Boss Unveils the RC-5 and RC-500 Looper Pedals
Boss has unveiled the next generation of their looping stations with the RC-5 and RC-500, each featuring the company’s latest technology. Both pedals feature 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing, 57 onboard rhythms, 99 phrase memories for storing loops, backlit displays, and more.
“The single-track RC-5 and dual-track RC-500 both offer 13 hours of stereo recording, plus advanced external control support via footswitches, an expression pedal, or MIDI,” Boss writes.
The RC-5 is housed in a compact enclosure and fitted with full stereo inputs and outputs. Its LCD’s backlight changes color to indicate whether you’re in recording, overdub, or playback. A multi-function parameter knob helps to navigate rhythms, system settings, and more. Aside from its stereo I/O, the pedal allows for two external footswitches for controlling assignable functions.
“The RC-5 also includes MIDI I/O on space-saving TRS jacks—a first for any compact series pedal—providing even deeper control for players with advanced systems,” they add.
The RC-500 steps things up with a second track and adds an XLR input (complete with phantom power) for a microphone. It has three built-in footswitches that come configured for basic operations but can be reassigned for flexibility.
The Boss RC-5 and RC-500 will be available this month with street prices of $199.99 and $349.99.
Boss RC-5 Looper Pedal Specs:
| Sampling Frequency: | 44.1 kHz |
| AD/DA Conversion: | 32 bits |
| Processing: | 32-bit floating point |
| Number of Tracks: | 1 |
| Data Format: | WAV (44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo) |
| Maximum Recording Time: | Approx. 1.5 hours (1 track), Approx.13 hours (total of All memories) |
| Rhythm Type: | 57 Patterns x 2 Variations |
| Rhythm Kit: | 7 types |
| Effect: | Reverb (only for rhythm part) |
| Memory: | 99 |
| Bypass: | Buffered bypass |
| Controls: | MEMORY/LOOP LEVEL knob, MEMORY button, SETUP button, RHYTHM ON/OFF button, RHYTHM TEMPO button, Pedal switch |
| Display: | Graphic LCD (96 x 32 dots, RGB backlit LCD) |
| Connectors: | INPUT A/MONO, B jacks: 1/4-inch phone type; OUTPUT A/MONO, B jacks: 1/4-inch phone type; STOP/MEMORY jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type; USB port: USB B type; MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: stereo miniature type; DC IN jack |
| Power Supply: | Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22), AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately) |
| Expected battery life under continuous use: | Alkaline: Approx. 2 hours |
| Dimensions: | 2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches |
Boss RC-500 Looper Pedal Specs:
| Sampling Frequency: | 44.1 kHz |
| AD/DA Conversion: | 32 bits |
| Processing: | 32-bit floating point |
| Number of Tracks: | 2 |
| Data Format: | WAV (44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo) |
| Maximum Recording Time: | Approx. 1.5 hours (1 track), Approx.13 hours (total of All memories) |
| Rhythm Type: | 57 Patterns x 2 Variations |
| Rhythm Kit: | 16 types |
| Effect: | Loop FX (only for loop tracks) - Beat, Repeat, Beat Shift, Beat Scatter, Vinyl Flick; Reverb (only for rhythm part) |
| Memory: | 99 |
| Bypass: | Buffered bypass |
| Controls: | REC/PLAY switch, STOP switch, TRACK SELECT switch, MEMORY/VALUE knob, MIC LEVEL knob, TRACK 1 slider, TRACK 2 slider, TRACK 1 EDIT button, TRACK 2 EDIT button, RHYTHM TEMPO button, RHYTHM ON/OFF button, MEMORY button, MENU button, EXIT button, ENTER button, INPUT button |
| Display: | Graphic LCD (96 x 32 dots, RGB backlit LCD) |
| Connectors: | INST IN A/MONO, B jacks: 1/4-inch phone type; MIC IN jack: XLR type (balanced, phantom power: DC 48 V, 10 mA Max; OUTPUT A/MONO, B jacks: 1/4-inch phone type; CTL 1,2/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type; USB port: USB micro B type; MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: stereo miniature type; DC IN jack |
| Power Supply: | Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, AC adaptor (PSA-S series: sold separately) |
| Expected battery life under continuous use: | Alkaline: Approx. 2 hours |
| Dimensions: | 4 (W) x 5-7/16 (D) x 2-1/2 (H) inches (including rubber foot) |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
