at a time for an extra $300. BUT then there's the menu diving and learning curve that comes with the price. Arrgh!!! Going on 63 soon and not sure I could handle the learning curve very well... but the inability to change the order of effects in the ME-90 is what's holding me back. Otherwise I'd order one now. Decisions...decisions..:0/ Arrgh!!! Oh... great playing and review BTW!!!✌🙂
Yes,..I own the ME-50B Bass Multi-FX Unit!! (+other Boss Pedals!) STILL TODAY it KIcks Ass!👍🏾🎛️✨🎸🤣 But I think I’m getting this ‘cause I was hopeful that Boss would put out again this popular & reliable layout of an FX Pedal‼️ The “Analog Usage FeeL!” appeals to me + I dig Boss stuff but had to pass on the GT-1000!!,..that “Digital” has one sounding a bit like everyone else whom owns one IMO!! GLITCHY!! f-, -!) {takes A LOT of TWEAKIN’ to be different on it to me+ you’re too dependent on 🖥️software!!🙄Dig that “Patch Memory “ on the Boss Multi-FX‼️👍🏾🤣}
Все понятно, хороший девайс!
The ME-80 had a Tone Studio version too. Just sayin
I bought this beauty 3 weekend ago and I’m very happy!!!
Just a question:
I don’t have a real ampli, so I created my preset using phones and the tones are amazing.
But when I listen these presets on my monitor the result is not the same.
Do you always raccomend using an amplifier? In this video you played a Fender if I don’t wrong….or directy into a mixer?
Thanks a lot
Me 80 sucks compared to the smaller 70 but I got a good feeling with the new 90 !
Why? The ME80 is not so different from the ME90
Yes the me 80 is really Terrible The me 70 is way better!! I think the 90 must be better-?)
The ME line has definitely NOT always had a knob or button for every function. That's not even true of the ME-90. It's CERTAINLY not true of the older units.
Boss has a real problem with the drive sounds!
Sorry, but high gain sounds were terrible 😞
Sounds plasticy
Does the dirt channels still sound like hot trash?