- Download the Manuals<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Download and Install the Driver<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- BOSS ME-90 Firmware Update<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Download and Install the BOSS Tone Studio and BOSS IR Loader Apps<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- ME-90 Inputs and Outputs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Basic Operation: Manual and Memory Modes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Front Panel Controls<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- BOSS ME-90 Effects Order and Signal Chain<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Editing and Saving Patches on the ME-90<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Useful Functions<\/strong><\/a>
- Tap Tempo and Modulation with the Expression Pedal<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Looper<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Using the ME-90 to Record to Your DAW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Expanding the ME-90 with Bluetooth<\/strong><\/a>
- Connecting Bluetooth Audio<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Bluetooth External Footswitches and Controllers for ME-90<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Register Your Purchase and Set Up Your Software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you will need to do is register your ME-90 with BOSS. When you open the box, there will be a card with a QR code that includes the serial number for your ME-90. The QR code will take you to a page to register your purchase. You can also click this link to BOSS.info\/backstage\/<\/a>, log in to your existing account or create a new one, and register with the serial number on the bottom of your unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Roland-Boss-Registration\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Roland-Boss-Registration.jpg\")
<\/a>BOSS Product Registration page.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Download the Manuals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To understand the full array of features, you will need to consult the BOSS owner\u2019s manuals and guides, which you can download from the ME-90 Support page<\/a>. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- ME-90 Startup Guide<\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Reference Manual<\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Parameter Guide<\/a><\/li>
- Using BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90 (PC)<\/a><\/li>
- Using BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90 (mobile)<\/a><\/li>
- Using ME-90 IR Loader<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Download and Install the Driver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To make full use of your ME-90, you need to connect it to your computer via a USB-C cable, install the driver for your operating system, check to see if the firmware needs updating, and then install the BOSS Tone Studio app<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connect the cable to the USB-C port on the back of the ME-90 and connect the other end directly to your Mac or your Windows PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go to the BOSS ME-90 Downloads page<\/a> and download the newest ME-90 Driver<\/strong> for your version of macOS or Windows. Double-click the downloaded driver and follow the instructions to complete the installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BOSS ME-90 Firmware Update<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From time to time, BOSS will release a new version of the ME-90 firmware that will fix bugs and add additional features. BOSS refers to the firmware as the System Program<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The firmware version works in tandem with the BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90 app<\/strong> for macOS and Windows PC. If you install the newest version of the BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90 app and it cannot recognize your ME-90, it is likely that you need to update the firmware on the ME-90.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head over to Sweetwater\u2019s BOSS ME-90 Firmware Update guide, follow the instructions, then come back here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>Download and Install the BOSS Tone Studio and BOSS IR Loader apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boss-App-Logos\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Boss-App-Logos-1024x509.jpg\")
<\/a>BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90 app and ME-90 IR Loader app for macOS and Windows.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Go to the ME-90 Downloads page, under Updates & Drivers<\/a>.<\/li>
- Click on the BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90<\/strong> installer for macOS or Windows. This will take you to a page with installation instructions.<\/li>
- Scroll to the bottom and click the box next to I agree and wish to proceed with download<\/strong>. Click the Download File<\/strong> button.<\/li>
- Run the installer on your computer. Follow the instructions.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boss-Tone-Studio-ME-90-One\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Boss-Tone-Studio-ME-90-One-1024x614.jpg\")
<\/a>BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90\u2019s Editor view.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n ![\"Boss-Tone-Studio-ME-90-Two\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Boss-Tone-Studio-ME-90-Two-1024x614.jpg\")
<\/a>Use the BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90 to download collections of patches from BOSS Tone Central.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Learn more in the user\u2019s manual Using BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is Sweetwater\u2019s article on working with the BOSS Tone Studio for the BOSS Katana amplifiers. Most of the information applies to the ME-90 as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>ME-90 IR Loader<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The ME-90 provides a different cabinet and speaker model for each Preamp<\/strong> simulation. You can also upload your own custom IR (impulse response) models from a third-party source using the ME-90 IR Loader app<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Go to the ME-90 Downloads page, under Updates & Drivers<\/a>.<\/li>
- Click on the ME-90 IR Loader<\/strong> installer for macOS or Windows. This will take you to a page with installation instructions.<\/li>
- Scroll to the bottom and click the box next to I agree and wish to proceed with download<\/strong>. Click the Download File<\/strong> button.<\/li>
- Run the installer on your computer. Follow the instructions.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Consult the BOSS document Using the ME-90 IR Loader<\/a>. Learn more in the ME-90 Reference Manual > Connecting to your computer via USB > Loading IR data to use this unit as a speaker simulator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ME-90 Inputs and Outputs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boss-ME-90-Back-Panel\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Boss-ME-90-Back-Panel-1024x455.jpg\")
<\/a>BOSS ME-90 back panel connections<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Always make sure the Power Switch<\/strong> is off and the Output Level knob<\/strong> on the front panel is turned all the way down before you connect or disconnect your headphones or other cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Power Adapter<\/strong>. Connect a Roland PSA-120S 9v 500mA power supply<\/a>, sold separately. Use the cord hook next to the power adapter jack to wrap the cable around it to relieve strain. Alternatively, the BOSS ME-90 can be powered<\/strong> using four AA batteries<\/strong>. The battery panel is on the underside of the unit.<\/li>
- Power switch<\/strong>.<\/li>
- USB-C<\/strong>. Connect a USB-C cable to your macOS or Windows PC to control and program the ME-90 with the BOSS Tone Studio app<\/strong> and to use the ME-90 as an audio interface for sending digital audio to your DAW.<\/li>
- Bluetooth Adapter port<\/strong>. To be able to play back aux audio input from your phone or device, to use the BOSS Tone Studio Mobile app<\/strong> for iOS and Android, and to connect optional additional footswitches and expression pedals, you need to connect the BOSS BT-Dual – Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adapter<\/a>, sold separately, to this port. We will discuss this below.<\/li>
- Send\/Return<\/strong> (effects loop). Use 1\/4-inch TS cables to connect an external effects pedal to the signal chain of the ME-90. You can turn the external effect on and off with a footswitch on the ME-90\u2019s front panel controls. Learn more in the BOSS ME-90 Reference Manual > Connecting to and using an external effect unit via the Send\/Return jacks<\/a>.<\/li>
- Headphones<\/strong>. Connect your headphones with a 1\/8-inch TRS connector.<\/li>
- Speaker Simulator switch (Gt. Amp\/Line)<\/strong>. Use this small, recessed switch to turn the built-in speaker simulator on or off. If you are using the ME-90\u2019s amplifier emulation (Preamp<\/strong>) and outputting the signal to a mixer or speakers, or if you are listening with headphones, set this switch to Line<\/strong> so that the speaker simulator is on<\/strong>. If you are bypassing the Preamp effect and connecting the output of the ME-90 to a guitar amplifier, set the switch to Gt. Amp<\/strong> to turn the speaker simulator off<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Output (R, L\/Mono)<\/strong>. For mono output, connect a 1\/4-inch TS instrument cable to the L\/Mono jack. For stereo output, connect 1\/4-inch TS instrument cables to both jacks.<\/li>
- Input<\/strong>. Connect your guitar with a 1\/4-inch TS instrument cable.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Basic Operation: Manual and Memory Modes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On the front panel is the Memory\/Manual<\/strong> footswitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Manual mode<\/strong>, the unit operates as if it were a pedalboard of stompboxes. Each effect can be turned on and off with its respective footswitch. The physical positions of each of the knobs in each effects section matches the parameter level for that knob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Memory mode<\/strong>, the ME-90 operates as a programmable multi-effects pedal. The ME-90 has a factory set of nine banks of four patches each, plus nine banks of user patches, for a total of 72 patches. When you call up a patch, each parameter of each effect has a setting that is different from what you see on the hardware knobs. If, after recalling a patch, you move a rotary switch or turn a knob, that knob\u2019s value will take on the physical position of where you turn it. In this way you can tailor sounds, then save your reprogrammed patch to a new location in the ME-90\u2019s user memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The footswitches and the expression pedal take on different functions depending on whether you are in Manual<\/strong> or Memory<\/strong> mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ME-90 Front Panel Controls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boss-ME-90-Controls\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Boss-ME-90-Controls-1024x584.jpg\")
<\/a>BOSS ME-90 controls<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n - Amp and Effects section<\/strong>. Rotary switches and knobs for the parameters of the Preamp<\/strong> and each of the effects modules.<\/li>
- Display<\/strong>. The two-character LED display provides a simple readout one parameter at a time.<\/li>
- Patch Edit buttons<\/strong>. The Exit<\/strong>, Write<\/strong>, Ctl,<\/strong> and Edit<\/strong> buttons are used to edit and save your patches in Memory mode<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Expression Pedal and Pedal Controls<\/strong>. By default, the Expression Pedal<\/strong> is a master volume pedal. If you are playing your guitar and you don\u2019t hear anything, step on the pedal and push it toward the toe-down position. However, as you can see by the selection switch, the Expression Pedal can be assigned to many different functions.<\/li>
- Memory\/Manual switch<\/strong>. Select between the two main modes of operation.<\/li>
- Effects Selection switches<\/strong>. In Memory mode<\/strong>, step on these switches to move between different banks of patches and to select a patch. In Manual mode<\/strong>, use these switches to turn each effect section on and off.<\/li>
- Control switch<\/strong>. This effects selection switch has a special function. In Memory mode<\/strong>, it engages a number of effects and parameters simultaneously, according to the patch. For example, it provides a different setting or boost that you can use between rhythm and lead playing or between verse and chorus. If you are in Manual mode<\/strong>, then this switch simply turns the Reverb<\/strong> effect on or off. Holding the switch down for two seconds engages the ME-90\u2019s built-in tuner.<\/li>
- Output Level knob<\/strong>. This is the master volume, adjusting the level of the Output<\/strong> jacks and the Headphones<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
BOSS ME-90 Effects Order and Signal Chain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boss-ME-90-Signal-Chain\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/07\/Boss-ME-90-Signal-Chain-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/a>BOSS ME-90 signal chain<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n The order of the effects in the ME-90 is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pedal Effects > Compressor\/Effect 1 > Overdrive\/Distortion > Send\/Return > Preamp > Noise Suppressor > Foot Volume > Modulation > Equalizer\/Effect 2 > Delay > Reverb<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order is fixed, with one exception: you can select whether the external hardware Send\/Return comes just before the Preamp (optimal for connecting an external distortion or overdrive pedal), or just after the Preamp (optimal for a delay or reverb pedal). Consult the ME-90 Reference Manual > Configuring the device overall (system settings) > Send\/Return insertion point setting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Display<\/strong>. The two-character LED display provides a simple readout one parameter at a time.<\/li>
- Power switch<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Click on the ME-90 IR Loader<\/strong> installer for macOS or Windows. This will take you to a page with installation instructions.<\/li>
- Click on the BOSS Tone Studio for ME-90<\/strong> installer for macOS or Windows. This will take you to a page with installation instructions.<\/li>
- ME-90 Reference Manual<\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- ME-90 Looper<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Download and Install the Driver<\/strong><\/a><\/li>