The Boss ME-70 is a floor multi-effects unit built around COSM modeling, Boss's approach to modeling amps and effects in software. MusicRadar summed up the idea plainly: "So, take the popular ME-50, add COSM modelling, extra effects and looping - and welcome the ME-70."1 In practice that means the ME-70 keeps the ME-50's pedal-style layout but adds modeled amp sounds and a looper to the effect set.
COSM modeling in a four-switch layout
The ME-70's layout is its defining feature. Where many multi-effects units hide everything behind menus, the ME-70 puts four footswitches on the floor and rows of knobs on top, so it behaves like a pedalboard rather than a processor. The COSM modeling covers the amp side, and MusicRadar found the models hold their own: "COSM amp models have a tendency to be a little brighter and more immediate than the Vox or Line 6 equivalents, but they record very well and sound well-defined even on vintage-voiced humbuckers."1
Manual Mode and Memory mode
The unit runs in two modes, and the difference matters day to day1:
- Manual Mode (default): the four footswitches correspond to four effects modules: compression/FX, overdrive/distortion, modulation and delay. Each switch turns its module on or off, like four separate pedals.1
- Memory mode: sounds are stored and recalled as presets, with 36 factory presets and another 36 editable user memory locations.1
The compression/FX module is the widest ranging of the four. In addition to compression, it also covers wah, pickup simulation, fretless simulation and the BOSS Slow Gear effect, so one switch reaches into several effect families.1
The onboard expression pedal does more than volume and wah: the speed of modulation and delay effects can be controlled from the expression pedal, and an optional extra expression pedal can be added.1
Power and what comes in the box
The ME-70 can be powered either from six AA batteries or a BOSS PSA adaptor. The unit comes with a free set of batteries, but you have to buy the adaptor separately, which MusicRadar called "a bit of an odd" choice.1
If you plan to run the ME-70 on a pedalboard power supply rather than batteries, budget for a BOSS PSA adaptor, since none is included in the box.1
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's verdict was warm without overselling it: "The ME-70 is a great introduction to the world of floor-pedal multi-FX with some quality tones and hidden gems."1 Premier Guitar's reviewer, writing with the $299 MSRP in mind, concluded that "the ME-70 might be just what you need."2
Where it sits in Boss's range
The ME-70 belongs to Boss's ME line of floor multi-effects, which also includes the Boss ME-25, the later Boss ME-80 and the current BOSS ME-90. Players who want more depth per effect in single-pedal form can look at the Boss MD-500 Modulation, and Boss's larger modeling units such as the Boss GT-1000 sit above the ME line. For the wider field, see Multi-effects Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Boss ME-70 the same as the ME-50?
No. MusicRadar describes the ME-70 as taking the popular ME-50 and adding COSM modeling, extra effects and looping. The two share the same idea of a multi-effects unit laid out like a row of pedals, but the ME-70 goes further with modeled amps and a looper on top of the effect set.
How many presets does the Boss ME-70 have?
In Memory mode the ME-70 gives you 36 factory presets and another 36 editable user memory locations, so you can keep your own sounds alongside the shipped ones. Manual mode works differently: the knobs and switches set the sound directly, the way individual pedals would.
Does the Boss ME-70 run on batteries?
Yes. MusicRadar notes the ME-70 can be powered either from six AA batteries or a BOSS PSA adaptor, and the unit ships with a free set of batteries. For regular use, the PSA adaptor is bought separately.
Does the Boss ME-70 come with a power adaptor?
No. The ME-70 comes with a free set of batteries, but the PSA adaptor is sold separately, which MusicRadar called a bit of an odd choice. If you already own other Boss gear, a PSA adaptor you own may work here too.
Does the Boss ME-70 have a wah?
Yes. The compression/FX module covers wah alongside compression, pickup simulation, fretless simulation and the BOSS Slow Gear effect, so the onboard expression pedal can be pressed into service as a wah as well as a volume-style control.
What effects can the four footswitches control?
In the default Manual Mode, the four footswitches correspond to four effects modules: compression/FX, overdrive/distortion, modulation and delay. Each switch turns its module on and off, so the board behaves like four separate pedals under your feet.
Sources (2)
- Boss ME-70 review, MusicRadar, 2009-05-26
- Boss ME-70 Review, Premier Guitar, 2009-03-30
