Boss ME-30

It is fairly easy to operate, I learned fow to work it in about 15 minutes without the manual. There are no "trapdoors", and everything is labeled. It tells you the effect on the display, the buttons' functions are all labeled, and it's digital! Of course that means that it is going to be a little more complicated to set up, but it also means that you aren't going to have to worry about bumped knobs while transporting gear from home to gig right?

I play a Dearmond M-70 and a squire strat with Dimarzios that goes into a daddy-o, then the ME-30, and into a Peavey Studio Pro 50. This has been my set up for about seven months.

It is a pretty descent piece of gear. You save money. Instead of buying a compressor, distortion, EQ or phaser, noise suppressor, volume or wah, delay, chorus or pitch shifter or flanger or tremelo, and reverb unit, you could just get this and use it as seperate stompboxes. Just get a distortion pedal in front, and get some good delay, modulation, and reverb tones, and you can activate the Boss's effects via the five footswitches.

The reason that i say get a distortion pedal, is that the distortion on this isn't at all impressive. I've had this pedal for over a year, and i only use one of the 7 or 8 distortion types. Somtimes I turn the gain all the way up, and i still have to crank the compressor before the distortion in order to get the grit i need somtimes.

Another of the few negatives, is the 'wah' feature. Although it doesn't matter much to me, the range of this wah is smaller than that of your average crybaby's. Not saying that it loses it's expressiveness, but if you like long sweeps, bring your favorite wah.

I have used it, dropped it from my previa's trunk onto cement, dropped my 32 pound amp on it, and all that it has to show for it, are a few light scratches on the display, although i think they were there when i first got it. It's a Boss, what else can i say

I play in a church band, and i need everything from acoustic chime, to a rich chorus, to a thick distortion. I could do it all with this Boss, but I prefer to bring along my trusty Daddy-O for lead boosts and some distortion-duties.

My favorite function has to be the stompbox feature. The reason why i don't use stompbox mode is that i have to switch between two radically different sounds in a split second sometimes, and i don't have time to hit three different switches all at once.

I conclude with these words of parting. Look to eBay. I would personally not pay more than 220 for one of these, although they are adequate peices of gear.

If you are smart it's easy to use, however for an amateur could be a bit hard to understand the programming.

If you wanna use the metal distortion don't enable the delay, when I did so it sounded horrible.

been kicked, dropped and still working as new, of course it's a Boss.

I've never had to go to get support..

It's a good effect processor if you're amateur

This effect board is easy to use when editing patches. I'v hardly looked at the user manual - and I find it easy as to edit patches.
However, getting a good sound out of it isn't as easy, but definetely possible. I dunno about the manual - haven't really looked in it.

I use a Jackson DR7 through a Marshall Valvestate 265R through a PA system. I've just purchased my VS 265R and haven't really had time to play around with it, so the sound isn't as good as it could be.
It's a bit noisy, but it doesn't really bother me that much.
The effects generally sound good, with a few exceptions(fx. the octave pedal thingy). I especially like the distortion sounds, which I use a lot in my band:)
I've played a couple of live gigs with it and the sound was surely above average.

It's totally reliable and I don't use a backup.

I play heavy metal exclusively. The ME-30 pretty much meets my requirements. I've been playing for 6 years as mentioned above I own a Jackson DR7 and a Marshall Valvestate 265R. If my ME-30 was stolen I'd probably buy the GT-3.
I like everything about it except the design...c'mon it's F-ing ugly!
I compared my ME-30 to a crappy digitech and a crappy Korg, and I chose the ME-30 because it had the expression pedal superior features and larger storage capacity.
I wish it had a cooler design though. It looks like something out of a toy-store.
To a certain degree I would say that it helps me make music, cuz when you write a song you have a certain idea of what you want that song to sound like, and the ME-30 gives you ample possible to create the sound you're looking for(it can take a_lot of fiddling around though).

Jackson guitars are way better than Ibanez!!!!

Like most Boss products this thing is easy to use, I had to consult the manual once (To find that there really is no way to backlight the display) and that was it.

I bought the ME-30 to replace a Zoom 2020 that I broke, and I have to say I'm really disapointed, the Zoom was great, the distortions were totally usable, the Roland on the other hand doesn`t have a single sound that isn't "buzzy" if you know what I mean, you can`t get any "bite" from this thing, it's all buzzy mush, if like me you play a Gibson through a Marshall and you`re using effects boxes to practise/record at home avoid this box, it doesn't have any guts.

It`s worked all the time I`ve had it.. and I hope that when I`ve returened it to the shop it continues working for its next victim.

Don`t need C/S to tell me I`m returning it.. :)

I play psychedelic pop/indie rock and use a 1969 SG-Pro and a 1999 Custom Telecaster, this unit sounds rubbish with both of `em.

My favorite feature is the "Whammy bar" effect, which is truely hilarious, but obviously utterly useless..

First Boss product to ever let me down.

Quite easy to use, you don't really need a manual. It took me a day to master absolutely everything this unit does.

Maybe not quite the quality of a POD or a J-Station, but still quite good, except for the modulation effects they suck. I have a Squier Strat and a Marshall VS65R.

Been kicked, dropped etc. still works fine.

No need

I play pretty much anything (except teeny bopping crap). This gets a good metal sound, good rook and has decent fuzz. Loses out on vintage stuff, blues, jazz. Good value, but if you have the money look elsewhere

easy versitile programing but needs lit up lcd display

i have a modified sledgehammer gitar with direct wired pickups(cut out volume and tone knobs)and a vintage acustic amp. i can get great sounding wha and pichbend sounds,but had to make some modifications to get some cool effects,I INSALLED A SMALL LAMP NEAR THE WHA LIGHT SENSOR,I USE A OLD VOLUME PEDDLE TO CHANGE THE INTESITY,THIS ALLOWS YOU TO FIND A SWEET SPOT ON THE MAIN PEDDLE AND WHA OR BEND WITH THE OTHER...

ive used this peddle at many a DRUNKEN gig and its still workin fine,even after spilling about a 12 pack on it

when i got it the sampler didn,t work but havn,t tried to get it fixed

i play all original metal,classical and blues and still havn,t programed all 30 paches,the only thing i dont like is the delay when swiching sounds

Not so bad. If you read the manual, it's well explain.

I don't like the distorsions. If you play punk, keep your Metal Zone and plug it in the ME-30 for the other effects.

Good reliability

If you have the cash, buy something better. Else, buy it.

I hate them small buttons... the manual is bot bad but it ain't that good either.

i love the sound (but of course u have to deal with that tiny button pattern)... noise reduction doesn't make that much of a difference. the wah-wah sucks... i can't get it to sound like how i want it (good thing i have a morley wah). i love the chorus, compressor and the reverb. distortion ain't that bad

i can depend on this baby but ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP!!!

i just bought it

this box is excellent when it comes to clean jammin and lead... if u know how to adjust it.

It's sometimes tricky to try building your sounds. The interpretation is partly good but the buttons are small and unorgananized. The LCD back light is not bad but I preffer touching the buttons in the lught so I can see what Im doing.
Besides of that, I like the fact that you have up AND DOWN bank pedal and a large convinient expression pedal.

The sound quality of this machine in mostly good. The 6 dostortion and overdrives soung great with the noise suppressor and the delay, chorus, flanger and reverb are great. What I didnt like is all the modulation effects with the expression pedal. Ring modulation is poor and also whammy bar. The wah-wah is pretty good but I thought Boss could make a better one.
I use is with a poor 35 watts amp but still most of the effects sound good, maybe because of the fact that I use it with my Ibanez RG-470.
In general, the effects arent noisy, but maybe try to not use the Equliser with Distortion OK?
One more thing: this is for people who like to sound different than the main-stream.

I own it for 6 months and it passed for a lot of gigs.
Not a scratch on it.

Cant tell. Never used it before.

Generally, if I could turn time back, I think I wouldnt but it. I could get for an extra 500 FF a POD. For my level tough, I think its enough, and I play metal and rock with this thing and its works well.
With my Ibanez RG-470 its sound pretty good but not good enough.
I love mostly about it that its the kind of effects that you kick it or something and it will still worlk, comparing to other fragile effects. The distortions of it are good too. I dont like the modulation here but my favotire effects is the chorus. Great-great chorus and also not-bad-at-all delay. Comparing it to the POD, for instance, it wont stand the competition but it beats most of the other multiple effects of its category(thats why I baught it).
I only wish it had a better compressor and a much better equaliser.
And one last thing:
For metal-hammers like myself - try to combine the Metal dist. with noise suppressor, chorus, delay and set you're bass level at your amp to max to create a good crunch-metal sound used for Metallica or heave Dream Theater songs.

Read the F*****G Manual. And take time to adjust that pedal to your AMP/guitars setup.

Litlle bit noisy. Try to avoid using the compressor and EQ if Possible. It cuts down on the background noise. I use a cheap Yamaha (325$ can. brand new) and a GTX-100 combo amp by CRATE. I Get some great sounds out of this module. I specialy like the fuzz wich i find perfect for my style of playing. If you like blink182 and offspring play a bit with the distortions and you'll find your liking. the delay is awsome. And for you guys who like the classic sound of the 70's with your fenders and gibson with Marshall amps and those heavy metal dorks who love mesa-boogie. GROW-UP. Find your own sound for god's sake's not some imitation of your idols. It doesn't hurt to inovate. Oh yes..remeber why the great guitarists like BB king, he hendrix, SRV became legends...THEY SOUNDED DIFFERENT!!!!. after that little outburst from me. That me-30 sound great..just take the time to experiments with it and you'll find something you like for sure

dropped, stepped, kicked it in rehearsal. Still works

never had to use it

Hey nothing si perfect. The LCD is pretty har to read. the key is to set it up before your do the gig. Also it helps if you remeber wich sound is saved where. I'm planning to buy a Ibanez S-470 quiltes Sapele top. Transparent red. look great sounds great with a gtx-100 that was still in the store. Sounded better than My yamaha anyways. AND YES I WILL TAKE THE TIME TO RE-ARANGE ALL MY SOUND ON MY ME-30 so they will make use of my new guitar potential.

Long live to all those out there not affraid of being different

It is very easy to use except when trying to incorporate the
expression pedal into your live playing

Yamaha Pacifica into a Marshall Valvstate:
If you want to build apon a sound you have already created with you amp then this is the pedal for you, I purchased the pedal hoping to re-create the solo's from songs I am playing but it faled to do that. An exaple is the solo for Killing In the Name of where here uses a pitch shifting effect. I have found that any modulating effect on this device is not very good at all. The other problem is that the noise created from the compression and distortion cannot be totally erased by the noise gate unfortunatly it is still noisy. but everything else is quite good

Have had it for one year.
Yes it seems to be relyable

Not very good att all

I play Rock and similar styles
I have been playing for 9 years
If i had to buy again I would definately get a better effect like a gt3 or gt5 if I could afford those rediculous amounts of money
as compared to the Ax1000 by korg the korg is much better but a little more expensive I would get the korg.
It certainly develops your creative side of playing

Very easy to use with the LCD display. I love the "virtual knobs" it has. Makes it very easy to set patch parameters compared to just looking at a flashing light and a number ala DOD GS30 and Digitech RP3. Manual is fairly good, not very detailed but gives enough to get you going. The only problem with editing patches is it can be kind of confusing at first remember which button cycles through what type of settings.

I've only just finished testing all 30 factory presets and some of them will be quite usable. Of course a few of them are just.....well.....interesting. I was using a BOSS Metalzone and just couldn't get a very close sound to Metallica and it always sounded really tinny when plugged into my computer though my Fender Princeton Chorus amp for recording. The ME-30 should work very well though. I use a Jackson JSX-94 Concept Series with it. The wah isn't the greatest, but that seems to follow with the reviews I've seen of other units in this price range. I'm not worried about it because I'll still use my Dunlop, I wanted the onboard pedal more for volume control purposes.

Yes I think I could definitely depend on it. I would also be comfortable using it at a gig without a backup. However the "glow in the dark" LCD didn't seem to really do that, so I don't know that it would be good in low light situations except for seeing the red LED's.

not dealt with them, BOSS seems to make great stuff though, my metalzone is 4 years old and still kicking like brand new.

While I actually only bought this today I just had to comment on it. I spent about an hour playing with it at Guitar Center and was very impressed with it over the DOD GS30. This actually lets me get the sounds I've been looking for for a long time like Metallica, both distorted and some nice clean stuff too. I play metal, blues, my own strange stuff and have been playing for about 5 years. If it was stolen/lost I would replace it if it was all I could afford. Don't get me wrong, I love it so far, but if I can afford something better I'd get it. If you are looking for a multi-effects in this $$ range though....it's well worth it. It would be nice if you could adjust the distortion parameters like the attack/decay. Also would be nice if it was made of metal, but the plastic seems durable. If anyone knows some really good settings for old and new Metallica (new=black album sound) and newer (countdown to extinction) Megadeth and also some good Ozzy sounds (like Crazy Train) please email me with the info.

Seems pretty easy to use, shows all the parameters as both numbers and knob positions, makes it easier. Buttons used to scroll could be labled more clearly.

Ok, my main reson for submitting this review is to explain what a ring modulator is for.
It is NOT for use as in your main sound. Used sparingly it can make things far more interesting. See Melt Banana's cover of Surfin' USA. listed during the solo, I think he uses a different type of ring modulation with a different type of wave shape (I think this one's is square) but there's more going on there than just pitch shift.

I want it.

The bank and patch setup is really good

Not gonna affect me

I'd depend on it any day

The best pedal i've come across.
go get it
only pedal u'll ever need

If I can figure it out, anyone can. Editing patches is quite simple and easy. The manual is very explanative and precise.

I use a Fender Roland ready strat through an ART attack amp (tube). However I bought this in the states and now use it overseas with a knock up transformer which create terrible hum. The sound quality of the ME-30 is absolutely pitiful. The noise it creates annoys me so badly that I get headaches. (I plugged it into a local amp, even took it to the local Boss/Roland dealer who are not really qualified for this, they just own the rights to sell Roland/ boss products).

I use it twice a week playing live and sometimes the noise is worse then others. Very unreliable.

Pitiful. I have attempted to contact them thru fax and e-mail and they do not reply.

I play pop, rock, jazz, soul, and funk. The sounds are good, but the hum is terrible. The noise gate helps a bit but not enough to prevent the headaches.

This piece of equipment is so easy to use that my grandma can make great sounds too!!!

ME-30 has a realy great and warm sound.It's not like boss pedals style(thing that i was afraid when i went to try it).It has most of the effects,an normal guitar player will ever need and they sound realy good(have the sweetest Chorus i have ever heared!)Generaly this pedal it's good for the beginers and pro's as well.Waw sound sucks somehow in my opinion as most of multiple effects proccesors(God bless Dunlop!!)

I think i could trust this thing to a live and studio too.

Never had to deal with Boss people...i've heared that they're not that friendly,especialy here in Greece.

I mostly play heavy but i like to experiment in other styles such as blues,jazz and rock and i think this piece suits a lot in every style.If you have a good and powerful amp,it can show that it realy rocks!!I can compare it with Zoom first models and 4040 as well.I am not realy a fan of zoom sound and in my opinion this thing can compare all the above.Lastly,not the best one,but it remains a good piece of equipment.

The unit was delivered yesterday. The manual is well laid out and with a little messing around, I was able to edit the presets. I agree that the screen is difficult to see, even in a well lit room and I can bet it is even more difficult to set during a gig but wouldn't one have completed all the settings BEFORE the gig? The sound is very good. The preset master volume on some of the patches was a bit surprising. Feedback two feet from the amp is not a lot of fun for me...or my neighbors.

I'm using a Crate GX-65 with an EPI Sheraton II and a ESP M-250. The preset wahs are okay but I need to make some adjustments. This is a learning experience for someone new to multieffects processors. Before, I've used my amp with a DOD distortion pedal and the internal Crate Chorus, Compressor and overdrive channel. I recognize the almos limitless versatility. I also purchased the AC power supply with the ME-30.

Too soon to say whether I'd rely on it, exclusively, during a performance or jamming with friends. At home, I would rely on it. I wouldn't rely on only having batteries, get the power supply.

I haven't contacted the company but BOSS has been around for awhile and I would think, unless they are completely stupid, that their service is very good.

My musical style moves from blues, rock, and crap I can't define. I have been playing for about 15 years and started out on Rush, the Police, U2, Yes, and the Eagles. I like have the versatility of the multi effects processor and the ability to use the device in a recording process. Being able to alternate between sounds during a piece, or layering on a recording, this unit will help. If it were stolen, I might go to something more advanced but this is a pretty good and portable starter system.

Its tricky in the begining but after u get it a little bit it becomes sooooooo easyyyy!!!!!!!!!! it comes standard with 30 sounds built....I dont like the heavy sound so i customized to sound Metallica heavy.

this thing has great sound quality, i love the heavy dist sound.....im cool with the wah wahs....i like Bank 4,#2 wah wah the best cos i uuse tha in For WHom the Bells tolls from Metallica....and its got a pretty wild sound.....Chorus is good nothin compared to the chorus on my amp but its all u really need....For Nirvana wise....its good with chorus....Delay is aweeeeesome!!!!!! Put it on 4ms with a lil feedback and a whole lot of effect level and u'll get 2x the sound u woulda got without the delay......or throw it up to about 250ms and got an awesome like 2nd guitar feel or echo....The reverb is good...FLanger is really good. Tremlo is cool i dont use it tho.....EQ and phaser is cool Pitchshifter is alrite...EXpression pedal is really good..wah wah is good...Comppresor is excellent if u want tha extra sustain..The distortion - overdrive is really really awesome.....
Vintage, warm, crunch, blue hard. metal than fuzz

its the best

This thing is so hard to program being that you cant see the the screen at all, and once you try to turn up your amp it all sounds terrible.

i use a epiphone les paul with a roc pro 1000 combo, and this pedal just hisses so loud i have to turn the amp down after every song at the set. the noise suppressor in this thing is a joke. the only thing i like about this pedal is the wah.

i can't use this at a gig because i cant see the "lcd" screen in the dark to know what i am doing.

N/A

bottom line, do not buy this pedal.

easiest machine i have ever used. i have never read the instruction book.

personally, i think it has a great sound. i play alot of hard rock, alternative, and classical, and this is great for all three.

needs nothing said.

i love it. it is great for the money, i would buy it again if anything ever happened to it.

It is very easy to use once you learn how to do it. Read the manual, and it is very clear how to edit the patches, exchange dif. sounds to dif. banks.

i play a gibson les paul, and i plug the pedal right into a PA system. at times it can get a little noisy, but when youre playing fairly loud, you dont notice the noise one bit. The effects are great. several different distortions, and if you know how, you can edit the effects, make it sound the way you want it. its got the Wah-Wah, chorus, etc... anything you would expect from a Multi effects unit

I can Definately, no question really on it. Solid built peice of equipment that i can trust. i have a Gig comming up, and i feel Completely safe playing with NO backup!

Never dealt with customer support, but i hear that they are nice people. I hape i never have to call em up, but if i do, i trust that they would help me.

I play Alternative/Rock music. i have been playing for 4 years, and this is the best investment in my playing that i hvae ever made. i trust that i will have this pedal for years to come. If this was stolen, i would be really pissed, cause i cant really afford to buy another one. if i was getting payed to play guitar, and i had the money i would deffinately by this pedal again. The ME-30 is better that all the other Multi effects units out there. check customer reviews for the other units from $100-$250. this is pretty much the best of em all. My music Sounds alot better with the addition of the pedal. Thats about all i have to say besides, BUY THIS PEDAL if you are looking for a Mulit effects Unit

This was my first processor and I find it was very easy to use, after a day of fiddling around with it I started to program my patches.

The overall sound quality is amazing for the price. The reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, distortion are great but the compressor, pitch shifter, noise gate, wah-wah, ring modulator suck big time. The noise gate doesn't do the job, I find once set it doesn't muff your sound. I still get feedback with it set all the way. I play metal so a good noise gate is crucial. the commpressor is noisy at times but fair, as you would see in most processors, "intellegent pitchshifter", well this is the stupidest one. The thing can't even give you a real sound, it sounds fake. Now for the distortion, I found that the distortion on this effect was amazing but not enough settings for it, you only get tone, drive, volume or level.
I was able to imatate a lot of sounds with the ME-30 and I suggest to anyone that doesn't have a lot of money to spend to get this if they need more effects.

I've had this thing for 2 years now let me say it has never failed on me yet, I've done around 10 shows without a backup and I wasn't even thinking if this thing letting me go or not. I was mostly thinking of not breaking a string so the ME-30 was not an issue doing live preformances. I have also dropped it by accident and not a scratch on it.

Don't know, never need to call.

I've been playing metal, death metal, rock for 11 years now and this is a good buy for people with a small budget but need all those effects. Overall, if you're a professional, you'll get tired of it quickly as you'll want more options on it as we all do with the years of experience gained on the road and jam sessions. I would buy it again if I were still broke but I got something better now so it all depends on your budget. Also, I find that they could of added an a.c. adapter with but they do give you batteries.

This pedal is kinda hard to get used to. If you normally play anolog, then you won't like it, but if you like processor, then this is a great pedal. The ease of use will be kinda hard to get used to but once you have it down it's totally awesome. I love it. It has a very wide variety of effects from phasers to tremelo to distortion. (7 different types of distortion I might add!)

The sound quality is pretty good, but could use some improvment. It's a processor like I said, so you can't get that perfect sound that only anolog can provide. Overall you can get pretty good sound out of it if you know how to use it right.

Probably the back bone of this processor is its reliability. As long as you use the specific power source provided, you should have no problem shorting it out or anything like that. You never have to worry about a backup when you are doing a show, because the ME-30 never fails. It has never let me down yet!

I haven't had any problems with it yet, and i'm the third owner. I knew both of the previous owners and they never had any trouble with it either so... But they did give me an awesome deal. $100!!! Vs. 299 store bought!

I have played with it a lot and decided that i don't really like the presents that much. I made my own effects and I love them. My style ranges from old school punk to rap to 90s to more punk and then my all time favorite: THE 80s!!! the compressor does a nuber for me in that sense.

It is very easy to use once you learn how. The user interface is as though you have a chain of Boss pedals in front of you. The manual is very staight forward with pictures and diagrams. Explainations are given for everything.

You can have a set up with just this. It's not noisy, in fact I find that it naturally cleans up the extra noise that your guitar makes. I found that the EQ just adds extra noise and does little. The distortions are good. You can set them really low and just use them for gain to give extra punch. I personally have never seen a need for really heavy distortion so I can't really say I find the quality good at those levels. The modulation effects sound excellent. However I find the compression to add extra noise and take away natural tone from the guitar. I play mainly blues and classic rock like Zeppelin and Hendrix but I can't neccessarily say that this pedal can immitate the sounds of them, but it does come close.

I never used it at a gig. Mostly just jamming with friends and it seemed to work fine. If there's one thing I would recommend it would be to buy the adaptor. I probably wouldn't use a back up at a gig b/c it is sturrdy and reliable, also it's a Boss.

I have never dealt with boss customer service and I hope I don't have to b/c by most accounts of Boss customer service it seems to suck.

I play mostly blues and it provides light gain for punch. I've been playing about 5 years and I now own about 2 fender strats, 1 tele and a Aria Pro II Les Paul style. The ME-30 works well with all. I am now moving on to buying individual pedals to gain a more natural sound. If I lost it I would probably buy it again b/c it seems to do it all. I would use it at gigs for ease but not in the studio. I love the ease and light distortion. I can't really say that I hate it. It is very practical and sounds excellent. Naturally if the effects on this are compared to single pedals, the ME-30 effects come very close but the singles are ultimately better. Overall I have to say Boss (the master in guitar effects) did a very good job on this: easy to use, all their best effect, in a user-friendly compact unit. Of course this is how I see the ME-30. Please don't take my word on any of this unless there are consistent ideas with other reviews.

I organized all of my own patches 0-9 and it was a piece of cake, the only thing that took time was getting them all to be approx the same volume, at first I would hit a loud channel and blare the speakers. It took a lot of playing around to figure it out completely, Don't use the preset channels, they suck, make up your own.

I have a fat strat and a princeton 65 amp, i only use the me-30 for now and its really all i need, ive got a delay w/ feedback set to 100% which makes loops that dont stop!!! the ring mod is worthless(except time-(floyd) intro) and ill get a new dist pedal, but delay, wah, flanger, chorus, compressor, and reverb make this worth it. The stereo headphones when the master vol is cranked is absolutely amazing, sounds like a CD!!!

Its all I use at gigs, and I'm comfortable w/ that.

I play Phish, Dave Matthews, Grateful Dead, Sublime, Chili Peppers, and I can get the ME-30 almost to be a perfect match. After writing all new patches and organizing them, I decided that this pedal is amazing.