For years I have used a Boss ME-50 as a supplemental multi-effects pedalboard to my main effects system. I have a huge pedalboard that contains just about every effect I could possibly want, but therein lies the problem. For quick gigs, practices, or other occasions where I need to be mobile, a 50 pound pedalboard can be quite a hassle. The ME-50 has been a godsend in saving me both time and trouble. Just when I though it couldn’t get any better, Boss introduced the ME-70. Suffice it to say, it’s gotten better…a lot better.
For starters, the ME-70 just plain looks better. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t judge a pedalboard based on its color, but the black ME-70 just looks a lot more professional than the baby-blue ME-50. In the looks department, the ME-70 is just sharper.
Of course, looks don’t affect the sound, so what’s different under the hood? Well, that’s where the ME-70 really sets itself apart from its predecessor. In a relatively small package you’ve got what amounts to 40 different Boss effects pedals. Yep, these are the same classic Boss sounds that we’ve come to rely upon for so many years. All of your favorites are here - the distortions, overdrives, delays, choruses - from both the ME-50 and your old Boss pedals. It’s amazing what the ME-70 packs under the hood. It’s a virtual history of Boss effects pedals!
In addition to these classic Boss sounds, the ME-70 has some other cool new features as well. I honestly have never been a huge fan of multi-effects pedalboards that have onboard preamp sections because I never used the preamp, preferring amplifier-based preamp sounds. That was until I had a gig where my tube amp completely died on me, and I was forced to plug my pedalboard straight into the P.A. system. It sounded just plain awful. I then realized the value of having a backup plan in place in case of equipment failure, and the ME-70. It has a COSM preamp that can be turned off completely but is easily accessible if needed. For some gigs, the ME-70 could even be the only thing you bring in addition to your guitar.
Another welcome addition to the Boss ME-7o is the onboard looper. Boss makes great looping pedals, and if you’ve ever used a Boss Loop Station, you’ll recognize the same Boss quality here as well. The looper gives you up to 38 seconds of loop time, which is exceptional for a non-dedicated looper.
Another significant change in the ME-70 is the addition of a dedicated compression section, which was a serious deficiency in the ME-50. Compression can be an integral part of a professional guitar sound, and the ME-50 had a weak compressor at best. Thankfully, the Boss design engineers understood the value of included a dedicated compressor to the ME-70, a very welcome addition.
Of course, all the great things about the ME-50 are still here. There’s adjustable reverb and noise suppression as well as the rocker pedal where you can get wah, volume, and pitch-shifting effects control.
If you need a professional-level multi-effects pedalboard that is both affordable and high quality, you can’t beat the Boss ME-70. My ME-50 is off to eBay!
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