BOSS RC-500 Loop Station

The RC-500 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, 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 RC-500 gives serious creators the tools they need to develop new ideas and deliver impactful performances that will leave audiences wanting more. 

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• 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
• LCD with multi-color backlight for viewing loop status and editing parameters
• Mono/stereo inputs for easy 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 different 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 adaptor

Super Sound Quality 

Featuring best-in-class 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing, the 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 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 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 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. 

Specifications

Sampling Frequency

44.1 kHz

AD/DA Conversion

32 bits

Processing

32-bit floating point

Recording/Playback

Number of Track: 2
Data Format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo)
Maximum Recording Time: Approx. 1.5 hours (1 track), Approx.13 hours (total of All memories)

 

Rhythm Type

57 Patterns x 2 Variations

Rhythm Kit

16 types

Effect

LOOP FX (only for loop tracks)
Type: BEAT REPEAT, BEAT SHIFT, BEAT SCATTER, VINYL FLICK
Reverb (only for rhythm part)

Memory

99

Nominal Input Level

MIC IN:-40 dBu (variable)
INST IN A/MONO?B: -10 dBu

Maximum Input Level

MIC IN:+8 dBu
INST IN A/MONO, B: +8 dBu

Input Impedance

MIC IN: 4 k ohms
INST IN A/MONO, B: 1 M ohm

Nominal Output Level

OUTPUT A/MONO, B: -10 dBu

Maximum Output Level

OUTPUT A/MONO, B: +8 dBu

Output Impedance

OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 1 k ohm

Recommended Load Impedance

OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 10 k ohms or greater

Bypass

Buffered bypass

Controls

REC/PLAY switch, STOP switch, TRACK SELECT switch, MEMORY/VALUE knob, MIC LEVEL knob, TRACK 1 slider, TRACK 2 slider, TRACK 1 EDIT button, TRACK 2 EDIT button, RHYTHM TEMPO button, RHYTHM ON/OFF button, MEMORY button, MENU button, EXIT button, ENTER button, INPUT button

Display

Graphic LCD (96 x 32 dots, RGB backlit LCD)

Connectors

INST IN A/MONO, B jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
MIC IN jack: XLR type (balanced, phantom power: DC 48 V, 10 mA Max
OUTPUT A/MONO, B jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
CTL 1,2/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
USB port: USB micro B type
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: stereo miniature type
DC IN jack

Power Supply

Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
AC adaptor (PSA-S series: sold separately)

Current Draw

330 mA (with phantom power)
240 mA (without phantom power)

Expected battery life under continuous use

Alkaline: Approx. 3.5 hours (without phantom power)
Approx. 2 hours (with phantom power)
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories

Owner's manual
Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Rubber foot x 4

Options (sold separately)

AC adaptor: PSA-S series
Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual Footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression Pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
TRS/MIDI connecting cable: BMIDI-5-35

Size and Weight

Width

170 mm
6-3/4 inches

Depth

138 mm
5-7/16 inches

Height (including rubber foot)

62 mm
2-1/2 inches

Weight (including battery)

950 g
2.1 lb

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

*The specifications are subject to change without notice.