Re: BOSS ME-50 or?
I didn't like the ME50 mainly because when you switch patches there's a signal cut for about a quarter of a second... the unit just stops passing signal while it switches over. That was back in '04 or so, though. Anyone know if Boss has since fixed this?
When switching between two very complex memory banks, yes. It doesn't apply in manual mode, however, and even then, I tend to stay in an effect during a song anyways. It's mainly due to extremely complex memory mode switches (i.e. both patches have a lot of effects in them) and only having one COSM processor in it. But like I said, there are ways around it.
The ME-50 isn't designed to be ran in the effects loop- it is a front end device. It doesn't lend itself well to effects loops.
I've done it before and never really had any problems. Just run input then output from amp left (mono) and adjust main volume. However, for memory locations, it might suck due to saving the master volume in each patch (and they're all set at 50% from the factory), so you might be in for a lot of patch editing. It's much easier, true, to run in front of the amp.
I tried one recently and didnt care for it much. Average effects ,lousy OD's. It is a good concept and does do it all but I just wasnt impressed.
Well all the distortions start sounding the same to me after say 10 of them, but I like using them in manual mode. There are the ones for actually simulating a pedal (which it seems to do very well) and then ones for the abstract among us, like "Lead" and "Loud" and "Natural", etc. Still, I'm not a distortion monger, so I might not be as in tune with differences between settings.
If it did not have the delay between patches, I would really like it.
I've yet to have that delay actually affect me.
I really don't want amp models fwiw.
ME-50 is a good choice for a multiFX without amp modelling, which is why I got it. I hate amp modelling with a passion, and prefer to hear my Twin Reverb's natural coloring.
. . . i don't think an multi was made to run in the loop ! All the old folk around here who has either the ME-50 or GT6/8's run it into the fron of their amps !
I've ran it in an effects loop before, you just have to adjust your levels.
If the latency between patches didn't screw the pooch hard enough, here's another un-lubed slam.... There are no pedals for bank up/down.... they're freaking BUTTONS on the top. You can set it up with pedals, but you have to buy additional expression pedals. Also, the AC adapter must be purchased separately. I'd recommend a Boss GT, and just turn off the amp modeling.
And have to edit like 100 or so memory modes? That's no fun. For what it's worth, buy a FS-6 and a stereo TRS 3' cable and you've got memory bank up/down capability. The AC adapter, yes, must be purchased separately, but it's not expensive. I had one go out on me (one year of abuse) and I just bought another and kept rollin'.
The only thing better than an ME-50, however, would be if Boss made a totally analog (yet digitally controlled) multi-FX.
