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Pros:
- Built like a tank
- Can be used as an audio interface if connected to the computer
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- It’s hard to tweak during performances unless you have saved presets
- Confusing manual
If have ever been on at least one forum, you would have already noticed that there is a lot of controversy around Boss. Or maybe you have been lucky enough to test several of their products. Either way, I’m sure you have a strong opinion about this brand and you either love it, or totally hate it. I belong to the category who knows that not all of their pedals are the best things this universe has seen, however, if their unit works, it truly works wonders. No one even dares to doubt the build quality of Boss products, since the notion of their durability has already turned into common knowledge. Plus, they usually maintain a lower price point and it can even be argued that they create the best options in the affordable price range. We all can work our way around some minor issues when the rest of the pedal works beautifully, can’t we? Today we’re going to talk about their ME-25 – a multi-effects processor that what guitarists want. It is versatile enough for any needs and rather easy to use as well. It is truly worth the money and you’ll be convinced in that once you try it out. But before you do that, make sure to read this article carefully and grasp the scope of its capabilities! Let’s get started!
Features
As you have guessed from my comprehensive introduction, Boss Me-25 isn’t something that jokes around. It takes things seriously and delivers wonderful results. Its features might not turn your world upside down, however, they are more than enough for creating unique pieces. First and foremost, this puppy utilizes Roland’s COSM amp modeling – a technology that reproduces the sound of various amplifiers without adding artificial feel to them. It isn’t concentrated on replicating the exact sonic background, rather, it pays more attention to the accuracy of your results. We have 10 types available, which isn’t that much but it’s always better to have great quality over quantity, am I right? What’s more, ME-25 has a diverse Sound Library – you can choose between Clean, Drive, Lead, Crunch, Heavy and Extreme tones and then pick out their varieties. This way everything is placed in their own categories, enabling you to navigate through them easily. You can also save your own sounds in the library in case you dislike the available options.
More importantly, this bad boy has Super Stack feature, which means that you can easily recreate the feel of a stacked tube amp just by pressing a single button. It goes without saying that it has an in-built tuner along with a phrase looper (38 seconds of recording time). You can connect it to external audio sources such as an MP3 or CD player or use it as an audio interface with the help of USB port. ME-25 can be diversified with Cakewalk SONAR LE software by editing or creating various sounds and employing them with this unit. You can also access Boss Tone Studio librarian for even more versatility. This fella runs on 6 AA batteries, but if you think they are a waste of money, you can always plug in the adapter and you’ll be ready to play. Fascinating stuff!
Controls
Before moving onto the actual controls, let me tell you that the manual is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. You can still get some info out of it, but the chances are you’ll still have some questions left even after reading it. To avoid any misunderstandings, I’ll try to explain the available controls briefly and spare you from the need to read the gibberish of the manual (but you still should).
The knobs on the panel are pretty easy to figure out. Even though there are combinations that you won’t find written on the layout, they are easy to learn and remember. Navigating through Sound Library is extremely simple – you just pick out the style and choose the desired type via complementary knob. You can also scroll through them with the help of the footswitches – making everything even more convenient. Drive, Tone and Volume adjust basic properties of your sound and change their functionalities depending on the memory you have chosen. Write and Exit buttons can be utilized for saving new patches, while Super Stack triggers the tube amp character. The third footswitch can be employed for tap tempo, loop or Solo. The expression pedal enables you to create swells in volume or pitch.
Boss ME-25 Sound
Boss ME-25 is breath-taking update for the previous version, especially in terms of sound. Here, you get way more possibilities and certain flexibilities that will definitely help you in the process. The sounds available within this fella will definitely satisfy your needs, since they all make your pieces sound more scrupulous and refined. The ability to navigate through the whole thing makes this one a perfect match for the stage, however, if you like sophisticated adjustments during your performance, maybe you’ll need something else. But you can always save the desired settings as memories and recall them in live scenarios. You could also use the capable looper that offers 38 seconds of recording time – way more than you’ll see even in advanced models. One of the most unique features is the Freeze mode – it lets you freeze the setting on the expression pedal and achieve interminable sustain that can be utilized throughout whole solo or basically any part of your performance. Super Stack is another beautiful addition with its warm and rich character. ME-25 could easily compete with fancier multi-effects unit, and that, my friend, is something that not brand is capable of doing!
Conclusion
To sum up everything said above, Boss ME-25 is a perfect multi-effects pedal for those who are on the budget. It still has all the needed versatility, as well as some unique features that set it apart in the crowd. Wonderful build quality is a minor addition that indicates on the years you are going to spend with this one. Get your hands on it and you’ll be convinced that Boss knows a thing or two about its multi-effects devices. Good luck!
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By far the Best multi-effects EVER.
Super easy and great sounding and it’s a recording interface, a volume, and a wah-wah.
Hi, Michel.
Yes, this is an awesome piece of gear.