• But the RC-20XL was such a good starting point...

  
  As reviewed by Gary Slama on 5/12/2011

  I just upgraded from an RC-20XL to the RC-30. I was very happy with the RC-20XL, but it had two major limitations: 1) Capacity for only 10 loops, and 2) No data interface (e.g. SD card or USB) for easy storing/retrieving of loops. The RC-30 addressed both limitations and included additional features that sounded (no pun intended) appealing. I pre-ordered the RC-30 at Guitar Center and took delivery on 05/05/11. A lot has been written about the quality, fit and finish of Boss pedals, so I won't waste time confirming what is already known, other than to say that this is a top quality piece of hardware... it's built to last a long, long time. So why only 3 stars? Well... it's all in the performance, and although this pedal addresses two previous limitations of its older sibling, it has a few issues of its own. Issue 1 -- Non-seamless loop switching: The RC-20XL switches from one loop to another without missing a beat. I use an FS-6 external switch to change loops mid-song, and the RC-20XL does this perfectly. I was somewhat shocked to discover that, with the RC-30, there is a slight but very noticeable gap when changing loops. I figured maybe I got a ?buggy? pedal, since this *is* a new product. I sent an email to Roland US Product Support , and their surprising response was, ?In the RC-30, it's normal to experience a slight pause when switching from one phrase to another while a phrase is playing.? Really? Doesn?t that defeat the whole purpose of switching loops on the fly? And when I switch loops during a live performance...? Issue 2 ? Inaccurate auto-beat-detection: Before sending my RC-20XL to my older brother (a fellow musician), I copied the 10 loops from the RC-20XL to the RC-30. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get a clean loop (i.e. a clean, in sync transition from loop end to loop beginning), I thought to myself, ?Why is this so difficult?? The only way I was able to get a clean loop was to set the tempo manually, then record the loop. As an experiment, I used the RC-20XL?s built in beat track to record a simple loop on the RC-30. Every attempt was a failure. And when I compared the LED beat indicators on the two Loop Stations for a few bars, I could see that they were not in sync. As soon as I set the tempo manually, I was able to get a clean loop. It seemed to me (and this was just my perception) that the auto-beat-detection loops were "off" by the same amount as the delay experienced during loop switching. Issue 3 ? No line input-level control: This a minor issue compared to the other two, but I figured it was worth mentioning. The RC-20XL has an input level control for the mic/line. The input level control on the RC-30 is only for the microphone. I?m assuming the level control for the line input is automatic. But if you want to unplug your instrument while the RC-30 is live? you?d better turn down the volume. Also, the gain on the input is set on the low side, so you?ll need to crank up the level of whatever you?re using to feed the input of the RC-30. I was feeding the RC-30 with a Boss ME-25, and I had to turn the ME-25?s volume knob up to ?99? on mode tones to get a good level out of the RC-30. As always, your mileage may vary. Having been a satisfied user of the RC-20XL, I was hoping for a big step forward with the RC-30. Instead, it?s a couple steps forward and a couple steps back.

  10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
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• ...an additional note not mentioned for RC20 users.

  
  As reviewed by Timothy Minarchi on 9/13/2011

  I loved my RC20...but after many years and spilled beers it was time to upgrade, so I took a chance on the RC30 figuring, like the other reviewers it would be a major step up. I also find it to be a few steps forward, a few back. For anyone else in my predicament seeking a replacement for their RC20 but slightly paranoid about the additional functions of the RC30, it should be noted (and is on the last page of the manual) that by turning the unit on while holding down the LOOPFX button you can revert the pedal functions of the RC30 to the exact functions of the RC20. Bouncing patches from the RC20 is indeed tricky, however although burdensome once completed now it's something you can back up eliminating the fear I've had for years of a total failure. Also, the additional time and patches are...for someone who is used to the admittedly limited memory of the RC20...well, HUGE. ...they really could have spared us the stereo i/o and skipped the rhythm volume knob and instead routed it to the same line in as the RC20....that would have been a MAJOR plus.

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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• Loops Go Out of Time After a Few Loops...

  
  As reviewed by Rothel on 7/12/2011

  I got this pedal so that I can perform an "improv-ish" gig just guitar and drums. After bringing it to the practice space and trying it out, I noticed that the loops seem to go slightly out of sync as it continues to loop. After reading the previous review, it seems that you have to set the tempo prior to looping, which defeats the whole improve purpose. Not for me... Will buy the RC-20 for half the price and better results! BTW read the really good/long review on this product; very insightful

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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