It’s been a while since Boss launched the ME-90 processor, but recently the company introduced ME-90B, the version of the Multiple Effects processor for bass guitars. And also a new preamp unit along with that, the company also launched the first one in the Katana lineup along with a cabinet.
Let’s start with the ME-90B
With 61 effects optimised for bass and 10 bass preamps crafted with their latest AIRD technology, you can connect it to stage amps, house PA systems as well as computers. Also, with the hands-on interface, expression pedal, and direct-access footswitches, you get instant access to the effects just like most of the ME series processors. You can update the software to the latest version from Boss’s official website.
ME-90B MULTI-FX : Standard features
All-in-one bass processor with premium BOSS amps and effects
Easy stompbox-style sound creation with an intuitive knob-based interface
Superior sound quality with 24-bit AD and 32-bit DA conversion, 32-bit floating-point processing, and 48 kHz sampling rate
61 effects from the BOSS bass effects library
Ten onboard AIRD preamp models including newly developed types
Dedicated preamp section plus six simultaneous effect categories with multiple types to choose from
Edit parameters, swap out preamp and effect types, and more with BOSS Tone Studio
Eight multi-function footswitches and an expression pedal with toe switch
36 ready-to-play preset memories and 36 user memories for storing custom setups
Manual mode for pedalboard-style operation and Memory mode for switching complete setups
Blend knob for mixing in the direct bass sound
Stereo 1/4-inch outputs and mono XLR balanced output with ground lift switch
Rear-panel switch to optimize the 1/4-inch audio outputs for a bass amp or full-range sound system
Send/return loop for external pedals
Light, durable design and colorful status LEDs
Load up to three user speaker IRs
Powered via four AA batteries or optional AC adaptor
USB-C® connector for communicating with BOSS Tone Studio and audio recording/playback with music production software
Download and share ME-90B Livesets on BOSS Tone Exchange
Optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor allows you to edit sounds and stream audio from an iOS or Android mobile device
BOSS ME-90B: What makes this one nice and easy to use?
Each effect category features independent parameter knobs. The memory mode lets you recall upto 36 custom multi-effect setups. It makes the job fun and easy with easy footswitch control and different LEDs for easy identification. The BOSS bass effects library is organised into six logical sections that can be used simultaneously. Compressors, pitch effects, delays, reverbs – this one got it all!
There are 10 preamp types and the EQ can be adjusted. Small tweaks like changing from Natural to Drive Bass are quick and easy options for players. There’s also an Acoustic type optimized for acoustic-electric and upright bass pickups, plus an EQ-only option for clean DI tones.
Priced at $400 with direct USB recording, headphone connectivity, BOSS Tone Studio support, the 90-B is a low-end monster! Check it out at BOSS’s official website.
Check out our other gear related articles: Advancements in Acoustic Guitar Pickups: A Technical Exploration
Katana-500 Bass Head + Katana Cabinet 112 Bass
The two bassist oriented gears were launched together and also work well together although the amp can work with any other cab, thanks to BOSS’s Cab Resonance technology!
“Every speaker cabinet has its own characteristic impedance curve and frequency response, and these elements affect how the amplifier feeding it behaves,” the company explains. “With a simple button press, the Cab Resonance feature in the Katana-500 Bass Head calibrates the amp’s reactive output stage circuitry to match the unique properties of the connected cabinet. Our proprietary process analyzes numerous elements, including the lowest frequency that the cabinet can produce, high-end resonances, and many other factors. With this information, advanced processing dynamically enhances the output to provide superior feel and response, powerful lows, and high-definition overall sound.”
The BOSS Katana amp comes with a four band EQ, compression, drive and more. You can save and recall your custom settings in an instant due to its onboard memory. Other features include an XLR line output, an Amp Feel switch, a Shape Switch, a Hi-Cut, and more. Similar feature to the ME-90B, this device can also be connected to the Boss Tone Studio via USB.
The Katana Cabinet 112 Bass is fitted with an Eminence Neodymium Series 12-inch woofer and a high-frequency tweeter, which has an on/off switch and two preset level settings.
The Boss Katana-500 Bass Head comes for $799.99, while the cabinet has a price of $699.99.
Boss Katana-500 Bass Pre Amp Features:
500 Watts via Class D power amp
Cab Resonance calibration
Two Amp Feel settings
Four-band EQ
Compressor and drive controls, each with three selectable types
Shape switch with mid-scoop, bright, and wide-range options
Bottom knob
Hi Cut button with three selectable frequencies
Blend knob to mix in the dry bass sound
Pad switch to optimize the input for high-output active pickups
Onboard memory for saving and recalling a custom setup with a touch
Two high-current speaker outputs with robust locking connectors
XLR line output and headphones/recording jack
Edit tones and access over 60 effects with BOSS Tone Studio for Windows/macOS
USB connector for communicating with BOSS Tone Studio and audio recording/playback with music production software
Download and share Livesets at BOSS Tone Exchange
Optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor allows you to edit sounds and stream audio from an iOS or Android mobile device
Boss Katana 112 Bass Power Amp Features:
500 Watts
Eminence Neodymium Series 12-inch woofer
High-frequency tweeter with on/off switch and two preset level settings
Speaker input and link jack for connecting a second cabinet
Impedance: 8 ohms
Robust locking-style speaker connectors
