BOSS MD-200 Built In Modulation Pedal Owner’s Manual

June 15, 2024
Boss

BOSS MD-200 Built In Modulation Pedal

Specifications:

  • Display: Shows parameters and values
  • RATE knob: Adjusts speed of effect sound changes or switches memories
  • DEPTH knob: Adjusts depth of effect sound modulation
  • E. LEVEL knob: Adjusts volume of effect sound
  • Mode knob: Selects the effect

Product Usage Instructions

Panel Descriptions:
Top Panel:

  • Display: Shows the parameters and the values.
  • [RATE] knob: Adjusts the speed at which the effect sound changes, or switches memories. Example indications include Rate (frequency) 0.01 Hz = 0.01, 1 Hz = 1.00, 10 Hz = 10.0.
  • [DEPTH] knob: Adjusts the depth to which the effect sound is modulated.
  • [E. LEVEL] knob: Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.
  • Mode knob: Selects the effect from various modes like CHORUS, FLANGER, PHASER, etc.

Setting Parameters:
Set the parameters by holding down the [RATE] knob and turning the [DEPTH], [E. LEVEL], and PARAM [1] to [3] knobs. The parameters differ depending on the selected mode.

Specific Mode Parameters:

  • CHORUS (CHO): PARAM 1 – SWT (SWEETNESS), TYP (TYPE) – CE-1 CHORUS (CE1) or VIB (Vibrato sound)
  • FLANGER (FLG): PARAM 1 – RES (RESONANCE)
  • PHASER (PHS): PARAM 1 – RES (RESONANCE)
  • VINTAGE PHASER (VPH): PARAM 1 – TYP (TYPE) THR (THRU) or CRH (CRUNCH)
  • Additional settings for PARAM 2 and PARAM 3 based on selected modes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  1. Q: How do I switch between different effects?
    A: To switch between effects, use the Mode knob to select the desired effect mode.

  2. Q: What does the [RATE] knob do?
    A: The [RATE] knob adjusts the speed at which the effect sound changes or switches memories. It can also control parameters in some modes like ROTARY.

  3. Q: How can I adjust the volume of the effect sound?
    A: You can adjust the volume of the effect sound using the [E. LEVEL] knob. In some modes, it also helps in balancing between the effect sound and direct sound.

Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and the Owner’s Manual (p. 19)). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.
© 2019 Roland Corporation

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel

1 Display
Shows the parameters and the values.

2 [RATE] knob

3 [DEPTH] knob
Adjusts the depth to which the effect sound is modulated.

  • When the mode is ROTARY, this adjusts the amount of preamp distortion. When the mode is SLICER, this adjusts the balance between the effect sound and the direct sound.

4 [E. LEVEL] knob
Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.
In some modes, this adjusts the balance between effect sound and direct sound.

5 Mode knob

Selects the effect.

Mode Explanation
CHORUS ( CHO ) Chorus sound using cutting-edge BOSS technology.
CE-1 CHORUS ( CE1 ) A chorus sound that models the CE-1.
FLANGER ( FLG ) Produces a flanging effect.
PHASER ( PHS ) Produces a phase effect.

VINTAGE PHASER

( VPH )

| Models the MXR PHASE90 produced during the 1970s.
CLASSIC VIBE ( CVB )| Models the Uni-Vibe.
VIBRATO ( VIB )| Vibrato with a unique effect.
---|---
TREMOLO ( TRM )| An effect that cyclically changes the volume.
ROTARY ( ROT )| Realistically reproduces the sound of a rotary speaker.
AUTO WAH ( AWH )| Cyclically modulates a filter to automatically create a wah effect.
SLICER ( SLI )| Cyclically cuts the sound to create a variety of slice patterns.
OVERTONE ( OVT )| Adds new overtones to create resonance and depth not present in the original sound.

6 PARAM [1]–[3] knob

Set the parameters. The parameters differ depending on the mode.
Holding down the [RATE] knob and turning the [DEPTH], [E. LEVEL], and PARAM [1] to [3] knobs, to indicate the parameter name (abbreviation) on the display while changing the value.

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MD-200-Built-In-Modulation-Pedal-\(31\)

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7 [TAP DIVISION] button
Specifies the rate as a note value relative to the BPM.
Preventing accidental operation (panel lock)
By long-pressing the [TAP DIVISION] button, you can switch between enabling (unlocking) or disabling (locking) operation of the knobs and buttons.
If you attempt an operation while the unit is locked, the display indicates “ .”

8 TAP DIVISION indicator

Indicates the rate as a note value, relative to quarter-notes (100%) of the interval at which you press the pedal.

9 [MEMORY] button
Switches or saves memories (MANUAL, 1–127) (p. 10).
The memory is switched each time you press the [MEMORY] button. You can also switch memories by holding down the [MEMORY] button and turning the [RATE] knob.

10 MEMORY indicator
Indicates the currently selected memory.
If a memory 5–127 is selected, the indicator is unlit.

11 [ON/OFF] switch
Turns the effect on/off.

12 [MEMORY/TAP] switch
Switches memories (p. 10).
Long-press the [MEMORY/TAP] switch to select tap mode.
By pressing the switch in time with the tempo of the song you’re performing, you can specify a speed of modulation that matches the song.
When the mode is ROTARY, this switches the rotation speed of the speaker.

MEMO
The function of the footswitch can be changed by “MFC” (MEMORY FUNCTION).

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

  • To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

A INPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks
Connect your guitar, bass, or effect unit here.
Use the A/MONO and B jacks if connecting an effect unit that has stereo output. Use only the A/MONO jack if using this unit in mono.

Turning On/Off the Power
The INPUT A/MONO jack also operates as the power switch. The power turns on when you insert a plug into the INPUT A/MONO jack.

When powering up
Power-up equipment such as your guitar amp last.

When powering down
Power-down equipment such as your guitar amp first.

  • 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.

B OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks
Connect this jack to your amp or monitor speakers.
Use only the OUTPUT A/MONO jack if using this unit in mono. Even sound that is input in stereo is output in mono.
The input/output jacks can be used to utilize the insert loop function (p. 13).

C CTL 1, 2/EXP jack
Using the jack as CTL 1, 2 You can connect a footswitch (sold separately: FS- 5U, FS-6, FS-7) and use it to tap-input the rate or switch memories (p. 11).

Using the jack as EXP
You can connect an expression pedal (sold separately: EV-30, Roland EV-5, etc.) and use it to control the rate or the volume of the effect sound (p. 13).

  • Use only the specified expression pedal. By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

D DC IN jack
An AC adaptor (sold separately: PSA-S series) can be connected to this jack.

  • Use only the specified AC adaptor (sold separately: PSA-S series) and plug it into an AC outlet of the correct voltage.
  • If the AC adaptor is connected while power is on, the power supply is drawn from the AC adaptor.

Side Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

E MIDI jacks
Use a TRS/MIDI connecting cable (sold separately: BMIDI-5-35) to connect an external MIDI device. You can use an external MIDI device to switch the memories of this unit.

  • Do not connect an audio device here. Doing so will cause malfunctions.

F USB port (for program updates only)
Connect your computer using a commercially available USB cable that supports USB 2.0.

  • Do not use a micro USB cable that is designed only for charging a device. Charge-only cables cannot transmit data.
  • This is used only for program updates.

Saving and Switching Memories

Saving to Memory
Here’s how to save effect settings that you edited.

  1. Long-press the [MEMORY] button.
    The display indicates “Wrt.”

  2. Turn the [RATE] knob to select the save-destination (MAN, 1–127).
    You can also select the save-destination by pressing the [MEMORY] button.
    If you decide to cancel, press the [TAP DIVISION] button.

  3. Long-press the [MEMORY] button to confirm the save-destination.
    The memory is saved.

  • If you save to MAN, the settings of the panel are applied as the values for MODE, DEPTH, E.LEVEL, and PARAM 1–3.

Switching Memories
Here’s how to recall a saved memory.
Press the [MEMORY] button to select a memory.

You can also switch memories by holding down the [MEMORY] button and turning the [RATE] knob.

  • The MEMORY indicator is unlit if a memory 5–127 is selected.

MEMO
You can specify the memory switching range by editing the ETF (EXTENT FROM) and ETT (EXTENT TO) settings (p. 14).

What is “MAN” (manual)?
This unit normally applies the effect according to the settings that are saved in memory, but if you select MAN (manual) the effect is applied according to the positions of the panel knobs. Even in this case, the rate and TAP DIVISION recall the settings that are written to MAN (this can be changed).

Overall Settings (Menu)

Basic Operation

  1. Press the [TAP DIVISION] button and [MEMORY] button simultaneously.
    You enter menu mode.

  2. Turn the [RATE] knob to select a parameter, and then press the [RATE] knob.
    The value is displayed.

  3. Turn the [RATE] knob to edit the value.

  4. Press the [RATE] knob.

  5. Press the [TAP DIVISION] button and [MEMORY] button simultaneously.
    You exit menu mode.

Assigning functions to external pedals

You can connect footswitches (sold separately: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) to the CTL 1, 2/EXP jack, and use them to tap-input the rate or to switch memories.
Use the menu items “C1F” or “C2F” to make these settings (p. 12).

About the MEMORY mark

  • Can be set and saved for each memory by the “Saving to Memory” (p. 10) operation. If you do not perform this operation, the settings are lost when you switch memories.
  • Can be set and saved for each memory if the preference (SWP/MEP/C1P/ C2P/EPP) is set to MEM (MEMORY). To save, refer to “Saving to Memory” (p. 10).
    If set to SYS (SYSTEM), the settings common to the unit are used. Function settings are saved automatically.

Appendix

Returning to the Factory Settings (Factory Reset)
Here’s how to return the MD-200 to its factory-set state.

  1. While holding down the [ON/OFF] switch and [MEMORY/TAP] switch, turn on the power (insert a plug into the INPUT A/MONO jack). The display indicates “ .”

  2. Press the [MEMORY/TAP] switch.
    The display indicates “ .”
    If you decide to cancel, press the [MEMORY] button.

  3. Press the [MEMORY/TAP] switch.
    The factory reset is executed.

  4. When the display indicates “ ,” turn the power off and on again.

Installing Batteries

Insert the batteries as shown below, being careful to orient the batteries correctly.

  • Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.

  • If operating this unit on batteries, please muse alkaline batteries.

  • Even if batteries are installed, the unit will turn off if you connect or disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet while the unit is turned on, or if you connect or
    disconnect the AC adaptor from the unit. When this occurs, unsaved data may be lost. You must turn off the power before you connect or disconnect the power cord or AC adaptor.

  • 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.

  • 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” ).

  • “Lo” will appear on the display if the batteries are low. Replace them with new ones.

Attaching the Rubber Feet
You can attach the rubber feet (included) if necessary. Attach them in the locations shown in the illustration.

  • Using the unit without rubber feet may damage the floor.

Main Specifications

BOSS MD-200: Modulation

  • Power Supply Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 3, AC adaptor (sold separately)

  • Current Draw 225 mA

  • Expected Battery Alkaline: Approx. 4 Hours
    Life Under
    Continuous Use

  • These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

  • Dimensions
    101 (W) x 138 (D) x 63 (H) mm / 4 (W) x 5-7/16 (D) x 2-1/2 (H) inches
    101 (W) x 138 (D) x 65 (H) mm / 4 (W) x 5-7/16 (D) x 2-9/16 (H) inches (including rubber foot)

  • Weight 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz (including batteries)

  • Accessories
    Leaflet “To obtain the Owner’s Manual”
    Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
    Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 3
    Rubber foot x 4

  • Options
    AC adaptor: PSA-S series
    Footswitch: FS-5U
    Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
    Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
    MIDI/TRS connecting cable: BMIDI-5-35

  • 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.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY/IMPORTANT NOTES

CAUTION
Keep small items out of the reach of children
To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed below, always keep them out of the reach of small children.

  • Included Parts Rubber feet (p. 18)

Additional Precautions

  • Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
  • Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

SUPPLIER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Compliance Information Statement

  • Model Name : MD-200
  • Type of Equipment : Guitar Effects
  • Responsible Party : Roland Corporation U.S.
  • Address : 5100 S. Eastern Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
  • Telephone : 323-890-3700

Intellectual Property Right

  • This product includes third party open source software. Copyright (c) 2009-2017 ARM Limited. All rights reserved. Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the “License”); You may obtain a copy of the License at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
  • Roland, BOSS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
  • Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.
  • In this manual, company names and product names of the respective owners are used because it is the most practical way of describing the sounds that are emulated using DSP technology.

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