Boss ME-80 - Great Sounding Easy To Use Guitar Multi-FX
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- Boss sent me a ME-80 to look at, this great-sounding unit is incredibly simple to use as there is no deep-diving through menus to get to the tone you want. the ME-80 has been out for a good few years so can it still stand up against the new kids on the block?
BOSS has now announced the ME-90 - You can check my vide here.
Boss ME 90 - Taking Tactile Multi FX to a Whole New Level!
• Boss ME 90 - Taking Ta...
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs. - เพลง
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The ME80 has been out for a long time now. We all get excited about all the new stuff that comes out. But, the ME80 is simple to use, sounds great, and is pretty inexpensive.
Probably the best video that demonstrates ME-80 tone shaping and creating of presets. Bravo!
Just bought one of these,a bargain at 140 with the boss carry case too..and this video tells me everything I need to know..cheers Paul 👌
Fantastic deal for a beast of a unit that will stand the test of time!
This is probably one of the most helpful product vids I've seen. Very well explained and great playing. Thanks bro
I can tell that you love this thing just by how excited you are going over all of its features
You should do a series on the ME 80 like you did on the Katana amp. Very informative. Thank you.
That’s a great idea Andy, I’m all for that.
Agree
agree
I have this device just got it yesterday I’m still learning
That will be useful series :)
Great review and playing! All your settings and explanations are so clear and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing this.
Wow! This was precisely what I wanted and very, very much appreciated
I love it. I've had one about a year. I play the right side into a Roland CUBE gx10 and the left into a micro-CUBE. Best practice rig ever!
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Paul. That was awesome to watch!
Wow. Best video on the ME 80 that I could find. Sound quality is really good
What’s the amp ?
I always recommend this multi fx to beginners who have no idea of fx , what they are, what they do, it’s simple, sounds great for the price , you can learn a lot on it, and if you pick it up used, and then decide to sell later, minimal funds lost , epic amount of information and skills learnt !
Hi, in your opinion do the sounds on this still unit sound contemporary or are they a tad dated. I’m having trouble deciding and between this and the Boss GT1 and I can’t demo either where I live. Thanks.
@@accentontheoff its been over 2 years since i owned one.
I just think its a very good starter multi fx , all the dials are on the front, theres no screens , which i think helps translate what happens when you take an effect and change its composure.
I found that i had no real understanding of all guitar fx when i started. Then after i was finished with the boss me-80, i understood what a chorus pedal was and sounded like, what a distortion was, an overdrive, a flanger, a delay and so on. I had a very basic understsnding before hand but i could now tell when listening to a track when a certain fx is being used to most things.
The same can be said about what happens to each effect when i changed their parameters , how it changed, why….it basically was a crash course to the most common guitar fx , their sounds and how to get desired sounds so on.
Another interesting aspect was blending fx and seeing how they change and add more and interesting sounds and depth to your tone.
It really gave me a base of knowledge , quickly and in a fun and non frustrating way.
If you know about all this stuff already , i would still recommend it as its a very budget friendly , tank built multi fx.
Im sure the gt-1 has upgrades to it sound wise, ability wise. It is an upgrade on the me-80 after all.
My advice to you if your new to multi fx and guitar sounds and your considering this unit ….. i would buy it used if you can , and when your done with it or if its not to your tastes you can sell it for a minimum loss. I brought mine for £140 used and sold it for £130. It cost me £10 to own this unit for the period that i had it.
It models boss pedals and it does a great job, it’s not as good as owning the actual pedal its modelling but it still very very good. Although i would recommend this pedal to beginners who are trying to learn about fx, there are plenty of users with vast experience that still use it despite its age. New and recently invented isnt always better.
However it is very easy to outgrow the unit with your wants and needs. The looper is short, there is no fx loop, yes it is outdated compared to whats on the market. But its still a viable option for many.
I brought it knowing i would sell it at some point as i read up about it and knew of the short comings i would run into, but i had a 6 month wait to a bigger more advanced multi fx with more specific amp models and looper functions. In that time i learned so much using it that my transition to the next multi fx was pretty seemless. It cost me £10 and its where my biggest gains with guitar fx were made as a beginner, so i guess i have a soft spot for it.
@@attillal4821 Thanks so much! for your incredibly patient answer.
My issue is I might not be able to get it second hand where I live.
So, I have to buy it new. And without any chance of demoing it live.
So while I TOTALLY agree with what you’re saying about using it as a learning pedal I am also worried that it will start feeling outdated - only talking of the sound here -- after sometime and then I will be stuck with it.
Bur even then, I love the simplicity of this unit (and the learning opportunities you described) so much that I have almost made up my mind to get it.
Like I said the sound being dated is one concern. Like you mentioned maybe the GT1 is more polished? No idea to be honest.
The other small issue I have with this pedal is that you can’t experiment with the signal chain - I understands that it is fixed? But that’s a comparatively minor issue.
So basically yeah. Not a simple decision. Can’t have everything I guess 😊
By the way what did you upgrade to from the ME80.
Thanks!
@@accentontheoff I upgraded to the mooer ge300.
Given your situation.. maybe it would be wise to buy something you may not run into issues headroom wise with the likes of functionality and lack off fx and possibilities. There are a number of multi fx made in the last 5 years and all of them you can get killer sounds from, your biggest issue may be running out of processing power with the cheaper ones. It really depends on how much flexibility you will need in the long run. The simpler your fx chain is the less chance you will find yourself in a position where you run out of processing power, which is what happened to me with my idea of running two amp blends in a wet dry set up.
Depending on your budget you may want to look at a mooer ge300 , and if your looking for something that can do two amps at the same time and a ton of fx then maybe consider the helix.
Where are you based that makes it so hard to buy used gear if you don’t mind me asking? And what is your maximum budget?
@@attillal4821 My budget is around 300 dollars. I live in India, and the used gear market exists here, but I think you need to get lucky... even so, I am looking at the option now after your suggestion, but no luck so far.
The Mooer GE300 sounds very interesting but it is more than I want to spend now. Helix is also too expensive. I also considered the Line 6 Pod Go which is also too much for me now. Things are dicey these days, plus I am a level 1 person, so, just don’t want to spend too much.
The points you're making are interesting about more FX and additional processing power for future use, but as a relative newbie, should I worry about that too much?
I am still keen on the ME 80 for all the reasons you said, as I feel it will be a FANTASTIC way to learn what all the pedals do - but some people are saying the ODs aren't good, some say the pre amp isn't good, and another highly regarded guy said it sounds like it is from the 80s. It’s the last one that worried me the most.
So, I thought maybe I should get the GT1 which is also low in price now, even lower than the ME80. I also considered the Zoom G5n. What do you think. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
2021 and still kicking ass. My girl friend gigs around the city and wanted me to be a solid guitarist I'm her band. Had one of these back on highschool and never failed me when recording so picked up another just last week. Played a show DI and man did it sound great! Wish I had more time to refresh my mind that day but in talking about I bought it just 2 hrs before the gig. Definitely easy to learn if you take just a bit more time than I did if you're completely new to it. Use the pre amp section for sure if going DI. There's no way your guitar will sound good without it
Thanks for such amazing tips,I tried and it sounds very beautiful
So many great sounds, thank you!
Fantastic, just what I was looking for. Thanks!
Very nice. Easy to understand and quite informative. Thank you Mate.
Really easy-to-follow yet informative demo on the Me-80, just focusing on the changes each of the 4 channels this pedal provides, even understood by a traditionally trained musician like myself! 👍
I agree Paul awesome review ❤love your stuff
This video really helps, thanks Paul!
Such a good demo. No bs, and and pertinent comment without the crap and “entrainment.” Great playing too. Love from Oz
Nice one Paul. That's a great sound for DI from the unit. What a great time to be a guitar player. So much gear choice.
I've had an ME50, a GT8, and an MS3. Still have an old ME5 the engineering back in late 80s was fantastic, the mod and time FX stand up to this day.
What's your experience with an ME50? Mine got fried somehow :(
Thanks for help me to creating my preset with a useful video. Maybe the best video that demonstrates Me-80 potential.
Man this was totally awesome, don't ever quit your day job..
Well done, thank you.
I’ve got the ME-80 and love it , totally simple and with the Hughes & Kettner ampman stomp box & Orange cab it sounds fantastic
I was gonna get a multifx like the gt-1000 or the helix floor, but this is one unit I would bring to every gig, just a no brainer and all purpose unit, I will get it along with the other one, seems like the right move, thanks for this perfect overview!
I had a boss GT-3 and the GT-8. This is definitely laid out better for quick, simple dialing. Much lighter to carry than my Katana Artist! Thanks Paul for sharing.
Anytime Michael.
Best demo I’ve heard of the me 80 yet. So far, most demo’s tell you that it’s a cheaper unit, or not a professional unit but, the way this guy (you, if you read this) makes it sound, really demonstrates the ME80 as being a top notch pedal for live playing. Thanks for a great demo and not playing only head banger music with it. I’m a southern rock and blues player and I think the sounds demonstrated here gave me the go ahead to buy one. I was looking to get rid of the menagerie of wires and cables and having an all in one unit. The Fractal AX8 was what I had in mind but for the price, this will do fine. I use one amp and don’t need 100 models and cabinet choices to fiddle with on stage.
If someone gave you a freebe would you give it a bad review ?
I wouldn’t review it unless I liked it. I’ve sent back loads of gear that I simply didn’t think was very good or that I felt wasn’t something I could do justice.
Not a pro unit? *shrug* I don't know, I think it maybe gets a bit over the top with what some people consider 'pro'. It probably couldn't stand up to being DreamTheater's only setup, but hey, for 350 (and a lot less, used) its a unit that covers everything, with some depth. It's easy to edit and damn near bulletproof. I've dropped mine down stairs before. I wouldn't do that with the ME90 that just came out since it's only metal on the top now. Anyone that is beginner through touring could probably get away with this. If people can tour with only a GT1 they could definitely get away with using this, I think.
@@CedricSatterfieldI know a few pros that still tour using this unit and haven't even considered getting the 90.
If time is spent fine tweaking it it can deliver anything.
@@nuthinbutlove oh absolutely. I love that Studio Rats got ahold of one years after it came out. There is lots of older gear that is perfeclty fine, and honestly, closer to what you hear on streams or radio, depending on the age of the music you are listening to. We still all play Fender Princetons or 5150s or JCM xxx and those have all been around for decades.
Man that sounds pretty damn good and I dig the simplicity.
This multi is about ten years old. Maybe ergonomically the best multi ever made.
Found this video really helpful thanks and love more 👍😊
Thank You Champ I just read the book and haven't tried it yet but I got everything you did and following you is better than the book I mean I am so happy you made this Video
Grate guitar skills man. And great video
Thanks for the run-through :)
Great video!!!
Great video 👍👍
Thanks. Comprehensive.
This is all I want to know from ME-80 and you did a great job explain everything, so informative and easy to follow. I'm not a guitarist, just wanna buy this as a gift for my daughter so basically I don't know anything about pedal board.
I definitely recommend buying one
@@timbuk1126 Thanks for your recommendation. After some researched I found out a Boss Acoustic Singer Live probably suits better for my daughter. It's because my daughter has already got a Roland Cube 40XL with enough effects on it, and my daughter's musical backgroud is clasical piano probably she doesn't need guitar effects on Boss ME-80.
@@Noeman2009 Screw all that. Get your daughter a Boss Katana 100 Mk2. And the big footswitch for it. She'll love you forever. Small amp, cheap, and LOUD
Your guitar skills sell anything.
I have one and I love it
Wow you did a great demo on the Boss ME-80 better than those other videos.
I have a Digitech RP14D and a Boss ME-80. The ME80 is definitely more user friendly with the real time knob adjustments.
uhuhuhhuh
knob...
I have an ME-80, I've always liked it. I keep it with me as a backup because it sounds good and it is small and easy carry around.
5:38 Just casually nails the grittiest most awesome runs while demoing a multi effcets. Nice
Thanks!
I have to agree between the ME80’And ME90 killer
Sounds with I believe 3 cab simulations in the ME90 can’t go wrong either one there both awesome and screw the menu diving dial in and rock on
Thank you for your video. I am a gigging musician and recently bought the ME-80. I have been looking for a video that show using it in manual mode and your video was spot on. This is a very good unit. I have used it for 3 or 4 gigs now and it performs perfectly. The volume pedal is very touchy, maybe I just need to adjust this. We run everything DI and use in ear monitors so the ME-80 and a 1980’s Electra Les Paul copy is all I use. We tune down a half step (we’re not kids anymore 😂) and I have not been able to adjust the on board tuner to work other than at A440 so I still have to use a stand alone tuner. But other than that I love the unit and plan to use it for as long as it works. I also have a Boss Katana that I used before getting the ME-80 but it now stays at home. The one key to getting good tone on the ME-80 is always plug an 1/8” head phone plug of some sort into the head phone out. This activates the cab simulation and greatly improves the tone. Cheers!
Just ordered ME80. I have had lots of deep menu gear. Sometimes simple is better. Sounds are fantastic from what I hear.
Verry good
Super thanks!
Best me80 demo bro
I’ve been eyeing up one of these for ages. But I know as soon as I order it they’ll release a new version. Like every time I get a new iPhone.
I have a pedal board with most things I want on it but I’d love the rotary and a few other things in this. I like the idea of having everything in one box so I don’t have to drag out a flight case etc.
For anyone reading this... These reviews are usually incredibly annoying. They don't get to the point and focus on why they better than others.
Bravo - this guy finally points out the best aspects of this me unit and NAILS the ease of use.
I use this board for LIVE acoustic solo gigs and band gigs. Hands down the BEST multi unit for LIVE gigs. I can reiterate enough. I've owned and tried 5 other units and you can't beat the me 80. Freeze pedal is absolutely amazing, also battery powered and built like a tank.
I've tried them all, incredible live and amazing tuner.
I think I’m going to invest in one for Christmas
I LUV my ME80. It's like a swiss army knife. Not my main pedal board, but on fly gigs it has everything you need. The cab sim output that is used in this video is activated by having a mini jack in the headphone output. To be honest, it does not sound great and mine is way too noisey to use for any serious recording. It sounds WAY better just plugged into an amp. Also, the reverb is on the grainy side. But the number of different kind of gigs for which is thing is perfect makes it an outstanding buy at this price. If you are just doing an acoustic duo, it ideal. Little jazz gigs. As I say, if you have to pack small gear for a short hall flight, this will go in a small holdall. All the effects are not as good as the individual pedals, but close enough. Its cheap enough to be an impulse buy, and I can guarantee you you will use it more often than you think. I wouldn't use it at Abbey Rd for the next Elvis Presley album, but for when you don't want to pack your big pedal board, its a no brainer. OH! and dont forget to factor in the price of a soft case as well. Gator make a great one.
Personally I love the all in 1 units. I have all my unit settings set for my amp. I just plug in and go. During the gig I can tweak on the fly. Some may not like them but they are perfect for me and my style of playing and sounds I need for session work and live gig cover band jobs. Great vid Paul as always!
Started playing again about 6/months ago. Had a Marshall tube amp and a BOSS FX69 (Grunge) pedal. Now I just have a Yamaha THR10II but started jamming with guys from work… learned a 10w (10w x 2) practice amp doesn’t cut through out drummer. Thinking of getting the Boss Katana MKII and this BOSS ME-80 pedal. I don’t have a working laptop (it’s like 8yrs old… who knows) so this would allow me to jam without mastering the Tone Studio app on PC! I’m sure there’s better pedals but I like simple. I’m not very good as only played for a few months in 1997. I’m still training my ear along with my guitar playing skills
lesson to self: it is not in the gear, it is in the hands.Paul makes anything sound good, I can make anything sound bad :)
You’re very kind Bram, I’m sure you make it sound great.
That was a great help...: - ))
Nice review nice tone
Thanks a ton
I love the clean chorusy sound you get at the beginning. It sounds so big. Would you mind sharing the patch bro?
Okay.. I want one, now.
Very nice :). I bought a Pocket GT and can play in the backyard. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Thank you . Im late to the multi fx dance ;). This was very helpful. Do you have any tips for those who would use the ME-80 in their fx loop on a tube amp?
Master¡¡¡¡¡ THanks
Cool video
How about a video like this and on unique sounds on Boss Gt5 or similar model, similar to this but more effects, with 80's guitar synth sounds.
I am doing all my Gigs with it. Pre Programmed at Home. On the Stage i don't need to fix anything at all. Maybe some Peak leveling. The Front of House either Shows thumb Up or down. U1 is a beautiful Clean Sound with chorus and a little Bit of reverb. U2 is a crunch rhythm Sound, very dry. U3 is the Same with tubescreamer on top a plus 2db boost. U4 is the Same with 2 added delays. One is 400 MS the Other 600ms. Gives a cool Spacey effect.
I Love the me 80 and can't wait to Get the Me 90. I wait for a year to buy a used one on eBay for around 200€.
For beginners and quick sounds the manual mode is brilliant. I find that even in pedalmode it sounds the best with the cam sim engaged (I use a dummy plug). P.s. The freeze function is great - very addictive! The pitch is very good for downtuning, much better than my Helix, I use it for Eb and D, no strange jitter.
Hey man, how can you turn on the cab sim on the L&R outputs of the ME80? Thanks
@@kaskas55 put a mini jack in the headphone out. If you have an old broken headphone, just cut of the cable and use the minijack and leave it in. That's what I call a dummy plug ;-)
@@christianboddum8783 thanks a lot man!
Way just for begginers?
Why just for begginers?
The next one should be a me-90, that replaces the memory Footswitch with a octave/harmonizer effects section. In addition have four more Footswitch options, 2 to the left of the amp and compression Footswitches that are a noise gate and booster. The other 2 are on the other side of the new octave and delay Footswitches next to the expression pedal. The other 2 footswitches should just be FX 1 and FX 2 for if you want more of 1 option of the other effect types, or if you want effect combinations. The next thing I would also add is a secondary exppression pedal. You could have a wah and volume, wah and whammy, wah and Rotovibe, etc. That version of a Me model if Boss would do it next would be the new standard of multiple effects units easy to use with everything needed. They wouldn't have any new evolution to go to after that for a while.
Very clear setup instructions, thanks. How about running a 4 cable method along with a few stomp pedals. Are you able to show us/me some proper ways to get the most out of the sound?
This Unit has no Send or Return Jacks so i don't think you could rig it for a 4CM setup unfortunately it has a headphone out L and R unbalanced and the USB and input Jack.
do you use ME 80 as audio interface to record or use another one? great sound..mine does not sound as well..i think depends on output speaker from pc...
nice
I use mine as the 'control panel' of my instrument( guitars and keyboard) setup. A good stereo signal into two amps. A great thing to put at the end of a complex signal path...
Great tip!
Great review. Thinking of getting an ME80 now that the 90 is out... little cheaper. Love that clean tone and the fact youre not going through an amp. Did you have a dummy plugged into the headphone jack to enable the speaker emulator like everyone says to do?
You MUST have a plug in the headphone jack otherwise the pre-amp section doesn't work at all. :-)
I take it that volume pedal could be used like a volume to control the Marshall SV20 Vintage that I intend buying for home use?
So to plug the me80 directly into my scartlett audio interface I just need an aux to Jack cable?
I sold my ME-80, I wasn't that keen on the COSM amps. But, the interface is the easiest to use, most well thought out layout of any unit out there. Add to that is the digital recall, and patch/banks...plus being able to go in and out of manual mode so it becomes a pedalboard...outstanding.
This video makes me want to buy it again! However, I'm pleading with Boss to update this to an ME-100 keeping everything the same, but with AIRD amps!
So when is the me 100 coming?? Could you suggest they make it a little smaller too? Thanks man...
@@bzbzob I don't have a connection to Boss or Roland LOL, I emailed them and they said they don't take suggestions for new products.
Is the distortion any good. Sounds a bit tinny sometimes.
ME90 now!
Thx
I DI this unit to PA for all gigs with my band. I have 4 great tones dialed in that have musicians asking what I'm playing through. It leaves them wondering why they threw 1500$ on their Helixes
Completely agree bro!!! Is not the pedal is the guitar player 🙏🙏🙏
That sounds really good. Thanks for the demo.
How can you turn on the cab sim on the L&R outputs of the ME80? Thanks
Use the headphone Jack from the unit. I have this unit but not on hand atm and for some reason, I forget why I stuck a auxiliary cord into the phone jack. I think It activates the cab sound when going direct out on the L/R output. Give it a try and see if you can hear the difference
@@ChickenThug55 thanks a lot!
How come this reverb sounds great whereas the reverb options are limited and mine suck?? Can I ask what settings are used for the Lead mode....that sounded so much better than I can get. Admittedly I haven't put much time into it at all...the clean memory patch was great too..
Ive been working on building my first set up for since November. Im trying to be as fiscal as possible since throw away money is scarce right now. Been hitting pawn shops for good deals as its a great way to find stuff at a steal. If your lucky to find something great the staff has no idea the value of you can even haggle a good price down even more. I finally got an electric on layaway last month, and have started the hunt for pedals. These Boss ME80s are all over the place to the point id disregarded them as unwanted or the kind of epuipment you use until you find something better. Now im thinking i need to take another look at the shops in my area for one that isnt all banged to hell.
Very cool. Have you tried the GT1 yet? I'm wanting something inexpensive that sounds decent to go to FOH. Tha ks so much.
Tim
I have a GT-1 and find the menus a pain. Wish I'd bought an ME80. But the GT-1 sounds good and is great value IF you don't mind spending time fiddling with menus.
Wow good review, I’m sold. What scale are you playing at 5:50 to 6:05?
It’s a Harmonic minor type of thing.
I owned and used boss me 70 from 2009. Recently (2022) it broken and never consider to buy any multieffect after that. My only choice right now is the me80. I plan to get it before they stop the production of these unit.
Paul, can you connect the ME-80 through the effects loop on a Katana 100 or does it have to go through the front of the amp?
either way would work, it all depends if you want to use the amp features on the me80 (use effects loop) or bypass the amp features on the me80 go in the front.
Do you think the sound quality is better than the effects in the Katana?
Its a good multifx unit if you have a decent amp.....or else you can use a ir loader. Best thind about this unit is that there are no menus...everything is direct on fingertips
I am getting this pedal but i can use this for any amp right i have a line 6 spider v20 mk2 pro and idk if i need a cabinet to hook this up to so i hope u can answer this question for me pls
Paul pls do a session on boss gt 100.
Hey!, Do you have any tips as of how should i clean off the inside of this unit? Is it nasty to open it up? Im jot good with electronics and i don't wanna mess anything up but I think my unit has started to make a bit if extra noise even worh the cleanest tones and stuff so I wanna clean the dust trapped inside, thanks in advance.
Thanks Paul. I have and play the GT-1000 but can't let my ME-80 go . . . .
Yeah that ME80 is great!
Wanting a GT 1000 but still rocking the ME80
Another good shout is isn't this unit optionally battery powered? Not many out there that have that much on tap and can run off batteries.
Good shout!
So I'm a noob and am really confused, is this like for multiple effects pedals on one board? Like reverb and distortion and delay on one board instead of seperate padals?
Yes, that's exactly what it is.
Most multi-fx pedals are much more complicated with tons of parameters up the whatnot but I think this one is pretty close to a selection of actual single pedals
What is best setting for an electric acoustic guitar ?
Can you run the modulation and delays threw a effects loop and keep the drives in the front ??
How do you find Phaser effect? Should I buy a phaser pedal ?
Just bought one of these. Playing it through the front of a fender supersonic 60 on the clean channel. Do you think that’s the best way to use this? Maybe you can suggest another way? 🤷🏼♂️
I never use the built in amps on ME-80 when plugging into a real amp. You will notice a big improvement is sound that way. If your amp has an effects loop, that is usually preferred over the direct input. clean channel on the amp is best.
I have 1 of these and there is way too much extra noise its frustrating. I dont know if its my marshell amp or what the problem is...
Is one big problem with you all gear sound amazing :) Could you tell me what is better overall choice Vox tonelab le or Boss me 80?
Hi Jerzy I’m afraid I’ve never used the Tone lab but the boss is great.