Boss Audio Systems Musical Instrument ME 50B User Manual

Owner’s Manual  
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.  
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  
High-Quality Sounds Through COSM  
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.  
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.  
AUX IN Jack  
The AUX IN jack makes it easy to practice along with  
CDs, MDs, and other input.  
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.  
Battery-Powered Operation  
The ME-50B can be powered in two ways, with (6) AA  
batteries or by using the AC adaptor (optional).  
Copyright © 2003 BOSS CORPORATION  
All rights reserved. No part of this publication  
may be reproduced in any form without the  
written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.  
 
107d  
013 In households with small children, an adult  
Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its output  
should provide supervision until the child is  
capable of following all the rules essential for the  
safe operation of the unit.  
plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or  
unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.  
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108b  
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014 Protect the unit from strong impact.  
Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC  
adaptor and all cords coming from external  
devices.  
(Do not drop it!)  
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109b  
015 Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share  
Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and  
unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet.  
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other  
devices. Be especially careful when using  
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110b  
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.  
Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning  
in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the  
outlet.  
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111:ISfeulescetidonimproperly, batteries may explode or leak  
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and cause damage or injury. In the interest of  
safety, please read and observe the following  
016 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.  
1
2
• Carefully follow the installation instructions for  
batteries, and make sure you observe the correct  
polarity.  
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019 Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken  
• Avoid using new batteries together with used  
ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types  
of batteries.  
apart, or thrown into fire or water.  
3
5
• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to  
remain unused for an extended period of time.  
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• 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.  
101b  
The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so  
their location or position does not interfere with  
their proper ventilation.  
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102d  
Always grasp only the output plug or the body of  
the AC adaptor when plugging into, or  
unplugging from, this unit or an outlet.  
6
• Never keep batteries together with metallic  
objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces,  
hairpins, etc.  
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103b  
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.  
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112 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.  
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104 Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming  
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be  
placed so they are out of the reach of children.  
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106 Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on  
the unit.  
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3
 
IMPORTANT NOTES  
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  
Maintenance  
301  
• Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is  
401aFor 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  
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  
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.  
electrical outlet.  
302  
Repairs and Data  
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long  
452  
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a  
• Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s  
cause for concern.  
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.  
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  
Additional Precautions  
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these  
551  
batteries may be limited, however, since their primary  
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be  
purpose was to enable testing.  
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  
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.  
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.  
Placement  
351  
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment  
553  
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 inter-  
• 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.  
ference.  
554  
352a  
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.  
• This device may interfere with radio and television  
556  
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the  
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such  
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you  
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s  
receivers.  
352b  
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications  
internal elements.  
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of  
this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initi-  
ating 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  
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  
them off.  
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box  
354a  
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise,  
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near  
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.  
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed  
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.  
562  
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using  
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.  
some other make of connection cable, please note the  
following precautions.  
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.  
• 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 infor-  
mation on cable specifications, contact the manufac-  
turer of the cable.  
988  
• Security Slot (  
)
220  
• All product names mentioned in this document are trade-  
marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.  
4
 
 
Contents  
Saving and Loading the Created Tones  
About the .TAP DLY............................................... 23  
Using the .TAP DLY Function............................... 16  
Adding a Delay  
Adding an Effect  
Adding a Modulation Effect  
Returning the ME-50B  
Conversions Used in This Manual  
Words in square brackets [ ] indicate panel buttons or knobs.  
(Example)  
[WRITE]:  
WRITE button  
(p. **) indicates a reference page.  
5