BOSS RC-500 Two-Track Loop Station Pedal

The BOSS RC-500 is a two-track Loop Station pedal for building layered performances, practice arrangements, and song ideas in real time. It lets players record, overdub, and play back loop phrases while keeping independent control of two tracks. The pedal is suited to guitarists, vocalists, singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and pedalboard-based performers.

Its stereo looper engine provides up to approximately 13 hours of total recording time across all memories, allowing longer phrases and stored material without relying on a computer during performance. Each track has its own level slider and edit button, making it practical to balance parts as a loop develops. A dedicated mic level control supports direct vocal control alongside instrument looping.

The RC-500 uses 32-bit AD/DA conversion and 32-bit floating-point processing at a 44.1 kHz sampling frequency. It records and plays stereo WAV audio, helping preserve the sound of connected instruments, effects, and microphones through repeated overdubs. Buffered bypass supports integration within a pedalboard signal chain.

Built-in rhythm accompaniment includes 57 patterns with two variations each and 16 drum kits. Rhythm parameters include level, reverb, pattern, variation, kit, beat, start and stop behavior, count-in, fill, and individual drum-part settings. Loop FX provide Beat Repeat, Beat Shift, Beat Scatter, and Vinyl Flick processing for loop-track performance changes.

The RC-500 can serve as a central looper for a compact performance rig or as an expandable controller-friendly component in a larger setup. Stereo instrument inputs, a balanced XLR microphone input with phantom power, external control support, MIDI, and USB provide multiple ways to connect it. Its 99 phrase memories store loops along with related rhythm, audio, and control settings.

Key Features

• Two-Track Looper: Record and mix two independent loop tracks for layered arrangements.
• 32-Bit Audio Processing: Uses 32-bit AD/DA conversion and 32-bit floating-point processing.
• Stereo Recording: Captures stereo WAV loops with approximately 13 hours of total memory.
• Rhythm Section: Includes 57 rhythm patterns, A/B variations, and 16 drum kits.
• Mic And Instrument Inputs: Connect stereo instruments and a balanced XLR microphone simultaneously.
• Expandable Control: Supports external footswitches, expression pedals, USB, and TRS MIDI.

Design & Installation

The RC-500 is a compact floor pedal with three onboard footswitches, track level sliders, a mic level knob, dedicated editing controls, and a 96 x 32-dot RGB-backlit graphic LCD. Its display changes color to indicate operating status, while the onboard controls provide direct access to track, memory, rhythm, input, and menu functions. The pedal measures 170 mm wide, 138 mm deep, and 62 mm high including its rubber feet.

For pedalboard use, connect an instrument or stereo effects chain to the 1/4-inch INST IN A/MONO and B inputs, then connect OUTPUT A/MONO and B to an amplifier, mixer, or audio interface. A microphone can connect to the balanced XLR MIC IN jack; phantom power is available when required. The pedal runs on four included AA alkaline batteries or an optional BOSS PSA-S series AC adaptor, and optional footswitch, expression, and TRS MIDI connections can expand hands-free control.