Tabletop Loop Station that can be operated with the hands, perfect for beatboxers, vocalists, and club performers
Five simultaneous stereo phrase tracks, with dedicated controls and independent volume faders
Wide range of Input FX and Track FX for processing loops, including DJ and sampler-style effects
Independent play mode and tempo sync settings enable a flexible combination of track behaviors and advanced performance options
99 phrase memories, each containing five phrase tracks, custom effects/playback settings, and more
85 onboard rhythm patterns, including odd-measure beats
External control via MIDI and optional footswitches or expression pedal
USB for phrase import/export and DAW integration with computers
XLR mic input with phantom power, mono/stereo instrument inputs, and stereo aux input
Version 2.0: Newly Added Features
Up to three effects can be used simultaneously in both the Input FX and Track FX sections
New effects types, including Ring Modulator, Slow Gear, Pitch Bend, and others
Extended parameters added to previous effects, including dotted and triplet note values for tempo syncing
New targets for external foot control, ideal for musicians who play guitar, keyboards, and other instruments
Assign functions have been increased from 8 to 16, providing expanded performance control via the front panel, external footswitches, expression pedal, and MIDI
Enhanced Phrase Memory functions such as individual track monitoring via headphones, quantized loop recording, and more
Added system functions, including loop indicator status settings and more
Five Stereo Tracks with Dedicated Controls
The RC-505 features five stereo phrase tracks that can play simultaneously, the most yet in a BOSS Loop Station. Independent record/overdub/play and stop buttons for each track let you capture and control loop performances with your fingertips, and dedicated volume faders allow you to mix loop levels on the fly. Each track can have its own playback mode (multi, single, one-shot, reverse, etc.) and tempo sync settings, providing an unlimited range of creative looping behaviors.
Phrase Memories and Rhythms
99 phrase memories provide onboard storage for phrase track data, various playback and effects settings, and more. A combination of frequently used settings can be saved as a User Set, which you can easily load to quickly reconfigure any phrase memory, even in the heat of performing. 85 different onboard rhythms offer backing for loop recording, with a large selection of odd-measure beats for advanced looping. The rhythm part can be routed to the rear-panel Phones jack only, giving you a dedicated click track for monitoring purposes. With the Version 2.0 update, it’s possible to route individual phrase tracks to the headphones as well.
Customized Looping Control
The RC-505 lets you set up customized real-time controls, extending your command of looping and many other operations. With the Version 2.0 update, you can specify up to 16 different functions and access them in a variety of ways—with front-panel controls, an external expression pedal or footswitches, and/or various MIDI CC messages. Many newly added target functions are tailor-made for foot control, perfect for looping musicians who have their hands occupied with a guitar, keyboard, and other instrument. The 16 control assignments are stored with phrase memories, allowing you to create and recall custom setups for different songs and performing situations.
Powerful FX Onboard
With the RC-505’s large selection of built-in effects, it’s easy to enhance your sounds as you perform. Input FX allow you to process the sound during loop recording, while Track FX provide further processing options for phrase playback. Six dedicated on/off buttons—three each for Input FX and Track FX—can be loaded with your favorite effects, while grab-and-go knobs let you tweak parameters such as filter cutoff and effect depth in real time. With the Version 2.0 update, the assigned effects can now be used simultaneously, and newly added effects types offer even more processing options to choose from. Global compressor and reverb effects are also on hand, perfect for adding some finishing polish to the overall sound.
Audio Inputs and USB
The RC-505 is outfitted with a number of simultaneous inputs, allowing you to capture and mix a variety of different audio sources as you build loops. There’s an XLR microphone jack with phantom power, mono/stereo ¼-inch inputs for guitars, synths, or other instruments, and a mini-jack for connecting a smartphone or other stereo device. Via USB, you can plug into your computer and import/export WAV audio phrases, great for loop archiving or loading up phrases with live backing tracks or sounds for sampler-style triggering. The RC-505 also functions as a USB audio/MIDI interface, making it easy integrate with music software for stage performing with a laptop, audio recording, MIDI sync, and more.