ME-5
GUITAR MULTIPLE EFFECTS
Throughout the 1980s, guitarists continued to experiment with BOSS effects to create unique and interesting sounds. Before long, performing with multiple effects pedals chained together became the norm rather than the exception.
While the BCB-6 helped kickstart the pedalboard era, merging multiple effects into a single portable floor unit was previously untried. The milestone ME-5 launched the now-familiar concept of floor-based multi-effects, integrating Compressor, Overdrive/Distortion, Equalizer, Chorus/Flanger, and Digital Reverb/Digital Delay effects in a compact, plug-and-play package.
With the ability to store and recall up to 64 patches, this world’s first device boasted an impressive array of supporting features, including a useful noise suppressor circuit. Further setting the ME-5 apart was its extensive connectivity, which included MIDI I/O, external footswitch and expression pedal control, an effects loop, a headphones jack, and a handy tuner out.