Oh how i miss the days of the RC 505 mk i, when looping was simple and effective...
Although this machine is probably 2 times the value of the OG 505 MKi in terms of routing and possibilities (i/O, soundcard mode, integrated EFX, 32 bit audio, USB, 6 tracks, assignability - basically an all in one mini studio looper) it's also at least a 1/2 of value in it's simplicity when used for playing, sketching ideas and fast paced looping. It also excerts the inherent flaw with it's upgraded design - less simplicity.
There is littlee improvement in using the unit, even a downgrading, from the og 505. The sound is also not so much better as BOSS likes to advertise it. If at all - it LACKS the punchiness of the 16 bit processor! Levels are bouncing all the time while recording and playing tracks. Not a good experience at all.
In addition, the "Loop sync OFF" function and the "sound drifting" are still not adressed in the recent updates by BOSS!
All in all, RC 600 makes a package of enormous value, but simultaneously delivers the qirks that come with complex systems. Those are: Additional
1. Learning
2. Planning
3. Memorising
All wich come at the expense of time, wich in return could be a better investment when creating a new song/loop.
I'm more inclined to be focused on playing than programming my hardware. After this experience, revisiting a digital DAW doesn't look as half as bad. I also posess the RC-500 and altough i'm happy enough with it to keep it, it's also one step above the upper margin of firmware complexity in wich I'm willing to engage while looping with hardware. I also hope that BOSS adresses the above mentioned issues of the RC 600 on the RC 500, wich are similar, if not the same.
EFX are ok, but nothing to write home about. The stacking sounds wierd with Preamp/dist, and alters the levels significantly, wich have to be controlled from a different menu if you don't assign them beforehand. With 32 bit there's a LOT of headroom, so your audio levels can get nasty FAST if you are not careful and haven't premeditated everything. And in the next moment you are pushing your main out form 100 to 15 and everything is still loud. Basically what you need is a lot of time to put everything at it's best.
Is it worth it? Maybe. Yes if you are a fan of customizing and planning all out befdore the gig. Otherwise - no.
BUT, be ready for GRUELING customisation and constant alertness of the unit's behaviour, wich, without extensive learning, could result in more frustration than playing. To me, along with the ,mentioned bugs, that was the deal braker and the reason the unit was sent back the same day.
Too bad, this could have been a hit out of the park!
Cheers!
