Why would BOSS offer another addition to their arsenal of multi-effects guitar pedals? Their intent with the ME-70 is to offer a simpler interface to dial up the latest version of sounds from their COSM line of modeling and effects.
BOSS always lives up to their reputation of making top-notch guitar pedals for the live musician, but the ME-70 really perfects that role in several ways. First is the sound quality. Anyone familiar with BOSS pedals has probably heard of COSM effects modeling, which was among the first digital amp-modeling invented (by the gurus at Roland). BOSS and Roland have improved on their original modeling algorithms longer than anyone else, so what you get has been fine-tuned over many revisions. The sound really is tremendous.
The real reason BOSS designed a new and improved multi-effects pedal was to put their latest version of effects and modeling under the control of a streamlined, simple-to-use interface. Every one of the pedals and knobs is clearly labeled for quick dynamic control. You literally plug in and start shaping your sound. Running through the presets, you get a large variety of setups that you can adjust, save, and recall as user presets using one or two buttons (without scrolling through nameless menus).
Combining preamp models with compression, distortion, modulation, reverb, and delay allows a wide range of musically relevant and useful tones. This doesn’t do the drastic sound demolition that some effects modules allow, where you might think, “Wow, that’s cool. Now let’s find something I’ll actually use.” Whether you’re going through thick metal crunch, gritty blues, clean jazz, or your own personal tone, it all sounds good. No matter where I went with it, I never heard it sound bad.
For the ease of control and wide range of musically rich sounds, the BOSS ME-70 could be the ideal processor for the gigging guitarist.
