Bundle offer comprising
Effects pedal for electric guitar and electric bass
Connections:
Stabilised Switching Power Supply
In 2001, Boss released its first looper (the RC-20, for those who remember!). The RC-500 operates along similar lines – while adding twenty years' worth of technological advances and experience. In physical terms, the TC-500 features three foot switches, a multi-coloured display, and fully-fledged connectivity, which includes two stereo inputs and outputs, two additional independent inputs, a microphone input with phantom power, and finally MIDI I/O. Up to 99 different loops can be recorded, managed, and controlled via MIDI, adding up to a total possible recording time of 13 hours. The audio data is stored in WAV format and can easily be sent to a computer. In addition, the RC-500 ships with 16 internal drum kits with 57 pre-programmed rhythm loops and A/B variations. Additional functionalities include play/stop, record, overdub, undo, restore functions, and reverse playback – as well as dedicated effects. Those who prefer to connect their pedal to a dedicated power supply rather than to their pedalboard will find everything they need in this bundle. The RC-500 can then be used completely autonomously.
The RC-500’s colour LCD screen displays the status of the main parameters, which can then be easily adjusted. Each track is individually controlled via dedicated buttons and a central encoder, for continuous parameter settings. The three footswitches activate multiple functions and can be supplemented by two optional and individually programmable external switches or expression pedals. Unlike many competing devices, the RC-500 can store loops internally and communicate with a computer via USB. The AD/DA converters operate at 32 bits internally, allowing for the best possible sound quality. The maximum recording time of 13 hours – with a maximum of 1.5 hours per individual file - is also quite remarkable for a simple pedal, and all the more so considering it can be powered by a single battery. Finally, the MIDI signals not only trigger audio files – they can also be used to synchronise the tempo with a DAW.
Loopers have been used for improvisation and building musical ideas for decades. All it takes is the initial spark, such as a simple rhythm, a riff saved the night before, or even a full-blown track that is revisited, layer after layer. The RC-500 has more storage capacity than older units, features a dedicated preamp which can be used for both vocals and instruments, operates in stereo, and can be easily integrated into any modern music environment via MIDI. The RC-500 is also ideal for rehearsing at home or refining ideas – whether learning and practicing riffs, working on a solo, or going over the entire set list to prepare for the next gig. Used in combination with a computer and Boss's Tone Studio software, one can even swap exercises, playback tracks, or any other musical ideas with fellow musicians.
The Boss brand has been an important part of the Japanese Roland Corporation since the mid-1970s and has caused a sensation from its inception, especially with its compact effect pedals but also multi-effect units and other helpful tools for guitarists. The company's single effect pedals in particular are legendary and can be found in almost every guitarist's home. An incredible 15 million have been sold to date. With its Katana series, the manufacturer now also offers excellent amplifiers at a very interesting price point.
The RC-500 is designed for guitarists, singer-songwriters, keyboardists, and multi-instrumentalists of all kinds. Whether on stage, during band practice, or at home, it will always find its purpose. The RC-500’s storage capacity and MIDI compatibility will meet the demands of most professional musicians, whether live or in studio settings. Additional effects processors can be added to the audio chain to further enhance the recorded loops. The loop creation process itself is intuitive and straightforward, thanks a number of features - including two separate audio recording tracks, "undo" and "redo" controls, long sample times, "repeat", "stutter", or even "reverse playback" options - and all of it in stereo, of course. The RC-500 is also great for practising and fostering musical ideas at home. With its pre-programmed rhythms, exceptional looping abilities, comprehensive playback functions, and the added possibility of exchanging files with other musicians via the Boss Tone Studio software, the RC-500 will likely become a treasured musical partner!