ME-90 Guitar Multi-Effects Guitar Processor

I've always thought BOSS pedals were top shelf stuff, and I had started down the road of buying a BOSS pedal for each effect I wanted, when one day I saw a photo of the BOSS pedal lineup. Holy Moley... I realized that you can't keep track of that many pedals mounted to physical boards. Of course, I hadn't planned on buying THAT many pedals, but evidently, I have more money than sense these days and probably would have put a pretty good dent in the product line. Then I came upon the BOSS multi-effects lineup. The three main Series within the BOSS line are: - GT (Flagship line, maximum power and functionality); - GX (Modern, streamlined, touch screen menu driven); and - ME (Hands-on, stomp-box style interface). After looking through the details of how each functioned and what they offered, I began focusing on the ME Series because I've had only limited exposure to multi-effects boxes (Zoom G1X Four) and although screen-driven interfaces are powerful, I'm not a huge fan of deep dive menu driven access to FX functions on a small screen, along with all of the parameters that can be modified, and the functional downloads, etc. Too complicated for my current level of ability. The ME Series, to me, was in the 'Goldilocks Zone,' just the right amount of power and functionality behind an interface that's simple to work with and understand. The controls are multi-function dials and buttons. The small screen provides minimal additional 'tracking' information, which is fine with me. Then it became a matter of deciding between the new and legacy models (many of which are discontinued but still part of the official lineage and available on the 'pre-owned' market). I wanted the latest updates, and a focus on guitar tones (as opposed to bass FX, as in the ME-90B), so that narrowed it down immediately to the ME-90. Naturally, I then wanted to answer a fairly simple question; Which BOSS pedals would this machine emulate? Or to put it simply, if I buy this processor, how many BOSS FX pedal functions and Amp Models can I gain access to without having to buy a new pedal for each effect? And more specifically, WHICH ONES? It surprised me that Boss/Roland doesn't answer this question directly in their ad copy materials. They say things like "60+ effects derived from the flagship GT-1000" or "11 Onboard Amp Models," but avoid anything specific. It could be that they just want to keep their ad copy to a manageable size... understandable. But the only place I could find with anything close to a list of BOSS FX pedals being emulated in the ME-90 was in the User Manuals for the unit. Even there, they commonly refer to the name they provide each effect and briefly describe its generic function, like, "PHASER - Adds an out-of-phase sound for a modulated, swelling effect". However, SOMETIMES they will come straight out and say, "OVERDRIVE - The sound of the BOSS SD-1" or better, "CENTA OD - This models a Klon Centaur" or an Ibanez TS-808 (the iconic Ibanez Tube Screamer) etc. Now THAT's what I want to know! In fairness, I'm sure there are reasons for the reticence in naming stomp-box replacements. I don't know what they are, but I give them the benefit of doubt. I didn't want this to pass unnoticed; an original Klon Centaur is almost impossible to find, and when you do, be ready to shell out upwards of $4K to $12K or more for it. The original KCs boasted the use of NOS Germanium Diodes, a Buffered Bypass, a 'shaped' EQ Curve (the Klon mid-hump), and other features that combined to make this a legendary stomp-box. In reality, a Klon Centaur is valuable because its unique clean‑blend architecture, high‑voltage headroom, matched germanium diodes, and exceptional buffer create a tone and feel that no other overdrive circuit reproduces exactly — and scarcity (plus a lot of celebrity guitarist hype) amplified the legend. So, do I believe that the ME-90 version is going to be an accurate representation? Uhhh, no. But if it is, I'll come back and eat my words. Regardless, I started my own list from the User Manuals to gain an idea of 2 things: Which FX effect boxes are included in the ME-90, and how much would the standalone original FX cost if I were to buy it separately? The idea being, I know that with 60+ FX being emulated the value proposition for the ME-90 is going to be phenomenal but being me, I wanted to know HOW phenomenal. I found out. Wow. I'm going to show the list of the FX boxes that are directly mentioned in their literature, from both BOSS and other makers like Electro-Harmonix, MXR, etc. I don't know if this is a complete list, but it's about 2/3rds of the entire set. (~40 named FX against a claim of 60+ FX included.) This is the list of pedals being emulated in the ME-90: BOSS AC-3 Acoustic Simulator BOSS BD-2 (Blues Driver) BOSS BF-3 (Flanger) BOSS CE-1 (Chorus Ensemble) BOSS CE-5 (Choris Ensemble) BOSS CS-3 (Compressor/Sustainer) BOSS DD-3T (Digital Delay) BOSS DS-1 (Distortion) BOSS DS-2 (Turbo Distortion) BOSS ML-2 (Metal Core) BOSS MT-2 (Metal Zone) BOSS NS-2 (Noise Supressor) BOSS OC-5 (Octave Pedal) BOSS OD-1 (Overdrive) BOSS OD-2 (via Tone Studio) BOSS PH-3 (Phase Shifter) BOSS RV-6 (Reverb) BOSS SD-1 (Overdrive) BOSS TE-2 (Tera Echo) BOSS TR-2 (Tremolo) BOSS TU-3 (Chromatic Tuner) Dunlop Dallas Arbiter? Fuzz Face Electro-Harmonix Big Muff π Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer (Overdrive) KLON Centaur (Transparent Overdrive) Marshall GUV'NOR (Overdrive/Distortion) MXR DynaComp (compressor) MXR Phase 90 (phaser) MXR Uni-Vibe (Chorus/Vibrato) ProCo RAT (Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive) Looper - a minimal 38 second looper is included in ME-90 This is the list of pedals that are PARTIALLY emulated in the ME-90 (partially, because these are more complicated FX and have either integrated dials, screen-based controls, or specialized circuitry that the ME-90 lacks): BOSS BD-2W Waza Craft Blues Driver BOSS CP-1X Compressor BOSS DD-200 Digital Delay BOSS DS-1W Special Edition Waza Craft Distortion Pedal BOSS EQ-200 Graphic Equalizer BOSS IR-2 Amp & Cabinet | Premium Amp Emulator & Cabinet IR Loader BOSS RC-5 Loop Station BOSS RE-2 Space Echo Delay and Reverb BOSS SD-1W Premium Waza Craft SUPER OverDrive Then, to fill out the listing, I came across the FX pedals that were NOT emulated at all: BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal BOSS SY-1 Synthesizer BOSS SL-2 Slicer BOSS LS-2 Line Selector/Power Supply BOSS SDE-3000EVH Special Edition Eddie Van Halen Dual Digital Delay Pedal BOSS DC-2W WAZA Craft Dimensional Chorus Effects BOSS MD-200 Premium Quality Modulation BOSS XS-100 Poly Shifter | Advanced Pitch Shifting Workstation BOSS JB-2 Angry Driver Overdrive (Joint venture Boss/JHS pedals) BOSS DM-101 Delay Machine | Ultimate Analog Delay Pedal with Advanced Technology I was only able to find direct mention of 4 of the 11 Amp models: Fender Twin VOX AC30 Marshall 1959 Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier To summarize, the ME-90 is strongest at replacing: All the classic OD/DS drives, standard modulation (chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, vibrato, rotary), workhorse delays, basic reverbs, compressor, noise gate, and tuner — essentially the bread-and-butter pedalboard. Where you'd still need separate pedals: Anything in the Waza Craft "custom mode," the SY-1 synth, dedicated dual-delay engines (SDE-3000), Dimension C, the Slicer, IR cab loading (IR-2/IR-200), and advanced routing utilities like the LS-2. What about the cost analysis? I looked up an average retail price for each FX box from either a Big Box Guitar store, Amazon, or a smaller source if neither of those were available. I added in the fully and partially emulated FX boxes, and the total came to $5,531.42! The cost of the ME-90 (as of May 2026 on Amazon)? $384.99 I expected the difference to be significant, but that blew me away.

Awesome pedal very clear sound, has everything i need highly recommended. Great price compared to other brands and models

In my multiple decades as a guitar player I've gone from pedals to rack mount processors and eventually back to pedals. The BOSS ME 90 is in my opinion a perfect middle ground. The amp simulators alone are worth the price but when you add the ability to configure multiple effects and save as a patch this thing is a steal at under $300. bucks. No more kneeling down on stage to reconfigure a pedal between songs. On foot switch to change banks and one to select your patch and you're ready to count off into the next song. Also it's incredibly user friendly. No digging into deep menus, this thing is dialed with the simplicity of pedals and saves your configuration and access like a DSP. You get countless effects for the cost of a couple of pedals. Oh and did I mention it sounds amazing? Well it does.

I've set up the ME-90 in front of a handmade vintage-style all-tube amplifier, and I've noticed that the effect system can sometimes compromise the amp's touch sensitivity at certain settings. I prefer lighter distortion tones, such as those from the Clon and TS, allowing the amp to shine with more dynamics when played with a varying touch. When using the ME-90 in front of an amp like I do, it's crucial to set the switch on the back to the correct setting; otherwise, the preamps can sound muffled, like a wet blanket over the speaker cab. The preamps can really boost the amp into a rich tone, but a majority of them are designed for screaming, and not warm tones... I've noticed that the more distortion the ME-90 adds, the less I enjoy the outcome, leading me to avoid many of its settings. The presets can be harsh on my ears, but I appreciate how easily I can customize them using either the Bluetooth-connected app on my phone or the ME-90 itself. The ability to fine-tune each preset, treating them like a pedalboard to toggle effects on and off, and adjust and save settings is excellent. While I enjoy the expression pedal effects, I don't use it as a volume pedal because engaging the expression effect forces you to swell the volume to its loudest before activating the effect switch. Which can be very uncomfortable for your ears and your amp. I will end up using this for a small set of it's tones, but I like the one's that sound pleasant to my ears and taste. Overall I like it after getting used to it.

This has practically every useful effect needed, and it is Boss, the pedal standard. Great for anyone over 50 that doesn’t have the time to play with apps, blue tooth, etc. Some presets are decent, but to create your own is easy. At about $300, the price of three decent pedals, you will have 30+ to choose from.

The good: - lots of effects to choose from, super customizable. Includes some Boss effects that individually cost a lot now. - footswitches are pretty easy to use - expression pedal is fun - you can load your own IR and set output EQ settings The bad: - bluetooth dongle is extra $$$ , and whenever it connects to my phone it defaults to full volume. This has caused tracks to blare very loudly through my amp unintentionally. And to have no Aux In, I feel like they intentionally left it out so you buy the bluetooth dongle. Frustrating because I wanted this to be my all in one practice rig, and it's far from perfect. - The distorted tones are just ok. They take some EQing to sound OK. And even then, I haven't found sounds that I am fully satisfied with. This is my gripe with most multi fx pedals. However Line 6 has seemed to nailed this. I wish Boss would catch up because I like their products better overall. Verdict: - for the money, this is a great practice tool, and potential rig replacement if you play live. However, I would not call this professional grade equipment. This is best suited for a beginner or intermediate player. Of course, it doesn't matter what gear you play on at the end of the day. That being said, if you're particular about high quality sound, I'd look elsewhere.

It's the best multi pedal

Great for adjusting on the fly easy to use layout

Very good quality processor which is sound effects very sweet and it is easy to use.

Llego a tiempo, mejor de lo que esperaba, calidad y resistencia en los materiales

This is the best thing I've bought since moving to an apartment. Sold my tube amps and nearly bought another, but thought to myself I can't play loud! The ME-90 is everything I need. I save from buying at least 5 of my favourite amps and 10 solid pedals! The battery lasts for a good while. With the bluetooth adaptor, I'm now jamming with backing tracks. God, I'm playing so loud at home using headphones, it brought me back to my teenage days at the studios. I liked the ME-90 above the others because of the knobs. I feel like I'm adjusting a real amp with real pedals. Good stuff!

Wow.. premier est de pédale. Compliqué un peu lol, mais sonne comme une tonne de brique!

Very Happy with my me-90. I love all the different sounds