BOSS RC-5 Compact Stereo Loop Station Pedal

The BOSS RC-5 is a compact stereo loop station pedal for creating, layering, and recalling musical loops in a pedalboard-friendly format. It gives guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, and other performers a focused way to build parts during practice, writing, or live performance. This is a musical-instrument effects pedal, not a vehicle receiver or car-audio component.

Its single-track looper engine records and plays back stereo audio with a maximum total recording time of approximately 13 hours across its onboard memories. The RC-5 supports 99 phrase memories, allowing players to keep multiple loop ideas, song sections, or prepared performance phrases available. A single phrase memory can hold approximately 1.5 hours of recording.

The RC-5 uses 32-bit AD/DA conversion and 32-bit floating-point processing, with 44.1 kHz WAV recording and playback. This architecture is designed to preserve detail through repeated loop playback while keeping the pedal compact. Buffered bypass supports integration into a signal chain when the looper is not actively recording or playing.

An RGB-backlit graphic LCD provides loop-status information and access to operating parameters. The pedal includes 57 rhythm patterns with A/B variations and seven rhythm kits, giving players a built-in timing reference for practice and performance. A reverb effect is available for the rhythm part, and reverse playback adds an alternate loop texture.

For expanded rigs, the RC-5 offers stereo 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, a control jack for compatible footswitches or expression pedals, USB connectivity, and compact stereo-miniature MIDI input and output connections. It can run from the included 9V alkaline battery or an optional BOSS PSA-series AC adapter. This makes it suitable as a straightforward standalone looper or as part of a larger MIDI-controlled pedalboard system.

Key Features

• 32-Bit Audio Processing: Uses 32-bit AD/DA conversion and floating-point processing for detailed loop recording and playback.
• Stereo Loop Engine: Records and plays one stereo loop track for stereo-capable pedalboard signal paths.
• 99 Phrase Memories: Stores loops and prepared phrases for quick recall across practice or performance setups.
• Built-In Rhythms: Includes 57 rhythm patterns, A/B variations, and seven selectable rhythm kits.
• RGB Graphic LCD: Displays loop status and editing information on a 96 x 32-dot backlit screen.
• Expanded External Control: Supports compatible footswitches, expression pedals, USB, and TRS MIDI connections.

Design & Installation

The RC-5 uses BOSS's compact stompbox-style enclosure and a single integrated pedal switch for hands-free loop operation. Its front-panel controls include dedicated memory, setup, rhythm, and tempo controls, plus a MEMORY/LOOP LEVEL knob. The compact 73 mm-wide footprint helps it fit on pedalboards where space is limited.

Connect instruments or other compatible audio sources to the 1/4-inch INPUT A/MONO and INPUT B jacks, then route the 1/4-inch OUTPUT A/MONO and OUTPUT B jacks to the next device in the signal chain. For additional hands-free control, use the STOP/MEMORY jack with a compatible external footswitch or expression pedal. The pedal includes a 9V battery; an optional PSA-series adapter is practical for regular pedalboard use, while compatible TRS MIDI cables are required for MIDI connections.