BOSS ME-90 Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard User Manual

BOSS ME-90 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedalboard

Panel descriptions

Top panel

Effect configuration knobs
Use these knobs to configure the various effects built into the ME-90.

• For details on the effect parameters, refer to the “ME-90 Parameter Guide” (Roland website).

Display
Shows various information for the ME-90.

MEMO
When the batteries are running low, the BATTERY LOW indicator blinks on the display. Replace the batteries with new ones.

[EXIT], [WRITE], [CTL], [EDIT] buttons

Button Explanation

operation (p. 6).
[CTL]| In memory mode, this configures the operation of the [CTL] pedal (p. 6).
[EDIT]| Enters memory edit mode (p. 7).

Expression pedal
Press the toe end of the pedal to switch the pedal effect on/off (the PEDAL FX indicator turns on/off).

Pedal effect Indicator Pedal operation

On

| Controls the effect (such

Lit as wah) that you set using the [PEDAL FX] knob.

[MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal
Switches between memory mode and manual mode (p. 6). Keep this pressed for two seconds or more to turn the tuner on (p. 4).

Pedal switch
Switches between banks and patches when the unit is in memory mode. In manual mode, this turns each effect on/off.

When in memory mode
Use the pedal switches to switch between banks and patches.

Switch Function

[CTL]

| Performs the operation that’s set in “Configuring the [CTL] (control) pedal functions” (p. 10).

When in manual mode
Use the pedal switches to individually switch each effect (COMP, OD/DS, MOD, DELAY, AMP, EQ, REV) on/off.
What is “memory mode”?
The effect combinations and settings (sounds) are recalled as “patches”. There are 72 patches. Out of the 72 patches, 36 (4 patches × 9 banks) can be saved in the user banks (9 banks of presets and 9 user banks). You can use the pedal to instantly switch between banks and patches.
What is “manual mode”?
This mode lets you use the pedals to turn each effect on/off. This lets you use this unit as if you were individually switching the compact effects on an effect unit board on/off.
[OUTPUT LEVEL] knob
Adjusts the volume of the OUTPUT jacks and PHONES jack.

Rear panel (connecting your equipment)

1. INPUT jack
   Connect your guitar here.

2. OUTPUT jacks
   Connect these to your guitar amp, mixer or other audio equipment. For a mono connection, use only the L/MONO jack.

3. Gt. AMP/LINE switch
   When this switch is set to “LINE”, the built-in speaker simulator turns on, which lets you enjoy a powerful guitar sound even when connected to a mixer or powered speakers.

4. PHONES jack
   Connect a pair of headphones (sold separately) or a recorder that uses a stereo mini plug cable. Set the Gt. AMP/LINE switch to “LINE” when using this jack.

5. SEND/RETURN jacks
   Connect an external effect unit here. You can connect an external effect unit between the SEND jack and RETURN jack, and use it as one of the ME-90’s effect units (p. 11).

6. Bluetooth ADAPTOR jack
   Connect the Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (part number BT-DUAL) to wirelessly play back music from your mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet (hereafter “mobile device”), or to edit the effects using an app on your mobile device (p. 14). Use the volume control on your audio player to adjust the volume of signal output received from the OUTPUT jacks and PHONES jack.

7. Ground terminal

• Connect this to an external earth or ground if necessary. 8. USB COMPUTER port
  Connect this port to your computer via USB cable. This lets you transmit/receive audio signals between the ME-90 and your computer, use the ME-90 dedicated app to edit the sounds and so on (p. 12).

  9. [POWER] switch
     This switches the power on and off (p. 4).

  10. DC IN jack
      Accepts connection of an AC adaptor (BOSS PSA-S series; sold separately).

      • Use the cord hook to secure the cord of the AC adaptor as shown in the illustration.
      • To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

Installing the batteries

Install the batteries into the battery case at the bottom of this unit. Make sure that the batteries face the right way.

• When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.
• We recommend that you keep batteries installed in the unit even though you’ll be powering it with the AC adaptor. That way, you’ll be able to continue a performance even if the cord of the AC adaptor gets accidentally disconnected from the unit.
• If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”).

WARNING
Handle batteries carefully
If used improperly, you risk the dangers of fluid leakage, overheating, combustion, explosion, etc. Carefully observe the following:

• Do not heat, disassemble, or toss them into a fire or water.
• Do not expose them to sunlight, flame, or any other source of extreme heat.
• Do not attempt to charge a dry cell battery.

Outputting sound

Turning the power on/off

Turning the power on

• Once everything is properly connected (p. 3), be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

1. Press the ME-90’s [POWER] switch to turn on the power.
2. Turn on your guitar amp that’s connected.

Turning the power off

1. Check the following before turning the power off.
2. Is the volume turned down to minimum on all connected devices?
3. Have you saved any patches that you’ve edited? (p. 6)
4.  Turn off your guitar amp and other devices connected to this unit.
5.  Press the ME-90’s [POWER] switch to turn off the power.

NOTE

• When the power is turned off, any settings you were editing will be lost. You must save settings that you want to keep.
• When you want to turn the power back on, press the power button

Setting the connected device type

Set the Gtr. AMP/LINE switch according to the device you’re using.

Setting/Explanation
LINE When connecting a mixer, powered speakers or headphones
Gt. AMP When connecting a guitar amp

Selecting a guitar amp type (output select)

1. Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal to switch to manual mode.
2. Press the [EDIT] button.
3. Use the [BANK É] [BANK Ç] pedals to select the type of amp (1–12).
   • For details on the amp types, refer to the “ME-90 Parameter Guide” (Roland website).
4. Press the [WRITE] button.
   The settings are saved.

Adjusting the volume (output level)

1. Use the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob to adjust the overall volume.

Tuning your guitar (tuner)

1. Hold down the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal for at least two seconds.
   This turns the tuner on. The MEMORY/MANUAL indicator lights up yellow.

2. Adjust the reference pitch if necessary.
   The reference pitch is shown when you press the [EDIT] button. The pitch increases each time you press the button, from 435 Hz to 445 Hz. If the pitch is already 445 Hz and you press the button, the pitch returns to 435 Hz. If you don’t press the [EDIT] button within two seconds, the unit returns to regular tuner mode.

Display/Pitch
35–45 435–445 (Hz)

MEMO

• The reference pitch is shown for a certain amount of time in the display.
• The reference pitch is saved, so you don’t need to set it each time you tune your guitar.
• This is set to “40” (440 Hz) when using the factory settings.

Play a single note on the open string you want to tune.
The name of the pitch that’s closest to the string you played is shown in the display.

Adjust the tuning of each guitar string so that both tuning guides are illuminated.

To turn the tuner off, press any pedal switch.

Output settings when using the tuner
When the tuner is on, you can set whether to output the audio from the OUTPUT and PHONES jacks or not. When the audio output is on, you can use the expression pedal to adjust the volume. For details, refer to “Configuring the device overall (system settings)” (p. 16).

Effect signal chain

The signal chain (how the effects are connected) on the ME-90 is shown below .

The signal chain is automatically optimized to match the effect type that’s selected. You can insert the SEND/RETURN after the preamp. For details, refer to “Configuring the device overall (system settings)” (p. 16).

• For details on the effect parameters, refer to the “ME-90 Parameter Guide” (Roland website).

PEDAL FX

| Lets you achieve various effects using the expression pedal on this unit.

You can turn the pedal effect on/off by pushing the expression pedal up with your weight on your toes. When the pedal effect is off, the expression pedal works as a volume pedal.

COMP/FX1| Averages out the volume, giving a sustained sound without distortion. You can also select from a variety of unique effects.
OD/DS| This effect gives distortion and sustain characteristics to the sound.
SEND/RETURN| An external effect unit connected to the SEND/RETURN jacks.
PREAMP| Models the characteristics of a preamp.
NS| Reduces the noise and hum picked up by guitar pickups.
FOOT VOLUME| When the pedal effect is off, the expression pedal works as a volume pedal.
MOD| Adds spaciousness or an undulating character to the sound.
EQ/FX2| This effect is connected after the preamp.
DELAY| Delays the sound to create an echo-like effect. Use this to add thickness or for tricky-sounding effects.
REVERB| Adds a stereo reverberation to the sound.

Saving/recalling sounds (memory mode)

With memory mode, you can save the sound settings to this unit, and recall what you saved afterward.
In contrast, “manual mode” lets you switch each effect on/off using the pedals.

How the patches are configured

A combination of effects and parameter settings is called a “patch”.
The ME-90 can store 72 different patches. These patches are organized by bank and number as shown below.

Each patch within a bank corresponds to a numbered pedal.

Switching between manual/memory mode

Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal.
Press this pedal to toggle between manual mode and memory mode.

Setting what happens when switching from memory mode to manual mode

When switching from memory to manual mode, you can select whether the sound switches according to the knob settings on the panel, or whether the memory mode sound carries over. For details on the settings, refer to “Configuring the device overall (system settings)” (p. 16).

Value/Explanation

m0| When you switch to manual mode, the current knob settings are applied to the sound.
---|---

m1

| When you switch to manual mode, the memory mode settings are carried over.

You can turn the individual effects on/off while using the same memory mode settings (factory settings).

Selecting a sound (patch)

Use the [BANK ] [BANK ] pedals and the numbered [1]–[4] pedals to recall (switch between) patches

Press the [BANK ] or the [BANK ] pedal.

Select a bank number to switch to.

Display/Bank

Press one of the numbered [1]–[4] pedals.
The patch switches to the patch of the bank number you selected in step 1.

MEMO
When selecting a patch within the same bank, you can skip step 1.

Checking the knob positions

When you recall a sound (patch) in memory mode (p. 6), the value of the parameters you’re setting may differ from the position indicated by the knobs. You can make the actual parameter value show up in the display, so that you can check it.

Hold down the [EDIT] button and turn the knob for the parameter you want to check.
The knob value is shown for a certain amount of time in the display.
When the knob’s position and value match, the tuning guides on both sides of the display light up.

Configuring what happens when switching banks

For switching banks using the [BANK] [BANK] pedals, you can select whether to instantly switch to the next patch, or instead to wait before switching to the next patch until you press a numbered pedal.
For details on the settings, refer to “Configuring the device overall (system settings)” (p. 16).

Value/Explanation

m0| When you switch to manual mode, the current knob settings are applied to the sound.
---|---

m1

| When you switch to manual mode, the memory mode settings are carried over.

You can turn the individual effects on/off while using the same memory mode settings (factory settings).

Saving a sound (patch write)

Here’s how to save the knob settings as a patch.

NOTE

• If you turn off the power or switch to a different patch before you write the patch, the sound you created is lost.
• When you write a patch, the patch that is already at the save destination is lost.

Press the [WRITE] button.
The pedal indicator blinks.

Select the user bank and patch number to save to (the save destination).
¹ Press the [BANK ] [BANK ] pedals to select the user bank number (U1–U9).

Select the patch number by pressing the numbered [1]–[4] pedals.

To cancel patch write, press the [EXIT] button.

Press the [WRITE] button again.
All sound settings except for OUTPUT LEVEL are saved.

MEMO

• You can write patches in either manual mode or memory mode.
• Once you write a patch, the unit switches to memory mode.

Copying a patch
To copy a patch, recall the patch (p. 6) and then write the patch. You can copy the patch by selecting the copy destination patch number and then saving.

Changing the settings for sounds (memory edit mode)

You can’t switch the effects on/off in memory mode. If you want to switch the effects on/off or edit the sound (patch) settings, use memory edit mode.

Follow the steps in “Selecting a sound (patch)” (p.6) to recall the patch whose settings you want to edit.
Press the [EDIT] button.

The display indicates “Ed”, and the unit switches to memory edit mode.

Use the knobs, pedals and buttons to edit the sound.
The pedal switches toggle the effects on/off in memory edit mode, just as with manual mode.

To save an edited sound, follow the steps in “Selecting a sound (patch)” (p. 6) to save the patch.
If you turn off the power or switch to a different patch before you write the patch, the sound you created is lost.

Useful functions

Adding effects that follow your tempo (tap tempo)

By pressing the pedal in time with the tempo you play at, you can set the delay to play back in time, in dotted eighth note or quarter note intervals.

MEMO
This explanation applies when you’re in manual mode. In memory mode, use the numbered pedal for the currently selected patch to perform the same operation.

Set the DELAY type knob to “TEMPO”.
The pedal indicator blinks in time with the delay time that’s
currently set.
Set the [TIME] knob to “ ” or “ ”.
This selects the rhythm for the delay sound you want.

Press the [DELAY] pedal two or more times, in time with the tempo.
The delay timing is set according to the interval in which you press the pedal. For instance, if you press the pedal in quarter note intervals, a dotted eighth note or quarter note delay time is set. The pedal indicator blinks in time with the tempo.

Setting the modulation speed or delay time with the pedal

You can use the knob to adjust the modulation speed (cycle) or delay time, and you can use the pedal to set the timing you like.

MEMO

• This explanation applies when you’re in manual mode. In memory mode, use the numbered pedal for the currently selected patch to perform the same operation.
• You can only set the delay time when the unit is in memory mode and both the MOD and DELAY effects are on.

Use the type knob to select the MOD or DELAY type.
MEMO
When using the MOD or DELAY effect and one of the following types is selected, you can’t make settings using the pedal.

Effect/Types that cannot be selected with the pedal

MOD

| PITCH SHIFT HARMONIST

OVERTONE

---|---

DELAY

| TERA ECHO PHRASE LOOP WARP TWIST

GLITCH *

• These effects can be selected from the ME-90 dedicated app, “BOSS TONE STUDIO for ME-90” (p. 12).

Hold down the [MOD] or [DELAY] pedal for two or more seconds.

The pedal indicator starts blinking two seconds after you press the pedal.

Press the [MOD] or [DELAY] pedal two or more times at the desired speed.
The effect speed is set according to the interval at which you pressed the pedal. The pedal indicator blinks in time with the modulation cycle or delay sound.

Hold down the [MOD] or [DELAY] pedal for two or more seconds again.
This completes the speed setting, and the effect turns on. The pedal indicator remains lit.

MEMO
If you move the [RATE] or [TIME] knob after finishing the settings, the effect timing you set with the pedal is disregarded, and the timing you set with the knobs is given priority.

Performing with phrase loops

You can record up to 38 seconds of a performance and play back the recorded section over and over. You can also layer additional performances with the recording as it plays back (overdubbing). This gives a unique effect if you keep playing what you recorded in the background and then play on top of that, for example.

MEMO
This explanation applies when you’re in manual mode. In memory mode, use the numbered pedal for the currently selected patch to perform the same operation.

Set the DELAY type knob to “PHRASE LOOP”.

1. The unit enters record standby mode, and the pedal indicator blinks white at a fixed interval.

2. Press the [DELAY] pedal.
   Recording starts right when you press the [DELAY] pedal (the pedal indicator lights up red).

3. Press the [DELAY] pedal again.
   Recording ends. Once recording ends, your recorded content plays back in a loop (the pedal indicator lights up blue).
   MEMO
   The phrase loop may result in an oscillating sound if your recording is extremely short.

4. To overdub, repeat steps 2 and 3.
   The pedal indicator lights up yellow during overdubbing.
   MEMO
   Your recorded content is erased when you change the type knob setting or turn the power off.

5. Use the [E. LEVEL] knob to adjust the playback volume.

6. To end loop playback, quickly press the [DELAY] pedal twice.
   The unit returns to playback standby mode, and the pedal indicator blinks blue.

7. Press the [DELAY] pedal to start playback.

8. To erase what you recorded, long-press the [DELAY] pedal.
   The pedal indicator blinks white, and the unit enters record standby mode.

MEMO
When you press the [DELAY] pedal twice, the second press must be within one second of the first.

Pedal indicator colors/statuses

Status/Indication

Standby| Blinking white (recording)

Blinking blue (not recording)

---|---
Recording| Lit red
Overdubbing| Lit yellow
Loop playback| Lit blue

Useful functions

Configuring the [CTL] (control) pedal functions

In memory mode on the ME-90, you can use the [CTL] pedal to turn multiple effects on/off at once, or instantly switch the value of a specified effect setting knob (one knob only) to a specific value. You can store the [CTL] pedal settings for each patch.

Setting the pedal function

1. Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal to switch to memory mode (p. 6).
2. Press the [CTL] button to switch to CTL setting mode. For turning the effects on/off
3. Press the pedal corresponding to the effect you want to toggle on/off to select it.

To cancel the selection, press the pedal again. The pedal indicator for the effect you want to toggle on/off blinks.
MEMO
You can select REV to toggle the SEND/RETURN on/off, instead of using it for reverb. For details, refer to “Configuring the device overall (system settings)” (p. 16).

For setting the value of a certain knob
Adjust the knob whose value you wish to change to the value you like.
To cancel the setting, set the [CTL] pedal to turn the effects on/off.

• You can’t set the type knob values for the respective effects.

MEMO
You can press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal to check the effects that you set before you write the patch. To disable the [CTL] pedal function, turn all settings off.

Follow the steps in “Saving a sound (patch write)” (p. 7) to save the settings.

Configuring the pedal operations

You can select whether the effects you set in step 3 are toggled each time you press the pedal (TOGGLE), or whether the effects are only applied while the pedal is being pressed (MOMENTARY).

From memory mode, press the [CTL] button two times.

This switches to the TOGGLE/MOMENTARY setting mode.

Use the [BANK ] [BANK ] pedals to select a setting.

Display/Setting/Explanation

to

| The effect switches each time you

TOGGLE                press the pedal (this is the default setting for effect on/off).

---|---

mo

| The effect you set is applied only

MOMENTARY         while you are pressing the pedal (this

is the default setting when the pedal

is set to change the knob values).

Press the [CTL] button again.
Follow the steps in “Saving a sound (patch write)” (p. 7) to save the settings.

MEMO
The indicator lit/unlit state for the [CTL] pedal is linked with the indicator of the effect that has the highest priority (according to the internal order of priority) within the effects that are toggled on/off. The order of priority is as follows. COMP/FX1>OD/DS>MOD>DELAY>PREAMP>EQ/FX2>REVERB>PEDAL FX>SEND/RETURN

CTL setting mode indications

• If effects are configured to toggle on/off, “Ct” is shown in the display when the unit enters CTL setting mode, and the pedal indicators corresponding to the effects set for on/off blink.
• When a particular knob value is set, the corresponding effect indicator blinks. Also, “Ct” and the number of the knob for which the value is set are alternately shown in the display.

Connecting to and using an external effect unit via the SEND/RETURN jacks.

You can connect an external effect unit between the SEND jack and RETURN jack, and use it as one of the ME-90’s effect units. To do this, connect the SEND jack to output the ME-90’s sound to the input of your effect unit. Connect the output of the external effect unit to the RETURN jack (input) of the ME-90.

You can change the SEND/RETURN insertion point and the footswitch on/off function in the system settings (p. 16). Using the factory setting, the SEND/RETURN is inserted before the preamp in the signal chain (ON). If an external effect unit is not connected to the RETURN jack, no sound is output from the SEND jack.

MEMO

• Hold down the [EDIT] button and press the [CTL] pedal to toggle SEND/RETURN on/off.
• You can store the SEND/RETURN on/off state for each patch.

__**Display Setting**

0| Off
1| On

Calibrating the expression pedal

Although the ME-90’s expression pedal has been set for optimum operation at the factory, extended use and the operating environment can result in the pedal going out of adjustment. If you experience issues such as the expression pedal switch not responding or not being able to fully minimize the sound with the volume pedal, calibrate the expression pedal.

1. Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal to switch to manual mode (p. 6).

2. Hold down the [CTL] button and press the [DELAY] pedal.
   The display indicates “Pd” -> “Up”.

3. Press down on the heel end of the expression pedal and take your foot off, and press the [WRITE] button.
   dn is shown on the display.

4. Press the toe end of the expression pedal and take your foot off, and press the [WRITE] button.
   The responsiveness (sensitivity) of the current expression pedal switch is shown in the display.
   Value: 1–9
   MEMO
   In steps 3 and 4, press the [WRITE] button while the pedal is not fully pressed either with your toe or with your heel. The display starts blinking. Then, press the pedal up to maximum position with your toes and press the [WRITE] button.

5. Use the [BANK ] and [BANK ] pedals to adjust the responsiveness (sensitivity) of the expression pedal switch.
   Lower values make the pedal switch more responsive (lighter).

6. Press the [WRITE] button.
   The settings are saved.

Connecting to your computer via USB

The ME-90 can transmit/receive digital audio signals and MIDI messages to and from a computer via USB.

Installing the USB driver

You can use the dedicated driver to record, playback and edit audio with high quality at a stable timing, as well as control the ME-90 via  MIDI data. Download the dedicated ME-90 driver from the BOSS website (https://www.boss.info/support/). Install the dedicated driver before making a USB connection. The program you need to use and the steps you need to take to install the driver depend on your computer setup. Please carefully read and refer to the “Readme” file included with the download.

Transmitting/receiving audio signals between a computer and the ME-90

You can record the sound of the ME-90 on your computer, or output your computer’s sound from the OUTPUT jacks or PHONES jack on the ME-90.

USB audio flow

• Refer to the instruction manual for the software you are using to learn how to switch the input source of the software.

USB audio settings

You can change the audio signal flow to match your needs. For details on the settings, refer to “Configuring the device overall (system settings)” (p. 16).

Parameter/Explanation

USB LEVEL

| Adjusts the level of audio input from your computer, which is mixed with the sound that passes through the ME-90’s effects.
---|---

USB DIRECT MONITOR

| Selects whether the sound of the ME-90 is output to the PHONES jack and the OUTPUT jacks.

USB LOOPBACK

| Switches between outputting the input audio from the computer to USB OUT or not.

Transmitting/receiving MIDI data between a computer and the ME-90

You can use DAW software on your computer or the ME-90 dedicated app to control the ME-90, for editing sounds and managing patches..

Using the ME-90 dedicated app
You can do the following things with the “BOSS TONE STUDIO for ME-90” dedicated app.

• Edit the settings for the user bank patches
• Give the user bank patches a name
• Reorder and swap the user bank patches
• Easily download patches from a patch download website
• Save the user bank patches and system settings as a backup, and restore the backup settings
• Use effects that can only be selected using BOSS TONE STUDIO for ME-90

Download the dedicated app from the BOSS website (https://www.boss.info/support/).
For details on how to use the app, carefully read the “Readme” file that’s included with the download.
Switching between patch numbers
The current patch on the ME-90 changes at the same time that this unit receives a program change message from DAW software or another source.
Receiving control change messages
This unit can receive control change messages to control specified parameters while you’re playing.

Data that can be transmitted/received via MIDI

Pedal/Control/change/message Value

CC#82

| ON: 127

OFF/ 0

[CTL] pedal

| ****

CC#80

| When the pedal is pressed: 127

When the pedal is released: 0

Loading IR data to use this unit as a speaker simulator

You can use the dedicated IR loader (software) to load IR (Impulse Response) data into this unit for simulating speakers.
Download the dedicated IR loader from the BOSS website. https://www.boss.info/support/
See “Using the ME-90 IR Loader” (Roland website) for how to load the data. You can select the speaker simulator by pressing the [1] [2] [3] [4] pedals while holding down the [EDIT] button.

Pedal/Display/Speaker/simulator

[1]

|

0

| Uses the original speaker simulator built into the ME-90, which is tuned to each preamp type. (Factory settings)
---|---|---
[2]| 1| Uses the IR data loaded into USER 1.
[3]| 2| Uses the IR data loaded into USER 2.
[4]| 3| Uses the IR data loaded into USER 3.

• IR data is not included in USER 1–3 with the factory settings.

MEMO
You can select and store the speaker simulator for each patch.

Wireless connection with a mobile device

Attach the Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL) to the ME-90 to wirelessly play back music on your mobile device, or to edit the effects of this unit from the app on your mobile device.

Attaching the BT-DUAL
Attach the BT-DUAL to the Bluetooth ADAPTOR jack of the ME-90.

1. Before attaching the BT-DUAL, turn off the ME-90 and unplug the AC adaptor from the AC outlet.

2. Remove the cover and screw from the Bluetooth ADAPTOR jack on the rear panel.

3. Attach the BT-DUAL and fasten the screw that you removed in step 2 in place.
   Make sure that the screw hole on the ME-90 is aligned with the screw hole on the BT-DUAL when attaching.
   NOTE

   • Be sure to use only the screw that was originally mounted on the Bluetooth ADAPTOR jack. If you use a different screw, the unit may malfunction.
   • Do not touch any of the printed circuit pathways or connection terminals.
   • When circuit board installation is complete, double-check your work.

Listening to sound via wireless connection with a mobile device

Bluetooth® audio functionality
You can output music played from your Bluetooth audio-capable mobile device from the OUTPUT jacks or the PHONES jack of the ME-90.

Registering a mobile device (pairing)

“Pairing” involves registering the mobile device that you want to use with the ME-90 (making the two devices recognize each other). Here we’ll configure the settings so that music data saved on your mobile device can be played wirelessly via the ME-90.

MEMO
The following explanation is only one example. For details, refer to the owner’s manual of your mobile device.

1. Turn on the power of the ME-90.

2.  Place the mobile device that you want to connect close to the ME-90.

3. Hold down the pairing button on the BT-DUAL until the Bluetooth indicator blinks rapidly.

4.  Turn on the Bluetooth function of the mobile device. This explanation uses the iPhone as an example. For details, refer to the owner’s manual of your mobile device.

5. Tap “ME-90 Audio” shown on the Bluetooth device screen of your mobile device.
   This pairs the BT-DUAL with your mobile device. When pairing succeeds, “ME-90 Audio” is added to the list of “Paired Devices” on your mobile device.

   • If you don’t complete the pairing within a certain time, the Bluetooth indicator goes dark and the unit exits pairing standby mode.

Connecting an already-paired mobile device

1. With the BT-DUAL’s Bluetooth indicator off, press the pairing button.
2. Turn on the Bluetooth function of the mobile device.

MEMO

• If you were unable to connect using the steps above, tap “ME-90 Audio”, displayed in the Bluetooth device screen of the mobile device.
• To disconnect, press the pairing button on the BT-DUAL to make the Bluetooth indicator go dark, or turn off the mobile device’s Bluetooth function.

Disabling Bluetooth functionality
If you want to disconnect the Bluetooth connection between the BT-DUAL and your mobile device, disable Bluetooth functionality. When this unit is not connected to the mobile device via Bluetooth, we recommend you turn off Bluetooth to save on battery power.

Press the pairing button on the BT-DUAL.
The Bluetooth indicator goes dark.

Controlling the ME-90 from a mobile device app

Use the BOSS TONE STUDIO for ME-90 dedicated app to edit effects and save this unit’s settings.
For details on BOSS TONE STUDIO for ME-90, see the BOSS website. https://www.boss.info/

Connecting to the app
Here are the settings to make in order to use an app on your mobile device.

• Make the connection from the app’s settings, not from your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings.

1. Turn on the power of the ME-90.

2. Place the mobile device that you want to connect nearby the ME-90.

3. Turn on the Bluetooth function of the mobile device.

   • When Bluetooth audio is connected, the Bluetooth indicator on the BT-DUAL lights up. Note that the unit has not finished connecting with the app at this time.
   • MEMO
     This explanation uses the iPhone as an example. For details, refer to the owner’s manual of your mobile device.

4. In the app’s settings, connect to ME-90 MIDI.

   • Do not tap “ME-90 AUDIO 1”, “ME-90 MIDI 1” or similar indications shown in the Bluetooth settings of your mobile device.

Configuring the device overall (system settings)

1. Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal to switch to manual mode (p. 6).

2. Press the [EDIT] button to select the parameter to set.
   The parameter to set changes each time you press the [EDIT] button.

3. Use the [BANK ] [BANK ] pedals to select a value.

4. Press the [WRITE] button.
   The settings are saved.

Parameter list

OUTPUT SELECT

|

1–12

| Specifies the amp that’s connected to the OUTPUT jacks.

• For details on the amp types, refer to the “ME-90 Parameter Guide” (Roland website).

Knob motion

| The parameter value changes

n0          instantly when you operate the

knobs (this is the factory setting).

The value only changes once

n1          the knob position reaches the parameter’s current value.

USB LEVEL

|

L0–L9

| Adjusts the level of audio input from your computer, which is mixed with the sound that passes through the ME-90’s effects.

USB DIRECT MONITOR

* Power-on setting is d1

| The sound of the ME-90 is not

d0          output to the PHONES jack and the

OUTPUT jacks.

The sound of the ME-90 is output

d1          to the PHONES jack and the OUTPUT jacks.

USB LOOPBACK

| b0          The input audio from the computer

is not output via USB OUT.

b1          The input audio from the computer is output via USB OUT.

MIDI channels| c1–c9,

c.0–c.6

| Ch 1–ch 9, ch 10–ch 16

Output settings when using the tuner

| t0           No audio is output when you’re

using the tuner.

t1           The direct sound is output while you’re using the tuner.

Bank switch operation

|

H0

| Pressing the bank pedal to switch banks only changes the bank shown in the display, without actually switching to a different patch. Both the bank and number are confirmed right when you press a numbered pedal, and the unit switches to the next patch. (Factory settings)

H1

| The patch switches instantly when a bank pedal or numbered pedal is pressed.

Switching to manual mode

|

m0

| When you switch from memory mode to manual mode, the current knob settings are applied to the sound.

m1

| When you switch from memory mode to manual mode, the memory settings are carried over (factory setting).

SEND/RETURN

insertion point setting

| SEND/RETURN are inserted before the preamp in the signal chain. This

S0           is the optimal setting when using a distortion pedal or the like (factory

setting).

SEND/RETURN are inserted after

S1           the preamp in the signal chain. This is the optimal setting when using a

delay pedal or the like.

Preserving/muting the tail of an effect when switching between patches or turning effects off

| When you switch patches, the effect’s delay sound you selected in

o0          DELAY is not carried over. This does not apply to the DELAY for EQ/FX2

and MOD.

When you switch patches, the effect’s delay sound you selected

o1          in DELAY is carried over (factory setting). This does not apply to the

DELAY for EQ/FX2 and MOD.

LED illumination color

| E0           The LEDs can light up in one of ten

colors (factory setting).

The LEDs only light up to indicate their state in white and in

color changes that are easy to distinguish (only red, yellow and blue).

E1           This mode is intended for users with color blindness and other vision deficiencies and may be generally preferred by those who like a more classic display

appearance.

REV footswitch functions

| r0           In manual mode, this turns the

reverb on/off (factory setting).

r1           In manual mode, this turns SEND/ RETURN on/off.

Restoring the factory settings (factory reset)

You can restore the settings of the ME-90 aside from the expression pedal calibration settings (p. 11) to their factory settings. This includes the user patches, reference pitch for the tuner, how the knobs respond and so on.

1. Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] pedal to switch to manual mode (p. 6).

2. Hold down the [CTL] button and press the [MOD] pedal.
   The display indicates “FA”.

3. Press the [WRITE] button.
   The tuning guide blinks.

4. Press the [WRITE] button again.
   The display blinks, and the factory reset is executed.

   • Never turn off the power while the factory reset is in progress.

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Problems with sound

No sound/insufficient volume

| Is there a short in one of the connection cables?| Try replacing the connection cable.
Is this unit properly connected to other devices?| Check the connections to other devices (p. 3).
Is the power to the connected amp or mixer not turned on, or is the volume turned down?| Check the settings for connected devices.
Might the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob has been lowered?| Adjust the knobs to their appropriate positions (p. 4).
Has the tuner been turned on?| Effects are not applied while tuning.
Is the output setting set to t0 when you are using the tuner?| Set this to t1 (p. 16).
Has each effect been configured correctly?| Check the settings for each effect.
Is the “USB LEVEL” (p. 16) set too low?| Adjust the value as appropriate.
The batteries might be depleted.| Replace the batteries with new ones.
Sound from the device connected to the INPUT jack isn’t coming through headphones| “USB DIRECT MONITOR” (p. 16) might have been set to “OFF”.| Set this to “ON”.
Oscillating sound or feedback| The gain value or volume-related parameters in the effect settings might be set too high.| Try lowering these values.
Other problems

Cannot switch between patches

| The bank switch operation setting (p. 16) might be set to “H0”,| If the bank switch operation setting (p. 16) is

“H0”, the patch does not actually change until you press a numbered [1]–[4] pedal.

Can’t control the parameters as desired

|

Is the effect turned off?

| If you are using the expression pedal or footswitches to operate the effects, check whether the effects that include the parameter you want to control are switched on.

Do the MIDI controller numbers match?

| Check whether the controller number you’re using matches the number of the parameter to control (p. 12).

The expression pedal might be miscalibrated.

| Although the ME-90’s expression pedal has been set for optimum operation at the factory, extended use and the operating environment can result in the pedal going out of adjustment. Calibrate the expression pedal (p. 11).
Can’t save a phrase you created using phrase loop| You can’t save phrases you created using the phrase loop feature on the ME-90.

Can’t connect to an Android device via Bluetooth

|

Location data on the Android device might have been turned off.

| You may not be able to connect via Bluetooth if location data is turned off. Turn the Android device’s location data setting on, and then try connecting again via Bluetooth.

Main specifications

AD Conversion

| 24 bits + AF method

AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD and DA converters.

DA Conversion| 24 bits
Processing| 32-bit floating point
Effects| 97 Types
Memories| 36 (User) + 36 (Preset)
Phrase Loop| 38 sec. (MONO)
Tuner Internal Detection| +/-0.1 cent
Nominal Input Level| INPUT: -10 dBu

RETURN: -10 dBu

Maximum Input Level| INPUT: +7 dBu

RETURN: +7 dBu

Input Impedance| INPUT: 1MΩ

RETURN: 1MΩ

Nominal Output Level

| OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): -10 dBu PHONES: -10 dBu

SEND: -10 dBu

Output Impedance

| OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): 1 k Ω PHONES: 44 Ω

SEND: 1 k Ω

Recommended Load Impedance

| OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): 10 k Ω or greater PHONES: 44 Ω or greater

SEND: 10 k Ω or greater

Display| 7 segments, 2 characters (LED)

Connectors

| INPUT jack, OUTPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks, SEND jack, RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type

USB COMPUTER port: USB Type-C®

Bluetooth ADAPTOR connector: Dedicated connector DC IN jack

Power Supply| Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4

AC adaptor

Current Draw| 190 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use| Alkaline battery: Approximately 6.5 hours

• This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.

Dimensions| 443 (W) x 220 (D) x 67 (H) mm

17-1/2 (W) x 8-11/16 (D) x 2-11/16 (H) inches

Maximum height| 443 (W) x 220 (D) x 93 (H) mm

17-1/2 (W) x 8-11/16 (D) x 3-11/16 (H) inches

Weight (including battery)| 2.9 kg

6 lbs 7 oz

Accessories

| STARTUP GUIDE

Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”

Options (sold separately)| AC adaptor: PSA-S series

Bluetooth ® **** Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor: BT-DUAL

• 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
• This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

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