The RC-500 is the perfect partner for solo guitarists, singer-songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists. Basically, anyone who wants to take their looping to the next level. The RC-500 is the successor to the immensely popular and longstanding RC-30. It’s a leap forward in sound quality, versatility, and potential for creative inspiration. But what exactly does that mean for you? Let’s find out…
Two Tracks – Any Way You Want It
The RC-500 features two tracks. However, how you use them is entirely up to you and your process.
By default, the two tracks will operate in parallel mode, which means that your two loops will play at the same time. This allows you to layer up complex arrangements while having the flexibility to bring tracks in and out of the mix.
Within this mode, there are various creative ways that you can structure your loops. For instance, use “one-shot” playback to trigger Track 2 to play once while Track 1 continues looping.
Or, if you have a short lick that needs looping over a longer 4-bar rhythm section, specify the number of measures. This will avoid having to play that same short lick four times and lose audience focus.
Another way the RC-500 improves on its predecessors is its new series operation mode. This means that your two loop tracks run one after the other. The feature allows you to create verse/chorus song structures on the fly.
Loop Effects for Loop Artists
The classic RC-30 included a handful of loop effects derived from the BOSS guitar effects of the day. However, many musicians still preferred to use their bespoke selection of outboard effects to create their loop. This meant the Loop FX section was often an under-utilized section of the pedal.
The RC-500 turns that on its head by offering a new collection of effects designed for looping. Beat-slicing effects like Scatter will chop up your loops and resequence them to create a drastically different feel. Rhythmic effects like Repeat displace your two loops by a specific measure to shake things up and get your audience listening. Create ambient and ethereal loops using Reverse, and end it all in style with Vinyl Flick.
Footswitch Freedom
If you were wondering how you can trigger the creative loop effects we talked about in the previous section, wonder no more.
Users can assign each of the RC-500’s three onboard footswitches to control almost any parameter. Options include tap tempo, Loop FX (per track), drum grooves, and more.
Perhaps you’re happy with the standard footswitch functions but just need a bit more control. Add up to two additional switches using an FS-7, or trigger whatever functions you need via an external MIDI controller like an ES-5 or MS-3. Pretty much any function you can think of within the unit can be at your fingertips–or is that toes? –any given time. This gives giving you complete creative control.
Get Your Groove On
When the RC-20 debuted in 2001, one of many revolutionary features was the inclusion of a “rhythm guide.” This feature was a simple drum beat to play along with. This progressed to a more diverse set of rhythm options in the classic RC-30 looper. At that point, there were ten genre/pattern options including Rock, Pop, Funk, Shuffle, R&B, and Latin.
The RC-500 takes this to a completely new level, with 16 different drumkits adapted from the acclaimed BOSS and Roland rhythm libraries. In addition, there are 57 rhythm patterns in a variety of styles and genres, each with a distinct A/B variation. Set the BPM beforehand or let the RC-500 assign the tempo based on your playing input.
If you’re used to building up percussive loops with your instrument, this will be a huge time saver. The RC-500 is ready to enhance your performance with authentic and diverse drum sounds. Using the flexible and customizable output routing, you can even send your drum sound straight to the PA. Simultaneously, you can send your loops to an instrument amp to give you the best possible live sound. Or, use the beats at home while you’re writing or practicing for instant inspiration. All this, without needing to fire up a computer or drum machine.
Ride the Creative WAV
With BOSS Tone Studio for RC, you can import your custom loops and backing tracks onto the RC-500. Using a combination of live loops and pre-recorded tracks can help you strike the perfect balance. Find the sweet spot between your looping performance and maintaining an audience’s interest.
"Using a combination of live loops and pre-recorded tracks can help you strike the perfect balance."
There’s another side of this coin. Let’s say you’re jamming at home, with the RC-500 as a songwriting tool and you strike creative gold. All you need to do is save your loop to one of the 99 memory banks. Then use Tone Studio to export the WAV file onto your computer. Now you’re free to expand on and add to this musical idea in your DAW. Lightning bottled, inspiration captured—easy as that.
Get Looping
With its two tracks, versatile drum grooves, and rhythmic loop effects, the RC-500 is your perfect creative companion. This is true whether you’re taking to the stage, working out song ideas, or jamming along to the beat at home. Be your own band and get looping today.
