Boss ME-6B (Bass) Multiple Effects Processor (Basics on how to use, and effects basics)

Boss ME6B: basics on how to navigate the unit, and basics on effects for those who may be new to effects.

TIME STAMPS/CHAPTERS (more info below):

0:00 Start/Intro - Video Scope/Intent
1:08 Accessories
2:19 Initial Sound Check for Bypass/Unity Gain
2:55 Connections
3:49 A note about tuning with the Boss ME-6B
4:53 Connections re-iterated
5:10 A note about Expression pedals with the Boss ME-6B
6:15 Manual Mode explained
6:57 Bypass Mode explained
7:33 A note about the Power Adapter
8:03 Banks and Patches explained
8:38 Sound Check switching between Banks and Patches
9:03 Switching between Banks
11:24 Life Hack for the gigging musician
12:33 Manual Mode explained (ME-6B as row of stomp boxes)
13:32 Navigating the Boss ME-6B - Parameter Spreadsheets/Matrices explained
15:15 Editing the Effects
16:20 Saving changes (Write/Copy)
16:43 Another Gig Life Hack (Save Manual mode with all effects off/bypass)
17:30 Effects Chain logic
18:33 Thought on the Boss ME-6B Synth Bass
20:34 Effects Chain logic and the Noise Suppressor
22:00 Sound Check with the Noise Suppressor
22:42 Effects Chain logic and the Exprssion/Volume Pedal
23:00 Boss ME-6B Effects Chain, summarized
23:34 Sound Check with the Expression/Volume Pedal
23:45 Effects Chain Logic, continued
24:00 Master Volume
24:32 Unity Gain, as set by the Factory (43)
24:14 Sound/Mode Demo
25:25 Key Take-Away, Connection Logic
26:36 Input Attenuator/Pad
27:44 Conclusion

FOREWORD.
I really did not mean to publish this so soon; I wanted to make edits to the video, and do better with the balance between the sound and my voice. I did want to publish this for my friend sooner than later, since he’d asked for the help on it. However, I’ll just leave this up for now, and possibly make a better one, or edited version of this one, someday. Either way, please see the additional notes below.

POWER SUPPLY.
The OEM Boss Power Supply for the ME-6B is the Model BRA-100 AC Adapter. Input: AC 100v 50-60Hz. Output: AC 12v 6VA. Green label (this information was copied from the sticker/label on the OEM adapter itself). However, so long as the power adapter that you get for this unit meets the above spec/requirements and has barrel/tip that fits the unit, it should work.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
The instruction manual can be found on Roland’s website:

https://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/p...

NOTE WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN EFFECTS.
There is a very slight audible pause when switching between effects. This is
likely not at all noticeable in a band setting.

UNITY GAIN.
Best practice for ANYTHING you add in-line to your signal chain is to set Unity Gain FIRST. On the ME-6B, the volume in bypass is static, and
unaffected by what is set in the 'play mode'. Get unity gain by comparing the dry sound between the bypass mode ("bP" on the display) and the dry sound in the 'play mode' with no effects applied, and the 'Noise Suppressor' threshold set to '0'.

NOISE SUPPRESSOR.
The noise oppressor on this unit is actually “always on “. However, setting the threshold to “0” will have the least effect on the signal, closest to bypass. Like all noise suppressors, this does not affect town, it simply controls any unwanted noise, depending on the setting, when there is no note being played by the instrument/source sound.

EXPRESSION PEDAL CONNECTION.
Control the volume in real time using an Expression pedal with a 1/4" TRS to
TRS patch cable, or any Volume pedal with a 1/4" TRS Y cable. TRS cables can
be identified by the 2 rings on the tips, contrary to the single rings on a
standard patch cable.

VOLUME PEDAL.
If using a Volume Pedal with a TRS Y cable, connect the TRS side to the
Expression Pedal input, then connect the "RING" cable to the INPUT of the
Volume pedal, then the "TIP" cable to the OUTPUT of the Volume pedal.

BONUS NOTE.
YES, the Electro Harmonix ‘Ctl Pedal’ (or equivalent) DOES work if a footswitch min/max volume setting is preferred over an exp/volume pedal treadle. Use a TRS Y cable and connect as mentioned above.

NO EFFECTS LOOP.
I did try to see if I can make an effects loop out of the expression pedal jack with the TRS cable, but after multiple attempts (different pedal sequences, etc), there is simply no way to do that. Connecting any device/pedal along with the expression/volume pedal will simply cut the signal, resulting in little/no sound. The expression pedal jack only receives expression (or volume) pedal inputs.

SYNTH BASS.
BE CAREFUL with Synth Bass. Great effect with good options to shape it, but some settings are loud, and hard to control. It may be best to use Synth Bass by creating a patch, then using the EQ
to further shape the tone, tempering the volume and any peak frequencies. Doing all this as a patch makes it a 'one-touch' operation, vice needing to tap-dance to
engage all 3 (or more) pedals separately.

Link to my Boss Pedals Video Playlist:

   • Boss Effect Pedals  

CONCLUSION.
Hope this helps!
:)