Boss ME-80 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
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The Boss ME-80 combines the versatility of digital sound processing with the intuitiveness of analog stompbox like controls. It is a more old-school version of their flagship multi-effect pedal, the GT-100, meant for guitarists who prefer familiar analog controls over complex buttons and menus.
Since real knobs occupy space, this multi-effects processor is quite bulky, a welcome compromise that makes it easier to setup and adjust on the fly.
The pedal comes with 59 effects and includes 9 amp models that feature Boss' COSM technology, the standard tech that they now employ on many of their effects and amps. You can combine up to 8 of these to craft your preferred tones, which you can then save into its 36 user presets.
Other features include a built-in tuner, a 38-second looper and the ability to record your guitar sound directly to a computer via USB.
Specifications:
- Effects: 59 (8 Simultaneous)
- Amp Modeling: 9
- Presets: 72 (36 preset + 36 user)
- Footswitches: 8 + Expression Pedal
- Input: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (Aux)
- Output: 2 x 1/4" Stereo/Mono, 1 x 1/8" (Headphone)
- Extra Features: 38-Sec Looper, Analog Style Interface, Tuner, USB Recording, Can be Powered by 6 x AA Batteries
- USB: Audio Interface
- Dimensions: 3.625" x 17.625" x 9.125"
- Weight: 7.94 lbs
Pros
One user aptly summarizes how the market feels, by describing the Boss ME-80 as an "over the top" multi-effects pedal. Many are impressed by its versatility and sound quality, while other appreciate its intuitive stompbox-like controls, including Trevor Curwen at Music Radar who described it as "a complete and comprehensively equipped pedalboard."
Cons
A few users rated the unit a bit lower because they didn't like the sound of some of the effects, this maybe more of a preference issue. Some also complained that this unit does not come with a power supply, so you'll have to buy one separately if you need one.
Overall
While the Boss ME-80 is the closest digital multi-effects can get to familiar analog control territory, and is worthy of consideration for that reason plus many others, we removed it from our recommended list in November 2018. This was because after performing a thorough review of the category we found there were then more highly rated options available which we now recommend in our guide to The Best Guitar Multi Effects Pedals / Processors.
Comments
I think you should put the
Submitted by George (not verified) on
I think you should put the Boss ME-80 back on the best multi effects list, if even as a honorable mention. The analog knob approach is a significant usability feature that differentiates the Boss ME-80 from nearly all the other multi effects platform. The other multi effects are not as useful if they require hunting through menus.
Hi George,
Submitted by Raphael Pulgar on
Hi George,
You're right about the ME-80 being a tweaker's multi effect pedal. However based on the data we gathered, most users who enjoy tweaking their effects opt to either use more modern multi effects or assemble a small to mid sized pedalboard. The middle ground that the ME-80 once had has been in a kind of limbo for the past few years. I do like the unit but wish BOSS release an updated version of this. A Waza Craft ME-80 would be amazing.
-Raphael