BOSS BE-5M (01) PDF MANUAL

BOSS BE-5M (01) PDF SUMMARY:

What does the BE-5M include?

The BE-5M is a multiple effects unit that includes five different effects.

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What does the BE-5M free you from?

The BE-5M frees you from complicated setups which use several different effects devices.

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What does the BE-5M allow you to do?

The BE-5M is a user-programmable unit that allows you to create and store eight different effects programs called PATCHES. You can select any one of the eight Patches you have created simply by pressing the relevant pedal.

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What can be mixed to create a wide spectrum of tonal variation?

The Overdrive and Distortion effects can easily be mixed, allowing you to create a wide spectrum of tonal variation.

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What do the SEND and RETURN jacks allow you to connect?

The BE-5M features SEND and RETURN jacks which allow you to connect an external effects unit or volume pedal.

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Can limited control of external devices be obtained by data written into a Patch?

Yes, limited control of external devices (on/off settings) can be obtained by data written into a Patch.

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What does the TUNER OUT jack allow?

The TUNER OUT jack allows connection of an electronic guitar tuner, so that you can tune your instrument without changing the effect settings.

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Can headphones be connected directly to the BE-5M?

Yes, you can connect headphones directly to the BE-5M (via the PHONES jack) and monitor the sound without using a guitar amplifier.

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How do you set up a guitar and amplifier?

Connect the supplied AC adaptor to the BE-5M. Connecting the AC adaptor will automatically switch the BE-5M on and select the Play mode. The connections are as follows: Guitar connects to the INPUT jack, the amplifier connects to the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack, and an optional footswitch (FS-5U) connects to the GROUP jack. An optional external effect device can be connected to the SEND and RETURN jacks and a tuner can be connected to the TUNER OUT jack.

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What are the three operation modes of the BE-5M?

The BE-5M has three operation modes: PLAY MODE, MANUAL MODE, and WRITE MODE.

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What is the PLAY MODE?

This is the standard performance setting. In the Play mode, you can call any Patch by pressing the pedals. By calling a Patch, you can also change various effect factors at the same time.

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What is the MANUAL MODE?

This mode allows you to set a Patch program. Select this mode to turn each effect on or off during performance.

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What is the WRITE MODE?

This mode allows you to write (store) the effect program you have set in the Manual mode.

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What effect factors can be written into a Patch?

Various effect factors can be written into a Patch, including:

• Effect ON/OFF: Compressor, Overdrive / Distortion, Digital Delay, Chorus, External effect unit connected to The SEND/RETURN jacks.
• Output Level.

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How do you select pre-programmed Patches in Play Mode?

First, set the knobs in each effect section as shown in the “Setting Samples” section. Then, try changing Patches to see how each one sounds. Four different Patches (1 to 4) can be stored in each group (A and B). Switch between the two groups by pressing the GROUP button. A Number (1 to 4) can be called by pressing the relevant pedal. You can see which Patch is currently selected with the Group and Number indicators. You can also see how the selected Patch is programmed with the indicators of each effect and the Level indicator.

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How can you select a group with an external pedal?

By connecting an unlatch-type footswitch (e.g., FS-5U) to the GROUP jack, you can select group A or B by pressing the pedal. Set the Polarity Switch of the FS-5U as shown in the PDF to make it correspond to the pedal operation of the BE-5M.

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How do you program effects?

• Press the MANUAL button to select the Manual mode. The MANUAL indicator will light.
• Switch on any of the four effects by pressing the corresponding pedal. The indicator of that effect will light.
• Adjust the intensity of the effect using the relevant controls.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have set all the effects you want.
• If you wish to adjust the setting of the external effect unit, press EXT LOOP (the EXT LOOP indicator will light). Then switch on the external effect unit itself.
• Switch on all the effects you will use simultaneously and adjust each as necessary.
• Set the output level of the BE-5M using the OUTPUT LEVEL buttons.
• To write (store) the settings (On/Off and output level) of each effect, press the WRITE button. The Group and Number indicators will flash, indicating that the unit is in the Write mode.
• Using the GROUP button and a pedal, select the destination Patch where the effect program is to be written.
• Press the WRITE button, and the effect program is written into the Patch. The unit is returned to the Play mode.

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How do you cancel writing an effect program?

If you do not wish to write the effect settings you have made, press the MANUAL button to return to the Play mode. (The MANUAL indicator will go out). Effect settings (On/Off and output level) will revert to the previous settings. If you wish to cancel writing, press the MANUAL button. The unit will return to the Manual mode.

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What does the EXT LOOP button do?

To turn an external effects unit (connected to the SEND/RETURN jacks) on and off, press this button while in the Manual mode.

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When does the EXT LOOP Indicator light up?

The EXT LOOP Indicator lights when the external effects unit is turned on by the BE-5M.

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How do the pedal switches work in PLAY mode?

In the PLAY mode, the pedals are used for selecting Patches. The Patch number selected will be indicated by the corresponding Number indicator (1 to 4) on the pedal board.

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How do the pedal switches work in MANUAL mode?

In the MANUAL mode, the pedals are used for activating each effect. The Number indicators will continually go out.

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How do the pedal switches work in WRITE mode?

In the WRITE mode, the pedals are used for specifying the destination Patch number. The destination Patch number indicator (1, 2, 3, or 4) will flash.

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What does the MANUAL button do?

Press the MANUAL button to select the Manual mode (the Manual indicator will light). To return to the Play mode, simply press the MANUAL button again (the indicator will go out).

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What does the GROUP button do?

Use this button to select group A or B. The indicator of the selected group will light.

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What does the WRITE button do?

Press the WRITE Button to select the Write mode. It is in this mode that you write (store) the settings made in the Manual mode into a Patch.

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What do the OUTPUT LEVEL buttons do?

Pressing the decrease button decreases the output level while pressing the increase button increases the level. The output level can be adjusted over 32 steps and is roughly indicated by one of the five LEDs.

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Does the headphone volume change with the output level selected?

Yes, the headphone volume will change depending on the output level you select.

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What does the INPUT jack do?

This jack accepts the input from your guitar.

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What does the TUNER OUT jack do?

A guitar tuner can be connected to this jack. This allows you to tune your instrument (with a direct sound) without having to unplug anything.

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What are the SEND and RETURN jacks for?

If you wish to use an additional effect unit or volume pedal between the Overdrive/Distortion and Digital Delay effects on the BE-5M, connect it to the SEND/RETURN jacks. The external device can be turned on or off by control data written into a Patch.

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How can a volume pedal be used with the BE-5M?

You can use a volume pedal in connection with the BE-5M. This will allow you to achieve a number of additional effects while leaving your hands free. And when a tuner is connected to TUNER OUT, you can set the volume pedal to minimum and still tune your guitar (the TUNER OUT signal is not affected by volume settings).

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How can an equalizer be used with the BE-5M?

By using an equalizer (GE-7), you can gain more control over the tone of your instrument. You can also create interesting tonal effects by emphasizing a specific frequency range.

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How can a pitch shifter be used with the BE-5M?

Using a pitch shifter (PS-2) in connection with the BE-5M would create a world of possibilities. A Pitch Shifter is an effect device which takes the input signal of an instrument and produces a parallel musical interval (a fourth, fifth, octave, etc. above or below the original). This allows you to play harmonies by yourself.

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What does the GROUP jack do?

By connecting an unlatch-type footswitch (e.g., FS-5U) to this jack, you can switch between the two Patch groups (A and B) with the pedal.

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What are the OUTPUT A (MONO) / B jacks for?

You can connect an amplifier to each output if desired. If you are only using one amplifier, however, connect it to OUTPUT A (MONO). If you wish to obtain a spacious chorus effect, use two guitar amplifiers.

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What is the PHONES jack for?

Connect a set of headphones to this jack for private practice or monitoring.

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What should you do if oscillation occurs when using headphones?

If you are using headphones and listen at an exceedingly high volume, oscillation may occur. If this happens, turn the volume level down.

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What is the Cord Hook for?

By looping the AC adaptor cord around the Cord Hook, you can prevent the cord from being accidentally disconnected.

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What does the AC Adaptor jack do?

Connect the supplied AC adaptor (PSA-120, 220, or 240) to this jack.

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What does the COMPRESSOR effect do?

This effect reduces the dynamic range of input signals by making low-level (soft) signals louder and high-level (loud) signals softer. The use of compression makes it easier to sustain a sound without causing distortion.

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What does the SUSTAIN control do?

This knob adjusts the length of time a sound will continue to be heard. Increases the sustain time or shortens the sustain time. When set to the minimum setting, a limiter-like effect (an effect that suppresses high input levels) will be obtained.

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What does the ATTACK control do?

This knob adjusts the initial portion (attack) of the picking sound. It accentuates or de-emphasizes the initial sound.

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What does the TONE control do?

This knob controls the tone of the compressor sound. It sharpens the sound by emphasizing treble frequencies or softens the sound by cutting treble frequencies.

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What does the LEVEL control do?

This knob sets the volume when the Compressor is switched on. Adjust the control to minimize the volume change that occurs when the Compressor is turned off. It increases or decreases the volume.

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What does the COMPRESSOR indicator do?

This indicator lights when the Compressor is switched on.

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What do the OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION effects do?

These effects create a distorted sound. The overdrive and distortion effects can be mixed.

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What does the COLOR control do?

This knob controls the volume balance between the overdrive and distortion sounds. It increases the distortion sound or increases the overdrive sound. By rotating the knob completely clockwise (or counter-clockwise), only the distortion (or overdrive) sound will be obtained.

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What does the DRIVE control do?

This knob adjusts the depth of distortion. It increases or decreases the distortion depth.

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What does the TONE control do?

This knob controls the tone of the overdrive/distortion sound. It sharpens the sound by emphasizing treble frequencies or softens the sound by cutting treble frequencies.

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What does the LEVEL control do?

This knob sets the volume when the Overdrive/Distortion effect is switched on. Adjust to minimize the volume change that occurs when the effect is turned off. It increases or decreases the volume.

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What does the OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION indicator do?

This indicator lights when the Overdrive/Distortion effect is switched on.

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What does the DIGITAL DELAY device do?

This device can create multiple echo or special chorus effects by digital manipulation of the input signal. By varying the delay time, you can create a sound followed by multiple repeats or slap echo sounds or other special effects. Delay time is variable from 3.8 to 1000ms.

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What does the RANGE selector do?

This knob selects one of the following delay times which can later be adjusted with the FINE control knob: 7.5, 15, 31, 62, 125, 250, 500, 1000ms. By selecting a short delay time, you can create a slap echo effect (a doubling of the input signal). By selecting a longer delay time, a multiple echo effect can be obtained.

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What does the FINE control do?

This knob provides fine adjustment of the selected delay time. It increases or decreases the delay time.

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What does the FEEDBACK control do?

This knob adjusts the feedback level of the delayed sound. It increases or decreases the amount of feedback. At the minimum setting, a single delay effect (one repeat) will be obtained. Setting the feedback level too high may cause oscillation.

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What does the E.LEVEL (Effect Level) control do?

This knob controls the volume of the delayed sound. At maximum, the volume of the delayed sound is equal to the direct signal input. At minimum, only the direct sound is heard. It increases or decreases the volume of the delayed sound.

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What does the DIGITAL DELAY indicator do?

This indicator lights when the Digital Delay is switched on.

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What does the NOISE SUPPRESSOR do?

This device reduces the noise and hum caused by the guitar’s pickups. When set properly, the device reduces noise without affecting the instrument’s natural tone or decay.

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What does the THRESHOLD control do?

This control sets the threshold level (the volume level where the Noise Suppressor starts working). Set the control so that the guitar sounds natural. It raises or lowers the threshold level. If the threshold level is set too high, no sound will be heard if you play the guitar with a low volume setting.

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What does the CHORUS effect do?

This effect creates a spacious, rich sound. An even richer chorus effect can be obtained by using two guitar amplifiers. The effect sound is sent from OUTPUT A and the direct sound is sent from OUTPUT B. The two sounds heard from the speakers at the same time create the spacious chorus effect (Space compounding system).

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What does the RATE control do?

This knob sets the speed of the chorus effect. It quickens or slows the chorus effect.

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What does the DEPTH control do?

This knob sets the depth of the chorus effect. It makes the chorus effect deeper or shallower.

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What does the CHORUS indicator do?

This indicator lights when the Chorus effect is switched on.

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What are some important notes when using an AC adaptor?

When using an AC adaptor, use only the specified device (PSA 120, 220 or 240). Use of any other power adaptor could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

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What are some important notes when making any connections with other devices?

When making any connections with other devices, always turn off the power to all equipment first; this will help prevent damage or malfunction.

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What should you avoid when using this unit?

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. Avoid damaging the power cord. When disconnecting the AC adaptor from the outlet, grasp the plug itself; never pull on the cord. If the unit is to remain unused for a long period of time, unplug the power cord.

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What are some important notes about placement?

Do not subject the unit to temperature extremes. Avoid using or storing the unit in dusty or humid areas or areas that are subject to 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.

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What are the controls for the Compressor?

The controls for the Compressor are: Sustain, Attack, Tone, and Level.

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What are the controls for Overdrive/Distortion?

The controls for Overdrive/Distortion are: Color, Drive, Tone, and Level.

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What are the controls for Digital Delay?

The controls for Digital Delay are: Range, Fine, Feedback, and Effect Level.

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What is the control for the Noise Suppressor?

The Noise Suppressor has a Threshold control.

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What are the controls for Chorus?

The controls for Chorus are: Rate and Depth.

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What is the Input Impedance for the Input and Effect Return?

Input: 1MΩ, Effect Return: 470kΩ.

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What is the Nominal Output Level for Tuner Output, Effect Send, and Outputs A/B?

Tuner Output: -20dBm, Effect Send: -20dBm, Outputs A/B: -20dBm.

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What is the Output Impedance for Tuner Output, Effect Send, and Outputs A/B?

Tuner Output: 2.2kΩ, Effect Send: 1kΩ, Outputs A/B: 1kΩ.

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What should you do to maintain the unit?

For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth (or one that has been slightly dampened with water). To remove stubborn dirt, use a mild neutral detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

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What should you never use to clean the unit?

Never use benzene, thinners, alcohol, or solvents of any kind, to avoid the risk of discoloration and/or deformation.

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What are some 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 personnel as soon as possible. Should a malfunction occur (or if you suspect there is a problem) discontinue use immediately. Contact qualified service personnel as soon as possible.

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What is the recommended load impedance for Tuner Output, Effect Send, and Outputs A/B?

Tuner Output: 20kΩ or greater, Effect Send: 10kΩ or greater, Outputs A/B: 10kΩ or greater.

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What are the jacks included on the unit?

Input Jack, Tuner Out Jack, Send Jack, Return Jack, Group Jack, Output Jacks A(MONO)/B, Headphones Jack, AC Adaptor Jack.

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What is the power supply for the unit?

DC9V AC Adaptor.

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What is the power consumption of the unit?

150 mA (maximum).

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What are the dimensions of the unit?

300 (W) X 200 (D) x 40 (H) mm / 11-13/16" (W) X 7-7/8" (D) X 1-5/8" (H) inches.

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What are the controls on the unit?

Pedal Switch x 4, External Loop Button, Manual Button, Group Button, Write Button, Output Level Button x 2.

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What are the indicators on the unit?

Compressor Indicator, Overdrive/Distortion Indicator, External Loop Indicator, Digital Delay Indicator, Chorus Indicator, Number Indicator x 4, Group Indicator (A/B), Output Level Indicators (5 points).

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What is the Nominal Input Level for the Input and Effect Return?

Input: -20dBm, Effect Return: -20dBm.

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What is the Digital Delay System?

Analog logarithm compression + 12 bit quantization (At 1000ms range analog logarithm compression + 8 bit quantization).

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What is the Delay Time for the Digital Delay?

3.8 to 1000ms.

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What is the frequency characteristic of the Delay?

35 Hz to 10 kHz (+/- 1 dB).

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What is the residual noise for the Delay?

Less than -90dBm (IHF-A: Fine set to “x 0.5”).

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What is the Chorus Frequency Characteristic?

60 Hz to 14 kHz (+/- 1 dB).

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What is the residual noise for the Chorus?

Less than -90dBm (IHF-A).

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What is the weight of the unit?

970 g (excluding AC adaptor) / 2.2 lbs.

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What accessories are included with the unit?

Owner’s Manual, AC Adaptor (PSA-120, 220 or 240).