BOSSCO ME-6B User manual

UBOSS
ME-6Bessunrs
=== Owner's Manual
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Before You Begin
We'd
like
to
take
a
moment
to
thank
you
for
purchasing
the
BOSS
ME-6B
Bass
Multiple
Effects
processor.
To
become
completely
familiar
with
this
processor,
and
to
ensure
many
years
of
trouble-free
service,
we
recommend
that:
take
the
time
to
read
this
Qwner’s
Manual
thoroughly.
CONTENTS
MAIN FEATURES ..
IMPORTANT NOTES ..
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS ..
MAKING THE CONNECTION
SECTION I: PLAYING THE ME-6B
PLAYING THE ME-6B: PLAY MODE..
SELECTING APATCH
PLAYING THE ME-6B LIKE A ROW OF PEDAL
EFFECTS — THE MANUAL MODE...
SELECTING THE MANUAL MODE.
MANUAL MODE OPERATIONS
DIRECT BASS SOUND: BYPASS
CONTROLLING VOLUME IN REAL TIME ...
SECTION Il: MODIFYING EFFECTS
SETTINGS 5 eeeicecsccesssteinicpeitvae 9
YOU
CAN
CHANGE
THINGS
IN
THE
EDIT
MODE
....9
CHANGING PATCH SETTINGS ...
CANCELING EDITS
(Garat, Typ. Bezeichnung)
funk-entstért ist.
Name des Herstellersimponteurs.
WARNING
intartorence with radi and te/evisson reception,
This equipment nas baen tested and found
1M @ part cylar installation,
sntarterance dy tne following Measure:
‘tne manulacturer or deater for assistarce.
+ Tutn the TV of radio antenna unt the intertecence stops,
+ Move ine equipmant to one side or the other a! tne TV Gr aco
+ Move the equipment tarthar away trom the TV or rac.
+ Plug Ine equipmantinto an outlet nats on 8 otterentorcuit nan ihe TV oF 1400,
circuit breakers oF fuses.)
technician tor saditional suggestions You may hing helpiut ine following boa}
Der
Deutschen
Bundespost
wurde
das
Inverkehrbringen
dieses
Gerales
angezeigt
und
die
Berechtigung
zur
Uberpriifung
der
Serie
auf
Einhaltung
der
Bestimmungen
eingeraumt.
Roland Corporation Osaka / Japan
STORING THE EFFECTS SETTINGS
IN MEMORY: THE WRITE OPERATION
DUPLICATING EFFECTS SETTINGS
WITH COPY ...
COMPRESSOR/ENHANCER ...
OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION
SYNTH BASS woeescserescssseersees
EQUALIZER vo.scseeessees
NOISE SUPPRESSOR
CHORUS/FLANGER......
REVERB/DELAY ..
SECTION IV: REFERENCE
BEFORE
DECIDING
THERE’S
A
PROBLEM...
RETURNING TO THE FACTORY SETTINGS
— INITIALIZATION
FACTORY SETTINGS
BLANK CHART.........
SPECIFICATIONS
For Germany ~~
Bescheinigung
des
Herstellers
/
Importeurs
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, da der/die/das
BASS MULTIPLE EFFECTS ME-6B
in Ubereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der
Amtsbl. Vig 1046 / 1984
{Amtsbiatvertigung)
RADIO
AND
TELEVISION
INTERFERENCE
‘Tris
equipment
nas
been
versed
to
comp:y
wilh
the
ims
tor
a
Class
Beompulng
cevice,
cursuantto
Subpartd
otPa't
15.0!
07
nan-venied
equipment
is
éxBly
10
result
in
nigrierence
to
race
ard
TV
recepiion.
The
equipment
deseubed
i
this
manual
generates
and
uses
radio
Mequency
energy
if
tig
notinstalied
and
used
properiy,
hats.
#e$iret
aco:
to
comp'y
win
tne
tents
for
a
Class
8
computing
device
in
accordance
wah
the
epcolcahans
im
Subpa't
Jo}
Pan
15.
of
FOC
Ruutes.
‘These
rules
are
das:gned
to
provide
reasonad’s
protection
against
such
a
intorterence
ma
res:Connal
installation.
However,
Mere
13
Po
QuaTant¢e
Ia!
the
snlerierence
w.:l
ro!
OCou!
this
equipmant
does
cause
mtortorence
to
f26w
OF
te:evision
“ecgpten,
which
can
be
determined
by
tuning
ine
equipment
on
and
ofl,
the
user
is
&:
+
Disconnect
othat
devices
ard
ineie
inpuvouiput
cadies
one
at
a
tene.
I
the
interterence
stops.
t
i$
causes
by
euher
tne
cine:
sevice
oF
is
HO
cabi
These
davices
usually
require
Roland
des.gnated
sh's'ded
LO
cad
os,
For
Roland
devices,
youcaroplam
tne
prover
shie-ced
cab
H
your
equipment
coos
cause
intertarence
to
130°
oF
te'nvis'on
secepion,
you
can
Wy
to
correct
tne
snlertererce
by
using
One
OF
more
Of
the
focow-ng
measures.
(Thatis,
mane
ceria
ine
equ
per:
ang
tha
rac:0
oF
te'ews-on
set
Bre
on
ereuits
conteolledby
differen!
+
Consider
instating
9
rooftop
tates
on
antenna
with
costal
cab’s
lead-in
berween
the
antenna and
TV.
Hnccessa’
i
wa!
Prepared
dy
ine
Federa!
Commun-catons
Comm
sg-on:
“How
10
logntily
ard
Resoive
Rago
-
TV
Inecterence
Prob'ems*
‘Tous
booklet
m
avaniable
tom
the
U.S.
Government
Printing
Orica.
Washirgion,
DC...
20602.
Stock
No.004-000-00345
4
aoe
Far the USA —,
FCC rules. Operavon wath non-cethes
PORTCE with Ou! INS:ILCHONS, t may cause
AbOUraged 10 Ity to correct Ine
t.
ie trom your gea'er, Far non Ralandoevites, contact
ry,
YOUSOU'S
CONSui
your
Cealer
Or
an
expanenced
radonelevisiGn
For Canada——~
CLASS B
NOTICE
This
digital
apparatus
does
not
exceed
the
Class
B
limits
for
radio
noise
emissions
set
out
in
the
Radio
Interference
Reguiations
of
the
Canadian
Department
of
Communications.
CLASSE
BAVIS
Cet
appareil
numérique
ne
dépasse
pas
les
limites
de
la
classe
B
au
niveau
des
émissions
de
bruits
radioélectriques
fixés
dans
le
Réglement
des
signaux
parasites
par
le
ministere
canadien
des
Communications.
Copyright
©
1992
by
BOSS
CORPORATION
All
rights
reserved.
No
part
of
this
publication
may
be
reproduced
in
any
form
without
the
written
permission
of
BOSS
CORPORATION.

MAIN FEATURES
On-board Effects
The ME-6B contains 11 differenteffects specially selected for
bass players.
On-board Synth Bass
The ME-6B’s bass synthesizer detects the pitch and envelope
of the notes you play and uses them to trigger its own internal
sounds. You can create a wide variety of bass sounds by
selecting different filters.
Simple Editing Operations
The effects parameters are laid out for you on the top panel.
This makes it easier for you to edit and create your own
sounds.
Store Up to 25 Effects Settings in Memory
You can store up to 25 different effects settings in the ME-6B’s
internal memory. These settings can then be recalled in-
stantly using the footswitch pedals.
Manual Mode for a “Pedal Effect” Feel
The ME-6B has a Manual Mode which lets you use the pedals
to switch effects on and off during performance; you can
even change effects settings this way. This allows the same
amount of freedom you would have if you were using a row
of pedal effects.
Long Delay and Reverb with no Cut-off
Delay and reverb will decay naturally instead of being
abruptly cut off when you switch from one patch to another.
Tuner Out Jack
Aspecial jack for use with tuners so you can tune your guitar
without re-patching your setup.
Headphone Jack
You can plug ina set of headphones so you can hear yourself
without going through an amp.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Be sure to use only the adaptor supplied with the unit. Use
of any other power adaptor could result in damage, malfunc-
tion, or electric shock.
POWER SUPPLY
©When making any connections with other devices, always
turn off the power to all equipment first; this will help
prevent damage or malfunction.
*Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any
device that will generate line noise, such as a motor or
variable lighting system.
¢The power supply required for this unit is shown on its
nameplate. Ensure that the line voltage of your installation
meets this requirement.
*Avoid damaging the power cord; do not step on it, place
heavy objects on it etc.
When disconnecting the AC adaptor from the outlet, grasp
the plug itself; never pull on the cord.
eif the unit is to remain unused for a long period of time,
unplug the power cord,
PLACEMENT
*Do not subject the unit to temperature extremes (e.g. direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle). Avoid using or storing the
unit in dusty or humid areas or areas that are subjectto high
vibration levels.
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large transformers) may induce hum.
This unit may interfere with radio and television reception.
Do not use this unit in the vicinity of such receivers.
*Do not expose this unit to temperature extremes (e.g. direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle can deform or discolor the
unit) or install it near devices that radiate heat.
MAINTENANCE
For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth (or
one that has been slightly dampened with water). To
temove stubborn dirt, use a mild neutral detergent. After-
wards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry
cloth.
* Never use benzin, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind,
to avoid the risk of discoloration and/or deformation.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
Protect the unit from strong impact.
*Do not allow objects or liquids of any kind to penetrate the
unit. In the event of such an occurrence, discontinue use
immediately. Contact qualified service personne! as soon
as possible.
*Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with
qualified service personnel.
*Should a malfunction occur (or if you suspect there is a
problem) discontinue use immediately. Contact qualified
service personnel as soon as possible.
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit
or its AC adaptor.

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
PARAMETER PARAMETER
EFFECT INDICATOR INDICATOR BUTTON DISPLAY
VALUE BUTTON
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peg
nero
ry
WRITE/COPY
BUTTON
a
}
Einar
:
MANUAL
BUTTON
omeorn
Sa
GS
aie
can
ad
:
:
co
BYPASS
BUTTON
A
al
aloe
ar
i
:
:
EDITIESCAPE
BUTTON
RbvicOmeciaet ikevi
Font ‘oh a,
BANK INDICATOR
BANK PEDAL
NUMBER PEDAL NUMBER INDICATOR
EXPRESSION
PEDAL JACK
INPUT OUTPUT BYPASS REMOTE
JACK JACK JACK CORD HOOK
TUNER HEADPHONE AC ADAPTOR
Yack JACK JACK
MANUAL REMOTE
JACK

MAKING THE CONNECTION
The diagram below shows you how to connect the included
ME-6B AC adaptor, a bass guitar and bass guitar amp. As
soon as the AC adaptor is plugged in and you turn the power
on, the ME-6B is in the “Play Mode,” ready to go.
*When making any connections, be sure ail devices are
turned off and the volume on your amp is at zero. If you
try to connect everything with the power on, you may get
voltage spike ‘pops’ that can damage speakers or cause
trouble down the line.
*After you've turned everything on, you can turn up the
amp.
“If you require a mono output, use the OUTPUT L (MONO)
jack,
ELECTRIC BASS
“Loop the AC adaptor cord around the cord hook. This will
help prevent the cord from being accidentally discon-
nected.
ap
: Rector aa
Es pane ene
Perm
ISQP | seers Se
E=y —
“After turning on the ME-6B, give it a minute to let the
voltage stabilize. :
“tf you have an Expression Pedal (optional) plugged into the
EXP. PEDAL jack, turn the volume on it to MIN. For more
information, refer to page 8.
AC ADAPTOR
eS8BO0Ss
*Set the polarity switch as shown below for each remote
footswitch (FS-5U; optional) that you connect.

SECTION I:
PLAYING THE ME-6B: PLAY MODE
<What's a Pateh?>
The ME-6B can store 25 different combinations of effects ,
settings and parameters in memory. Each collection of
settings is called a “patch”. These 25 patches are split up into
five memory “banks”, each containing five patches.
Each patch in the ME-6B is identified by a combination of a
bank number and a patch number within that bank. You'll
use this system to ‘call up’ the patches you need during play.
*When you first turn the power on, BANK: 1 NUMBER: 1
is automatically selected.
SELECTING A PATCH
1. Select the Bank
1 Depress the Bank Pedal.
The bank number will flash in the display.
2 Depress a Number pedal.
You switch to the desired bank number by depressing the
corresponding Number Pedal (1 through 5).
PLAYING THE ME-6B
REED EREREY
Pit fe Pf ve fay
p? [2 [7 [a2] a7] 22]
P3 | 3 |e [13 fre [23 |
RERSEREOEIES
EREIEIES
<cuE
Depressing a Number Pedal at this point only changes the
bank number, itdoes not select anew patch. The patch is not
actually selected until you choose a number within that
bank.
“Depress the Bank [B] Pedal again if you wish to return to
the original patch without changing banks.
2. Select the Number
Depress the desired Number Pedal (1 through 5), and the
display will change to that number. The patch identified by
that bank/number combination is now selected.
“If you wish to select a different patch within the same bank,
you don’t have to reselect the bank; just depress the
appropriate Number Pedal.
NUMBER PEDAL
NUMBER INDICATOR

PLAYING THE ME-6B LIKE A ROW OF PEDAL EFFECTS — THE MANUAL MODE
A “Manual Mode” setting is also stored with each of the
patches in the ME-6B’s memory. The “Manual Mode” is
where you can turn effects on and off by depressing the
Number Pedals or the Bank Pedal. This makes the ME-6B feel
just like a series of “pedal effect” effects.
The Manual Mode effects setting will be just the way you it
them when you return to it again.
SELECTING THE MANUAL MODE
<Using the Panel Buttons>
Press the [MANUAL] button to switch between Manual Mode
ON/OFF. The MANUAL Indicator will be on while you are
in the Manual Mode.
oBoss
ME-5B
BASS
VALUE 1 BANK
A
MULTIPLE
WRITE:COPY MANUAL
ave
A
VALUE
MANUAL INDICATOR
MANUAL BUTTON
<Using the Footswitch>
When you have a footswitch (FS-5U; optional) connected to
the MANUAL REMOTE jack, you can also use it to turn the
Manual Mode ON/OFF. It works in the same way as using
the panel buttons.
MANUAL MODE OPERATIONS
<<Switching Effects ON/OFF>>
in the Manual Mode, you can switch effects on or off using
the Number/Bank Pedals. When the indicator over a pedal
is lit, that effect is on. The effects are assigned to the pedals
as follows:
_- #8 2
ie
ec!
COMPRESSOR:
ENHANCER
OVERDRIVEY
DISTORTION
SYNTH BASS
EQUALIZER
CHORUS!
FLANGER
*The Noise Suppressor is onall the time, and can’t be turned
on and off like the others.
<<Setting and Changing Parameters>>
You can set or edit parameters for any effect in real-time.
Here’s how:
1 Select the parameter to be edited.
Select the effect to be edited with the PARAMETER [II]
buttons, and the parameter to be edited with the PARAM-
ETER [4] |] buttons. The exact parameter you will be
editing is beneath the flashing Effect indicator and across
from the lit Parameter indicator. Its current setting will be
shown in the display.
*If you select a parameter for an effect which is currently
turned off, the value in the display will flash.
2 Change the setting with the VALUE [a][v]
buttons.
While holding the [4] button, you can increase the
scrolling speed by pressing the button for the opposite
direction, [¥]}. This procedure works for either button.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to change other parameter settings.

DIRECT BASS SOUND: BYPASS
When
Bypass
is
ON,
you'll
hear
the
direct
sound
{without
effects)
of
the
guitar
connected
to
the
ME-6B.
<Using the Panel Buttons>
Press
the
[BYPASS]
button
to
switch
between
Bypass
ON/
OFF. When it’s ON, the display will read “bP”.
<Using the Footswitch>
When you have a footswitch (FS-5U; optional) connected to
the BYPASS REMOTE jack, you can use it to switch between
Bypass ON/OFF. It works in the same way as using the panel
buttons.
*The
Bypass
setting
cannot
be
stored
in
memory
as
part
of
a
patch.
DISPLAY
BASS
MULTIPLE
EFFECTS
ry
WRITEICOPY MANUAL
Kod see 9 Ne
°
¥ EDITESG BYPASS
BYPASS BUTTON
meee REMOTE
MANUAL BYPASS
CONTROLLING
VOLUME
IN
REAL
TIME
An expression pedal (optional) connected to the EXP. PEDAL
jack will let you control the volume output in real-time. In
addition,
if
you
cut
the
volume
with
expression
pedal
con-
trol,
lingering
effects
like
delay
and
reverb
will
decay
natu-
rally instead of being suddenly cut off.
In
fact,
the
expression
pedal
is
inserted
into
the
effects
chain
as
shown
in
the
diagram
below.
Ce | “2 « 3 @
COMPRESSOR ff OVERORIVEs
ENHANCER. DISTORTION.@ SYNTH BASS EQUALIZER
“Be sure to use the minimum volume setting (MIN) on the
expression
pedal
you
have
connected
to
the
EXP.
PEDAL
jack.
CHORUS/
FLANGER
« B ° ;
REVERB
~~ DELAY — -MASTER,

SECTION II:
MODIFYING EFFECTS SETTINGS
YOU CAN CHANGE THINGS IN THE EDIT MODE
It’s easy to change effects settings and save them as a patch. We'll show you how to do just that in this section.
CHANGING PATCH SETTINGS
Each of the 25 patches stored in the ME-6B has ‘default’
settings made at the factory. By changing these settings, you
can make up your own original effects sounds. This is what
we mean by “editing”.
The following steps allow you to edit a patch.
1 From the Play Mode, call up the patch you wish
to edit. (Refer to page 6 if you want a refresher
on how te call up patches.)
2 Press the [EDIT/ESC] button.
This selects the Edit Mode (the EDIT/ESC indicator will
light). The parameter settings you select will be shown in
the display.
3 Turning effects ON/OFF.
Turn effects on or off by pressing the appropriate Bank/
Number Pedals. You can check the indicator over each
of the pedals to see if that effect is on or off. The effects
are assigned to the pedals as follows:
COMPRESSOR
ENHANCER
OVERDAIVE
DISTORTION
SYNTH BASS:
EQUAUZER
CHORUS’ FLANGER
*The Noise Suppressor is on all the time, and can’t be turned
on and off like the others.
4 Now select the parameter you want to edit.
Press the PARAMETER [4] [0] buttons to select the effect
to be edited, then the parameter you wish to edit with the
PARAMETER [¢}[@] buttons. Cross-indexing the effect
and parameter indicator lights will show you which
parameter is selected, and the parameter setting will be
shown in the display.
“If you select a parameter for an effect that is turned off,
its setting will flash in the display.
CHORUS/
FLANGER MASTER
LEVEL
MODE
(15) (0-50)
PRE DELAY OF ee INPUT ATT,
(ms)
re
aa)
LIT
RATE REV THEY oo Pr ee
(0-15) Waisman
DEPTH a
(0-15) (-7-7)
E.LEV(CHO)/ RES(FL) EFFECT LEVEL
(0-15) (0-15)
5 Change the parameter values.
Watch the display, and change the parameter values with
the VALUE [A][¥] buttons.
Repeat steps 3 through 5 until the settings are as you want
them.
*At this point, if you turn off the ME-6B the patch will revert
back to its pre-edit settings. If you want to actually store
the patch settings after editing, you must perform the
Write operation as described on page 10.

CANCELING EDITS
After
editing
a
patch,
but
before
saving
it
with
the
Write
operation,
you
can
cancel
the
edits
and
return
to
the
pre-edit
settings.
Here’s
how:
1
Press the [EDIT/ESC] button.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash rapidly.
*To continue editing the patch, press a PARAMETER or
VALUE button.
*Actually, if you press this button in the Edit Made and
you haven‘t turned any effects on or off and didn’t
change any settings, you will be returned immediately
to the Play Mode.
2 Press [EDIT/ESC] one more time.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will go out and you're back in the
Play Mode. All the changes you have made to the patch
during editing are lost, and you're back to the original
settings again.
STORING
THE
EFFECTS
SETTINGS
IN
MEMORY:
THE
WRITE
OPERATION
Even
after
you've
edited
a
patch,
and
played
with
it
a
while,
the
changes
you
have
made
will
be
lost
if
the
power
is
turned
off,
To
save
the
patch
with
edits
intact,
you
must
store
it
with
the
Write
operation.
<<Storing a Patch in Memory>>
1
2
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash (at a slow rate), and the
display and pedal indicator lights will reflect the settings
for the current patch.
Select a patch into which you'll store this data.
Check out “Selecting a Patch” on page 6 for more
information on how patches are designated.
*If you are saving an edited patch back to its original
patchnumber, well, you’re already at that patch number
so there is no need to reselect the patch. Skip step 2 and
§0 to step 3.
*If you save an edited patch to a different patch number,
the patch you started from remains unchanged and in
its original location,
“To
cancel
a
Write
operation,
press
a
Parameter
or
Value
button.
You'll
be
returned
to
the
Edit
Mode.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button again.
This stores the edited patch in memory. When the
operation is complete, you’ll be transferred to that new
patch number and returned to the Play Mode.
<<Storing Manual Mode Settings>>
1 Press the [WRITE/COPY] button.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash slowly, and the display
and number indicators will reflect the settings for the
current patch.
Press the [MANUAL] button.
The MANUAL indicator will light to show that you're
now storing Manual setting.
“Press the [MANUAL] button again (the MANUAL indi-
cator will go out), and you're back to where you can
store patch data.
“To cancel a Write operation, press a PARAMETER or
VALUE button, You'll be returned to the Edit Mode.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button again.
This stores the Manual settings for that patch along with
the patch data. When the operation is over, the MANUAL
indicator will come on to show that you're now in the
Manual Mode.

DUPLICATING EFFECTS SETTINGS WITH COPY
Sometimes you may want the contents of one patch copied to another patch location. Not only can you copy from one patch
to another, you can also copy between patches and Manual setting.
<<Copying From One Patch To Another>>
1
Select the patch to copy from.
Check out “Selecting A Patch” on page 6 for more
information on how to do this.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash slowly, and the display
and pedal indicators will show the current patch.
*To cancel the Copy and return to the Play Mode, press
the [EDIT/ESC] button.
Select the patch to copy to.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button once more.
The contents of the “from” patch will be copied to the “to”
patch. When the copying is complete, you'll be moved
to the “to” patch and be in the Play Mode.
<<Copying the Contents of a Patch to Manual>>
1 Select the Patch to Copy From.
Check out “Selecting A Patch” on page 6 if you need more
information on how to do this.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button.
The EDIT indicator will flash slowly.
Press the [MANUAL] button.
The MANUAL indicator will come on, indicating the
“copy to” is a Manual setting.
“Press the [MANUAL] button again (the MANUAL indi-
cator will go out), and you can once again save to
patches.
*To cancel the Copy operation and return to the Play
Mode, press the [EDIT/ESC] button.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button again.
The patch contents are now copied into the Manual
setting. When the copy operation is complete, you'll be
in the Manual Made.
<<Copying the Manual Setting to a Patch>>
1 Pressthe [MANUAL] button to enter the Manual
Mode (the MANUAL indicator will come on).
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash slowly, and the display
and indicator lights will show the current patch.
Select a patch to copy to.
See “Selecting a Patch” on page 6 for more information on
this.
*To cancel this Copy operation and return to the Manual
Mode, press the [EDIT/ESC] button.
Press the [WRITE/COPY] button again..
The Manual setting is now copied to the selected patch.
When the copy operation is complete, you'll be returned
to that patch and be in the Play Mode.

SECTION Ill: THE EFFECTS
With the ME-6B you can create your own sounds by combining effects and changing their parameters. In this section we'll
tell you about what each of the effects does, and what changes you can make with the parameters.
COMPRESSOR / ENHANCER 1
This effect “compresses” high input signals and “expands” low input signals (i.e. makes loud sounds ENHANCER
a little softer and soft sounds a little louder). By making the overall volume more uniform, a distortion- SUSTAIN
free sustain effect is produced. In addition, the “Enhancer” processes the harmonic components of a ———
sound and then mixes them with original sound before output. This fills out the sound and makes it (0-15
clearer
and
more
distinct.
ENHANCE
FREQ
ENHANCE
LEVEL
*This
effect
will
be
disabled
(even
if
it’s
on)
if
the
Synth
Bass
is
on.
TORRE
{0=15)
SUSTAIN (0 to 15)
Expands low input signals and adjusts the range (time) over
which the volume is made more uniform. Larger values mean
longer sustain. With smaller values of this parameter, this
effect can be used as a “limiter” to suppress only the highest
input signals.
ATTACK (0 to 15)
Adjusts the picking time and attack intensity. Larger values
make the start of each note cleaner and improve articulation
of the sound.
OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION ° 2
This
effect
distorts
the
sound
and
gives
it
a
long
sustain.
The
different
“modes”
are
different
kinds
of
distortion effects that you can tailor to match your needs.
MODE (1/2/3)
Selects the distortion type. Overdrive gives you a miid
distortion that sounds like it came from a tube amp. The
Distortions settings (1 and 2) give you a harder sound.
Mode 1: Overdrive
Made 2: Distortion 1
Mode 3: Distortion 2
DRIVE (0 to 15)
This parameter adjusts the sound of the distortion. The larger
this number, the more intense the distortion effect.
TONE (-7 to +7)
Adjusts the timbre of the Overdrive/Distortion effect. Positive
values boost the treble, making it brighter.
ENHANCE FREQUENCY (1 to 3)
The higher this number, the higher the frequency range over
which the Enhancer effect is applied.
ENHANCE LEVEL (0 to 15)
Increasing this value increases the level of the enhanced
signal in the mix.
TOTAL LEVEL (0 to 15)
Adjusts the volume of the Compressor/Enhancer. This is used
for adjusting the balance between effects as they are turned
‘on and off.
OVERDAIVE/
DISTORTION
MODE
(1-3)
nuee nc
DRIVE
(0-15)
EFFECT LEVEL
0-15)
DIRECT LEVEL
(0-15)
EFFECT LEVEL (0 to 15)
Adjusts the level of sound output by the Overdrive/Distor-
tion.
DIRECT LEVEL (0 to 15)
Adjusts the volume of the Direct sound.

SYNTH BASS + 3
The Bass Synth detects the pitch and envelope of the notes you play and uses them to trigger the ME- “SYNTH BASS
6B’s own internal sounds. It is also equipped with dynamic filters that let you add ‘auto-wah’ effects MODE
to the sound. he.
5
RESONANCE
(0-15)
DECAY TIME
(0-15)
DIRECT LEVEL
(0-15)
MODE (1 to 16) SENS (0 to 15)
Selects the type of Synth Bass or dynamic filter effect.
Synth Bass
<<Some Tips on Using the Synth Bass>>
Modes 1 to 12 are Synth Bass modes. There are a few things
to keep in mind when using them:
*The Synth Bass gets ‘confused’ when it tries to play chords,
so stick to single notes.
*Play as cleanly as possible, muting the previous note before
making a distinct, crisp attack on the next note.
*When you get a note that jumps around and won’tsettle on
the right pitch, that’s a sign that the attack was not clean
enough for the ME-6B to detect.
MODES 1 to 6 [Synth Bass \__ ]
In these Modes, the Synth Bass is filtered as shown in the
figure, The different Modes correspond to different filter
characteristics.
MODES 7 to 9 [Synth Bass }_ ]
These modes use the same filter as Modes 1 to 6, butthe Synth
Bass functions one octave lower. The different Modes corre-
spond to different filter characteristics.
MODES 10 & 11 [Synth Bass ]
tn these Modes, the Synth Bass is filtered as shown in the
figure. Modes 10 and 11 have different filter characteristics.
MODE 12 [Synth Bass/~ ]
This mode uses the same filter as Modes 10 and 11, but the
Synth Bass functions one octave lower.
MODES 13 & 14 [Dynamic Filter \_ ]
Higher input levels increase the filter cutoff frequency in
these Modes. Mode 14 is a really sharp filter with distortion
applied.
MODES 15 & 16 [Dynamic Filter /~ ]
Higher input levels decrease the filter cutoff frequency in
these Modes. Mode 16 is a really sharp filter with distortion
applied.
Adjusts the Synth Bass input sensitivity. A higher setting
increases the responsiveness of the on-board tone generator.
Too high a setting, however, will make the Synth Bass so
sensitive that it triggers a note at even the slightest touch of
a string. The ideal setting for SENS is just below this point.
Dynamic Filter
Adjusts the amount of effect applied in proportion to the
input level. A higher setting means the effect will be applied
when playing softly. A lower setting means you have to play
a little harder to hear the effect.
RESONANCE (0 to 15)
Synth Bass
Adjusts the amount of boost to the harmonics provided by the
filter. in general, higher values create a more ‘synthetic’
quality.
Dynamic Filter
Adjusts the peak level of the filter. Higher values increase the
“Q" of the filter, creating a more ‘synthetic’ quality.
DECAY TIME (0 to 15)
Adjusts the time period over which the filter modulation is
applied. Longer delay times mean the modulation is applied
more smoothly.
*The Decay Time setting has no effect when dynamic filter
Modes 13 to 16 are selected.
DIRECT LEVEL (0 to 15)
Adjusts the volume of the output bass sound when Synth Bass
is on.

EQUALIZER
A
three-band
equalizer
with
parametric
control
in
the
mid-range;
the
most
important
frequency
range
for a bass guitar.
HIGH LEVEL (-7 to +7)
This parameter adjusts the treble. Positive values boost
treble, negative values cut it.
MIDDLE FREQUENCY (1 to 10)
Sets the central frequency of the mid-range that will be
adjusted by the Middle Level controi. Larger values indicate
higher frequencies.
MIDDLE LEVEL (-7 to +7)
This parameter adjusts the mid-range level. Positive values
boost the Jevel, negative values cut ii
NOISE
SUPPRESSOR
.
Suppresses
induced
hum
and
noise
from
the
bass
guitar
pickup.
By
taking
into
account
the
bass
guitar
sound
‘envelope’
(variation
of
volume
over
time
of
the
guitar
sound),
we're
able
to
reduce
the
noise,
without
affecting
the
resonance
of
your
bass
guitar.
This
creates
a
more
natural
sound.
*The Noise Suppressor is always on.
THRESHOLD (0 to 15)
Adjustable
for
the
noise
level:
high
for
high
noise;
low
for
low
noise.
Set
this
so
that
you
can
hear
the
bass
guitar
notes
decay
naturally.
-4
EQUALIZER _
HIGH LEVEL
(7)
MID FREQ
4-44)
MID LEVEL
(7-2)
LOW LEVEL
(-7~7
TOTAL LEVEL
tz-7)
LOW LEVEL (-7 to +7)
This
parameter
adjusts
the
bass,
Positive
values
boost
the
bass, negative values cut it.
TOTAL LEVEL (-7 to +7)
This
parameter
adjusts
the
volume
of
the
Equalizer.
Itis
used
for
adjusting
the
balance
between
effects
as
they
are
turned
on
and
off.
NOISE
SUPPRESSOR
THRESHOLD
(0-45)
|
*If
the
threshold
is
set
too
high,
it
may
cut
out
soft
bass
guitar
notes
as
well
as
noise!
(This
might
be
the
probiem
if
you
are
playing
and
nothing
is
heard.)
.

CHORUS
/
FLANGER
“oadtusy
Chorus makes the sound “thicker” and “fatter,” while the Flanger adds an undulating effect to the
timbre of the sound.
MODE (1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8)
Selects the kind of effect (Chorus or Flanger) to be applied.
Modes 1, 2 & 3: Chorus
A standard Chorus effect.
Modes 4, 5 & 6: Hi Band Chorus
Chotus is applied only to the upper harmonics of the sound
“so that the bass end is not thinned out.
Mode 1/4: Chorus:Mono
The direct sound (pre-Chorus) and effect sound (after Chorus
is applied) are combined and then output. The signal in the
left and right channels is identical. This is the mode to use
when you want to use a mono output.
Mode 2/5: Chorus:D/E
Astereo only mode. The direct and effect sounds are output
separately (to the left and right channels, respectively). This
gives youareally broad chorus sound by using air rather than
electronics to mix the direct and effect sounds.
Mode 3/6: Chorus D+E/D-E
Another stereo only mode. The left and right channels are
output out of phase with each other, creating a pseudo-stereo
effect.
*You will not get a chorus effect if you use this mode in
mono,
Mode 7: Flanger
Applies the standard Flanger effect.
Mode 8: Hi Band Flanger
Applies the Flanger effect only to the upper frequencies so
that the fundamental is not affected.
~-PLANGER—
MODE
pone ay
PRE DELAY
(ms)
RATE
—
OEPTH
{0-15}
E.LEV (CHO) RES(FL)
(15)
PRE DELAY
Adjusts the time between output of the direct sound and the
effect sound. This has a different effect, depending on
whether Chorus or Flanger is selected:
Chorus: (1 to 30 ms)
Increasing the pre-delay parameter creates a “doubling
effect” (like several instruments playing in unison).
Flanger: (Flanger: 1.1 to 4.0 ms)
(Hi Band Flanger: 0.1 to 3.0 ms)
Adjusting the pre-delay parameter varies the central fre-
quency of the flanging effect. The shorter this pre-delay time,
the higher the central frequency, and vice-versa. Ordinarily
this would be a “Manual” parameter.
RATE (0 to 15)
This parameter adjusts the rate of undulations in the Chorus
or Flanger sound. Larger values create faster variations.
DEPTH (0 to 15)
This parameter adjusts the depth of the Chorus and Flanger
modulations. Larger values create deeper modulations.
EFFECT LEVEL (Chorus) (0 to 15)
RESONANCE (Flanger) (0 to 15)
Chorus:
Adjusts the volume of the effect sound. Larger values in-
crease the volume of the effect sound, and at “15” the direct
and effect volumes are equal.
Flanger:
Adjusts the Flanger resonance volume (feedback volume).
The larger the value, the more pronounced the effect.

REVERB/DELAY
This
combines
a
reverb
(simulating
natural
acoustic
reverberations),
with
a
delay
(electronically
delayed signals which create an echo-like effect).
MODE (1/2/3/4/5)
Selects the kind of effect (Reverb or Delay).
1 (Hall-1):
Simulates the clear reverb sound of a concert hall.
2 (Hall-2):
Simulates the reverb of a concert hall; a gentle, well-control-
led reverb sound.
3 (Room):
Simulates the bright reverb of a very “live” room.
4 (Plate):
Simulates a plate reverb (an analog device that uses a
suspended meta! plate).
The treble frequencies are boosted to create a metallic-
sounding resonance.
5 (Delay):
Adds an electronically “delayed” signal tothe original sound.
This enhances and ‘fattens’ the sound. The delayed signal
can be used for special effects as well.
DELAY TIME (1 ms to 17 s)
Adjusts the delay time (the amount of time between the signal
and its first repeat).
Modes 1 to 4 are primarily Reverb, so any Delay Time
settings you make will have no effect.
Delay times are shown in the display as follows:
1 ms to 99 ms: {to 99 (in units of msec)
100 ms to 990 ms: /Z to 949 {in units of 10 msec)
1.0s: {2 {in units of seconds)
16
REVERB)
DELAY |
MODE
ts)
DELAY TIME
Gims-is)
rreenennenomit
REV TIME / FB{OLY}
(0-15)
TONE
4-7-7)
EFFECT LEVEL
(0-15)
REVERB TIME (Reverb)
FEEDBACK (Delay) (0 to 15)
Reverb:
Adjusts
the
reverberation
time.
Larger
values
correspond
to
longer
reverberation
times.
Delay:
Adjusts the feedback volume of the delayed sound, i.e.,
controls the number of audible “repeats” of the initial sound.
Larger values mean more repeats, while a setting of “0” gives
you a single repeat of the delayed sound.
TONE (-7 to +7)
Adjusts the timbre (quality) of the reverb or delay sound.
Positive values boost the treble frequencies.
EFFECT LEVEL (0 to 15)
Adjusts the volume of the effect sound (reverb sound). A
higher value increases the effect level.

MASTER
LEVEL (0 to 50)
Adjusts the overall output volume of the ME-6B.
*Set this to “43” if you want the input bass signal to be the
same volume as the output when all effects are turned off.
INPUT ATTENUATOR (0 / -6dB)
Some electric basses (especially those driven by two or more
9V batteries) put outa very “hot” signal that can overdrive the
ME-6B and cause distortion.
Ordinarily you can leave the input attenuator set at “0,” but
if you have one of these high-output basses, set it to “-6” to
trim the volume at the input.
LEVEL
{0-50)
(¢B)
INPUT ATT.
——————

SECTION IV: REFERENCE .
BEFORE DECIDING THERE’S A PROBLEM...
lf no sound is produced, or if things are not working as
expected, check the following items. Do not attempt to
service the product beyond that described in the user-
maintenance instructions.
No Sound/Low Level Sound
Are other devices hooked up correctly?
*ls the connected amp or mixer turned off, or maybe the
volume is set too low?
*Are the patch settings set correctly? This includes things like
checking to see that the parameter LEVEL settings are not set
too low.
eis the expression pedal volume all the way down?
Can’t Select a Patch
¢The patch won’t change until you’ve depressed a Number
Pedal.
*!s Bypass on?
*Are you in the Manual Mode?
*Are you in the Edit Mode?
RETURNING TO THE FACTORY
SETTINGS — INITIALIZATION
You can return all the settings to the way they were at the
factory (initialization). There is also a way to initialize just
one patch, or all the patches.
<<Initialize Just One Patch>>
1 Turn the power off.
2 Press and hold the PARAMETER [a] and [o]
buttons and turn the power on again.
The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash.
3 Select the patch you want to initialize.
See page 6 for more information on selecting patches.
*To cancel the initialization at this time, press the [EDIT/
ESC] button. You'll be moved to the Play Mode.
4 Press the [WRITE] button.
The selected patch will be initialized.
5 Press the [EDIT/ESC] button.
You'll be moved to the Play Mode. If you want to
continue initializing individual patch numbers, simply
repeat steps 3 and 4.
<<Initialize All Patches>>
1 Turn the power off.
2
Press
and
hold
the
PARAMETER
[¢]
and
[4]
buttons
and
turn
the
power
on
again.
The
EDIT/ESC
indicator
will
flash
and
the
display
will
read
“Ld”.
*To cancel the initialization at this time, press the [EDIT/
ESC] button. You will be returned to the Play Mode.
3 Press the [WRITE] button.
When the initialization is complete, you'll be moved to
the Play Made.

FACTORY SETTINGS
-
Bag
BE
SES SEEESCS aT EET EEEE
ENHANCE FREQ ENHANCE LEVEL
TOTAL LEVEL
REV TIME/F.BACK
EFFECT LEVEL
MASTER LEVEL
MIDDLE LEVEL
INPUT ATTENATOR
EFFECT LEVEL
DIRECT LEVEL RESONANCE DECAY TIME DIRECT LEVEL HIGH LEVEL MIDDLE FREQ LOW LEVEL
TOTAL LEVEL THRESHOLD
PRE DELAY
E.LEV/RES DELAY TIME
COMPRESSOR
ENHANCER OVERDRIVE/ DISTORTION SYNTH BASS
EQUALIZER N.SUPPRESSOR
CHORUS/FLANGER
REVERB/DELAY EFFECTOR

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