BOSS Rc-505 Loop Station

Product Information

The Boss RC 505 MKII features a whopping 99 phase memories, which are all accessible via USB. This means that you can record specific loops to certain slots and then with a simple USB connection, import these into your DAW, independently or as one. Nice flexibility to have! But that being said, if you’re hands are your primary looping apparatus, then we’d say you can’t really go wrong with the Boss RC 505 MK2. Reason being that, when you look at it, all Roland have really done is make the winning formula even better!! So much so that if you’re in the market for a looper, you’ll struggle to find anything that offers as much functionality for the price.

This is the story of a modern art form, from the trailblazers of the NY beat battles to the BOSS RC-505mkII Loop Station. Explore beatboxing. Read more… Looping Positions: Ariana Grande and the BOSS RC-505 While the first model featured two ‘proper knobs’ for microphone and instrument levels, these functions are now found in menus and under encoder control. It’s not an ideal swap but is understandable, given there are now a total of six inputs — two for XLR microphones (with phantom power), plus two pairs of inputs for synths, mixer sends, and so on. On stage these might even eliminate the need for a mixer. In general, the I/O really delivers — joining the main stereo and phones outputs are two assignable stereo subs. EQ is provided for inputs and outputs, with a compressor available to each microphone. If that isn’t enough, an optional final glue in the form of a master reverb and compressor can be assigned to the main or either sub output. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to hear there would be a new chapter in 2022. Reassuringly called the RC‑505 MkII, this model features updated hardware and extra dollops of pretty much everything. We can surely forgive original owners a certain amount of anticipatory drooling, but this could also be an opportune moment for others to discover what all the fuss is about... The New For optimal performance, stay up to date with the current RC-505mkII system software and BOSS Tone Studio

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The RC-505 also supports computer integration via USB and operation with external pedals and MIDI, opening a world of advanced looping possibilities for all types of musicians. A slightly more controversial difference here. With the MK1, there was an SD card slot, allowing you to expand the level of storage. Whereas with the MK2, this has been rather cleverly gotten rid of. A slight disappointment considering the severe jump in overall recording time.

For users that like to use Rhythms to support their performances, the RC-505MKII has an all-new Rhythm Section. You’ll find 200 patterns, each with A/B/C/D variations and 16 brand new drum kit sounds covering a wide range of musical genres. When it comes to functionality at your fingertips, the RC 505 takes the crown. The RC 600 is essentially just 9 foot-switches and a screen, whereas the RC 505 gives you access to over 30 buttons. All of which makes it the fastest & most user friendly of the two.

The Boss of tabletop loopers receives an upgrade after eight years at the top. We explore the latest station

As you’d expect with a new loop station, the RC 505 MK2 loop station comes with a whole bunch of new rhythms & effects. More on these later… When using with Windows 8: When the Windows SmartScreen is displayed upon installing the driver, please perform the following procedure:

Both the RC 505 Mk2 & the RC 600 have the same internal brain. The easiest way to think of them is like 2 separate controllers which make use of the same looping and effects engine. The sheer amount of outputs you get with the 505 MK2 make it by far more the most flexible loopers out there when it comes to working with external hardware. You can also set specific effects over specific inputs/outputs too, which is nice. Inputs are one of the most noticeable changes. With the RC 505 MK2, you basically get every input you had on the MK1 & then some. See above for the full specs! Hooking external hardware to the MK2 is a total breeze More flexibility, more effects, more built features, more workflow enhancement… you get the picture. Which is why we’d say that providing you can afford it, the MK2 is now a better place to put your money. Not only that, but being a more technically advanced piece of kit, it should also allow you to create better sounding loops faster + encourage a smoother live performance too. Hardly something to complain about!

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The RC-505 can be moulded to suit your performing style, rather than the other way round. The real-time controls can be customised to suit the way you like to loop. You can specify up to eight different functions and operate them in a variety of ways—with front-panel controls, an external expression pedal or foot switches, and/or various MIDI Control Change messages—extending your command of looping and many other operations. The eight control assignments are handily stored with phrase memories, allowing you to create and recall custom setups for different songs and performing situations. 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. Nominal Input Level INPUT MIC (variable): -40 dBu (typ.), -10 dBu (max) Both share the same inputs and outputs: 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power, 2 sets of stereo inputs + 6 outputs including USB type B & midi ! Get your hands on an RC 505 MK2 and you’ll also find that it comes with real-time time-stretch. A feature that allows you to change the tempo of the audio (in real-time) without changing its pitch. Very clever!

Take a look at the LCD screens & you’ll soon see that they’re pretty similar too. In fact, the RC 505 MK2 & the RC 600 share the same menu structure & navigation. The systemwide settings are identical, as are the audio routing options. The larger LCD screen you get with the MK2 is super easy to operate + allows you to navigate the 505 a lot faster than the previous MK1.This cookie stores user-like settings for the chat system provider, which are required for our online chat service. Trusted Shops