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Boss has announced the latest additions to its Loop Station family, the RC-5 and the RC-500.
Boasting next-generation technologies, including 32-bit AD/DA 32-bit floating-point processing, onboard rhythms, phrase memories or loop storing and more, the new additions represent a considerable evolution in Boss's looper pedal offering.
The RC-5 is housed in Boss's well-known compact series format, with a full stereo I/O configuration, as well as what the company claims is "the most advanced interface available in any stompbox looper".
It also features an LCD backlight, which indicates recording, overdub and playback states, and a multi-function parameter knob, which allows users to navigate rhythms, system settings and more.
Like the new RC-500, the RC-5 offers a whopping 13 hours of recording time, as well as advanced external control options via footswitches, and expression pedal or MIDI compatibility.
The RC-500 has the more advanced feature-set of the pair, offering two tracks, the ability to connect mono/stereo instruments, pedal effects, and even a mic via its dedicated XLR input – which comes with a phantom power switch for condenser microphones.
It even features track faders and a mic level knob, allowing players hands-on access to volume control while performing. Its three built-in footswitches are configured for basic operations by default, however these can be reassigned in a variety of ways.
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And if the RC-500's new set of features wasn't impressive enough, add to it a selection of available Loop FX, including repeat, scatter, shift and vinyl flick. It also includes a reverse function, as does the RC-5.
Both new offerings come loaded with 57 drum rhythms – each with A/B variations, and the kit can be changed to suit the intended musical style, with 7 kits available in the RC-5 and 16 in the RC-500.
They also each include 99 phrase memories for loop storage, and these can be backed up to a computer via USB.
The RC-5 and RC-500 are available now for $199/£175 and $349/£265, respectively. For more information, head to Boss.
Sam was Staff Writer at GuitarWorld.com from 2019 to 2023, and also created content for Total Guitar, Guitarist and Guitar Player. He has well over 15 years of guitar playing under his belt, as well as a degree in Music Technology (Mixing and Mastering). He's a metalhead through and through, but has a thorough appreciation for all genres of music. In his spare time, Sam creates point-of-view guitar lesson videos on YouTube under the name Sightline Guitar.
