BOSS ME-90 Review [GX-100 Comparison]

If you’re someone who finds multi-effects difficult to operate, wants to use basic effects without getting too complicated, or wants to assemble an effect board but doesn’t have a large budget, this article is for you. Yosh (@Yosh_Guitar), a ex-music store clerk in Japan, provides a thorough explanation of the BOSS ME-90 multi-effects, which was released in July 2023.

This multi-effects, like the previous ME series, is user-friendly even for effects pedals users. It has inherited features from higher-end models like the AIRD preamp, significantly improving sound quality. While it doesn’t allow for intricate sound creation like the GX-100, it is simple and easy to understand, and the ME-90 alone can cover basic sound creation.

With a lower budget than assembling various pedal effects from scratch, you can use nearly 100 types of effects. It’s recommended for those trying out multi-effects for the first time or veteran guitarists who find recent multi-effects operations troublesome.

BOSS ME-90 Pros

• Easy to Operate
• AIRD Preamp from the Top Model GT-1000
• 60 Types of Effects
• External Effect Connection Possible with Send/Return Loop
• Operable with AAA Batteries or Adapter
• Editable and Addable Tones with Dedicated App
• Operable with Stomp Box Sensation
• 8 Foot-switches for Preferred Tone Switching Mode
• Headphone Available for Home Practice
• Optimal Sound for Any Amp

Easy to Operate

Like the previous ME series, this multi-effects allows you to create sounds with the same operability as pedal effects. There are many knobs, which might be overwhelming, but each effect has its own knob, so you can operate it without complicated button operations. The layout is like a combination of multiple pedal-effects.

AIRD Preamp from the Top Model GT-1000

Equipped with a professional-quality AIRD preamp introduced in BOSS’s top multi-effects model, the GT-1000. It features 11 types of amps, from clean to high-gain distortion, making it versatile for all genres.

Note: [RECTI STACK] can be replaced with the dedicated app.

Preamp Name	Description
NATURAL	Natural clean
X-CRUNCH	Crunch using MDP technology
X-HI GAIN	High gain using MDP technology
MAXIMUM	High gain mod of vintage Marshall
JUGGERNAUT	High gain for large metal stacks
X-MODDED	Modern high gain using MDP technology
TWIN COMBO	Fender Twin Reverb modeling
TWEED COMBO	Fender Bassman modeling
DIAMOND	VOX AC30 modeling
BRIT STACK	Marshall 1959 modeling
RECTI STACK	Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier modeling
*TRANSPARENT	Flat amp ideal for acoustic guitar
*BOUTIQUE	Crunch of a combo amp sensitive to nuances
*SUPREME	Crunch of a stack amp sensitive to nuances
*JC-120	Roland JC-120 modeling
*DELUXE COMBO	Fender Deluxe Reverb modeling

The entries marked with an asterisk (*) can be replaced with [RECTI STACK] using the dedicated app.

60 Types of Effects

Standard effects are built-in and there should be sufficient for your needs. It also includes modern effects like shimmer delay and a looper that can record up to 38 seconds.

Below is a list of effects. The * can be replaced with a dedicated application.

COMP/FX1

Effect Name	Description
COMP	Compressor
T.WAH UP	Auto Wah affecting high frequency band
SLOW GEAR	Effect mimicking volume pedal technique
DEFRETTER	Effect mimicking fretless guitar
OCTAVE	Octaver
HUMANIZER	Vocoder-like effect
FEEDBACKER	Feedback-like effect while pedal is pressed
AC SIM	Changes electric guitar sound to acoustic
SOLO	Sound ideal for solo performance
TUNE DOWN	Down tuning
S-BEND	Changes pitch up and down while pedal is pressed
*D-COMP	Modeling of MXR Dyna Comp
*RING MOD	Ring Modulator
*POLY OCTAVE	Octaver capable of handling chords
*T.WAH DOWN	Auto Wah affecting low frequency band
*Single > Hum	Changes single coil sound to humbucker-like
*Hum > Single	Changes humbucker sound to single coil-like

OD/DS (Overdrive/Distortion)

Effect Name	Description
BOOST	Booster
OVERDRIVE	BOSS SD-1 Modeling
T-SCREAM	Ibanez TS-808 Modeling
CENTA OD	KLON CENTAUR Modeling
BLUES OD	BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver Modeling
DISTORTION	BOSS DS-1 Modeling
TURBO DS	BOSS DS-2 Modeling
RAT DS	Proco RAT Modeling
METAL DS	BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone Modeling
CORE	BOSS ML-2 Metal Core Modeling
MUFF FUZZ	Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Modeling
*CLEAN BOOST	Clean Booster
*TREBLE BOOST	Treble Booster
*OD-1	BOSS OD-1 Modeling
*TURBO OD	BOSS OD-2 Modeling
*GUV DS	Marshall Guv ‘Nor
*’60S FUZZ	Fuzz Face
*OCT FUZZ	Octave Fuzz

MOD (Modulation)

Effect Name	Description
PHASER	Phaser
FLANGER	Flanger
TREMOLO	Tremolo
CHORUS	Chorus
VIBRATO	Vibrato
PITCH SHIFT	Pitch Shifter
HARMONIST	Reproduces a harmony like a twin guitar when a single tone is played
ROTARY	Rotary Speaker-like Effect
UNI-V	Uni-Vibe Modeling
DELAY	Delay
OVERTONE	Adds new overtones using MDP technology
*SCRIPT PHASER	MXR Phase 90 Modeling
*STEREO CHORUS	Stereo Chorus
*CE-1 CHORUS	BOSS CE-1 Modeling
*AUTO WAH	Auto Wah

DELAY

Effect Name	Description
STANDARD	Delay with delay time from 10 to 800 msec
ANALOG	Mild analog-like delay
TAPE	Fluctuating tape echo-like delay
WARM	Warm delay
MODULATE	Delay with added fluctuation
REVERSE	Reverse playback delay
TEMPO	Delay that corresponds to tap tempo
TAPE ECHO	Delay that changes reverb with picking strength using MDP technology
SHIMMER	Delay mixed with pitch-changed sound
PHRASE LOOP	Looper up to 38 seconds
+ REVERB	Delay combined with reverb
*CHO+DELAY	Delay combined with chorus
*WARP	Creates a fantastical sound while the pedal is pressed
*TWIST	Creates a rotating sensation while the pedal is pressed
*GLITCH	Becomes a machine gun-like delay sound while the pedal is pressed

NS(Noise Supressor)

EQ/FX2

Effect Name	Description
PHASER	Phaser
TREM/PAN	Tremolo
BOOST	Booster
DELAY	Delay
CHORUS	Chorus
EQ	3-band Equalizer
*FLANGER	Flanger
*VIBRATO	Vibrato
*PITCH SHIFT	Pitch Shifter
*HARMONIST	Reproduces a harmony like a twin guitar when a single tone is played
*ROTARY	Rotary Speaker-like Effect
*UNI-V	Uni-Vibe Modeling
*OVERTONE	Adds new overtones using MDP technology

REVERB

Effect Name	Description
ROOM	Room Reverb
HALL	Hall Reverb
SPRING	Spring Reverb

PEDAL FX

Effect Name	Description
WAH	Wah
VOICE	Vocoder-like
+1 OCT	Whammy (+1 Octave)
+2 OCT	Whammy (+2 Octave)
-1 OCT	Whammy (-1 Octave)
-2 OCT	Whammy (-2 Octave)
FREEZE	Sustains the guitar sound when the pedal is pressed
OSC DELAY	Can cause oscillation state of delay
OD/DS	Controls DRIVE when using OD/DS
MOD RATE	Controls RATE when using MOD
DELAY LEVEL	Controls delay level when using DELAY

External Effect Connection Possible with Send/Return Loop

Although you can use a wide range of effects with just the main unit, many people want to use their favorite distortion pedal. The ME-90 has a send/return terminal, so you can apply external effects before the preamp, which is ideal for distortion pedals, or after the preamp, which is ideal for delay pedals.

Operable with AA Batteries or Adapter

In addition to the adapter, it can also be powered by batteries, which is useful in situation without power, for noise countermeasures. You can also quickly ready to play. It operates for about 6.5 hours with four alkaline AA batteries.

Editable and Addable Tones with Dedicated App

You can edit and add tones by connecting to a PC or mobile device. You can also download tone patches created by professional musicians. If you connect to a PC, it also functions as a USB audio interface. You can also add up to three external IR data.

8 Foot-switches for Preferred Tone Switching Mode

There are as many as 8 foot-switches. You can choose from MEMORY mode, which switches the content of effects at once with the created patch, and MANUAL mode, which turns each effector ON/OFF as if you lined up compact effectors. The LED next to the switch represents the color corresponding to each effect, making it visually easy to understand.

Headphone Available for Home Practice

There is a headphone terminal on the back of the unit, which can be used for home practice. It also comes with IR, so you can enjoy real-guitar tones even with headphones.

Optimal Sound for Any Amp

You can switch to the best sound for connecting to a guitar amp and line output with a switch on the back. Furthermore, if you set the following when connecting to a guitar amp, it will adjust to the best sound for the amp you are using. It reduces the negative sound changes that occur depending on the amp you use, so you can smoothly create sounds even when using the AIRD amp.

Display	Description
1: TUBE COMBO 212 INPUT	Optimal when connecting to the input of a 12-inch 2-tube combo amp
2: TUBE COMBO 212 RETURN	Optimal when connecting to the return of a 12-inch 2-tube combo amp
3: TUBE COMBO 112 INPUT	Optimal when connecting to the input of a 12-inch 1-tube combo amp
4: TUBE COMBO 112 RETURN	Optimal when connecting to the return of a 12-inch 1-tube combo amp
5: TUBE STACK 412 INPUT	Optimal when connecting to the input of a 12-inch 4-tube stack amp
6: TUBE STACK 412 RETURN	Optimal when connecting to the return of a 12-inch 4-tube stack amp
7: JC-120 INPUT	Optimal when connecting to the input of a ROLAND JC-120
8: JC-120 RETURN	Optimal when connecting to the return of a ROLAND JC-120
9: KATANA-100/212 INPUT	Optimal when connecting to the input of a BOSS KATANA-100/212
10: KATANA-100/212 RETURN	Optimal when connecting to the return of a BOSS KATANA-100/212
11: KATANA-100 INPUT	Optimal when connecting to the input of a BOSS KATANA-100
12: KATANA-100 RETURN	Optimal when connecting to the return of a BOSS KATANA-100

Cons

• Small and Inconvenient Display
• Detailed Sound Creation Not Possible
• Bluetooth Connection Requires Separate Adapter

Small and Inconvenient Display

The display is almost just for displaying numbers. It has a tuner function, but it may be harder to see than a regular tuner. Also, when you switch patches, you won’t immediately know the parameters of each effect.

Detailed Sound Creation Not Possible

While intuitive operation is possible, the number of knobs is limited, so there are few effect parameters. Also, the order of effect connections is fixed and cannot be changed. There is no problem for basic sound creation, so if this point bothers advanced users, a higher grade one would be better.

Bluetooth Connection Requires Separate Adapter

In addition to the main unit, you can create sounds with a mobile device app, but a separate adapter is required to connect via Bluetooth. This is an option to keep costs down.

Evolution from the Old Model ME-80

Specification	ME-90	ME-80
Release Date	July 2023	January 2014
Sampling Frequency, AD/DA Conversion	48kHz, 24-bit	44.1kHz, 24-bit
Preamp	AIRD: 11 types	COSM: 9 types
Effect Types	97 types	62 types
LED Color	Yes	No
Send/Return Terminal	Yes	No
AUX IN Terminal	No	Yes
Battery Operation	4 AA batteries: about 6.5 hours	6 AA batteries: about 7 hours
Size	443 x 220 x 67 mm	447 x 231 x 70 mm
Weight	2.9kg	3.6kg

Let’s compare the specifications with the previous model, ME-80. I compared mainly different specifications. It can be said that it is a legitimate evolution. In terms of sound quality, it can be said that it has improved due to the sampling frequency and the adoption of the algorithm (AIRD) of the higher-end model.

The inside is a digital effects, so there are probably few people who think that the sound of the old model with low resolution is better. Also, the variety of effects has increased. The visibility has also improved with the addition of color to the foot-switch and LED of the effect part.

An external effects can be added with the added send/return terminal, but the external sound input AUX IN has been abolished. The weight has also been reduced, making it more convenient to carry around.

Comparison of ME-90 and GX-100

Specification	ME-90	GX-100
Release Date	July 2023	March 2022
Market Price	$350	$600
Sampling Frequency, AD/DA Conversion	48kHz, 24-bit	48kHz, 24-bit
Preamp	AIRD: 11 types	AIRD: 23 types
Effect Types	97 types	154 types
Maximum Simultaneous Effects	10	18
Display	2-digit LED	Color Graphic LCD (480×272 dots) with Touch Screen
Number of Footswitches	8	8
Send/Return Terminal	Yes	Yes
Battery Operation	4 AAA batteries: about 6.5 hours	Not available
Size	443 x 220 x 67 mm	460 x 193 x 73 mm
Weight	2.9kg	3.5kg

Let’s also compare the differences with BOSS’s other middle-class multi-effects, GX-100. The GX-100, which is about $250 higher, is overwhelming in terms of the richness of amps and effects, the number of various parameters, and the freedom of simultaneous use of effects, in terms of meticulous and professional sound making.

In terms of operation, in addition to the usual multi-effects buttons and knobs, it also allows for operation using a touch display. For guitarists who care about sound quality and want to create sounds unique to multi-effects, the GX-100 is recommended.

On the other hand, the ME-90 is suitable for light users who are sufficient with simple operation and basic use of combining effect-pedals, common to the series. It can be said that it has the highest sound quality in the series. It’s easy to handle even for users who are not interested in multi-effects, and it’s a unit that people who are considering creating an pedal board from scratch should consider.

Even if you try to create an pedal board for $350, if you also include a power supply and patch cables, the cost will be:

• Power supply: $100-200
• One pedal : $100-200
• One patch cable: $10-20

So in reality, you can only buy about three pedals. The ME-90 is recommended for people who don’t know which effects they need or which effects they like, and who can’t understand the operation of other multi-effects.

ME-90 is recommended for

• People who want to use only one multi-effects, but prefer easy-to-understand operation.
• People who don’t use elaborate effect pedals.
• People who are wondering if they should build an pedal board from scratch.