Boss MD500 - User Manual

Getting Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Connecting the Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Adjusting the Eect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Turning Eect On/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Switching Banks/Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using the [TAP/CTL] Switch to Control the Eect 7
Editing a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Saving a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Parameter List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Parameters Common to All Modes . . . . 10
Parameters for Each Mode . . . . . . . . . . 10
CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ASSIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
BANK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
MIDI PC MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Convenient Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Assigning the Functions of the [A], [B], and
[TAP/CTL] Switches
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using Two Patches Simultaneously
(Simul Mode)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Inserting an External Eect Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Setting the Insert Loop Function . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Assigning a Function to an External Pedal. . . . . 25
Synchronizing with a DAW or External MIDI
Device
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Connection Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
MIDI Messages That Can Be Transmitted and
Received
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
MIDI Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Restoring the Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . 28
Transmitting Data to an External MIDI Device . . 28
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Main Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
IMPORTANT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Owner’s Manual
(p. 30)). After reading, keep the document(s) including those sections where it will be available for immediate reference.
5 Thanks to 32-bit high-precision processing at a 96 kHz sampling rate from input to output, the MD-500
gives you stunningly high-quality modulation eect.
5 With an easily readable screen and an independent [TAP/CTL] switch, it delivers both high
functionality as well as ease of use during live performances.
5 Standard eects such as chorus, anger, and phaser have been enhanced using cutting-edge
Boss technology. The MD-500 provides a total of 12 modulation eects, including models of the
Boss CE-1 and scanner vibrato.
5 The memory function lets you store and recall 297 dierent setups from internal memory.
5 The MD-500 provides “simul mode” which lets you use two eects simultaneously, and an “insert
loop function” which lets you shape your sound in conjunction with an external eect unit.
5 By connecting the MD-500 via a USB cable or MIDI cables, you can switch sounds and control
parameters in synchronization with your computer DAW or an external MIDI device.
© 2017 Roland Corporation
Owner’s Manual

Summary

Basic Operation

Adjusting Effect Parameters

Use knobs ([MODE], [RATE/VALUE], [DEPTH], [E.LEVEL], [PARAM 1/2]) to adjust effect settings.

Switching Banks and Patches

Customizing TAP;CTL Switch Functions

Saving a Patch

Saving Edited Patches

Save modified patches by selecting a destination bank/patch and editing its name.

Parameter List

Common Parameters Across Effect Modes

Flanger and Phaser Parameters

Tremolo, Dimension, and Ring Modulator Parameters

Rotary and Filter Parameters

Assignment Input Sensitivity and Assignments

Bank, System, and MIDI Configuration

Settings for bank behavior, system options (display, bypass), and MIDI communication.

MIDI Controller Mapping and Sync Settings

Chorus Effect Parameters

Convenient Functions

Assigning Footswitch Functions

Simul Mode Operation

Use two patches simultaneously (Simul Mode) by setting FSW MODE and activating switches.

Simul Mode Bank Settings

Inserting an External Effect Unit

Setting Up the Insert Loop Function

Enable and configure the insert loop to integrate external effects with the MD-500.

Assigning Functions to External Pedals

CTL Jack Function Assignments

Assign functions to footswitches/pedals connected to the CTL 1,2/EXP jack.

Synchronizing with MIDI Devices

MIDI Transmit and Receive Messages

Details MIDI messages for patch changes, tempo sync, and control of parameters via MIDI.

MIDI Routing and DAW Connection

Configure MIDI routing and troubleshoot DAW connectivity, including driver installation.

Restoring Factory Defaults

Performing a Factory Reset

Reset system settings, patches, or banks to their original factory state.

Transmitting MIDI Data

MIDI Bulk Dump for Data Transfer

Save or transfer settings to external devices or sequencers using MIDI Bulk Dump.

Troubleshooting

Resolving Common Issues

Provides solutions for problems like no power, no sound, and unexpected footswitch behavior.

Boss MD500 Specifications

General

Brand	Boss
Model	MD500
Category	Music Pedal
Language	English