BOSS ME-90 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor

The BOSS ME-90 is a floor-based guitar multi-effects processor designed to combine amp modeling, effects processing, switching, and expression control in one compact unit. It gives guitarists a hands-on alternative to assembling and wiring multiple individual pedals. Knob-driven controls make it practical for players who want to adjust sounds directly without relying solely on menus.

This processor is suited to guitarists playing through a traditional guitar amplifier, a PA system, headphones, or a computer-based recording setup. Its rear-panel Gt. AMP/LINE switch helps optimize the output for a guitar amp or full-range system. Stereo outputs, a headphone output, USB-C connectivity, and a send/return loop support a range of practice, stage, and recording applications.

The ME-90 combines 11 onboard AIRD amp types with effects selections derived from the BOSS GT-1000 platform. It provides 60 effect types on the unit, plus access to additional selections through BOSS Tone Studio. Seven simultaneous effect categories, a dedicated amp section, reverb, Pedal FX, and a 38-second mono phrase loop provide a broad working palette for complete guitar sounds.

Audio processing operates at a 48 kHz sampling frequency with 24-bit AD conversion, 32-bit DA conversion, and 32-bit floating-point internal processing. The unit includes dedicated cabinet sounds for its amp models when connecting to a PA or recording device. Three user speaker impulse responses can also be loaded with the ME-90 IR Loader software for Windows or macOS.

For performance, the ME-90 offers eight footswitches, colored status LEDs, and a redesigned expression pedal with an integrated toe switch. Memory mode recalls complete patch setups, while Manual mode provides direct on/off control of effect categories. It stores 36 user patches alongside 36 preset patches, making it useful as a self-contained guitar rig or as the central processor in a pedal-and-amp setup.

Key Features

• AIRD Amp Section: Eleven onboard amp types provide modeled guitar amp sounds with dedicated cabinet sound options.
• GT-1000-Derived Effects: Sixty onboard effect types cover drive, modulation, pitch, delay, and reverb sounds.
• Hands-On Interface: Physical knobs and footswitches support quick sound adjustment in performance or rehearsal settings.
• Flexible Patch Control: Memory and Manual modes support patch recall or direct effect-category switching.
• IR Loading: Load up to three user speaker impulse responses with the ME-90 IR Loader software.
• USB-C and Optional Bluetooth: USB-C supports computer audio and editing, while the optional BT-DUAL adds mobile wireless functions.

Design & Installation

The ME-90 uses a compact floorboard format with a light, durable BOSS design, illuminated footswitch status indicators, a two-character LED display, and an integrated expression pedal. Its control layout places amp, effects, and output controls on the top panel for direct access. The expression pedal includes a toe switch and can be calibrated if needed.

Connect a guitar to the 1/4-inch INPUT jack and route the L/MONO and R outputs to an amplifier, PA, or recording destination as appropriate. External pedals can be placed in the 1/4-inch send/return loop, which can be positioned before or after amp models in the signal chain. The unit runs on four included AA alkaline batteries or a separately sold BOSS PSA-S series AC adaptor; USB-C can connect it to a computer for BOSS Tone Studio and audio interface use.