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When it comes to loopers, Boss has many years of experience to call on, so it should come as no surprise that the RC-5 Loop Station features cutting-edge technology to deliver optimum sound quality, long recording times, and stereo operation, all packed into one of Boss's famous compact pedals to which the user can connect two additional footswitches for advanced control options. The RC-5 puts record, overdub, play/stop, undo/redo, and reverse playback functions at the player's fingertips, and up to 99 phrases can be stored, managed via the display, and even controlled remotely via MIDI. The audio files are saved in WAV format, and the user can connect the looper to a computer via USB in order to move them back and forth. What is more, the RC-5 features seven virtual drumkits and 57 rhythm presets with A/B variations, so users can easily find the right accompaniment for their ideas when inspiration strikes.
Despite its compact size, the Boss RC-5 Loop Station still remains clear and intuitive, and the user interface features a rotary encoder, four backlit buttons, and a backlit colour LC display that provides a status overview and allows the various parameters to be controlled. The footswitch performs several functions in the looping process, and two extra switches can be integrated as mentioned above. Unlike earlier models, the RC-5 allows loops to be stored and exchanged with a computer. The encoder can be used to adjust the volume balance between loop and input signal as well as a range of other parameters, and the looper's combination of 32-bit AD/DA converters and 32-bit floating-point processing ensures a high-quality sound. What is more, the RC-5 Loop Station offers up to 13 hours of total recording time (or 1.5 hours per phrase), which is more than a little impressive for a compact pedal that can be operated on battery power.
The Boss RC-5 Loop Station is the ideal companion for practising specific parts and finding the right licks to embellish them. By connecting the pedal to a computer, the user can also swap ideas, exercises, and playback files with other musicians via the Boss Tone Studio software. Loopers have always been popular among artists who like to improvise, and the Boss RC-5 gives these users the benefits of a classic looper togther with expanded storage and longer recording times as well as the option of MIDI operation via the adapter cable included in the scope of delivery. Boss has not included any multi-tracking options or onboard effects here, but makes up for it with the wealth of rhythm presets, the ability to transfer files with a computer, and fully stereophonic operation, the latter of which makes this looper ideal for use with synths and other instruments.
The Boss RC-5 Loop Station is primarily aimed at musicians looking to add a compact and intuitive looper to their arsenal that gives them more than just a tool for improvising. The RC-5's storage capabilities and MIDI compatibility additionally give users a professional-level companion that is also ideal for on-stage use, and alongside the aforementioned stereo mode, functions such as undo/redo, reverse playback, and impressively long recording times provide an extensive range of editing options. Songwriting and practising riffs and licks will in turn be made significantly easier thanks to the looper's onboard rhythm section, and the RC-5 can even be connected and synchronised to external devices via MIDI and entire playback tracks loaded to the pedal via the Boss Tone Studio software.
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.
A looper, also known as a phrase looper or loop station, allows a sound recording to be made and then replayed on continuous repeat. The user can then record additional sounds as overdubs during subsequent repeats - known in the analogue recording world as "sound on sound" recording. When using a looper, the musician plays at their own tempo, which is determined by the speed of the first loop they record; the complexity of the recording then increases with each layer that is subsequently added. Some modern loopers provide multiple tracks, functions such as undo/redo, reverse playback, storage capability, MIDI, and a metronome as well as an onboard rhythm section.