BOSS ME-6 GUITAR MULTIPLE EFFECTS

Owner's Manual

Before You Begin

Thank you for purchasing the BOSS ME-6 Guitar Multiple Effects processor. To become completely familiar with this processor and ensure many years of trouble-free service, please read this Owner's Manual thoroughly.

Contents

• MAIN FEATURES
• IMPORTANT NOTES
• PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
• MAKING THE CONNECTION
• SECTION I: PLAYING THE ME-6
• PLAYING THE ME-6: PLAY MODE
• SELECTING A PATCH
• PLAYING THE ME-6 LIKE A ROW OF PEDAL EFFECTS - THE MANUAL MODE
• MANUAL MODE OPERATIONS
• DIRECT GUITAR SOUND: BYPASS
• CONTROLLING VOLUME IN REAL TIME
• SECTION II: MODIFYING EFFECTS SETTINGS
• YOU CAN CHANGE THINGS IN THE EDIT MODE
• CHANGING PATCH SETTINGS
• CANCELING EDITS
• STORING THE EFFECTS SETTINGS IN MEMORY: THE WRITE OPERATION
• DUPLICATING EFFECTS SETTINGS WITH COPY
• SECTION III: THE EFFECTS
• COMPRESSOR (Digital)
• OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION (Analog)
• EQUALIZER (Digital)
• NOISE SUPPRESSOR (Digital)
• DELAY (Digital)
• CHORUS/FLANGER (Digital)
• REVERB (Digital)
• MASTER LEVEL
• SECTION IV: REFERENCE
• BEFORE DECIDING THERE'S A PROBLEM...
• RETURNING TO THE FACTORY SETTINGS - INITIALIZATION
• FACTORY SETTINGS
• BLANK CHART
• SPECIFICATIONS

Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß der/die/das GUITAR MULTIPLE EFFECTS ME-6 (Gerät. Typ. Bezeichnung) in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der Amtsbl. Víg 1046/1984 (Amtsblattverfügung) funk-entstört ist. Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.

Roland Corporation Osaka/Japan

RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE

For the USA

WARNING: This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation with non-certified or non-verified equipment is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. The equipment described in this manual generates and uses radio frequency energy. If it is not installed and used properly, that is in strict accordance with our instructions, it may cause interference with radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by the following measures:

• Disconnect other devices and their input/output cables one at a time. If the interference stops, it is caused by either the other device or its I/O cable.
• These devices usually require Roland designated shielded I/O cables. For Roland devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non-Roland devices, contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

If your equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, you can try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following measures:

• Turn the TV or radio antenna until the interference stops.
• Move the equipment to one side or the other of the TV or radio.
• Move the equipment farther away from the TV or radio.
• Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit than the TV or radio. (That is, make certain the equipment and the radio or television set are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.)
• Consider installing a rooftop television antenna with coaxial cable lead-in between the antenna and TV. If necessary, you should consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. You may find helpful the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission: "How to Identify and Resolve Radio TV Interference Problems". This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

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 Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

CLASSE B AVIS

Cet appareil numérique ne dépasse pas les limites de la classe B au niveau des émissions de bruits radicélectriques fixés dans le Réglement des signaux parasites par le ministère canadien des Communications.

Copyright

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

• The Best of Analog and Digital Sounds: The overdrive/distortion sections are analog, while the chorus, reverb, and other effects are created by digital circuits.
• Nine Different Kinds of Effects: The ME-6 contains nine different effects specially selected for guitar players.
• Simple Editing Operations: The effects parameters are laid out on the top panel, making it easier 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-6's internal memory, recalled instantly using the footswitch pedals.
• Manual Mode for a "Pedal Effect" Feel: A Manual Mode allows you to switch effects on and off using the pedals during performance, and even change settings, mimicking the feel of using individual pedal effects.
• Long Delay and Reverb with no Cut-off: Delay and reverb decay naturally when switching patches, rather than being abruptly cut off.
• Tuner Out Jack: A dedicated jack for connecting tuners, allowing guitar tuning without re-patching the setup.
• Headphone Jack: Allows for private practice by connecting headphones directly to the unit.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Power Supply

• Use only the adaptor supplied with the unit. Using any other adaptor could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
• When making any connections with other devices, always turn off the power to all equipment first to prevent damage or malfunction.
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit as devices that generate line noise (e.g., motors, variable lighting systems).
• Ensure your installation's line voltage matches the requirement shown on the unit's nameplate.
• Avoid damaging the power cord; do not step on it or place heavy objects on it.
• When disconnecting the AC adaptor, grasp the plug itself, never pull on the cord.
• If the unit is to remain unused for a long period, unplug the power cord.

Placement

• Do not subject the unit to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle). Avoid dusty, humid, or high-vibration areas.
• Using the unit near power amplifiers or equipment with large transformers may induce hum.
• This unit may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use it near such receivers.
• Do not expose the 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 slightly dampened with water. For stubborn dirt, use a mild neutral detergent and then wipe thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol, or solvents of any kind, as they may cause discoloration or deformation.

Additional Precautions

• Protect the unit from strong impact.
• Do not allow objects or liquids to penetrate the unit. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately and contact qualified service personnel.
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with qualified service personnel.
• Should a malfunction occur, or if you suspect a problem, discontinue use immediately and contact qualified service personnel.
• To prevent electric shock, do not open the unit or its AC adaptor.

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

Top Panel

The top panel features controls for effect selection and editing. It includes:

• EFFECT INDICATOR and PARAMETER INDICATOR lights to show selected effects and parameters.
• PARAMETER DISPLAY: A digital screen showing parameter values and settings.
• PARAMETER BUTTONS (Up/Down arrows): Used to select effects and parameters.
• VALUE BUTTONS (Up/Down arrows): Used to change parameter values.
• WRITE/COPY BUTTON: For saving settings and duplicating patches.
• MANUAL BUTTON: To switch between Play Mode and Manual Mode.
• EDIT/ESCAPE BUTTON: To enter editing mode or escape from it.
• BYPASS BUTTON: To toggle the overall effect bypass ON/OFF.
• BANK INDICATOR lights: Indicate the current bank.
• NUMBER PEDALS (1-5): Used to select patches within a bank and to switch effects ON/OFF in Manual Mode.
• BANK PEDAL: Used to select banks.

Rear Panel

The rear panel contains all the input and output jacks:

• INPUT JACK: For connecting your guitar.
• OUTPUT JACKS (L (MONO), R): For connecting to an amplifier or other audio equipment.
• TUNER OUT JACK: For connecting a tuner.
• HEADPHONE JACK: For connecting headphones.
• EXPRESSION PEDAL JACK: For connecting an optional expression pedal.
• BYPASS REMOTE JACK: For connecting an optional footswitch to control bypass.
• AC ADAPTOR JACK: For connecting the power supply.
• MANUAL REMOTE JACK: For connecting an optional footswitch to control Manual Mode.
• BYPASS REMOTE CORD HOOK: A hook to secure the AC adaptor cord.

MAKING THE CONNECTION

The diagram shows how to connect the ME-6 to a guitar and guitar amplifier using the included AC adaptor. Once the AC adaptor is plugged in and the power is turned on, the ME-6 is in "Play Mode", ready to use.

Connection Diagram Description:

An ELECTRIC GUITAR connects to the INPUT JACK of the ME-6. The ME-6's OUTPUT JACKS (L (MONO) and R) connect to a GUITAR AMPLIFIER. HEADPHONES (optional) can be plugged into the HEADPHONE JACK. The AC ADAPTOR connects to the AC ADAPTOR JACK. Optional FOOT SWITCH (FS-5U) can connect to the BYPASS REMOTE JACK or MANUAL REMOTE JACK. An optional EXPRESSION PEDAL connects to the EXPRESSION PEDAL JACK.

Important Connection Notes:

• When making any connections, ensure all devices are turned off and the amplifier volume is at zero to prevent voltage spikes that could damage speakers.
• After turning everything on, you can then turn up the amplifier volume.
• For a mono output, use the OUTPUT L (MONO) jack.
• After turning on the ME-6, allow a minute for the voltage to stabilize.
• If an Expression Pedal is plugged into the EXP. PEDAL jack, set its volume to MIN.

Cord Hook Usage:

Loop the AC adaptor cord around the cord hook to prevent accidental disconnection.

Footswitch Polarity:

Set the polarity switch on the optional remote footswitch (FS-5U) as shown in the diagram for proper connection.

SECTION I: PLAYING THE ME-6

PLAYING THE ME-6: PLAY MODE

(What's a Patch?)

The ME-6 can store 25 different combinations of effects settings and parameters in memory. Each collection of settings is called a "patch". These 25 patches are divided into five memory "banks", each containing five patches. Each patch is identified by a bank number and a patch number within that bank. You 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.

BANK/PATCH LAYOUT

SELECTING A PATCH

1. Select the Bank: Depress the Bank Pedal. The bank number will flash in the display. Depress a Number Pedal (1 through 5) to switch to the desired bank. Depressing a Number Pedal at this point only changes the bank number; the patch is not selected until you choose a number within that bank. Depress the Bank 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). The display will change to that number, and the patch identified by that bank/number combination is now selected. If you wish to select a different patch within the same bank, simply depress the appropriate Number Pedal.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the five Number Pedals and the Bank Pedal, with indicators above each pedal.

PLAYING THE ME-6 LIKE A ROW OF PEDAL EFFECTS — THE MANUAL MODE

A "Manual Mode" setting is stored with each patch. In Manual Mode, you can turn effects on and off by depressing the Number Pedals or the Bank Pedal, mimicking the feel of using individual pedal effects. The effects settings will be preserved as you last set them.

SELECTING THE MANUAL MODE

Using the Panel Buttons: Press the MANUAL button to switch Manual Mode ON/OFF. The MANUAL Indicator will be on when Manual Mode is active.

Using the Footswitch: When a footswitch (FS-5U, optional) is connected to the MANUAL REMOTE jack, it can also be used to turn Manual Mode ON/OFF.

MANUAL MODE OPERATIONS

Switching Effects ON/OFF

In 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:

• COMPRESSOR
• OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION
• EQUALIZER
• DELAY
• CHORUS/FLANGER
• REVERB

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the five Number Pedals, each associated with an effect category (Compressor, Overdrive/Distortion, Equalizer, Delay, Chorus/Flanger, Reverb).

The Noise Suppressor is always on and cannot be turned on or off like the other effects.

Setting and Changing Parameters

You can set or edit parameters for any effect in real-time:

1. Select the parameter to be edited: Press the PARAMETER buttons to select the effect, then the PARAMETER buttons to select the parameter. The currently selected parameter and its setting will be shown in the display. If a parameter for an effect that is turned off is selected, its setting will flash.
2. Change the setting: Use the VALUE buttons to change the parameter values. Holding a VALUE button while pressing the opposite direction button increases the scrolling speed.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to change other parameter settings. If you turn off the ME-6 after editing, the patch will revert to its pre-edit settings. To save the edited patch, perform the "Write operation" (see page 10).

DIRECT GUITAR SOUND: BYPASS

When Bypass is ON, you will hear the direct sound of the guitar without any effects.

Using the Panel Buttons

Press the BYPASS button to switch between Bypass ON/OFF. When it's ON, the display will read "--".

Using the Footswitch

If a footswitch (FS-5U, optional) is connected to the BYPASS REMOTE jack, it can be used to switch between Bypass ON/OFF, similar to the panel buttons.

The Bypass setting cannot be stored in memory as part of a patch.

CONTROLLING VOLUME IN REAL TIME

An expression pedal (optional) connected to the EXP. PEDAL jack allows real-time control of the volume output. If you reduce the volume with the expression pedal, lingering effects like delay and reverb will decay naturally instead of being abruptly cut off.

Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the effects chain: Guitar -> COMPRESSOR -> OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION -> EQUALIZER -> NOISE SUPPRESSOR -> DELAY -> CHORUS/FLANGER -> REVERB -> MASTER LEVEL. An Expression Pedal is shown in parallel with the Master Level, controlling the overall volume.

Be sure to use the minimum volume setting (MIN) on the expression pedal connected to the EXP. PEDAL jack.

SECTION II: MODIFYING EFFECTS SETTINGS

YOU CAN CHANGE THINGS IN THE EDIT MODE

It is easy to change effects settings and save them as a patch. This section explains how.

CHANGING PATCH SETTINGS

Each of the 25 patches stored in the ME-6 has "default" factory settings. By changing these settings, you can create your own original effects sounds, which is known as "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 for "Selecting a patch".)
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. Turn effects ON/OFF: Turn effects on or off by pressing the appropriate Bank/Number Pedals. Check the indicator over each pedal to see if that effect is on or off. The effects are assigned to the pedals as follows:

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the five Number Pedals, each labeled with an effect category (COMPRESSOR, OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION, EQUALIZER, NOISE SUPPRESSOR, DELAY, CHORUS/FLANGER, REVERB).

The Noise Suppressor is always on and cannot be turned on or off.

4. Select the parameter to edit: Press the PARAMETER buttons to select the effect, then the PARAMETER buttons to select the parameter. Cross-indexing the effect and parameter indicator lights will show you which parameter is selected, and its current setting will be shown in the display. If you select a parameter for an effect that is turned off, the value in the display will flash.
5. Change the parameter values: Watch the display and change the parameter values with the VALUE buttons. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the settings are as you want them.

At this point, if you turn off the ME-6, the patch will revert to its pre-edit settings. 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:

1. Press the EDIT/ESC button. The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash rapidly.
2. Press EDIT/ESC one more time. The EDIT/ESC indicator will go out, and you will be back in the Play Mode. All changes made during editing are lost, and you return to the original settings.

Note: If you press a PARAMETER or VALUE button in Edit Mode without turning any effects on/off or changing settings, you will be returned immediately to the Play Mode.

STORING THE EFFECTS SETTINGS IN MEMORY: THE WRITE OPERATION

Even after editing a patch and using it, the changes will be lost if the power is turned off. To save the patch with edits intact, you must store it using the Write operation.

Storing a Patch in Memory

1. Press the WRITE/COPY button. The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash slowly, and the display and pedal indicator lights will show the settings for the current patch.
2. Select a patch into which you will store this data. (Check "Selecting a Patch" on page 6 for more information.)

Notes:

• If you are saving an edited patch back to its original patch number, you are already there, so skip step 2 and go to step 3.
• If you save an edited patch to a different patch number, the original patch remains unchanged.
• To cancel a Write operation, press a Parameter or Value button; you will be returned to the Edit Mode.

3. Press the WRITE/COPY button again. This stores the edited patch in memory. When the operation is complete, you will 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.
2. Press the MANUAL button. The MANUAL indicator will light, showing you are now storing Manual settings.

Notes:

• Press the MANUAL button again (the MANUAL indicator will go out) to return to where you can store patch data.
• To cancel a Write operation, press a Parameter or Value button; you will be returned to the Edit Mode.

3. Press the WRITE/COPY button again. This stores the Manual settings for that patch along with the patch data. When the operation is complete, the MANUAL indicator will come on, showing you are now in the Manual Mode.

DUPLICATING EFFECTS SETTINGS WITH COPY

You may want to copy the contents of one patch to another patch location. You can also copy between patches and Manual settings.

Copying From One Patch To Another

1. Select the patch to copy from. (Check "Selecting A Patch" on page 6 for more information.)
2. 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.
3. Select the patch to copy to.
4. 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 will be moved to the "to" patch and be in the Play Mode.

Copying the Manual Setting to a Patch

1. Press the MANUAL button to enter the Manual Mode (the MANUAL indicator will come on).
2. Press the WRITE/COPY button. The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash slowly, and the display and indicator lights will show the current patch.
3. Select a patch to copy to. (See "Selecting a Patch" on page 6 for more information.) To cancel this Copy operation and return to the Manual Mode, press the EDIT/ESC button.
4. Press the WRITE/COPY button again. The Manual setting is now copied to the selected patch. When the copy operation is complete, you will be returned to that patch and be in the Play Mode.

Copying the Contents of a Patch to Manual

1. Select the Patch to Copy From. (Check "Selecting A Patch" on page 6 if you need more information on how to do this.)
2. Press the WRITE/COPY button. The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash slowly.
3. 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 indicator will go out) to switch back to patch selection.
4. To cancel the Copy operation and return to the Play Mode, press the EDIT/ESC button.
5. Press the WRITE/COPY button again. The patch contents are now copied into the Manual setting. When the copy operation is complete, you will be in the Manual Mode.

SECTION III: THE EFFECTS

With the ME-6, you can create your own sounds by combining effects and changing their parameters. This section tells you about what each of the effects does and what changes you can make with the parameters.

COMPRESSOR (Digital)

This effect "compresses" high input signals and "expands" low input signals (i.e., makes loud sounds a little softer and softer sounds a little louder). By making the overall volume more uniform, a distortion-free sustain effect is produced.

• SUSTAIN (0 to 15): Expands low input signals and adjusts the range over which the volume is made more uniform. Larger values mean longer sustain. Smaller values 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.
• LEVEL (0 to 15): Adjusts the volume of the compressor. Used for balancing effects when they are turned on and off.

Diagram Description: Shows the COMPRESSOR effect module with SUSTAIN, ATTACK, and LEVEL parameters.

OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION (Analog)

This 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 (1/2/3/4/5): Selects the distortion type. Modes 1 and 2 offer mild distortion (like a tube amp), while Modes 3 and 4 provide harder distortion. Mode 5 reverses the order of distortion and equalizer in the effects chain for a pre-equalized distortion sound. The modes are: Mode 1: Overdrive 1, Mode 2: Overdrive 2, Mode 3: Distortion 1, Mode 4: Distortion 2, Mode 5: Pre-Equalizer + Overdrive 2.
• DRIVE (0 to 15): Adjusts the intensity of the distortion effect. Higher numbers mean more intense distortion.
• TONE (-7 to +7): Adjusts the tone color. Positive values boost treble, making the sound brighter.
• LEVEL (0 to 15): Adjusts the volume of the Overdrive/Distortion effect. Used for balancing effects when they are turned on and off.

Diagram Description: Shows the OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION effect module with MODE, DRIVE, TONE, and LEVEL parameters.

EQUALIZER (Digital)

A three-band equalizer with parametric control in the mid-range, which is the most important frequency range for a guitar.

• HIGH LEVEL (-7 to +7): 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 control. Larger values indicate higher frequencies.
• MIDDLE LEVEL (-7 to +7): Adjusts the mid-range level. Positive values boost the level, negative values cut it.
• LOW LEVEL (-7 to +7): Adjusts the bass. Positive values boost the bass, negative values cut it.
• TOTAL LEVEL (-7 to +7): Adjusts the volume of the equalizer. Used for balancing effects when they are turned on and off.

Diagram Description: Shows the EQUALIZER effect module with HIGH LEVEL, MID FREQ, MIDDLE LEVEL, LOW LEVEL, and TOTAL LEVEL parameters.

NOISE SUPPRESSOR (Digital)

Suppresses induced hum and noise from the guitar pickup by analyzing the guitar sound "envelope" (volume variation over time). This reduces noise without affecting the guitar's resonance, creating a more natural sound.

• THRESHOLD (0 to 15): Adjustable for noise level. Set high for high noise, low for low noise. Set this so you can hear guitar notes decay naturally. If the threshold is set too high, it may cut out soft guitar notes as well as noise.

Diagram Description: Shows the NOISE SUPPRESSOR effect module with the THRESHOLD parameter.

The Noise Suppressor is always on.

DELAY (Digital)

Electronically "delayed" sounds are added to the direct guitar sound. Delay fattens the sound and can be used for special effects.

• DELAY TIME (1 ms to 1 s): Adjusts the delay time. Display shows: 1-95 (msec), 10-98 (10 msec units), 1.0 (1 second).
• FEEDBACK (0 to 15): Adjusts the feedback volume of the delayed sound. Larger values create more repeats. A setting of "0" gives a single repeat.
• EFFECT LEVEL (0 to 15): Adjusts the volume of the delayed sound. Larger values increase the volume. At "13", direct and delayed volumes are nearly equal.

Diagram Description: Shows the DELAY effect module with TIME, FEEDBACK, and EFFECT LEVEL parameters.

CHORUS/FLANGER (Digital)

The Chorus effect makes the sound fatter and more expansive, while the Flanger effect creates an undulating sound.

• MODE (1/2/3/4): Selects the effect type (Chorus or Flanger).
• Mode 1 (Chorus: D+E/D+E): Combines direct and effect sounds, outputting them together. Identical in left/right channels for mono use.
• Mode 2 (Chorus: D/E): Stereo-only mode. Direct and effect sounds are output separately to left and right channels for a broad chorus sound.
• Mode 3 (Chorus: D+E/D-E): Stereo-only mode. Outputs left and right channels out of phase for a pseudo-stereo effect. A chorus effect will not be heard in mono.
• Mode 4 (Flanger): Applies a Flanger effect.
• PRE DELAY: Adjusts the time between the direct sound and the effect sound. For Chorus (1 to 30 ms), it creates a "doubling effect". For Flanger (0.1 to 3.0 ms), it varies the central frequency of the flanging effect. Shorter delay times result in higher central frequencies.
• RATE (0 to 15): Adjusts the rate of undulations in the Chorus or Flanger sound. Larger values create faster variation.
• DEPTH (0 to 15): Adjusts the depth of the Chorus and Flanger modulation. Larger values create deeper modulations.
• EFFECT LEVEL (Chorus) (0 to 15): Adjusts the volume of the effect sound. Larger values increase the effect volume.
• RESONANCE (Flanger) (0 to 15): Adjusts the Flanger resonance volume (feedback volume). Larger values make the effect more pronounced.

Diagram Description: Shows the CHORUS/FLANGER effect module with MODE, PRE DELAY, RATE, DEPTH, EFFECT LEVEL (CHO)/RES (FL) parameters.

REVERB (Digital)

Reverb is the complex reflection of sound that builds up naturally in any room or hall. The ME-6 digitally simulates these elements.

• MODE (1/2/3/4): Sets the reverb mode.
• 1 (Hall-1): Simulates the clear reverb sound of a concert hall.
• 2 (Hall-2): Simulates a well-controlled concert hall reverb.
• 3 (Room): Simulates the bright reverb of a very "live" room.
• 4 (Plate): Simulates a plate reverb, expanding treble for a metallic resonance quality.
• TIME (1 to 20): Adjusts the reverberation time. Larger values correspond to longer reverberation time.
• TONE (-7 to +7): Adjusts the tone quality of the reverb sound. Positive values emphasize treble, making it brighter; negative values soften the sound.
• EFFECT LEVEL (0 to 15): Adjusts the reverb volume.

Diagram Description: Shows the REVERB effect module with MODE, TIME, TONE, and EFFECT LEVEL parameters.

MASTER LEVEL (0 to 50)

This adjusts the overall volume output of the ME-6.

If all effects are off and you want the input guitar signal to be the same volume as the output, set this to "42".

Diagram Description: Shows the MASTER LEVEL control.

SECTION IV: REFERENCE

BEFORE DECIDING THERE'S A PROBLEM...

If no sound is produced, or if things are not working as expected, check the following items. Do not attempt to service the product beyond what is described in the user-maintenance instructions.

No Sound/Low Level Sound

• Are other devices hooked up correctly?
• Is the connected amp or mixer turned off, or is the volume set too low?
• Are the patch settings correct? Check that parameter LEVEL settings are not too low.
• Is 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.
• Is Bypass on?
• Are you in the Manual Mode?
• Are you in the Edit Mode?

RETURNING TO THE FACTORY SETTINGS - INITIALIZATION

You can return all settings to their factory defaults (initialization). You can initialize just one patch or all patches.

Initialize Just One Patch

1. Turn the power off.
2. Press and hold the PARAMETER and buttons, then turn the power on again. The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash.
3. Select the patch you want to initialize. (See page 6 for selecting patches.) To cancel initialization at this time, press the EDIT/ESC button; you will be moved to the Play Mode.
4. Press the WRITE button. The selected patch will be initialized.
5. Press the EDIT/ESC button. You will be moved to the Play Mode. To continue initializing individual patch numbers, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Initialize All Patches

1. Turn the power off.
2. Press and hold the PARAMETER and buttons, then turn the power on again. The EDIT/ESC indicator will flash and the display will read "Ld". To cancel 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 will be moved to the Play Mode.

FACTORY SETTINGS

This table shows the default settings for all parameters across the 25 patches.

Mode Descriptions:

• OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION: 1: OVERDRIVE-1, 2: OVERDRIVE-2, 3: DISTORTION-1, 4: DISTORTION-2, 5: PreEQ+OD-2
• CHORUS/FLANGER: 1: CHORUS (L/R) (D+E/D+E), 2: CHORUS (L/R) (D/E), 3: CHORUS (L/R) (D+E/D-E), 4: FLANGER
• REVERB: 1: Hall-1, 2: Hall-2, 3: Room, 4: Plate

BLANK CHART

This section provides a blank chart for users to record their own custom settings for each patch.

SPECIFICATIONS

ME-6: Guitar Multiple Effects:

• Signal Processing (Except Overdrive/Distortion): 18 bit linear
• AD Conversion: 18 bit linear
• DA Conversion: 16 bit linear
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
• Patches: 25 + Manual Setting
• Effects: Compressor, Overdrive/Distortion, Equalizer, Noise Suppressor, Delay, Chorus/Flanger, Reverb
• Nominal Input Level: -20dBm
• Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Nominal Output Level: -20dBm
• Output Impedance: 5.7kΩ
• Recommended Load Impedance: 47kΩ or greater
• Display: 7 segments, 2 characters (LED)
• Connectors: Input Jacks (1/4 inch phone type), Output Jacks (1/4 inch phone type)×2 (L (MONO), R), Tuner Out Jack (1/4 inch phone type), Expression Pedal Jack, Manual Remote Jack, Bypass Remote Jack, Headphone Jack (stereo mini type), AC Adaptor Jack (AC 12V)
• Power Supply: AC12V: AC Adaptor BRA Series
• Current Draw: 500mA
• Dimensions: 442 (W) x 200 (D) x 52.5 (H) mm (17-7/16 x 7-7/8 x 2-1/8 inch)
• Weight: 2.2kg / 4 lbs 14 oz
• Accessories: AC Adaptor BRA Series, Owner's Manual
• Options: Footswitch FS-5U, Foot Volume/Expression FV-300L with PCS-33, Expression Pedal EV-5, Stereo Cord PCS-33, Chromatic Tuner TU Series

* 0dBm = 0.775Vrms

* The specifications for this product are subject to change without prior notice.

Information

When you need repair service, call your local Roland Service Station or the authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below.

U. S. A.: Roland Corporation US, 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA. 90040-3647, U.S.A. (213)685-5141

CANADA: Roland Canada Music Ltd. (Head Office), 5480 Parkwood, Richmond B. C., V6V 2M4, CANADA (604)270-6626; Roland Canada Music Ltd., 9425 Transcanadienne Service Rd. N., St Laurent, Quebec H4S 1V3, CANADA (514)335-2009; Roland Canada Music Ltd., 346 Watline Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1X2, CANADA (416)890-6488

AUSTRALIA: Roland Corporation (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (Head Office), 38 Campbell Avenue, Dee Why West, NSW 2099, AUSTRALIA (02)982-8266; Roland Corporation (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (Melbourne Office), 50 Garden Street, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, AUSTRALIA (03)241-1254

UNITED KINGDOM: Roland(U.K.) Ltd., Rye Close, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hampshire GU13 8UY, UNITED KINGDOM 0252-816181; Roland(U.K.) Ltd., Swansea Office, Atlantic Close, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA79FJ, UNITED KINGDOM (0792)700-139

ITALY: Roland Italy S. p. A., Viale delle Industrie 8, 20020 ARESE MILANO, ITALY 02-93581311

SPAIN: Roland Electronics de España, S. A., Calle Bolivia 239, 08020 Barcelona, SPAIN 93-308-1000

GERMANY: Roland Elektronische Musikinstrumente Handelsgesellschaft mbH., Oststrasse 96, 2000 Norderstedt, GERMANY 040/52 60 090

FRANCE: Musikengro, 102 Avenue Jean-Jaures, 69007 Lyon Cedex 07, FRANCE (7)858-54 60; Musikengro (Paris Office), Centre Region Parisienne, 41 rue Charles-Fourier, 94400 Vitry s/Seine, FRANCE (1)4680 86 62

BELGIUM/HOLLAND/LUXEMBOURG: Roland Benelux N. V., Houtstraat 1, B-2260 Oevel-Westerlo, BELGIUM (0032)14-575811

DENMARK: Roland Scandinavia A/S, Langebrogade 6, Box 1937, DK-1023 Copenhagen K., DENMARK 31-9531 11

SWEDEN: Roland Scandinavia A/S, DanvikCenter 28 A, 2 tr., S-131 30 Nacka, SWEDEN 08-70200 20

NORWAY: Roland Scandinavia Avd. Norge, Lilleakerveien 2, Postboks 95 Lilleaker, N-0216 Oslo 2, NORWAY 02-7300 74

FINLAND: Fazer Musik Inc., Länsituulentie, POB 169, SF-02101 Espoo, FINLAND 0-43 50 11

NEW ZEALAND: Roland Corporation (NZ) Ltd., 97 Mt. Eden Road, Mt, Eden, Auckland 3, NEW ZEALAND (09)3098-715

SWITZERLAND: Musitronic AG, Gerberstrasse 5, CH-4410 Liestal, SWITZERLAND 061/921 16 15; Roland CK (Switzerland) AG, Postfach/Hauptstrasse 21, CH-4456 Tenniken, SWITZERLAND 061/98 60 55. Repair Service by Musitronic AG

AUSTRIA: E. Dematte &Co., Neu-Rum Siemens-Strasse 4, A-6021 Innsbruck Box 591, AUSTRIA (0512)63 451

GREECE: V. Dimitriadis & Co. Ltd., 2 Phidiou Str., GR 106 78 Athens, GREECE 1-3620130

PORTUGAL: Casa Caius Instrumentos Musicais Lda., Rua de Santa Catarina 131, Porto, PORTUGAL 02-38 44 56

HUNGARY: Intermusica Ltd., Warehouse Area 'DEPO', Torokbalint, Budapest, HUNGARY (1)1868905

ISRAEL: D.J.A. International Ltd., 25 Pinsker St., Tel Aviv, ISRAEL 972-3-5283015

CYPRUS: Radex Sound Equipment Ltd., 17 Panteli Katelari Str., P.O.Box 2046, Nicosia, CYPRUS 453426, 466423

TURKEY: Barkat Sanayi ve Ticaret, Siraselviler Cad. 86/6, Taksim Istanbul, TURKEY 149 93 24

EGYPT: Al Fanny Trading Office, 9, Ebn Hagar Askalany Street, Ard El Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo, EGYPT 2917803-665918

BRAZIL: Roland Brasil Lida., R. Alvarenga 591, CEP-05509 Sao Paulo, BRAZIL (011)813-7967. Repair Service for Roland and Rhodes products; Oliver do Brasil S.A. Instrumentos Musicais, Av. Ceci. No.578 Centro Empresarial Tambore, Barueri SP CEP 06400, BRAZIL (011)709-1267. Repair Service for BOSS products

MEXICO: Case Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v., Mesones No. 21, Col. Centro, C.P. 06080 Mexico, D.F., MEXICO (5)709-3716; La Casa Wagner de Guadalajara s.a. de c.v., Av. Corona No. 202 S.J., C.P.44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEXICO (36)13 - 1414

ARGENTINA: Netto S.A., Venezuela 1433, 1095 Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA 37-1632

HONG KONG: Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd, Service Division, 22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, HONG KONG 415-0911

KOREA: Cosmos Corporation, Service Station, 261 2nd Floor Nak-Won arcade, Jong-Ro ku, Seoul, KOREA (02) 742 8844

SINGAPORE: Swee Lee Company, Bras Basah Complex, #03-23 Singapore 0178, SINGAPORE 3367886

THAILAND: Theera Music Co., Ltd., 330 Verng Nakorn Kasem, Soi 2, Bangkok 10100, THAILAND 2248821

MALAYSIA: Syarikat Bentley, No.142, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA 2421288

INDONESIA: PT Galestra Inti, Kompleks Perkantoran Duta Merlin Blok C/S9, Jl. Gajah mada No.3-5, Jakarta 10130, INDONESIA (021) 354604, 354606

TAIWAN: Siruba Enterprise (Taiwan) Co., LTD., Room. 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung Shan N.Road Sec.2, Taipei, TAIWAN, R.O.C. (02)5364546

SOUTH AFRICA: That Other Music Shop(PTY) LTD., 256 Bree Street, Johannesburg 2001, Republic of South Africa 337-6573; Paul Bothner(PTY) LTD., 17 Werdmuller Centre, Claremont 7700, Republic of South Africa 021-64-4030

As of Jan 8, 1992