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BOSS RC-500 Loop Station - Our New Flagship Dual-Track Looper Pedalplay button

BOSS RC-500 Loop Station - Our New Flagship Dual-Track Looper Pedal

BOSS

collapse expand iconDescription

The BOSS RC-500 Loop Station is an essential partner for guitarists, singer-songwriters, multi-instrumentalists and anyone who wants to take their looping to the next level. Craft real-time compositions with two loop tracks, mic and stereo instrument inputs, rhythms and inspiring Loop FX. Plus, it's all backed by premium 32-bit audio quality. Store loops in onboard memories and explore expanded operation with external controls and MIDI. Filled with next-generation Loop Station features, the BOSS RC-500 gives serious creators the tools they need to develop new ideas and deliver impactful performances that will leave audiences wanting more.

Super Sound Quality
Featuring best-in-class 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing, the BOSS RC-500 captures your personal sound with full fidelity and keeps loops crystal-clear, even with multiple overdubs. And with 13 hours of stereo recording time, there’s plenty of space for extended creative journeys.

Connect, Loop and Mix
With its versatile I/O and free-flowing interface, the RC-500 is ready to support all your musical visions. Connect mono/stereo instruments and pedal effects, plus a mic to the dedicated XLR input — complete with phantom power if needed. Use the two tracks independently for song-style composition, or together for rich multi-track textures. The LCD backlight changes color to clearly show the current operation mode, while hands-on track faders and a mic level knob provide direct access to volume control as you loop.

Flexible Creative Control
Three onboard footswitches make it simple to control recording and playback, track switching and more. For expanded operation, you can connect up to two external footswitches for direct control of many assignable functions, or an expression pedal for continuous adjustments. And for advanced rigs, the space-saving TRS MIDI I/O enables remote operation from MIDI switchers and foot controllers, plus MIDI sync with drum machines and DAWs.

Personalize Your Setup
The BOSS RC-500’s I/O and footswitches are configured for basic operations by default, but they can be reassigned in a variety of ways to meet your custom needs. Route left/right input sources to separate tracks, or send guitar and vocals to independent outputs. Use the footswitches to turn effects on/off, start/stop rhythms and more. Custom assignments are saved along with phrase memories, letting you instantly reconfigure the RC-500 for any application.

Energize Performances With Rhythms and Loop FX
Loaded with inspiring rhythms and evocative loop processing, the BOSS RC-500 is primed to bring groove and color to all your looping adventures. Each of the 57 preset rhythms include A/B variations, while 16 different drum kits provide sounds to match any style. Designed for live performance, Loop FX like repeat, scatter and more infuse your loops with instant sonic energy. There’s a cool reverse function, too, perfect for creating unique sonic flavors on demand.

Capture, Practice and Perform
The BOSS RC-500’s 99 phrase memories let you store loops as fast as you create them, complete with rhythm and kit selections, audio settings and control assignments. Loop audio can be backed up to a computer via USB. And with WAV import via BOSS Tone Studio, the RC-500 becomes a central playback hub for lesson material, jam tracks or backing music for your next gig.
BOSS RC-500 Loop Station Effects Pedal Red
BOSS RC-500 Loop Station Effects Pedal Red
BOSS RC-500 Loop Station Effects Pedal Red

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Advanced two-track looper with onboard mixing and deep control options
  • Class-leading sound quality with 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing
  • Stereo looper engine with 13 hours of recording time
  • 16 different drum kits and 57 preset rhythms with A/B variations
  • Support for expanded control via external footswitches, an expression pedal or MIDI
  • Onboard storage for 99 phrase memories

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Two-track looper 
  • 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing
  • Stereo looper engine with 13 hours of recording time
  • LCD with multi-color backlight for viewing loop status and editing parameters
  • Mono/stereo inputs for pedalboard integration, plus independent XLR mic input with phantom power
  • Reverse function and Loop FX (repeat, scatter, shift and vinyl flick) for dynamic and engaging loop performances
  • 16 drum kits and 57 preset rhythms with A/B variations
  • Support for expanded control via external footswitches, an expression pedal or MIDI
  • Full MIDI I/O provided with space-saving mini TRS jacks (BMIDI-5-35 adaptor cable available separately)
  • Onboard storage for 99 phrase memories
  • Back up and load WAV loops via USB
  • Runs on four AA batteries or optional AC adapter (sold separately)

collapse expand iconWarranty

Boss pedals - 5 year parts warranty
90 day labor warranty.
1 year warranty - Multitracks, Jamstations, etc.
Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.68

19 Reviews

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Versatile and fast response

This two track looper is easy to use and the switches click-in on the one beat accurately. Nice choice of rhythms, although the 10R and RC-600 feature more rhythms from the drum machine. I use a Lehle P-split III in front of the unit in the pedal chain to obtain a direct out to my amp to free up output A and output B of the looper (assignable). I send output A to one dedicated track and output B another dedicated track, with A having rhythm/drum sounds and B having recorded loops. This way I have three independent tracks. I send live guitar from the Lehle direct out to my amp. Output A and B from the looper I send to a Headrush powered speaker. If you need more outputs, the RC-600 has this and IRs. Naturally, there is no need for the Lehle and sending the tracks in different directions. Live guitar, recorded loops, and drums can all be sent (default) out of output A into an amp. Powerful unit, great sound quality. It has buffered bypass, but all signals are AD/DA to the outputs. Using the Lehle splitter preserves the analog signal chain. The sound quality is crystal clear on this unit regardless of how the routing is used. Nice job Boss!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Product wouldn't turn on

I picked this up from the store and it was the only one they had in stock. It was in a glass display case. I took it home and was excited to plug it in and it wouldn't turn on. I didn't get to use it. Retested at store with same results.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances17
  2. Home Studio13
  3. Outdoor Events / Games12
  4. Amateur Recording11
  5. Professional Recording6
Cons
  1. Difficult To Use2
  2. Stomp Buttons Diameter Small1
  3. RC-500 could have more drum patterns like RC-10r1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced11
  2. Professional Musician4
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Compact15
  2. Excellent Sound Quality13
  3. Versatile13
  4. Responsive12
  5. Good Selection Of Effects8
  • Yes I would buy this again.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byJack

    fromNampa Idaho

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Provide myself with rythym track for live solo performances

  • BOSS Strikes Again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    byGregory

    fromBoston, MA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Amazing loop pedal; many helpful functions, easy to set up and learn, and compact and portable. The two-track function is extremely useful and unique, though it does take multiple button presses to switch between them. You can use the volume adjustments to smoothly move over, but it takes some skill. #sweepstakes

  • Great looper

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byRay

    from29063

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Allows me to play rhythm and lead

  • Wow, I love this looper!

    5

    submitted8 months ago

    byTom

    fromFairfax, Virginia.

    i've been playing guitar for over 50 years and I am thrilled to have this RC 500 looper. It is very easy to operate. I primarily use my American made Strat and connect it with my Shure microphone on my PA system, and my boss katana 100 speaker. It is very easy to use! There are plenty of videos on YouTube to teach you. I did not need to look at the written material in the box. The sound quality is superb! I can't wait to be writing music using this device. I had no idea when I first started playing guitar that there would be an opportunity to have a complete band with vocals behind me out of a small, easy to use box. thank you boss for making such a great instrument! I also love my katana amp!

  • Fantastic looper with some tricks up its sleeve

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    bySteven

    fromLas Vegas, NV

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This looper is excellent for what it is. A ton of storage, and a dedicated start and stop buttons are a must for performing live. Good rhythm kit that can easily be turned off or on, and independent volume sliders for each track. The RC-10R has the edge with rhythm kits.

  • Excellent looper

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byLuke

    fromConnecticut

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Fantastic product, highly recommended

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byDude

    fromelmwood park, IL

    I do not yet have an AC adapter.  I installed the batteries but there is no power switch.  So how do you power on this pedal?

    I do not yet have an AC adapter. I installed the batteries but there is no power switch. So how do you power on this pedal?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The BOSS RC-500 Loop Station does not have a dedicated power switch — it powers on automatically when power is supplied. Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly (check polarity). Make sure you're using a mono TS cable (standard instrument cable) to trigger power-on via the output.
  • asked byDavid L

    fromHouston, Texas

    Battery life? How long will the (4) AA batteries last?

    Battery life? How long will the (4) AA batteries last?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It's about 6 hours.